Indore is a quintessential Indian city with a cosmopolitan vibe. It has all the makings of a charming tourist spot, thanks to its history and heritage being preserved even in the face of a growing culture of shopping malls and fancy restaurants. However, if you find the crowds or the summer in Indore too much to bear, just relax. There are several water parks in Indore where you can enjoy a day of fun in the cool waters of the pools with exciting slides. Not satisfied? The hill stations near Indore offer you the perfect getaway, where you can spend your weekend in the most relaxed way possible. A scenic combination of lakes, valleys and verdant vegetation, these hill stations are the key to breaking the monotony of city life and refreshing the mind and body. Sounds tempting, right?
So, here comes our list of the most popular hill stations near Indore, Madhya Pradesh. You will find a large number of cheap hotels in the city where you can book your stay and start your tour of the city and its nearby hill stations.
1. Mandu
The ancient city of Mandu or Mandavgad is among the most interesting places for a weekend trip due to its mesmerizing architectural beauty. It is perhaps the only hill station near Indore that is also a fortress city. Standing on a rocky outcrop, the fort has defined the identity of the place for centuries. The name Mandu is believed to come from the words Mandapa and Durga. Ancient inscriptions indicate that it was a prosperous city in the 6th century. Situated at an elevation of 633 meters, Mandu is located in the Vindhya range.
Unlike other famous hill stations near Indore, there is much more to this place than its natural beauty. Mandu describes the story in the most exciting way possible. Its wondrous monuments are living examples of grandeur, while the twin lakes remain silent witnesses to its rich history. There are a number of architectural wonders that you can explore while you are here such as Roopmati Pavilion, Rewa Kund, Jami Masjid, Hindola Mahal, Baz Bahadur Palace and Shri Mandavagadh Teerth. A walk through this hill station will make you feel as if you are walking through a bygone era, when palaces, imperial conquests and royal romances were the order of the day.
Distance from Indore: 97 km via NH 52
2. Toranmal
An off-the-beaten-path hill station near Indore, Toranmal is the perfect combination of abundant natural beauty and a peaceful environment, dotted with an overdose of greenery. Located in the spectacular Satpura Range in the state of Maharashtra, Toranmal is blessed with a healthy climate. Once you enter this wondrous land, you will be greeted by a plethora of natural and man-made wonders, each with its own charm.
Toranmal’s appeal is not limited to being a regular tourist destination. Since the place has a number of shrines that reflect the traditions and culture of the region, it holds a special fascination for history buffs and those who are interested in exploring religious sites. The site is believed to have once been a tribal area, whose name derives from a local goddess, Torana. While at this location, you can visit a number of attractions, including Yashwant Lake, Sunset Point, Gorakshanath Temple, Lotus Lake, Aawashabari Point, Check Dam, and Sita Khai to mention a few. It is one of those weekend getaways near Indore where you can discover serenity in the lap of nature, away from the bustle of city life.
Distance from Indore: 257 km via NH 52
3. Chikhaldara
Fancy visiting a place believed to have a connection to the legendary Pandava princes of the Mahabharata? Then Chikhaldara is the perfect fit for your needs. This enchanting hill station in Maharashtra is believed to be where Bheema killed the evil Keechaka in a big fight and threw him down the valley. As such, the place was named Keechakadara, later changed to Chikhaldara.
Nestled at an altitude of 1,118 meters, Chikhaldara boasts of being the only coffee-growing region in this part of the country. As you make your way to this hill station, the enticing aroma of coffee welcomes you. But there is more to this charming mountain town. Vibrant flora and fauna, spectacular viewpoints and splendid lakes are just some of the delights that await you here. Its stunning beauty can be enjoyed from various locations including Hariken Point, Sunset Point, Mozari Point, Devi Point, and Prospects Point. If you are looking for a summer retreat near Indore to enjoy nature in pleasant weather conditions, then Chikhaldara is your best bet.
Distance from Indore: 282 km via Khandwa-Indore Road
4. Pachmarhi
Pachmarhi, an abode of imposing nature, is located in a valley of the Satpura Range. Due to its incredible beauty and strategic location, this hill station near Indore, MP is known as the Queen of Satpura. The name Pachmarhi is believed to be a combination of two Hindi words: Panch (meaning five) and Marhi (meaning caves). Legend has it that the five ancient caves in this hill station were built by the Pandava princes during their exile.
Located at an altitude of 1067 meters above sea level, this tempting destination in Madhya Pradesh is characterized by a myriad of attractions such as dense forests, clear streams, shimmering waterfalls, deep ravines, ancient caves and all-encroaching vegetation. Apart from abundant natural wonders, Pachmarhi also boasts quite a few impressive man-made monuments such as Christ Church, Chauragarh Temple and Pachmarhi Catholic Church. You can see many rock paintings in the forests of this hill station, some of which are around 10,000 years old. Untouched by the maddening crowds often seen in other popular hill stations, Pachmarhi still retains its charm as a serene holiday destination.
Distance from Indore: 339 km via MP SH 22
5. Saputara
The enchanting Western Ghats have many hidden gems in its green fold, one of which is Saputara. This picturesque hill station is one of the most enchanting tourist spots located in Gujarat. It can be put on the list of hill stations near Indore that have managed to elude the clutches of commercialization. You can expect to find a place untouched by rampant tourism and holding on to its charm and natural beauty, right when you arrive here.
The name Saputara translates as “the abode of snakes.” As you make your way through the rolling mountains, you’ll come across dense forests interspersed with dancing waterfalls, which tumble merrily against a green backdrop. Winding paths will take you to enchanting spots that offer panoramic views of the surroundings. During the monsoons, the landscape awakens in a myriad of colors through flowers of all shapes and sizes. It is one of the best hill stations near Indore for trekking or spending serene moments in the company of your beloved.
Speaking of spending time with your loved ones, Indore has several pubs where you can relax with a drink or two after a long day of sightseeing.
For more information, check out our blog about pubs in Indore
Distance from Indore: 413 km via Mumbai-Agra NH
6. Matheran
When it comes to the beauty of a mountainous destination, size does not matter, and Matheran in Maharashtra proves this beyond doubt. Matheran, one of the smallest hill stations in India, is located in the Western Ghats. Located at an altitude of about 800 meters above sea level, it is everything you can expect from a wonderful weekend spot.
The name, Matheran, means “forest on the front (of the mountains)”. Thanks to its proximity to several metropolitan cities, including Mumbai and Pune, this place receives a constant stream of visitors throughout the year. But, Matheran’s main draw is its viewpoints, including the Panorama Point that offers a full 360-degree view of the surrounding area, as well as the city of Neral. You can also enjoy spectacular sunrises and sunsets from here. If you move to Louisa Point, you will be mesmerized by the incredible view of Fort Prabal. There are other lookout points such as Heart Point, One Tree Hill Point, Porcupine Point, Monkey Point and Rambagh or Rambaug Point. You can explore all of this and more if you plan a two-day visit to Matheran. There are many hotels in this hill station, so you don’t have to worry about accommodation.
Distance from Indore: 583 km via Mumbai-Agra NH
