20 Best Hill Stations Of India - When To Visit - Things To Do And Favorites Things To Buy

Here are 20 popular hill stations in India, along with information on when to visit, what to do, and favorite things to buy from each destination:

Shimla, Himachal Pradesh:

Best time to visit: March to June and October to February.
Things to do: Visit Mall Road, explore The Ridge, take a toy train ride, visit Jakhu Temple, and enjoy panoramic views from Scandal Point.
Favorite things to buy: Handicrafts, woolen items, and local Himachali jams.

Manali, Himachal Pradesh:

Best time to visit: October to February for snow, and March to June for pleasant weather.
Things to do: Rohtang Pass, Solang Valley, Hadimba Temple, Vashisht Hot Springs, adventure sports like paragliding and river rafting.
Favorite things to buy: Tibetan and Himalayan handicrafts, shawls, and apple products.

Darjeeling, West Bengal:

Best time to visit: March to May and September to November.
Things to do: Visit Tiger Hill for sunrise, ride the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train), explore the tea gardens, visit the Peace Pagoda, and enjoy a cable car ride.
Favorite things to buy: Darjeeling tea, Tibetan artifacts, and handicrafts.

Munnar, Kerala:

Best time to visit: October to May.
Things to do: Visit tea estates, Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Kundala Lake, and enjoy the panoramic views from Top Station.
Favorite things to buy: Tea, spices, handmade chocolates, and aromatic oils.

Ooty, Tamil Nadu:

Best time to visit: April to June and September to November.
Things to do: Explore the Botanical Gardens, take a ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, visit Doddabetta Peak, boat in Ooty Lake, and visit tea estates.
Favorite things to buy: Tea, homemade chocolates, essential oils, and souvenirs.

Nainital, Uttarakhand:

Best time to visit: March to June and September to November.
Things to do: Enjoy a boat ride on Naini Lake, visit Naini Devi Temple, take a ropeway ride to Snow View Point, explore Mall Road, and visit nearby attractions like Bhimtal and Naukuchiatal.
Favorite things to buy: Candles, woollen garments, handicrafts, and local produce like fruits and jams.

Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu:

Best time to visit: October to March.
Things to do: Visit Coaker’s Walk, enjoy boating in Kodaikanal Lake, explore the Pillar Rocks, visit Bryant Park, and hike to Dolphin’s Nose.
Favorite things to buy: Homemade chocolates, oils, spices, and souvenirs.

Mussoorie, Uttarakhand:

Best time to visit: April to June and September to November.
Things to do: Visit Gun Hill, enjoy a cable car ride, explore Kempty Falls, take a walk on Mall Road, and visit the Lal Tibba viewpoint.
Favorite things to buy: Woollen clothes, handicrafts, antique items, and wooden crafts.

Gangtok, Sikkim:

Best time to visit: March to June and September to December.
Things to do: Visit Tsomgo Lake, explore the Enchey Monastery, visit Rumtek Monastery, take a cable car ride, and enjoy the views from Tashi Viewpoint.
Favorite things to buy: Tibetan carpets, traditional Sikkimese handicrafts, tea, and spices.

Kullu-Manali, Himachal Pradesh:

Best time to visit: October to February for snow, and March to June for pleasant weather.
Things to do: Visit Rohtang Pass, Solang Valley, Hadimba Temple, Vashisht Hot Springs, enjoy adventure sports like paragliding and river rafting.
Favorite things to buy: Tibetan and Himalayan handicrafts, shawls, apple products.

Mount Abu, Rajasthan:

Best time to visit: November to February.
Things to do: Visit Dilwara Jain Temples, Nakki Lake, Guru Shikhar, explore the Wildlife Sanctuary, and enjoy the sunset at Honeymoon Point.
Favorite things to buy: Handicrafts, textiles, Rajasthani artwork, and traditional jewelry.

Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir:

Best time to visit: December to February for snow, and April to June for pleasant weather.
Things to do: Enjoy skiing and snowboarding in winter, take a Gondola ride, visit Alpather Lake, explore Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve.
Favorite things to buy: Traditional Kashmiri handicrafts, carpets, pashmina shawls, and dry fruits.

Kufri, Himachal Pradesh:

Best time to visit: November to February for snow, and April to June for pleasant weather.
Things to do: Enjoy skiing and snowboarding in winter, visit Kufri Fun World, explore Himalayan Nature Park, and take a horse ride to Mahasu Peak.
Favorite things to buy: Woollen clothes, caps, and accessories.

Coorg, Karnataka:

Best time to visit: October to March.
Things to do: Visit coffee plantations, explore Abbey Falls, take a walk in Raja’s Seat, visit Dubare Elephant Camp, and indulge in traditional Kodava cuisine.
Favorite things to buy: Coffee beans, spices, honey, homemade chocolates, and Coorgi silk sarees.

Lonavala, Maharashtra:

Best time to visit: October to May.
Things to do: Visit Bhushi Dam, explore Karla and Bhaja Caves, trek to Tiger’s Leap, enjoy panoramic views from Lion’s Point, and try local delicacies like chikki.
Favorite things to buy: Chikki (a sweet snack), local spices, wooden crafts, and souvenirs.

Shillong, Meghalaya:

Best time to visit: September to May.
Things to do: Explore Umiam Lake, visit Shillong Peak, experience the Living Root Bridges, visit Elephant Falls, and explore the local markets.
Favorite things to buy: Handicrafts, traditional Meghalaya attire, bamboo products, and local spices.

Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra:

Best time to visit: October to June.
Things to do: Visit Wilson Point for sunrise, explore Pratapgarh Fort, enjoy boating in Venna Lake, visit Lingmala Waterfall, and try strawberry-related delicacies.
Favorite things to buy: Strawberries, jams, jellies, leather goods, and Kolhapuri chappals.

Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh:

Best time to visit: April to June and October to November.
Things to do: Visit Tawang Monastery, explore Sela Pass, enjoy the views from Madhuri Lake, visit Jaswant Garh War Memorial, and indulge in local cuisine.
Favorite things to buy: Traditional Tibetan handicrafts, handwoven carpets, and thangka paintings.

Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir:

Best time to visit: April to November.
Things to do: Visit Betaab Valley, enjoy a pony ride to Baisaran, trek to Chandanwari and Sheshnag Lake, visit Aru Valley, and experience river rafting in Lidder River.
Favorite things to buy: Pashmina shawls, Kashmiri handicrafts, dry fruits, and saffron.