Are you a travel freak who loves to roam in various places? If yes, then this blog is going to make you unlock more places to explore. If you are in Delhi, searching for the best hill stations to visit nearby, then we have surely caught you! Here we are up with a list of the best hill stations near Delhi, that you must visit this year. So read the complete blog to know everything about visiting these hill stations.
Delhi, as we all know, is the capital city of India. People from India and all over the world come to visit this city. The reason behind this is that Delhi has a great historical background, along with nice weather. Apart from this, it is surrounded by numerous hills and mountains, making it a place of tourism for the hill stations. Taking benefit of being in Delhi, do not forget to visit the best Old Delhi markets for shopping through a wide variety of items.
When it comes to visiting the closest hill stations to Delhi, you will experience being surrounded by the beauty of mountains, swift-moving rivers, and the whirling noises of dense, green forests. There are several hill stations close to Delhi where you might get away from the monotony of your daily routine. But which hill station to visit relies on your interests, the season you choose to visit in, and the time period of vacation.
Not to keep you confused in choosing the first destination, we have compiled here a list of the 10 best hill stations near Delhi, that is suitable to visit at various times of the year. So let’s get started with the list!
1. Dehradun
Are you looking for the hill stations near Delhi for a 1-day trip? Then you should consider visiting Dehradun. It is one of the hill stations near Delhi that are nearly 250 km around. It is the capital city of Uttarakhand and is located 1400 feet above sea level. The picturesque city is defined by its abundance of greenery, the aroma of the misty air, and some great attractions. It is one of the closest hill stations to Delhi, and the area’s abundance of attractions makes it a favorite among tourists.
The finest activities in Dehradun include trekking, hiking, camping, picking from a variety of wildlife trips, and just seeing the must-see locations. Some of the attractions of Dehradun include the Robber’s Cave, Malsi Deer Park, Tapkeshwar Temple, and Indian Military Academy. You will get to taste here a variety of foods from Indian, Asian, and Chinese cuisine.
- Special attractions: Mindrolling Monastery, Tapkeshwar Temple, Lachhiwala, Wadia Institute Of Himalayan Geology, Robber’s Cave, Rajaji National Park, Tapovan, Santala Devi Temple, Central Braille Press, Forest Research Institute,
- Things to do: Visiting deer parks and monasteries, trying the tasty local treats
- Best time to visit: March to June
- Days to spend: 1-2 days
- Location: Uttarakhand
- Distance from Delhi: 270 km
- How to reach: The Dehradun Railway Station lies at a distance of 900 meters from the city center. The distance to Jolly Grant Airport is 31 kilometers. From Delhi, you may go there in 6 hours by car.
2. Nainital
One of the greatest weekend getaway hill towns near Delhi is Nainital. It is a great option if you are looking to visit the hill stations near Delhi within 300 km. The city welcomes you with beautiful lakes, lofty slopes covered with towering trees, and brilliant blue skies. It provides you with the satisfaction of a weekend getaway.
Nainital, which is a favorite destination for couples as well as families and friends, is situated at an altitude of around 6830 feet. The hill town’s name comes from Naini Lake and Naini Peak, which rise to a height of 2615 meters. Visitors come from all over the nation to have a special time there with their family, friends, or significant other. The summertime temperature rarely gets over 25 degrees celsius. You can enjoy the place to the fullest extent thanks to the lovely weather.
- Special attractions: Naini Lake, Tiffin Top, Naina Devi Temple, Thandi Sadak, Raj Bhavan, Naina Peak, Snow View, Bara Patthar, Eco Cave Garden, Hanuman Garhi, Bara Bazaar
- Things to do: Boating experiences in tals, photography, tasting fresh corn (bhutta), Horse riding, rock climbing, ropeway rides, trekking.
- Best time to visit: March – June, December – January (for snowfall)
- Days to spend: 2-3 Days
- Location: Uttarakhand
- Distance from Delhi: 286 km
- How to reach: Kathgodam is the closest railway station (23 km away). From the Anand Vihar ISBT in Delhi, buses are accessible. Pant Nagar Airport is the closest airport to Nainital (72 km away).
3. Mussoorie
One of the closest and most well-known hill towns to Delhi is Mussoorie. It is about 289 km distant from Delhi. It takes around 6-7 hours to reach Mussoorie from Delhi. This hill station is located at a height of 6000 feet, in the Dehradun district of Uttarakhand. It is well-known for its religious sites and colonial history. When thinking about the nearest hill stations to Delhi, forgetting about Mussoorie is just next to impossible.
Mussoorie is also known as the Queen of The Hill Stations. It used to be the British summer capital due to its year-round mild and pleasant temperature. Take a stroll around the Mall, travel to Dhanualti, see the Kempty Falls, go to the village where Landour Ruskin Bond lived, or simply relax at your hotel. The Kempty Falls, Gun Hills, and the Lal Tibba are the must-visit places here.
- Special attractions: Mussoorie Lake, Kempty Falls, Mossy Falls, Gun Hill, Dev Bhoomi Wax Museum, Dhanaulti, Lal Tibba, Christ Church, Bhatta Falls, Camel’s back road, Adventure Park, Jabarkhet Nature Reserve, George Everest’s House, Soham Heritage, and Art Centre
- Things to do: Trekking, boating, rock climbing, wildlife viewing, shopping at Mall road for Ladaki shawls and Jamawar shawls
- Best time to visit: April to June and between October and November
- Days to spend: 1 day
- Location: Uttarakhand
- Distance from Delhi: 289 km
- Ways to reach: There are both direct and connecting buses that travel from Delhi to Mussoorie. Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the closest airport to Mussoorie. Dehradun is the closest railway station (50 km away).
4. Almora
Almora is a picturesque hill station located on a 5 km long horseshoe-shaped ridge at a height of 1651 meters above sea level. The Chand dynasty ruled over this area when it was first built, but the British later improved it. Due to its reputation as the cultural center of the Kumaon area, this hill town is a treat for culture enthusiasts.
Head to Almora if you’re an adventurer seeking some unusual experiences close to Delhi. Trekking, sightseeing, temple visits, village tours, cultural walks, and nature walks are the most popular things you may engage in here. Last but not least, Lal Bazaar, Zero Valley, and the endless expanse of scenery would definitely hold you fascinated.
- Special attractions: Chitai Golu Devta Temple, Bright End Corner, Zero Point, Katarmal Sun Temple, Deer Park, Martola, Nanda Devi Temple, Kasar Devi Temple, Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kalimat, Jagheswar Temple, Gobind Vallabh Pant Museum, Mrig Vihar Zoo
- Things to do: Trekking, sightseeing, nature walks, exploring Zero Valley, shopping at Lal Bazaar, shopping for shawls and wooden handicrafts
- Best time to visit: April to June & September to November
- Days to spend: 1 Night/2 Days
- Location: Uttarakhand
- Distance from Delhi: 345 km
- How to reach: The closest railway station is Kathgodam Railway Station located 91 km away. The closest airport is Pantnagar airport which is at a distance of 125km. You can even reach here by car or bus in 9 hours from Delhi.
5. Shimla
Shimla is a popular hill station in Himachal Pradesh and served as the summer capital of British India. The historical elegance, breathtaking scenery, abundance of natural beauty, and street shopping draw tourists to the area. . Shimla, which is almost 7000 feet above sea level and 400 kilometers from Delhi, is a must-visit hill station because of its nice climate and elevation. You may access here a Toy Train, which provides beautiful mountain sights.
Every year, tens of thousands of families and couples head to Shimla to have the time of their lives. Shimla is admirably referred to as the “Queen of Hills” because of its colonial beauty, breathtaking views, exceptional temperature, tranquil atmosphere, and lush surroundings. For its blissful snowfall, Shimla also tops the list of the finest locations to visit in December.
- Special attractions: Shimla Heritage Museum, Himachal State Museum, Christ Church, Summer Hill, Town Hall, Gaiety Theatre, Jakhu Hill, Jakhu Temple, The Ridge, Rashtrapati Niwas, Kali Bari Temple, Bantony Castle, Gorton Castle, Annadale, Johnnie’s Wax Museum, Army Heritage Museum.
- Things to do: Shopping at Mall Road, participating in heritage walk tours, admiring mountain views from the Ridge, enjoying ice skating, riding the Kalka-Shimla toy train, and light hiking.
- Best time to visit: October – February
- Days to spend: 2-3 Days
- Location: Himachal Pradesh
- Distance from Delhi: 342 km
- How to reach: You may take a train to Chandigarh and a bus from there to get to Shimla. You may take your vehicle to Shimla as well. Chandigarh has the closest airport to Shimla (115 km away). Kalka is the closest railway station (89 km away).
6. Kausani
Kausani is one of the offbeat hill stations near Delhi. The Himalayas may be seen in all their splendor from Kausani, which is one of the best hill stations close to Delhi. Kausani is a miniature Darjeeling located in the Shiwalik Mountains, at an elevation of 1890 meters above sea level. Kausani is a romantic hill station with quiet canyons and tall trees and is the ideal location to spend quality time together for couples searching for peace.
Plan a vacation to Kausani and take in the area’s verdant tea farms and breathtaking peaks, including Nanda Devi, the tallest peak in Uttarakhand. It is perfect for a 2 days vacation, to get relief from the stressful and busy lifestyle.
- Special attractions: Baijnath Lake, Anashakti Ashram, Kausani Tea Estate, Sumitranandan Pant Government Museum, Pant Museum, Lakhudiyar
- Things to do: Trekking, enjoying Rudradhari waterfalls, visiting Anasakti Ashram, Photography, exploring the shawl emporium.
- Best time to visit: October – June
- Days to spend: 2 Days
- Location: Uttarakhand
- Distance from Delhi: 421 km
- How to reach: Reach Kathgodam by train from Delhi and then take a cab or bus to Kausani. Dehradun Airport is the closest to Kausani (157 km away). Kathgodam is the closest railway station (132 km away).
7. McLeodganj
Beautiful Mcleodganj draws a sizable number of tourists. It is one of the nicest hill stations near Delhi and a great weekend retreat. If you’re going to Dharamshala, then you can’t resist visiting McLeodganj, which is 478 km away from Delhi.
The village isn’t very big, and wood might readily be used to cover it. The charming cafés in this area are the finest spots to sip your morning coffee while taking in the scenery of the snow-covered mountains. You can enjoy here boating, shopping for Tibetan handicrafts, enjoying the delicious taste of momos, light to medium trekking, and cave camping.
- Special attractions: Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts, Lahesh Cave, Bhagsunag Falls, Bhagsunag Temple, Triund peak, Namgyal Monastery, Church of St John in the Wilderness
- Things to do: Boating, shopping for Tibetan handicrafts, tasting momos and thukpa, exploring Dalai Lama Temple, light to medium trekking, cave camping
- Best time to visit: October-June
- Days to spend:
- Location: Himachal Pradesh
- Distance from Delhi: 478 km
- How to reach: You can reach Pathankot from Delhi by train, and then take a bus or taxi. The nearest railway station is Pathankot railway station and the nearest airport is Gaggal airport. You can also travel by road and reach here in 9 to 10 hours from Delhi.
8. Dharamshala
Dharamshala should be among the most alluring hill towns near Delhi because of its gorgeous Himalayan background, deep valleys, and cultural fusions. It is the entrance to the Kangra valley and is situated at a height of 1475 meters above sea level. Due to the Buddhist and Tibetan cultures, this spotless hill town is also known as Little Lhasa or Dhasa.
This hill station, which is currently the residence of the Dalai Lama, the spiritual head of the Tibetan people, has become more popular among young people and international tourists, earning a spot on lists of the best tourist destinations in India to see before becoming old!
- Special attractions: Namgyalma Stupa, Bhagsunath Temple, Kareri Lake, Dal Lake, Indru Nag, Gyuto Monastery, Dalai Lama Temple, Chamunda Temple, St. John in the Wilderness Church, Namgyal Monastery, Norbulingka Buddhist temple, Kangra Art Museum, Galu temple
- Things to do: Camping at Triund, nature walks, trekking, a day trip to Kangra Valley, Kareri Lake trek, and an excursion to Naddi village.
- Best time to visit: January to June and September to December
- Days to spend: 2 days
- Location: Himachal Pradesh
- Distance from Delhi: 475 km
- How to reach: The Pathankot railway station is the closest, which is 85 kilometers away. Chandigarh and Gaggal are the closest airports. You can reach here in 9 hours by road from Delhi.
9. Manali
Looking for the most romantic hill stations near Delhi? No doubt, you will end up with few choices from which, Manali would be the top. Manali, the most well-known hill town close to Delhi, is one of the popular hill stations near Delhi to visit in winter. If you are looking for hill stations near Delhi within 1000 km, then Manali is a really good choice. It is situated at a height of 6260 feet above sea level in the midst of the verdant Beas River Valley.
Manali often referred to as the “Valley of God,” is among the top tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh. Distinguished by a pleasant climate, snow-capped Himalayan peaks, lush scenery, and peaceful settings, Manali is also a must-see location in Himachal Pradesh for honeymooners and adventure seekers.
- Special attractions: Hadimba Devi Temple, Manu Temple, Tibetan Monastery, Pandoh Dam, Vashisht hot springs, Manali Club House, Old Manali, Rohtang Pass, Van Vihar National Park,
- Things to do: River rafting in Kullu, paragliding in Solang Valley, playing in the snow at Rohtang Pass, experiencing the hot water spring at Manikaran Sahib, admiring mountain scenery, taking a trip to Jagatsukh village, exploring Naggar Castle.
- Best time to visit: October – June
- Days to spend: 2-3 Days
- Location: Himachal Pradesh
- Distance from Delhi: 529km
- How to reach: Take a train or plane from Delhi to Chandigarh, then take a cab or bus to Dalhousie. Kullu Airport is the closest airport to Manali (50 km away). Chandigarh is the nearest railway station (292 km away).
10. Dalhousie
Dalhousie is a well-known hill town in Himachal Pradesh and is one of the most well-known for its attractive monuments that are situated in gorgeous settings. With its lush rainforest, peaceful hills, scenic beauty, and pleasant atmosphere, Dalhousie is one of the most tempting hill towns near Delhi for a restful family vacation. A visit to this amazing town will undoubtedly renew you on the inside. It has a close connection to the British because they founded it in 1854 and named it after the Earl of Dalhousie, who was India’s Governor-General at the time.
It attracts tourists from throughout the nation who come to enjoy the landscape and pleasant weather because of its elevation of approximately 6460 feet. This beautiful location gives a beautiful scenery of the snow-covered mountains thanks to the tall pines on the slopes and the blossoming flowers near the foothills.
- Special attractions: Ganji Pahari, St Francis Church, Subhash Baoli, a trek up Dainkund Peak, Mall Road, Satdhara Falls, Bakrota Hills, Panchpula, Bara Patthar, Dainkund, Bakrota Hills.
- Things to do: Sightseeing, trying the local delicacies, nature walks, trekking,
- Best time to visit: October – June
- Days to spend: 3-4 Days
- Location: Himachal Pradesh
- Distance from Delhi: 561 km
- How to reach: Arrive in Pathankot by train from Delhi, and then take a cab or a bus to Dalhousie. Pathankot is the closest railway station (80 km away). Gaggal Airport is the nearest airport to Dalhousie (107 km away).
Wrapping up…
These were the best hill stations that we found to be much more adventurous and interesting to visit. If you are in Delhi, or nearby, do not miss out on the chance to get an amazing experience of wandering through the mountains. Also, if you are somewhere around the country, but are planning a vacation, then add one hill station to your bucket list now!
The climate of these hill stations may cause you to shiver, for the sake of which, you must carry a winter jacket from among the best winter jacket brands in India. Finally, do not forget to click some nice pictures and selfies, and make them preserve the memories of these hill stations for you!
We hope you enjoyed the blog, and have already started planning a trip to one of these hill stations by now. If you like the blog, then let us know in the comments. Also, if you wish to get detailed information about any other places, then tell us in the comments. Thanks for reading!
