Budget-Friendly Hill Stations In India: In The Land Of Snow And Mountains
The hill stations in India are as vivid as the country. From the snow-capped Himalayas to the rugged Aravalis, the mountains and hills in India show various geological formations, ecology, and natural attractions.
For example, the coffee plantations in Coorg are different in charm than the tea plantations of Darjeeling or Sikkim.
Nevertheless, one thing is for sure: many hill stations in India offer comfort to the body, mind, and soul. So, every year, there is a massive inflow of tourists to these destinations.
The recent verdict of the High Court of Kerala to control the “unbridled inflow of tourists” to the state’s hill stations vouches for the rush these tourism hotspots face every year.
Unregulated constructions remain a concern, triggering landslides and other natural calamities, but you cannot deny the positive impact of mountain tourism on the economy, society, culture, and infrastructural development.
UN Tourism has identified how sustainable mountain tourism can bring inclusion and prosperity to the lives of mountain communities.
So, even if we respect the concerns and directives of the High Court of Kerala, we know that India’s hill stations and mountains will always be important in the tourism landscape or the country’s economy, looking at the bigger picture.
Do you also want to experience the charm of hill stations in India? Here, I have curated the most affordable options for the ones traveling on a shoestring.
Budget-Friendly Hill Stations In India: Into The Mountains On A Shoestring
The hill stations in India evolved during British colonial rule. With pleasant weather year-round, these destinations primarily became summer retreats for the British people here. Often, these became hotspots for quick health recovery.
Darjeeling, Ooty, and Matheran are some hill stations made famous by the British. However, today, these hill stations attract people from all walks of life in search of natural abundance, spiritual guidance, adventure, and more.
So, let’s take you through the mountain terrains, fusing history, mythology, and tapestry of human lives.
Affordable Hill Stations In Northern India
Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh have the most affordable hill stations in India. While places like Shimla, Manali, and Nainital are beautiful but expensive, we have the following budget-friendly alternatives in northern India.
⦿ Kasol
Location: Kullu District, Himachal Pradesh
Nearest Airport: Kullu Manali Airport
Budget – INR 10-35k (Each Person)
Best Time to Visit: March-June
Best Place To stay In Kasol: Whoopers Boutique Kasol (Google Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)
Kasol, or the Mini Israel of India, is a gold mine of various cultures, mythology, and natural beauty. Also, Kasol is the epicenter of some of the most popular treks in the state. You can consider Kasol as your base for the amazing Rudrang trek and Beas Kund trek.
Moreover, you can trek to the nearby Tosh Valley to explore the terrain bathed by the River Parvati and experience a slice of the Hippie Culture. Kasol is even an important destination for pilgrims to the Manikaran Sahib Gurdwara, at a 6 Km distance from Kasol.
However, Kasol has many attractions, such as the Parvati River passing through the town center, the Tso Kar monastery overlooking the town, the Tibetan Refugee Village, and the Buddhist Caves.
⦿ Khajjiar
Location: Himachal Pradesh
Nearest Airport: Gaggal Airport or Kangra Airport In Dharamshala
Budget – INR 25-30k (Each Person)
Best Time to Visit: April-June
Best Place To Stay In Khajjiar: Fortune Khajjiar- Member ITC’s Hotel Group (Google Rating: 4.5 Stars)
Just 24 Km away from Dalhousie, Khajjiar is an affordable and offbeat hill station in India. At a 6500-foot height above sea level, Khajjiar looks beautiful thanks to the Deodar and pine forests.
Further, the saucer-shaped pristine plateau offers the best views of the Dhauladhar ranges of the Himalayas.
| Khajjiar gets its name from the Khajji Naga shrine dedicated to the serpent God. The 10th-century temple is a beautiful depiction of Mughal and Hindu architecture. The Swiss Ambassador officially baptized Khajjiar as “Mini Switzerland” on 7th July 1992. A stone from the stone sculpture of Berne was brought here to establish it as one of the 160 designated “Mini Switzerlands” of the world. |
⦿ Dharamkot
Location: Himachal Pradesh
Nearest Airport: Gaggal Airport or Kangra Airport In Dharamshala
Budget – INR 12-30k (Each Person)
Best Time to Visit: April-June
Best Place To Stay In Dharamkot: Young Monk Hostel Dharamkot (Ideal for Solo Travelers, Google Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)
Dharamkot, an off-beat destination in Himachal Pradesh, boasts natural abundance and spiritual fervor. You must have encountered Dharamkot if you have been to the Triund Trek. However, very few of us know how divine walking through the roads here feels like.
Further, you can enjoy the most stunning view of the Dhauladhar range from Dharamkot and the Tibetan Refugees.
⁕⁕ Dream and Travel Notes ⁕⁕
⁍ Don’t miss the Vipassana, Tushita, and Osho Nisarga meditation centers in Dharamkot for spiritual, physical, and emotional healing. I took a small course at the Tushita Meditation Center, which cost around INR 1500.
⁍ Further, a trip to Dharamkot is incomplete without a visit to the Tsuglag Khang or Dalai Lama temple. The 14th Dalai Lama lives in this temple.
⁍ Also, if you love adventurous activities, try paragliding at Bir.
⁍ A trip to Dharamkot is incomplete without trying the local cuisines. You will find the influence of Indian, Chinese, and Tibetan cooking in these delicacies. Siddu, Thukpa, and Madra are some popular local food items here.
Moreover, don’t forget to try the best organic coffee here.
Hill Stations In Southern India
Are you in for a tranquil escapade filled with the whiff of coffee? Explore the hill stations in Southern India.
⦿ Coorg
Location: Karnataka
Nearest Airport: Mangalore International Airport
Budget – INR 12000-30000
Best Time to Visit: March to June
Best Place To Stay In Coorg: Coorg Lotus Villa (Google Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)
Do you know Coorg is called the Scotland of India? This hill station, soaked in the flavors of coffee, has a beautiful landscape similar to that of Scotland.
This hub of evergreen forests is also India’s coffee cup, with the best shade-grown “mild” coffee in the world.
Further, Coorg is home to multiple waterfalls, such as Mallalli Waterfalls, Abbey Waterfall, and Iruppu Waterfalls.
In addition, Coorg has some of the most popular trek routes in Karnataka. You can trek to Kotebetta, Mandalpatti and Tadiandamol.
Dream And Travel Notes
Coorg has endless tourist attractions. However, the highlight of my Coorg tour was Karada Village. Many buildings here are ancestral properties that are two to three hundred years old.
I was happy not to find many tourists there, and I still remember how the Nadikerianda Aine house told the century-old tales.
⦿ Yercaud
Location: Salem, Tamil Nadu
Nearest Airport: Salem Airport
Budget – INR 12000-20000
Best Time to Visit: October to June
Best Place To Stay In Yercaud: Cloud Residency Yercaud (Google Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)
The Servarayan or Shevaroys regions of hills in the Eastern Ghats are the highlights of Yercaud. There is a popular tourist spot known as the Lady’s Seat. It is a natural rock formation resembling a seat, and a lady used to spend her evenings there looking at the beautiful hills around it.
Other attractions in Yercaud are the Shevarayan Temple, the Botanical Survey of India, the Silk Farm, etc.
| Did You Know? Yercaud is called “Poor Man’s Ooty,” and it has beautiful Killiyur Falls and Rose Garden. |
⦿ Devikulam
Location: Kerala
Nearest Airport: The Cochin International Airport
Budget – INR 12-22k
Best Time to Visit: November to May
Best Place To Stay In Devikulam: Seven Malai Residency (Google Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐)
Just 8 Kms away from Munnar, Devikulam is an affordable hill station in India associated with mythological tales. The lush green landscape here is almost velvety, and the hills in the backdrop look mystical. Further, it is a popular destination for fishing trout.
The main attraction of Devikulam is the Devi Lake or the Sita Devi Lake. Sita Devi, the consort of Lord Rama, took a bath here and today, turning it into a pilgrimage.
You can also visit the Pallivasal Falls, Thoovanam Falls, and the tea and spice plantations.
⦿ Kalvary Mount in Idukki
Location: Kerala
Nearest Airport: The Cochin International Airport
Budget – INR 12-22k
Best Time to Visit: September to March
Best Place To Stay In Idukki: Mistywindvalley Resort (Google Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)
In May 2024, the hilly district of Idukki witnessed a massive inflow of tourists. The Idukki District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) data says that 5,08,857 people visited Idukki in May, a massive surge compared to 3,40,159 visitors in April.
The Kalvary Mount is at the core of the growing tourism scenario in Idukki. It offers the best view of the Idukki Reservoir. You will also love the panoramic vista of Mariyapuram and Kamakshy villages from here.
Affordable Hill Stations In East And North-East India
Being from this part of the country, we literally knew Darjeeling as our staple hill station destination. Years later, when I visited Gangtok in winter, I was mesmerized by its natural abundance and cultural richness.
India has many other amazing hill stations in its eastern and north-eastern corners. Let me introduce you to the most affordable ones.
⦿ Shillong
Location: Meghalaya
Nearest Airport: Shillong Airport
Budget – INR 25k
Best Time to Visit: Year Round (Mach-May and October-November for Hiking)
Best Place To Stay In Shillong: The Home Stay (Google Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)
For my friend visiting Shillong this May, Shillong has been a great encounter with nature and a gastronomic delight. However, it may occasionally rain in May, causing hindrances to your plans for the treks to Mawryngkhang Bamboo Trail, Mawsmai Caves, and Shillong Peak.
However, a visit to Ward’s Lake, Elephant Falls, and Laitlum Canyon more than made up for his rain-troubled trek plans. Also, it’s a sin not to get your eyes and soul soothed with the crystal-clear water of the Umrew River.
For a similar experience, and if you have a day to spare, you can also travel to Dawki, a hidden gem at a 3-hour distance from Shillong. The Dawki River has the most crystal clear water, resembling see-through glass.
Moreover, if you are a foodie, you must not forget to try the best Khasi cuisine. My friend can’t get over the food he had at Trattoria. You will love Dohkhlein (sweet pork chutney), Tungrymbai (spicy dried fish), and pork meatballs there.
Dream and Travel Notes
⁍ Try to take the morning flights to Guwahati or Shillong to make it a cheap deal.
⁍ You may have to stand in a long queue (sometimes 500 people) to make it to the mighty Kamakhya Temple. So, if you want to soak in the spiritual experience, reserve an entire day for the temple visit.
⦿ Gangtok
Location: Sikkim
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport
Budget – INR 15k
Best Time to Visit: Year Round (December to February for Snowfall)
Best Place To Stay In Gangtok: Summit Namnang Courtyard & Spa, Gangtok (Google Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐)
I visited Gangtok, one of the best hill stations in India, in December, and as a honeymooner, it will always remain the “Land of Romance” for me. From the first moment, I knew it was going to be a great experience, considering the serene view of the Teesta on the way from Bagdogra to Gangtok.
Gangtok is the epicenter of many amazing destinations in Sikkim. However, the city itself offers a dreamy view of Mount Kanchenjunga, and trust me, you will have the best coffee and hot chocolate here. M G Marg is at the heart of the city, and it has some brilliant cafes. Also, don’t miss the musical events here in the evening.
Nevertheless, Enchey Monastery, Yumesamdong Hot Spring, Tsomgo Lake, Zuluk, and the Yumthang Valley were the highlights of my Sikkim tour. A detailed ode to Sikkim is coming soon! Can’t wait to share!
⦿ Darjeeling
Location: West Bengal
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport
Budget – INR 15k
Best Time to Visit: April to June
Best Place To Stay In Darjeeling: The Heritage Darjeeling (Google Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐)
Darjeeling, the land of Rongpa and Lepchas, shines bright, with Tiger Hill being the gem of its crown. Watching the sunrise here is a lifetime experience. Further, you will get the best view of Mount Kanchenjunga from the Tiger Hill top.
Don’t forget to watch Satyajit Ray’s masterpiece, “Kanchenjunga,” before planning a trip to this hill station in East India. It is a brilliant depiction of the transition of human emotions and relationships in accordance with the changes in the light on Mount Kanchenjunga.
Another favorite of mine, using Darjeeling as the backdrop for changing human emotions, is Rituparno Ghosh’s “Titli.”
Nevertheless, Lepchajagat, Japanese Peace Pagoda, Batasia Loop, and the Ghoom Monastery are major attractions here. Also, many off-beat travel destinations near Darjeeling, like Tinchuley and Dawaipani, are gaining popularity.
Also, if you are a trekker, the Sandakphu trek here will give you a memorable experience in the hills.
| The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is one of the five UNESCO World Heritage Sites in West Bengal. This Toy Train Service, built in 1879 and 1881, offers a delightful ride for 78 kms. It is also a popular filming destination, and you can see its magic in Bollywood movies like “Parineeta” and “Aradhana.” |
Hill Stations In West India
Finally, we are in Western India. This part of the country hardly comes to mind when discussing hill stations in India, as we usually think of the snow-capped mountains.
Nevertheless, western India has diverse hill stations like Satpura on the Maharastra border, Madhya Pradesh, Mahabaleshwar, and Matheran in Maharashtra.
⦿ Satpura
Location: Satpura Range Extends over Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh Gujarat, and Maharashtra
Nearest Airport: Bhopal Airport
Budget – INR 10k
Best Time to Visit: October to June
Best Place To Stay In Satpura: The Satpura Panchtatva Villa (Google Rating: 4.5)
Satpura is one of the popular hill stations in India, and it has etched a special place thanks to the tiger reserves here.
However, if you want to experience the best of Satpura, you must visit Pachmarhi. It is also called the “Queen of Satpura.”
Pachmarhi has some of the biggest attractions, and it is home to the Satpura National Park and Tiger Reserve, Dhupgarh, and Satpura Biosphere Reserve.
⦿ Mahabaleshwar
Location: Maharashtra
Nearest Airport: Pune International Airport
Budget – INR 11-15k
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Best Place To Stay In Mahabaleshwar: MTDC Resort Mahabaleshwar (Google Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐)
Mahabaleshwar is the perfect weekend getaway from Mumbai. On this 2 days trip from Mumbai, you will see the best waterfalls and old forts. Mahabaleshwar is also home to beautiful strawberry plantations and historic temples.
You must also visit Venna Lake, Elephant’s Head Point, and Wilson Point.
⦿ Matheran
Location: Maharashtra
Nearest Airport: Mumbai Airport
Budget – INR 12000k
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Best Place To Stay In Matheran: Le Jardin Resort and Spa (Google Rating: 4.5)
Matheran is beautiful, with caves, waterfalls, and lakes. Waterfall rappelling at Dodhani Waterfalls is a popular attraction here for adventurous souls. Further, you can trek through the route to the Chanderi Caves.
Also, for an immersive experience in Matheran, visiting Charlotte Lake can be the highlight of your hill station trip in Western India.
Moreover, the toy train ride from Neral to Matheran is a nostalgic experience, allowing you to indulge in the scenic beauty of the surroundings.
