5 scenic hill stations to head to from Rajasthan for a cool change

Rajasthan might be synonymous with golden dunes, camel rides, and forts that glow under the desert sun, but there are times when even the most ardent desert lover needs a breather from the sweltering heat. Also those from Rajasthan would love to visit places that offer them a change in landscape and weather. Luckily, the state is well-connected to some charming hill stations that promise cool mornings, pine-scented air, and a break from that obvious sunburnt landscape. So, anybody looking to escape the desert landscape for a change, here are five hill stations worth packing bags for and creating unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.

Let’s start with the obvious. Mount Abu is Rajasthan’s one and only hill station, perched at about 1,220 meters in the Aravalli Range. Think of it as Rajasthan’s cool crown jewel. With Nakki Lake’s breezy boat rides, the jaw-dropping marble carvings of Dilwara Temples, and sunset views from the aptly named Sunset Point, it is where many go when they’ve had enough of desert drama.

If you’re ready to go a little beyond Rajasthan’s borders, Saputara in Gujarat is an underrated gem. Nestled in the Sahyadri hills, this little hill station sits at around 1,000 meters. It’s dotted with lush gardens, tribal art museums, and viewpoints that seem straight out of a Bollywood song sequence. Then there is a serene lake, and the Dangs forest nearby for a refreshing weekend away.

Kasauli is a colonial-era beauty tucked into Himachal Pradesh, and while it’s not right next door, people swear by it for longer summer breaks. Quiet churches, charming walking trails, and monkey point make it a chilled-out choice. Unlike the crowded hill stations, Kasauli doesn’t scream for attention; it whispers calm. From Jaipur or Jodhpur, a quick flight to Chandigarh and then a scenic drive gets you there in no time.

Matheran is proof that great things come in small packages. Known for banning motor vehicles within town limits, it’s possibly India’s quietest hill station. Enjoy strolling through red-soil pathways with nothing, but horse hooves and toy train whistles breaking the silence. Located in Maharashtra, it’s about a day’s journey from Rajasthan, but the cool forests, colonial bungalows, and sweeping valley views make every mile worth it.

If you’re up for a slightly longer getaway, Mussoorie, famously called the “Queen of Hills,” is an evergreen favorite. From mall road strolls to cable car rides to Gun Hill, this hill station serves nostalgia, along with hot momos and piping ginger tea. For book lovers, it’s also home to Ruskin Bond, who still writes his tales of mountain life here. This place indeed makes for an ideal escape for all those who want a full-blown Himalayan break rather than just a weekend cool-off.