Top Hill Stations in india

India has abundant hill stations spread all over the country that makes for a tranquil and picturesque destination for tourists. Kashmir has some of the most beautiful hill stations in India which include Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Srinagar and Sonmarg. In Himachal Pradesh also tourists can be spoilt for choices which include Shimla, Manali and Dalhousie. Mussoorie and Nainital are among the most popular hill stations in north India. Coorg, Ooty and Kodaikanal are the most popular ones in South India. Matheran, Almora, McLeodganj, Gangtok, and Coonoor among others are the lesser crowded hill station in India

1. Manali

"Lover's Paradise - India's Honeymoon capital" Manali Tourism Nestled in between the snow-capped slopes of the Pir Panjal and the Dhauladhar ranges, Manali is one of the most popular hill stations in the country. With jaw-dropping views, lush green forests, sprawling meadows carpeted with flowers, gushing blue streams, a perpetual fairy-tale like mist lingering in the air, and a persistent fragrance of pines and freshness - Manali has been blessed with extraordinary scenic beauty. From museums to temples, from quaint little hippie villages to bustling upscale streets, river adventures to trekking trails, Manali has ever a reason to be the tourist magnet it is, all year round. Clean roads, swaying eucalyptus trees, endearing little eateries, small kitschy local market places, and cafes which serve delicious local food at unbelievable prices, Old Manali is a serene, tranquil place, whose lingering silence is broken only by the twittering of the birds and the sound of the roaring waters of the Kullu river. Solang Valley is the of the most visited places in Manali, with the drive up to Solang being as picturesque as the valley itself. Not only does Solang Valley offer some breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, but its slopes are also a very popular skiing destination, especially during the winters. In summers, the place turns into a paragliding haven. If you?re an adventure enthusiast, Solang Valley has adrenaline-pumping activities such as zorbing and horse-riding available. With more than 25 lakh visitors every year, Rohtang Pass easily stands out as one of the most popular scenic spots to visit in Manali. Connecting the Lahaul and Kullu valleys, the Rohtang Pass is famous among nature lovers, photographers and adventure seekers alike. Mountain biking or skiing whilst surrounded by the awe-inspiring glaciers and snow-capped peaks on all sides is an exhilarating experience. Mana

2. Ooty

"Queen of the Nilgiris" Ooty Tourism The Blue Mountains have always been shrouded in mysticism, and Ooty is no exception to that. For every mountain lover, the very idea of travelling to the city known as the Queen of the Hills holds an allure like no other. Once regarded as the summer headquarters of the East India Company (and for a very good reason), Ooty, also known as Udagamandalam, is a hill station in Tamil Nadu which serves as a very popular tourist destination for anyone looking for a picturesque place to relax and unwind. Ooty is nestled amidst the Nilgiri hills at an altitude of 2,240 meters above sea level and enjoys a favourable climate all year round. Ooty oozes simplicity, devoid of any boundaries, so anyone who visits the place can feel at one with the local culture. The journey to Ooty itself is dotted with magnificent sights of the awe-inspiring Nilgiri hills, tea gardens, and serene waterfalls. The cool, peaceful landscape of Ooty is almost movie-like ? winding country lanes that you can spend hours simply walking on, and the charm of old-world colonial architecture infuses fresh air into the souls of travellers. For anyone looking for a respite from the mind-boggling humidity and the scorching Indian sun, Ooty is the place to be. Ooty is a very popular destination for couples and honeymooners, and there's no better way to fully take in all that this city has to offer than to take a trip on the Toy Train, which lets you enjoy panoramic views of this beautiful hill station right from your seat. The whole city is tinged with beautiful hues of green, with oases of sparkling blue waterfalls popping up here and there. The Nilgiri Mountain Railways has the steepest track in all of Asia, and it is one of the best train rides you will ever have the chance of experiencing. Remember the hit song 'Chaiyya Chaiyya' where Shahrukh Khan and Malaika Arora were seen matching steps on top of a train? R

3. Munnar

"Tea Gardens, Lakes and Pretty little hill-station" Munnar Tourism The idyllic hill station Munnar - famous for its tea estates, exotic lush greenery and craggy peaks, is located in the Western Ghats, in the state of Kerala. It serves as the commercial centre for some of the world?s largest tea estates. In addition, Munnar has many protected areas which are home to endemic and highly endangered species like the Nilgiri Thar and the Neelakurinji. One of the biggest tea-plantation area of South India, Munnar is one of the most beautiful and popular hill-stations of Kerala. Situated on the banks of three rivers- Madupetti, Nallathanni and Periavaru, Munnar is also blessed with natural view-points apart from the tea-plantations. Munnar is divided into Old Munnar, where the tourist information office is, and Munnar, where the bus station and most guest houses are located. The Eravikulam National Park, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary and tea plantations are its major attractions. Download Munnar PDF Guide >

4. Darjeeling

"Queen of The Himalayas" Darjeeling Tourism Jaw-dropping locales, mesmerising sunrises, the untouched beauty of the hills, the old-world charm of the past, and the welcoming smiles of the local people all add up to make Darjeeling one of the most beautiful hill stations in Eastern part of India. Spread over a steep mountain ridge, nestled amidst acres of lush green tea plantations, Darjeeling stands at the height of 2,050 meters above sea level, thus boasting of cool climes all year round. This scenic hill station is the perfect getaway for a romantic honeymoon and is just around 700 kilometres away from Kolkata. A respite from the hot and humid summers of India, Darjeeling is a popular tourist destination in North-East India. Providing a heady mixture of splendid tea gardens on rolling mountain slopes, meandering toy train rides through the picturesque city, and delectable traditional Tibetan cuisine, Darjeeling works wonders to cater to the gorgeous panorama of the Himalayas. There is a reason the city is known as the 'Queen of the Himalayas'. The lush green slopes dotted with women plucking tea leaves is a sight as mesmerising as no other. There are over 86 tea estates in Darjeeling that are responsible for producing the worldwide famous 'Darjeeling Tea'. Have a cup of locally brewed chai at the tea estate, or get down amidst the plantations to pluck a few tea leaves yourself, you are free to take your pick! A previous summer capital of India under the British Raj, Darjeeling has come off age as one of the most sought after hill stations in India. Famous for its beautiful tea plantations and the quality of Darjeeling tea, Darjeeling is a delight for all kind of tourists. The toy train established back in 1881, still runs in this part and is also one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites. Beautiful colonial architecture including mansions and churches dot this little beautiful town. Filled with pe

5. Leh Ladakh

"India's Own Moonland" Leh Ladakh Tourism A land like no other with superabundance of attractions to visit and phantasmagoric and fabulous landscapes, amazing people and culture, Ladakh is truly a heaven on Earth. Bounded by two of the world's mightiest mountain ranges, the Great Himalaya and the Karakoram, it lies athwart two other, the Ladakh range and the Zanskar range. Ladakh is mystical in all the spheres it covers, from nature, geography, sceneries to the modest cultures that it fosters. Right from gompas to the sensational momos, the superabundance of attractions to visit makes this city make it heaven on earth. It is said that only in Ladakh can a man sitting in the sun with his feet in the shade suffer from sunstroke and frostbite at the same time. For those of us living in the constant confusion about the difference between these twin locations, Leh-Ladakh, here is something that might help you. The state of Jammu and Kashmir is divided into three parts: Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh. Ladakh, further is divided into two districts: district Leh, and district Kargil. The former district has a popular town ?Leh?and is a great tourist attraction because of its beautiful monasteries, picturesque locations, and interesting markets defining the culture of the place. Download Leh Ladakh PDF Guide >

6. Gulmarg

"The Skiing School and Honeymoon" Gulmarg Tourism Situated at an altitude of 2730 m above sea level, Gulmarg is surrounded by snow covered mountains, lush green meadows, deep ravines, evergreen forested hills and valleys. Known for its scenic beauty, Gulmarg has also been a popular destination for shooting of various Bollywood films. Among one of the top honeymoon locations, Gulmarg boasts of being a beautiful town without the crowd like Manali and Shimla. Gulmarg has also been developed as an adventure hub as Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering is located here. A lot of courses on trekking, mountaineering, skiing, etc. are offered by IISM at great prices here. However, if you are planning to do a course, it is advisable to book your course well in advance. There are a lot of other private tour operators in Gulmarg as well which provide similar courses and facilities for skiing, snowboarding and trekking. The cable car here is also one of the prime attractions here and is the 2nd highest cable car in the world. Download Gulmarg PDF Guide >

7. Tawang

"The birthplace of Dalai Lama" Tawang Tourism Located at a height of about 3048m, is known for many important and beautiful monasteries and is famous as the birth place of Dalai Lama. The beautiful town of Tawang, also pronounced as Dawang has many sceneries to make your trip a picturesque one. However, what begins to define the area is its significance for Buddhist monks. Tawang is the place to go for monasteries, with theTawang Monasterybeing the most popular one and extremely sacred for the Buddhists. Tawang is a place which will flatter you with its natural beauty wrapped in the scent of spirituality. The beautiful orchid sanctuary and the Tipi Orchid Sanctuary is also an ideal place for your list of places to visit.Alongwith this one can have their taste buds to have an experience of Tawang by indulging into the area's unique cuisine. Download Tawang PDF Guide >

8. Saputara

"The adobe of serpents" Saputara Tourism Snuggled in the Sahyadris or the Western Ghats, Saputara is a quaint little hill station in the Dang district of Gujarat. Popular for lush green forests, undulating mountains, dazzling waterfalls, dreamy winding roads, livid landscapes and plenty of charming cubbyholes to spend time with your loved ones, the town is the first favourite among tourists. It is located at a height of 875 metres above sea level and is a perfect getaway for eco-lovers, wildlife enthusiasts and people who love adventure sports. Located at a distance of four kilometres from the Maharashtra border and two hundred and fifty kilometers from Mumbai in Dang district, Saputara literally means habitat of snakes and the tribals of this region worship snakes, especially during Holi. It is a beautiful hilly region enriched with enormous greenery offering magnificent panaroma, tribal culture of a different sort and great trekking opportunities. Download Saputara PDF Guide >

9. Shimla

"The Hill-Station with Rich Colonial History" Shimla Tourism Probably the most popular hill station in northern India, Shimla is the capital city ofHimachalPradesh famous for its Mall road, theRidge, toy train etc. among honeymooners and families alike. Situated at a height of 2200 m, Shimla is one of the most eminent tourist destination in the country. Set amidst beautiful hills and mystical woods, Shimla is one of most aesthetically planned cities in India. An erstwhile summer capital of British India, this town's captivating natural beauty, and the atmosphere are bound to leave any tourist overwhelmed. The well-knit roads, impeccable cleanliness, and an efficient administration make for a perfect combination for any tourist destination in the world. This town has colonial-style buildings alongside the historic temples and the amalgamation of the worlds leaves everyone visiting this region spellbound. Within this city, one must visit the Mall Road, The Ridge, Institute of Advanced Studies and Jakhu Temple. Shimla is also used as a base to cover other nearby places like Chail,Kufri,Naldehra,Mashobra,TattapaniandNarkanda. The toy train to Shimla from Kalka passes through beautiful hills and valleys and is one of the most beautiful train routes in the world. Download Shimla PDF Guide >

10. Mcleodganj

"Land of His Holiness the Dalai Lama - Little Lhasa" Mcleodganj Tourism Mcleodganj is a hill station near Dharamshala, popular among trekkers. Its culture is a beautiful blend of Tibetan with some British influence. Also known as Little Lhasa and famous around the world for being home to the Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama, Mcleodganj is a beautiful town situated near upperDharamsala. Nestled amidst majestic hills and lush greenery, this town is culturally blessed by a prominent Tibetan influence owing to the major settlement of Tibetans here. Mcleodganj has one of the most mesmerising landscapes in the entire state ofHimachalPradesh and attracts a lot of tourists throughout the year. The towns of Dharamsala, Mcleodganj, Bhagsu Nag andKangraare situated very close to each other and tourists must cover all these destinations while travelling here. Few of the most eminent and religiously significant monasteries in India are located here, including theNamgyal MonasteryandTsuglagkhang, where the spiritual leader Dalai Lama resides. Tourists must also visit the scenic Dal Lake andTriund, which are apt for quiet picnics. Download Mcleodganj PDF Guide >

11. Dalhousie

"Little Switzerland of India" Dalhousie Tourism The tiny tinsel town Dalhousie tucked away in the lap of Himachal Pradesh is a piece of paradise for all the travellers. It boasts of old world charm, mesmerising natural landscape, pine-clad valleys, flower bedecked meadows, fast flowing rivers, magnificent misty mountains and some of the most spectacular views in the world. The air smells of the Scottish and Victorian architecture and the ambience reminds you of the pristine British flavours. Dalhousie, one of the favourite among most tourists travelling to Himanchal Pradesh is famously known for its mesmerizing natural beauty and its old world charm. This hill station was one of the most favourite summer destinations of the ruling Britishers and this is truly reflected in the majestic Victorian style mansions in this region. Situated far from the buzzing cities in the country, this quaint town transports you to a pollution-free environment in the lap of nature. Dalhousie is known for its scenic beauty has a number mountains and river streams that tourists must visit. Among them the most famous arePanch Pulla,Satdhara Fallsand theDaikund peak. Download Dalhousie PDF Guide >

12. Spiti Valley

"Trekking mecca and a virgin paradise" Spiti Valley Tourism Long winding roads and picturesque valleys presenting glimpses of cold deserts and snow-crowned mountains, with intermittent greenery and picture-perfect villages welcome you when you set foot into Spiti Valley. Bordered on all sides by the Himalayas, Spiti Valley, located in Himachal Pradesh, has an altitude of 12,500 feet above sea level, and gets around 250 days of sunshine in the year, making it one of the coldest places in the country. With the thick Himalayan snow cutting Spiti off from the rest of the country for around 6 months a year, the summer months are the only time Spiti is directly accessible via motorway. The term Spiti means 'The Middle Land', and the place is very appropriately named, as Spiti Valley separates India from Tibet. Scantily populated, Spiti is an adventure lover?s paradise, with the famed Spiti trek attracting thousands of adventure enthusiasts every year. There are many trekking trails in Spiti that tourists can choose from. All of these treks start from Kaza (Spiti?s capital, where you make your base camp), to various peaks from where you can get panoramic views of the Himalayan mountains. An easy 1.5-kilometre trek along the Spiti River from Dhankar Monastery to Dhankar Lake promises gorgeous views of the villages below, and the Dhankar Lake itself is a place where you can sit back and relax amidst the cool mountain air. The mountain ropeway from Kibber to Chichum is a popular tourist attraction. Built entirely by the locals to avoid walking the long uphill path between the two villages, this ropeway is operated manually, and offers spectacular views of the gorge below, as well a bird?s eye view of the surrounding peaks. Download Spiti Valley PDF Guide >

13. Dharamshala

"The little Lhasa in India" Dharamshala Tourism Dharamsala is famed as the holy residence of the Dalai Lama and houses the Tibetan monk in exile. Dharamsala is located in Kangra district at a distance of 18km fro Kangra City. The city is distinctively separated as upper and lower divisions with different altitudes. The lower division is the Dharamsala town itself whereas the upper division is popularly known asMcleodganj. This is situated on the upper hilly stretch of land ofKangraValley which is placed just against the picturesque scene ofDhauladhar ranges. Being a Tibetan hub, Dharamsala is considered to be one of the best places to learn and explore Buddhism and Tibetan Culture. Download Dharamshala PDF Guide >

14. Kasol

Kasol Tourism A small village in Himachal situated along the banks of the river Parvati, Kasol is a tourist attraction that is rapidly gaining fame as a very popular hub for trekkers, backpackers, and nature lovers. Commonly known as the Amsterdam of India, this quaint little village is resplendent in natural scenic beauty, and is one of the few places in the country that is yet to be ruined by urbanization and commercialization. Situated between the towns of Bhuntar and Manikaran, Kasol might seem like a plain, nondescript village from the outside, but it is one of the best places in the country to just sit back and chill in the lap of nature. With the waters of the Parvati river gurgling along and a stunning view of the snow-capped mountains in the background, taking a stroll along the river is one of the best ways to spend a day in Kasol. With smooth boulders and clean white sand separating the green grass from the frothing sea-green waters of the river, every single bend in the river opens up to a breathtaking panorama of cliffs, pine trees, and gushing waterfalls. Kasol is famous for its trekking trails, which include treks to Kheerganga, Yanker Pass, Sar Pass, and Pin Parbati Pass. To get a real feel of the culture in these regions, go on a visit to the village of Malana. Located a few kilometres away from Kasol, Malana is a tiny hamlet inhabited by people living in self-imposed isolation. The people of Malana claim themselves to be Aryan descendants, as a result of which they avoid interaction with outsiders. The village has plenty of scenic sights, though, and is often called ?Little Greece?. Kasol is inhabited by a huge number of people from Israel, which is clearly discernible from the plenteously available Israeli food, and the street signposts inscribed in Hebrew. Kasol has quite a few streetside cafes which serve delicious food, and the experience of sitting and enjoying a meal amidst the dark gre

15. Khajjiar

"Mini Switzerland of India" Khajjiar Tourism Often referred to as 'mini-Switzerland of India', Khajjiar is a small town nearDalhousiewhich provides tourists a unique combination of forests, lakes and pastures. The mesmerising beauty of this place has greatly influenced and inspired many kingdoms throughout the years, including the Rajputs and Mughals. Located at an altitude of 6,500 feet, the natural beauty and picturesque landscape of this place are bound to leave an everlasting impression on a tourist. Khajjiar is known for its nine-hole golf-course which is nestled in the midst of lush greenery and a breathtaking landscape. Khajjiar is a small plateau which also has a small lake which is one of the most favored tourist spots in this town. Khajjiar is surrounded by green meadows and dense forests and it is also known for its beautiful temples. This region also attracts adventure seekers and has a lot of options in adventure sports like paragliding, horse riding, zorbing, trekking etc. Khajjiar is a must visit place for everyone coming to Dalhousie and its nearby regions. However, the way to Khajjiar can be closed sometimes during winters because of heavy snowfall. Download Khajjiar PDF Guide >

16. Kasauli

"Cozy little hill-station" Kasauli Tourism Located on the way fromChandigarhto Shimla, Kasauli is a hilly cantonment town which makes for an ideal peaceful holiday location, away from the rush. Kasauli is a small town in the south-west part ofHimachaland is on the relatively lower edges of Himalayas. Nestled amidst beautiful woody forests of pine and cedar trees, Kasauli owes its mystical and serene ambience to the lavish Victorian buildings built by the Britishers who resided here years back. These structures speak volumes of the glorious past of this hill station. A lot of endangered species of fauna are also found in the dense forests in this region. Kasauli is not about particular attractions or activities, but about the serene environment and enchanting calmness that it provides. If you want to just find a good getaway from the hectic life of your city, Kasauli provides the ideal environment to soothe your nerves. Download Kasauli PDF Guide >

17. Kufri

Kufri Tourism Kufri in Shimla district, Himachal Pradesh is one of the most sought after holiday destinations, and more so for couples, because of its proximity to Shimla and relatively higher altitude which makes it a place with snow all through the winters. Kufri is just about 10 km from Shimla and is quite a retreat if you're in Shimla and snow is something which excites you. While there's not much to see in Kufri as such, but the panoramic views and temples after a bit of trekking are worth the time. Kufri itself is mostly treated as a spot for the tourists visiting Shimla and it is advisable to club sightseeing in Shimla or nearby areas like Chail, Mashobra, Naldehra orNarkandaas well if you intend to visit Kufri. Also, Kufri is a relatively crowded and popular attraction as almost everyone visiting Shimla comes here. Download Kufri PDF Guide >

18. Chamba

"The land of Hill Kingdoms, Temples and Monasteries" Chamba Tourism Chamba is that one getaway you've always dreamed off. Minimal human alteration in the topography and environment and the balanced temperatures of the area make it the perfect destination all year round. The river Ravi cuts across town and adds to the scenery. Chambal is present at the confluence if Ravi river with Chal river. The sub-Himalayan area is amply endowed with a variety of flora and fauna, making it a very picturesque background for your holiday memoirs. There's about enough lakes, wildlife sanctuaries and temples to make you feel like this virgin land has more than enough to offer to every tourist. You only go back richer from Chamba. Download Chamba PDF Guide >

19. Palampur

Palampur Tourism With pine and deodar forests and tea gardens encircling the town and numerous streams pouring in, Palampur is known for the enchanting combination of water and greenery. Nestled between the majesticDhauladhar Ranges, Palampur is known the world over for its tea plantations and its fine quality of tea. Palampur was first noticed by the Englishmen and was soon turned into a bustling town as the centre of trade and commerce. Their presence in this town is beautifully reflected in the Victorian style mansions and castles. The remnants of its glorious past can be seen in the beautiful amalgamation of the beautiful English style buildings and the picturesque landscapes. Palampur being one of the unexplored destinations offer a quaint and serene environment to tourists. Among the tourist attractions here, Tashi Jong Monastery and the tea gardens should be on the must-visit list for anyone. Download Palampur PDF Guide >

20. Srinagar

"The Paradise on Earth" Srinagar Tourism Famously known as ?Heaven on Earth?, Srinagar is every bit the epitome of paradise on earth. As picturesque as the most stunning painting to ever be painted, Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir, lies on the banks of the Jhelum river, and has a cool, pleasant climate all year round, contributing to the perpetual influx of tourists visiting this city which offers a plethora of gorgeous scenic vistas. From the ferocious waters of Pahalgam to the serene pastures of Gulmarg, everything about Srinagar will give you goosebumps, no matter where you?re looking at. Once you visit Srinagar, the first thing you do is close your eyes and breathe in lungfuls of the clean, fresh mountain air. The second thing you do is hire a houseboat and pay a visit to Dal Lake. Hills surround the most famous tourist spot in all of Kashmir, Dal Lake, and as long as your sight takes you, you can see the mountains reflected in the water. Taking a Shikara ride on Dal Lake is also a must-do activity. Bedecked with colourful rugs and carpets, these gondola-type rowboats take tourists to see attractions like the Floating Vegetable Market, and the Mir Bahris ? a lively community of people who live on the lake itself. You can also spend a night in one of the houseboats, and wake up to a magnificent sunrise that will take your breath away. Dal Lake also offers water sports such as kayaking and skiing, for those interested. Download Srinagar PDF Guide >

21. Patnitop

"Photographer's paradise" Patnitop Tourism With endless meadows and panoramic views of the snow capped peaks of the Himalayas, Patnitop is a perfect place to experience nature at its picturesque best and widest. Along with the widespread abundance in sceneries, the area is accessorized with activities like skiing and trekking as well as water springs, all together making it a popular tourist destination. Sanasar, located 17 kms away is also popular for a paragliding base, golf courses along with extended sightseeing options. These together, are sure to give one the most splendid and grand views and make the experience all the more enjoyable with a host of adventure activities. Download Patnitop PDF Guide >

22. Coorg

"The Scotland of India" Coorg Tourism Located amidst imposing mountains in Karnataka with a perpetually misty landscape, Coorg is the place to be for all nature lovers. This popular coffee producing hill station is not only popular for its beautiful green hills and the streams cutting right through them. It also stands as a popular destination because of its culture and people. The Kodavas, a local clan specialising in martial arts, are especially notable for their keen hospitality. Coorg, officially known as Kodagu, is the most affluent hill station in Karnataka. It is well known for its breathtakingly exotic scenery and lush greenery. Forest covered hills, spice and coffee plantations only add to the landscape.Madikeriis the region's centre point with all transportation for getting around starting from here. On a visit to Coorg, cover the beautiful towns like Virajpet, Kushalnagar, Gonikoppal, Pollibetta, and Somwarpet, and experience the beautiful concept of "homestays" to make your experience more memorable! Download Coorg PDF Guide >

23. Chikmagalur

"The coffee land of Karnataka" Chikmagalur Tourism If you love the aroma of freshly brewed coffee in the mornings, you are going to love Chikmagalur, which has a perpetual fragrance of coffee lingering in the air. Very famously known as the ?Coffee Land of Karnataka?, Chikmagalur is situated in the foothills of the Mullayangiri Range in Karnataka and stands at an altitude of 3400 feet. Famous for its tall mountains, lush green forests and its tranquil environment (apart from its coffee production), Chikmagalur is a very popular tourist destination and is a quaint getaway from the busy life of the city. Being the largest producer of coffee in the country, Chikmagalur is mainly all about its coffee. No matter which direction you look at or where you choose to go, you will always come across at least one coffee plantation, or at least one group of people talking about coffee. So if you?re a coffee enthusiast as well as a nature lover, taking a walk through one (or a few) of the numerous coffee plantations in the city is a must-do activity. Many of these coffee estates not only allow visitors to take guided tours through the plantations, but they also provide home-stays right within the estates, so you can literally wake up to and end your day with the smell of coffee in the air. Chikmagalur is a very popular trekking spot and boasts of many incredible trekking trails, such as the Mullayangiri trek, the Kemmanagundi trek, and the Baba Budangiri trek. Mullayangiri is the highest peak in all of Karnataka and is the best place to get a perfect view of the sun rising from behind the mountains. Download Chikmagalur PDF Guide >

24. Madikeri

"A picturesque getaway down south" Madikeri Tourism Generally covered as a part of trips toCoorg, Madikeri is a quaint hill town in Karnataka with vast coffee plantations, lush forests and misty hills, all culminating into a breathtaking view. The commercialisation and human exploitation haven't touched the boundaries of Madikeri. This hill station is a perfect weekend getaway for those looking for a picturesque and relaxing holiday ornamented by awe-inspiring sceneries and splendid views made up of abundant and beautiful vegetation all across. There is no pollution, no noises to hurt your ears and the cool breeze that accompanies you throughout makes your trip memorable. Madikeri is famous for its infinite fields of tea and coffee plantations that leave a soothing aroma in the air. The most famous place of Madikeri is Raja's Seat- a famous viewpoint from where you can grab the all the striking beauty of Madikeri at one go. Madikeri fort and various water cascades are among the other must-visits of the place. A great mix of natural, historical as well as religious attractions can be seen here, thus catering to all kind of tourists and making it a complete tourist experience. Download Madikeri PDF Guide >

25. Kudremukh

"Close to the Nature's Face" Kudremukh Tourism With the promise of a picturesque view of a mountain in the shape of a horse face, Kudremukh is famous for its biodiversity and scenic beauty. A popular hill-station among the Bangalore crowd, Kudremukh is actually a hill range in the Chikmagalurdistrict of Karnataka. With its rolling meadows, grasslands and dense forests, this place is a bio-diversity hotspot. Kudremukh is an enchanting place to visit, still retaining much of its natural beauty despite persistent threats from various sources to its ecology. At an altitude of 1894 m above sea level, the Kudremukh Peak is a paradise for trekkers and naturists alike, with its mountainous paths and floral and faunal diversity. Varaha Parvatha, another mountain range nearby at a height of 1458m above sea level is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Download Kudremukh PDF Guide >

26. Wayanad

"Nature's Abode" Wayanad Tourism Replete with enchanting waterfalls, historical caves, comfortable resorts and home stays, this popular town is famous for its spice plantations and wildlife. Among the prettiest areas ofKerala, Wayanad has a multitude of options for its visitors. Part of a forest reserve, Wayanad is located on the border ofTamil Naduand Kerala. The entire region is completely green with hilly ranges and wildlife including Tholpetty in the North, Muthanga in the east bordering with Tamil Nadu,Kalpettain the south, Mananthvadi in the north-west and Sultan Bathery (Sultan Battery) in the east. Walking through the sprawling spice plantations, taking that trek into the pre-historic caves and experiencing a resort holiday are one of the many thing you can do to get a taste of Wayanad. A great place to spot wild elephants, cool breeze, beautiful scenery, Wayanad is guaranteed to please your travel senses. Overall, a perfect weekend idea from cities of South India. Download Wayanad PDF Guide >

27. Idukki

"Eco-village in the western ghats" Idukki Tourism With remains of Chera dynasty, Vembolinad Kingdom, and European plantations in the later years, this rugged hill resort is best known for its wildlife sanctuaries, beautiful bungalows, tea factories, rubber plantations and forests. Idukki's speciality lies in its arch dam which is the largest in the country, and the Anamudi, which is the highest peak in India, south of the Himalayas. Idukki is situated at the top of the Western Ghats surrounded by mountains. The arch dam built across the Kuravan Kurathi mountain is incredible and beyond description. Attached to this dam of 650 feet length and 550 feet height, two other dams are also there in Kulmavu and Cherunthony. This beautiful high range district of Kerala is geographically known for its rugged hills and dense forests. The district headquarters of Idukki is located at Kuyilimala inPainavu. A land-locked district, Idukki is one of the most nature rich areas of Kerala. It is one of the districts in the state which has some wildlife sanctuaries and offers abundant scope for promotion of eco tourism if infrastructure facilities and proper promotional activities are provided. It is also famed for its spice production, tea plantations and rubber cultivation. Download Idukki PDF Guide >

28. Pachmarhi

"Queen of the Satpuras" Pachmarhi Tourism The only hill station inMadhya Pradesh, Pachmarhi is often known as the queen of the Satpura ranges. Situated at an altitude of 1,067 feet, this tourist spot is blessed with myriad attractions like ancient caves and beautiful monuments. Being at an elevated height and surrounded by beautiful forests of the Satpuras, with their streams and waterfalls Pachmarhi gives any tourist a serene and memorable experience. Since Pachmarhi was discovered and developed in the modern times by Captain James Forsyth of the British Army, this city houses charming churches built in colonial style architecture. Download Pachmarhi PDF Guide >

29. Mahabaleshwar

"The land of Strawberries" Mahabaleshwar Tourism A hill town in Western Ghats, apart from its strawberries, Mahabaleshwar is also well known for its numerous rivers, magnificent cascades and majestic peaks. Mahabaleshwar is a hill station located in the Western Ghats, in Satara district of Maharashtra. Known for its captivating beauty and the beautiful strawberry farms, the city comprises of ancient temples, boarding schools, manicured and lush green dense forest, waterfalls, hills, valleys. The city is definitely among the most sought after weekend getaways from Mumbai. Charming views, enticing valleys, serene lakes and a refreshing delight for your taste buds - the best way to summarize this natures gift. Download Mahabaleshwar PDF Guide >

30. Panchgani

"The Table Land" Panchgani Tourism Deriving its name from the five hills surrounding it, Panchgani is a popular hill station nearMahabaleshwar, famous for its various sunset/sunrise points and scenic valley view. Located at an altitude of 1, 334 mts. , Panchgani is a hill station in Maharashtra, known for its scenic views. Five hills form the Sahyadri mountain ranges offer Panchgani its name. The picturesque backdrop of hills on one side and coastal plains on the other makes for an amazing view. In the British era, the place was treated as a summer resort and hence many colonial period establishments can be seen here. Mahabaleshwar is like a twin city to Panchgani. Download Panchgani PDF Guide >