With its spectacular landscapes and some of the highest mountains in the world, India is renowned for its stunning hill stations. These high-altitude towns provide a refuge of beauty and calm in the magnificent Himalaya, Aravalli and Vindhya mountain ranges. Benefiting from the pure fresh air high above the bustle of the cities, India has a variety of these lovely hill stations, all with their own unique delights and gorgeous scenery. Here is a selection of some of the best of India’s hill stations, where the snow-covered peaks contrast with colourful flowering meadows and the striking colonial architecture of the buildings.
Ooty
Ooty lies in southern India in the Tamil Station state. Known by the epithet ‘Queen of the Hill Stations’, Ooty is renowned for its wonderful tea estates, wildlife and botanical gardens, and is a popular choice with honeymoon couples.
The four hills of the Nilgiri mountain range - Elk Hill, Snowdon, Doddabetta and Club Hill - dominate Ooty’s lovely landscape of tea and coffee plantations and open grasslands.
Take the Blue Mountain train ride from Ooty to the botanical gardens and colonial style club at Mettupalayam to transport you back to the splendour of the days of the Raj.
Munnar
Munnar, also in southern India, is a quintessential outpost of the British Empire and is known as the ‘Little London of India’. This is an expanse of verdant rainforest surrounding a spice, tea and coffee plantation resplendent with flowers and also many gorgeous aromas.
The beautiful flowering blue shrub Neelakurinji is native to the region and blooms only once every 12 years, but when it does it covers the mountains in a breathtaking sea of blue. Book a trip for 2018 when it is next due to flower!
Kuthumkal Waterfalls is a spectacular beauty spot and is ideal for an atmospheric picnic, with its cascading water and dramatic mists.
Srinagar
Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir State, is a striking hill station with rivers and lakes and their trademark houseboats. As well as having winding streets and fascinating old buildings, Srinagar boasts magnificent views of mountains and valleys.
Dal Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Srinagar and, along with lakes of Nagin and Anchar, is sprinkled with the distinctive houseboats or shikaras, which were once used by the British.
Royal Springs Golf club has the Zabarwan hills and Dal Lake in the background, and has been voted the best golf course in India.
Shimla
Shimla, in Himachal Pradesh, enjoys fantastic views of snowy mountains and rolling hills covered in dense forests of rhododendrons, oak and pine. This picturesque hill station is ideal for nature lovers and outdoor types.
Alongside its spectacular natural scenery, Shimla is famous for its sporting activities, and has an excellent outdoor ice skating rink.
From camping to skating, Shimla offers plenty to do for energetic tourists, but for those wishing to enjoy a more laid-back stay, take the miniature train from Kalka and enjoy the impressive views.
India’s hill stations offer the perfect holiday for anyone wanting to enjoy the finer things in life and experience some of India’s most idyllic scenery. You can save money by taking advantage of the excellent offers, coupons and discount holidays available in these fabulous destinations.
Ooty
Ooty lies in southern India in the Tamil Station state. Known by the epithet ‘Queen of the Hill Stations’, Ooty is renowned for its wonderful tea estates, wildlife and botanical gardens, and is a popular choice with honeymoon couples.
The four hills of the Nilgiri mountain range - Elk Hill, Snowdon, Doddabetta and Club Hill - dominate Ooty’s lovely landscape of tea and coffee plantations and open grasslands.
Take the Blue Mountain train ride from Ooty to the botanical gardens and colonial style club at Mettupalayam to transport you back to the splendour of the days of the Raj.
Munnar
Munnar, also in southern India, is a quintessential outpost of the British Empire and is known as the ‘Little London of India’. This is an expanse of verdant rainforest surrounding a spice, tea and coffee plantation resplendent with flowers and also many gorgeous aromas.
The beautiful flowering blue shrub Neelakurinji is native to the region and blooms only once every 12 years, but when it does it covers the mountains in a breathtaking sea of blue. Book a trip for 2018 when it is next due to flower!
Kuthumkal Waterfalls is a spectacular beauty spot and is ideal for an atmospheric picnic, with its cascading water and dramatic mists.
Srinagar
Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir State, is a striking hill station with rivers and lakes and their trademark houseboats. As well as having winding streets and fascinating old buildings, Srinagar boasts magnificent views of mountains and valleys.
Dal Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Srinagar and, along with lakes of Nagin and Anchar, is sprinkled with the distinctive houseboats or shikaras, which were once used by the British.
Royal Springs Golf club has the Zabarwan hills and Dal Lake in the background, and has been voted the best golf course in India.
Shimla
Shimla, in Himachal Pradesh, enjoys fantastic views of snowy mountains and rolling hills covered in dense forests of rhododendrons, oak and pine. This picturesque hill station is ideal for nature lovers and outdoor types.
Alongside its spectacular natural scenery, Shimla is famous for its sporting activities, and has an excellent outdoor ice skating rink.
From camping to skating, Shimla offers plenty to do for energetic tourists, but for those wishing to enjoy a more laid-back stay, take the miniature train from Kalka and enjoy the impressive views.
India’s hill stations offer the perfect holiday for anyone wanting to enjoy the finer things in life and experience some of India’s most idyllic scenery. You can save money by taking advantage of the excellent offers, coupons and discount holidays available in these fabulous destinations.