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The enamoring and fascinating Himalayan hills are something that can refresh and rejuvenate any sort of stress. There are plenty of picturesque and entrancing hilly getaways from Lucknow one can plan for.Neighboring state Uttrakhand offers wonderful respite and bewildering hill locations in the laps of ethereal Himalayas. The chilly paradisaical hill stations near Lucknow are something one should travel to for a staycation at least once from Lucknow to completely rejuvenate. Kumaon region of Uttarakhand offers incredible getaways from and nearby regions to Lucknow.

16 Best Hill Stations Near Lucknow

If you live in Lucknow and in search of the best hill stations near Lucknow, then you are in luck because there are so many places that you can visit. You can easily reach these places overnight from Lucknow via car or train. Here is the list of best hill stations near Lucknow and the reasons for visiting them for a charming and entrancing getaway in the lap of Himalayan hills.

• Chitrakoot: For Mesmerizing Views
• Champawat: Visit The Shani Temple
• Bhimtal: For The Serene Lake
• Naukuchiatal: Relax Amidst Nature
• Nainital: Scenic Valleys And Picturesque Hills
• Pangot: Paradise For Wildlife Photographers
• Mukteshwar: Seek Blessing At The Mahadev Temple
• Ranikhet: Explore The Orchard And Temples
• Almora: Take A Refreshing Stroll
• Pithoragarh: An Encounter With Pahadi Culture
• Binsar: For Its Verdant Beauty
• Kausani: The Surreal Hill Town
• Chaukori: An Escape From The City Life
• Lansdowne: Gorgeous Lakes And Iconic Temples
• Kanatal: The Quaint Getaway
• Dehradun: Shop, And Savore Delicious Delicacies

1. Chitrakoot: For Mesmerizing Views

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Chitrakoot is the nearest hill station from Lucknow where you can go for a small holiday. This place has a religious significance due to its mention in Ramayana. It is the same forest where Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, and Lord Lakshman spent their exile. The mesmerizing views of the Vindhya mountains will put you in a good mood. Enjoy sightseeing around the town and stumble upon the holy spots where the holy gods spent their time.

Distance From Lucknow: 231 km
How To Reach: Garib Rath Express runs between Lucknow and Chitrakoot and takes about 5 hours to reach.
Best Time To Visit: July is the best time to visit Chitrakoot as the town is drenched in monsoon showers and looks resplendent. March also offers pleasant weather.
Things To Do: Visit places like Ramghat, Hanuman Dhara, Kamadgiri Temple, Sphatik Shila, and Gupt Godavari Caves
Places To Visit: Sphatik Shila, Ram Ghat, Kamadgiri Temple

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2. Champawat: Visit The Shani Temple

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Champawat is an ancient hill town situated in Champawat district of Uttarakhand. This lovely town is situated at an height of 1615 meters. Champawat was the capital of the powerful Kumaon kingdom of the Chand dynasty. This centuries old hill station is ravishing and full of scenic views. This is also an important pilgrimage as a very famous and ancient Shaani Temple is situated here – which attracts a lot of Shaani deity devotees from all around this place. This is a popular destination among motorcycle enthusiasts due to smashing long winding roads.

Distance From Lucknow: 365 km
How To Reach: A roadtrip to Champawat will take less than 9 hours from Lucknow. There aren’t any feasible train routes.
Best Time To Visit: April to June
Things To Do: Visit Shaani temple, Baleshwar temple, Advaita Ashrama, Nagnath temple.
Places To Stay: Hotel N Green City, Kalptaru Guest House and Homestay

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3. Bhimtal: For The Serene Lake

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Bhimtal may not be one of the nearest hill stations to Lucknow but it is definitely worth visiting. The gigantic lake that sits in the heart of the town boasts of scenic views. It is surrounded by mountains and lush greenery from all sides. Enjoy taking a stroll around the lake or having lunch in one of the cafes right next to lake so that you could feast on the views as well. The weather remains salubrious all throughout the year.

Distance From Lucknow: 368 km
How To Reach: Kathgodam is the nearest railway station to Bhimtal. You can hire a shared taxi or cab to get to Bhimtal.
Best Time To Visit: March-June, September-October
Things To Do: Boating in Bhimtal, Visit cafes nearby like The Bird Song, I Heart Cafe, The Good Old Cafe
Places To Stay: Neelesh Inn, The Prince, The Verandah, The Fern Hillside Resort
Places To Visit: Bhimtal Lake, Victoria Dam, Bhimeshwar Mahadev Temple

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4. Naukuchiatal: Relax Amidst Nature

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Naukuchiatal is a small picturesque lake village which is known for its tranquil surroundings and many more things which are worth exploring. An ideal place for the nature lovers, this is one of the pristine hill stations near Lucknow. As the name shows, this place is famous for being a home to a nine easuring upto 1 km in length and 40 m deep.

Distance From Lucknow: 372 Km
How To Reach: Kathgodam is the nearest railway station to reach Naukuchiatal. This place is well-connected with other cities. From the railway station one has to take a cab/taxi
Best Time To Visit: June To September
Things To Do: Boating, Sightseeing
Places To Stay: Dream home stay, Rudraksha Resort, Club Mahindra, Dev Tarragon, Conifers Villa

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5. Nainital: Scenic Valleys And Picturesque Hills

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Situated amidst the enchanting Kumaon Himalayan hills, Nainital is one of the alluring Lucknow nearest hill stations. This enthralling hill station is famous for its ravishing Naini lake which is situated right at the center of this hill town. Nainital offers breathtaking views of the snow clad Himalayan peaks, scintillating valley, and magnificent view of nature. Nainital is situated at more than 2,000 meters of height. Views of the eye shaped Naini lake from the hills nearby is simply breathtaking. Nainital lake also features in the 51 Shakti peethas of Hinduism. Alluring beauty of Nainital is good enough to completely rejuvenate your mind and senses. This angelic hill station is one of the best hilly gateway options from Lucknow.

Distance From Lucknow: 380 km
How To Reach: Road drive will take eight and a half hours from Lucknow. Alternatively a train ride can be taken from Lucknow to Kothgodam and from there taxi can be availed to reach Nainital.
Best Time To Visit: Summers is the peak time to visit Nainital as temperature is mostly pleasant. Also popular in winters among tourists to enjoy the chill around Naini lake.
Things To Do: Climb up to Tiffin top, enjoy the views from Kulbury road and sunset point. Visit the ancient temples of Shr Maa Naina Devi, Hanuman Garhi. Stroll and shop at Mall road, Tibetan road and around Nainital lake
Places To Stay: The kumaoni karavan, Conifers Villa, J Resort Dolmar Nainital, Fern Villas, Pragati Resort
Places To Visit: Naini Lake, The Mall Road, Tiffin Top

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6. Pangot: Paradise For Wildlife Photographers

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If you want to get away from the touristy hustle-bustle of Nainital, then skip the main town and visit Pangot. It is one of the best hill stations near Lucknow owing to its enthralling beauty and quietude. The scenic hamlet is known for its rich bird population and wilderness posing as a paradise for wildlife photographers. The weather in Pangot is always cool and salubrious making it a perfect hideout in summers.

Distance From Lucknow: 400 km
How To Reach: Haldwani/Kathgodam is the nearest rail/bus head. Cover the onward journey of 50 km to Pangot via car/taxi.
Best Time To Visit: October-June
Things To Do: Take nature walks and go bird-watching
Places To Stay: Pangot Retreat, The kumaoni karavan, The Pavilion, Conifers Villa by Frozen Woods Resorts, Treebo Trip The Oak Ridge Nainital

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7. Mukteshwar: Seek Blessing At The Mahadev Temple

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This fascinating village situated more than 2,280 meters in height in Nainital district is one of the tantalizing and closest hill stations from Lucknow. Surrounded by magnificent Kumaon Hills, this hill station near Lucknow is popular due to its rapturous and entrancing natural beauty and highly captivating views of the hills. Mukteshwar is very popular among mountain adventure seekers and offers one of the best options for rock climbing and rappelling in this part of the country. Rocky hills, beautiful green trails, apple orchards and intriguing narrow paths makes it highly interesting among the adventure seekers. People also come here for paragliding, camping and hiking. This is also home to an incredibly ancient temple of lord Shiva – Mukteshwar Dham, which is said to be more than 3 centuries old.

Distance From Lucknow: 405 km
How To Reach: Road drive will take little more than 9 hours from Lucknow. There are trains upto Kathgodam or Haldwani – from there one can hire a taxi. Kathgodam is the nearest railway station. One can also take a flight to Pantnagar which is approximately an hour drive away from Mukteshwar.
Best Time To Visit: March to June
Things To Do: Visit Bhalu Gaad waterfalls, Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple, Mukhteshwar Dham temple. Enjoy the views from Love point. Take a hiking adventure at Chauli Ki Jali.
Places To Stay: Enchanted Hills, Valley View Homestay, Ojaswi Himalayan Resort, SHIVAYA – The Home Within

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8. Ranikhet: Explore The Orchard And Temples

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Ranikhet is one of the nearest hill stations to lucknow that should be on your mind for your next summer getaway. This place used to be Britishers’ favorite spot because of its salubrious weather, verdant greenery, and ancient temples. Enjoy the glorious views of Nanda Devi peak and the natural beauty will invigorate your senses. Ranikhet is the headquarters of the Kumaon regiment. You can learn more about it at the Kumaon Regimental Centre Museum.

Distance From Lucknow: 422 km
How To Reach: Kathgodam is the nearest railway station to Ranikhet. Cover the rest of the journey via taxi.
Best Time To Visit: February-November
Things To Do: Boating in Rani Lake. Visit Jhula Devi Temple, Mankameshwar Temple. Catch a glimpse of Sonya Peak at Majhkhali. Pluck fresh fruits at Chaubatia Orchards
Places To Stay: Him Darshan Vatika, Elation Guest House & Musafir cafe, Meraki, Hostie Sharanam – Mountain Villa
Places To Visit: Chaubatia, Majkhali, Bhalu Dam

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9. Almora: Take A Refreshing Stroll

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Almora is one of the closest hill stations from Lucknow that you can visit for your next summer holiday. The beautiful town of Almora looks right out of a postcard with its tall coniferous trees and magnificent views of the mountains. The centuries-old temples in Almora make it a spiritually and historically important place to visit. There is so much that you can visit during your sightseeing tour. You could buy local handicrafts as souvenirs from the markets in Almora.

Distance From Lucknow: 429 km
How To Reach: Take Bagh Express from Lucknow to Kathgodam. Hire a taxi to Almora from Kathgodam.
Best Time To Visit: April-June, September-November
Things To Do: Shopping in Thanaa Bazaar, visit Lakhudiyar Caves, Visit Golu Devta Temple, Kasar Devi Temple, and Nanda Devi Mandir
Places To Stay: Stars & Pines, Hotel Kausani Retreat, Kasar Himalaya Holiday Home, Shukun Homestay
Places To Visit: Zero Point, Bright End Corner, Deer Park

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10. Pithoragarh: An Encounter With Pahadi Culture

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Pithoragarh is another one of the beautiful Lucknow nearest hill stations and is regarded as Little Kashmir. This affectionate town boasts of snow-peaked mountains in winters. Enjoy the experience of local homestay and embrace the Pahadi culture. Pithoragarh also offers a variety of places to visit. So, get busy while sightseeing around.

Distance From Lucknow: 440 km
How To Reach: Tanakpur is the nearest railhead to Kathgodam. There are 3 trains between Tanakpur and Lucknow
Best Time To Visit: April-June, September-October
Things To Do: Visit Askot Sanctuary. Worship at Hath Kaalika temple. Climb the Chandak Hill.
Places To Stay: Satkar hotel, Hotel King, Hipostel Pithoragarh, ADB Rooms Hotel Mountain View & Rooftop Restaurant

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11. Binsar: For Its Verdant Beauty

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Binsar is one of the hill stations close to Lucknow and is known for its surreal beauty and verdant greenery. Since it is only 33 km from Almora, you could take a detour on your vacation in Almora. The undulating meadows and views of snow-laden peaks cast a spell on you. Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular spot among bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts. Baneshwar Temple and Zero Point are other famous attractions in Binsar.

Distance From Lucknow: 452 km
How To Reach: Pantnagar Airport is just 50 km away from binsar. AirIndia runs a flight on the Lucknow-Pantnagar route.
Best Time To Visit: May-June, September-October
Things To Do: Hike all the way to Zero Point. Visit Bineshwar Mahadev Temple. Go birdwatching in Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary
Places To Stay: Binsar Adventure Camp, Simba cafe & lodge, Binsar Forest Retreat, The Kumaon, Khali Estate
Places To Visit: Zero Point, Kasar Devi Temple, Bineshwar Mahadev Temple

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12. Kausani: The Surreal Hill Town

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This is a fascinating little hill station situated in Uttarakhand at its Bageshwar district. Situated at an height of almost 1900 meters, this splendid hill station near Lucknow offers grandeur views of the breaking peerless Himalayan range. Due to its angelic beauty, this hill station was termed as Switzerland of India. Some of the best views from this magnific hill town are that of snow covered wonderous Trishul mountain, Panchuli and Nanda Devi mountain. This lovely hill station is also popular for its captivating trekking trails. If you are a hiking fan, this is one of the best hill stations near Lucknow.

Distance From Lucknow: 490 km
How To Reach: Road drive will take eight and a half hours from Lucknow. There are trains up to Kathgodam, Haldwani or Rudrapur from Lucknow and from any of these locations one can easily hire a taxi to reach Kausani.
Best Time To Visit: March to June
Things To Do: Visit Baijnath lake, experience Anashakti ashram. Go trekking at the trails Pindari glacier, Milam glacier, Kafni glacier.
Places To Stay: Aliya himalyan village, Hotel Deepraj, Xomotel Sunita Himalayan Paradise, Hotel Vishwanath

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13. Chaukori: An Escape From The City Life

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Chaukori is one of the lesser-known hill stations close to Lucknow where you can visit next. The hilly town offers magnificent views of Nanda Devi and Panchachuli Peaks. One can enjoy strolling in the lush gardens to detox their mind from mundane metropolitan experiences. Patal Bhubhaneshwari and Nakuleshwar Temple are some of the most popular spots in the town. It is one of the best spiritual retreats near Lucknow for you

Distance From Lucknow: 496 km
How To Reach: Kathgodam is the nearest railway station (180 km). From this point forward, you will have to take a taxi to Chaukori
Best Time To Visit: March-June, September-November
Things To Do: Visit Patal Bhubhaneshwari, Nakuleshwar Temple, Ghunsera Devi Temple, Kapileshwar Mahadev
Places To Stay: The Misty Mountains, Hotel Border Way And Restaurant, Hardik Resort, Geetanjali Homestay

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14. Lansdowne: Gorgeous Lakes And Iconic Temples

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The delightful hill station of Lansdowne is fast becoming a popular getaway choice among the hill stations. This hill station is becoming popular due to its raw natural beauty, dense lush greenery all around, less commercialization and out of this world views. Situated at an height of 1,700 meters in Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand this lovely hill station is the home of Garhwal rifles regiment and an important military garrison. This is an extremely serene, quiet place – a best option if you are looking for closest hill stations from Lucknow.

Distance From Lucknow: 510 km
How To Reach: Best option is to take a train upto Kotdwar from Lucknow. From Kotdwar one can take a taxi. Also one can take a flight to Dehradun airport which is just 19 km away from Lansdowne.
Best Time To Visit: Summers and period right after and before Monsoon is the best time to visit Lansdowne. March – June and Sept – Mid Oct offer perfect time to experience the best of Lansdowne.
Things To Do: Stroll around Bhulla Tal lake. Visit Santoshi Mata Temple, Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple, Bhim Pakora. Visit and enjoy Sharadotsav. Pay tribute to war veterans.
Places To Stay: Vacation Rental Lansdowne, The Alpine Resort, Hills of Adventure, Samskara & Samsara Resort
Places To Visit: St. Mary Church, Tip N Top, Kalagarh Tiger Reserve

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15. Kanatal: The Quaint Getaway