12 Best Hills Stations to Visit Around Delhi (2024)
Delhi is infamous for its scorching heat in summers. You can enjoy a chilling drink or have extra showers but nothing much happening there. Hill stations are just perfect escapes in summers to rejuvenate yourself. Not to mention, how exploring the lush green nature, pristine waterfalls and rivers, and majestic mountains is a peaceful expedition.
Delhites are lucky to have so many hill stations around the city, even so, many options within only 300 kms. Delhi is actually the perfect point of departure for most of the popular hill stations in India. So if you are already convinced, and almost started your planning for a trip, here are few best hill stations around Delhi that you should consider.
1. Nainital
Nainital is known to be the ‘lake district of India’, one of the most popular tourist places in India. This beautiful hill station lies in the Kumaon foothills in the Himalayas. This lovely hill station is located near Delhi within the range of 300 km, elevated around 6830 feet in Uttarakhand. The placid hills, pleasing climate, and scenic landscapes makes it a perfect destination for summer trips.
Distance from Delhi: 300 Kms
Places To Visit: Nainital Lake, Tiffin Top, Mall Road, Naini Peak, Naina Devi Temple, Eco Garden Cave
Things to Do: Boating & Yachting ( Naini Lake), Excursion (Sattal and Bhimtal), Horse Riding
Best Time to Visit: October to May
2. Mussoorie
When talking about Hill stations near Delhi, you just cannot ignore the ‘Queen of Hill Stations’, Mussoorie. The weather here is just wonderful all the time with tranquility and astonishing natural beauty surrounding the mountain ranges. It lies at an altitude of 1800m above sea level. The place is also a gateway to Yamunotri and Gangotri.
Distance from Delhi: 289 Kms
Places To Visit: Kempty Falls, Bhatta Falls, Lal Tibba Viewpoint, Jharipani Falls, Jwala Devi Temple, Shedup Choepelling Temple
Things to Do: Enjoy the Mall Road evening walk. Skywalking, Rock Climbing, Mountain Biking, Zipline.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
3. Kasauli
Very calm, peaceful, and astonishingly beautiful would be the first few words to define this lovely hill station, Kasauli. This serene hill town surrounded by pine, oak, and chestnut groves makes it even more eye-pleasing. It was founded by Britishers in 1842 as Cantonment town, and that’s why you can still see some of the victorian feelings to the place. Kasauli also hosts the world’s highest brewery and distillery at Kasauli Brewery.
Distance from Delhi: 289 Kms
Places To Visit: Monkey Point, Kasauli Brewery, Sunrise and Sunset point, Gurkha Fort, Krishna Bhavan Mandir, Subathu Fort
Things to Do: Camping, Trekking, Nature Walks, Toy Train Ride ( Dharampur to Barog), Day’s Excursion ( Barog), Walk on Gilbert Trail, Shopping ( Mall Road)
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
4. Auli
Auli is undoubtedly one of the most popular hill station destinations in India. Luckily, it is not much far from Delhi. The place boasts an extensive variety of skiing slopes planted with numerous coniferous trees. If you are into skiing irrespective of at what level you are, Auli gives you the perfect skiing slopes to be better. Also, not to miss their longest cable car in Asia connecting to the holy town of Joshimath. It is also one of the most popular honeymoon destinations as well.
Distance from Delhi: 506 Kms
Places To Visit: Badrinath, Chenab Lake, Auli Artificial Lake, Rudra Prayag, Joshimath, Vishnu Prayag, Gurson Bugyal, Nanda Prayag, Kwani Prayag.
Things to Do: Skiing, Snowboarding, Snow games, Cable Car Ride, Trekking
Best Time to Visit: April to August, January to Mid-March ( for skiing)
5. Dharamshala
At an altitude of 1475m above the sea level, Dharamsala is the gateway to the Kangra Valley and is also one of the headquarters of Dalai Lama. The place is also popular as Little Lhasa or Dhasa due to Tibetan and Buddhist culture. One of the best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh, ideal for trekking and mountain lovers. You will witness the lush green mountains, snow-clad hills, pleasant climate and so much peace at the place. The place vibes out spirituality and tranquility that fills your heart with overwhelming joy.
Distance from Delhi: 475 Kms
Places To Visit: Dalai Lama Temple, Gyuto Monastery, Chamunda Temple, Bhagsunath Temple, Namgyalama Stupa, Indru Nag, Galu Temple, Kareri Lake, Norbulingka Buddhist Temple, Dal Lake
Things to Do: Day Trip ( Kangra Valley), Camping (Triund, Dharamkot), Kareri Lake Trek, Excursion ( Naddi Village)
Best Time to Visit: January to June, September to December
6. Dalhousie
One of the most spectacular and scenic hill stations to visit near Delhi is Dalhousie. This can be your ideal summer retreat, the gateway to pristine Chamba valley sitting at the altitude of 1970m above the sea level. Dalhousie is blessed with a soothing ambiance, breathtaking views, snow-capped mountains, lush green fields and so much more. It is like visiting a mini version of Switzerland in India itself, very near to Delhi.
Distance from Delhi: 560 Kms
Places To Visit: St. John’s Church, Panchpula Waterfall, Dainkund Peak, Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, Satdhara Falls, Bara Pather, Khajjiar Lake
Things to Do: Trekking ( to Guna Devi & Ganji Pahari), Picnicking ( Panchkula Waterfalls), Excursion ( Khajjiar)
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
7. Ranikhet
Ranikhet literally means ‘Queen’s Land’, and undoubtedly so when you witness this verdant hill town with such a panoramic stretch of exotic wildlife. The extensive range of species of flora and fauna surrounded by the Himalayan mountains is such a delight to explore. The place is located at an altitude of about 1869m above sea level.
Distance from Delhi: 356 Kms
Places To Visit: Mankameshwar Temple, Jhula Devi Temple, Katarmal Sun Temple, Upat Golf Course, Bhalu Dam, Chaubatia Gardens, Majkhali, Chaubatia Gardens, Army Golf Course
Things to Do: Trekking ( Sitlakhet, Tarikhet), Nature Walks, Picnicking (Bhalu Ram and Chaubatia Gardens), Golfing
Best Time to Visit: October to June
8. Dehradun
The capital of Uttarakhand state, Dehradun is one of the most popular hill stations in India. It lies at the altitude of 1427 feet above the sea level. You can include Dehradun on your tours to Rishikesh, Auli, Haridwar, Mussoorie, and Nainital as they are in proximity. There are green mountains, fresh air, picturesque landscapes, waterfalls and a lot of man-made attractions as well. The place is a perfect blend of the urban culture and is a nature blessed hill station.
Distance from Delhi: 245 Kms
Places To Visit: Robber’s Cave, Santala Devi Temple, Tapkeshwar Temple, Tiger Falls, Mindrolling Monastery, Forest Research Institute, Tapovan, Zonal Museum
Things to Do: Wildlife Safari ( Rajaji National Park), Trekking, Picnicking ( Around Lachhiwala and Sahastradhara), Paragliding, Wildlife Spotting ( Malsi Deer Park), Shopping ( Tibetan Market)
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
9. Kufri
Kufri is located at an altitude of 9000 feet, just 13 kms from Shimla in Himachal Pradesh. This hill station is the perfect escape for all nature lovers, especially for people who love mountains and snow. You witness the majestic snowy mountains, green sceneries, exotic wildlife, and natural excursions to the name of the few delights. Also, it’s wiser to put Kufri and Shimla both on your itinerary as they are quite close in proximity.
Distance from Delhi: 358 Kms
Places To Visit: Kufri Zoo, Himalayan Nature Park, Shimla, Mahasu Peak, Indira Tourist Park, Fagu, Bhima Kali Mata Temple
Things to Do: Horse Ride ( Mahasu Peak), Hiking, Rides ( Kufri Fun World), Nature Walk, Bird Watching ( Himalayan Aviary), Skiing ( in Winters), Yak Safari
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
10. Rishikesh
Yoga capital of the country, Rishikesh is one of the first hill stations to pop into your mind while traveling around Delhi. The place is packed with international tourists for trekking, sightseeing, experiencing Yoga and so much more. Also, it is quite economical to travel around even with a limited budget. The place is ideal for adventure enthusiasts where you can go for trekking, river-rafting, religious excursion, and leisure activities.
Distance from Delhi: 256 Kms
Places To Visit: Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula, Rishikund, Triveni Ghat, Kaudiyala, Kunjapuri Temple
Things to Do: River Rafting, Pilgrimage, Sightseeing, Trekking, Adventure, and water sports
Best Time to Visit: September to October
11. Almora
At an altitude of 1651 m above the sea level, Almora is positioned on a 5 km long horseshoe-shaped ridge. The place is known to be the cultural heart of the Kumaon region. It was originally founded by the rulers of the Chaand dynasty which was later developed by the British. Great personalities like Swami Vivekanand and Mahatma Gandhi were fond of this beautiful hill station near Delhi.
Distance from Delhi: 363 Kms
Places To Visit: Kasar Devi Temple, Bright End Corner, Nanda Devi Temple, Katarmal Sun Temple, Chitai Golu Devta Temple, Govind Ballabh Pant Museum, Martola, Jageshwar Temple, Zero Point
Things to Do: Shopping ( Lal Bazaar), Sightseeing (Deer Park), Wildlife Viewing (Mrig Vihar Zoo & Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary), Nature Walks, Exploration (Zero Valley)
Best Time to Visit: April to June, September to November
12. Uttarkashi
Enjoy the peaceful ambiance, the spiritual vibes, and scenic views in Uttarkashi, Uttrakhand. The hill station is the base for Gangotri Yatra where you can easily spot a lot of temples. Uttarkashi also is known to be the starting point for a lot of popular treks. It lies at an altitude of 1352m above sea level. This riverside hill town is such a great place to spend your weekends in peace from all the hustle of city life.
Distance from Delhi: 449 Kms
Places To Visit: Kali Mata Temple, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Dodital, Nehru Mountaineering Institute, Annapurna Devi Temple, Bhairao Temple, Duryodhan Temple, Bannder Poonch Peak, Dayara Bugyal, Kuteti Devi Temple
Things to Do: Trekking (Dayara Bugyal & Dodital), Temple sightseeing, Trekking (Hark I Doon), Nachiketa Lake Visit
Best Time to Visit: November to March
