Top 10 Hill Stations In East India

1. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

Known for its picturesque settings, cultural heritage and Buddhist Monastries, Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh is a scenic hill station. It is also a famous summer destination in India which offers a line of activities and attractions to its visitors. Travellers discover a sense of calmness as they enter this serene hill station which lies at a high altitude of 3048 meters in the Himalayan range. Whether it’s meditating on a serene mountain, spiritual tour or admiring the picturesque landscapes, and waterfalls, Tawang has something for each ardent traveller.

Best time to visit Tawang: March to June and September to October.

Top attractions in Tawang: Tawang Monastery, Gorichen Peak, Madhuri Lake, Nuranang Waterfalls, Bumla Pass, Se la Pass, Bong Bong Waterfall etc.

Best things to do in Tawang: Hiking at Gorichen Peak, Meditate at the Taktsang Gompa, Sela Pass visit, Nuranang Waterfalls view, Tawang Monesatry visit, Bumla pass exploration etc.

2. Kalimpong

Kalimpong is a heavenly destination renowned for its pristine hill ambience. Located 1-hour drive away from Siliguri, this east Indian hill town, falls in the Himalayan foothills of West Bengal and is very famous for monasteries, churches and Tibetian handicrafts. Tourists are stunned by the flower nurseries in Kalimpong that highlight its surrounding brilliance. Visitors get to engage in an array of thrilling exercises in this hill station like trekking and river rafting. They also explore various attractions like Kalimpong Science Centre or orchid farms, which is a treat for photographers and couples.

Best time to visit: Throughout the year

Top attractions: Teesta River, Deolo Hill, Neora Valley, St. Theresa Catholic Church, National Park, Cactus Nursery, Durpin Dara Hill, Tharpa Choling Monastery, Kalimpong Science Centre etc.

Top Thing to do: Deolo hill paragliding, Handmade paper mill visit, Explore sister town of Darjeeling, shop at Haat Bazaar, Chuikhim village visit, Kalimpong science centre exploration, Orchid farm and Gladioli visit

3. Darjeeling

Darjeeling is one of the most preferred destinations by tourists, located in the eastern part of India. It is very famous for tea gardens and farming and is also called the Queen of the Hill. Darjeeling is itself a district that lies in West Bengal, India. Visitors across the globe visit the town, which has a surprisingly hilly topography, pristine blue sky and mountains, green lush and beautiful tea gardens spread all around.

Best time to visit Darjeeling: All round the year

Best activities in Darjeeling: Himalayan railway ride, Sunrise view at Tiger Hill, Tea gardens visit, Batasia Loop view, River rafting in Teesta, Shopping at Bhutiya market, Trekking at Sandakphu, Explore Himalayan Zoological Park, Learn Mountaineering at Himalayan Mountaineering Institute etc.

4. Siliguri

Located at the base of the Himalayas, Siliguri attracts tourists from all over India and beyond with its magical landscape of grasslands, mountains and tea plantation quenches. It also lies on the banks of the Mahananda and Teesta Rivers and boasts attractions like wildlife sanctuaries, historical brides, forests and lakes and magnificent markets. For nature lovers, Siliguri is a must-visit destination that offers an epic view of the snow-capped mountain peaks of the Himalayas.

Best Time to Visit Siliguri: Throughout the Year.

Best Things to do in Siliguri: Jungle Safari at Chilapata Forest, A walk through Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, Shopping at Hongkong market, Banglabandha Zero Point visit, Spot rare wildlife at Bangla Safari Park and Salugara Monastery visit.

5. Shillong

Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya is among the best tourist places in India, which is also known as the Scotland of the East. The entire area of the beautiful city is encircled by pine trees and it stands as tall as 1,496 metres above sea level. It is also one of the most preferred gateway destinations in India during peak summer when the scorching heat wave blows. Cascading waterfalls, pristine lakes and golf course make the city a more mesmerising one.

Best time to visit Shillong: September to May.

Top things to do in Shillong: Umiam Lake Boat Ride, Beholding the Breathtaking view of Elephant Falls, 360-degree view from the Shillong Peak, Visit to Don Bosco Museum, Trekking along the David Scott Trail, Relaxing near the World’s Lake and Mountain Climbing at Diengiei Peak.

6. Cherrapunji

Cherrapunji is a treasure trove of nature wonders and a destination for travellers that has something exceptionally beautiful. It is also one of the wettest places on earth and the second rainiest place in India. Visitors admire Cherrapunji’s crystal-clean surroundings and the milky white water rain passing through the cliffs is a witness things of this hill station. Apart from rainfall, the beauty of the city is defined by its living root bridges, caves, waterfalls, orange farming and local cuisines.

Best Time to Visit Cherrapunji: September to May.

Best Things to Do in Cherrapunji: Trekking the Double Decker Root Bridge, Experiencing the epic view of Seven Sister Falls, Exploring Mawsmai Caves, Trekking the David Scott Trail, Visiting David Scott Memorial etc.

7. Gangtok, Sikkim

Nestled in the eastern Himalayan region, Gangtok is the most captivating hill station in India. An ariel view of the town, located in the hill region creates a panoramic sight to behold. It also offers a spectacular view of Mt. Kanchenjunga, at a distant skyline. The place is famous for scenic views of its landscape, forests, mountain passes, lakes and monasteries and a cable ride is considered to be an idle ride in the city to get the best possible view from the top.

Best Time to visit Gangtok: Throughout the year.

Best Things to do in Gangtok: River rafting, Paragliding, Trekking, Cycling tour, visiting to Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, viewing Seven Sister Water Fall, Driving through the Nathu La Pass, Yak Safari at Tsomgo Lake etc.

8. Khonsa

Khonsa is a beautiful hill station and a top tourist destination in east India lying in Arunachal Pradesh. Located in the Tirap Valley encircled by Himalayan ranges, the place is noted for its spectacular view, tranquil surroundings, dense forests and snow-clad hills. During summer in March and April, Khonsa is filled with rare and exotic orchids. Nature walking, trekking and photography are the popular activities to do while being in Khonsa.

Best Time to Visit Khonsa: September to April

Best Things to Do in Khonsa: A visit to the Khonsa Museum, Photography at various mystic hills, forests and valleys, a Visit to Kheti and Lajo Village, Experience Tribal festivals and fairs and a visit to Miao-A Tibetan Refugee settlement area.

Top Attractions: Khonsa Museum: Tirap Valley, Kheti and Lajo Villages, District Museum, Namdapha National Park.

9. Ziroi

Ziro is located at an altitude of 5754 ft. in Arunachal Pradesh which is famous for a couple of things including its natural splendour, rice fields and the Apatani tribe. Ziro is also a UNESCO World Heritage site because of its cultural heritage site of the Apatani tribe. The beautiful heritage hill station gives a different picturesque view of vastly laid out paddy fields, rolling mountains, amazing valleys, misty clouds, cool atmosphere and colourful flora and fauna.

Best Time to Visit Ziro: March to October.

Top attractions in Ziro: Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary: Meghna Cave Temple, Kile Pakho Ridge, Tipi Orchid Research Centre, Pine Grove Picnic Spot, Dolo Mando Hillock and Tarin Fish Farm.

Best Things to Do in Ziro: Camping, River rafting in the Siang River, Buying local craftsmanship made by the Apatani tribe, Visiting villages in Apatani, Walking along the rice plantation, Exploring the neighbourhood museum etc.

10. Kurseong

Kurseong is a quaint hill station in the district of Darjeeling, West Bengal which is a paradise for nature lovers. Perched at a height of 1,458 m above sea level, the place ensures visitors a rejuvenating and unforgettable experience. Kurseong is a favourable destination for tourists where they relish the panoramic sightseeing, experience tranquillity, visit lush green tea gardens, and misty hills, and enjoy the pleasant climate.

The word Kurseong describes the land of the white orchid and it was named due to the abundance of lovely white orchids.

Best Time to visit Kuseong: September to May.

Best Places in Kurseong: Makaibari Tea Estate, Ambotia Shiva Temple, Deer Park, St. Paul’s Church, St. Andrew’s Church, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Museum, Bhangzang Salamander Lake.

Best Things to Do in Kurseong: Explore various Kurseong Tea Gardens, Offer Prayer at Giddhapahar Seti Mata Mandir Temple, Pray at St. Paul’s Church, Explore Kurseong Deer Park, Enjyoy Thrilling Cable Car Ride at Giddhapahar View Point and Visit Eagles Craig.