8 Best Hill Stations in India You Must Visit This Summer in 2024

Over the past decade, as the summers have been getting hotter and hotter, holidaying on a hill station in India has been the best idea. As we are approaching the summer of 2024, you might be thinking of a summer getaway, right? This is the perfect opportunity to escape to the mountains and go on a family holiday to the hill stations.

From lush green forests to cascading waterfalls, beautiful lakes, and architectural gems, the hill stations in India have it all. These places let you escape the blazing sun, enjoy the cool weather, and soak in nature's beauty. If you are wondering where to go, this blog is just for you.

This guide lists the 10 hill stations you must visit in 2024 to chill your feet. The guide also gives you valuable information on places to visit and the best places to stay. So, without any further ado, let's get started.

1. Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh
2. Shillong, Meghalaya
3. Nainital, Uttarakhand
4. Ooty, Tamil Nadu
5. Gangtok, Sikkim
6. Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra
7. Coorg, Karnataka
8. Munnar, Kerala

Dharamshala

One of the most precious gems in Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala is best known for being the abode of his holiness, Dalai Lama. This quaint little hill town boasts scenic landscapes, a tranquil environment and cool weather that rejuvenates all your senses.

The town is also known for a significant population of Tibetans. Therefore, it has earned the sobriquet – 'Little Lhasa'. Located over 1400 feet above sea level in the Kangra Valley, Dharamshala has a unique culture with Tibetan influence on the local lifestyle.

• Best places to visit in Dharamshala – HPCA (Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association) cricket ground, Triund Hill, Gyuto Monastery, Bhagsunag Temple, Jwala Devi Temple
• Things to do in Dharamshala – Explore the monasteries, paragliding, trekking, riverside camping
• Best resort in Dharamshala – Club Mahindra Dharamshala

Shillong

A serene hill station shrouded by clouds, Shillong's beauty is only comparable to God's abode. A heavenly destination in India, this beautiful city in the northeast is one of the best places to beat the heat and relax in the lap of nature. Rolling hills, mystic hilltops, lush green vistas, crystal clear rivers, virgin forests and gorgeous waterfalls make up the local landscape, giving you a chance to surrender to Mother Nature completely and forget the worries of life.

The friendly locals, cosy cafes and vibrant culture of Shillong add another element of charm, and it attracts tourists worldwide.

• Best places to visit in Shillong – Umiam Lake, Elephant Falls, Nohkalikai Falls, Butterfly Museum, Lady Hydari Park,
• Things to do in Shillong – Indulge in the local cuisine, visit the local parks, and shop for souvenirs at the local market.

Nainital

Nainital is one of the most popular hill stations in India. Located in the Kumaon region, Uttarakhand, this incredibly beautiful town is a slice of heaven on earth. Boasting scenic landscapes, pleasant weather and a peaceful environment, it is the perfect summer holiday destination where you can relax and have your share of adventure.

Home to Jim Corbett National Park, one of the oldest national parks in India and many other tourist gems, this city has everything you need to relax and have fun.

• Best places to visit in Nainital – Jim Corbett National Park, Mall Road, Hanuman Garhi Temple, Cave Garden, Kilbury Bird Sanctuary
• Things to do in Nainital – Shop for souvenirs at the Tibetan market, go trekking, enjoy boating and horse riding, take a ropeway ride
• Best resort in Nainital – Club Mahindra Corbett

Ooty

Nestled comfortably in the lap of the expansive Nilgiris Mountain range, Ooty is one of the most scenic and popular hill stations in south India. A wonderful retreat for city residents, it has lush greenery everywhere, beautiful gardens, serene lakes, and tea gardens that fill the city's fresh, crisp, and cool air with the sweet scent of tea.

Once a summer retreat destination for British officers, this stunning hill station also boasts many colonial architectural gems. It has all the right ingredients to give you a relaxing holiday experience during the excruciating summer, unwind, and rejuvenate.

• Best places to see in Ooty – Dolphin’s Nose, Tiger Hill, Emerald Lake, Ooty Rose Garden, Kalhatti Falls
• Things to do in Ooty – Riding the toy train, a UNESCO World Heritage site, rafting at the Avalanche Lake, camping, exploring the tea gardens, tasting the hand-made chocolate
• Best resort in Ooty – Club Mahindra Danish Villa, Club Mahindra Derby Green

Gangtok

There is nothing more refreshing and relaxing than spending a few days in the hills, and when the place is as pristine and stunning as Gangtok, the experience multiplies manifold. It is one of the most peaceful places in India, and you can be sure to have a ball every minute you spend in Gangtok.

The peaceful environment in the city lets you be away from the city mess and breathe in the fresh and clean air. The city also boasts many natural and manmade attractions like Buddhist monasteries, lakes and waterfalls. A perfect place for a laidback vacation, Gangtok will leave a lasting impression on your mind.

• Best places to visit in Gangtok – Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden, Ganesh Tok Temple, Seven Sister Waterfall, Sikkim Himalayan Zoological Park
• Things to do in Gangtok – Visit the beautiful monasteries, go on a Yak safari, relish the local cuisine, river rafting
• Best resort in Gangtok – Club Mahindra Gangtok, Club Mahindra Baiguney

Mahabaleshwar

One of Maharashtra's most important tourist places, Mahabaleshwar, is like a crown jewel on the Western Ghats. Dotted with dense forests, strawberry farms, rivers, and historical monuments, it is the go-to summer holiday destination for Mumbai, Pune and other cities in Maharashtra.

It is located at an elevation of about 1400 metres. The beautiful and idyllic town is a green haven. Whether you want to just relax and enjoy the scenic view or indulge in fun outdoor activities like trekking and hiking, Mahabaleshwar will make all your wishes come true.

• Best places to visit in Mahabaleshwar – Mapro Gardens, Wilson Point, Mahabaleshwar Temple, Elephant’s Head Point, Arthur's Seat, Pratapgarth Fort, and Venna Lake.
• Things to do in Mahabaleshwar – Visit the different points, enjoy the beautiful view of sunset and sunrise, taste the goodies made of strawberries, go trekking
• Best resort in Mahabaleshwar – Club Mahindra Sherwood, Club Mahindra Saj

Coorg

Karnataka has many stunning tourist places; there is none better than Coorg, a serene hill station. Shrouded in lush greenery and replete with coffee and spice gardens, it is a paradise for all nature lovers. Coorg is a beautiful place if you live in Bangalore, Chennai or any bustling metropolitan city in South India.

Aside from all the noise and pollution, Coorg lets you breathe in fresh air and enjoy scenic views all day long, like an elixir for a happy life. The vast expanse of coffee and spice gardens not only adds to the place's natural beauty but also fills the air with its sweet scent. The city is also home to many waterfalls, lakes, temples, forts and monasteries, all worth exploring.

• Best places to visit in Coorg – Abbey Falls, Namdroling Monastery, Madikeri Fort, Raja’s Seat, Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary
• Things to do in Coorg: River rafting on the Barapole River, exploring the spice and coffee gardens, enjoying a cup of freshly brewed coffee, and enjoying a relaxing ayurvedic massage.
• Best resort in Coorg – Club Mahindra Virajpet, Club Mahinda Madikeri

Munnar

Located in God's Own Country, Kerala, Munnar is not just a popular tourist destination but the epitome of a relaxing holiday. The lush green rolling hills, cascading waterfalls, vantage viewpoints, and trekking trails add a unique charm to Munnar, perfect for a summer escapade.

• Best places to visit in Munnar – Rose Garden, Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Attukad Waterfalls
• Things to do in Munnar – Go boating on Kundala Dam, explore the tea plantations, enjoy a relaxing ayurvedic massage, go for a night safari
• Best resort to stay – Club Mahindra Munnar, Club Mahindra Mount Serene

So, there you have the best hill stations in India that are perfect for a summer holiday and chill your feet in the laps of nature. Start planning your summer holiday, get your bookings done now and have a wonderful time with your loved ones.