Top 10 Hill Stations to Visit during winters in India by Road
Top 10 Hill Stations to Visit during winters in India by Road
Are you wondering where to take the next holiday this winter? Is it going to be pristine beaches, unruffled sand dunes, dense forests or the imposing mountains? Gather your friends or family to narrow in on the destination. If you decide on the mountains, then you can start exploring the various hill stations in our country. Once the destination is decided, you need to decide on the means of transportation. Due to the picturesque and laid-back vibe, road journeys in the winter are highly recommended. In this article, we have listed the ten best hill stations in India that you can go by road. Maybe you can pick your holiday destination from this list!
However, before you set off, do not forget to equip yourself with travel insurance as it will protect you against any loss, delay or damage.
Kodaikanal: This lakeside town in Tamil Nadu is known for its tranquil feel and towering cliffs and quaint views. Enjoy the calmness of the Kurinjiandavar Temple, the tallness of the Bear Shola Falls and the huge boulders of the Devil’s Kitchen or the Guna Caves. What’s more, while you are there, you can pick up ethnic spices, flavoured teas and delectable coffees right from the heart of Kodaikanal.
Ooty: Snuggled within the Nilgiris is the popular tourist destination of Ooty or Udhagamandalam. Bask in the prodigiously beautiful and massive tea gardens, the mightiness of the Doddabetta Peak, which is incidentally the highest peak in Tamil Nadu and the old-world colonial architecture and country lanes!
Coorg: Be it the classy coffee plantations or the playful elephants at the Dubare Elephant Camp, you will be glad that you are visiting Coorg! This hill station along the Western Ghats of Karnataka boasts of a fusion of history and adventure along with a dash of luxury and ample of nature.
Mahabaleshwar: One of the most commercial hill stations in India, Mahabaleshwar nestled in the Western Ghats in Maharashtra, is known for its ethereal beauty and pleasant weather. What’s more, if you are a strawberry lover, you are in for a treat because Mahabaleshwar boasts of strawberry plantations where you will find fruity, juicy and glazed strawberries to munch on at all times.
Auli: This hill station in Uttarakhand is situated at a whopping height of 8,200 feet. If you are interested in snow, then this meadow receives a thick blanket of snow every winter. Nature walks, skiing, swinging on the ropeway or just simply sitting in an antiquated cottage and sipping on a cup of hot tea, you will enjoy everything that Auli has to offer.
Shimla: Again, a destination for those escaping the heat, Shimla is always pleasant because traffic is banned in the central part of the town. So, even if you are huffing and puffing up and down the hill, it will be a great experience. Of course, since Shimla was the summer capital of British India, it boasts of quite a few heritage buildings. However, when it snows, the city’s beauty is magnified during the day and illuminated at night.
Dharamshala: Located in the Western Himachal region, the hill station amalgamates Hindu and Tibetan culture beautifully. Whether you are looking for spiritual enlightenment, studying Buddhism in depth, relishing the mist-covered Dhauladhar mountain ranges, a stay amid the deodar, conifer and pine trees or a walk in the beautiful tea gardens, Dharamshala is a unique place to be in!
Leh Ladakh: If its adventure, rawness and nature that you are looking for, the magical Leh Ladakh amid the classic Himalayas is where you should go. With every turn along the rugged valleys and mountains, you will be bombarded with a completely new scenic beauty. In winter, the Zanskar River freezes over and becomes the iconic Chadar Trek!
Darjeeling: The “Queen of the Hills” located in West Bengal is known for its emerald green tea plantations, swathes of mountains and awe-inspiring forests. Along with a dot of Tibetan culture, this picturesque city too houses colonial architecture. In the winter, you can be part of the Teesta Tea and Tourism Festival or the Darjeeling Orange Festival. You could also relive your childhood in the toy train or enjoy mouth-watering sumptuous momos!
Tawang: Quite frankly, the quiet, peace and beauty of Northeast India is unmatched. Frozen lakes, the solitude of the mountains and the depth of the valleys is what you will find in Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh. A treat for photographers due to its green and luscious vistas, the Monpa Tribe of Tawang are also extremely warm and welcoming. You can also visit the Tawang Monastery, which is the largest monastery in India and the second largest in the world !
Conclusion:
Now, that’s that. We hope you can visit these hill stations in the winter by road. Also, to avoid any travel-related woes, do buy travel insurance for yourself, your family and your friends to do the same. The travel insurance policy will protect you in case of any unforeseen events. Of course, you can easily get your travel insurance online with HDFC ERGO within minutes!
Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.