Here’s our list of 10 beautiful getaways to help you rediscover India.
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Mussoorie, Uttarakhand
Known as the Queen of Hill Stations, and rightly so, Mussoorie is a heaven for the fatigued millennial. Right from mystic views of the Doon Valley, chilly winters and balmy summers, and panoramic views of the Himalayas in the distance, Mussoorie has a lot to offer to those willing to discover it. A hill station established by the British in 1823, hints of the era can be witnessed in the architecture throughout Mussoorie.
You could pay a visit to one of the oldest churches in the Himalayas—the Christ Church, built in 1836 or the Union Church, the oldest in Mussoorie. Make sure you treat yourself to a nice fluffy omelette at the Lovely Omelette Centre—Mussoorie most famous eatery that serves arguably the best omelettes in India. You could try the cheese omelette with chillies, onions, and spices or even the chocolate omelette. Then, take the cable car from the Mall to Gun Hill for an uninterrupted view of some of the highest peaks around.
Best time to visit: Between the months of May and July.
Stay: JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort & Spa is our recommendation from the many hotels in Mussoorie.
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Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Perched on a 12km ridge, Shimla is a heaven for those who love the mountains. One of the country’s most popular hill stations, the town is replete with structures that hark back to its existence as the summer capital of British India. The central part of the town is devoid of cars. So be prepared to walk your way up and down hills, enjoying the brilliant weather the town experiences.
Travellers could go visit the Viceregal Lodge. Built in 1888, it was the official summer residence of the British viceroys. You could also go to the Ridge, a stretch of land that extends eastwards from Scandal Point. It is usually thronged by travellers and locals.
Best time to visit: From mid-July to mid-September, Shimla is covered in clouds. In winters it is usually under a snow carpet.
Stay: While there are a number of hotels in Shimla, we recommend Oberoi’s Wildflower Hall.
Nainital, Uttarakhand
A hill station located in the Kumaon region of India’s Uttarakhand, its highlight is the popular Nainital Lake. Situated at 6,837 ft above sea level, this destination is a nature lover’s paradise, thanks to its picturesque landscapes.
In Nainital, one can take a stroll back in time by visiting the St. John's Church, Governor’s House and Ashdale Cottage; soak in some spiritual vibes at the Naini Devi Temple or visit the Nainital Zoo. One can also opt for rock climbing, ice skating, trekking, or boating. Oh, and there is plenty of shopping on the itinerary at the Mall Road, Bara Bazaar, and Tibetan Market.
Manali, a valley nestled in the mountains of Himachal Pradesh, is one of India’s most popular honeymoon destinations. The valley is defined by lush greenery and snow clad mountains. But the destination has much more to it than honeymooning couples.
This valley is all about adventure, with river rafting in the Beas River, skiing and zorbing at the Solang Valley, paragliding at the Solang Nala, and more. If one is not in the mood for adventure, one can explore local Buddhist monasteries (Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa and Himalayan Nyingamapa Gompa) and Hindu temples (Hidamba, Raghunath, amongst a few) or just spend some time sipping on the local wine.
Best time to visit: All through the year except monsoon.
It is here that a tributary of the Indus, the Shyok, meets the River Nubra. A mountainous expanse, the valley was once known for its flourishing trade until China sealed its borders completely. After a spell of obscurity, the valley has recently emerged again as a popular tourist destination. If you reach Nubra by road, pat yourselves on the back for having driven the proclaimed highest motorable road in the world. The common route to Nubra takes you through the famous Khardung La Pass; however, the route to the valley itself is raw and rustic.
You can ride the double-humped Bactrian camels, visit the Diskit monastery, or simply enjoy the best of both worlds by walking the dunes and later hiking snow-capped mountains, both within your purview.
Note: All foreign nationals will require a Protected Area Permit (PAP) to visit the region. It can be applied for either in person at the District Commissioner’s Office in Leh, or via an authorised travel agent.
Best time to visit: From April to June; or September to October
Stay: There are a number of hotels in the Nubra Valley, but we strongly recommend TUTC's Chamba Camp Diskit – Ladakh
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Mt Abu, Rajasthan
On the highest mountain of the Aravalli Range, closer to Gujarat, Mt Abu is Rajasthan’s only hill station. It is surrounded by lush green forests and is home to a 289-sq-km wildlife sanctuary. The mountain also holds spiritual importance amongst Hindus and Jains. It has over 80 temples and shrines.
Those who love wildlife can visit the Mt Abu Wildlife Sanctuary or have a leisurely drink at the Polo Bar, the terrace of a Jaipur Hotel that was formerly the maharaja of Jaipur’s summer palace.
Best time to visit: Mid-May to mid-June is the busiest time for the hill station.
Right from worshippers to holidaymakers, Puri is a destination that fits all. Apart from being one of the holiest places in the country, famous for the Jagannath Mandir and the Rath Yatra, Puri is also popular for its pristine beaches that are ideal for a quiet stroll or a dip in the sea. While the eastern end of Chakra Tirtha (CT) Road attracts a number of backpackers, many are also known to flock New Marine Road.
Apart from paying a visit to the Jagannath Temple, of course, make sure you drop by at the popular Chung Wah restaurant that serves Chinese delicacies. Beach bums can visit the Puri beach, popular with pilgrims as well as travellers, or the unspoilt Balighai Beach. If you plan your trip around November, you can even witness and be part of the popular Puri Beach Festival.
Best time to visit: November to February
Stay: The Chariot Resort & Spa makes the cut among other hotels in Puri.
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Gangtok, Sikkim
The capital of Sikkim, Gangtok, it is safe to say, is the epitome of beauty. A pivotal destination for Buddhism, the hill station is gifted with scenic beauty at every level. Be it the snow-capped Mount Kanchenjunga or the umpteen lakes and passes, Gangtok is where you ought to be if you wish to be one with nature and spirituality.
You can visit the Enchey Monastery on a hilltop above Gangtok’s ridge. It offers picturesque views of the town and Kanchenjunga peak. You could even savour Tibetan delicacies like momos (dumplings), noodle soup, and shyabhale (fried meat pasty) at the Taste of Tibet, a joint popular with youngsters.
Best time to visit: If you’re a winter person, you can go to Gangtok between December and February. For summer travellers, April to June is the ideal time.
Stay: There are plenty of hotels in Gangtok, but we really liked the feel of Mayfair Hotels & Resorts.
Shillim, Maharashtra
A quaint village, about three hours away from Mumbai by road and 45 minutes from the popular hill station of Lonavala, Shillim is known for hiking and other natural adventures. While in perspective it is merely a village, it is often brought up in travel plans for its most popular retreat, Hilton Shillim Estate Retreat & Spa.
A luxury wellness property that sprawling over 320 acres of lush green land, the resort offers beautiful villas to stay in and pays extra attention to wellness and unwinding. From hiking the Shillim peak to bird watching and archery, the resort offers a host of activities to its patrons.
Best time to visit: June to September
Stay: There aren’t too many hotels in Shillim, except Hilton Shillim Estate Retreat & Spa that is most popular.
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Ooty, Tamil Nadu
Seated in the laps of Nilgiri Hills in Tamil Nadu, Ooty, a.k.a. Udhagamandalam, is a popular hill station located around 80kms away from the city of Coimbatore. The highlights of the hill station are its eucalyptus trees, beautiful gardens, lakes, and waterfalls.
When in Ooty, you can take a walk in the Government Botanical Gardens and Rose Garden, explore the UNESCO world heritage site of Ooty Mountain Railway, visit a local tea factory or just soak in some spiritual vibes at the famous Mariamman Temple. One can also visit the Mudumalai National Park or watch some incredible animals and birds, or revisit history at the Tribal Museum.
One of the three Nilgiri Hill Stations, Coonoor is relatively quiet compared to its sister station, Ooty, and is known for its heritage hotels. About 6,000 feet above sea level, it is a heaven of wildflowers and birds. You can take the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, one of the oldest mountain railways in India, to reach the scenic hill station. Sim's Park, a well-maintained botanical garden, is a major attraction in Coonoor. Other prominent highlights for travellers in this town are Lambs Rock, Dolphins Nose, St. Catherine Falls, and Law's fall. It also serves as a great base to go trekking into the Nilgiris. Those who don’t fancy too much adventure can go bird watching with ease.
Best time to visit: You can visit Coonoor throughout the year.
Stay: We particularly recommend the Kurumba Village Resort among hotels in Coonoor.
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Munnar, Kerala
Munnar is South India largest tea-growing region. Full of tea plantations, the highlight of Munnar is to watch its majestic mountains scraping through layers of clouds. As a home to some of the world’s highest tea gardens, the primary activity to undertake at this hill station would be to visit some prominent tea estates. Travellers can even visit the Tea Museum to learn all about the workings of a tea factory. Apart from every tea-related activity, you can even visit the numerous churches, mosques, and temples here.
Best time to visit: Although many avoid it in the monsoon, June to September is a great time to enjoy the beauty of Munnar.
Best time to visit: June to September
Stay: When it comes to places to stay, this panoramic hill station has a variety of options to choose from. Helping you zero in on one that suits your taste the best is one of the country’s leading travel portals, Cleartrip. From budget hotels to premium properties, Cleartrip has them all listed in a user-friendly format.
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