Beat the Heat with These Cool Hill Station Getaways from Delhi

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Delhi offers a wide array of hill-stations which are ideal weekend getaways to escape the urban chaos and the blistering heat! Explore scenic views from high altitudes, long strolls amidst lush green forests and picnic feasts. Here is a list of the top ten Hill-stations nearby Delhi.

1. Lansdowne​

Burrowed amongst scenic oak and verdant pine forests, Lansdowne is one of the most picturesque hill-stations near Delhi. Lansdowne provides the opportunity to indulge in an array of activities; you can bask in the sunshine of the Himalayas, go trekking amongst the lush forests, feast on a picnic lunch or simply gaze at the breath-taking views of the Himalayas. Wildlife enthusiasts must visit the Kalagarh Wildlife Sanctuary to spot tigers!

How to get there: The most convenient option would be to travel by road which takes around 6 hours and 15 minutes via NH 34. You can also opt to travel by train however there is no direct train to Lansdowne; the nearest station is Kotdwar which is 40 kilometers from Lansdowne after which you can take a taxi to Lansdowne which will take you nine hours.

Where to stay: Lansdowne offers an wide array of accommodations options ,however, we recommend Lans Castle and Windsor Cottages for the most comfortable stay with an average cost of between Rs. 4000 to 7000 per night

Book Your Stay at Lans Castle

2. Nainital

Known for its favourable climate all year round, Nainital is located alongside the foothills of the outer regions of the Himalayas. Those seeking a romantic getaway, don’t forget to visit the Nainital Lake for a slow paced stroll alongside the serene blue waters. Nainital offers panoramic views which you can best enjoy on top to the Naina Peak, the highest peak in Nainital. To bask in the glory of snowcapped views you can go to “Snow View” by cable-cars to enjoy the views from a high altitude.

How to get there: To enjoy the picturesque views, you can drive which takes around seven hours via NH9. You can also opt to take a direct bus with an average cost of 500 to 600 INR/head.

Where to stay: We recommend you to stay at the Orchid Peora Estates (Rs.38, 000 per night) or the Shervani Hilltop (Rs.10000 per night).

Book Your Stay at Orchad Peora Estates ​

3. Kanatal​

The scenic beauty of Kanatal is impregnable. Known for its peace and tranquility, Kanatal is a hidden Jewel and is a perfect weekend getaway from Delhi. The best way to explore Kanatal would be by simply walking amongst the apple orchids, fruit trees and pine forests. You can trek to Kodia Jungle amidst a huge stretch of valleys which is a paradise for photographers and nature lovers.  Kanatal is the perfect getaway to escape the urban chaos!

How to get there: To enjoy the scenic views you can travel by train or road. The two nearest railway stations connected with Kanatal are Dehradun and Rishikesh after which taxis/buses are available to reach the resort. If you opt to travel by road it will take around eight hours via NH 58.

Where to stay: For the most comfortable stay we recommend The Terraces (Rs.14500 per night) or The Hermitage (Rs.7716 per night)

Book Your Stay at The Terraces 

4. Naukuchiatal

Naukuchiatal features a sprawling lake surrounded by verdant mountains with a varied range of flora and fauna and is a perfect weekend getaway from Delhi. A morning stroll near the lake must be on your bucket list! You can also enjoy a boat ride across the lake to enjoy panoramic views or try fishing! If you are up for an adventure, short treks around the lake are perfect for adventurous souls. You can visit the Hanuman Temple which has an artificial cave design and the views add to the glory to the holy figure.

Important note: The best time to visit Naukuchiatal would be between March-June and September-November to enjoy the freshness of the lush greens.

How to get there: The most convenient way to reach Naukuchiatal is by train; the nearest train station is Kathgodam after which you can take a taxi with a total duration of 6 and a half hours.

Where to stay: Naukuchiatal has a limited number of hotels, however, we recommend you to try Déjà vu (Rs.16000 per night) or The Bungalows Lake side (Rs.9000 per night) for the most pleasant stay.

Book Your Stay at Deja vu 

5. Auli

A prime ski destination,  Auli is known for Asia’s longest cable car ride. If you’re up for an adventure, Auli offers a wide array of activities; the Kauri Pass trek is a world-renown trek through the inner regions of the Himalayas side by side magnificent forests with sunrises and sunsets to die for. You can visit the world’s highest artificial lake which is used to feed snow guns stationed along the ski slopes and enjoy a slow paced romantic stroll along the lake Another must visit for those with a spiritual bent of mind is the Joshimath Temple dedicated to the Deity of Lord Badri Visha.

How to get there: Located only 82 km from Delhi, Auli is best accessed by road with a duration of 2 hours 12 minutes.

Where to stay: Accommodations are limited in Auli, however we recommend you to stay at Clifftop Club (Rs.8250 per night) or at the Auli Resort (Rs.3000 per night)

Book Your Stay at Clifftop Club

6. Manali

Surrounded by verdant peaks amongst the green Valley of the Beas River, Manali is a must visit. Manali is the ideal destination for and for adventure enthusiasts who can trek through rugged terrains, enjoy scenic views while mountain biking and raft through the white water rapids. Manali is the perfect place to curl up in a good book around the bonfire during winters and escape the urban chaos. This is also rated among the best place for a romantic getaway from Delhi.

How to get there: You can opt to travel by the numerous trains available on this route which will take around 13 and a half hours.

Where to stay: Manali offers a wide choice of accommodations, however, we recommend The Span resort and Spa (Rs.14000 per night) or the Baikunth Magnolia (Rs.11050 per night) for the most comfortable stay.

Book Your Stay at Baikunth Mangolia 

7. Dalhousie

Flowers blooming by the foothills and lofty pines on the slopes feature at Dalhousie. A perfect weekend getaway, Dalhousie is surrounded by scenic snow-capped peaks. One of the best sightseeing options along with an array of activities would be a walk to Panchpulla to enjoy the panoramic views of water flowing under the five bridges. The water flowing is believed to have healing powers! An ideal place for a shopping spree, Dalhousie’s Tibetan market is known for its exquisite Kullu shawls, carpets and Chamba slippers. If you’re tired of sightseeing, you can drop into famous restaurants such as Moti Mahal for traditional North Indian cuisines!

How to get there: You can drive to Dalhousie which takes around 9 and a half hours via NH1. You can also take a train to Dalhousie, however there are no direct trains. You can take Uttar S Kranti from New Delhi to Pathankot and then take a taxi to Dalhousie which takes around 11 hours in total.

Where to stay: We recommend you to stay at MGM 1 (Rs.5500 per night) or at the Alps Resort (Rs.2637 per night)

Book Your Stay at Alps Resort 

8. Kausani

A paradise of tranquility, Kausani is known for its hub of freshness. Completely detached from the country noise, Kausani is the idea weekend getaway to escape the urban chaos. You can trek through world-renown trails such as Base Kausani trek, Adi Kailash trek, and Bageshwar- Sunderdhunga trek which pass through oak and pine forests where the smell of ripened fruits wafting through will fascinate you. Don’t forget to visit Rudrahari Falls, an enthralling combination of splashing cascades and ancient caves makes it the ideal place for a picnic spot!

How to get there: Kathgodam is the nearest station to Kausani after which you can travel by road to Kausani. You can also drive to Kausani which will take around 10 and a half hours via NH9

Where to stay: We recommend you to stay at The Buransh (Rs.5000 per night onwards) or the Heritage Resort (Rs.3500 per night onwards) for the most pleasant stay.

Book Your Stay at The Heritage Resort 

9. Shimla​

The former summer capital of the British, Shimla lies along the foothills of the Himalayas amidst pine forests which offer breath-taking views. Mall Road is the biggest landmark in Shimla which highlights the town and a stroll along Mall road with the breeze blowing has its own charm. Traffic is banned from the central part of the town so walking is a pleasant experience and helps get your mind off the urban chaos. Don’t forget to try ice-skating, Shimla has one of the oldest rinks in the whole of Asia and the only open-air rink in Asia.

How to get there: There are several buses which can take you to Shimla, we recommend the overnight air conditioned luxury bus from ISBT Kashmiri Gate with an average duration of 8 hours. You can also opt to drive to Shimla which will take around 7 hours and 40 minutes via NH 44.

Where to stay: For the most luxurious stay we recommend Hotel Willow Banks (Rs.7072 per night). However, for a more affordable stay re recommend the Toshali Royal View (Rs.4000 per night).

Book Your Stay at Hotel Willow Banks

10. Chakrata

Chakrata offers fascinating holiday experiences for adventurers and trekkers. Away from the hustle bustle of the city, Tiger Falls is located amidst a hilly terrain and a must see. You can enjoy a rejuvenating bath in the falls fresh waters or trek amidst the pine forests. Honeymooners can visit Koti-Kanasar, a picturesque location surrounded by dense forests and ideal for a picnic. Chakrata also offers many religious monuments including the Lakhamandal, a temple featuring the Deity of Lord Shiva embellished in white graphite and located at an altitude which provides the perfect opportunity to capture breath-taking shots.

How to get there: Chakrata is well connected with motorable road and takes around 7 hours and 20 minutes via NH 44.  You can opt to travel by rail; the nearest railway station is the Dehradun Railway station after which taxis and buses are available.

Where to stay: Chakrata offers many options for accommodations which cost between Rs.2000-5000 per night.