What makes these Indian hill stations iconic?

Whenever there’s an opportunity to go on a vacation within India, more often than not, we look up hill stations. By now, it’s really like an obvious choice for so many of us. What is it that makes these hilly destinations so attractive? Is it their picturesque landscapes, pleasant climate or colonial heritage or all of them?

Before we delve deeper, it’s important to note that these hill stations were developed during the British colonial era as their summer retreats, a place where they can relax and take a break from the scorching heat of the Indian plains.

Over the years, long after the British are gone, these hill stations continue to capture one’s imagination and are so loved by all. Here are some of the most iconic hill stations in India and a little something on reasons that make them so special.

Shimla was the summer capital of British India. This was the place where the viceroys came to escape the heat of the plains. To make their stay a little bit more “homely”, they built several buildings that today are famous tourist attractions. One more thing about Shimla that captures one’s heart is how the city exists in the midst of deodar, pine and oak forests. The hill station might be crowded, but it is stunningly beautiful indeed.

Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Darjeeling is most famous for its tea plantations, stunning views of Mount Kanchenjunga, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. To this day, the town’s tea gardens produce some of the finest teas in the world. Imagine the influence it must have had back in the day.

Also known as the Queen of the Nilgiris, Ooty was one of the favourite summer retreats of the British viceroys and even the royal families of the region back in the day. Just like Darjeeling, Ooty too enjoyed being one of the major tea producing areas in India. The present-day Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was an important part of the tea industry.

Back in the day, this quiet yet stunningly beautiful corner of Himachal Pradesh was turned into a tourist town with facilities to accommodate visiting dignitaries of the Britishers. Then came the apples, trout fishing and pine forests.

Nainital was a stunning summer retreat in the gentle hills. The British established several hotels around town that are now some of the most famous heritage properties. Even the maharaja of Pilibhit preferred to spend his summers here. Hotels like the Naini Retreat, Elphinstone, Belvedere are some of the properties that were established back then, and are still popular to this day.

Enjoying the same kind of status as Ooty and Darjeeling is Munnar, one of the most beloved hill stations in India right now. Munnar is renowned for its tea plantations and scenic beauty due to its location in the Western Ghats.

Today, the town is one of the most loved honeymoon destinations in India. Back in the day too, Kodaikanal enjoyed the same status. Time stood still for Kodaikanal, but in a good way. Kodaikanal’s wooded slopes, pleasant weather, and the scenic Kodaikanal Lake is why this hill station is so loved.

We have the semi-arid regions in Rajasthan on one hand, and then this mild-weathered, peaceful hill station on the other. Mount Abu is the only hill station in Rajasthan. Today, the hill station is a great quick escape from any part of Rajasthan and north India.