Hill Stations in North India

India is a country blessed with such spectacular visual delights, that it’s hard to club them into one category. The tourist destinations are so diverse that they appeal to almost anyone and everyone. From deserts to hill stations to meadows and beaches, you’ll find it all here.

If you are living or happen to be in Delhi or nearby cities in the northern region, then you must be familiar with the harsh summers the region faces. Every year, the summers inevitably forces people to escape from the heat of the city and find a relaxing spot. People living in these regions have access to the mountains with the proximity to a number of hill stations.

There are a number of beautiful hill stations in the Northern region the prominent ones being Shimla, Kullu Manali, Mount Abu, Uttarakhand, Nainital, Gulmarg, Kashmir and the list goes on.

Some of the most popular hill stations in India include:

Manali
Manali is one of the main summer destinations in India. Famous for its scenic beauty, it is famed as the Queen of Valleys. Lapped in the Kullu Valley, the various places of interest in Manali are Tibetan Monasteries, Hidimba Devi Temple, Roerich Museum, Arjun Gufa , Jagatsukh, Solang Valley. It is also famous for adventure sports like trekking, rafting, mountain biking, kayaking and so on.

Kullu
Kullu boasts of a rich mythological heritage and so, is also known as Valley of Gods. It is known for its hot springs and snow capped mountains. The tourism places here are Raghunathji temple, Bijli Mahadev Temple, Chandrakhani pass and so on. The hills of Kullu are also popular for a host of adventure activities.

Nainital
This hill station in Uttarakhand is full of lakes, thus deriving its name. Nainital is set in the valley containing Naini Lake. Another story about the name of the hill station is that it is believed to have been taken from Goddess Naina. The major tourist places are Tiffin top, Naini Lake, Naina peak, Land's end and many more.

Gulmarg
It is one of the most popular winter sports destinations interanationally and also home to the world's highest green golf course. Gulmarg is known as the meadow of flowers due to its scenic beauty and unmatched landscapes. The tourist attractions here are Wular Lake, Alpather Lake, Baba Reshi Shrine, Baramulla and so on. Also, while here, don’t forget to go for a Gondola ride!

Dharamsala
Located in the Kangra valley, Dharamsala is known for its exceptional natural beauty and Tibetan settlements. It has been the Dalai Lama's home since 1959 and one can see the Tibetan influence on to the local flavour. The colourful temples and Gompas only add to the attraction. The Kotwali Bazar adds color to the town. The prime attractions are McLeodganj, War Memorial, Kangra art Museum, Dal Lake, Chamunda Devi and so on.

Mount Abu
It is the only hill station in Rajasthan. Surrounded by the Aravali hills, it is named after the serpent god Arbuda. The temples and buildings here reflect the cultural heritage of the place. The famous attractions here are Dilwara Jain temples, Nakki Lake, Gaumukh temple, Toad Rock and many more. Guru Shikhar is the highest point here from where you can see beauty of the whole town.

At the end, the hill stations in India are unmatched compared to the rest for their sheer intimacy to the awe inspiring Himalayas. The options are many and combine a heady mix of exotic culture, unique tourist destinations and the perfect weather for a hill station.