Within a few hours from Delhi, there are a range of hill stations that offer a refreshing escape. Explore the best hill stations near Delhi in this travel guide.

Source: Pinterest (Mona Verma)

See also: Top picnic spots in Delhi

How to reach Delhi?

By air: The Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) operates numerous domestic and international flights connecting Delhi to major cities worldwide.

By rail: Delhi has multiple railway stations, with the New Delhi Railway Station, the Old Delhi Railway Station (also known as the Delhi Junction) and the Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station being the major ones.

By road: Delhi has an extensive network of national and state highways, making it easily accessible by road. Various government and private buses operate daily services from neighbouring states and cities to Delhi.

Top 11 hill stations near Delhi that promise breathtaking views

Shimla

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Known as the Queen of Hill Stations, Shimla‘s colonial charm, lush greenery, and snow-capped peaks make it favourite for the travellers.

How to reach ?

Shimla can be reached by road in around 7-8 hours from Delhi. 

Best time to visit

April to June and September to November. 

What to do?

Enjoy the toy train rides, ice skating and a delightful shopping experience at Mall Road.

Places to stay

The Oberoi Cecil, Radisson Hotel Shimla, Clarkes Hotel.

Manali

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Nestled amidst the Pir Panjal and the Dhauladhar ranges, Manali is a paradise for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers.

How to reach ?

Manali is approximately 10-12 hours away from Delhi by road.

Best time to visit

October to February for snow enthusiasts and March to June for pleasant weather.

What to do ?

Experience thrilling activities like paragliding, river rafting, and visit the Rohtang Pass for mesmerising snow views.

Places to stay

Span Resort and Spa, Solang Valley Resort, The Himalayan.

Mussoorie

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With its scenic beauty, waterfalls, and charming colonial past, Mussoorie is a popular destination for a vacation.

How to reach ?

Mussoorie can be reached by road in about 6-7 hours from Delhi.

Best time to visit

March to June and September to November.

What to do?

Take a cable car ride to the Gun Hill, visit the Kempty Falls and indulge in local street shopping on the Mall Road.

Places to stay

JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort & Spa, Jaypee Residency Manor, Fortune Resort Grace.

Nainital

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Situated around the serene Naini Lake, Nainital beckons travellers with its picturesque beauty and pleasant weather.

How to reach?

Nainital is approximately 6-7 hours away from Delhi by road.

Best time to visit

March to June and October to February for snowfall.

What to do?

Enjoy boating on the Naini Lake, visit the Naina Devi Temple and take a ropeway ride to the Snow View Point.

Places to stay

The Naini Retreat, The Manu Maharani, Shervani Hilltop.

Kasauli

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Offering tranquillity and scenic hikes, Kasauli is a charming hill station that rejuvenates the soul.

How to reach?

Kasauli is around 5-6 hours away from Delhi by road.

Best time to visit: April to June and September to November.

What to do?

Explore the Monkey Point, the Gilbert Trail and enjoy the stunning views of the Chandigarh plains from Sunset Point.

Places to stay

Baikunth Resorts, Kasauli Castle Resort, Alasia Hotel.

Dhanaulti

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A lesser-known gem, Dhanaulti offers a serene escape with its thick forests and breathtaking views of the Garhwal Himalayas.

How to reach?

Dhanaulti is approximately 6-7 hours away from Delhi by road.

Best time to visit: Throughout the year, but avoid the monsoon season.

What to do?

Visit the eco-park, the Surkanda Devi Temple, and enjoy camping.

Places to stay

Camp O Royale, The Apple Orchard Resort, Hotel Drive Inn.

Chail

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Nestled in the lap of nature, Chail has the world’s highest cricket ground and a peaceful ambience.

How to reach ?

Chail is around 7-8 hours away from Delhi by road.

Best time to visit: March to June and September to November.

What to do ?

Explore the Chail Palace, the Chail Wildlife Sanctuary and trek to Kali Tibba.

Places to stay

Treehouse Chail Villas, Hotel Chail Residency, Fernhill Resort Chail.

Lansdowne

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A quaint cantonment town, Lansdowne offers lush greenery, tranquil lakes, and a perfect escape from city life.

How to reach?

Lansdowne is around 6-7 hours away from Delhi by road.

Best time to visit

April to June and October to February for snowfall.

What to do?

Visit the Tip-in-Top viewpoint, the Bhulla Lake and enjoy a leisurely walk on the Lover’s Lane.

Places to stay

The Garhwali Inn, Lans Castle, Fairydale Resort.

Kufri

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Located near Shimla, Kufri is a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts and nature lovers.

How to reach?

Kufri is approximately 8-9 hours away from Delhi by road.

Best time to visit

Throughout the year, snow lovers must visit in winter (December to February).

What to do?

Enjoy skiing, tobogganing and visit the Himalayan Nature Park.

Places to stay 

The Kufri Holiday Resort, Kufri Pacific Resort, Woodays Resort.

Morni Hills

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A hidden gem in Haryana, Morni Hills offers tranquillity, adventure activities and mesmerising views of the Shivalik ranges.

How to reach?

Morni Hills is approximately 4-5 hours away from Delhi by road.

Best time to visit: October to March for pleasant weather.

What to do?

Explore the Tikkar Taal Lake, trekking to the Ghaggar River and bird-watching at Morni Fort.

Places to stay

Tikkar Taal Resort, Mountain Quail Camp, Red Bishop Tourist Complex.

Dalhousie

A hill station full of colonial charm, Dalhousie in Himachal Pradesh spreads out over five hills of Kathlog Potreys, Tehra, Bakrota and Bolun. Named after the 19th century British governor general Lord Dalhousie, the hill town offers varying altitude with a variety of vegetation that includes stately grooves of pines, deodars, oaks and flowering rhododendrons.

Rich in colonial architecture, the town preserves some beautiful churches. Its marvelous forest trails overlook vistas of wooded hills, waterfalls, springs and rivulets. Like a silver snake finding its way out of the mountains, the twists and turns of river Ravi are a treat to watch from many vantage points. There are also magnificent views of Chamba valley and the mighty Dhauladhar range with its awe-inspiring snow covered peaks filling an entire horizon. A veneer of Tibetan culture has added a touch of the exotic to this serene resort and along road sides are huge rocks carved in low relief painted in the Tibetan style. By road Dalhousie is 555 km from Delhi, 45 km from Chamba. The closest railhead at Pathankot is 85 km away.

How to reach Dalhousie?

By Flight: Dalhousie does not have its own airport. The nearest airports are Kangra Airport (108 km away), Jammu Airport (170 km away) and Amritsar Airport (208 km away).

By road: Dalhousie is well-connected by road with major cities in Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and nearby states. From Delhi’s ISBT, there are numerous buses, including deluxe, AC, and non-AC options, that travel the 590 km to Dalhousie daily.

By train: The closest railway station is in Pathankot, 86 km from Dalhousie. From Pathankot, you can take a taxi for around Rs 2,000 or opt for a local bus, which costs about Rs 120.

By bus: Traveling from Delhi, you can choose an overnight Volvo bus for around Rs 1,550 or a more economical ordinary bus for Rs 700. Tickets for these buses can be booked through the HRTC (Himachal Road Transport Corporation) website.

Local transport in Dalhousie: Dalhousie is compact enough to explore on foot for the most part. However, taxis are readily available for longer distances. For a unique local experience, consider taking a horse or pony ride, often accompanied by a trained guide and handler.

 

FAQs

Are these hill stations family-friendly?

Yes, these hill stations offer a family-friendly atmosphere with various activities suitable for all age groups.

Do I need to book accommodation in advance?

It's advisable to book accommodation in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure availability.

Are there adventure sports options available in these hill stations?

Yes, many of these hill stations offer adventure sports like paragliding, river rafting, and skiing.

How far are these hill stations from Delhi Airport/Railway Station?

The distance varies from 4 to 14 hours, depending on the hill station and the mode of transportation.

Is it safe to visit these hill stations during the monsoon season?

While the hills look beautiful during monsoons, it's best to avoid visiting during heavy rainfall due to the risk of landslides.

What are some popular local souvenirs to buy?

Handicrafts, woollen clothing and locally made jams and pickles are some popular souvenirs to buy from these hill stations.

Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at [email protected]