Winters are the perfect time to visit a hill station to get away from the hustle and bustle of every day’s routine and to relax & rejuvenate amidst chilly blowing winds. Here are some of the offbeat hill stations one should visit in winters to have a mind blowing experience.
1. Munnar – Cool Green Paradise
Source- http://bit.ly/1vsfQ8u
Munnar is a hill station in south western state of Kerala situated around 1600m above the sea level in the Western Ghats. Munnar is famous for its trekking spots such as Anamudi, Rajamala, Meesapulimala. The winters are considered the ideal time for Munnar since the weather is pleasant. The minimum temperature during this time of the year drops to 15 degree Celsius and is perfect for vacation or honeymoon.
Location : Kerala
How to reach – Nearest airport is Cochin International Airport (125kms), Nearest Railway station is Aluva Railway Station (110kms)
Attractions : Eravikulam National Park, Anamudi Peak, Mattupetty Dam, Chinnakanal & Anayirangal, Echo Point.
Activities : Rock climbing, trekking, jeep safari, boating.
2. Kasol – Mini Israel of India
Source- http://bit.ly/1xFTVLI
Kasol is a hill station in Parvati Valley on the way to pilgrim town of Manikaran. It is located 42kms east of Kullu at a height of 1640m. It is an ideal place for a vacation if you want to chill in the lap of nature in winters.
Location : Himachal Pradesh
How to reach : Nearest airport is Kullu (31kms), Nearest railway station is Ahju railway Station (136kms).
Attractions : Parvati River, Malana Trekking, kheerganga trek, Manikaran Sahib
Activities : Trekking, river crossing, jungle hiking.
Top 10 Beautiful Waterfalls In India
3. Chamba- Unpolluted Beauty
Source- http://bit.ly/1xKxELN
Chamba is a fabulous hill station with great natural beauty situated at an altitude of 996m above the sea level at the confluence of river Ravi and Sal in the Himalayan state of Himachal Pradesh. The winter season in the Chamba Valley is extremely cold as the temperature reaches below the freezing point. Visitors can blow their stress and anxiety in the chilly winds.
Location : Himachal Pradesh
How to reach : Nearest Airport is Gaggal in kangra Valley (180kms), nearest railway station is Pathankot (120kms).
Attractions : Laxmi Narayan temple, Hari Rai temple, Rangmahal, ManiMahesh, Bhuri Singh museum.
Activities: Nature walk and Camping.
4. Champawat- Cultural Heritage
Source- http://bit.ly/1tjPfDL
Champawat is a magnificent hill station situated amongst Himalayan ranges in the district located in Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. The place is well known for splendidly designed temples which date back to 10th century. It is an ideal place to indulge in trekking. There are various trekking routes that connect Champawat to different places including Pancheshwar, Lohagat, Vanasur, Tanakpur, Vyasthura & Kanteshwar.
Location: Uttarakhand
How to reach : Nearest airport is Pithoragarh (80kms), nearest railway station is Tanakpur (70kms).
Attractions : Kranteshwar Mahadev Temple, Baleshwar Temple, Nagnath Temple, Ek Hathiya ka Naula, Lohaghat, Chaumu Temple.
Activities : Sightseeing, trekking, rock climbing, nature walk.
Adventure Destinations in Pune
5. Lansdowne- Hill Side Hamlet
Source- http://bit.ly/1sxZBk1
Lansdowne is one of the mesmerizing hill station located in Garhwal district of Uttarakhand. This unexplored hill station is a perfect destination with immaculate beauty. During winters, tourists visit this hill station to enjoy tranquility in breathtaking mountains.
Location: Uttarakhand
How to reach : Nearest airport is Jolly Grant airport (148kms), nearest railway station is Kotdwar (35kms).
Attractions : Jungle Safari, Kanvashram, Bhulla Tal Lake, St. Mary Church, Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple.
Activities : Trekking, wildlife, nature walk, boating and paddling in Bhulla Tal Lake.
6. Yercaud- Jewel Of South
Source- http://bit.ly/1xFWygK
Yercaud, a hill station in the Salem District of Tamil Nadu, is located in the Shevaroy range of hills in Eastern Ghats. The place is famous for its scenic beauty and pleasant weather which attracts a large number of tourists from all over India.
Location : Tamil Nadu
How to reach : Nearest airport is Tiruchirapalli airport (163kms), nearest railway station is Salem (36kms)
Attractions : Yercaud Lake, Killyur Falls, The Grange, Bear’s Cave, The Servarayan Temple, Lady’s Seat.
Activities: Trekking, nature walk and hiking.
7. Kurseong- Land Of White Orchids
Source- http://bit.ly/1qYpte6
Kurseong is a peaceful hill station situated in Darjeeling district of West Bengal, situated at an altitude of 1458kms. The Best Season to visit Kurseong is winters as cool breeze in this city provides pleasure to the tourists. Temperature varies from 3°C to 10°C during winter.
Location: Darjeeling, West Bengal
How to reach : Nearest airport is Bagdogra (60kms), nearest railway station is Siliguri (49kms).
Attractions : Dow Hill, Eagle’s Crag, St. Mary’s Hill, Bhangzang, Salamander lake, Gidhapahar Mandir, Ambotia Shiva Temple.
Activities : Trekking, nature walk into tea gardens, sightseeing.
8. Yelagiri- Adventure Point
Source- http://bit.ly/1y6w2f5
Yelagiri is a hill station in Vellore district of Tamil Nadu, situated off the Vaniyambadi- Tirupattur road, located at an altitude of 1410.6m above the mean sea level. Endowed with pleasing surroundings, dense forests, scenic beauty, towering peaks & salubrious climate, Yelagiri is a perfect weekend getaway for the tourists away from maddening rush of the city life.
Location : Tamil Nadu
How to reach : Nearest airport is Bengaluru (123kms), nearest railway station is Jolarpettai (21kms)
Attractions : Jalagamparai Falls, Punganoor Lake, Swamimalai Hills, Jalagandeeswarar Temple, Velavan Temple.
Activities : Trekking, camping, rock climbing, paragliding, mountain biking.
9. Auli- Skiing Destination
Source- http://bit.ly/1te87oF
Auli is located in the Chamboli district of Uttarakhand, nestled in the Garhwal Himalayan ranges at an altitude of 2800m above the sea level. With the snow caped mountains & mesmerizing land ready for you to take a plunge, all you need to do is to fasten yourself to the ski board and fly off. The period from November- march is generally ideal for skiers.
Location : Uttarakhand
How to reach : Nearest airport is Jolly Grant airport (286kms), nearest railway station is Haridwar (273kms).
Attractions : Gurso Bugyal, Chattrakund, Kwani Bugyal, Chenab lake, Joshimath.
Activities : Trekking, skiing, fun in Cable Cars.
10. Coorg- Scotland Of India
Source- http://bit.ly/1tpr0V1
Coorg is one of the precious gems of Karnataka located in the south west Karnataka, bordering Kerala. Coorg has become a tourist hot spot due to its immense beauty replete with lush greenery, picturesque landscape, coffee plantations and misty hills.
Location : Karnataka
How to reach : Nearest airport is Manglore (135kms), nearest railway station is Mysore (121kms).
Attractions : Madikeri Fort, Abbey Falls, Raja’s Seat, Omkareshwar Temple, Dubare reserve forest & Elephant camp.
Activities : Trekking, golfing, river rafting, quad biking, fishing.
Must See Temples Of South India
11. Chopta- Gem Of Uttarakhand
Source- http://bit.ly/1vElmoJ
Chopta trek is a picturesque hill station located in the Garhwal region, lies at an altitude of 2600m above sea level in Uttarakhand. Chopta’s weather in winters is quite cool and chilling with snowfall. The temperature gets as low as -15 degree celsius and reaches to a maximum of 15 degree celisus. People who prefer to enjoy the ivory snow and breath chilling winters, Chopta is the best destination for them.
Location : Uttarakhand
How to reach : Nearest airport is Jolly Grant airport (226kms); nearest railway station is Rishikesh (209kms).
Attractions : Chandrashilla peak (4090m), Tungnath trek Temple (3680m), Deoria Tal lake, Atrimuni Falls.
Activities : Camping, trekking, rock climbing, rappelling.
12. Tawang- Land Of Monpas
Source- http://bit.ly/1FisWVJ
Tawang is a district of Arunachal Pradesh situated at a height of 10,000ft from the sea level. The landscape of Tawang assumes an altogether new look during snowfall in the months of December & January which enchants the traveler.
Location : Arunachal Pradesh
How to reach : Nearest airport is Lezpur (345kms); nearest railway station is Bhalukpong (285kms).
Attractions : Sela pass, Tawang Monastery, Taktsang Gompa, Nuranang Waterfalls, Shonga-tser Lake.
Activities : Sightseeing, trekking, hiking, shopping.
13. Kotagiri- Mountains Of Kotas
Source- http://bit.ly/1zQRILz
Kotagiri is a hill station located in the Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu, situated at an elevation of 5882ft. November marks the beginning of the winter season in Kotagiri and it lasts till the month of February. The temperature ranges from 11-21 degree celisus. The place looks just ethereal in november after being washed with the waters from the heaven.
Location: Tamil Nadu
How to reach: Nearest airport is Coimbatore International airport (105kms); nearest railway station is Coonoor (21kms).
Attractions: Catherine falls, Kodanand view point, Elk falls, Doddabetta range, Rangaswami pillar.
Activities: Trekking, rock climbing, walk to tea gardens.
14. Kausani- Panoramic Paradise
Source- http://bit.ly/1HCW26n
Kausani is a hill station in Uttarakhand, located at an altitude of 1890m above the sea level. In winters, the climate of Kausani is salubrious and offers pleasing environment.
Location: Uttarakhand
How to Reach: Nearest airport is Pantnagar (162kms), nearest railway station is Kathgodam (132kms).
Attractions: Anasakti Ashram, Rudradhari Waterfall, Laxmi Ashram, Kausani Tea gardens, Sumitramandan Pant Gallery.
Activities: Trekking, nature walk, Jungle trekking, bird watching.
15. Palampur- Tea Capital Of North India
Source- http://bit.ly/1xqYqos
Palampur is located in north western part of the state of Himachal Pradesh, situated in the Kangra valley, near Dhauladhar range. Palampur experiences very cold winters. The temperature during winters can reach -2 degree celisus. Snowfalls are common and making the ambience really alluring.
Location: Himachal Pradesh
How to reach: Nearest airport is Gaggal airport (40kms); nearest railway station is Maranda (2kms).
Attractions: Palampur tea cooperative, Bundla, Dehra Gopipur.
Activities: Trekking, nature walk in tea gardens, angling at Dehra Gopipur.
16. Coonoor- Nature’s Splendor
Source- http://bit.ly/1ziyAFd
Coonoor is a hill station in the Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu, standing on the lower ridge of the main plateau at an altitude of 1839m. In winters, temperature lies between 10-20 degree celsius and is ideal place for indoor and outdoor activities.
Location: Tamil Nadu
How to reach: Nearest airport is Coimbatore (70kms); nearest railway station is Mettupalayam (40kms).
Attractions: Sim’s park, Lamb’s rock, Droog Fort, Katary falls, Dolphin’s nose viewpoint.
Activities: Trekking, nature walk, golfing, hiking, mountain climbing.
17. Ponmudi- The Golden Peak
Source- http://bit.ly/11PGlbD
Ponmudi is a hill station located in the Trivandrum district of Kerala, located at an altitude of 110m. Visiting Ponmudi in winters provides a relaxing touch. December is the coolest month of the year as temperature drops significantly, attracting a lot of tourists.
Location: Kerala
How to reach: Nearest airport is Thiruvanathapuram (67kms), nearest railway station is Thiruvanathapuram (60kms).
Attractions: Kallar, Agasthyarkoodam, Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, The Napier Museum.
Activities: Jungle Safari, Boating, hiking, trekking.
18. Kudremukh- Biodiversity Hotspot
Source- http://bit.ly/1vEp41z
Kudremukh is a mountain range located in Chikkamagaluru district in Karnataka. The Name ‘Kudremukh’ literally means horse-face in kannada language and refers to a particular picturesque view of a side of a mountain that resembles a horse’s face.
Location: Karnataka
How to reach: Nearest airport is Bajpe (119kms); nearest railway station is Manglore (58kms).
Attractions: Hebbe waterfalls, Lakya Dam, Kudremukh National Park.
Activities: Jeep safari, trekking, nature walk.
19. Araku Valley- Pastoral Beauty
Source- http://bit.ly/1vhLUuz
Araku Valley is a soothing hill station in the expanse of Andhra Pradesh. Enveloped in pastoral beauty, this beautiful valley is situated 3200ft above the sea level and is a perfect place to getaway for a couple of days in winters as temperature lowers down from November-February, making it a alluring vacation spot.
Location: Andhra Pradesh
How to reach : Nearest airport is Vishakhapatnam (122kms), nearest railway station is Araku Valley Station itself.
Attractions : Borra caves, Tribal Museum, Tyda, Katiki waterfalls, Padmapuram Botanical gardens, Ananthagiri hills.
Activities : Rock climbling, trekking, sightseeing.
20. Ranikhet- Queen’s land
Source- http://bit.ly/1uvcueA
Ranikhet is charming hill station located in the Almora district of Uttarakhand at an elevation of 1829m above the sea level. Ranikhet has everything to pacify the nerves of an avid city dweller. The mercury ranges between 3-7 degree celisus, with a moderate to heavy snowfall. Covered in the sheets of snow, Ranikhet looks straight out of dreams in winters.
Location : Uttarakhand
How to reach : Nearest airport is Pantnagar airport (119kms); nearest railway station is Kathgodam (80kms).
Attractions : Bhauladan, Rani Jheel, Jhula Devi temple, Mankameshwar temple.
Activities : Fishing, trekking, golfing, nature walk.
