Indian Hill Rally: India’s Beloved Mountain Rally Racing Phenomenon

Indian Hill Rally takes players on a high-speed journey through India's most scenic hill stations, from Kashmir to Kerala.

Introduction to Indian Hill Rally

Indian Hill Rally (often shortened to IHR) is a revolutionary mountain rally racing game crafted exclusively for Indian mobile gamers by Daman Games Studios. Launched on November 5, 2022, the game has swiftly become a national sensation, blending heart-pounding rally action with the breathtaking beauty and cultural diversity of India’s hill stations.

Unlike generic international racing games that often overlook Indian landscapes, Indian Hill Rally puts players behind the wheel of powerful rally cars to race through some of India’s most iconic mountain terrains. From the snow-clad peaks of Kashmir’s Gulmarg to the lush green hills of Munnar, the winding roads of Manali to the misty trails of Ooty – every track is designed to capture the essence of India’s hill stations.

The game’s core philosophy is “Desi by Heart, Global in Quality.” The development team spent 2 years traveling across 15 Indian hill stations, capturing over 15,000 photos and videos to recreate terrain, weather, and local nuances with pinpoint accuracy. This dedication to authenticity has struck a chord with Indian players, who finally see their hometown hills and roads in a world-class racing game.

Since its launch, Indian Hill Rally has crossed 6.2 million downloads in India (as of November 2025) and maintains a stellar 4.6/5 rating on Google Play Store (from 1.2 million reviews) and 4.4/5 on Apple App Store (from 300,000 reviews). It consistently ranks in the Top 5 Racing Games on both platforms in India, outperforming international titles like Asphalt 9 and Need for Speed No Limits in regional downloads.

Explore 32 unique tracks across 15 Indian hill stations in Indian Hill Rally – each with distinct terrain and challenges.

Game Development & Launch Story

The Vision Behind Indian Hill Rally

The idea for Indian Hill Rally was born in 2020 when the Daman Games Studios team noticed a gap in the Indian gaming market. While racing games were popular, most titles featured Western cities, deserts, or fictional landscapes – nothing that resonated with Indian players who grew up admiring the country’s hill stations.

“We wanted to create a game where a player from Shimla could race through roads that look exactly like the ones they drive with their family on weekends, or a player from Darjeeling could recognize the tea gardens along the track,” said Ankit Patel, CEO of Daman Games Studios. “Indian Hill Rally is not just a racing game – it’s a love letter to India’s hills and the people who cherish them.”

The team conducted surveys with 8,000 Indian gamers across 20 states to understand their preferences. Key insights included: a demand for real Indian hill stations, local car models (like Mahindra Thar and Tata Safari), regional languages, and festival-themed events. These insights shaped every aspect of the game’s development.

Development Journey & Challenges

Developing Indian Hill Rally was no small feat. A team of 55 developers, designers, geographers, and local cultural consultants worked tirelessly for 24 months to bring the vision to life. The journey was filled with unique challenges that only a game focused on India’s hills could present.

One of the biggest hurdles was recreating India’s diverse hill terrain accurately. The snow-covered tracks of Gulmarg required dynamic snow physics (where tires slip on fresh snow but grip on packed ice), while the rainy trails of Cherrapunji needed mud mechanics that slow cars down and create ruts. The winding roads of Manali required precise mapping of hairpin bends and steep inclines that test players’ braking skills.

Localization was another critical focus. The team collaborated with native speakers to translate the game into 12 Indian languages: Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Bengali, Punjabi, Gujarati, Marathi, Odia, Assamese, and Urdu. They also added region-specific music (like Garhwali folk for Uttarakhand tracks, Malayalam melodies for Munnar, and Kashmiri Sufi for Gulmarg) and voice acting by local artists to enhance immersion.

Another challenge was optimizing the game for India’s diverse mobile devices. The team created 4 graphics settings (Lite, Medium, High, Ultra) to ensure smooth gameplay on budget Android phones (like Xiaomi Redmi and Realme C-series) as well as high-end devices. Even on Lite mode, the game maintains 60 FPS, making it accessible to players across all income groups.

Launch & Marketing Strategy

Indian Hill Rally was launched on November 5, 2022, with a pan-India marketing campaign that resonated with Indian gamers. The campaign’s tagline – “Race Your Roots, Rule the Hills” – struck a chord with players proud of their regional heritage.

The launch strategy included:

• Collaborations with top Indian gaming YouTubers and streamers (CarryMinati, Techno Gamerz, Mortal, and Ashish Chanchlani) who streamed gameplay and shared their experiences with their combined 200M+ followers.
• Billboard ads in 15 major Indian cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Pune, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Lucknow, Kochi, Trivandrum, Guwahati, Srinagar).
• Social media challenges on Instagram, TikTok (now Reels), and Facebook – #RaceYourRoots challenge asked players to share videos of their local hill stations, with winners getting featured in the game’s next update.
• Partnerships with Indian mobile network providers (Jio, Airtel, Vodafone Idea) to offer free in-game currency (Hill Coins) and exclusive vehicle skins for their subscribers.
• A launch event in Shimla attended by Indian rally drivers (Gaurav Gill, Arjun Maini) and regional celebrities, which was live-streamed on YouTube and Facebook.

The launch was a historic success: Indian Hill Rally crossed 1 million downloads in just 48 hours, 3 million in 2 weeks, and 5 million in 3 months. It was featured as “Editor’s Choice” on Google Play Store India and received glowing reviews from Indian tech publications like Gadgets 360, The Indian Express, and TechCrunch India.

The Indian Hill Rally launch event in Shimla brought together gamers, rally drivers, and celebrities to celebrate India's first authentic hill rally game.

Core Gameplay Mechanics

Racing Tracks: India’s Iconic Hill Stations

Indian Hill Rally features 32 unique tracks spread across 15 Indian hill stations, each with distinct terrain, weather conditions, and challenges. The tracks are divided into 5 categories based on geography and climate:

1. Snowy Peaks (Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh): Snow-covered roads, icy patches, and foggy conditions. Tracks include “Gulmarg Snow Rally,” “Manali-Leh Highway Challenge,” and “Shimla Kufri Circuit.” These tracks require precise braking and snow tires to avoid slipping.
2. Lush Green Hills (Kerala, Tamil Nadu): Rainy trails, tea gardens, and dense forests. Tracks like “Munnar Tea Estate Rally,” “Ooty Nilgiri Circuit,” and “Valparai Hill Challenge” feature muddy terrain and frequent rain showers that reduce visibility.
3. Winding Mountain Roads (Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh): Hairpin bends, steep inclines, and misty valleys. Tracks include “Nainital Lake Rally,” “Mussoorie Camel’s Back Road,” and “Auli Ski Resort Circuit.” These tracks test players’ cornering skills and patience.
4. Coastal Hills (Goa, Karnataka): Coastal roads, sea breezes, and occasional rain. Tracks like “Goa Chorao Island Rally,” “Kodagu Hill Circuit,” and “Mangalore Coastal Challenge” feature scenic ocean views and winding coastal roads.
5. Arid Hills (Rajasthan, Gujarat): Dry terrain, rocky paths, and clear skies. Tracks include “Mount Abu Hill Rally,” “Udaipur Aravali Circuit,” and “Girnar Hill Challenge.” These tracks focus on speed and handling on rough surfaces.

Each track has 4 difficulty levels (Easy, Medium, Hard, Pro) and dynamic weather effects that change gameplay. For example:

• Rain makes tracks slippery, especially in Munnar and Ooty.
• Fog reduces visibility in Shimla and Nainital, requiring players to use headlights.
• Snowfall in Gulmarg and Auli creates fresh snow that slows cars down.
• Dust storms in Mount Abu and Girnar reduce visibility and affect steering.

The game also includes a “Dynamic Day-Night Cycle” that adds another layer of challenge. Racing at night requires using headlights (which can be upgraded for better range), while dawn and dusk races feature beautiful lighting that enhances the scenic beauty of the hills.

Vehicle Selection: Indian & International Rally Cars

Indian Hill Rally offers a diverse fleet of 42 vehicles, including 22 Indian models (a major highlight for local players) and 20 international rally classics. The Indian lineup features popular models modified for hill rally racing:

• Mahindra Thar 4x4 Rally Edition – Perfect for snowy and muddy tracks, with excellent traction and durability.
• Tata Safari Storme Rally Spec – Powerful engine and stable handling for steep inclines in Uttarakhand tracks.
• Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza Adventure – Lightweight and agile, ideal for winding coastal roads in Goa.
• Hyundai Creta Hill Edition – Balanced performance for all track types, popular among casual players.
• Force Gurkha Extreme – Heavy-duty vehicle designed for rocky terrain in Mount Abu and Girnar.
• Kia Seltos Rally Variant – Fast acceleration and responsive steering, great for arid hill tracks.

International models include rally legends like the Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X, Ford Focus RS, Volkswagen Polo R WRC, and Skoda Fabia R5. Each vehicle has unique stats (speed, acceleration, handling, traction, durability) that can be upgraded using in-game currency (Hill Coins) earned by winning races.

Vehicle customization is a fan favorite feature. Players can customize their cars with:

• Region-specific skins (e.g., Kashmiri Pashmina patterns, Kerala Kasavu designs, Uttarakhand Garhwali motifs).
• Terrain-specific tires (snow tires, mud tires, off-road tires, coastal tires).
• Engine upgrades to boost speed and acceleration.
• Suspension upgrades to handle rough terrain better.
• Headlight upgrades (LED, Xenon) for night races.
• Custom paint jobs and decals (including Indian flag, state emblems, and festival themes).

Customize your car with 100+ Indian-themed skins and upgrades to suit different hill terrains.

Game Modes: Single-Player & Multiplayer

Indian Hill Rally offers a variety of game modes to cater to different player preferences, from casual gamers to competitive rally enthusiasts.

Single-Player Modes:

• Career Mode: The main single-player campaign where players start as a rookie rally driver and progress through 12 seasons. Each season focuses on a different Indian hill region (e.g., Season 1: Himachal Pradesh, Season 2: Kerala, Season 3: Uttarakhand). Each season has 10 races, with objectives like winning races, beating time records, and collecting hidden “Hill Flags.” Completing seasons unlocks new vehicles, tracks, and customization options.
• Time Trial: Race against the clock to set the fastest time on any track. Players can compete against their own best times or global leaderboards. Top players on the leaderboard earn exclusive rewards like rare vehicle skins and Hill Coins.
• Challenge Mode: Complete specialized hill rally challenges, such as:
  • “Climb Munnar in 5 Minutes” – Race up Munnar’s steepest hill without hitting any obstacles.
  • “Snow Drift Challenge” – Drift for 1000 meters on Gulmarg’s snow tracks.
  • “Avoid Cows in Nainital” – Race through Nainital’s rural roads without hitting cows (a common Indian hill station hazard!).
  Completing challenges earns rare rewards like Pro-level upgrades and festival-themed skins.
• Free Roam: Explore any track without time limits or objectives. Perfect for practicing, admiring the scenic beauty of India’s hills, or capturing screenshots to share on social media. Free Roam mode includes hidden viewpoints where players can stop and take in panoramic views of hill stations.

Multiplayer Modes:

• Real-Time Multiplayer: Race against 7 other players from across India in real time. Players can join public lobbies or create private rooms to race with friends. The mode includes in-game chat (available in 12 regional languages) and leaderboards that update after each race. Winning multiplayer races earns more Hill Coins and “Rally Points” that contribute to global rankings.
• Team Rally: Form teams of 4 players and compete against other teams in a 4v4 tournament. Teams earn points for winning races, and the top team at the end of the week receives exclusive rewards like a team-themed vehicle skin and a cash prize (sponsored by Daman Games).
• Regional Tournaments: Monthly tournaments focused on specific Indian hill regions. For example:
  • “Himachal Hill Championship” – Race on Himachal Pradesh tracks to win a trip to Manali.
  • “Kerala Tea Estate Rally” – Compete on Munnar and Ooty tracks to win a Kerala cuisine hamper.
  • “Uttarakhand Mist Rally” – Race on Nainital and Mussoorie tracks to win a trekking trip to Auli.
  Tournament winners also receive rare “Regional Champion” titles and limited-edition vehicle skins.
• National Rally Championship: Quarterly tournament where the top 100 players from regional tournaments compete for the title of “Indian Hill Rally Champion.” The winner receives a cash prize of ₹1 lakh, a brand-new smartphone, and a chance to meet Indian rally driver Gaurav Gill.

Control Schemes: Optimized for Indian Mobile Gamers

Indian Hill Rally offers 4 intuitive control schemes designed specifically for Indian mobile gamers, who often play on both budget and high-end devices. All controls are customizable to suit individual preferences:

• Touch Steering: Swipe left/right on the screen to steer the car. Acceleration is automatic, and braking is done by tapping the brake button. This is the most popular control scheme among casual players.
• Tilt Steering: Tilt your device left/right to steer. Acceleration is automatic, and braking is done by tapping the brake button. Popular among players who prefer a more immersive experience.
• Virtual Buttons: On-screen buttons for steering (left/right), acceleration, and braking. Ideal for competitive players who want precise control over their vehicle.
• One-Handed Control: A unique control scheme designed for players who use public transport (buses, trains) – steer by swiping left/right on the right side of the screen, with automatic acceleration and brake. Perfect for gaming on the go!

All control schemes include options for adjusting sensitivity, auto-braking (for beginners), and steering assist. The game also supports controller compatibility for players who want a console-like experience on mobile.

Key Features of Indian Hill Rally

Authentic Indian Localization

Localization is the heart and soul of Indian Hill Rally. Unlike most mobile games that offer basic language translation, IHR integrates Indian culture, languages, and traditions into every aspect of the game:

• 12 Regional Languages: Full game text, dialogue, and voice acting in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Bengali, Punjabi, Gujarati, Marathi, Odia, Assamese, and Urdu. Players can switch languages at any time in the settings menu. Voice acting is done by local artists to ensure authentic accents – for example, Punjabi dialogue has a natural Punjabi twang, while Malayalam dialogue uses regional slang.
• Cultural References: In-game billboards advertise Indian brands (Amul, Tata Tea, Zomato, Jio), and street vendors along tracks sell local snacks (samosa, vada pav, masala chai, lassi). Characters in the game greet players with region-specific phrases: “Jai Hind” (national), “Sat Sri Akal” (Punjab), “Vanakkam” (Tamil Nadu), “Namaste” (Hindi), “Namsakar” (Kannada), and “Pranam” (Bengal).
• Hill Station Specific Details: Tracks include local landmarks – for example, the Nainital track features Naini Lake, the Munnar track includes tea gardens with workers plucking tea leaves, and the Gulmarg track has ski lifts and snow lodges. Even the background sounds are region-specific: you’ll hear Kashmiri Sufi music in Gulmarg, Garhwali folk songs in Mussoorie, and Malayalam melodies in Munnar.
• Festival-Themed Content: Special in-game events tied to Indian festivals (Diwali, Holi, Onam, Pongal, Navratri) with unique tracks, vehicle skins, and rewards. For example, the Diwali event adds rangoli patterns to tracks and fireworks in the sky, while the Holi event covers tracks in colorful powder and lets players “splash” opponents with color to slow them down.

Stunning Graphics & Immersive Sound Design

Indian Hill Rally sets a new standard for mobile gaming graphics in India. The game uses the Unity Engine to render detailed hill landscapes, realistic car models, and dynamic weather effects that rival console games.

The graphics team paid special attention to recreating India’s hill stations accurately:

• Snow tracks in Gulmarg feature individual snowflakes, icy patches, and ski lifts that move in real time.
• Tea gardens in Munnar have rows of tea bushes with detailed leaves that sway in the wind.
• Coastal tracks in Goa feature crashing waves, seagulls flying overhead, and palm trees that bend with the breeze.
• Misty valleys in Nainital have dynamic fog that rolls in and out, changing visibility as you race.

Players can adjust graphics settings (Lite, Medium, High, Ultra) to optimize performance on their devices. Even on Lite mode, the game maintains visual fidelity – a crucial feature for India’s large base of budget smartphone users.

The sound design is equally impressive, with a focus on immersion:

• Realistic engine sounds recorded from actual Indian and international rally cars (including the Mahindra Thar and Subaru Impreza).
• Region-specific background music that changes based on the track – Garhwali folk for Uttarakhand, Bhangra for Punjab, Carnatic music for Tamil Nadu, and Sufi music for Kashmir.
• Environmental sounds that enhance realism: rain falling on the car roof, snow crunching under tires, wind blowing through valleys, birds chirping in forests, and even street vendors calling out (e.g., “Masala Chai! Garam Chai!” in Hindi tracks).
• Voice acting by local artists, with dialogue that reflects regional slang and mannerisms. For example, Punjabi characters use phrases like “Veere, kya race ki hai!” (Brother, what a race!), while Tamil characters say “Machan, super race!” (Dude, super race!).

Indian Hill Rally offers 4 graphics settings to ensure smooth gameplay on budget and high-end devices – Lite mode (left) and Ultra mode (right).

Rewards System & Fair In-Game Economy

Indian Hill Rally features a balanced in-game economy that rewards skill and dedication, not just spending money. This is a key reason for its popularity in India, where many gamers are reluctant to spend on mobile games.

The game has two currencies:

• Hill Coins (Free Currency): Earned by winning races, completing challenges, collecting Hill Flags on tracks, referring friends, and participating in events. Hill Coins can be used to buy new vehicles, upgrade parts, and unlock most customization options.
• Hill Gems (Premium Currency): Can be purchased with real money or earned by completing special events (like festival challenges or national tournaments). Hill Gems are used to buy rare vehicles, exclusive skins, and skip long upgrade times. However, the game ensures that Hill Gems are not mandatory – all core content can be unlocked with Hill Coins.

The developers have a strict “no pay-to-win” policy. Players who spend time mastering the game can compete with those who spend money – a feature that has earned widespread praise from Indian gamers.

Ways to earn Hill Coins:

• Win a race: 500-2000 Hill Coins (depending on difficulty).
• Complete a daily challenge: 300 Hill Coins.
• Collect all Hill Flags on a track: 1000 Hill Coins.
• Refer a friend: 1500 Hill Coins (when the friend downloads and plays for 5 days).
• Participate in a weekly event: 1000-3000 Hill Coins.
• Watch an ad (optional): 100 Hill Coins (limited to 5 ads per day).

Regular Updates & New Content

The Daman Games Studios team is committed to keeping Indian Hill Rally fresh with regular updates. Since launch, the game has received 18 major updates (every 6-8 weeks) with new content based on player feedback.

Recent updates include:

• Update 5.0 (September 2024): Added 4 new tracks (Coorg, Wayanad, Dharamshala, Rishikesh) and 3 new Indian vehicles (Kia Sonet Rally Edition, Mahindra XUV700 Hill Variant, Tata Punch Adventure).
• Update 4.5 (July 2024): Introduced the “One-Handed Control” scheme for commuters and added 2 new languages (Assamese and Odia).
• Update 4.0 (May 2024): Launched the National Rally Championship with a ₹1 lakh cash prize for winners.
• Update 3.5 (March 2024): Added Holi-themed events and 10 new festival skins.
• Update 3.0 (January 2024): Introduced Team Rally mode and regional tournaments with physical prizes.

The developers actively solicit feedback from the Indian community through social media, in-game surveys, and player forums. Many updates are directly based on player suggestions – for example, the One-Handed Control scheme was added after 10,000+ players requested it on the game’s Facebook page.

Indian Localization Versions: Region-Specific Content

Indian Hill Rally is not a one-size-fits-all game. It offers 8 region-specific versions tailored to India’s diverse states, each with unique tracks, vehicles, music, and events. These versions ensure that players from every corner of India feel a personal connection to the game.

All versions share the core gameplay mechanics, but include region-specific content that reflects local culture and preferences. Players can switch between versions in the settings menu without downloading separate apps – a convenient feature for Indians who travel across states or have roots in multiple regions.