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When you’ve seen as much of India’s landscapes as I have (right from snow-dusted peaks, tea-carpeted valleys to colonial-era towns tucked into the clouds
and cities straddling the mountain sides), you realise that the hill stations in India offer the best lessons in slowing down. Trust TS Eliot to put words to our emotions: "In the mountains, there you feel free." Some hill towns are classics, and for all the right reasons, while some are so quiet, you can probably hear the wheels in your brain churning. And yes, I’d happily return to each of them, over and over again. Below, my handpicked list of hill stations in India that deserve a spot on your itinerary.
Coorg, Karnataka
There’s a reason Coorg is called the “Scotland of India.” Tucked in the Western Ghats, this hill station in Karnataka brims with spice plantations, cascading waterfalls, and viewpoints that seem lifted straight out of a painting. I go back for the filter coffee alone—thick, strong, and best enjoyed while mist curls around your balcony. While the town is quite crowded now, you can still find pockets of peace in small meadows and coffee estates that lie off the beaten track.
Yumthang Valley, Sikkim
The first time I drove into Yumthang, I remember rolling down the car window just to let the cold, flower-scented breeze hit my face. At nearly 12,000 feet, this isn’t your run of the mill hill station in India; it’s a place that humbles you. Nicknamed the Valley of Flowers, Yumthang erupts every spring in a riot of rhododendrons, primulas, and poppies. On one side, snow-clad peaks loom like guardians; on the other, the Lachung River cuts through meadows that feel straight out of a fairy tale.
Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
“Princess of Hill Stations” is not a title easily earned, but Kodaikanal lives up to it. Between its lake that looks like a mirror on good days and the curious natural wonder of the Pillar Rocks, this hill station in South India always surprises me. Sure, it is far too crowded now, but it is certainly worth a trip if you haven’t been. For the best experience, hike up Dolphin’s Nose for a view that’ll make your Instagram audience jealous.Chikmagalur, Karnataka
If Coorg is coffee royalty, Chikmagalur is where the region’s quieter history comes to fore. Less crowded, more rugged, and with hikes that lead to stunning peaks like Mullayanagiri, this lesser-known hill station in India is where I recommend travellers go when they want bragging rights without the crowds. It is here that you can visit Baba Budangiri hills where India’s first coffee seeds were planted before exploring the beautiful (and very obscure) Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary that is now home to a black panther!
Munnar, Kerala
Munnar is the poster child of hill stations in South India, but every time I visit, it feels brand new. Rolling tea gardens stretch as far as the eye can see, punctuated by little cottages that could pass for an English countryside postcard. The Eravikulam National Park nearby adds a wild, untamed edge to this otherwise serene town.
Kausani, Uttarakhand
Kausani isn’t just a lesser-known hill station in India; it’s a Himalayan balcony with uninterrupted views of Nanda Devi and Trishul. Mahatma Gandhi once called it the “Switzerland of India,” but for me, it’s the stillness that lingers. This is where you come to watch the sky turn fifty shades of orange at sunset. You can also visit Anashakti Ashram, where Mahatma Gandhi had stayed, before making your way to Starscapes Observatory for a glimpse of the night sky.
Chopta, Uttarakhand
Often overshadowed by more famous neighbours, Chopta is a hill station you’ll want to keep secret (it is another hill station in India that is called Mini Switzerland for its beautiful, unfettered views of the hills). Meadows drenched in green, treks to Tungnath and Chandrashila, and snow in winter is what awaits you if you drive down here. A true lesser-known hill station in India that rewards those willing to wander a little off-map.
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