5 Hill Retreats of India That Will Inspire You to Retire Now!

The charm of hill stations in India is unmistakable. Whether you’re hot and bothered or cool and collected, whatever your reason to escape is, consider taking off to these top 5 hill station havens in India that are magical any time of the year. For all you know, you may find yourself going back to these each year!

The Terraces, Kanatal

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​Approximately 40 kilometres from its more popular hill neighbour, Mussoorie, Kanatal at an altitude of 2,590 metres is a relatively unexplored village in Uttrakhand that boasts of surrounding views of snow-capped Himalayan peaks. Built in to the landscape and spanning 2.02 hectares, the boutique spa resort, The Terraces makes for a memorable holiday experience in Kanatal. With 20 well-furnished rooms and suites, all of which have attached balconies, you can feast on spectacular views all day long while being serenaded by the sound of the breeze whistling through pine trees accompanied by chirping birds. While dining options at The Terraces include two multi-cuisine restaurants, you can also enjoy a drink and barbeque style dinner at outdoor venue, The Terrace. Relax in the lap of nature at the resort’s Spa Esencia complete with healing therapies and a Jacuzzi. For the mind and soul, enjoy a yoga and meditation session at The Terraces.

Book Your Stay at The Terraces, Kanatal!

The Carlton, Kodaikanal​

Literally meaning the ‘gift of the forest’, Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu sits pretty in the Western Ghats at a height of 2,194 metres. With the Kodai Lake being the focal point of its forested landscape, the scenic joys in and around Kodaikanal include lookout points, caves, waterfalls, cliffs and more. Amidst all of this is The Carlton, a majestic 5-star hotel overlooking the lake. With 91 rooms, suites and cottages, you can enjoy the choicest in-room amenities within your private retreat. The Carlton has plenty to keep you entertained with recreational options like a games’ room, library, mini-golf, horse riding and lots more. To ensure that you really have a refreshing holiday, the spa offers signature treatments and massages. While at The Carlton, enjoy top-notch dining at its restaurants and lounges that serve a delectable regional and international fare where along with the food, the views of the Kodai Lake are also delightful.

Book Your Stay at The Carlton, Kodaikanal!

Kurumba Village Resort, Ooty

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Dense forests, rolling hills and glossy lakes, the landscape of Ooty is scenic and surreal. At an altitude of 2,239 metres, Ooty is nestled within the Nilgiri mountains in Tamil Nadu. Along with 360-degree panoramic vistas that attract one and all, riding on the quaint toy train, Nilgiri Mountain Railway is a huge draw too.  Away from Ooty’s hustle and bustle is the Kurumba Village Resort, a serene refuge where the lingering aroma of spices fills the air and the sound of gurgling brooks and chirping birds echo amidst the trees. Within this magical haven are cottages and suites with attached balconies and an array of in-room comforts. Relaxation at the Kurumba Village Resort comes in many forms. Swing on a hammock, take a dip in the pool, do some yoga, read in the library, play a game of ping pong, take a private cooking class or go fruit and vegetable picking. Feast on Indian and international specialties at the tree-house style restaurant or regional favourites outdoors in the tea garden and even a cave!

Book Your Stay at Kurumba Village Resort, Ooty!

The Elgin Mount Pandim, Pelling

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About a 90-minute long drive from Gangtok will take you to Pelling in Sikkim. From its height of 1,900 metres, stunning views of the majestic Kanchenjunga mountain range will overwhelm your senses as will the surrounding flora and fauna of the Himalayas. Charming and elegant, The Elgin Mount Pandim is warm and inviting with its old-world colonial feel. Set on 3.23 hectares of forests and gardens, all the elegant and charming 30 rooms and suites overlook the Singalila range for unmatched mountainous vistas. Dining at The Elgin Mount Pandim is truly a special affair and testimony to the grandeur of its erstwhile owners, the Royal Family of Sikkim. The classy Magnolia Dining Room, the airy Gazebo at the Garden and the seasoned Tea Lounge & Oak Bar all offer fine cuisine and beverages. Opt for a tour of the area while accompanied by hotel staff and see the centuries’ old Pemayangtse and Sanga Choling monasteries.

Book Your Stay at The Elgin Mount Pandim, Pelling!

Moksha Himalaya Spa Resort, Parwanoo

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Spread across the Shivalik range in Himachal Pradesh, Parwanoo stands tall at 1,524 metres. Nestled within its green hued forests is the Moksha Himalaya Spa Resort, an Ayurveda health spa resort literally in the lap of nature. The resort houses 62 spacious rooms and suites with private sit-outs and choicest amenities. As seen across the entire property, the construction materials used include locally sourced natural wood and stone to make it seamlessly blend in to the scenic surroundings. The Moksha Spa offers a great variety of holistic wellness treatments for the mind, body and soul. Other ways to relax include a swimming pool and yoga and meditation classes. The restaurant with its indoor and outdoor seating areas is where you can enjoy Indian and international cuisines, all made using ingredients locally sourced or grown within the resort.

Book Your Stay at Moksha Himalaya Spa Resort, Parwanoo!