54 Top Hill Stations in India That We Have Visited So Far

“The mountains are calling and I must go.” – John Muir

One of my favorite mountain quotes, mountains are soothing for your soul. And the best part is that India has a plethora of hill stations to offer to all kinds of tourists and travelers. But, how do you decide on which hill station to explore?

So, we have prepared the list of top hill stations in India, home to gorgeous mountains, that we have visited so far and their highlights to help you decide. We have hyperlinked the guides for some of these hill stations as well to help you plan a little better. We will keep updating this list as and when we visit more hill stations in India, hope you find this guide useful.

Let us know in the comments if you do. 🙂

Top Hill Stations in India That We Have Visited So Far

North India

Rajgundha

Distance From Delhi: 512 km

Duration: 2 – 3 days

Budget: INR 5,000

Rajgundha is undoubtedly the best hill station in Himachal Pradesh because it is still an offbeat location. Very few people are aware of this village and opt to trek to this land so it is not commercialized like other popular hill stations in Himachal Pradesh. Nestled amidst the Dhauladhar ranges, Rajgundha Valley is a paradise.

And the best part about this place is that the air which you breathe in here is fresh and crisp with no pollution. As a result, you also get to witness the beautiful stars and the gorgeous Milky Way Galaxy at night. A lot of people come here to take a break from the cities and find it hard to leave this amazing valley.

Best Time to Visit: October – June

How to Reach: You can take a bus from Delhi to Bir Billing/Barot and then trek to this village.

Ladakh

Distance from Delhi: 1,000 km

Duration: 10 days

Budget: INR 15,000

A beautiful barren valley, famously known as the Cold Desert of India, Ladakh offers a completely different landscape in comparison to other hill stations in India. Here, you will find several trekking trails to explore as well. The weather keeps changing drastically here but it can be quite exhilarating as well to overcome these challenges.

Ladakh is thrilling and challenging at the same time and at every stop, you would just feel like stopping to click a picture. So, if you are looking for an exciting place to visit in the North, then Ladakh is one of the best hill stations in North India for you to explore.

Best Time: June to September (For Road-trips)

How to Reach: There is a direct flight to Leh. But, if you are keen on a road trip, there are two paths which you can consider – from Srinagar or from Manali. Manali route is more challenging but again more beautiful as compared to Sri Nagar one.

Auli

Distance from Delhi: 760 km

Duration: 4 days

Budget: INR 4,500

One of the best hill stations in Uttarakhand, Auli offers some breathtaking views of the upper Himalayas including the Nanda Devi hill. Auli is also the base camp for several treks such as Kuari Pass, Valley of Flowers. Here, you will also be able to observe the highest man-made lake, and can also go on the longest cable car ride of Asia.

Auli is extremely beautiful and I am glad I visited this place. It feels like you are right in the middle of a giant hole surrounded with nothing but mountains.

Best Time: December to March

How to Reach: There are no direct buses to Auli. From Delhi, you need to reach Rishikesh first and from here you can either take another bus to Auli or take a shared taxi otherwise.

Spiti

Distance from Delhi: 740 km

Duration: 10 days

Budget: INR 10,000

We all have so many pictures of Spiti but nothing will ever be able to do justice to its incomparable beauty. One of the best places to visit in India, Spiti has everything that you could ever wish for – lush green valley, river streams, mountain peaks, snow, cold dessert, and so on. Spiti is known as the middle land since it lies right in the middle of Tibet and India.

To be honest, it will be a challenging tour, especially if you travel by bus because, on average, only one bus leaves at a time from one place to another. The network is really bad here with only BSNL network working and there is no Internet connection. However, it is all about perspective, it is actually good to stay cut off from the rest of the world for a few days.

Best Time: June to September

How to Reach: To reach Spiti you can follow two paths. One is from Manali and the other one is from Reckong Peo which is in Kinnaur. Both of them are equally good and buses run from these places except for winters.

During winters the Manali route shuts down due to heavy snowfall in that side.

Kinnaur

Distance from Delhi: 600 km

Duration: 6 days

Budget: INR 6,000

Being a small district in the upper Himalayas, this place is not only gorgeous but also has a strong history. There is so much to learn about the people here, including how they used to leave their early lives, and trust me, all of it is very fascinating.

The Kinner Kailash ranges are completely breathtaking and can be seen from most part of Kinnaur. Chitkul is the last village before the China border which has an altogether different feel to it.

Best Time: April to May – Flowering season
June to August – Apple season
Feb to March – Winter season

How to Reach:There are direct buses that leave from Delhi to Reckong Peo – the main bus stand in Kinnaur. However, the ride is almost 18 hours which can be really tiresome. An alternative would be to make a stop in Chandigarh or Shimla to reach Kinnaur.

Munsiyari

Distance from Delhi: 600 km

Duration: 4 days

Budget: INR 4,500

Munsiyari lies in the upper region of Himalayas of Uttarakhand which provides a calm allure once you reach here. Munsiyari also offers a gorgeous view of Panchachuli Peaks peaks and one can witness the most magnificent sunrises here.

One can also go trekking to various places from here. The most sought-after and the moderate-difficulty trek is of Khalia top which provides an unparalleled view of Panchachuli Peaks from a height.

Best Time: Throughout the Year

How to Reach: There are no direct buses to Munsiyari. The best approach would be to take an overnight bus from Delhi till Haldwani or train till Kathgodam and then take another bus or a shared taxi from there.

Khajjiar

Distance From Delhi: 575 km

Duration: 2 days

Budget: INR 2,000

In terms of landscapes, Khajjiar doesn’t have much to offer apart from a plain ground and the famed Khajjiar lake. However, one can indulge in a lot of adventure activities here. You can try water zorbing, horseriding, or even dress up as a Himachali to get your photographs clicked.

If you are feeling a little more adventurous, then you can also try paragliding here which will offer you an unparalleled view of the nearby mount.

Best Time to Visit: Throughout the Year

How to Reach: You can reach Dalhousie first and then take a bus from Dalhousie to Khajjiar.

Dalhousie

Distance From Delhi: 565 km

Duration: 2-3 days

Budget: INR 2,000

If you want to spend some time at the most tranquil hill stations in India then Dalhousie would be the perfect fit for you. While being slightly touristy, one can easily seclude themselves from the crowd and enjoy a pleasant view of this gorgeous location. You get to observe the Pir Pinjal range which is immensely beautiful and would make it hard to take your eyes off it.

From here, you also have a few treks to engage in and can head out to other popular hill stations in India like Khajjiar, Chamba, Dharamshala, and so on.

Best Time to Visit: Throughout the Year

How to Reach: Take a bus to Dalhousie from Delhi. You can also take a train to Pathankot and then a bus to Dalhousie.

Badrinath

Distance From Delhi: 560 km

Duration: 4 days

Budget: INR 2,500

To be honest, I didn’t expect Badrinath to be as beautiful as it actually was. While the way to this hill station is slightly treacherous, it feels quite exciting at the same time too. And it isn’t like any other pilgrim hill station that you have ever been to. The houses and hotels here are neatly packed and one can see the valley view with the Saraswati river flowing strongly in the middle.

Plus, it becomes quite colorful here at night and you can also head to Mana (Last village of India) which is situated just 3 km from here.

Best Time to Visit: June – November

How to Reach: You will first need to reach Rishikesh from Delhi. Then, take a bus to Badrinath.

Hemkund

Distance From Delhi: 555 km

Duration: 5 days

Budget: INR 3,000

Frankly, I didn’t have much idea about Hemkund or how the landscape looked like until I actually trekked to this place. And boy, was I pleasantly surprised on my visit. Hemkund is located at a height of 4,633m which is why it stays cold throughout the year. Here, you have the famous Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara which is built just next to the magical lake and magnificent mountain peaks.

This place is going to make you speechless because the entire landscape is just too beautiful to describe. Also, the trek to this hill station is quite picturesque too so you are in for a treat when visiting this place.

Best Time to Visit: June – October

How to Reach: You will need to take a bus/shared taxi from Rishikesh to Govindghat. Then, trek to Ghangaria and then to Hemkund.

Valley of Flowers

Valley of Flowers

Distance From Delhi: 550 km

Duration: 5 days

Budget: INR 3,000

This is undoubtedly one of the best hill stations in India that we have visited so far. This UNESCO Heritage site is famous for its June-September bloom where you can observe a plethora of flora species. Trust me, the burst of colors and the sweet fragrance in the valley makes it hard for you to leave this place.

So, if you are ever planning to explore Uttarakhand during monsoon, make sure you add Valley of Flowers to your bucket list. I am not exaggerating when I say that this place will remind you of the childhood stories that you were ever-so-fond of.

Best Time to Visit: July – September

How to Reach: You can take a bus/shared cab to Govindghat. From here, you will need to trek to Ghangaria and then walk further to the Valley of Flowers.

Old Manali

Distance from Delhi: 540 km

Duration: 4 days

Budget: INR 4,500

We all know how popular Manali is, and thus how crowded it gets because of it. An alternate to beat the busy touristy spots is exploring Old Manali instead. One can explore the cafes here which is the specialty of Manali, as well as go to Solang Valley and Vashisht. From Vashisht you can also hike for half an hour to experience the Jogni waterfalls.

Best Time: Throughout the year

How to Reach: There are direct buses running from Delhi ISBT Kashmiri Gate to Manali – both public and private.

Dobhi

Distance from Delhi: 520 km

Duration: 3 days

Budget: INR 4,000

Dobhi is a lesser-known hill station near Manali. Here you can witness the trout fish farm, do paragliding, sit beside the river stream or go to the Naggar castle. An interesting trivia, Naggar castle is the place where a famous scene of the movie Jab We Met was previously shot too. This place is really peaceful and devoid of tourists.

Best Time: June to September

How to Reach: There are direct buses running till Manali from ISBT Kashmiri Gate of Delhi. However, you need to get down at Kali Mata Mandir and then head to Dobhi which is 10 minutes away.

Tirthan Valley

Distance From Delhi: 530 km

Duration: 3-4 days

Budget: INR 4,000

Yet another gem in the Himachal Pradesh, Tirthan Valley is a relatively unexplored hill station which has a lot to offer to the travelers. This pristine valley has a gorgeous Tirthan river flowing to it and is also close to the Great Himalayan National Park, making it the perfect spot for adventure seekers and nature lovers.

Here, you can just relax and camp beside the river or go for the numerous treks that this place has to offer. You can go to the Chhoii waterfall or the Hippo waterfall and can take in the magnificent view that this valley has to offer.

Best Time to Visit: Throughout the Year

How to Reach: To reach Tirthan Valley, you need to take a bus to Aut and then a bus to Banjar and get down on the Tirthan Valley stop. You can also hire a taxi to take you from Aut to Tirthan Valley.

Bir Billing

Distance from Delhi: 520 km

Duration: 3 days

Budget: INR 4,500

Yet another popular hill station in India, Bir Billing is a paradise for all the paragliding enthusiasts out there. Although there is not much to explore in Bir Billing, you can also opt for mountain biking and explore the nearby monastery – Chokling monastery. The monastery is really beautiful and lies in the middle of meadows which offers it a really fairytale-like feel.

Best Time: October – June (For Paragliding)

How to Reach: There are direct buses leaving for Bir Billing or you can go to Palampur (a town close to Bir). From Palampur, you can take a bus to Bir which is just an hour away.

Kasol

Distance From Delhi: 520 km

Duration: 3-4 days

Budget: INR 4,000

A lot of people think that Kasol is just a party place where you can go to get stoned but this is actually untrue. This beautiful hill station in Parvati Valley is great for backpackers as it offers amazing river and valley views to the travelers. Also, you can head out to other amazing towns like Tosh, Malana, Manikaran, etc. from here.

Best Time to Visit: Throughout the Year

How to Reach: You can get a bus from Delhi to Bhuntar and then a local bus/cab to Kasol.

Barot

Distance from Delhi: 500 km

Duration: 4 days

Budget: INR 4,500

Barot is one of the few untouched hill stations in India which is why it is a favorite of ours. It is famous for its trout fish farming and camping and the Uhl river adds a majestic feel to the entire valley. You can also go to Winch Camp from here where you can watch the most gorgeous sunrise and sunset ever.

Best Time: October – June

How to Reach: There are no direct buses to Barot. You need to reach Mandi first and from here catch another bus till Ghatasni and then to Barot.

Jibhi

Distance from Delhi: 500 km

Duration: 3 days

Budget: INR 3,000

Jibhi lies in the Banjar Valley of Himachal and is a quaint hill station lying in a remote part of Himachal. You can explore Jalori Pass here as well as the Chehni fort which is said to have been built in the 17th century. The staircase of this fort is quite uniquely shaped and outsiders are not allowed to enter the temple

Best Time: Winter Season

How to Reach: There are no direct buses to Jibhi. You need to reach Aut first and then from here, take a shared taxi or cab till Jibhi

Prashar

Distance From Delhi: 485 km

Duration: 2 days

Budget: INR 2,000

One of our favorite places in the Himachal, Prashar is a quaint and not-so-popular hill station which makes it all the more attractive. You can either trek to this place or take the bus and camp near the Prashar lake to chill and observe the mountains around you.

There is also the Prashar Lake Temple which can be visited here but the best thing about this place is that you get to observe a clear, blue sky. This is why it is a great place to watch some amazing sunsets and sunrises and also a Full Moon night!

Best Time to Visit: Throughout the Year

How to Reach: Take a bus from Delhi to Mandi, then another bus to Prashar Lake.

Triund

Distance from Delhi to Mcleodganj: 480 km

Duration: 3 days

Budget: INR 2,000

Triund lies in the Dhauladhar Range, which is 18 KMs away from Dharamshala. This place can be reached after a moderate trek. You can either camp here during the night, or trek back on the same day and stay in Mcleodganj or Dharamshala.

Triund is really picturesque, and I won’t lie when I say that the sunset from Triund is the prettiest. I have not seen such a pretty sunset anywhere else. Plus, the marble structure behind it is gorgeous. When the rays of the sunset fall directly on those peaks, the golden white tinge of the peaks become even more mesmerizing.

Best Time: Throughout the Year

How to Reach: From Delhi, you can book an overnight bus to Mcleodganj. There are many buses leaving for Dharamshala from ISBT Kashmiri Gate. From Mcleodganj, you have to trek for 4-5 hours (8 KMs) to reach this place.

Kedarkantha

Distance from Delhi to Sankri: 435 km

Duration: 5 days

Budget: INR 10,000

Kedarkantha is a 3-4 days trek where you reach the summit to witness the upper ranges of Himalayas and snow peaks. It is a famous winter trek which is why travelers mostly go here during the snow season. The temperature goes in negative here however the landscape makes everything worthwhile.

Best Time: December to March

How to Reach: To reach here, you have to first reach Dehradun or Mussoorie. From there, you can take a bus or a shared cab to Sankri. Sankri is the place from where the trek starts.

Shimla

Distance from Delhi: 342 km

Duration: 3 days

Budget: INR 3,000

Shimla is one of the most sought-after hill stations in India for a family vacation. It is one of the easiest places to reach from Chandigarh and is quite mesmerizing as well. One can explore the mall road and temples in Shimla as well as enjoy the serene valley. But if you are looking to experience a less touristy place then you should definitely head to Fagu.

Best Time: Throughout the Year

How to Reach: There are direct buses leaving from ISBT Kashmiri Gate which take about 8 to 10 hours to reach Shimla.

Chail

Distance from Delhi: 336 km

Duration: 2 days

Budget: INR 2,500

Chail is closer to Shimla and less crowded, as compared to Shimla. Here, many Bollywood movie shootings have occurred which is why many people flock to this place. The famous 3 Idiots shooting spot can also be seen from here. Chail is also famous for its Chail Palace as well as the Kali Tibba Temple.

From Kali Tibba Temple one can see the entire town below making the temple location perfect to watch a gorgeous view of the valley.

Best Time: Throughout the Year

How to Reach: The bus that leaves for Shimla drops you off near to Chail. From this point, you can take a taxi or another bus to Chail which is just half an hour away.

Nainital

Distance From Delhi: 335 km

Duration: 2 days

Budget: INR 3,000

Nainital is one of the most popular hill stations in Uttarakhand as it is easily accessible and has a lot of facilities to offer to the tourists. Here, you can boat in the Naini lake or watch the entire town on the ropeway. You also have an option to shop on the mall road and just explore the place on foot.

However, if you are in search of a little peace and tranquility then this might not be the right place for you.

Best Time to Visit: Throughout the Year

How to Reach: You will get many direct buses from Delhi to Nainital.

Bhimtal

Distance From Delhi: 350 km

Duration: 2 days

Budget: INR 2,000

This hill station can be considered as the sister hill station of Nainital as they are located nearby and almost offer the same views. But while Nainital is slightly crowded and touristy, Bhimtal is more calm and serene. You won’t see a lot of people here which makes it a great place to relax and rejuvenate yourself.

You have a lake here too and the views from the top of the mountains are extremely breathtaking.

Best Time to Visit: Throughout the Year

How to Reach: Take a train to Kathgodam and then a shared taxi/bus to Bhimtal.

Mussoorie

Distance from Delhi: 320 km

Duration: 2 days

Budget: INR 2,500

Mussoorie is a popular hill station in India, located near Dehradun and at the foothill of the Garhwal Ranges. In Mussoorie, you can go to George Everest peak which is about 6 KMs from Gandhi Chowk. Apart from this, there is Mussoorie Lake and Kempty falls which are the most common tourist attractions.

Best Time: Throughout the Year

How to Reach: There are direct buses that leave from Delhi to Mussoorie. You will find both public and private buses heading towards this location.

Lansdowne

Distance from Delhi: 300 km

Duration: 2 days

Budget: INR 2,500

Lansdowne is a popular weekend getaway from Delhi in Uttarakhand which was founded as a military garrison. It is particularly famous for its St. Mary’s Church and Tip-n-Top viewpoint. You will observe a breathtaking view of the valley from the Tip-n-Top viewpoint which lies in a forested area. This hill station is perfect for a weekend getaway as it offers amazing views and is quite close-by too.

Best Time: Throughout the year

How to Reach: There are direct buses leaving from Delhi to Lansdowne. You can find the buses to this place from ISBT Kashmiri Gate.

Kasauli

Distance From Delhi: 290 km

Duration: 2 days

Budget: INR 2,000

Kasauli is one of the most popular hill stations in India, especially for people living in Delhi and Chandigarh. This is a quaint little town located near Shimla and is a great place to relax and enjoy for a little while. This perfect weekend getaway from Delhi holds many amazing trekking trails and sunset/sunrise points for you to explore too.

And while you might not find a lot of facilities here, the crisp and cool air here will certainly refresh you. You can also check out the famous Monkey Point here from where you can actually watch the clouds passing by in front of you or can hang out at the cafes to interact with other travelers.

Best Time to Visit: April – June, September – November

How to Reach: You can take a train from Delhi to Kalka and then a bus/cab to Kasauli.

Rishikesh

Distance From Delhi: 240 km

Duration: 2 days

Budget: INR 2,500

One of the most popular hill stations in India, Rishikesh was previously famous for the adventure activities like Rafting, Cliff Diving, etc. But now, after the government has been these sports here, it was more of a getaway for people who are interested in meditation and performing Yoga.

The temperature remains cool here and you get to enjoy a chill and relaxed time here. You can also check out the famous Laxman Jhula or just spend time at the Ghat while dipping your toes in the cool Ganga river.

Best Time to Visit: March-May, September – November

How to Reach: You will get a direct bus from Delhi to Rishikesh.

Dehradun

Distance From Delhi: 255 km

Duration: 2 days

Budget: INR 2,500

Although Dehradun is not as popular as Mussoorie or Rishikesh, it is still one of the best hill stations near Delhi for a quick weekend getaway. Located in the Doon Valley, Dehradun is surrounded by the Himalayan mountains. As a result, it offers picturesque views to the travelers here and is one of the best hill stations in Uttarakhand.

You can spend some time in the museums or the forested area here. And you can also head to some of the beautiful waterfalls nearby to pass time here. Robbers Cave is one of the popular tourist attractions here which you can visit and if bored, Mussoorie is just an hour away from this beautiful hill station.bes

Best Time to Visit: Throughout the Year

How to Reach: You can take a train/bus from Delhi to Dehradun.

Dharampur

Distance From Delhi: 280 km

Duration: 2 days

Budget: INR 3,000

Dharampur is an offbeat hill station which has a really gorgeous view to offer to its users. Although it is not as popular as Kasauli, Dharampur makes for an excellent weekend getaway if you are looking for some peace and quiet. This is one of the best hill stations in Himachal Pradesh for anyone who is looking for some silent alone time and you won’t be bothered with a lot of tourists loitering about here.

From Dharampur, you can head to Kasauli, Solan, etc. to explore around. And the toy train to Dharampur from Kalka is an experience in itself. So, if you are looking for a quiet and offbeat hill station to visit in North India then Dharampur is the perfect place for you.

Best Time to Visit: Throughout the Year

How to Reach: You can take a train from Delhi to Kalka and then a bus/cab/toy train to Dharampur.

Totam

Distance From Delhi: 360 km

Duration: 2 days

Budget: INR 2,500

Totam is located just 30 km from Jim Corbett which makes it one of the best hill stations to visit in Uttarakhand. A quiet and peaceful place to explore, Totam is surrounded by the foothills of Himalayas. So, you can plan a trip here if you are planning for a Corbett Safari and enjoy the beautiful views from here.

From Totam, you also have a couple of treks which can allow you to observe some magnificent peaks in Uttarakhand like Gaumukh, Trishul, Panch Sheel, and so on. And you have a couple of offbeat waterfalls here too so you can have an amazing time here without being surrounded by hordes of tourists.

Best Time to Visit: Throughout the Year

How to Reach: You can take a train from Delhi to Ramnagar and then a bus/cab to Totam.

South India

Araku Valley

Distance From Hyderabad: 700 km

Duration: 3 days

Budget: INR 3,000

While not the most popular hill stations in India, Arakku Valley certainly has a unique charm about it which makes it different from other places. Here, you can experience the chillness and a gorgeous lush green valley which is extremely magical.

Also, this is a less-frequented place so, you can take some time off from the world and just give yourself some space to think and feel. You can check out the crafts, museums, and the various viewpoints here to pass your time. Also, one of the major attractions about this place is the train ride to this place.

Best Time to Visit: Throughout the Year

How to Reach: You need to reach Visakhapatnam first and then take the train to Araku Valley.

Munnar

Distance From Bangalore: 540 km

Duration: 3 days

Budget: INR 2,500

Munnar is one of my favorite hill stations in India, not because it is a popular place but because it was my second solo trip in life. Also, since I chose a place on the outskirts of the Munnar, I got to observe the views which I couldn’t even dream of seeing.

The most magical sunsets and beautiful landscapes can be witnessed here, only if you are willing to go farther than the touristy spots.

Best Time to Visit: Throughout the Year

How to Reach: You will get a direct bus from Bangalore to Munnar. Also, you can take a train to Ernakulam and then a bus to Munnar.

Kotagiri

Distance From Bangalore: 300 km

Duration: 3 days

Budget: INR 3,000

This is yet another beautiful gem in South India that we had no idea about until we actually stumbled upon it. We went to Ooty for a 4-days trip and realized that this is a touristy place not suitable for our choice. Then, we headed to Kotagiri to be blown away by the landscape here which is one of the best things that we did in Ooty.

The place is not as touristy and is quite pristine which is why it is definitely a place that you should add to your bucket list. You will get the most amazing views and will also find the most amazing tea plantations here to observe.

Best Time to Visit: Throughout the Year

How to Reach: You will need to take a bus to Coimbatore. From here, another bus to Ooty and then a local bus to Kotagiri.

Ooty

Distance From Bangalore: 280 km

Duration: 3 days

Budget: INR 3,000

Ooty is one of the most popular hill stations in India but now it has become too crowded by the tourists. Also, there isn’t much to see inside the town if you aren’t into touristy things. But you do have some amazing places nearby to visit like the Avalanche Forest or the Mudumalai National Park.

Also, you have to try the Nilgiri Hills Toy train which offers you the most amazing views of this valley.

Best Time to Visit: Throughout the Year

How to Reach: You can take a bus to Coimbatore and then a local bus to Ooty.

Coorg

Distance From Bangalore: 265 km

Duration: 2 days

Budget: INR 2,500

Another amazing hill station in South India, Coorg is often called the Scotland of India as it offers the most amazing rolling mountains and charming landscapes. This is the place where you can camp beneath the stars and just gaze up at the sky to actually observe the stars and planets.

Also, there are a few interesting trekking trails and waterfalls here which are really fun to explore.

Best Time to Visit: July – November

strong>How to Reach: You will get many buses from Bangalore to Coorg throughout the day.

Chikmagalur

Distance From Bangalore: 245 km

Duration: 3 days

Budget: INR 3,000

Although I went to this place during the wrong season, Chikmagalur is still a great hill station to visit when you are trying to escape the heat. Here, you have several amazing mountains peaks and treks to explore and a few interesting waterfalls also.

You don’t have a lot of public transport for this place so a road trip is a perfect way to spend your weekend here.

Best Time to Visit: July – November

How to Reach: You can take your own car/bike since this place is close to Bangalore.

Hassan

Distance From Bangalore: 185 km

Duration: 2 days

Budget: INR 3,000

We actually were planning to go to Sakleshpur but somehow ended up in Hassan instead. However, it was still worth it because it was a great place to chill with my friends. We trekked to a nearby mountaintop and saw the sunset point. We also saw a beautiful meadow and basically just enjoyed ourselves in this secluded location.

So, if you are looking for a less-touristy spot for a fun weekend then Hassan should be your place.

Best Time to Visit: August – December

How to Reach: You can drive to the place by renting a car for the weekend.

Horsley Hills

Distance From Bangalore: 160 km

Duration: 1 day

Budget: INR 1,500

Although this is one of the smallest hill stations in India, and no I am not exaggerating. In fact, it is so small that you can easily explore the place on foot in just 6-7 hours. And the weather is always pleasant here so you can always get on a bus and come to this place to get a change from your fast-paced life.

Best Time to Visit: Throughout the Year

How to Reach: You can take a bus from Bangalore to Madanepalle and then a bus/auto to the Horsley Hills.

East India

Cherrapunji

Distance from Guwahati: 1100 km

Duration: 4 days

Budget: INR 3,500

Lying in the East Khasi Hills this beautiful and serene place is famous for its Mawkdok Dympep Valley View, Noh-Kalikai, and Seven Sister waterfalls, as well as double-decker living root bridges. Cheerapunji is known to be the wettest region in the world and receives a lot of rainfall. The entire region is so green and beautiful and the people here are wonderful.

Double Decker Living Root Bridges has a bridge that is made by the roots of the trees. One has to climb down 3000 stairs to reach this quaint village. Here, there are rainbow waterfalls as well, which is lying right in the middle of the forest.

Best Time: Throughout the year

How to Reach: You can either rent a scooty from Guwahati if you are coming from a far off place. Riding a scooty is the best way to commute to this place. There are also shared cabs leaving for this place but won’t offer you that much flexibility to explore this place.

Shillong

Distance from Guwahati:  1000 km

Duration: 4 days

Budget: INR 3000

Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya and is famous for its Elephant Falls and Shillong Peak that offers city views. People mostly stay in Police Bazar here which is a crowded market of Shillong. There is also Don Bosco Centre which is a famous museum of Shillong. Umiam Lake can also be visited from here which is closer to Shillong and is really picturesque. One can do boating here and the reflection is really pretty.

Best Time: Throughout the year

How to Reach: You can either rent a scooty from Guwahati if you are coming from a far off place. Riding a scooty is the best way to commute to this place. There are also shared cabs leaving to this place but won’t offer you that much flexibility to explore this place.

Lachung

Distance From Kolkata: 745 km

Duration: 2 days

Budget: INR 2,000

Generally, I don’t compare Indian places with European countries but Lachung is certainly the Switzerland of India. In fact, it is better than Switzerland. It is situated in the north of Sikkim and is a small quaint town where you get to witness the most beautiful views ever.

And if you are lucky, then you also get a chance to experience rainfall, in the middle of March!

Best Time to Visit: Throughout the Year

How to Reach: You will need to take a 2-days package from Gangtok to reach Lachung.

Zuluk

Distance from Kolkata: 695 km

Duration: 4 days

Budget: INR 6,000

Zuluk is an unexplored place lying in East Sikkim and is famous for its hairpin-like roads. This small hamlet is an emerging and offbeat destination in East Sikkim. Here you can also witness the historic Silk Route which was used even a few decades ago until the Chinese invasion of Tibet.

Best Time: Throughout the year

How to Reach: One needs to take permits to reach this place. There are no buses or shared cabs to this location. Best is to book a personal vehicle from Gangtok to reach here.

Pelling

Distance From Kolkata: 690 km

Duration: 3 days

Budget: INR 3,000

Pelling is a town straight out of a fairytale and I am not lying when I say that you will easily lose your heart to this place. It is not crowded or touristy like other places in Sikkim and is a great way to spend your time peacefully.

From here, you can go to the Magical wishing lake, Singsong bridge, Kanchenjunga waterfalls, etc. for an amazing time. Trust me, if you ever visit Sikkim, you absolutely have to explore Pelling.

Best Time to Visit: Throughout the Year

How to Reach: You will need to take a shared taxi from Gangtok or Siliguri to reach Pelling.

Gangtok

Distance From Kolkata: 670 km

Duration: 3 days

Budget: INR 2,000

Gangtok is one of the most developed and modern hill stations in Sikkim which will make you feel like you aren’t in India anymore. The mall road is especially gorgeous at night and you have several cafes and bakeries here to entertain yourself.

From Gangtok, you can travel to Tsomgo Lake, Nathula, and the numerous monasteries and waterfalls that will blow your mind.

Best Time to Visit: Throughout the Year

How to Reach: Take a shared taxi/bus from Siliguri to Gangtok.

Kalimpong

Distance From Kolkata: 625 km

Duration: 2 days

Budget: INR 2,500

While not the most famous hill stations in West Bengal, Kalimpong is a good place as a weekend getaway from Kolkata. Here, you can do paragliding or you can check out the beautiful monasteries and architecture.

In fact, there is also a Cactus farm here which you can check out and purchase small cactus plants from!

Best Time to Visit: Throughout the Year

How to Reach: Take a shared taxi from Darjeeling or Siliguri to Kalimpong.

Darjeeling

Distance From Kolkata: 615 km

Duration: 2-3 days

Budget: INR 4,000

Darjeeling is one of the most popular hill stations in West Bengal albeit a little crowded too. But the views and the landscape that this place has to offer compensates for the touristy environment. Here, you can watch the golden rays of the sun dancing on the top of the Kanchenjunga mountain from the Tiger Hill point. And, you can also experience an authentic British experience by exploring the mountains on the famous Darjeeling Toy Train.

Also, you get the most amazing and wide variety of tea here which makes a good souvenir for your friends and family.

Best Time to Visit: October – March

How to Reach: You can take a train to Siliguri and then take a shared taxi to Darjeeling.

Mirik

Distance From Kolkata: 593 km

Duration: 1-2 days

Budget: INR 2,000

I am sure that a lot of you might not be even aware of this amazing hill station in India. Well, no worries because not many people do apart from the people of Kolkata. Mirik is a hill station near Kolkata which is easily accessible by Darjeeling which has made it a popular tourist spot for people visiting Darjeeling.

Here, you can easily spend a day, exploring the lake and the temple and can also stop at the Pashupati market on the way. This is a relatively less crowded spot which makes it a great place to conduct picnics and hangouts.

Best Time to Visit: July – February

How to Reach: Reach Darjeeling first, then take a shared/private taxi from Darjeeling to Mirik.

West India

Mahabaleshwar

Distance From Mumbai: 261 km

Duration: 1-2 days

Budget: INR 2,000

If you want a place that is gorgeous and lush green during the monsoons then Mahabaleshwar is the perfect place for you. This is one of the most amazing hill stations in India on the western ghats and offers amazing viewpoints, waterfalls, and forts for you to explore.

Personally, I loved exploring the Lingmala waterfall and the Elephant Point (yes, the mountaintop is actually shaped like an elephant head). So, I would highly recommend you to visit this hill station during the monsoons.

Best Time to Visit: Monsoon (June – November)

How to Reach: Take a bus to Pune then a cab/bus to Panchgani.

Panchgani

Distance From Mumbai: 242 km

>Duration: 1-2 days

Budget: INR 2,000

Another beautiful hill stations in India, Panchgani lies near Pune and is one of the most popular getaways from Mumbai. This hill station is more popular for its amazing viewpoints and caves and is a sight to behold during the monsoons. You can visit the Table Land, Sydney Point, Parsi Point, etc. to witness a magnificent view of the mountains.

Best Time to Visit: Monsoon (July – November)

How to Reach: You can take a bus to Pune and then take a cab/bus to Panchgani.

Lonavala

Distance From Mumbai: 84 km

Duration: 1 day

Budget: INR 1,500

Lonavala is one of the most favored hill stations near Mumbai as it is quick and easy to reach and is a great place to relax and take in your surroundings. There are many amazing waterfalls, viewpoints, caves, etc. here that will keep you glued to this place. But, that is not all, you also have a lot of trekking spots nearby which makes this place a paradise for adventure seekers.

Trust me, if you are looking for both fun and serenity then Lonavala should definitely be on your list.

Best Time to Visit: July – October

How to Reach: Take a direct bus from Mumbai to Lonavala. You can also take a local train to this place.

Khandala

Distance From Mumbai: 83 km

Duration: 1 day

Budget: INR 1,500

The first time I heard the song, “Aati kya Khandala?”, I knew that I had to visit this place. And boy, what fun it was to actually explore this hill station. Although this is an extremely touristy place due to its close proximity to both Mumbai and Pune, it still offers amazing views that will leave you speechless.

The Khandala sunset point is certainly my favorite as is the Lion point, Duke’s nose point, and the Bhushi Dam. However, a word of advice, don’t go to this place during the Spring season as you won’t find a lot of greenery here which would certainly spoil the valley views for you.

Best Time to Visit: July – October

How to Reach: Take a bus from Mumbai to Lonavala and then a shared/private taxi to Khandala.

Matheran

Distance From Mumbai: 81 km

Duration: 1-2 days

Budget: INR 1,500

The first time we visited this hill station, we didn’t realize there is a lot to see around here because it was covered with fog. However, when the next time I visited this place in March, I finally realized how much this place has to offer. There are so many amazing viewpoints here that give you an amazing glance of the Sahyadri mountains.

And while it looks greener during the monsoon, winters would be a better time to explore if you actually wish to observe the valley view.

Best Time to Visit: July – October

How to Reach: Take a local train to Neral and then the toy train/shared cab till Matheran. If you have your own vehicle, then you can drive till Matheran too. After that, it is a 1-hour trek to the top.