TripAdvisor Unveiled Top 5 Hill Stations in India

TRIPADVISOR HAS unveiled the 2018 Top Hill Stations list based on the quantity and quality of reviews and ratings for hotels, restaurants and experiences in the hill destinations across India, gathered over a 12-month period. Srinagar holding the first position, the research revealed that it offers the most options for luxury and mid-range getaways whereas Manali offers the most options for the budget. Here is the list of top five destinations:

Srinagar, Kashmir

Cuddled in the stunning Kashmir Valley with Jhelum River flowing through the city, Srinagar is rightly called ‘Heaven on Earth’. One can spend hours gazing at the scenic splendour and not get tired. Do not miss the experience of staying at one of the magnificent houseboats as well as visiting the stunning mosques, the beautiful Mughal gardens and relishing the flavourful Wazwan – authentic Kashmiri cuisine which is a point of pride in the Kashmiri culture.

Manali, Himachal Pradesh

With its scenic snow-clad mountain peaks and lush forests, Manali marks the beginning point of an ancient trade route to Ladakh. With a predominantly cold weather throughout the year, it offers a range of activities from fishing, camping, heli-skiing to rock climbing, trekking and rafting for the travellers to indulge their adventurous side. One must not miss going to the ‘hippy’ Old Manali which is famous for its street-side cafes and restaurants.

Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

Rishikesh, residing at the Himalayan foothills beside the Ganges River is a magnet for spiritual seekers. Today, it is only the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’, with ashrams, yoga centres, wellness resorts and meditation classes but also a favourite destination for lovers of adventure sports. The city is also famously known to host ‘The Beetles’ back in 1968, where John Lennon recorded "The Happy Rishikesh Song”.

Leh, Jammu and Kashmir

Dotted with stupas and mudbrick houses, the Old Town is dominated by steep rocky ridge topped by an imposing Tibetan-style palace and fort. Beneath, the bustling bazaar area is draped with souvenir shops and a host of restaurants. The humbling monasteries of Shey, Hemis, Alchi, Thikse and Lamayuru nurture one’s spiritual needs, and the landscape provides for a number of adventure activities including mountaineering, white-water rafting and trekking along the Markha Valley.

Munnar, Kerela

Situated at 1,600 metres above sea level at the confluence of three mountain valleys - Mudrapuzha, Nallathani and Kundala, Munnar is an enchanting hill station in the state of Kerala. Cascading mountain streams, cardamom hills, expansive tea plants, charming valleys, wooded & grass hills are counted amongst some of the top attractions here. With a pleasant to cool weather throughout the year, Munnar is also known as the “Kashmir of South India” and served as the summer capital of the British in southern India.