Gorgeous Indian hill stations

Coonoor
Where: Tamil Nadu

Said to be the quieter of the three Nilgiri hill stations, Coonoor is one of the most beautiful destinations in the country; albeit lesser travelled to. That's what makes it worth getting away to. The trekking paths that lead outside of Coonoor are great for the adventure-seeker. While the nature junkie can always count on the botanical gardens, tea and coffee plantations to get lost in.

Haflong

The quaint little getaway is the only hill station in Assam and is a drive up from Guwahati. It's known to be home to as many as 2 lakh floral varieties and is said to be synonymous with true Assamese tribal culture, great food and the warmth of the locals. Haflong lake, Maibong and Jatinga Village are great tourist sites to visit while you're there.

Chikhaldara
Where: Maharashtra

One of the lesser popular hill stations in the state, Chikhaldara can be reached by train from Akola.
Once there, you can sense the serenity all around you as you're nestled away from the hustle of the city life. Visit the tiger sanctuary, Kitchakdari and Shakkar lakes, as well as Gawilghur Fort.

Shimoga

Where: Karnataka

beyond Coorg and Mysore and head to Shimoga the next time you're considering a trip around Karnataka. The hill station is decorated with waterfalls that makes for a breathtaking view for anyone! Visit the Jog Falls - one of the more popular waterfalls in the town, Sagars, Kodachari and Talaguppa are some of the other falls to visit.

Ponmudi
Where: Kerala

Ponmodi in Kerala is home to acres of tea gardens, national parks and rivers. But, the best part about this hill station that is easily accessible from Kochi, is the chance to view the perfect sun rise from the hill tops. The scenery around and the fact that you're mostly cut off from mainstream human civilisation makes you feel like you're the only person in paradise!

Tawang

Where: Arunachal Pradesh

Located at a height of approximately 10,000 feet in Arunachal Pradesh, Tawang lies right in the middle of Bhutan and Tibet. You feel like you're one with God and the Universe in this quaint little hill station which beautifully captures a mix of Buddhist and northeastern culture. The Tawang Monastery is a must visit. And for the adventure enthusiast, Tawang promises to be a great site for paragliding, rock-climbing and trekking.

Yercaud

Where: Tamil Nadu

It is known as the jewel of the south for the right reasons. A small hill station, Yercaud's natural beauty remains largely untouched and unchanged by humans; which is what makes it a great place to travel to for an intimate vacation, away from the chaos of city life.
From the trekking range to the small forested area that makes for a leisurely walk, the rock formations and the gardens - Yercaud has to be experienced to be believed.

Kanatal
Where: Mussoorie

Again, a town within a town, Kanatal is in Mussoorie but, still isn't anything like it. It's the quintessential town to visit if you're a nature lover and an organic foodie. You're surrounded by pine forests, greenery, apple orchards, flower gardens and natural waterfalls and small temples hidden away. You may have trouble returning from this quaint little piece of heaven.

Dhanaulti

Where: Uttarakhand

28 kms away from Mussoorie lies Dhanaulti, a quieter and quainter hill station perfectly cut out for the traveller who seeks solitude and quiet. It's the perfect destination to get away from the crowds and find yourself - either alone, or with the ones closest to you. If you're done with the gimmicky hill station holiday in Mussoorie, Dhanaulti is where you should head.

Pelling
Where: Sikkim

Accessible by train from the New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, Pelling is a perfect amalgamation of natural beauty and spirituality. The Pemayangste and Sanga Choling monasteries are the highlights of the hill station as is Pelling's scenic beauty and its historical architecture. You'll come back feeling spiritually and mindfully enlightened!