It’s not the best time to schedule a trip, but here’s a little pain-point: we looked up the top Indian hill stations you can fly to right now and find 11 that have robust air connectivity. More flights are added per week, so this list will obviously get longer as we go along. But here’s a starter right now:
Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir
In the UT of Jammu & Kashmir, Gulmarg is a prime tourism spot. As a land packed with magnificent flowers and serene sights, Gulmarg can be better represented. Therefore, it is also known as ‘Flowers’ Meadow.
Gulmarg lies at an altitude of 2,730 m above sea level, nestled among snow-peaked ranges, lined with evergreen forested hills, lush meadows, ravines, and valleys. The Pir Panjal Ranges cup Gulmarg in their fingers, making the city the joy of an explorer. It also has the world’s highest golf courses and is the largest ski resort in the country during the winters, for a simple travel guide to Gulmarg.
Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Located in the Valley of the Gods, in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu district, Manali has developed over the years to become one of Himachal Pradesh’s most popular tourist destinations. While it lacks Shimla’s colonial elements, it makes up for it with the old country’s serenity and elegance.
In Manali, tourism has a wide variety of recreational experiences for adventure junkies, with various hotels, lodges, and resorts. Manali also appears to be the starting point for different treks to Rohtang, Lahul-Spiti, Ladakh, etc., for those exploring the heights of snow-capped mountains.
Interestingly, in Manali, you may opt to fly to two separate realms. Though New Manali offers all the latest comforts and facilities in its vast hotels and shopping centres, this charming hill station brings you to the laid-back old-world vibe of Old Manali.
Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh
McLeod Ganj is commonly recognized as Little Lhasa’ with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and a large Tibetan population. It is a famous tourist destination and is therefore well linked with most of the region’s other major cities.
How will McLeod Ganj be reached? There you should ride or take a boat. In Gaggal in Dharamsala, the nearest airport is located, and the nearest train station is in Pathankot. It is situated about 8 kilometres from Dharamsala, so the easiest way to get to McLeod Ganj is to get to Dharamsala and get there by bus or taxi.
Dharamsala, abode to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, is often alluded to as the ‘Little India Lhasa.’ Dharamsala is a famous spiritual abode for Buddhists and a well-loved hill station in Himachal Pradesh, located at an elevation of 1400m above sea level. With cosy little cafes and tranquil monasteries, preferably during the summers, you can schedule your journey to this city to avoid the heat of the plains. Monsoons are rainy here, and it can get freezing in winters. Your choice would depend on the best time to visit Dharamsala. Be here for an excellent cool climate in the summers or the monsoons to enjoy the romance of rains in the hills or witness the magic of snowflakes falling on your face during the winters. Wondering how to touch Dharamsala now? To discover the path that suits you best.
Dehradun, Uttarakhand
In the valley formed by the Shivalik and the lesser Himalayas, Dehradun is Uttarakhand’s capital city and the Yamuna and Ganga flow along its western and eastern boundaries. No wonder the town is renowned for its scenic scenery and wildlife, rendering tourism almost a natural pleasure in Dehradun. To schedule your journey to Dehradun, here is a brief travel guide for you.
Mussoorie, Uttarakhand
Mussoorie is a hill station situated close to Dehradun, in Uttarakhand’s northern state (just 35 km away). Mussoorie is home to some of India’s most scenic resorts and receives visitors from around the world. It’s a joy to see flora and fauna of Mussoorie. Located at an altitude of 6,170 feet, this hill station is home to numerous bird and animal species. This is the station’s original Indian slope. It was the first place to have a beer brewery founded in India as early as 1850. Mussoorie’s tourism is stunning and adventurous and very unforgettable. To make your journey to Mussoorie possible, read this brief travel guide.
Nainital, Uttarakhand
With many excellent hill stations, the state of Uttarakhand is blessed. Still, one of the most captivating is Nainital, located in the Kumaon area. Nainital is known as the ‘lake city of India,’ facing the pearly waters of a pear-shaped lake and the snowcapped summits of the Himalayas. Nainital tourism is about hill-station passion, providing panoramic views of the valley and nearby hills on one side and views of the majestic Himalayan Range. Read this travel guide to Nainital to know more.
Darjeeling, West Bengal
Darjeeling is as romantic as you know it to be. You can be sure that Darjeeling’s tourism can be an unforgettable experience, nestled in the lap of the Himanchal range at the height of over 6,700 feet. Darjeeling has a distinct cultural and linguistic heritage, located in the northern reaches of West Bengal. There are plenty of tourists here to explore.
Also Read, Reasons to Make India Your Destination for 2021
Gangtok, Sikkim
Nestled in the lap of the lower Himalayas, Gangtok is a breathtaking region. What was once the capital of a king still maintains the beauty that enticed its kings. This city offers a truly unforgettable experience, followed by the show of a rare variety of fauna and flora. Just Gangtok has a mesmerizing view of the magnificent Kanchenjunga from all the hill stations. Throughout the summers, Gangtok tourism is widespread and allows for some excellent sightseeing, adventure, and recreational exploration.
Shillong, Meghalaya
You want to see wild at its finest, so the venue is Shillong. The impressive waterfalls, the gushing rivers surrounded by lush greenery can leave you with a lifetime of memories. The vastness and diversity offered by the place are enormous. The dropping clouds, pristine water, never-ending valleys, and greenery will encourage you to explore Shillong tourism. Shillong is not only the glory of nature. It also delights you with its history, culture, music, and cuisine. With their collection and knowledge about the Khasi tribe, the museums enrich you.
Ooty (Udagamandalam), Tamil Nadu
Ooty is one of the most acclaimed hill stations in India and makes for a great weekend getaway. The hill station is situated in Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiri district and is accessible throughout the year. This is an excellent destination for adventurers and trekkers and families and honeymooners and is known for its lush greenery and high peaks. Tourism in Ooty is primarily related to nature and is geared towards relaxing.
Coorg, Karnataka
Coorg is a remote hill station nestled in Karnataka state. Originally called Kodagu, this was a distinct state that later fused with Mysuru. It is situated in southwestern Karnataka’s Western Ghats and has a tropical monsoon climate. Coorg is usually cold, but because of its dense green cover, it receives intense monsoon rainfall. Throughout the year, tourism in Coorg is fair, but the strongest in winter.
