In the sweltering heat of the Indian summer the prospect of the bracing mists of the hills is too compelling to resist for those living in the intensity of the large city of Delhi. The good news is that India’s capital is within driving distance of several pretty and fascinating hill stations, all of which have different attractions and experiences to offer. These easily accessible retreats allow one to leave the shrinking urban world and rest in the greenery and with beautiful views. In this detailed tour guide, we will discuss a few of the most fascinating hill stations around Delhi – the places of interest, things to do, the best time to visit and the travel tips.
Within 300 km
1
Parwanoo
Distance from Delhi
Approximately 265 km.
Best time to visit
March to November
Nestled in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh, Parwanoo is a serene hill town known for its lush greenery and orchards. Once a small village, it has now become a popular getaway for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Famous for its cable car ride to the Timber Trail, this destination offers breathtaking views of the Shivalik Hills, making it a perfect retreat for those looking to escape the city’s hustle.
2
Rishikesh
Distance from Delhi
Approximately 250 km.
Best time to visit
September to April.
Situated in the foothills of the Himalayas, Rishikesh is a spiritual and adventure hub, drawing visitors from all over the world. Known as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World,’ this sacred town is nestled along the banks of the Ganges and offers a perfect blend of tranquility and thrill. From the iconic Laxman Jhula to exhilarating river rafting, Rishikesh is a retreat for peace seekers and adventure lovers alike.
3
Lansdowne
Distance from Delhi
Around, 250 km
Best time to visit
All throughout the year they are harvested but mainly during the months of July to August that is during the havoc of monsoons.
Lansdowne is one of the most offbeat hill stations near Delhi which is now emerging as a cantonment town. It is natural, untouched, quiet and teeming with life perfect for those who want to escape the noise and crowded places of the urban world.
Key Attractions
- Tip-n-Top Viewpoint: It has the potential to provide snow-clad views of the various ranges of Himachal Himalayas.
- St. Mary’s Church: An impressive architectural masterpiece and a fine specimen of a century church.
- Bhulla Tal: Small artificial lake which provides opportunities to have a boat ride and have a picnic.
- War Memorial: Composed particularly to the Garhwal Rifles regiment.
- Darwan Singh Sangrahalaya: In order to fulfill the visitor’s requirement the best suitable type of museum is a calendar museum which can be defined as a museum of the Garhwal Rifles.
Activities
- Wildlife tourism, specifically bird watching around the vicinity of the Kalagarh Tiger Reserve
- Hiking to view other nearby villages and other scenic parts of the land
- Having a lunch on a picnic at Bhulla Tal
- Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple an old temple of Lord Shiva located in Garhwal region of Uttarakhand
Local Cuisine
Local Garhwali cuisines are to be tasted from small restaurants in the town. Locally produced pine honey must not be missed.
4
Mussoorie
Distance from Delhi
With a distance of roughly 290 km.
Best time to visit
September to November.
Located in the Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, Mussoorie was a preferred place for people to visit for relief from the plains. Famous as the ‘Queen of Hills’, this beautiful town presents splendid sights of the Doon Valley and the great Himalayas and is believed to be a holiday maker’s delight.
Key Attractions
- Mall Road: This bustling mall is the heart of Mussoorie and is packed with shops, cafes and restaurants. Go for a walk, ruin some calories shopping or simply take in the beauty of colonial architecture.
- Kempty Falls: These are on the way to Mussoorie 15 kms and are beautiful waterfalls on seven panchayats. It is ideal for a picnic by the water falls, or even to have a swim in the cool water which is normally sourced from the mountain.
- Gun Hill: Mussoorie’s second highest point providing a clear view of the Himalayas and the entire Mussoorie town is approachable only by a cable car ride.
- Lal Tibba: Lal Tibba is the highest point in Mussoorie and tourists have the opportunity to view the snowy mountains from the place.
- Company Garden: A well adorned green with a display of flowers, fountains and an artificial pond for walking and seating.
Activities
- Trips to Nag Tibba or Bhadraj Temple, which are just a few kilometers away from the town.
- Savoring a ropeway to Gun Hill.
- Boating in Lake Mist.
- Exploring the Jabarkhet Nature Reserve for its rich biodiversity.
Local Cuisine
It would be a big mistake not to taste the Garhwali dishes, we were served some typical dishes like Kafuli – spinach base dish, a full course meal known as Garhwali Thali and a local sweet dessert known as Bal Mithai.
5
Kasauli
Distance from Delhi
Some 290 kilometers depicting the proposed railway between Mombasa and Musoma.
Best time to visit
All through the year
Kasauli is another beautiful and small cantonment town situated in Himachal Pradesh with natural unspoiled beauty and colonial architecture. It has calm weather and the physical setting is quiet and therefore perfect for a quiet vacation.
Key Attractions
- Sunset Point: Able to provide vast sightseeing especially to the descending sun over the hills.
- Christ Church: An attractive church of the Anglican parish of the nineteenth century.
- Monkey Point: The topmost place in Kasauli to get the most scenic view of the entire region.
- Gilbert Trail: A beautiful hike that goes through some of the thickest natural available.
- Kasauli Brewery: It is the one of oldest distillery industries of Asia and famous for single malt whiskey.
Activities
- Walking on the different tracks popular with nature takers.
- Visiting the Kasauli Club, which is still an example of the British architecture of the XIX century.
- Tibetan handicrafts and woolens are easily available at the Lower Mall.
- Bird watching is also possible in the neighboring forests.
Local Cuisine
Some foods to sample when in Kasauli are; Madra – this is chickpea curry and Chana Madra which is black chickpea curry.
Within 300-500 km
6
Nainital
Distance from Delhi
It is almost 310 Km.
Best time to visit
The best climate is during March to June and September to November.
Key Attractions
- Naini Lake: Located in the center of the town, this kidney shaped pond provides boating and provides an excellent view.
- Mall Road: The Bazaar Road in Nainital, which is filled with shops and people and has a fine variety of food joints.
- Naina Devi Temple: One of the most sacred places to visit which is located at the north coast of Naini Lake.
- Tiffin Top (Dorothy’s Seat): Overlooking viewpoint with the spectacular views of the peaks of the Himalayas and the town.
- Snow View Point: It is best viewed on a cable car and you can see snowy mountains at this point.
- Eco Cave Gardens: A cave and garden system that is joined together by natural bridges.
Activities
- Boating on Naini Lake
- Walking to other surrounding locations such as Land End or Naina Peak
- Horseback riding
- Exploring the Gurney House, where the famous hunter and eventually the inhabitant of Kenya Jim Corbett used to live
- Bargaining for woolen clothes and handicrafts at the Tibetan Market
Local Cuisine
Kumaoni such as Bhatt ki Churkani which is a black soybean based dish is popular as is Bal Mithai and Singori a sweet delicacy prepared from ate called Khoya.
7
Shimla
Distance from Delhi
It extends approximately 340 kilometers.
Best time to visit
Mainly during March to June and during September to November.
Key Attractions
- The Ridge: Popular shoppers’ destination spread in thousands of acres in the central Shimla, famous for its location, scenic beauty and activities.
- Mall Road: The main commercial street of Shimla, characterized with shops, cafes, restaurants etc were situated in this region.
Christ Church: It is one of the oldest churches in North India and is famous for neo-gothic style construction. - Jakhu Temple: On Hanuman, this temple has great architectural beauty and is perched to give you views of the town and the mountains.
- Viceregal Lodge: One of the great architectures of the INDIA is now used as the Indian Institute of Advanced Study.
- Shimla State Museum: Emphasizing on cultural vision of the state of Himachal Pradesh.
Activities
- Traveling in the toy train from Kalka to Shimla
- Ice skating on a natural ice rink that is said to be the largest in Asia (during the winter season).
- Visiting other points such as Chadwick Falls or Prospect Hill
- Having fun on the adventure games in Kufri Adventure Park
- Bazars for buying local Home products, especially the famous Himachali handicrafts & woolens.
Local Cuisine
Do not be foolish and avoid trying the local cuisines and some of the specialities you’ll get to enjoy are Dham which is a traditional meal, Siddu ,which is bread stuffed with vegetables or meat, and Chha Gosht which is spicy lamb curry.
Also Read : Budget-Friendly Hill Stations to Visit in India
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8
Auli
Distance from Delhi
Approximately 370km.
Best time to visit
November to March.
Nestled in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, Auli is a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts. Famous as India’s premier skiing destination, this picturesque hill town offers breathtaking views of the Nanda Devi and Mana Parvat peaks. With its pristine snow-covered slopes and lush meadows, Auli is a perfect retreat for adventure lovers and nature seekers, making it a dream destination for a winter getaway.
9
Chail
Distance from Delhi
Approximately 345km.
Best time to visit
March to June and September to November.
Located in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh, Chail was once the summer retreat of the Maharaja of Patiala. Known for its lush forests, royal heritage, and the world’s highest cricket ground, this serene hill town offers a peaceful escape from the crowds. With breathtaking views of the Shivalik ranges and a tranquil atmosphere, Chail is a delight for nature lovers and those seeking a relaxing getaway.
10
Dharamshala and McLeodganj
Distance from Delhi
About 480 Km
Best time to visit
March to June, September and November.
Though McLeodganj is the upper part of the town Dharamshala, the place is famous for its Link between culture and the original inhabitants the Tibetans and as the home to the Dalai Lama. This unique hill station boasts of having rich hues of Tibetan Culture, natural sceneries and touch of spirituality.
Key Attractions
- Tsuglagkhang Complex: The principal temple and house of the Dalai Lama.
- Bhagsu Falls: A scenic waterfall close to McLeodganj.
- Dharamshala Cricket Stadium: One of the best cricket grounds within the world.
- Namgyal Monastery: The non-public monastery of the Dalai Lama.
- Norbulingka Institute: Dedicated to keeping Tibetan art and culture.
- Dal Lake: A small lake surrounded via deodar bushes.
Activities
- Trekking to Triund, a famous in a single day trek.
- Taking cooking instructions to analyze Tibetan cuisine.
- Attending meditation and yoga periods.
- Visiting the Tibetan Museum to study Tibetan history and tradition.
- Shopping for Tibetan handicrafts and souvenirs.
Local Cuisine
Don’t omit trying Tibetan specialties like momos, thukpa, and butter tea.
11
Dalhousie
Distance from Delhi
Approximately 560 km
Best time to visit
March to June and September to November.
Travel Tips for Hill Stations Near Delhi
Best time to visit
Most hill stations are first-class visited among March to June and September to November. Avoid the monsoon season (July-August) as landslides are common.
Transportation:
- By Road: Most hill stations are properly-connected through road. You can both pressure or take a bus from Delhi.
- By Train: Some hill stations like Shimla have railway connectivity.
- By Air: Dharamshala has the closest airport for maximum of those hill stations.
- Accommodation: Book earlier, mainly throughout top seasons.
- Clothing: Pack warm garments, even in summer, as evenings can be cool.
- Altitude Sickness: Be prepared for high altitudes and acclimatize properly.
- Local Etiquette: Respect nearby customs and dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites.
- Eco-friendly Tourism: Follow responsible tourism practices to preserve the natural beauty of hill stations.
- Adventure Activities: If planning adventure sports, book through reputed operators and follow safety guidelines.
- Local Permits: Some regions might require unique permissions. Check in advance and obtain necessary permits.
- Emergency Services: Keep emergency contact numbers on hand, such as local police and medical services.
The hill stations close to Delhi offer a really perfect get away from the city’s hustle and bustle. Whether you are looking for a journey, relaxation, or cultural studies, those locations have something for all people. From the colonial attraction of Shimla to the Tibetan effect in Dharamshala, every hill station has its precise individual and attractions. As you intend your subsequent getaway, don’t forget exploring these stunning hill stations to enjoy the serene splendor of the Indian Himalayas. Remember to travel responsibly, admire neighborhood cultures, and immerse yourself in the herbal beauty these destinations have to offer. Happy journeying!
Also Read : Budget-Friendly Hill Stations to Visit in India
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