Top 5 Hill Stations in India to Visit With Friends (2025 Guide)

Traveling with friends is one of the best ways to create lifelong memories. Hill stations in India offer the perfect mix of pleasant weather, scenic views, adventure activities, and relaxed vibes, making them ideal for group trips.

Here are the top 5 hill stations in India to visit with friends, along with practical travel tips to help you plan better.

1) Darjeeling

2) Ooty

3) Shimla

4) Kodaikanal

5) Matheran

Darjeeling The Hill Station We Can Say 

"Queen of The Himalayas"

Nestled amid rolling mountains, Darjeeling Hill Station is a perfect, much-loved destination for outdoor enthusiasts it is the best place for a holiday. The summer capital of India under the British Raj, Darjeeling has grown old as one of the most visited hill stations in India. Situated amidst an acre of tea plantations, Darjeeling has an elevation of 2,050 meters above sea level, thus maintaining a cool and mild climate throughout the year. This exquisite hill station located in West Bengal is a beautiful and ideal place for a romantic honeymoon.

Here is the UNESCO World Heritage Status Toy Train, which was established in 1881, and is a center of attraction for tourists. The train starts its journey from the plains and rises above 2000 meters above sea level, offering breathtaking views of the mountains as it moves along.

More than 86 tea gardens in Darjeeling are known for producing the world-famous 'Darjeeling Tea. Have a cup of locally made tea at the tea garden, or descend among the gardens to pluck some tea leaves yourself; You are free to make your choice!

Popular places to visit include Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop, the War Memorial, the Himalayan Zoological Park, and Snow Leopard Breeding Center. What should you bring home? Tea, tea, and more tea—and beautiful local handicrafts.

Kangchenjunga peak is visible from here. Which is the third highest peak in the world and the highest peak in India and with this you can enjoy the panoramic view of the peak. Some of the most popular Darjeeling attractions include monasteries, botanical gardens, a zoo, and the Darjeeling-Rangeet Valley Passenger Ropeway Cable Car, which is the longest Asian cable car, and Tiger Hill which is a great place to watch the sunrise over the mountains.

Darjeeling is a favorite among young travelers for its breathtaking mountain views, tea gardens, and laid-back charm.

Best Time to Visit: March to June, September to November
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport (approx. 70 km)
Nearest Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri (NJP)

Top Things to Do With Friends:

• Watch sunrise at Tiger Hill

• Ride the Darjeeling Himalayan Toy Train (UNESCO site)

• Visit tea estates and try authentic Darjeeling tea

• Explore Chowrasta Mall Road and local cafés

Travel Tip: Mornings and evenings can be cold even in summer — carry light jackets.

Ooty (Udhagamandalam) The Hill Station We Can Say 

"Queen of Hill Stations"

Popularly known as Ooty, this diamond among southern slope resorts is promoted in eucalyptus and deodar forests and coffee and tea plantations. On a crisp morning, it is conceivable to witness the most distinctive viewpoints of the place from Dodabetta Peak to the Mysore Plateau. The Stone House, a memorable 1822 house, and St Stephen's Church are the remainder of the region's most memorable British settlement. Also Important are a Formal greenhouse, a small-scale garden for the kids, and a contemporary workmanship assortment.

Also Read this: Discover Ooty: The Ultimate Guide to the Queen of Hill Stations

More about Ooty!

Built by the British in the colonial era, Ooty continues to capture the imaginations of people with its beautiful mountains, lakes, vast flora, and fauna. Known as the Queen of Hill Stations, Ooty is surrounded by beautiful mountains, lakes, gardens, and forests. It was once the summer capital of the Madras Presidency. Colonial buildings and architecture are visible in some parts of the city. Ooty is one of the few places in India where local tribes co-exist within the city.

Be it Bollywood directors, honeymooners, families, or adventure travelers, This Hill Station has touched everyone's heart and imagination. It is known as the Blue Mountains because of the indigo cover of the beautiful Kurinji flower that blooms on the slopes of the Eucalyptus once every 12 years. When in bloom, Ooty looks spectacular; Which confirms the wonders of nature. the best place for In the lap of nature.

Visit Toda temples, and homes and also shop for ethnic Toda products. A joyride suitable for all age groups, the hill-climbing train with its steep curves and tunnels is not only a fun experience but also offers breathtaking scenic beauty along the way. Officially called Ooty, Ootacamund, this tourist center in southern India is better known by the British nickname Ooty.

Ooty is perfect for friends who love nature, photography, and relaxed sightseeing.

Best Time to Visit: April to June, September to October
Nearest Airport: Coimbatore (approx. 85 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Mettupalayam (toy train route)

Top Things to Do With Friends:

• Boating at Ooty Lake

• Visit Botanical Garden and Rose Garden

• Explore tea estates and local chocolate shops

• Enjoy the scenic Nilgiri Mountain Railway

Travel Tip: Ooty gets crowded on weekends — plan weekday visits if possible.

Shimla The Hill Station We Can Say 

"The Hill-Station with Rich Colonial History"

Shimla is a popular hill station among Indian families, honeymooners, nature lovers, and trekking tourists. Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh which was the summer capital of British India situated at an altitude of 2200 m. Shimla still retains its old-world charm along the ridge with beautiful colonial architecture, pedestrian-friendly Mall Road, and many shops, cafes, and restaurants. This is the best place for people who like cold weather and snowy mountains

Shimla is only 4 hours from the close by city of Chandigarh and is all around associated with numerous urban communities. The city likewise has an air terminal; However, there are very few day-to-day departures from here. The rail route station interfaces Shimla with plans and is renowned for the Kalka-Shimla rail route; An UNESCO recorded World Heritage Site.

Night in Shimla

The weather remains pleasant for most of the months, especially in the summer months with pair of tourists. Winters are cold with a few days of snowfall from mid-December to the end of February.

Shimla is oftentimes covered with the towns of Kufri, an incline hill station frequently covered with snow and famous for Chail, a huge imperial home and the world's most raised cricket ground. Travelers in like manner visit the notable Jakhu Temple and do visiting as indicated by substitute perspectives during their visit to Shimla. 

Shimla is ideal for friend groups looking for a mix of history, shopping, and cool mountain weather.

Best Time to Visit: March to June, December to February (for snow)

Nearest Airport: Chandigarh

Nearest Railway Station: Kalka (toy train route)

Top Things to Do With Friends:

• Walk along Mall Road and The Ridge

• Visit Jakhoo Temple

• Café hopping and local shopping

• Enjoy snowfall activities during winter

Travel Tip: Avoid peak summer weekends due to heavy tourist rush.

Kodaikanal The Hill Station We Can Say 

"The Princess of Hill Stations"

Perched on the southern peak of the Palani Hills forest at an altitude of about 7,000 feet above sea level, this popular lakeside resort town acts as a magnet for nature lovers. Kodaikanal has an endangered animal called the Gharial Giant Squirrel. For us, that alone is a reason to book a trip ("Grizzled Giant Squirrel" might be the best animal name ever). Walk the peaceful slopes, watch a variety of birds, and keep an eye out for colorful exotic flowers, and of course, giant squirrels.

Located in the state of Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal is one of the most famous honeymoon destinations in India. A lakeside resort town in Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal boasts of a beautiful and clean climate, mist-clad manicured cliffs, and waterfalls that come together to form the ideal setting for visiting here. Kodaikanal means 'gift of the forests.

Once you visit this hill station, you will find that everything you have imagined to be is real. Kodaikanal is a place you can visit to take a break from the rigors of everyday urban life, and this hill station lets you sit back and connect with nature while you go out on biking or trekking trails or explore the vast forests surrounding the town.

Kodaikanal is perfect for friends who enjoy peaceful surroundings, misty hills, and scenic viewpoints.

Best Time to Visit: October to March

Nearest Airport: Madurai

Nearest Railway Station: Kodai Road

Top Things to Do With Friends:

• Boating at Kodaikanal Lake

• Visit Coaker’s Walk and Pillar Rocks

• Trekking and nature walks

• Explore pine forests and waterfalls

Travel Tip: Weather can change suddenly — carry rain protection.

Matheran  The Hill Station We Can Say 

"Cutest little hill station of India"

Nestled amidst the Sahyadri Range on the Western Ghats, Matheran is a cozy little hill station situated at an altitude of 2600 feet above sea level, and just 100 km from Mumbai, making it an ideal weekend getaway. Its name literally translates as "overhead forest", Matheran is the smallest hill station in India but extremely popular with tourists taking a short trip in search of beautiful vistas and serenity.

Matheran is a very rare example of a hill station on the planet that permits no vehicles by any means, so the second you venture into this little town, you will be shipped back to a charming old-world period of red-soiled roads, auto-free pathways, and rich green slopes all over. The cold breeze and the natural air without contamination are reason enough for sightseers to crowd to Matheran lasting through the year.

Click Here For More About Matheran

Just like any other hill station, Matheran is famous for its amazing views. It has a total of 36 viewpoints from where you can enjoy the mesmerizing views of the Sahyadri mountain range. Most of these focus on simple itineraries, offering sweeping views of mountains, sunrises, sunsets, and everything in between. Number one for adventurers, the true magic of Matheran is experienced while exploring the area on foot and getting lost in the beauty of the serene city.

Matheran is unique because no vehicles are allowed, making it ideal for walking, nature lovers, and short group trips.

Best Time to Visit: October to February

Nearest Airport: Mumbai / Pune

Nearest Railway Station: Neral

Top Things to Do With Friends:

• Trekking and nature trails

• Visit viewpoints like Echo Point and Panorama Point

• Horse riding

• Enjoy pollution-free surroundings

Travel Tip: Wear comfortable shoes — you’ll walk a lot.

📊 Quick Comparison Table

Hill Station	Best Time	Ideal For
Darjeeling	Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov	Scenic views, culture
Ooty	Apr–Jun	Relaxation, nature
Shimla	Mar–Jun, Dec–Feb	Snow, shopping
Kodaikanal	Oct–Mar	Peaceful trips
Matheran	Oct–Feb	Short getaways

🧳 Final Thoughts

Whether you want adventure, relaxation, or scenic beauty, these hill stations offer unforgettable experiences for friends traveling together. Choose your destination based on weather, budget, and travel style — and start planning your next memorable trip.