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.
Mussoorie: The Queen of the Hills
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 about 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.
Nainital: The India: The Lake District
Distance from Delhi: It is almost 310 Km.
Best time to visit: The best climate is during March to June and September to November.
Nainital is the graceful hill station that has come into fame from over a hundred years ago and is sited around the Naini Lake. Being the hill station, Nainital has colonial architecture, which makes tourists relax while it also has many sites which provide adventurous activities.
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.
Shimla: The Summer Capital
Distance from Delhi: It extends approximately 340 kilometers.
Best time to visit: Mainly during March to June and during September to November.
The queen of the hills, Shimla has more than its fair share of the British Raj charm; the town has evolved with time and now serves as a modern destination. Due to the great combination of the natural landscape, the history of the place, and the rich culture, one should visit the place.
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.
Lansdowne: A Quiet Retreat
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.
Kasauli: A Serene Cantonment Town
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
Dharamshala and McLeodganj: Present situation of the little Tibetan colony in India
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.
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 heat garments, even in summer season, as evenings can be cool.
Altitude Sickness:
Pack heat garments, even in summer season, as evenings can be cool.
Local Etiquette:
Respect nearby customs and get dressed modestly, particularly while visiting religious sites.
Eco-pleasant Tourism:
Adventure Activities:
Local Permits:
Emergency 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!
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