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Published on Mar 5, 2024Updated on Aug 30, 2026

If the thought of the cold, breezy wind along with a serene, beautiful view mesmerizes you, then it's the right time to plan your visit to the beautiful hill stations in India this summer. With the help of a travel loan and a personal loan for holidays, you can make your dream of traveling to the best hill stations in India come true.
Let us explore the list below to find out the best hill stations in India that you must visit this summer!
Hill stations in India provide breathtaking views, an abundance of vegetation, and many outdoor activities like hiking, trekking, and sightseeing to travelers.
Many travelers travel to the beautiful hill stations in India in the summer to escape the heat of the plains and enjoy the pleasant weather. The best hill stations in India are Shimla, Manali, Mussoorie, Dharamsala, and Srinagar. These locations draw tourists because of their scenic surroundings, enticing colonial architecture, and natural beauty; they are perfect getaways for exploration and leisure.
Laden with stunning glaciers and magnificent mountain ranges, Manali is one of the most popular hill stations in India. Believed to be the place where Saptarishis dwelt, Manali is also known for its rich heritage and cultural history. It is also home to Gulaba, where the highest sky-bicycle track in India has been constructed at an altitude of 9000 feet. If you’re looking for a nice vacation in the best hill stations in India, then Manali must be the top choice for you.
Fondly known as the ‘Queen of Hills’, the capital of Himachal Pradesh is interestingly located on seven hills. It is the only place in India to have an in-house natural ice skating rink. Especially during the Christmas season, you can look forward to the celebrations at Christ Church, North India’s second-oldest church. Shimla also comes under the top 5 famous hill stations in India.
Once a place where Indians were not allowed, India’s own Mussoorie is always ready to welcome you with fresh and pure air. If you’re planning a trip to Mussoorie, don’t forget to visit Lal Tibba, the highest point. You can also look forward to visiting Mall Road, famous among youngsters for woolen clothes, books, jewelry, and exclusively handcrafted works. If you’re a book lover, you must check with the Cambridge Book Depot between 3.30 PM and 4.30 PM for a meeting with the famous writer Ruskin Bond.
Home of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the spiritual town is an eternal source of serenity and tranquility and is among the most beautiful hill stations in India. However, Dharamsala is not just about spirituality, it has its own international film festival known as the Dharamsala International Film Festival to keep you hooked on entertainment for about four days in the month of November. And how can the Dharamsala trip be complete without the Dainkund trek heading to the Kangra valley?
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McLeodGanj is a famous suburb of Dharamsala where the Tibetan government-in-exile is currently headquartered and, hence, is also known as ‘Little Lhasa’ or ‘Dhasa’. In case you were unable to make it to Shimla for snow and related activities, you can surely visit McLeodGanj for a similar experience. Triund Trek and Bhagsu waterfalls can flatter nature lovers and trekkers with breathtaking views of mountains and valleys.
Located in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, Dalhousie was named after the former Governor General, Lord Dalhousie and is among the top 5 hill stations in India. Dalhousie offers picturesque views of various places like Panchpula Kalatop forests, Lohali Village, Alla the potato field, Dainkund Peak, Karelanu, etc. It is famously known that the great Subhash Chandra Bose was cured of tuberculosis by drinking the Karelanu spring.
Formerly nicknamed Scotland of the East by the British, Shillong is the headquarters of the East Khasi Hills District. What distinguishes Shillong from the other hill stations in India is that you can get a helicopter ride to Guwahati and back. Another interesting fact about Shillong is that six out of every 10 people here know how to play the guitar. This is the reason why it is also known as the ‘Rock Capital of India’. If you are planning a trip to Shillong, do visit the Laitlum Canyons for their spectacular views of deep gorges, exuberant greenery, and waterfalls.
Located at an altitude of around 2500 km, it is a popular ski destination and attracts ski enthusiasts from all over the country. At Auli, you can enjoy a cable car ride that covers 4 km from Joshimath to Auli. It is Asia’s second longest ropeway after Gulmarg Gondola in Kashmir. You can also soak up the warm rejuvenation at the Tapovan Hot Water Spring amidst the cold climate here. Most days of the year, there is a spiritual retreat at the Adi Shankaracharya Math in Joshimath that you can experience.
Known as the Lake Capital of India, Nainital is famous for its stunningly beautiful seven freshwater lakes. If you ever happen to visit Nainital, your travel itinerary must include Pangot and Kilbury Bird Sanctuary, Eco Cave Gardens, Snow View Point, Tibetan Market, and Tiffin Top. Also, how can the Nainital trip be complete without its famous Kumaon food? Here, the delicacies readily available range from Chudkani, Bal Mithai, Bhattiya, etc. Nainital is also a Shakti Peeth since it is known that one of Goddess Sati’s eyes fell here.
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The name Srinagar means ‘City of Wealth and Prosperity’. The iconic and enchanting Dal Lake is located here. It is a proud abode of various tourist attractions like the majestic Mughal Gardens, Tulip Garden, traditional wooden Shikaras, floating markets, and handcrafted works like intricate Pashmina shawls, Kashmiri embroidery, and hand-woven carpets. The Pampore region, near Srinagar, is famous for its saffron fields. If you are planning a trip to Srinagar, do visit these places for their breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences.
Here is why you shouldn't hesitate to opt for a personal loan for your travel plans in the hills:
While selecting one of the best hill stations in India, you will undoubtedly be perplexed by the range of scenery to view, activities to try, and cultural traditions to explore. These beautiful hill stations provide your little piece of heaven, whether you wish to cool down from the heat, go on an adventure, or just relax in the company of nature.
Managing finances while fulfilling your wishes of going to these best hill stations in India can be challenging, but travel loans and small personal loans are there for your rescue. Check out SMFG India Credit’s travel loans and apply now!
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