Himachal Pradesh is home to picturesque mountain valleys, snow-clad peaks, meandering rivers, and some of India’s most beloved hill stations that provide ideal getaways to the masses of the low-lying plains of India.
Apart from being picturesque and immensely beautiful if also offer pleasant getaways from the intense summers of India plains.
If you are looking for the perfect hill station holiday, here is a list of the 15 best hotels and resorts handpicked for you.
Contents
- 1. Taj Theog Resort & Spa, Shimla
- 2. Welcomhotel By ITC Hotels, Tavleen Chail
- 3. Wildflower Hall, An Oberoi Resort, Shimla
- 4. Sitara Himalaya, Manali
- 5. WelcomHeritage Glenview Resort, Kasauli
- 6. Moksha Himalaya Spa Resort, Himachal Pradesh
- 7. Storii By ITC Hotels Amoha Retreat, Dharamshala
- 8. Norbu The Montanna, Dharamshala — IHCL SeleQtions
- 9. Tree of Life Eila Art Hotel Naggar
- 10. Span Resort & Spa – Manali
- 11. Rakkh Resort, Palampur
- 12. Lamrin Norwood Green Resort, Palampur
- 13. Oberoi Cecil, Shimla.
- 14. The Baikunth Resort, Kasauli
- 15. Tiaraa Hotels & Resorts, Manali
1. Taj Theog Resort & Spa, Shimla
Theog is a picturesque hill station located a short distance outside of the capital Shimla, past Kufri and Fagu. This little mountain town has five ancient Ghats (ridges). The Taj Theog is snuggled at the edge of a ridge giving you 180* views of the highest peak of the region Churdhar.
The Taj Group’s finest outlet in Himachal Pradesh, the Taj Theog Resort features 97 rooms and suites, each of which comes with great views of the Himalayan surroundings. The design, architecture, and furniture of this resort are all inspired by the local tradition.
A pet-friendly establishment, the Taj Theog also boasts an indoor heated pool, an outdoor swimming pool and yoga deck, 24-hour room service, several dining options, and a gym.
Amenities: Pet-friendly, Yoga Deck, Swimming pool, fitness enter, fine-dining, Taj Signature Spa (J Wellness Circle)
Cost: Suites and Rooms start at $200 per night per unit.
2. Welcomhotel By ITC Hotels, Tavleen Chail
The Welcomhotel By ITC Hotels is located in Chail, a stunning secluded mountain escape located 45 km from the state capital near the Bhalawag Forest of Kandaghat. The Welcomhotel is a renowned Indian luxury hospitality chain with properties all over India.
This lovely hotel boasts 2 food and beverage outlets, 65 suites, rooms and cottage, and 2 banqueting and meeting venues. Other amenities include a swimming pool, a fitness center, a travel desk, a spa, and a bar. It also has a fine library with a view of the mountains that has a well-stocked collection of books, an electronic fireplace and an attached balcony.
The WelcomeCafe Monal, the hotel’s all-dining fine-dining restaurant serves delectable Pan-Indian, Chinese, local Himachali and Continental cuisines.
Amenities: All-day fine-dining, spa, bar, travel desk, gym, library. Swimming pool.
Cost: Suites and Rooms start at $175 per night per unit.
3. Wildflower Hall, An Oberoi Resort, Shimla
The Wildflower Hall, a resort run by the well-known Oberoi Group, is located in Chharabra Shimla. It is a historical heritage property housed in the former residence of the Commander in Chief of the British India Army that has been preserved in its original form. The construction of the Wildflower dates back to the 1860s when the little-known hamlet of Shimla in Himachal was declared as the Summer Capital of British India.
The Wildflower retains so many elements from that era with its vintage colonial furniture, art pieces from the Raj era, and colonial mystique. The lovely 9-hole golf course Naldhera which claims to be the highest-altitude course in the world is located within walking distance from the property.
There is a temperature-controlled swimming pool, open-air Gazebo fine dining, a fitness center, and a fine Oberoi signature spa.
Amenities: Swimming pool, gym, spa, open-air dining, multi-cuisine restaurant.
Cost: Rooms start at $ 460 per night per room.
4. Sitara Himalaya, Manali
The Sitara Himalaya is a boutique luxury 5-star escape in what is arguably one of the most popular hill stations in all of the Himalayas—Manali. It was conceived by the founder of the Good Earth Group Anita Lal. The Good Earth is one of India’s most elegant lifestyle brands.
Nestled at a height of 8,200 feet, the Sitara Himalaya is located en route to Lahaul and Spiti Valleys, known as the spiritual realms of the Buddhist faith. Sitara has been tastefully decorated with blue and white China, Tibetan rugs, local art, hand-painted murals and brass work. 5 bedrooms are located on each of the ground and first floor, each with a lovely view of the valley. It also has a glass-roofed “skylight” room where you can gaze at the Milky Way.
Other facilities include a hot water plunge pool, an infrared sauna, a dedicated yoga space, and a spa.
Amenities: Hot water plunge pool, sauna, yoga pavilion, spa.
Cost: Suites and Rooms start at $100 per night per unit.
5. WelcomHeritage Glenview Resort, Kasauli
Kasauli is snuggled in the lower Himalayan mountains of the Solang Region of the state. The British Raj established a cantonment here. Known for its colonial buildings, churches, hiking trails, pristine forests and viewpoints, Kasauli still maintains its Raj-era charm.
Glenview Resort is located 15 minutes away from the Cantonment in a location that gives you panoramic views of the Shivalik range. Facilities at the Glenview Resort include a spa, a lounge, a sky deck, an event hall, a library, an in-house restaurant, and a fitness center.
Amenities: Sky Deck, Spa, library, pool, gym.
Cost: Suites and Rooms start at $125 per night per unit.
6. Moksha Himalaya Spa Resort, Himachal Pradesh
The word Moksha means salvation in Sanskrit. The Moksha Himalaya Spa Resort is nestled away in the mesmerizing Shivalik Ranges in the Parwanoo Valley of Himachal at a height of 5,000 feet above sea level.
The property comes with its own cable car, an infinity pool with a view of the mountains, an Ayurvedic Spa, and a range of other 5-star amenities. All its rooms and suites give you views of the mountains. Each unit comes with a spacious balcony, a living room, a Jacuzzi and other modern facilities.
Amenities: Spa, Jacuzzi, infinity pool.
Cost: Suites and Rooms start at $325 per night per unit.
7. Storii By ITC Hotels Amoha Retreat, Dharamshala
The Dharamshala valley is the current home of the Dalai Lama in exile. The Stoii, a fine resort of the splendid ITC Hotel Group is located in this mystical town in the Kangra Valley (village Diktu), surrounded by the Dhauladar Hills.
The Storii boasts 37 rooms and suites, 3 food and beverage outlets (including an all-day fine dining restaurant), a recreational center, a game room, a spa, a swimming pool, and a fitness center. The Foodlogue, the all-day outlet, offers a great menu that contains local Himachali, Indian, Chinese, and other international picks.
Amenities: Spa, swimming pool, multiple dining options.
Cost: Suites and Rooms start at $170 per night per unit.
8. Norbu The Montanna, Dharamshala — IHCL SeleQtions
The Norbu is another exquisite IHCL SeleQtion resort that is located in the Banordu village of Dharamshala in the Dhauladhar mountain range of the lower Himalayas.
The word Norbu means a “gem” in the Tibetan dialect of the region. The architecture of this resort is inspired by the traditional style of Lhasa (Tibet) with mandalas and Tibetan motifs dotted all across the 7 acre premises that is beautifully landscaped in 7 acres.
The Norbu has a spacious lounge called the Lhasa Lounge that’s inspired by the Potala Palace of Tibet. Surrounded by water, prater wheels, the lounge comes across as a floating body. Gufa, another lounge offers tea and fine dining. Namak is Norbu’s all-day Alfresco diner. Italian cuisine is served at the Chef’s Table. There is also a separate yoga deck with a stream flowing beneath it.
Amenities: Several restaurants, spa, 2 lounge bars, Alfresco diner, yoga deck, pool, gym.
Cost: Suites and Rooms start at $200 per night per unit.
9. Tree of Life Eila Art Hotel Naggar
The word Eila in the Sanskrit language means mother Earth. The secluded Tree of Life Eila Art Hotel is tucked away in a Deodhar forest on the banks of the meandering Beas River. The snow-capped Dhauladhar mountains tower above this resort. The Gate of Confluence, inspired by the Mauryan Empire, greets you when you set foot on the property.
With its bright colors and gold foils, the architecture of the Tree of Life is inspired by the designs of the Buddhist monasteries of Himachal. Naggar falls conveniently between Kullu and Manali, and the local airport Bhuntar is located only 19 km away.
The Kitab Kona is the property’s fine library with a great collection of modern and classic books. Ekam, its wellness and spa outlet, has several treatment rooms, including steam and sauna rooms. The lovely Art Café looks out into Kullu Valley. The Yoga Deck is a great place to find serenity and enjoy a sunrise or sunset.
Amenities: Library, gym, spa, swimming pool, steam, sauna.
Cost: Suites and Rooms start at $115 per night per unit.
10. Span Resort & Spa – Manali
Established in 1981, the Spa Resort & Spa, one of the earliest 5-star resorts in Manali has maintained its standards of hospitality and brilliance. Still one of the large resorts in the Valley of Gods Manali, Span is located at a height of 4,800 feet above sea level and is spread over 12 acres of walnut orchards, deodar and pine trees.
It offers 42 luxurious rooms and suites, a spa, a sauna, a health club, an outdoor pool, and many other amenities.
Amenities: Spa, swimming pool, gym, private orchards.
Cost: Suites and Rooms start at $175 per night per unit.
11. Rakkh Resort, Palampur
The Rakkh Resort in Palampur is a member of Radisson Individual Retreats characterized by a high level of personalized hospitality and service. The in-house dining options include Himachali delicacies a well as other Indian and international option. The highlight of the culinary experience at the Rakkh Resort are its regional specialties—the Kangri Dham and Himachali Rasoi.
The resort offers a range of outdoor adventure and cultural exploration activities like visit to the historical Kandra Fort, paragliding at Bir Billing, and visits to the Himalayan Brew Tea Factory, Norbulingka Institute, Dalai Lama Temple and Masroor Temples.
Amenities: Guided tours, adventure activities, Spa, Swimming pool, gym.
Cost: Suites and Rooms start at $225 per night per unit.
12. Lamrin Norwood Green Resort, Palampur
The Lamrin Norwood Green Resort is hidden away in the shadow of the Dhauladhar mountains in the picturesque valley of Palampur in a green space of pine forests and tea gardens.
The property is surrounded by lush green rolling tea hills. There are a variety of accommodation options to choose from: Deluxe Rooms, Duplex Rooms and Villas (which come with a private lounge, separate dining area, pantry, private front lawn and backyard).
The elegant Lamrin Norwood also offers a host of bespoke outdoor activities that the region is famous for, like paragliding, off-roading, spiritual escapades to Buddhist Gompas, hiking, nature trails, and tea plantation tours.
Amenities: Spa, swimming pool, gym, bespoke outdoor activities.
Cost: Suites and Rooms start at $130 per night per unit.
13. Oberoi Cecil, Shimla.
The Oberoi Cecil is a luxury 5-star heritage property that dates back to the heyday of the British Raj. It has preserved many of the elements from that era. It is located in the Chaura Maidan, a colonial neighborhood of Shimla, in the heart of Shimla. This property was a popular colonial getaway known for its glitzy ballroom dances and chic clientele.
Now operated the sublime Oberoi Group of Hotel, the Cecil is still one of the finest 5 hotels in Shimla. Notable amenities include an indoor heated swimming pool, a fitness center, a spa, several dining options, and a children’s Activity Center.
Amenities: Bar, Operoi Spa, Swimming pool, fitness center.
Cost: Rooms start at $ 210 per night per unit.
14. The Baikunth Resort, Kasauli
The Baikunth Resort is located in the picturesque Kasauli Valley, known for its stunning viewpoints, quaint churches and hiking trails. The Raj-era Christ’s Church is located only 1.7 miles away, whereas Sunset Point, where you can capture great views of Kasauli Valley, lies only 2 miles away.
Amenities at the Baikunth Resort include air conditioning, 24-hour room service, deluxe rooms equipped with modern gadgets, a bar, a game room, a table tennis room, an indoor play area for children, and a workout room.
Amenities: Bar, game room, workout room, children play area.
Cost: Suites and Rooms start at $75 per night per unit.
15. Tiaraa Hotels & Resorts, Manali
The Tiaraa Hotels & Resorts owns luxury properties in the region of Jim Corbett, Bhimtal, and Manali. Their offering in Manali is tucked away in an oak-engulfed valley surrounded by snow-white peaks. The serene Beas River meanders down below.
Its golden-themed interior is inspired by the aesthetics of Buddhist monasteries of the region. The property offers a variety of stay options to choose from: Club rooms, heritage rooms, family rooms, duplex and honeymoon suites.
Amenities: Gym, in-house restaurant, room-service.
Cost: Suites and Rooms start at $50 per night per unit.
