Here are 10 hill stations near Delhi that you might enjoy visiting:
Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Location: Himachal Pradesh, approximately 342 km from Delhi.
How to Reach: By road via NH44 or by train to Kalka, then take the toy train to Shimla.
Nearest Railway Station: Kalka Railway Station (90 km).
Nearest Airport: Jubbarhatti Airport in Shimla.
Time Taken: Around 7-8 hours by road or 5-6 hours by train.
Attractions: The Ridge, Mall Road, Jakhu Temple, Christ Church, Kufri, and the toy train ride.
Facts: Shimla was the summer capital of British India and has retained much of its colonial charm.
Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Location: Himachal Pradesh, approximately 536 km from Delhi.
How to Reach: By road via NH44 or by Volvo buses. There’s no direct train to Manali.
Nearest Railway Station: Joginder Nagar Railway Station (narrow gauge).
Nearest Airport: Bhuntar Airport, Kullu.
Time Taken: Around 12-14 hours by road.
Attractions: Solang Valley, Rohtang Pass, Hadimba Temple, Old Manali, and adventure activities like paragliding and skiing.
Facts: Manali is nestled in the Beas River Valley and is a popular honeymoon destination.
Mussoorie, Uttarakhand
Location: Uttarakhand, approximately 278 km from Delhi.
How to Reach: By road via NH334 or by train to Dehradun, then a 35 km drive to Mussoorie.
Nearest Railway Station: Dehradun Railway Station (34 km).
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun.
Time Taken: Around 6-7 hours by road.
Attractions: Gun Hill, Kempty Falls, Mall Road, Lal Tibba, Camel’s Back Road, and the Mussoorie Lake.
Facts: Known as the “Queen of Hills,” Mussoorie offers stunning views of the Doon Valley and the Himalayan ranges.
Nainital, Uttarakhand
Location: Uttarakhand, approximately 299 km from Delhi.
How to Reach: By road via NH9 or by train to Kathgodam, then a 34 km drive to Nainital.
Nearest Railway Station: Kathgodam Railway Station (34 km).
Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport, Pantnagar.
Time Taken: Around 7-8 hours by road.
Attractions: Naini Lake, Naina Devi Temple, Snow View Point, Tiffin Top, and boating at Naini Lake.
Facts: Nainital is named after the Naini Lake, a pear-shaped lake set amidst the mountains.
Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh
Location: Himachal Pradesh, approximately 560 km from Delhi.
How to Reach: By road via NH44 or by train to Pathankot, then a 80 km drive to Dalhousie.
Nearest Railway Station: Pathankot Railway Station (80 km).
Nearest Airport: Gaggal Airport, Kangra.
Time Taken: Around 11-12 hours by road.
Attractions: Khajjiar, Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, Panchpula, Satdhara Falls, and St. John’s Church.
Facts: Dalhousie was named after Lord Dalhousie, the British Viceroy of India.
Mount Abu, Rajasthan
Location: Rajasthan, approximately 764 km from Delhi.
How to Reach: By road via NH48 or by train to Abu Road, then a 27 km drive to Mount Abu.
Nearest Railway Station: Abu Road Railway Station (27 km).
Nearest Airport: Maharana Pratap Airport, Udaipur.
Time Taken: Around 13-14 hours by road.
Attractions: Dilwara Temples, Nakki Lake, Guru Shikhar, Achalgarh Fort, and sunset point.
Facts: Mount Abu is the only hill station in Rajasthan and offers a respite from the desert heat.
Lansdowne, Uttarakhand
Location: Uttarakhand, approximately 248 km from Delhi.
How to Reach: By road via NH334 or by train to Kotdwar, then a 40 km drive to Lansdowne.
Nearest Railway Station: Kotdwar Railway Station (40 km).
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun.
Time Taken: Around 6-7 hours by road.
Attractions: Tip-n-Top Viewpoint, Bhulla Lake, St. Mary’s Church, Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple, and Bhim Pakora.
Facts: Lansdowne was named after Lord Lansdowne, the then Viceroy of India.
Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh
Location: Himachal Pradesh, approximately 287 km from Delhi.
How to Reach: By road via NH44 or by train to Kalka, then a 25 km drive to Kasauli.
Nearest Railway Station: Kalka Railway Station (25 km).
Nearest Airport: Chandigarh Airport.
Time Taken: Around 6-7 hours by road.
Attractions: Monkey Point, Christ Church, Mall Road, Kasauli Brewery, and Gilbert Trail.
Facts: Kasauli is a small cantonment town known for its colonial-era architecture.
Chail, Himachal Pradesh
Location: Himachal Pradesh, approximately 335 km from Delhi.
How to Reach: By road via NH44 or by train to Kalka, then a 49 km drive to Chail.
Nearest Railway Station: Kalka Railway Station (49 km).
Nearest Airport: Chandigarh Airport.
Time Taken: Around 7-8 hours by road.
Attractions: Chail Palace, Chail Cricket Ground, Kali Tibba Temple, Sadhupul Lake, and Chail Wildlife Sanctuary.
Facts: Chail is famous for having the world’s highest cricket ground at an altitude of 2,250 meters.
Almora, Uttarakhand
Location: Uttarakhand, approximately 370 km from Delhi.
How to Reach: By road via NH9 or by train to Kathgodam, then a 90 km drive to Almora.
Nearest Railway Station: Kathgodam Railway Station (90 km).
Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport, Pantnagar.
Time Taken: Around 8-9 hours by road.
Attractions (continued): Kasar Devi Temple, Bright End Corner, Chitai Golu Devta Temple, Katarmal Sun Temple, Deer Park, and Martola.
Facts: Almora is known for its rich cultural heritage and panoramic views of the Himalayas. It served as the capital of the Chand dynasty and has several ancient temples and traditional markets.
Here are some popular hill stations near Delhi, along with relevant details and suggested tour plans for each destination:
1. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Distance from Delhi: Approximately 350 km (about 7-8 hours by road)
Tour Plan:
Day 1: Depart from Delhi early morning. Arrive in Shimla by afternoon.
Day 2: Explore Shimla’s attractions such as Mall Road, Ridge, Christ Church, and Jakhu Temple. Visit the Himachal State Museum.
Day 3: Day trip to Kufri for skiing (in winter) or to enjoy the panoramic views. Visit Mashobra and Naldehra Golf Course.
Day 4: Return journey to Delhi.
2. Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Distance from Delhi: Approximately 550 km (about 12-14 hours by road)
Tour Plan:
Day 1: Depart from Delhi early morning. Arrive in Manali by late afternoon or evening.
Day 2: Visit Hadimba Devi Temple, Manu Temple, and Old Manali. Explore the Mall Road and Tibetan Monastery.
Day 3: Day trip to Solang Valley for adventure activities like paragliding and skiing (seasonal). Visit Rohtang Pass (if accessible).
Day 4: Optional sightseeing to Naggar Castle and local villages. Return journey to Delhi.
3. Nainital, Uttarakhand
Distance from Delhi: Approximately 300 km (about 6-7 hours by road)
Tour Plan:
Day 1: Depart from Delhi early morning. Arrive in Nainital by noon.
Day 2: Explore Nainital Lake, Naina Devi Temple, Snow View Point, and Tiffin Top (Dorothy’s Seat). Enjoy boating on the lake.
Day 3: Visit nearby attractions like Bhimtal, Sattal, and Naukuchiatal. Optional visit to Mukteshwar for panoramic views.
Day 4: Return journey to Delhi via a scenic route. Stop at Jim Corbett National Park (optional).
4. Mussoorie, Uttarakhand
Distance from Delhi: Approximately 290 km (about 6-7 hours by road)
Tour Plan:
Day 1: Depart from Delhi early morning. Arrive in Mussoorie by afternoon.
Day 2: Explore Mussoorie’s attractions such as Gun Hill, Kempty Falls, Company Garden, and Mall Road. Visit Landour for scenic views.
Day 3: Day trip to Dhanaulti for eco-park and Surkanda Devi Temple. Enjoy the serene surroundings.
Day 4: Return journey to Delhi via Dehradun. Visit Robber’s Cave or Sahastradhara (optional).
5. Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh
Distance from Delhi: Approximately 560 km (about 12-14 hours by road)
Tour Plan:
Day 1: Depart from Delhi early morning. Arrive in Dalhousie by late afternoon or evening.
Day 2: Explore Dalhousie’s attractions such as St. John’s Church, Subhash Baoli, and Satdhara Falls. Enjoy a leisurely stroll on Mall Road.
Day 3: Day trip to Khajjiar, often referred to as “Mini Switzerland of India”. Enjoy horse riding and scenic views.
Day 4: Return journey to Delhi via Pathankot. Visit Ranjit Sagar Dam (optional).
Tips:
Best Time to Visit: Plan your trip during spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November) for pleasant weather.
Accommodation: Book hotels or resorts in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Travel Precautions: Check local weather conditions and road statuses before traveling, especially during monsoon and winter seasons.
These destinations offer a refreshing break from the bustling city life of Delhi, with scenic views, pleasant weather, and opportunities for adventure and relaxation. Adjust your itinerary based on your interests and the duration of your trip for a memorable hill station getaway.