The new decade has rung hard at the very start of the month; everyone is busy making a New Year resolution! This year make a list of places you’d like to visit, and starting from top to bottom, India is as majestic as can be when it’s about natural beauty. From the Himalayas to Kanyakumari, you’ll need to dedicate a lifetime to explore this country. And, if you’re more of a hilly person, you’ve stumbled upon the right blog! Gear up your bike; gather your family and friends or just go solo, here are 8 top Hill Station in India to visit in 2020.
Almora, Uttarakhand
The most popular hill station to visit, Almora of Uttrakhand is located amidst the southern part of the Kumaon Hills. The place is best for shopping the famous traditional Panchmarchi Shawls, driftwood statues, decorative candles, and indigenous handicrafts.
Moreover, for activities, you can check out the Govind Vallabh Pant Public Museum, Nanda Devi Temple, Almora Fort, and Bright End Corner. Further, if you’re into trekking as a major activity, Almora serves as the starting point for many treks like Ranikhet, Binsar, Mornaula, and much for. Also, to ease your hungry stomach, their local cuisine will definitely make you drool!
Nainital, Uttarakhand
Yet, another scenic hill station in India and home to foothills of Himalayas. The town is widespread around the grand Naini Lake and covered by mountains. If you’re booking a package trip, make sure to include sightseeing the Nainital Lake, Naina Peak, Naina Devi Temple, Zoo, and Bhimtal.
You can go boating and yachting here in one of the most beautiful hill stations in north India. Moreover, you can also do some horse riding, go staking, play golf or do some rock climbing as exciting activities for the weekend.
Darjeeling, West Bengal
No matter what, as children, if there was that one hill station to visit with family and friends during summer vacation, that’s Darjeeling. This piece of charming land is located under the nose of Shivalik hills of its parent Mountain the Himalayas. The first thing you need to do is, wake up before dawn, and get on the Tiger Hill and watch the snow-coated Himalayas peaks shimmer in magnificence!
Now, after that, make sure to joy ride the toy train, go on plucking some tea leaves. Moreover, in Darjeeling hill station, you can check out the National Park, Bengal Natural History Museum. Also, for peace, you may visit the Ghoom Monastery and do some meditation or just sit there for some time.
Gangtok, Sikkim
The capital and another hill station in India, Gangtok, also called the mountainous place located in Sikkim, is the most captivating and mesmerizing place to visit. The town presents an overall scenic view of Mount Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world.
When it comes to exploring or finding the places to visit in Gangtok, be blown away by visiting monasteries. They are basically located in the middle of the Himalayan range. Moreover, you can dive into the way of Buddhist life. The main street of Gangtok is your go-to shopping spree on way stop! And venture the annual Gangtok Food and Culture festival. Other than that, the place is most popular for trekking and hiking. So don’t miss out on these activities.
Manali, Himachal Pradesh
It has made it to the list of the most scenic hill stations in Himachal Pradesh. This is because Manali is the most often visited hill station in India, especially during winters when snowfall happens. Every other weekend, Manali is your go-to getaway, especially in north India.
When it comes to places to visit in Manali, you can check out Naggar Castle, Hidimbi Devi Temple, and Rohtang Pass — and if you’re in it for a thrill, you can go skiing, hiking, paragliding, kayaking, mountain biking, and ziplining. Also, you can also explore Solang Valley and visit Shiv temple after trekking to a height. You will find a natural Shivlinga made during snowfall, which is a place to rekindle.
You can also visit Vashisht Temple and go for river rafting as well. Currently, there have been made Igloo houses for tourist stays and they are warm from the inside. Moreover, you can have a good time staying there in nature.
Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh
A fancy scenic hill station in India and the most popular tourist spot. The place will awestruck and take you back in time with Scottish and Victorian architecture, the bungalows and churches in the town ring the bells of the beauty of the past. There’s a bunch of activities for adventure lovers. Apart from the activities, the ideal places for trekking involve Jhandri ghat, Garam Sadak, Moti tibba, and Such pass.
For nature lovers, in Dalhousie hill station, you can check out Bakrota Hills, Satdhara Falls, Dainkund Peak, and much more. And if you wish to be part of their two famous festivals, check out their Minjar fair and summer carnival.
Pelling, Sikkim
A beautiful hill station in India to visit any time! Dig deep into the past — the historical sites and monasteries. For major activities, trekking and setting up camps is quite an expedition. Apart from that, Pelling’s biggest festival offers kayaking, white water rafting, trekking, mountain biking, bird watching, flower exhibitions, and more traditional sports.
Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir
The epitome of hill stations and the best hill station in India, which has towns covered in a blanket of snow. Ski your way to Gulmarg to explore the city has the highest gondola in the world! Go snowboarding and skiing — do make sure to explore their famous Pashmina shawls, jewellery and must hog on to some of the delicious dishes from their cuisine.
During the fantasy urge to explore famous hill station in India, you must start with north where the top hill stations in India are located. The list rightfully justifies each place and for what they are famous for! Perhaps the cold weather may not be a cup of tea for everyone, but to explore — there is no stopping!
Banner Photo by Gaurav Kukreti on Unsplash
About Author
Shivali Singla is a Blogger, Content Writer, and a Storyteller. She is on a mission to inspire people by her writing. She strongly believes in Karma, the Law of Attraction, and the concept of IKIGAI.