Hills-----the queen of beauty....India

(1) Shimla: Queen of the Hills

Gone are the days of British Raj but its echoes could be still found in Shimla. Located deep in the foothills of Himalayas, Shimla, located at an altitude of 2159 meters (7000 feet approx.), is one of the most popular hill resorts in India. The entire city is strung across a single ridge with sharp hillsides surrounded by pine deodar, oak and rhododendron forests stretched out in all directions.

It is the long winding main street called Mall where most of the action takes place in Shimla. The town is renowned for a host of splendid colonial edifices and quaint cottages with characteristic Victorian architecture.

Charming walks along the Ridge and the Mall Road are most popular activities. The city also offers a variety of shopping and entertainment activities all stretched across and connected with the arterial Mall road where thankfully vehicles are not allowed to enter.
(2) Ooty: The Jewel of Nilgiri

Established as the summer capital of Madras by the British, Ooty is a bustling hill station in the Nilgiri Mountain Range in Tamil Nadu. Although the heart of this hill town is crowded and in not that good shape due to spurt in tourism, the treasures of Ooty are located deep inside and on remote corners. Well manicured parks & gardens, temples, sunset points, Raj era Bunglows and verdant surroundings dotted with pines and moss are Ooty’s charm.

For a charismatic experience, hitch a ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railways, yet another World Heritage “toy train” that meanders through awe inspiring scenery of the Nilgiri Mountain. The best time to visit this hill station is from October till March.
(3) Darjeeling: Lure of Black Tea

The World Heritage Darjeeling Mountain Railways stands out when we think of this charming hill station in North India. Darjeeling’s yet another name to fame are the world class tea plantations.

Perched on a mountain ridge at the elevation of 6, 710 feet with awe inspiring views of the Himalayan Peaks and verdant tea estates, Darjeeling is soothing to eyes, refreshing for mind and uplifting for the soul.

Things to do in Darjeeling could range from visits to monasteries, parks, historical places and tea estates to a ride on the “toy train.” Best time to visit this hill town is from November till January. For a luxury experience and tea walks, stay at Glenburn Tea Estate surrounded by emerald tea plantation and awesome views of Kangchenjunga peak of Himalaya.
(4) Mount Abu: Oasis in the Desert

A haven in the desert kingdom of Rajasthan, Mount Abu with its verdant setting, salubrious weather and various lakes & waterfalls is unlike anywhere else in the state. Perched on the Aravali Hill Range at an altitude of 1164 meters, Mount Abu is home to more than 80 Jain and Hindu temples and shrines with the Jain Temples at Delwara attracting the lion share of tourists.

Best time to visit this hill station is September and April as the peak tourist season starts from October to November and again from May to Mid June.
(5) Lonavala: A Walk above the Clouds

This charming hill station near Mumbai and Pune is a verdant delight. Here you literally walk on the clouds as they soar beneath you, embark on nature walks and hikes and there are places of historical interest too. This hill stations in India is best visited in July and August upon the arrival of monsoon making it one of the top places to visit in India during monsoon.

If you are interested in hot air balloon rides or para gliding, you should head to Lonavala where these activities could be availed of.
(6) Almora: The Verdant Kumaon

This is a gem of place nestled in the Kumaon Himalayas in Uttarakhand. Relatively unexplored and less popular among tourists - and that is where its allure lies - Almora has offered rejuvenating and inspiring refue to the likes of Rabindra Nath Tagore and Swami Vivekanand who sought the sanctuary of this picturesque place.

Perched on a horse shoe shaped hill at an elevation of 1682 meters, Almora is a place where you go to do nothing and seek bliss and inspiration through communion with nature. It is one of the finest weekend getaways from Delhi. Best time to visit this hill station is from April till November. Almora could also be visited in monsoon to enjoy the gentle thrum of rain and the lush surroundings.
(7) Matheran: The Pristine Beauty

Matheran is one of the rare hill stations in India where vehicles are entirely banned from entering. This move has worked wonders to keep this hill station in Maharashtra - one of the sought after weekend getaways from Mumbai and Pune - to maintain its pristine settings.

One could reach this hill station through narrow gauge Matheran Railways and pony ride is also available. Best time to visit Matheran is September but this hill station could be visited throughout the year.
(8) McLeodganj: The Mini Tibet

The seat of the Tibetan Government in Exile, McLeodganj in Himachal is a pastoral delight. Perched on a horseshoe shaped ridge in the Dauladhar Range of Himalayas, McLeodganj is where many world and culture co exists. Right from the Tibetan, to the British who stayed back and the modern hippies and global nomads, in this bustling town you are in a truly global village.

With a range of activities like meditation, volunteering and nature walks to an array of easy and moderate trekking trails in Himalayas, McLeodganj in Himachal Pradesh is one of the top hill stations to visit in India. Being closer to Delhi, McLeodganj is a popular weekend getaway from Delhi and also preferred by hikers. Best time to visit McLeodganj is May and June. It is better avoided during monsoon and could be visited from October till the next monsoon.
(9) Binsar: Romance of the Nature

A charming hill stations shrouded in pine forests and hemmed in by mighty Himalayan peaks, Binsar is your ticket to bliss. Almost cut off from civilization (as soon as you enter Binsar Wildlife Reserve), Binsar is an ideal place for nature walks, birdwatching and doing nothing. It is also favored by artists and writer as they come seeking inspiration of the hills.

But the activity that tops the chart of things to do in Binsar is to behold the 360 kilometers panoramic view of the Himalayan peaks from the “Zero Point”. The best time to visit this hill station is in summer although it could be visited throughout the year except during monsoon.
(10) Gangtok: The North East Delight

Located in the Indian state of Sikkim, Gangtok is a serene and captivating hill station famous for its charming valleys and majestic monasteries. It is a bustling and friendly hill station which is flocked by tourists from all around the world.

The hill town is quite popular with trekking enthusiasts. Some popular tourist places in Gangtok include Flower Show, Banjhakri Hills, Tashi View Point, Tsongmo Lake and Rumtek Monastery.

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