Amongst all the escapades offered by this big-hearted city, hill stations hold a prominent place. They not only introduce visitors to scenic undulating hills and mountains, but also take them to some of the most picturesque settlements amidst lush environs.
Enlisted below are the few off-beat places in hill station that can be reached in one day’s time from Delhi for your peaceful getaway.
1. Lansdowne: Cloudy Abode
Located at a height of 1700 meters above the sea level, the crowning jewel of Uttaranchal- Lansdowne is an exotic hill station near Delhi. Pristine environment, salubrious weather, verdant slopes, Lansdowne is idyllic for anyone who yearns solace. It is most beautiful and relaxing place to visit any time of the year.
Nearest Railway Station: Kotdwar at a distance of 41 Kms
Nearest Airport: Dehradun at a distance of 152 Kms
By Road: 6 Hours from Delhi (250 Km)
2. Dharamshala: Pure and Divine
Dharamshala, one of the most charming hill stations around Delhi. With a magnificent backdrop of the Himalayas, deep gorges and cultural amalgamations, Dharamshala is ought to be one of the most charming hill stations around Delhi. This hill station has been gaining popularity amongst a large number of foreign tourists and youngsters.
Nearest Railway Station: Pathankot (distance 85 Kms)
Nearest Airport: Chandigarh (distance 250 Kms); Gaggal at a distance of 13 Kms (flights from Delhi available)
By Road: 9 Hours from Delhi (475 Km)
Nearby Attractions: Mcleodganj & Triund for treks, Dharamkot Hill resort, Namgyal Monastery
3. Ranikhet: The Queen’s Meadow
Beauty won’t escape your attention at this quintessential hill station around Delhi – Ranikhet. Pretty Victorian architecture, backdrop of Pine, Oak & Deodhar trees and long grape vines around cottages define this picturesque getaway.
Nearest Railway Station: Kathgodam (distance 75 Km)
Nearest Airport: Pantnagar (distance 115 Kms)
By Road: 7 Hours from Delhi (343 Km)
4. Leh | Ladakh: Picture-Perfect
A getaway beyond description, favourite amongst the adventure lovers – Ladakh, lies calmly in the lap of Himalayas. With startling scenic splendour, majestic mountains and pristine blue lakes, Ladakh should definitely be a part of your travelogue. Beware, it’s not for the weak hearted and it normally takes a day to adjust to the atmosphere there. the most convenient time to visit here is from April to august.
Nearest Railway Station: Jammu (distance 706 Kms)
Nearest Airport: Leh Airport
By Road: 24 Hours from Delhi (1,022 Km)
Things to do: Visit Pangong Tso Lake, Take a jeep safari in Himalayas, Trek along the Zanskar
5. Mukteshwar: Destination of Small Things
Wake up to the song of birds, enjoy the glory of Himalayas as the sun turns them gold and feel the clouds touch your face as you drive to Mukteshwar, one of the magnificent hill stations near Delhi. Inhale the freshness in the air and walk up the hills for a spectacular view of the valley at this picture-perfect hill resort with your love.
Nearest Railway Station: Kathgodam Station at a distance of 60 Km
Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport at a distance 94 Kms
By Road: 7 Hours from Delhi (339 Km)
6. Kausani: Hidden Jewel of Kumaon
This unexplored hill station near Delhi, a mini-Darjeeling in the foothills of Shiwalik, Kausani, is celebrated for its panoramic exquisiteness of the view of Himalayas. Located at an altitude of 1890 mtrs above the sea level, Kausani is an idyllic hill station with silent deep gorges & towering trees for couples. The Best time to visit is from October to June.
Nearest Railway Station: Kathgodam Station at a distance of 135 Km
Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport at a distance 94 Kms
By Road: 7 Hours from Delhi (339 Km)
7. Auli: An Electrifying Gem
For startling views and some adventure with family or friends you must visit Auli – the unexplored hill station near Delhi. It has recently begun to realise its destiny as a tourist destination and a skiing resort attracting tourists to its snow-clad hills. Located near Badrinath, it is considered to be one of the coldest places in India. April – August & January – February is the best time to Ski.
Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh (distance 264 Kms)
Nearest Airport: Dehradun Airport (distance 286 Kms)
By Road: 9 Hours from Delhi (499 Km)
8. Naukuchiatal
Similar to Bhimtal, Naukuchiatal is a sprawling lake surrounded by lush jungles and forests of immense beauty and varied range of flora and fauna. One of the lesser known Hill stations near Delhi, it is easily one of the prettiest.
The noteworthy aspect of this lake is that it is fed by an underground perennial spring and boasts of a walking track around the lake. You can indulge in boating across the lake or try your hand at fishing! The hills around the lake are perfect for short treks if you are an adventurous soul. You can find some great resorts around the lake that are perfect for stay and comfort.
Distance From Delhi: 313km
Activities: Sightseeing, Shopping
9. Chail
Home to the highest cricket ground in the world, Chail is located around 44km from Shimla. Known for its misty stance, lush forests, pleasant climate and historical significance, this hill station near Delhi was once the summer capital of the Maharaja of Patiala. Best time to visit is April to July and September to November.
Distance from Delhi: 347km
Attractions: World’s Highest Cricket Ground, Chail Sanctuary, Military School and Gurudwara
10. Kufri
Situated only 13km from Shimla, Kufri is yet another pictorial hill station in Himachal Pradesh. Well connected to Delhi, it is one of the most sought after winter destinations in India. Nature and wildlife lovers can satiate their yearnings for a delightful holiday here in Kufri.
Distance from Delhi: 372km
Attractions: Kufri Fun World, Mahasu Peak, Indira Tourist Parks and Kufri Zoo
Activities: Adventure Sports, Yak Safari, Nature Tours and Zoo Visits
11. Mandi
A gem of Himachal Pradesh, Mandi well connected to Pathankot by rail and road, Mandi is a peaceful retreat tucked away in the valleys of Himalayas. A picturesque hill town, Mandi is also the sight of confluence of the Beas River and Suketi Khad streams.
Best time to visit is March to October.
Distance From Delhi: 423km
Attractions: Prashar Lake, Barot Valley, Bir Monastery, Panchvaktra Temple, shikari Devi sanctuary
Activities: Market, Trekking, Sightseeing
12. Bhimtal
One of the largest lakes in the state of Uttarakhand, Bhimtal is a truly serene place of immense beauty! Go in the right season and you can see misty clouds descending right into its depths, fighting for contrasts with the green and blue surface of the lake. The surrounding forests lend a feeling of immense peace and tranquillity.
Bhimtal is a much calmer and underexplored region than the more popular Nainital. You can indulge in some boating across the lake or take a brisk walk in the surrounding jungles. There is just beauty all around you as you approach Bhimtal, the picturesque hill station near Delhi.
Distance From Delhi: 307km
Activities: Boating, Jungle Walk
13. Thanedar
Thanedar village, a quaint hill station located a little drive away from Shimla, close to the town of Naldehra. To drive to Thanedar is to drive into a spurt and burst of colours of happiness! The birthplace of Apple farming in the north, it is here that you can see lush green trees swaying against the backdrop of impossibly blue skies and cotton candy clouds. While the mustard fields dance merrily to the tunes of the wind, the brown earth keeps you rooted in the dream like destination.
Distance from Delhi: 435km
Attractions: Arya Samaj Mandir, Tani Jubber Lake, St. Mary’s Church
Activities: Trekking, Apple Picking
14. Binsar
A heaven of peace and serenity, Binsar is located in the state of Uttarakhand, a little ahead of Almora. If a stay in the jungles is your idea of therapy, then this is the perfect hill station around Delhi to do so. The drive that passes through various mountains is in itself a charming experience which shows you the best of nature on a platter. There are over 166 species of birds in these forests and more, just waiting to be explored.
Distance From Delhi: 402km
Activities: Village Walk, Wildlife walk
Attractions: Wildlife Sanctuary, Zero Point, Jageshwar Temple, Patal Bhuvaneshwar, Kasardevi Temple
15. Dalhousie: Unspoilt Grandeur
Dalhousie is amongst the most alluring hill stations around Delhi for a relaxing family holiday. You can visit this beautiful valley any time of the year.
Nearest Railway Station: Pathankot’s Chakki Bank (distance 71 Kms)
Nearest Airport: Pathankot (distance 75 Kms)
By Road: 11 Hours from Delhi (562 Km)
Now pack your bags packs and get ready to revive your body, mind and soul. Connect to the beauty of the mother nature and have an experience of a life time..
Hasta la vista! Happy holidays!
