10 Hill stations In India That Take Your Breath Away

India is known for its “diversity in culture and places to visit”, and therefore tourism is an important industry in the country. Now, there are several spots such as beaches, hill stations, and pilgrimage sites available in this “culturally diverse” country that attract tourists. In terms of hill stations, there are many which due to their popularity are frequently visited . However, there exist a few (not necessarily popular) that must be visited purely because they provide for some absolute “breathtaking” views. And so, here is presenting a list of “10 Hill Stations in India” that when visited will surely “take your breath away”.

Read More:DO YOU KNOW WHY COONOOR IS A WORTH VISIT INDIAN HILL STATION?

a. Leh- Jammu and Kashmir: 

 Leh Map

“Beautiful landscapes” is what Leh a town belonging to the Jammu and Kashmir state is renowned for.   Elevated at an altitude of 3500 meters above sea level this picturesque hill station falls under the Leh district, which is supposedly the second most expansive district in the country. Comprising of some enchanting mountains, Leh is truly worth visiting because of its sheer exquisite beauty. Furthermore, it is also known for spots such as the Leh Palace, Namgyal Tsemo Gompa, Shanti Stupa etc which serve as major tourist attractions. Above all though, this is one among a few “Hill Stations” in India that must be visited purely because it provides for some “breathtaking” views.

b. Auli- Uttarakhand: 

Auli Map

 Auli Bagyal or Auli (when literally translated means “meadow”) is a quaint hill station located in the north Indian state of Uttarakhand.

Elevated at altitude of 2500 to 3050 meters above sea level, it provides for a splendid panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain range. Furthermore, Auli is also surrounded by beautiful coniferous and oak trees. Due to presence of a snow capped landscape this hill station is also an extremely popular skiing destination in India. In fact, it was in 2011 that the first “South Asian Winter Games” was hosted over here. And so, it it is because of the “magnificent” view of the Himalayan mountain range that Auli provides for that makes it one of the few “Hill Stations” in India worth visiting.

c.  Manali- Himachal Pradesh: 

 Manali Map

“Valley of Gods” is the sobriquet given to a picturesque hill station known as Manali located in the state of Himachal Pradesh.  Elevated at an altitude of 2,050 meters, this town is considered to be “one of the most popular tourist destinations in India” and also serves as gateway to the Lahaul and Spiti district. Furthermore, apart from its scenic beauty this hill station is known for “beautiful” coniferous forests and the “serene” Beas River. It is therefore the presence of “stunning” landscapes and “tranquil” atmosphere that makes Manali one among a few “Hill Stations” in India an ideal destination for holidaying.

d. Kullu- Himachal Pradesh: 

 Kullu Map

“Temples” is what the scenic town known as Kullu located in Himachal Pradesh is renowned for .   Situated at an altitude of 1,279 meters above sea level, this beautiful hill station is surrounded by pine and deodar trees. Furthermore, Kullu is also known for its “splendid” apple orchards. In addition, this hill station also provides for some magnificent views of the Pir Panjal, Lower Himalayan, and the Great Himalayan Mountain Ranges. It is therefore due to the presence of “picturesque beauty” and “tranquil atmosphere” that Kulu is one among a few “Hill Stations” in India that is worth exploring.

e. Chopta- Uttarakhand: 

 Chopta Map

“A region of meadows” would be the best way to describe a quaint village in Uttarakhand known as Chopta.  Popularly referred to as “Mini Switzerland”, this scenic hill station is elevated at an altitude of 2,680 meters above sea level. This picturesque village provides for the magnificent views of the surrounding mountain ranges that include Trishul, Nanda Devi, and Chaukhamba. Furthermore, this hill station is also renowned for beautiful forests consisting of pine, deodar, and rhododendron trees. It also is popular for its rich “fauna” and comprises of rare species of birds and animals such as musk deer. It is thus a a combination of a “scenic landscape” and “beautiful flora and fauna” that makes Chopta one among a few “Hill Stations” of India that needs to be visited.

f. Gulmarg- Jammu and Kashmir:

 Gulmarg Map

“A skiing destination” is what the Jammu and Kashmir hill station known as Gulmarg is popular for.  Located in the Pirpanjal range in the western Himalayas, this quaint town was described by CNN as the “heartland of winter sports in India”. Furthermore, this picturesque hill station is known for its beautiful “meadows” which are mainly covered in snow during the winters. Adding more beauty to Gulmarg, are beautiful forests consisting of green pir and fir trees and small lakes that surround it. And so, it is the presence of a “breathtaking” landscape comprising of “meadows”, which provides for an ideal site to ski that makes Gulmarg one among the few “Hill Stations” in India that must be visited.

g. Tawang- Arunachal Pradesh:

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Tawang Map

Elevated at an altitude of 3,048 meters above sea level, is a town known as Tawang located in Arunachal Pradesh. 

This picturesque hill station provides for the magnificent views of the Himalaya mountains and  pristine lakes that surround it. Furthermore, it is also known for a Buddhist monastery that was constructed according to the wishes of the 5th Dalai Lama. And so, it is the sheer “scenic beauty” and “spirituality” that surrounds Tawang that makes it one among a few “Hill Stations” in India that needs to be visited more frequently.

h. Dalhousie- Himachal Pradesh: 

 Dalhousie Map

“On top of 5 hills” is where the picturesque hill station known as Dalhousie situated in Himachal Pradesh is located.  It is elevated at an altitude of 1,970 meters above sea level, this town was named after the British General Lord Dalhousie. Furthermore, it is surrounded by beautiful hills, and is also renowned for a number of temples. In addition, to its scenic beauty this hill station is also renowned being a hub of the ancient “Hindu culture” as well as for handicraft products.  It is therefore its sheer “picturesque beauty” that makes Dalhousie one among a few “Hill Stations” in India that is absolutely “breathtaking” when visited.

i. Munnar- Kerala: 

 Munnar Map

“The Kashmir of South India” is the sobriquet given to Munnar, a beautiful hill station located in Kerala.  Elevated at an altitude 1600 meters above sea level, this town is known for its pristine green environment. Furthermore, this quaint hill station is also known for its beautiful waterfalls, coffee gardens, and some beautiful valleys. In addition, it is also known for a few sanctuaries such as Kurinjimala, Chinnar Wildlife, and the Indira Gandhi Wildlife. And so, it is the “scenic” beauty comprising of  an “evergreen” environment that makes Munnar one among a few “Hill Stations” in India that is worth visiting over and over again.

j. Pahalgam- Jammu and Kashmir: 

 Pahalgam Map

Located in the Anantnag district in Jammu and Kashmir is a picturesque hill station known as Pahalgam.   Situated at an altitude of 7200 meters above sea level, it is considered to be one of the most popular tourist destination in India. Furthermore, Pahalgam is known for a rich “flora and fauna” which includes shrubs such as Indigofera heterantha and exotic animals such as hangul, musk deer, serow, brown leopard, Himalayan mouse hare etc . It is therefore the presence of exotic vegetation and animal species that makes Pahalgam one among a few “Hill stations” in India that over the years has become popular with tourists.

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Image Credit: Flickr