Indore is a traditional Indian city with a cosmopolitan feel. The hill stations near Indore provide the ideal getaway for a relaxing weekend.
Due to its history and legacy, Indore has all the hallmarks of a delightful tourist destination. These are maintained despite the face of a burgeoning environment of shopping malls and elegant restaurants. However, if the crowds or the heat of Indore are too much for you, relax.
The hill stations near Indore, with their gorgeous blend of lakes, valleys, and lush foliage, are suitable for breaking up the routine of city life and renewing your mind and body. Isn’t it tempting?
With that in mind, below is a compilation of the best hill stations near Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Also, check out these 7 absolutely popular places to visit in Indore to feed your travel wanderlust!
Top 5 hill stations near Indore
Here’s the list of the best hill stations near Indore.
1. Pachmarhi
Pachmarhi is set in a valley of the Satpura Range, surrounded by awe-inspiring natural beauty. Pachmarhi, one of the most charming hill stations near Indore, is regarded as the Queen of Satpura due to her magnificent beauty and strategic location.
It is thought that the name Pachmarhi is derived from two Hindi words: Panch (which means five) and Marhi (meaning caves). According to legend, the five ancient caverns on this hill station were constructed by the Pandava princes during their exile.
At an elevation of 1067 metres above sea level, this fascinating location in Madhya Pradesh is distinguished by attractions such as lush woods, clear streams, dazzling waterfalls, deep ravines, old caverns, and pervasive vegetation. In addition to its abundance of natural beauty, Pachmarhi is home to several magnificent artificial structures.
This hill station’s woodlands have several cave paintings, some around 10,000 years old. Pachmarhi retains its allure as a tranquil vacation spot despite the hordes of tourists visiting other prominent hill villages frequently.
Distance from Indore: 339 km via MP SH 22
How to reach Pachmarhi?
Indore and Pipariya are the nearest railway stations, well-connected with major stations of India. Devi Ahilyabai Holkar in Indore and Raja Bhoj in Bhopal are the nearest airports. One can take a train, bus or cab to reach Pachmarhi. The journey takes around 8 to 9 hours.
Places to visit in Pachmarhi
- Christ Church
- Chauragarh Temple
- Pachmarhi Catholic Church
2. Toranmal
Toranmal, one of the off-the-beaten-path hill stations near Indore, is the ideal blend of immense natural beauty and quiet atmosphere, with an abundance of flora. Toranmal, in the Indian state of Maharashtra, nestled in the magnificent Satpura Range, is blessed with a pleasant climate. Once you enter this fantastic area, you will be greeted with many natural and artificial wonders, each with its unique allure.
Toranmal’s appeal extends beyond its status as a standard tourist destination. Due to the abundance of shrines representing the region’s customs and culture, the location appeals to history fans and those interested in studying religious monuments. It is thought that this location was previously a tribal territory named after a native goddess, Torana.
At this location, you may explore a lot of worthwhile sights. It is one of those weekend getaways in Indore where you may find tranquilly amid nature, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Distance from Indore: 257 km via NH 52
How to reach Toranmal
Indore is the nearest city, having Railway Stations well connected to major stations of India. The nearest airport is Devi Ahilyabai Holkar in Indore. One can take a bus or a cab from Indore to Toranmal, which will take around 5 to 6 hours.
Places to visit in Toranmal?
- Yashwant Lake
- Sunset Point
- Gorakshanath Temple
- Lotus Lake
- Aawashabari Point
- Check Dam
- Sita Khai
3. Mandu
Due to its spellbinding architectural splendour, the ancient city of Mandu or Mandavgad, is one of the most appealing destinations for a weekend vacation. It is one of the most stunning hill stations near Indore and a fortified town. The fort, perched on a rocky outcrop, has defined the location’s character for ages.
Mandapa and Durga are thought to be the origins of the name Mandu. Ancient inscriptions reveal that it was a prosperous city in the sixth century. Mandu is located 633 metres above sea level on the Vindhya Range.
Unlike other prominent hill stations surrounding Indore, this location has more to offer than natural beauty. Mandu presents historical events in the most captivating way imaginable. Its magnificent structures are living symbols of splendour, while its twin lakes remain quiet witnesses to its illustrious history.
You may discover a variety of architectural marvels while you are here. A stroll around this hill station will transport you to a period when castles, imperial conquests, and royal romances were the norm.
Distance from Indore: 97 km via NH 52
How to reach Mandu?
Indore is the nearest city, having Railway Stations well connected to major stations of India. The nearest airport is Devi Ahilyabai Holkar in Indore. Mandu is well connected from Indore (95 km) and Dhar (35 km). There are two direct buses from Indore to Mandu, the first from Gangwal Bus Stand and the second from Sarawate Bus Stand. The journey takes 3 hours.
Places to visit in Mandu
- Rani Roopmati’s Pavilion
- Rewa Kund
- Jami Masjid
- Hindola Mahal
- Baz Bahadur’s Palace
- Shri Mandavagadh Teerth
4. Chikhaldara
Are you interested in visiting a location thought to be associated with the mythical Pandava princes from the Mahabharata? Then Chikhaldara is the ideal wine for you. It is said that Bheema slew the evil Keechaka in a fierce battle and threw him into the valley of this picturesque hill range in Maharashtra. As such, the area was referred to as Keechakadara, a name that was eventually modified to Chikhaldara.
Chikhaldara, nestled at an altitude of 1,118 metres, is the sole coffee-growing zone in this portion of the country. The tantalising scent of coffee greets you as you approach one of the picturesque hill stations near Indore. But there’s more to this mountainous hamlet than meets the eye. Here, you will find, among other joys, a profusion of flora and animals, breathtaking vistas, and magnificent lakes.
You can appreciate its stunning beauty from many vantage points. Chikhaldara is the most excellent option if you are searching for a summer hideaway close to Indore, where you can enjoy nature in comfortable conditions.
Distance from Indore: 282 km via Khandwa-Indore Road
How to reach Chikhaldara?
One can take a bus or a cab from Indore to Chikhaldara, which will take around 8 to 9 hours.
Places to visit in Chikhaldara
- Hariken Point
- Sunset Point
- Mozari Point
- Devi Point
- Prospects Point
5. Saputara
Saputara is among the numerous treasures in the Western Ghats’ verdant folds. This lovely hill station is one of Gujarat’s most alluring tourist destinations. It is one of the hill settlements in the vicinity of Indore that has managed to avoid commercialisation. As soon as you arrive, you may expect to see an area untouched by excessive tourism and retaining its charm and beauty.
The word Saputara means “the residence of serpents.” As you traverse the undulating highlands, you will encounter lush woods intermingled with cascading waterfalls that cascade merrily against a green background. Winding roads will bring picturesque vantage points with panoramic views of the surroundings.
During the monsoons, the landscape blossoms in a rainbow of hues with flowers of various sizes and shapes. It is one of the most significant hill stations near Indore for trekking or spending quiet time with your significant other.
Distance from Indore: 413 km via Mumbai-Agra NH
How to reach Saputara?
You can take a bus or a cab from Indore to Saputara, which will take around 8 to 9 hours.
Places to visit in Saputara
- Hathgadh Fort
- Vansda National Park
- Sunrise Point
- Sunset Point
- Saputara Lake
- Gira falls
- Echo Point
- Step Garden
- Table Point
- Saputara Tribal Museum
- Lake Garden
- Saptashringi Devi Mandir
- Purna Sanctuary
Also, read about the 9 exciting weekend getaways from Indore that you should visit.
These hill stations near Indore are perfect for a weekend getaway with your loved ones or friends wishing to escape the concrete jungle. You should never turn down a fantastic hill station vacation with wonderful friends, tasty cuisine, and a few drinks.