Hill stations have a mysterious allure to it. Glorious mountains, evergreen forests, fascinating valleys with diverse cultures, the hill stations in North India are famous to mountain lovers. 

However, picturesque beauty is not the only thing these hill stations have to offer. These are perfect for some adventures like paragliding, river rafting, trekking.

If you are a mountain lover or longing for some venture, then plan your vacation with these top 10 hill stations in North India:

1. Srinagar

With implausible beauty, Kashmir is illustrious as the paradise on earth. And at the heart of Kashmir is Srinagar.

With the clear blue skies, fresh air, stunning lakes, houseboats, and pastoral scenery, the hill station Srinagar is a city blessed with beauty. 

Image by Divya Agrawal from Pixabay

Places to visit:

The top tourist attractions are:

  • Dal Lake
  • Nishat Bagh
  • The Hari Parbat
  • Shalimar Bagh
  • Baramulla
  • Lal Chowk
  • Nehru Garden
  • Pari Mahal

How to Reach:

Srinagar has its own international airport, named Sheikh ul Alam Airport. Banihal is the closest railway station. Sringara is also well-connected by road with many big cities of India like Delhi, Chandigarh, etc.

2. Manali

Nestled in the majestic Himalayas, Manali has some breathtaking scenery to offer. Gifted with lush greenery, pristine streams, and a pleasant climate, the hill station Manali is a popular tourist spot.

Places to Visit:

Here are some places you can visit in Manali:

  • Solang Valley 
  • Beas River 
  • Manikaran Gurudwara 
  • Jogini Waterfall
  • Hidimba Devi Temple
  • Gulaba 
  • Bhrigu Lake 
  • Rohtang Pass
  • Jog Falls
  • Hidimba Temple
  • Beas Kund Trek
  •  Mall Road.

How to Reach:

The closest airport to Manali is Kullu Manali Airport. It is around 50 kilometers away from Manali town, in Bhuntar. Domestic flights from Delhi and Chandigarh are connected. Although Manali does not have a railway station, Jogindernagar railway station is the nearest station to the city. 

You can also travel by road. The city is well connected with other cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, and other cities.

3. Leh-Ladakh

Leh-Ladakh has some unique landscapes varying from wild mountains with snow-capped peaks to pristine blue lakes and winding rivers. The hill station is a dream destination for every adventure lover. Tibetan culture has a heavy influence on the lifestyle of the natives.

Image by Divya Agrawal from Pixabay

Places to visit: 

Experience the beauty of Leh-Ladakh with these places:

  • Tso Moriri Lake
  • Magnetic Hills
  • Pangong Lake
  • Leh Palace
  • Shanti Stupa.
  • Pangong Tso
  • Khardung La.
  • Changla Pass
  • Dras War Memorial
  • Monuments & Statues
  • Hall of Fame

How to Reach:

You can reach Ladakh and its capital city, Leh, by road via Manali or Srinagar. You can also travel by air with a flight to Kushok.

However, traveling by road from Manali or Srinagar will make your journey more memorable.

4. Shimla

Shimla is one of the most attractive hill stations in North India. The city with lush greenery and lofty mountains was the summer capital of the British era. 

shimla-hill-station
Photo by Amit Sehrawat on Unsplash

Places to Visit:

Rich with ancient temples and architectural heritage, there are several attractions the hill station has to offer:

  • Jakhu Temple
  • The Mall
  • Kalka – Shimla Railway
  • Viceregal Lodge
  • The Ridge
  • Himalayan Bird Park
  • Christ Church
  • Mall Road

How to Reach:

The nearest station to Shimla is Kalka. It takes around 6 Hrs from Kalka to reach Shimla. The closest airport from Shimla is Chandigarh Airpor,  about 120 km from Shimla.

5. Dharamshala:

Dharmasala is well known for Dalai Lama, the exiled Tibetan monk. It is also known as  Little Lhasa of India. 

The temples and monasteries help to calm the mind. It is the perfect place for those looking for adventure.

Places to visit

Here is a list of the popular tourist attraction:

  • Bhagsunag Waterfall
  • Dal Lake
  • St. John Church
  • Namgyal Monastery
  • Triund
  • Gyuto Tantric Monastery Temple
  • Bhagsu Naag Temple
  • Tibetan Mini Market

How to Reach:

The nearest airport is at Gaggal, roughly 13 km away from Dharamshala. Pathankot is the closest railway station, 85 km away from the hill station. You can also take a bus from Delhi, which is around 520 km from The place.

6. Mussoorie

Mussorie has made his name on the list of one of the top hill stations in India. The beauty of Mussorie will soothe your heart. 

Experience some thrill in your life, exploring some fun adventures like wildlife safari, horse riding, trekking, rafting, paragliding. 

Photo by Kunal Parmar on Unsplash

Places to visit: 

  • Kempty Falls
  • Gun Hill Point
  • Mussoorie Lake
  • Lal Tibba
  • Bazar Road.
  • George Everest’s House
  • Kempty Falls

How to Reach:

Mussorie is easily accessible. Jollygrant Airport in Dehradun serves as the nearest airport to Mussoorie. You can also reach the hill station by train. Dehradun Railway Station is around 36 km away.

7. Spiti Valley

The snow desert Spiti valley is one of the best offbeat hill stations in North India. With rough terrains, decent roads, waterfalls, rivers, monasteries, hamlets, and a non-polar glacier, Spiti Valley is the perfect place to experience brutal essence.

Photo by Stein Egil Liland

Places to visit:

You can visit these places:

  • Key Gompa (Key Monastery)
  • Kibber
  •  Pin Valley National Park
  • Suraj Tal
  • Kunzum Pass
  • Tashigang.

How to Reach:

Kullu Airport is the nearest airport. Shimla is the nearest railway station. You can also take a cab service to reach Spiti valley from the station and airport.

Find the best Travel agent in your city in 5bestincity.

Also Read: