Visit These 10 Indian Hill Stations In Summer Vacation 2023 – Budget, Route & Famous Attractions
Born in the late 90s, I have very fond memories of my summer vacations. It always brought an extreme wave of joy with it, the ringing of the ice cream vendor in the streets during the daytime, the mid-afternoon naps, the dedicated evening playtime, the smell of farm-fresh mangoes, and the much-awaited family trip. I would count the number of days left for the summer vacation to start, waiting in anticipation for new sights, quality family time, and exciting food. As I’ve grown older, I realised it is memories gathered on these holidays that I cherish to date. I’m sure most kids look forward to their summer vacations with as much excitement as I did. To help you give your kids the ultimate summer vacation 2023, within budget, but full of new experiences, we have curated a list of the 10 most beautiful and enriching hill stations in India. Not only do we tell you why these places are not to be missed, but we also expound on the best routes, approximate budgets and best spots to visit in these places.
10 Beautiful Hill Stations To Visit In Summer Vacations of 2023
1. Chitkul, Himachal Pradesh
Chitkul is a charming village in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. This is the last village of India, settled along the border of the old India-Tibet trade route. Set on the banks of the Baspa river, this is the last town in which Indians can wander without permits, beyond this is the start of Chinese territory. Recent research by IIT Delhi reveals that Chitkul has the cleanest air in India.
Budget: Approximately Rs. 15,000 per person
Travel Route: Chitkul can be reached by car, bus, train or flight. The nearest airport to Chitkul is in Bhuntar, the nearest railway station is Kalka. Self-driving tourists prefer to take the Delhi-Chandigarh-Shimla route.
Famous Attractions: The Last Restaurant of India, Mathi Mandir, Baspa River, Hydro-Flour Mills, Buddhist Temples, Apple Orchards, Chitkul Fort
Best Time to Visit: June; as it gets colder, chitkul gets heavily snowed in
2. McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh
McLeodganj is a small town nestled in the snowy laps of the Kangra District in Himachal. This place stands at a height of 6,381 ft above sea level. One of the main reasons this place garners so many tourists is that His Holiness The Dalai Lama used to reside here. With its magnificent monasteries and snow-clad sights, McLeodganj boasts of a very heavy tourist influx.
Budget: Approximately Rs. 10,000 per person
Travel Route: Mcleodganj can be reached by car, bus, train or flight. The nearest airport to Mcleodganj is the Gaggal Airport, however, limited flights serve Mcleodganj so be cautious while booking. The nearest railway station with maximum accessibility is the Pathankot station. Self-drivers can take the following route to reach Mcleodganj: Delhi-Sonepat-Panipat-Karnal-Ambala-Roopnagar-Anandpur Sahib-Nangal-Mcleodganj.
Famous Attractions: Triund, Bhagsu Waterfall, Bhagsunath Temple, Namgyal Monastery, Kangra Fort
Best Time to Visit: May-June
3. Almora, Uttrakhand
Almora is counted as one of the most beautiful hill stations in North India, owing to its serene sights, peaceful pines, and restful nature. It is located on a ridge of the Kumaon Hills and boasts a population of 35,000 citizens. Many people answer the allure of Almora due to its culturally rich handicrafts, ancient temples, and magical views.
Budget: Approximately Rs. 10,000 per person
Travel Route: Almora is accessible by car, bus, train or flight, with the nearest airport being Pantnagar, and the nearest railway station is Kathgodam. Car drivers can follow this route to reach Almora: Delhi-Muradabad-Rudrapur-Haldwani-Ranikhet-Almora.
Famous Attractions: Bright End Corner, Govind Balam Museum, Chitai Golu Devta Temple, Kalimath Temple, Kasar Devi Temple
Best Time to Visit: April-July
4. Mt. Abu, Rajasthan
Situated in the Sirohi District of Rajasthan, Mount Abu is a very popular tourist destination. Mt. Abu is full of vast green fields, rivers, lakes and numerous waterfalls. Since its gained fame as a popular place of relaxation, lakhs of people have visited Mt. Abu, and continue to do so. It is guaranteed that one will leave with tons of cherishable memories from this place.
Budget: Approximately Rs. 7,000 per person
Travel Route: You can travel to Mt. Abu by bus, car, train, or flight. The nearest airport to Mt. Abu is Maharana Pratap Dabok Airport, and the nearest railway station is Abu Road. To reach Mt. Abu by road, take this route: Delhi-Gurugram-Pushkar-Alwar-Ajmer-Mount Abu.
Famous Attractions: Dilwara Jain Temple, Sunset Point, Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple, Mt. Abu Bazaar, Wildlife Sanctuary
Best Time to Visit: April-June
5. Nainital, Uttrakhand
Snuggled on the foothills of the outer Himalayan range, Nainital gets its name due to the 3 km wide eye-shaped lake in the centre of the town. Nainital is lauded for its extensive greenery, astonishing mountain views and glistening lakes. It rests at a height of 6,837 ft above sea level. From the highest peaks in Nainital, one can view the great Himalayas, as well as the prominent eye-shaped namesake lake.
Budget: Approximately Rs. 5000 per person
Travel Route: As it is a mere 323 km from Delhi, Nainital can be easily reached by car, bus or train, although flights are also an option, other routes are found to be easier. The nearest train station is Kathgodam and the nearest airport is Pantnagar. The most preferred car route to Nainital is, Delhi-Tanda-Dadiyal-Bajpur-Kaladungi-Nainital.
Famous Attractions: Nainital Lake, Naini Peak, Kainchi Dham, Naini Devi Temple, Eco Cave Gardens
Best Time to Visit: April-June, December-January
6. Coorg, Karnataka
Coorg is lauded as the hub of sharp mountain peaks and mesmerising valleys. It is often called the best destination in India for family vacations. People come from far-away cities to applaud the grandeur of its tea estates, the beauty of its untouched wilderness, and the tranquility of its nature. Coorg has something to offer every traveller, be it a family vacation or a solo trip.
Budget: Approximately Rs. 25,000 – 30,000 per person
Travel Route: The best way to reach Coorg is via train or flight. The nearest airport is Mangalore International Airport, and the nearest railway station is in Mysore.
Famous Attractions: Dubare Elephant Camp, Abbey Valley, Nagarhole National Park, Omkareshwar Temple, Chettali
Best Time to Visit: October-March
7. Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir
Nested in the beautiful Baramula district in Kashmir, it has become the first choice for those seeking snow-laden adventures and sights that are at par with international standards. In the winters, the mountains take to a heavy veil of glimmering snow, whereas the summers witness the valley in full bloom. Gulmarg is popularly known for its quality snow sports like skiing and sledging, water activities like gondola rides and houseboat stay as well as its steep treks with breathtaking sights that are worth the hike. In the winters, Gulmarg experiences freezing temperatures going down to -6 degrees celsius.
Budget: Approximately Rs. 25,000 – 30,000 per person
Travel Route: The most convenient ways to reach Gulmarg are via flight or train, with the nearest airport being Srinagar Airport and the nearest railway station being in Jammu. Beyond both these points, you will need a car or bus to transport you to the main city.
Famous Attractions: Gulmarg Ski Resorts, Baba Reshi Shrine, Nagin Valley, Golf Course, Khilanmarg
Best Time to Visit: April-June, November-January
8. Shillong, Meghalaya
Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya, a North-Eastern State and famously lauded with the title, ‘Scotland of the East’. Shillong is located at an altitude of 4,908 ft above sea level. It is due to the gigantic height of the mountains that it is compared to Scotland. The beauty of this small & quaint town is bound to entrance you for life.
Budget: Approximately Rs. 20,000 – 25,000 per person
Travel Route: Shillong is easily accessible via flight and railways. The nearest airport to Shillong is approx. 25 km away in Umroi, and the nearest railway station is in Guwahati.
Famous Attractions: Elephant Falls, Shillong Peak, Wards Lake, Police Bazaar, Umiam Lake, Sweet Falls
Best Time to Visit: March-June
9. Gangtok, Sikkim
The largest state in Sikkim, Gangtok resides at a height of 5,410 ft above sea level in the great Himalayan ranges. Gangtok observes pleasant weather throughout the year. It is the genesis of the Anchi Monastery in 1840, that has put Gangtok on the list of prime destinations in India. This magnificent place caters to all sorts of people, nature/adventure seekers, foodies, honeymooners etc.
Budget: Approximately Rs. 25,000 – 30,000 per person
Travel Route: Accessible through flight or train, the nearest airport is Bagdogra (West Bengal) and the nearest railway station is Jalpaiguri.
Famous Attractions: Rumtek Monastery, Nathula Pass, Tsomgo Lake, Hanuman Tok, Kanchenjunga
Best Time to Visit: September-June
10. Malana, Himachal Pradesh
Known as the ‘Little Greece of India’, Malana is famous for its natural beauty and still existent ancient culture. The two central tourist attractions are the Jamadgani Temple and the Renuka Devi Temple. Wildly populated with dense Deodar forests, it also hosts the Malana Dam, and the Deo Tibba Mountain and is close to Parvati Valley.
Budget: Approximately Rs. 8000 per person
Travel Route: The nearest airport is in Kullu Manali, about 15 km, so flights are a valid option. Malana halt is the nearest railway station so this too is a viable option. For those residing in Delhi-NCR, Buses and Cars are also a great option.
Famous Attractions: Jamdagni Temple, The Shrine of Renuka Devi, Kheerganga, Kasol, Tosh, Manikaran Sahib
Best Time to Visit: May-August
With this, we’ve reached the end of this exciting list of the best hill stations in India for a great family trip in the summer vacation of 2023. However remember, that some areas and activities may be challenging due to personal limitations, physical or otherwise. In such cases don’t exert yourself and go with the best option for your family. Have a great summer break!
