Winter brings with it a sense of reflection and anticipation as the year draws to a close. It’s a time when everyone hopes to end the year on a high, memorable note. Perhaps that’s why hill stations see a surge of visitors in winter, with people seeking solace in the dreamy white snow or the calm embrace of lush green forests.
From being the perfect, cozy destination for honeymooners and families to becoming the escape for adrenaline seekers, each hill station has its unique charm. So pack your warmest clothes, grab a cup of hot cocoa, and explore the 10 best hill stations to visit in India during winter.
Best Hill Stations To Visit In India During Winter
- Gulmarg, Kashmir
- Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
- Landsdowne, Uttarakhand
- Darjeeling, West Bengal
- Shillong, Meghalaya
- Munnar, Kerala
- Yercaud, Tamil Nadu
- Coorg, Karnataka
- Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh
- Mount Abu, Rajasthan
1. Gulmarg, Kashmir
Let’s start with Gulmarg, the heart of winter sports in India. It’s one of the most famous skiing destinations located at 2,730 meters in the Pir Panjal Range. It’s become renowned as the hub of adventure tourism in the country because of the Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering. Besides the institute popularizing winter sports, several other private operators organize trekking, mountaineering, skiing, snowboarding activities, and other events for you to enjoy.
Surrounded by snow-covered Himalayan peaks, flower meadows, deep valleys, and lush evergreen forests, Gulmarg is one of the best hill stations to visit in India during winter. But not just for adventure enthusiasts, this hill station is an excellent choice for honeymooners as couples can retreat to cozy, wooden cottages by the fire and cherish moments of joy.
How To Reach
Nearest Airport: Srinagar International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Jammu Railway Station
2. Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Next up is every trekker and biker’s dream destination: Spiti Valley. This place is so magical with its winding roads, vast valleys, and snow-topped mountains! It stands at an altitude of 3,810 meters, so you know for sure it’s one of the coldest places in India. On your visit here, make sure you visit the ancient monasteries. One of the most famous and the largest one here is the Key Monastery which is 1,000 years old!
Spiti is sparse in population but full of adventure with trekking trails and mountain passes. Kunzum La is one of the high-altitude passes that’ll give you a panoramic, breathtaking view of the Bara-Shigri Glacier. If you’re not up for a long, tedious trek, go on a short 1.5-kilometer one from Dhankar Monastery to Dhankar Lake. En route, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of the nearby villages as well as a serene place to unwind.
Chandratal Lake is another must-visit destination to witness the sky changing colors from reddish to orange to blue and emerald green as the day ends.
How To Reach
Nearest Airport: Chandigarh Aiport
Nearest Railway Station: Chandigarh Junction Railway Station
3. Lansdowne, Uttarakhand
While Uttarakhand has several hamlets that you can visit, let’s explore this offbeat destination and figure out why it’s one of the best hill stations in India in winter. Lansdowne has minimal tourist attractions that are very unique and memorable.
Tiffin Top, being one of them, is a viewpoint that offers panoramic views of the misty Shivalik range. Surrounded by oak and pine forests, this point is especially loved for the stunning sunrises and sunsets you can watch. Your next stop must be at the Bhulla Taal, an artificial lake that is serene for bird-watching and boating. Hawaghar is another well-known viewpoint to enjoy the mountain breeze with a panoramic view of the majestic snow-capped Himalayan peaks.
Discover a bit or two about Lansdowne history, and visit the Garhwali Mess and Garhwal Rifles Regimental War Memorial. They are some of the oldest British-era buildings in the town and are now managed by the Indian Army.
How To Reach
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
Nearest Railway Station: Kotdwar Railway Station
4. Darjeeling, West Bengal
Now that you’ve covered a few of the many gorgeous Northern hill stations, let’s venture a little into the East and explore the best hill stations in India here. Starting with this quaint little queenly hamlet in West Bengal – Darjeeling. Under British rule, this place was once the summer capital of India.
Perched at an altitude of 2,050 meters, this aesthetic hill station is surrounded by sprawling tea estates. If you’re visiting Darjeeling, you might want to extend your stay and explore Sikkim as it serves as the perfect gateway to the Eastern Himalayas, thanks to its excellent connectivity.
Here, you can explore monasteries, botanical gardens, a zoo, and the famous Darjeeling ropeway. One of the must-visit spots here is Tiger Hill, a prime place from where you can watch the sunrise at an impressive angle over mountains. Another iconic activity that you can partake in is the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway or the toy train. It runs through town streets, occasionally halting traffic and allowing you some photography.
How To Reach
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport
Nearest Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri Railway Station
5. Shillong, Meghalaya
Going further East, one hill station that you absolutely must visit at least once in your lifetime is Shillong. Situated 1,496 meters atop the hills, the capital of Meghalaya certainly offers some breathtaking scenery and frosty winters! It’s often called the ‘Scotland of the East’ due to its natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Some of the popular attractions that make this the best hill station in India are Umiam Lake and Elephant Falls, a serene step-waterfall nestled in lush greenery. If you’re one to wear your heart on your sleeve, you should explore Laitlum Canyon which has great trekking options.
However, if you want to indulge in the culture of Shillong, then the Don Bosco Museum is your go-to spot! You’ll see the indigenous cultures of Northeast India highlighted and represented here. The Meghalaya State Museum can also be a pit stop if you wish to learn the history and tradition of the state.
How To Reach
Nearest Airport: Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati
Nearest Railway Station: Guwahati Railway Station
6. Munnar, Kerala
Rightly called ‘God’s Own Country’, Kerala is home to some of the most picturesque and tranquil hill stations, one of them being Munnar. This hamlet in the Idukki district of Kerala is famous for lush tea estates, scenic landscapes, and foggy, misty views. It’s situated in the Western Ghats, at an altitude of 1,600 meters.
Did you know that Munnar was once the favorite destination of the British to escape the summers? Some places to visit here are Eravikulam National Park, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, and tea estates. The town is divided into Old Munnar, where you can find the tourist information office, and Munnar, where the bus station and most accommodations are located. Adventure activities here include trekking, camping, and boating, along with Jeep safaris that offer a unique way to explore the terrain.
How To Reach
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Kochi Railway Station
7. Yercaud, Tamil Nadu
Nestled in the Shivaroy Hills, Yercaud is a serene hill station in the Eastern Ghats, surrounded by lush greenery. It’s mockingly referred to as the ‘Poor Man’s Ooty,’ but this destination has a history tracing back to the British era. Situated at an altitude of 1,514 meters, Yercaud is renowned for its dense coffee plantations and pleasant climate, making it one of the best hill stations to visit in India during winter.
The star of this hamlet is Yercaud Lake, a popular attraction for visitors. Known as the ‘Land of Seven Forests’, you’ll find lush citrus, jackfruit, banana, and pear trees everywhere. A trek through these landscapes will most certainly refresh and unwind you thoroughly.
How To Reach
Nearest Airport: Salem Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Salem Junction
8. Coorg, Karnataka
Yet another hill station in India that you must book tickets to immediately is Coorg, known for its cloudy landscape and lush greenery. It’s famous for its coffee plantations, sceneries, and streams flowing through hills between towering mountains. This is one of the richest hill stations in Karnataka, with forest-covered hills, spice plantations, and beverage estates.
The hills of the Western Ghats covered in mist offer pleasant weather and make it one of the most scenic destinations. Coorg was often dubbed the ‘Scotland of India’ by the British and the place truly does justice to the title with its painting-like vistas.
Here, you must visit Raja’s Seat, a charming garden with panoramic views of the rolling hills. Another must-visit viewpoint is Mandalpatti, offering stunning views of the town and access to trails through the Western Ghats.
Adventure seekers can enjoy river rafting and nature walks, while birdwatching enthusiasts can spot a variety of exotic birds in the region’s rich biodiversity. Coorg’s blend of scenic beauty and thrilling activities makes it a must-visit destination for travelers.
How To Reach
Nearest Airport: Mangalore International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Mysore Junction
9. Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh
Araku Valley is a lesser-known hill station that is primarily only visited by the locals for weekend getaways. The train journey to this valley from Visakhapatnam is quite an experience in itself. It takes about 5 hours, and you get to pass through 58 tunnels and over 84 bridges, each offering views of the surrounding landscape!
Nestled in the Eastern Ghats, this hill station is home to several tribal communities and gives you a glimpse into their culture through tribal caves and the Museum of Tribal Arts. The valley is also famous for its coffee, with the aroma tempting you to enjoy more than just one fresh cup in the chilly breeze. In addition to its natural beauty, you can also partake in treks in the Araku Valley.
Other key attractions in the area include the Borra Caves, where if you look at the ancient walls, you’ll notice the intricate carvings that depict the fascinating history of the region. And the nearby Chaprai and Anantgiri Falls are also worth a visit, especially in the winter because a dip in this waterfall’s biting cold water is definitely going to be refreshing!
How To Reach
Nearest Airport: Visakhapatnam International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Visakhapatnam Railway Station
10. Mount Abu, Rajasthan
Finally, one and the only hill station to visit in Rajasthan during winter is Mount Abu. It’s situated in the Aravali Range and offers a tranquil respite from your year-long hustle. This hamlet also boasts the highest peak of the Aravali Range – Guru Shikhar and the Mount Abu Forest Sanctuary where you can spot rare flora and fauna in the winter months.
The Dilwara Temples, known for their fine and exquisite architecture, are also a big tourist attraction here. Other popular spots include the ancient Arbuda Devi Temple and the Shri Raghunathji Temple, carved directly into the rock. Guru Shikhar is home to the Dattatreya Temple. Apart from these attractions, the place is also known for the presence of Jain temples, including Vimal Vasahi Temple.
After experiencing that divine bliss, you can go on calming boat rides at Nakki Lake or admire the beauty of sunset from several viewpoints and simply let go in the silence and bring your year to a rightful end.
How To Reach
Nearest Airport: Maharana Pratap Airport, Udaipur
Nearest Railway Station: Abu Road Railway Station
Summing Up
Giving you just the right balance of natural beauty, adventure, and tranquility, Indian hill stations promise unforgettable experiences. Embrace this chilly season and tick destinations off of your ‘best hill stations to visit in India during winter’ bucket list. While the clean air heals your skin, let the hills rejuvenate your soul!
FAQs
Which Hill Station Is Best In Winter?
The best hill stations in India are Pahalgam and Manali if you want to experience snowfall. However, Coorg and Kodaikanal are the best hill stations to visit in India during winter if you prefer lush, green forest spots over snowy destinations.
Which Hill Station Has Snowfall?
In India, hill stations like Gulmarg, Manali, Zuluk, Nainital, Darjeeling, and Auli experience snowfall. While there are several other hill stations, the following are the states where you can find snowfall, for easier understanding:
- Uttarakhand
- Himachal Pradesh
- Kashmir
- West Bengal
- North Eastern states
Which Hill Station Is Best To Visit In India In January?
The best hill station to visit in India in January is Mussoorie in Uttarakhand for its snowfall. If you don’t want a snowy destination then Ooty in Tamil Nadu is a great option as you will even get to celebrate the famous Pongal festival held in that month.
Which City Is Beautiful In Winter?
Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh is a beautiful city in winter that you must explore! The snow-capped peaks standing tall against the several serene Tibetan monasteries and the smooth curvaceous roads make it one of the most beautiful cities in India to visit during winter.
Where Can I Spend The Winter?
There are several destinations in India where you can spend the winter like:
- Mount Abu in Rajasthan
- Rann of Kutch in Gujarat
- Pahalgam in Kashmir
- Coonoor in Karnataka
- Panchamarhi in Madhya Pradesh
