Are you getting confused in deciding the best hill station to spend your summer vacations? As there are many hill stations in North India, thus choosing an appropriate one is really a difficult task but you do not need to worry as here is a list of some of the best Northern hill stations that will protect you from unbearable heat of summer season.
1. Mussoorie – Queen of Hills: –
Mussoorie is one of the most popular hill stations to visit during summers in North India. It is situated at a height of approximately 2500 meters above the sea level. This city is so beautiful that it has even fascinated the world famous writer Ruskin Bond. You can also look for various types of wooden gifts and decorative items available in the local markets.
Key attractions: –
Gun hill, Rajaji National Park, Jwalaji temple, Mussoorie heritage centre, Happy valley, Mall road, Kempty falls, Landour Clock tower, Mussoorie lake, Company garden etc.
2. Shimla: –
This city is known for its natural beauty and ethnic culture. There are also marvelous colonial architectural buildings in Shimla, thus making the city an architectural paradise. The cool climate of Shimla will relax your mind as well as soul.
Key attractions: –
Shoolini temple, Viceregal lodge, Tara Devi temple, The Ridge, Jakhoo temple, Mall road, Shimla Heritage museum, Summer hill, Annandale, Christ Church and Indian Institute of Advanced study
3. Manali: –
It is a favorite summer holiday destination of trekkers and backpackers. Manali is also called ‘Switzerland of India’. Manali has lot of things to offer like mountain biking, river rafting, skiing, paragliding, hiking etc. You can also do yak-riding at the wildlife sanctuary.
Key attractions: –
Vashisht Hot-Water Springs, Arjuna Gufa, Roerich Museum, Solang valley, Naggar Castle, Jogini falls, Himalayan Nyingmapa Gompa monastery and Hadimba temple
4. Kashmir- Paradise on Earth: –
Kashmir is known for its serene beauty and Shikara rides. There are many activities that you can do in this city like purchase of flowers and vegetables from floating market in Dal lake, bird watching at Hokersar etc. There are also some amazing historic sites where you can visit like Kathi Darwaza, Hari Parbat etc.
Key attractions: –
Indira Gandhi Tulip garden, Shankaracharya Hill, Hazratbal Mosque, Jama Masjid, Apharwat peak, Nigeen lake, Tomb of Zin-ul-Abidin, Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh.
5. Dharamshala: –
This city is also abode of holy saint Dalai Lama. Dharamshala offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas and snow-clad peaks. There are also many magnificent monasteries and temples in Dharamshala. After the introduction of IPL T20s and ODIs at HPCA medium, the city is getting lot of fame among cricket lovers.
Key attractions: –
Dalai Lama Temple complex, Kangra museum, Namgyal Monastery, Bhagsu Falls, Bhagsunath Temple, Kunal Pathri Temple, Monolithic Rock Temples, Kangra Fort and tea plantations of Kangra valley.
6. Nainital: –
It is one of the most popular summer holiday destinations in Uttarakhand. Nainital is also known as ‘Lake District’ of the country. This place is famous for its green hills, enchanting lakes and picturesque beauty. If you want then you can also visit Naukuchiatal and Bhimtal, the lakes nearby Nainital.
Key attractions: –
Snow View Point, Naina Devi Temple, Nainital Zoo, Naini Peak, Mall road, Gurney House, Astronomical observatory, Tiffin Top, Naini lake and Raj Bhavan.
