October is one of the best times to visit North Indian hill stations. The daytime temperature is almost 30 degree Celsius which is soothing while the night temperature falls to 15 degrees in some places. So, long journeys, roaming around the shops, wearing colourful dresses, and aiming for adventure sports are perfect ideas to enjoy your vacation at these places.
The hill stations wrap them in spectacular beauty to welcome the guests in October. Today, we are discussing the best places that you can visit this time of the year. Read on to know more-
Top 10 Famous Hill Stations to Visit in October in India:
1. Jim Corbett National Park
Located in Nainital District in Uttarakhand, Jim Corbett National Park is one of the most popular tiger reserve forests in India to visit in October. This time the weather is pleasant and the days are bright and sunny. The temperature starts dropping after the sunset and the nights are chilly.
Spotting wild animals is one of the best attractions for visitors at this place. For adventure lovers, mountain biking should be on the list. You can also visit Sitabani Reserve Forest and if you are lucky, you can see the Royal Bengal Tiger. Corbett is also the best place to visit 650 species of birds.
How to Reach Jim Corbett National Park:
By Air: The nearest airport to Jim Corbett National Park is Pantnagar Airport, located about 50 km away.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is Ramnagar railway station, which is well connected to major cities.
By Road: Buses and taxis to Jim Corbett are easily available from major cities like Delhi and Nainital.
2. Mussoorie
October is the best time to visit Mussoorie. You can visit snowfall this time, but the weather is sunny. So, you can get Mussoorie at its best in October. With astounding mountain views, spectacular waterfalls, lush green meadows, and dark green pine forests, Nainital is the queen of hills. The places of sightseeing are outstanding and mesmerizing here.
Visit Kempty Falls and arrange a picnic beside it. The perennial cascade looks ravishing as it falls from a height of 12 meters. Want to trek in Mussoorie in October? Trek to Lal Tibba, the highest point of Mussoorie. Also, you can visit Camel’s Back Road, Cloud’s End, and Gun Hill when you are in Mussoorie in October.
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How to Reach Mussoorie:
By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, approximately 54 km away.
By Rail: Dehradun railway station is the closest, located about 33 km away.
By Road: Buses to Mussoorie are frequently available from places like Delhi, Dehradun, and other major cities.
3. Lansdowne
To make a list of hill stations to visit in October, Lansdowne will always be on the list. You can expect a high temperature of around 30 degrees Celsius here in October when the nighttime temperature falls up to 18 degrees Celsius. You will get pleasant weather in October and can roam around this calm hill station in India.
Away from the hustle-bustle of city life, this quaint hill station is a perfect visiting place when you are looking for serenity. The snow-capped mountains, oak forests, and lush green valleys will win your heart at once when you are here. The places you can visit here are mainly Bhulla Tal, St. Mary’s Church, Darwan Singh Museum, Santoshi Mata Mandir, Durga Devi Temple, and many more places.
How to Reach Lansdowne:
By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, around 150 km away.
By Rail: The closest railway station is Kotdwar, about 40 km away.
By Road: Buses and taxis to Lansdowne are available from major cities like Delhi and Dehradun.
4. Nainital
With numerous lakes, wonderful climates, and towering peaks, Nainital in Uttarakhand is one of the best hill stations to visit in India in October. The average temperature in Nainital is around 18 degree Celsius at night while the temperature during the daytime is 30 Degree Celsius.
Naini Devi Temple is the best place to start your tour in Nainital. Besides, you can also visit Naina Peak, Snow-view Point, Tiffin Top, and several other places here. Nainital is also a popular shopping destination for shopaholics.
How to Reach Nainital:
By Air: Pantnagar Airport is the nearest, located about 65 km away.
By Rail: Kathgodam railway station, situated around 34 km away, is the closest.
By Road: Buses to Nainital are easily available from cities like Delhi, Dehradun, and Almora.
5. Ranikhet
Known as the ‘Queen of Meadows’, Ranikhet is the serene hill station in the Almora District of Uttarakhand. The lush green fruit orchards, colonial buildings, and the ancient temples of Ranikhet will mesmerize you while you roam around. October is the best time to visit the place as the temperature is soothing and traveling places can be a comfortable journey.
As the sky is clear in October, you can get a great majestic view of the Kumaon Ranges. There are outstanding places to visit in Ranikhet, like Aashiyana Park, Haidakhan Babaji Temple, Chaubatia Garden, Jhula Devi Temple, and many more.
How to Reach Ranikhet:
By Air: Pantnagar Airport, about 110 km away, is the nearest.
By Rail: Kathgodam railway station is the closest, located about 80 km away.
By Road: Buses and taxis to Ranikhet are available from major cities like Delhi and Nainital.
Read also: Top Hill Station Recommendations for November in India
6. Kasauli
This hill station in North India is a popular destination for peace-seekers. Surrounded by pine and oak forests, Kasauli is a quintessential hill station in Himachal Pradesh. The serenity of this hill station is appealing and you can have a relaxing vacation over here.
When you are in Kasauli, you can visit Sunset Point, Gurkha Fort, Baba Balak Nath Temple, Christ Church, and many more. For trekking, bird watching, and nature walking, Kasauli is a wonderful place to visit.
Read also: Explore Scenic Locations Near Manali This October
How to Reach Kasauli:
By Air: The nearest airport is Chandigarh Airport, approximately 70 km away.
By Rail: The closest railway station is Kalka, about 40 km away.
By Road: Buses to Kasauli are frequently available from cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, and Shimla.
7. Gulmarg
Talking about the outstanding hill stations in India and missing Gulmarg will be a great mistake. The valley is covered with snow in October where you can enjoy skiing. Also, the backdrop of the huge Himalayan Mountain, covered with coniferous forest gives you a feeling to be in paradise.
Known as ‘Meadows of Flowers’ Gulmarg is also the home of the world’s highest golf course. When you are here, don’t miss the thrilling cable car ride as it is the longest and highest ride in Asia. Also, you can visit Alpather Lake, Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve, etc. here.
How to Reach Gulmarg:
By Air: Srinagar Airport, located about 56 km away, is the nearest.
By Rail: The closest major railway station is Jammu Tawi, which is around 290 km away.
By Road: Buses and taxis to Gulmarg are available from Srinagar and other parts of Jammu & Kashmir.
8. Chopta
To get an outstanding and clear view of the Trishul, Nanda Devi, and Chaukhamba peaks, Chopta is the best place to visit. Nestled in the Himalayas, Chopta is the home of five temples of Lord Shiva. That’s why this place is popular as ‘Panch Kedar’.
For adventure seekers, tourists, and pilgrims, this place is one of the best destinations for tourists. When you are in Chopta, you can visit spectacular places, like Deoria Tal, Tunganath Temple, Chandrashila Trek, and more.
How to Reach Chopta:
By Air: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, approximately 226 km away, is the nearest.
By Rail: The closest railway station is Rishikesh, about 209 km away.
By Road: Buses to Chopta are available from major cities like Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun.
9. Shimla
Known as the crown of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla is one of the most popular hill towns in North India. In the Colonial Era, Shimla was known as their ‘Summer Capital’. Till now, it holds the touch of the British era that makes the town outstanding.
The picturesque hill station looks wonderful when the toy train perched through it. Shimla is a modern town with an ancient touch that makes it look magnificent. Visit Kalibari Temple, Viceregal Lodge, Jhakoo Hill, Green Valley, and many other places of interest here. Roaming around the ridge of Shimla can be relaxing and exciting.
How to Reach Shimla:
By Air: The nearest airport is Shimla Airport, located just 22 km away.
By Rail: Shimla has its own railway station, connected by the famous toy train from Kalka.
By Road: Buses to Shimla are easily available from cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, and Manali.
10. Auli
October is quite chilly in Auli, but you will enjoy that weather as the beauty of this hill station is superb. For the ski-lovers, Auli is the best destination. You will find a jaw-dropping view of Nanda Devi, Dunagiri, and Kamet.
The panoramic view of Kwani Bugyal will blow your mind. Also, you should visit the snowy landscapes at Auli Artificial Lake. Besides these, you can also visit Narsimha Temple, Nanda Devi National Park, etc.
How to Reach Auli:
By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, about 286 km away.
By Rail: The closest railway station is Rishikesh, located around 264 km away.
By Road: Buses and taxis to Auli are available from cities like Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun.
11. Pahalgam
To finish the list of the best hill stations to visit in India in October, we got Pahalgam as the best place. Located in the valley of Kashmir, the natural beauty of Pahalgam is breathtaking.
The cold weather in October is soothing and comfortable. The relaxing environment in Pahalgam can make your vacation full of fun. Visit places like Betaab Valley, Aru Valley, Pahalgam Golf Course, etc. to immerse yourself in the beauty of those places.
How to Reach Pahalgam:
By Air: The nearest airport is Srinagar Airport, approximately 95 km away.
By Rail: The closest major railway station is Jammu Tawi, which is around 285 km away.
By Road: Buses and taxis to Pahalgam are available from Srinagar and other parts of Jammu & Kashmir.
So, these are some of the outstanding hill stations to visit in North India in October. Each of these places is beautiful in its own way and ready to welcome its guests open-heartedly.
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