New Year means a whole untouched calendar with so many opportunities to unleash your inner traveller! And wait, this year is a leap year, so you have one extra day to explore your own country. India is rich in culture and heritage but also houses some extremely picturesque hill stations, which are all must-visits. So, what are you waiting for? Here is a list of some of the most gorgeous hill stations in India for you to explore!
24 Hill Stations To Check Out In 2024
1. Chatpal, Jammu, and Kashmir
The unexplored location of Jammu and Kashmir, Chaptal, is a peaceful place amid the noise of tourist crowds in the popular destinations of this Union Territory. It is the untouched beauty of Kashmir with white streams and emerald valleys.
Where: Jammu & Kashmir (Union Territory)
Best Time To Visit: April to June
2. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
Tawang has a rich heritage in the North East and has a spiritual significance with beautiful landscapes, and waterfalls. It is home to many glacial lakes shining with water clear as a crystal.
Where: Arunachal Pradesh
Best Time To Visit: March to September
3. Pelling, Sikkim
Located at a height of 7,200 feet, Pelling offers you a stunning view of the mountain Kanchenjunga. The atmosphere is cold but lovely. The place has picturesque views that will leave you awestruck.
Where: Sikkim
Best Time To Visit: October to November
4. Jawhar, Maharashtra
Among the unexplored places, a small hill station named Jawhar is included. Situated in the Thane district, this place is known for its exotic beauty and dense forest. The place has an old rustic charm that you shouldn’t miss.
Where: Thane District
Best Time To Visit: July to September
5. Bir, Himachal Pradesh
Bir a small town in Himachal Pradesh is the paragliding capital of India. The place looks serene with artistic temples, snow-clad mountains, and Tibetan heritage. You can do a number of thrilling activities here. Also, shop at the local stores and try out the cafes here.
Where: Himachal Pradesh
Best Time To Visit: April to June
6. Raithal, Uttarakhand
Raithal is not your regular tourist destination, however, it is a thriving spot for tourism. The community programmes, homestays, and honey-making are some of the prime reasons for it to flourish into a tourist must-visit place.
Where: Uttarakhand
Best Time To Visit: June to September
7. Mechuka, Arunachal Pradesh
A famous destination for the exotic tribes, Mechuka in Arunachal Pradesh is a small town. Yet, the beauty of River Siyom is one of the reasons for its fame. It is one of the most picturesque destinations in India. Experience the culture of this unexplored destination.
Where: Arunachal Pradesh
Best Time To Visit: October to February
8. Lambasingi, Andhra Pradesh
Known for its Dravidian culture, Lambasingi is a place with an awestruck view of the snow. The tranquil hill station of South India is called ‘Kashmir of Andhra Pradesh’. The village experiences snow throughout the year. Also, it is home to an isolated tribal community.
Where: Andhra Pradesh
Best Time To Visit: November to January
9. Narkanda, Himachal Pradesh
The landscape of Narkanda is full of apple and cherry orchards. This is visually appealing for tourists and photographers. You can visit the most scenic lake Tanni Jubbar Lake and other spots that will leave you in wonder.
Where: Himachal Pradesh
Best Time To Visit: April, May, June
10. Auli, Uttarakhand
Auli has a rich source of natural resources. Moreover, it has the most scenic view of the landscapes and the surrounding hills. The hill station has an abundance of pine, deodar, oaks, and other such trees. It has an artificial lake that is the world’s highest man-made lake.
Where: Uttarakhand
Best Time To Visit: November to March
11. Pabbar Valley, Shimla
The hidden treasure of Shimla, Pabbar Valley is not as famous as the other valleys. The landscape has an abundance of flora in the form of oak and deodar trees. The place experiences beautiful summers and white winters.
Where: Shimla
Best Time To Visit: March and June
12. Yercaud, Tamil Nadu
The place is less explored but is flourishing into a hill station. This is one of the ideal getaways to experience fog-covered hilltops and lush green landscapes.
Where: Tamil Nadu
Best Time To Visit: October to June
13. Yuksom, Sikkim
Yuksom is a small yet beautiful place in the Western part of Sikkim. Amid the lush greenery, this mountain is the base camp for the most adventurous treks. You can try the local cuisine and explore the culture of this place.
Where: Sikkim
Best Time To Visit: March to June
14. Barot Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Located in the Mandi District of Himachal Pradesh. It is great for adventures, so travellers are frequent visitors here. Moreover, the place offers a fantastic view of the surrounding. This is truly a hidden gem.
Where: Himachal Pradesh
Best Time To Visit: Anytime except monsoon.
15. Mangi Tungi, Maharashtra
Mangi Tungi is two peaks in Nashik and is one of the most difficult trek routes in India. It is popular for its connection with mythology. The beautiful carving and sculptures of the deities are worth the visit. It is heaven for photographers.
Where: Nashik
Best Time To Visit: Monsoon Season
16. Perumedu, Kerala
The place has gorgeous and gurgling waterfalls with an exquisite view of the surrounding. It is an ideal retreat in the Western Ghats and is a famous plantation town. There is a wide area of coffee and tea plantations that you can visit.
Where: Kerala
Best Time To Visit: September to November
17. Binsar, Uttarakhand
The small town is known for its surreal beauty and snow-clad Himalayan peaks. The place has abundant deodar trees and is famous for its wildlife. In addition to this, Binsar is a paradise for trekkers. The weather is always pleasant and you can visit some of the major tourist attractions here.
Where: Uttarakhand
Best Time To Visit: October to March
18. Chakrata, Uttarakhand
The major tourist attraction of Chakrata is the mountains surrounding it. The scenic hill station is ample with flora and fauna; and is away from the tourist chaos. It is heaven for bird watchers and trekkers that love to do thrilling activities.
Where: Uttarakhand
Best Time To Visit: April to June, September to November
19. Ponmudi, Kerala
Ponmudi is a little town in Trivandrum that has lush greenery and large acres of tree plantation. It is known for trekking and mountain climbing at the highest peak in the region. Also, explore the deer park and take a stroll through the Ponmudi crest.
Where: Trivandrum
Best Time To Visit: November to March
20. Kokernag, Jammu and Kashmir
The place is full of nature and varieties of plants and flowers. The place has natural beauty and mesmerising spots that you can visit. It is one of the most beautiful yet unexplored places in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The water is clear and the place has a freshwater spring.
Where: Jammu and Kashmir
Best Time To Visit: All year round
21. Kurseong, West Bengal
Located near the most visited place Darjeeling, Kurseong is also called the Land of White Orchids. The place is famous for its waterfalls, Buddhist gompas, and temples. The place also has acres of tea plantations that will leave you amazed. With lush greenery, attractive landscapes, and British remnants, this place is a must-visit.
Where: West Bengal
Best Time To Visit: March to June, September to December
22. Koroli, Maharashtra
A perfect getaway for nature lovers, Koroli is just three kilometres away from Shirdi. There are villas where you can enjoy a peaceful stay amid nature. The place is untouched and a hot spot for tourism. An amazing fact about this place is that place is home to the first trekking institute in Maharashtra.
Where: Shirdi
Best Time To Visit: February to June, September to October
23. Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh
Sirmaur lies in the southernmost part of Himachal Pradesh. It has its own cultural traditions and homes in one of the highest mountains of Shivalik hills. The place is a less explored tourist destination that is a must-visit.
Where: Himachal Pradesh
Best Time To Visit: February
24. Tosa Maidan, Kashmir
Travel enthusiasts come from here all over for a variety of reasons, including the well-known green pastures, charming flower beds, vast and breathtaking meadow that is around 3 miles long and 1.5 miles wide, glacial lakes, and historical significance.
Where: Central Kashmir
Best Time To Visit: May to September
These are twenty-three hill stations that you should visit. So, start your new year with the most unexplored beauty and share your experience with us.
Cover Image Courtesy: Flickr
Updated by Vaishalee Kalvankar.
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