It’s summer time, the sun is roaring, the temperatures are soaring, schools are shut for holidays and for the first time in 2 years, we’re able to travel to hill stations without fear. This can only mean one thing – family summer vacation!
India, seated along the equator and wedged between the mighty Himalayas and the vast Indian Ocean, makes it a tropical paradise. As the earth roams around the sun, we get to experience different climatic conditions throughout the year, across the country. Which means, traveling in India is a year long affair and each destination has a designated season for the best experience.
So this summer, take a trip to the most exotic spots in India with Paytm TravelStories. We’re gonna cover all places cold, beachy and magnifico.
Summer Vibes will guide you to the right places at the right time. Sit back, read up, and get planning with Paytm flights, trains and buses.
The best ways to beat the heat, of course, include someplace cold, chill and pleasant with a dash of snow to unwind and unbreak a sweat. This only means one thing – the mountains. As we climb higher, lower the temperatures drop and happier we get.
So without further ado, across April, let’s delve into some of the most beautiful hill stations for a family vacation in 2022.
7 Must-Visit Hills Of North India
Jammu & Kashmir
Leh Ladakh
Leh is a paradise for photography enthusiasts, a dream destination for travelers and the holy grail for adventure enthusiasts. Although the terrains are slightly rugged, the mesmerizing landscapes, turquoise blue lakes, beautifully constructed monasteries, snow-covered mountains and unimaginable sights that change every few kilometers make for the perfect family vacation.
- Top attractions: Pangong Tso Lake, Thiksey Monastery, Khardung-la Pass, Zanskar Valley, Hemis National Park, Magnetic Hill, Chadar Trek
- Best time to visit: April – June
- How to reach: Leh has its own airport, with direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai and Srinagar
Srinagar
A curtain of blue skies, tar roads, fresh air, stunning lakes, houseboats, and pastoral scenery – Srinagar is heaven on earth. Blessed with Mughal gardens, vibrant culture, glorious history, subdued fortress and familiar wooden mosques, the city is a class apart from urbanization.
- Top attractions: Dal Lake, Zero Bridge, Shalimar Bagh Mughal Garden, Betaab Valley, Makhdoom in Hari Parbat, Dachigam National Park
- Best time to visit: April – June
- How to reach: Named Sheikh ul Alam International Airport has direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai and Chandigarh. The nearest railway station is Banihal and cabs/taxis can be hired from there to Srinagar.
Himachal Pradesh
Spiti Valley
Tucked away in a slice of paradise, is the majestic cold desert-mountain valley – Spiti. Brimming with pine forests, green meadows, inhabited villages, and fascinating lakes, Spiti Valley is truly a winter wonderland. The valley is no short on beliefs. Buddhist monasteries, prayer flags and a large number of monks with prayer wheels can be seen in deep devotion every few meters.
- Top attractions: Chandratal Lake, Kibber, Key Monastery, Pin Valley National Park, Suraj Tal, Kunzum Pass, Tashigang
- Best time to visit: March – June
- How to reach: Nearest airport is Kullu Airport and the nearest railway station is Shimla. Taxis, cabs, and jeeps can be hired from both, to reach the valley
Dharamshala
The ‘Little Lhasa of India’, Dharamshala is an amalgamation of tranquil beauty and picturesque culture. Surrounded by snow capped peaks and thick deodar cedar trees, the city is divided into two parts: Dharamsala town and Mcleodganj. Blessed with scenic landscapes, old monasteries, and calming waterfalls, Dharamshala relaxes the mind while rejuvenating the soul.
- Top attractions: Bhagsu Falls, Dal Lake, St. John Church, Dharamshala Cricket Stadium, Namgyal Monastery, Tsuglagkhang, McLeod Ganj
- Best time to visit: March – Mid July
- How to reach: Fly into Kangra Airport, Dharamshala or take a train to Pathankot railway station and hire a cab to Dharamshala.
Kufri
Nestled in the bosom of the Himalayas, Kufri is the most romantic hill station of the north and fairly developed. Loaded with thrilling activities such as trekking, hiking, world’s highest amusement park, Yak ride to the tallest peak and a rich endemic wildlife to spot, Kufri is a pleasant surprise. Interestingly, it is also the winter sports capital of Shimla. The slopes, the heights and the thick carpet of snow offer thrilling skiing opportunities and tobogganing. Other activities include heli-skiing, paragliding, ice-skating, river rafting and ziplining.
- Top attractions: Himalayan National Park, Kufri Fun World, Green Valley, Fagu, Jakhu Temple, Khuwalia Peak Trek
- Skiing: Mahsu Ridge
- Best time to visit: April – June
- Best time to ski: December – February
- How to reach: Jubbarhatti Airport near Shimla is the closest airport while the narrow gauge rail route in Shimla and Broad Gauge railway station at Kalka are the nearest railway stations. Local cabs/state transport can be used to reach Kufri.
Uttarakhand
Mussoorie
The “Queen of Hill Stations”, Mussoorie is a captivating paradise for leisure travelers. Encapsulated with stunning summer resorts, rolling hills, spectacular waterfalls, twinkling cityscape, local delicacies and shopping extravagance, Mussoorie is an all-inclusive destination. Surprisingly it has recently become the education hub with the establishment of premium institutes and convent schools.
- Top attractions: Kempty Falls, Surkanda Devi Temple, Cloud’s End, Lal Tibba, The Mall Road, Landour, Camel’s Back Road
- Best time to visit: March – June
- How to reach: The nearest airport and railway station is in Dehradun. Taxi’s can be hired to Mussoorie from both places.
Kausani
The Switzerland of India, offers a panoramic view of the massive Himalayan peaks including the Trishul, Nanda Devi, and the mighty Panchachuli. Cradled under the sheath of the crimson sun and quaint green valleys, Kausani is an enchanted picture-perfect dreamland. The play of colors on the snow-crested peaks surrounding the village is truly magical.
- Top attractions: Anasakti Ashram, Rudradhari Falls, Kausani Tea Estate, Sumitranandan Pant Gallery, Baijnath Temple, Stargate Observatory
- Best time to visit: April – June
- How to reach: The nearest airport is Pant Nagar, and the closest railway station is in Kathgodam. Taxi’s can be hired from both places to Kausani.
These 7 hill stations will not only ensure a splendid holiday experience but leave you in a pot full of knowledge and memories. Beat the heat this summer by skipping to one or all of these spectacular hills, once weekend after another.
Joining in on the holiday spirit, we got exciting discounts and offers on domestic flights and train tickets. Head over to Paytm Travel to kickstart your vacation.
We’ll be back with another episode of mind-blowing hill stations in India, just in a different direction. Watch this space for more and travel responsibly.
