Indore is a traditional Indian city with a cosmopolitan vibe. It has all the hallmarks of a delightful tourist destination, thanks to its history and legacy, which have been preserved despite a burgeoning culture of shopping malls and fashionable eateries. However, if the crowds or the summer in Indore are too much for you, simply relax. In Indore, there are various water parks where you may spend the day having fun in the calm waters of swimming pools with exciting slides. Not pleased? The hill stations surrounding Indore provide the ideal escape for spending your weekend in the most relaxed manner possible. These hill stations, with their magnificent blend of lakes, valleys, and verdant foliage, are the key to breaking the monotony of city life and renewing your mind and body. Isn’t that interesting?
So, without further ado, here is our list of the most popular hill stations near Indore, Madhya Pradesh. There are many affordable hotels in the city where you may arrange your stay and begin your tour of the city and its surrounding hill stations.
List of hill stations around Indore:
Mandu
Toranmal
Chikhaldara
Pachmarhi
Saputara
Matheran
1.Mandav
Due to its spellbinding architectural splendour, the historic village of Mandu or Mandavgad ranks among the most attractive sites for a weekend excursion. It is possibly the only hill station near Indore that simultaneously serves as a fortress town. For ages, the fort has defined the identity of the place, standing on a rocky outcrop. Mandu is thought to be derived from the words Mandapa and Durga. According to ancient inscriptions, it was a thriving town in the sixth century. Mandu is located on the Vindhya Range at a height of 633 metres.
Unlike the other well-known hill stations near Indore, this one has more to offer than just natural beauty. Mandu portrays history in the most fascinating way possible. Its magnificent monuments are living embodiments of grandeur, and the twin lakes are quiet witnesses to its rich history. While you’re here, you can visit Roopmati’s Pavillion, Rewa Kund, Jami Masjid, Hindola Mahal, Baz Bahadur’s Palace, and Shri Mandavagadh Teerth, among other architectural masterpieces. A stroll through this hill station will transport you to another age, when palaces, imperial conquests, and royal romances were the rule of the day.
Distance from Indore via NH 52: 97 kilometres
2.Toranmal
Toranmal, an off-the-beaten-path hill station near Indore, is the ideal combination of immense natural beauty and a calm ambience laced with an abundance of vegetation. Toranmal, located in the magnificent Satpura Range in the state of Maharashtra, enjoys pleasant weather. It is thought that the area was previously a tribal area named after a native goddess, Torana. You can visit a number of sights while in this area, including Yashwant Lake, Sunset Point, Gorakshanath Temple, Lotus Lake, Aawashabari Point, Check Dam, and Sita Khai, to name a few. It is one of those weekend getaways in Indore where you may find peace in the midst of nature, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Distance from Indore via NH 52: 257 kilometres
3.Chikhaldara
Do you want to go somewhere that is said to be connected to the mythical Pandava princes from the Mahabharata? Then Chikhaldara is ideal for you. This beautiful hill station in Maharashtra is where Bheema is said to have murdered the evil Keechaka and deposited him in the valley. As a result, the area was known as Keechakadara, which was later altered to Chikhaldara.
Chikhaldara, located at an elevation of 1118 metres, is the sole coffee growing location in this portion of the country. The alluring aroma of coffee greets you as you make your approach to this hill station. But there’s more to this charming hill village. Vibrant flora and fauna, breathtaking views, and magnificent lakes are just a few of the delights that await you here. Its breathtaking grandeur can be appreciated from a variety of vantage points, including Hariken Point, Sunset Point, Mozari Point, Devi Point, and Prospects Point. Chikhaldara is your best alternative for a summer resort near Indore to experience nature in ideal climatic conditions.
The distance from Indore is 282 kilometres through the Khandwa-Indore Road.
4.Pachmarhi
Pachmarhi is a natural wonderland tucked in a valley of the Satpura Range. This hill station near Indore, MP is regarded as the Queen of Satpura because of its incredible beauty and strategic location. The name Pachmarhi is thought to be a combination of two Hindi words: Panch (meaning five) and Marhi (meaning caverns). According to legend, the Pandava princes erected the five ancient caves on this hill station during their exile.
This attractive Madhya Pradesh area is characterised by many features such as lush forests, clear streams, glittering waterfalls, deep ravines, old caverns, and all-pervading flora. Apart from the numerous natural wonders, Pachmarhi also has a number of spectacular man-made structures, such as Christ Church, Chauragarh Temple, and Pachmarhi Catholic Church. There are several cave paintings in the woodlands of this hill station, some of which are around 10000 years old. Pachmarhi, untouched by the frenzied hordes that plague other renowned hill villages, retains its allure as a peaceful holiday destination.
Distance from Indore: 339 kilometres via MP SH 22
5.Saputara
Saputara is one of the many treasures hidden in the enchantment of the Western Ghats. This lovely hill station is one of Gujarat’s most charming tourist destinations. It can be included to the list of hill stations near Indore that have managed to avoid commercialisation. As you arrive, you may expect to see a place unspoilt by rampant tourism, retaining its inherent charm and beauty.
The word Saputara means “the abode of serpents.” As you go over the undulating highlands, you will encounter lush forests mixed with dancing waterfalls that stream down happily against a green backdrop. Winding roads will take you to beautiful sites with panoramic views of the surrounding areas. During the monsoon season, the landscape comes alive with vibrant colours from blossoms of all shapes and sizes. It is one of the best hill stations around Indore for trekking or spending peaceful moments with your loved one.Speaking about spending time with loved ones, Indore boasts a variety of pubs where you can unwind after a hard day of touring with a drink or two.
Distance from Indore: 413 kilometres through the Mumbai-Agra National Highway.
6.Matheran
When it comes to the beauty of a hilly destination, size doesn’t matter, and Matheran in Maharashtra proves it beyond any doubt. One of the smallest hill stations in India, Matheran is nestled in the Western Ghats. Standing at an altitude of about 800 meters above sea level, it is everything you can expect in a wonderful weekend spot.
Matheran means “forest on the forehead (of the mountains)”. Because of its proximity to major metropolitan areas, including Mumbai and Pune, this location receives a steady stream of visitors all year. The Panorama Point, which offers a complete 360-degree view of the surrounding area as well as the town of Neral, is Matheran’s main feature. You may also see spectacular sunrises and sunsets from here. The beautiful view of Prabal Fort will captivate you if you move to Louisa Point. Other viewpoints are Heart Point, One Tree Hill Point, Porcupine Point, Monkey Point, and Rambagh or Rambaug Point.
Other viewpoints are Heart Point, One Tree Hill Point, Porcupine Point, Monkey Point, and Rambagh or Rambaug Point. If you plan a two-day trip to Matheran, you can see all of this and more. There are numerous hotels in this hill station, so you won’t have to worry about finding a place to stay.
Distance from Indore: 583 kilometres through the Mumbai-Agra National Highway.