Sometimes you just want to escape the daily grind of the city, the noise and the pollution. Breathe in some fresh air and head to the hilly retreats of these hill stations near Delhi.
Nahan – 250 km from Delhi
Within the Shivalik range, in a cantonment town of Himalayan mountains lies Nahan.
In nature’s bosom is the greatest romantic destination for honeymooners, old and know. Known as one of the most scenic hill stations near Delhi, Nahan, also provides enough for families and friends too. As you tuck into this hill station, you turn off the rest of the world and relax in the arms of nature.
Those who are looking for a weekend getaway can opt for trekking towards this destination.
Things to do in Nahan: Trek to Churdhar peak, Rock climbing and Fishing.
Places to visit in Nahan: Simbalwada wildlife sanctuary and Suketi fossil park, Renuka lake, Jaitak fort, Dhaula Kuan, Jagannath temple and Rani Tal.
Lansdowne – 258 km from Delhi
Next up on the closest hill station from Delhi is Lansdowne. It is located at an altitude of 1700 m above sea level, making it a beautiful hill station that lies amid verdant pine and oak jungles. At such heights you can savor green slopes, a paradise-like ambiance and wonderful weather. Lansdowne as founded as a summer retreat in 1887 by the then Viceroy of India.
All in all, this hill station is the most place ideal for enjoying vacations that are filled with eternal peace for the ultimate rejuvenating experience.
Things to do: Boating in Bhulla Lake, Trek to Hawagarh and Snow Viewpoint, Nature Walks, Enjoy wonderful views from Tip and Top View Point, Jungle Safari at Kalagarh Tiger Reserve, Camping and Bird Watching.
Places to see: Durga Devi Temple, Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple, Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple, Bhairav Garhi Temple, St. Mary’s Church, St. John’s Church, Garhwal Regimental Museum, Bhulla Lake, Darwan Singh Sangrahalaya.
Dehradun – 266 km from Delhi
If you love a hodge-podge of greenery coupled with quiet ambiance, the humble town of Dehradun is for you. Dehradun is the capital city of the Uttarakhand state left unspoilt and tranquit at a height of 1427 feet above the sea level.
It’s quaint and surrounded by other wonderful places like Auli, Rishikesh, Mussoorie, Haridwar and Nainital. Importantly, the place has a wonderful mix of natural as well as man-made delights for its visitors.
Things to do: Wildlife Safari at Rajaji National Park, Wildlife spotting at Malsi Deer Park, Picnic around Sahastradhara and Lacchiwalla, Paragliding, Shopping at Tibetan Market and Trekking.
Places to see: Tapkeshwar Temple, Santala Devi Temple, Robber’s Cave, Tapovan, Mindrolling Monastery, Tiger falls Forest Research Institute and Zonal Museum.
Mussoorie – 280 km from Delhi
The “Queen of Hills” will always slay. Mussoorie is one such hill station near Delhi that can charm anybody into visiting her beautiful imagery. Her visage lies at an altitude of 1800 m above sea level on the top of a horseshoe crest on the mountains of Garhwal. This place is also known as the Gateway to Yamunotri and Gangotri where you can enjoy pleasant weather
and the wonderful views of the Doon Valley and the Shivalik ranges.
Things to do: Adventure activities like Skywalk, Zipline, Rock Climbing, Mountain Biking,
evening visit the Mall Road; a leisure walk at the Camel’s Back Road and rope-way ride from Jhulaghat to the top of Gun Hills.
Places to see: Kempty falls, Bhatta falls, Jharipani falls, Company Bagh, Lal Tiba View point, Jwala Devi temple and Shedup Choepelling Temple
Kasauli – 287 Km from Delhi
Let me paint you a picture of a large grove of pine and chestnut trees. You then look up to see peaks covered in mist, placed at an altitude of 6100 feet above the sea level. Kasauli is one of India’s beautiful hill stations near Delhi. In this quaint hill town you’ll go back to the Victorian era once you step foot as it was founded by the British in 1842 as a Cantonment town. Ironically it is also mentioned in the great Hindu epic, Ramayana. Do not miss a visit to Kasauli Brewery, the world’s highest brewery and distillery.
In addition, natural trails form a wonderful background. If you like being away from city chaos, close to nature, this is the place to be.
Things to do: Camping, Trekking, Walk on the popular Gilbert Trail, Other Nature Walks, Shopping at the Mall Road, Toy Train ride from Dharampur to Barog, Day’s excursion to Barog, See Dhauladhar Ranges.
Places to see: Sunrise and Sunset Point, Christ Church, Sabathu Fort, Kasauli Brewery, Krishna Bhavan Mandir, Gurkha Fort
Nainital – 296.8 km from Delhi
Also known as the ‘Lake District of India’, Nainital lies at the Kumaon foothills in the Himalayas. Nainital was known for being the perfect summer vacation during the British Raj to escape the heat and enjoy the scenic view. Of course the lakes and towns and trees would have added to the cooling effect.
Today, this town is very popular amongst families, couples and in general those looking for a true holiday of relaxation and unwinding to the scenic town in Uttarakhand. Interestingly, the hill station derives its name from Naini Lake(great for boating) and Naini Peak at an elevation of 2615 m.
Things to do: Excursion to Bhimtal and Sattal, Horse riding along the Ridge and Boating and Yachting in Naini Lake.
Places to see: Eco Garden Cave, Naina Devi Temple, Naini Peak, Raj Bhavan, Kainchi Dam, and Mall Road.
Kanatal – 321 km from Delhi
Perfect for a weekend getaway with your partner, a holiday with your family or a fun vacation with your friends, Kanatal is a hidden-gem in the Uttarakhand state. During the preferable month of June you can watch this town offer you its greenery and invite you to its extraordinary climate for this hill town is located at a distance of 78 km from Dehradun. Kanatal is a perfect host during summer vacation.
Things to do: An excursion to Chamba and Dhanaulti, Nature walk and Trekking in Kodia Jungle and Camping, Trekking, Sightseeing.
Places to see: Kodia Jungle, Tehri Dam, Shivpuri, Surkhanda Devi temple, and Dhanaulti Eco Park
Chail – 337 km from Delhi
What makes Chail a brilliant hill station to visit is the fact that it is home to green jungles and mist. But also has historical importance as chail is also home the highest cricket ground in the world. It is located at a distance of around 44 km from Shimla and boasts of unparalleled tranquility. Also, it was once the summer capital of the Maharaja of Patiala. The views are wonderful and captivating. Also, do not miss out on shopping at the local market.
Things to do: Golfing, Horse Riding, Day’s excursion to Kufri and Shimla, Picnic at Sadhupul Lake, Angling in Giri River and Wildlife spotting at the Chail Wildlife Sanctuary,
Places to see: Kali Tiba, Sidh Baba Ka Mandir, Gurudwara Sahib, Sadhupul Lake, Himalayan Nature Park and Chail Palace.
Shimla – 348 km from Delhi
The Himachal capital city is known as the Queen of Hill Stations. Shimla is full of major attractions hills, forest ranges and hotels. The main road northeast from Shimla tackles a pass just north of Narkanda, then follows the River Sutlej east towards Sarahan, with its spectacular wooden temple, before entering the eastern district of Kinnaur, much of which is accessible only to those holding Inner Line permits.
Things to do in Shimla: Ridge walk, mountaineering, river rafting, toy train visit and ride, paragliding, the, hiking and trekking and heritage walk.
Places to visit in Shimla: The Mall Road, the Ridge, Jakhu Temple, Kalka Shimla Railway, Green Valley, Kuthar Fort, Kufri, Green Valley, Dhillon Pond and Institute of Advanced Studies.
Mukteshwar – 350 km from Delhi
Mukteshwar is a hill station near Delhi that offers both leisure and adventure.
Start driving from Delhi towards Moradabad and Ramgarh and you arrive at this pristine hill town, amid the Kumaoni Hills for some stunning views for your eyes!
There are plenty of apricot, apple and plum orchards. This peaceful heaven offers detoxification to your mind, body and soul. Treat your eyes to the breathtaking views of Nanda Devi Peak.
Things to do: Nature Walks, Excursion to Dhanachuli village, Trek to Sitla and Climbing and rappelling at Chhaulli ki Jali.
Places to see: Mukteshwar Dham, Veterinary Research Institute of India, Mukteshwar Maharah Ji temple, Tapovan, Methodist Church, Ramgarh, Nathuakhan, Brahmeswara Temple and Chauli ki Jalai.
Ranikhet – 356 km
Also known as the ‘Queen’s Land’, Ranikhet is a scenic place that is also home to the Indian Army’s Kumaon Regiment.
This hill station is a verdant hill town with plenty of exotic wildlife, varied species of flora, surrounded by Himalayan mountains. Located at an altitude of about 1869 m above sea level, it is an erstwhile summer retreat of the British, as most hill stations near Delhi seemed to be.
Things to do: Trek to Tarikhet and Sitlakhet, Nature Walks, Picnic at Bhalu Dam and Chaubatia Gardens and Golfing.
Places to see: Katarmal Sun Temple, Jhula Devi Temple, Mankameshwar Temple, Chaubatia Gardens, Haidakhan Temple, Upat Golf Course, Majkhali, Dwarahat,, Army Golf Course, Ram Mandir and Bhalu Dam,
Kufri – 358 km from Delhi
Kufri is one such hill station near Delhi, which can be seen as ideal for family holidaying. Why? It delivers wildlife for children, unique greenery and a perfect retreat for parents and grandparents.
Positioned at a distance of just 13 km from Shimla, Kufri is peaceful. If you wish to get away from the crowd of Shimla, this is the place to be. Located at an altitude of 9000 feet above sea level, its charm attracts tourists from all across the country.
Things to do: Yak Safari, Himalayan Aviary for bird watching, amazing rides at Kufri Fun World, Nature Walk, Horse Ride to the Mahasu Peak, Skiing in winters and Hiking,
Places to see: Mahasu Peak, Himalayan Nature Park, Indira Tourist Park, Shimla, Fagu, Bhima Kali Mata temple and Kufri Zoo
With this list of the best hill stations near Delhi, you can totally drop your mundane, boring self at the door and exit fully rejuvenated. So pack up and head to the closest one!
