20 best hill stations of India – When to visit – Things to do and favorites things to buy

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Here are 20 popular hill stations in India, along with information on when to visit, what to do, and favorite things to buy from each destination:

1. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh:

Best time to visit: March to June and October to February.
Things to do: Visit Mall Road, explore The Ridge, take a toy train ride, visit Jakhu Temple, and enjoy panoramic views from Scandal Point.
Favorite things to buy: Handicrafts, woolen items, and local Himachali jams.

2. Manali, Himachal Pradesh:

Best time to visit: October to February for snow, and March to June for pleasant weather.
Things to do: Rohtang Pass, Solang Valley, Hadimba Temple, Vashisht Hot Springs, adventure sports like paragliding and river rafting.
Favorite things to buy: Tibetan and Himalayan handicrafts, shawls, and apple products.

3. Darjeeling, West Bengal:

Best time to visit: March to May and September to November.
Things to do: Visit Tiger Hill for sunrise, ride the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train), explore the tea gardens, visit the Peace Pagoda, and enjoy a cable car ride.
Favorite things to buy: Darjeeling tea, Tibetan artifacts, and handicrafts.

4. Munnar, Kerala:

Best time to visit: October to May.
Things to do: Visit tea estates, Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Kundala Lake, and enjoy the panoramic views from Top Station.
Favorite things to buy: Tea, spices, handmade chocolates, and aromatic oils.

5. Ooty, Tamil Nadu:

Best time to visit: April to June and September to November.
Things to do: Explore the Botanical Gardens, take a ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, visit Doddabetta Peak, boat in Ooty Lake, and visit tea estates.
Favorite things to buy: Tea, homemade chocolates, essential oils, and souvenirs.

6. Nainital, Uttarakhand:

Best time to visit: March to June and September to November.
Things to do: Enjoy a boat ride on Naini Lake, visit Naini Devi Temple, take a ropeway ride to Snow View Point, explore Mall Road, and visit nearby attractions like Bhimtal and Naukuchiatal.
Favorite things to buy: Candles, woollen garments, handicrafts, and local produce like fruits and jams.

7. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu:

Best time to visit: October to March.
Things to do: Visit Coaker’s Walk, enjoy boating in Kodaikanal Lake, explore the Pillar Rocks, visit Bryant Park, and hike to Dolphin’s Nose.
Favorite things to buy: Homemade chocolates, oils, spices, and souvenirs.

8. Mussoorie, Uttarakhand:

Best time to visit: April to June and September to November.
Things to do: Visit Gun Hill, enjoy a cable car ride, explore Kempty Falls, take a walk on Mall Road, and visit the Lal Tibba viewpoint.
Favorite things to buy: Woollen clothes, handicrafts, antique items, and wooden crafts.

9. Gangtok, Sikkim:

Best time to visit: March to June and September to December.
Things to do: Visit Tsomgo Lake, explore the Enchey Monastery, visit Rumtek Monastery, take a cable car ride, and enjoy the views from Tashi Viewpoint.
Favorite things to buy: Tibetan carpets, traditional Sikkimese handicrafts, tea, and spices.

10. Kullu-Manali, Himachal Pradesh:

Best time to visit: October to February for snow, and March to June for pleasant weather.
Things to do: Visit Rohtang Pass, Solang Valley, Hadimba Temple, Vashisht Hot Springs, enjoy adventure sports like paragliding and river rafting.
Favorite things to buy: Tibetan and Himalayan handicrafts, shawls, apple products.

11. Mount Abu, Rajasthan:

Best time to visit: November to February.
Things to do: Visit Dilwara Jain Temples, Nakki Lake, Guru Shikhar, explore the Wildlife Sanctuary, and enjoy the sunset at Honeymoon Point.
Favorite things to buy: Handicrafts, textiles, Rajasthani artwork, and traditional jewelry.

12. Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir:

Best time to visit: December to February for snow, and April to June for pleasant weather.
Things to do: Enjoy skiing and snowboarding in winter, take a Gondola ride, visit Alpather Lake, explore Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve.
Favorite things to buy: Traditional Kashmiri handicrafts, carpets, pashmina shawls, and dry fruits.

13. Kufri, Himachal Pradesh:

Best time to visit: November to February for snow, and April to June for pleasant weather.
Things to do: Enjoy skiing and snowboarding in winter, visit Kufri Fun World, explore Himalayan Nature Park, and take a horse ride to Mahasu Peak.
Favorite things to buy: Woollen clothes, caps, and accessories.

14. Coorg, Karnataka:

Best time to visit: October to March.
Things to do: Visit coffee plantations, explore Abbey Falls, take a walk in Raja’s Seat, visit Dubare Elephant Camp, and indulge in traditional Kodava cuisine.
Favorite things to buy: Coffee beans, spices, honey, homemade chocolates, and Coorgi silk sarees.

15. Lonavala, Maharashtra:

Best time to visit: October to May.
Things to do: Visit Bhushi Dam, explore Karla and Bhaja Caves, trek to Tiger’s Leap, enjoy panoramic views from Lion’s Point, and try local delicacies like chikki.
Favorite things to buy: Chikki (a sweet snack), local spices, wooden crafts, and souvenirs.

16. Shillong, Meghalaya:

Best time to visit: September to May.
Things to do: Explore Umiam Lake, visit Shillong Peak, experience the Living Root Bridges, visit Elephant Falls, and explore the local markets.
Favorite things to buy: Handicrafts, traditional Meghalaya attire, bamboo products, and local spices.

17. Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra:

Best time to visit: October to June.
Things to do: Visit Wilson Point for sunrise, explore Pratapgarh Fort, enjoy boating in Venna Lake, visit Lingmala Waterfall, and try strawberry-related delicacies.
Favorite things to buy: Strawberries, jams, jellies, leather goods, and Kolhapuri chappals.

18. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh:

Best time to visit: April to June and October to November.
Things to do: Visit Tawang Monastery, explore Sela Pass, enjoy the views from Madhuri Lake, visit Jaswant Garh War Memorial, and indulge in local cuisine.
Favorite things to buy: Traditional Tibetan handicrafts, handwoven carpets, and thangka paintings.

19. Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir:

Best time to visit: April to November.
Things to do: Visit Betaab Valley, enjoy a pony ride to Baisaran, trek to Chandanwari and Sheshnag Lake, visit Aru Valley, and experience river rafting in Lidder River.
Favorite things to buy: Pashmina shawls, Kashmiri handicrafts, dry fruits, and saffron.

20. Nainital, Uttarakhand:

Best time to visit: March to June and September to November.
Things to do: Enjoy a boat ride on Naini Lake, visit Naini Devi Temple, take a ropeway ride to Snow View Point, explore Mall Road, and visit nearby attractions like Bhimtal and Naukuchiatal.
Favorite things to buy: Candles, woollen garments, handicrafts, and local produce like fruits and jams.

Please note that the best time to visit these hill stations may vary depending on weather conditions and personal preferences.

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