There are approximately 80 towns that reside among the hills, and we affectionately call them hill-stations of India. The summer capitals of Britons, these towns were lovingly built high up in the mountains to escape the hullabaloo in the plains. Rock, boulders and mountains were made to give way to pave roads to these hill-stations, and they were soon populated for the amazing sights they offer. Over the passing years these quaint towns have managed to develop a character that sets them apart from the whole world. We have listed down some quintessential things that you would find only in a hill-station in India:

1. Chai, Maggi and corn to snack on

You will find chai wallas and Maggi stalls almost in every nook and corner of a hill station. You also ought to stop for hot steaming momos and a cosy cup of coffee in the Nescafe joints here.

2. Water is the way of life

Civilizations thrive along water bodies, and hill-stations in India are blessed with plentiful water resources. The cities are buzzing with touristy activities around waterfalls, streams, springs, lakes and ponds.

3. Cottage style houses

You will find houses big and small with tapering roofs and cottage like homes reminiscent of the days gone by. The roofs are made so as to avoid collection of water which slides past thus water proofing the houses from the rain throughout the year.

4. An ages-old Convent

Yes, you will find some of the most elite boarding schools and convents built in these valleys and hills, which were established during the British Colonial periods.

5. Run in to animals

You will encounter all sorts of animals, wild and domestic, on the roads and the backyards of your hotel, as they stray and seem to claim their hills.

6. Riding the Ponies

Even if you haven’t been to a horse-riding school, you will get to ride the dainty ponies here. The horsekeeper will be in charge of your safety since he will accompany you on foot, while his pony rides you down the winding street.

7. Wild shrubs bloom into beautiful flowers

The weeds also grow the most beautiful blossoms in these picturesque valleys, where nature is the gardener. Even when you zoom past a road you will catch glimpses of miles of green pastures and woods.

8. Misty mornings and evenings

The mist starts settling in every now and then, especially in the mornings and evenings in the hills. It fills every nook and corner, leave the windows open one evening and you would know what walking among clouds actually means.

9. Game parlors abound

Almost all of these hill stations are lined up with game parlors since this is the way the people around seem to amuse themselves and the tourists.

10. Mall road is where the action lies

Looking for some real action after your detour around the serene spots, then you have to be on the mall road, which you will find in almost all the hill-stations in India. Right from the designer labels, to the local goods and craft shops, you will find almost everything here.

11. British connection

Almost 50 odd hill stations in India were founded by Britons during the reign of British Raj. We can still see some traces of British ways of living among the people in the hills.

12. The baked delicacies

All the cities in the hills will have a bakery which dishes out some famous melt-in-your-mouth delicacies. And you would come back time and again to have your mouthful, since this taste cannot be replicated. We’re sure you’ve tried to look for a substitute, but all in vain.

13. Dizzily winding roads

You have to take the arduous ride in order to reach these quaint towns. Hair pin bends on these dangerous roads add to the adventure factor. Make sure you have fastened your seat belts.

14. Umbrella is a staple

With the unpredictable rain and sun scene, no one is ready to take a chance. Everyone seems to carry a fancy umbrella as a staple in these towns.

15. Best squash, juice and jams

Fresh and bountiful farm produce makes for plentiful squashes, juices and jams that are famous and sometimes make it to the exports.

16. Fetish for cleanliness

Despite the entire buzz created by the tourists, these hill-stations are unfailingly the cleanest places in the country, at least relatively cleaner than the plains.

Deepti Ahuja Balani

People professionally know me as a copy editor, correspondent and a writer, but writing is something I do even when I am not professionally engaged. I like to visit new places, explore, experience different cultures and share my perspective through words. Writing for food, travel and books is something that comes naturally, and is close to my heart.

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