North India is famous among tourists for its picturesque and serene Hill Stations across the Himalayas. For those who live in Delhi – NCR and live a hectic life, Himachal Pradesh, Uttrakhand, and Kashmir are a gateway for them. In this blog, will explain the hill station which will give calmness and relaxation and if you are an adventure lover, then the hill stations in India are a perfect blend. Read these articles and plan a trip.
Shimla: The Queen of Hill Stations
Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh and a famous hill station for spending time with friends and family and of course for honeymooners. Shimla is known for its rich colonial history as the Britishers used to visit over here, especially during summers.
If you love snow, then pay a visit between mid-December to February, as such Shimla always has pleasant weather. During summer you can enjoy the cool breeze and in winter the coldness is
Things to do
- Skiing in Kurfi
- Kalka Shimla Toy Train
- Jakhoo Ropeway
- Ice Skating
Places to Visit
- The Ridge, a wide-opened street and a picturesque destination with cafes, bars, and shops showcasing the famous things of Shimla. Plan to pay a visit to Shimla Summer Festival.
- The Jakhu Temple, situated in the Shivalik range and famous temple of Lord Hanuman where Dussehra is celebrated widely. You can also plan a Jhakoo Roopeway.
- Mall Road, Shimla, where you can do the shopping for local handicrafts, woollen clothes, delicious food, and many more. You can’t take vehicles at this place, take a walk and enjoy the place. Don’t forget to pay a visit to Scandal Point.
- The Green Valley, a place to take pictures and make reels with the beautiful mountain range & pine trees. If you need relaxation, then Green Valley is the perfect one.
- Christ Church, North India’s 2nd oldest Church is also famous for its huge Library and a popular tourist spot, as you can see this place in several Bollywood movies too.
- Tara Devi Temple, built in the 18th century and devoted to Tara Devi, a Tibetan Buddhist and believed to be the sister of Goddess Durga.
- Wax Museum, Himachal’s first Wax Museum known for the statues of famous personalities from Hollywood, Bollywood, Politics, historians, and players.
Best Season to Visit
March to June is the best time to explore Shimla. If planning in winter and want to enjoy snowfall, then November to February is the perfect time.
How to Reach
- Nearest Airport: Jubbarhatti Airport
- Nearest Railway Station: Kalka Railway Station
Manali: Adventure and Tranquillity
Manali is a popular destination for travellers and nowadays tourists explore Manali to enjoy Adventure activities in Hill Station. The snowed misty mountains, pine, oak, and deodar tree, and a magnificent view a famous among the honeymooners. Adventures people explore the other side of Manali, and enjoy various adventurous activities like, river rafting, paragliding, trekking, lot of activities in Solang Valley.
Things to do
- Rafting in Beas River
- Paragliding in Solang and on the route of Kasol
- Skiing in Solang
- Mountain Trekking
- Zorbing in Solang
- River Crossing – Solang Valley
- Zip Line – Solang Valley
Places to Visit
- Hidimba Temple, covered in snow and pine trees gives a serene view. At the entrance of the temple, you can take a picture in the Himachali attire with animals like rabbits or birds. You can enjoy a ride on Yak.
- Van Vihar is an attraction point for tourists where people enjoy the scenic view of pine trees and can enjoy boating.
- Solang Valley, a place covered with snow and pine trees, where you can enjoy lots of adventurous activities like Zip Line, Skiing, Zorbing, Paragliding and many more in one place. Don’t forget to carry Snow Boots and Clothes.
- Rohtang Pass or Atal Tunnel, which is popular among adventurous people as it connects with Lahaul and Spiti where you can enjoy skiing, mountain biking and others.
- Mall Road, where you can do the shopping for local handicrafts, woollen clothes, delicious food, and many more.
Best Season to Visit
March to June is the ideal time to visit Manali and enjoy the pleasant weather and outdoor activities. Winter enthusiasts can enjoy the snow from November to February.
How to Reach
- Nearest Airport: Bhuntar Airport
- Nearest Railway Station: Jogindernagar Railway Station
Dalhousie: Switzerland of India
Dalhousie is a famous Hill Station of Himachal Pradesh and is famous among honeymooners and to spend vacations. The city is named after Lord Dalhousie, later they established churches in the city viz; St. Patricks Church, St. Francis Church, and St. John’s Church and the charm of the colonial era. If you are planning to visit Dalhousie then don’t forget to explore Khajjiar which is widely known as Mini Switzerland of India.
Things to do
- Paragliding in Khajjiar
- Horse Riding in Khajjiar
- Trekking in Khajjiar
- Zorbing in Khajjiar
- Rock Climbing
Places to Visit
- Khajjiar: A famous town located 20km from Dalhousie and renowned as “Mini Switzerland of India”. The picturesque view, pine trees, misty mountain and lakes gives you pleasant atmosphere. You can enjoy the adventure activities there like Paragliding, Zorbing, Horse Riding and when I went there I clicked photographs in Himachali dress, you can try too.
- Chamera Lake: In Chamera Lake you can enjoy boating, the lake is covered with lush green mountains, and that’s the reason you feel the colour of water is green. The lake is in Chamba District, you can experience the man-made Chamba Reservoir Dam.
Image Credit: Google
- Panchpula/ Saptdhara Waterfall: It’s a popular picnic spot which is only 3.5 km away from the main market of Dalhousie. We went with the group and took a walk from Gandhi Market, you can take local public vehicle to enjoy the scenic view of this place.
- Satdhara Waterfalls: One of the popular tourist spot and people not only come to see the waterfalls. It is believed that the waterfall has medical properties which can cure diseases.
- Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary: The Sanctuary is located in Chamba district and the whole place is covered with dense deodar tree. If you adventurous then enjoy trekking and when you reached at height you will experience the snowy covered mountains.
- Dainkund Peak: The highest point of Dalhousie and from this peak you can take a nature view filled with valleys and mountains. If you are nature lover and want some peace then this is the perfect place for you.
- Indo Tibetan Market: The market is best place to shop woollen clothes like shawl, sweater, jacket, bags, carpets, handlooms and many more. Doesn’t matter you are shopaholic or not, pay a visit to experience the Tibetan Fashion.
Best Season to Visit
The ideal time to visit Dalhousie is from March to May and September to November for mild weather. Winters (December to February) offer a chance to witness snowfall.
How to Reach
- Nearest Airport: Gaggal Airport in Kangra
- Nearest Railway Station: Pathankot Railway Station
- If you love you explore the hills, then a road trip in Volvo or your own car is the best option.
Nainital: The Lake District of India
A popular destination for North Indians to enjoy pleasant weather with families, friends or you can enjoy a solo trip. Nainital is small town and 3 days itinerary is enough to explore the beauty of Nainital. If you are from Delhi, then Nainital is a perfect gateway from the city life.
Things to do
- Horse Riding at Tiffin Top
- Boating at Nani Lake
- Zipline
- Ropeway, the fastest ropeway with 11 people max gives a magnificent view
Places to Visit
- Naini Lake, the most popular attraction and 1km from the city, tourist love to do boating and in the evening the lake view is splendid. You can take an evening walk on Mall Road and the temples situated around the temple.
- Snow View Point, you can reach through Nainital Ropeway and enjoy the splendid view of Nani Lake and the Mountains.
- Tiffin Top, a place where you can explore a scenic view of the city. You can reach it by hiking also.
- Eco Cave Garden, the garden is the perfect place for kids to hang out. You can enjoy the musical fountain, and hanging gardens and as it is a recreational park you can enjoy the caves.
- Nanda Devi Temple, one of Shakti Peeth and a religious place in Hindu Religion and believed that Mata Sati’s eye fell at this place.
- Neem Karoli Baba, ashram of a saint who is popular around the world. Apple’s CEO Tim Cook and various Bollywood stars admire him.
- Naina Peak, also known as Cheena Peak, the lake is in the shape of Mango and located at 3km from the city. At the top point you can explore the Tibetan Boarder.
Best Season to Visit
The best time to visit Nainital is between March and June when the weather is pleasant. September to November is also favorable for clear views and comfortable temperatures.
How to Reach
- Nearest airport: Pantnagar Airport.
- Nearest Railway Station: Kathgodam Railway Station
Mussoorie: The Queen of Hills
Mussoorie popularly renowned as “The Queen of Hills” is situated in Dehradun district of Uttrakhand at an altitude of 7000 above sea level. In Mussoorie you can experience the British offcuts, architecture and churches built by British empire. Throughout the year a tourist can enjoy the pleasant weather.
Things to do
- Ropeway at Gun Hill
- Swimming at Kempty Falls
- Hiking
Places to Visit
- Kempty Fall, a tourist attraction located in Tehri Garwal and falls between Dehradun – Mussoorie Road. The scenic view from the waterfall and the pond situated at the bottom of the waterfall where you can take a bath or swim.
- Gun Hill, the Mussoorie’s second highest point located at an altitude of 2024 meters. The place is popular among nature lovers and photographers, as you can enjoy a panoramic city view from this point. You can do a ropeway also.
- Lake Mist, a less crowded place with a scenic view covered with trees along the lakeside. You can sit over here and enjoy the calmness of this place.
- Lal Tibba, a popular sunrise and sunset point for tourists. Lal Tibba is situated at a height of 7,164 feet and you can enjoy the magnificent view of Nilkantha Peak, Kedarnath Peak, and Banderpoonch range. Now, the place is a station of the Indian Army.
- The Mall Road, is located at the centre of Mussoorie and is thus known as heart of Mussoorie. You can do shopping and if you love Himachali attire then you can click photographs in the dress which you can easily get from vendors.
- Camels Back Road, a popular tourist place and 1 km from the city where tourist visit to experience the unhindered view of sunrise.
- Dalai Hills, famous for Buddhist Temple and located 4km from the city is popular for Lord Buddha Temple, and its sunset view, if you love adventure then can do hiking over here.
Best Season to Visit
Mussoorie is best visited from April to June and September to November when the weather is pleasant.
How to Reach
- Nearest Airport: Dehradun Airport
- Nearest Railway Station: Dehradun Railway Station
Final Thought
North India’s Hill Station is famous for their own serenity, calmness, stunning view and we can say its naturally beautiful. In this blog we have mentioned only 5 Places, but there are many other places which are as beautiful as these places. Pay a visit to these places and collect end number of memories.
Pack your bag and explore the unexplored places with Hema.