Nothing beats the charm of a summer holiday in the mountains. India is blessed with majestic hill stations where the air is crisp and the views enchanting. Thanks to incredible air connectivity, flying to these airports is easy for the seasoned traveller. Here are some hill stations with airports you can explore this summer. By Karan Kaushik
Fly to these 9 Hill stations with airports this summer
Leh
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If there’s one air journey that every Indian must embark on at least once in their lifetime (or twice, if they don’t get a window seat the first time), it’s the one to Ladakh. Witnessing the snow-clad Himalayas basking under the sun in all their glory from the flight is simply magical. Leh tops the bucket list of every mountain lover. If you aren’t up for the quintessential motorcycle Himalayan odyssey, take a flight and be prepared to be left smitten by the unmatched picturesque beauty of our motherland.
Airport: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport
Distance from Leh: 5km
Flights from: New Delhi, Mumbai, Jammu, Srinagar, Chandigarh
Gulmarg
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Flying to paradise on earth is an experience you will cherish forever. Boasting utterly gorgeous alpine meadows surrounded by the mighty Pir Panjal Range, Gulmarg is one of India’s evergreen hill stations. Located just two hours away from Srinagar, the hill station houses many wonders and beautiful landscapes. The Gondola Ropeway Ride here is perhaps the most stunning cable car rides you could enjoy in India. There’s a newly-opened igloo cafe too. And most importantly, there are the lovely people of Gulmarg, who are extremely hospitable and friendly.
Airport: Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport, Srinagar
Distance from Srinagar: 50 km
Flights from: New Delhi, Chandigarh, Jammu, Mumbai, Bengaluru
Shimla
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Replete with colonial charm, Shimla continues to be a tourist magnet. From shopping at the Mall Road to visiting the revered Jakhu Temple to exploring British-era buildings, Shimla has a lot in store for tourists. Do all things touristy around the Ridge. Explore the opulent Gaiety Theatre, take selfies in front of the Christ Church, let your kids enjoy a horse ride, and eat pastries and ice creams to their heart’s content. Shimla is full of lovely surprises at every step. You can also plan small day trips to Kufri, Naldera, Fagu, and Mashobra.
Airport: Jubbarhatti Airport
Distance from Shimla: 22km
Flights from: New Delhi, Chandigarh
McLeodganj
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When nothing goes right, go north. How about letting it all go in the peaceful land of the Dalai Lama this summer? Dharamshala and its next-door McLeodganj will make you fall in love with nature all over again. In Dharamshala, visit the HPCA Stadium and seek blessings at the Jwala Mukhi Devi Temple. Explore age-old Buddhist monasteries, visit the Bhagsunag Waterfalls, and appreciate the best of Gothic architecture at St John in the Wilderness Church in McLeodganj. If you are up for a little adventure, you may also plan a trek to Kareri Lake. History buffs could also visit the Kangra Fort.
Airport: Kangra-Gaggal Airport
Distance from McLeodganj: 18km
Flights from: New Delhi, Chandigarh, Jaipur
Manali
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Manali rings with an air of nostalgia capable of luring travellers more than once. The hill station has many alluring charms in the Himalayan shadows. Begin your vacation with a dip in the medicinal Vashisht hot water springs. Pay a visit to the nearby Hadimba Temple and Manu Temple, both of which are revered spots. To get a closer look at the state’s culture and heritage, add a stopover to the Museum of Himachal Culture and Folk Art. Splurge on locally-designed woollens, pottery, wooden showpieces and more at the Mall Road. Manali promises a memorable summer holiday. Do add Rohtang Pass and Solang Valley to your itinerary.
Airport: Bhuntar Airport
Distance from Manali: 50km
Flights from: Chandigarh, New Delhi
Mussoorie
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Mussoorie, or the ‘Queen of the Hills’ as it is known, was set up by British officers to escape the heat of the plains. The stunning hill station has served as a pleasant getaway for mountain lovers. Dotted with Raj-era buildings and blessed with spectacular hill views, Mussoorie continues to lure in travellers in droves. Hike the Lal Tibba, explore the Camel’s Back Road, have a refreshing time at the enchanting Kempty Falls, and enjoy an afternoon picnic at the Company Garden. And do make sure to visit Landour.
Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
Distance from Mussoorie: 60km
Flights from: New Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Jaipur, Amritsar, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad
Find the best hotels in Mussoorie for your next stay.
Shillong
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The Scotland of the East Shillong is a popular tourist spot with a retreat underscored by some of nature’s most stunning landscapes. Unwind at the tranquil Ward’s Lake, located in the heart of the city. You can go boating, feed the fish, or take leisurely strolls here. Your next stop could be the Don Bosco Museum, which showcases the culture and traditions of the seven states of North East India. Explore the mesmerising Elephant Falls, appreciate colonial architecture at All Saints Cathedral, and catch stunning sunsets from Umiam Lake. And finally, shop for trinkets and other souvenirs at Bara Bazar.
Airport: Barapani Airport, Umroi
Distance from Shillong: 30km
Flights from: Kolkata
Darjeeling
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Crisp air, ample rainfall, and pleasant weather not only make Darjeeling in West Bengal home to one of the finest tea varieties in the world but also spoil every visitor who sets foot in the hill station. When here, catch the first light from Tiger Hill and soak in views of the magnificent Kanchenjunga. Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Glenary’s, go monastery hopping, board the Toy Train to Ghum, and visit the many tea estates that dot Darjeeling. For shopping, visit Nehru Road and Mall Road.
Airport: Bagdogra Airport
Distance from Darjeeling: 67km
Flights from: New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Amritsar, Chennai, Dibrugarh, Guwahati
Ooty
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Perhaps one of the most popular hill stations in the South, Ooty is nestled in the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu, at the height of 2,240 metres. The charming hill station is home to serene Hindu temples flanked by pretty gardens and colonial architecture. The scenic outskirts of the town, marked by rolling hills, misty tea estates, and pine trees, make for a great setting for a quiet summer holiday. Travellers often visit tea plantations, shop for chocolates, walk through the parks, camp next to lakes, or trek to the neighbouring waterfalls.
Airport: Coimbatore Airport
Distance from Ooty: 87km
Flights from: New Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bhubaneswar, Chennai
Related: 10 Lesser-Known Hill Stations In India You Can Visit This Summer
