Take a break from all the chaos, traffic and pollution synonymous with Delhi and abscond to the mountains. All you need is a weekend (or a few days more) and a full tank of petrol to head to these hill stations near Delhi NCR for the summer season because they are literally less than 500 kilometres away from the city. Ready to plan a great weekend? Let's dive right in.
15 Hill Stations Near Delhi To Visit
Landour
A quieter version of Mussoorie, Landour, has a rustic charm about it that is ideal for when you need a break from the city’s clamour. If you’re confused about where to go, this guide will help you explore the place. Remember to check out Laal Tibba for breathtaking views and the Landour Bakehouse for the best food you've ever tasted.
Where to Stay: Domas Inn, La Villa Bethany, and Rokeby Manor
Distance from Delhi: 291 km
Best Time To Visit: April to June and September to November
How To Reach: By car is the best way to commute to Lansdowne if you wish to enjoy the drive. Or, take a train from Delhi to Kotdwar, the nearest railway station to Lansdowne from where you can drive the remaining 40 kilometers to Lansdowne.
Things To Do & Must-Visit: Chaar Dukaan, Little Llama Cafe, Landour Bakehouse and Cafe Ivy for nostalgic food. Laal Tibba for a nice trek, Jabarkhet Nature Reserve, and drive up a bit to go trekking to Nag Tibba. Sister's Bazaar for buying knick-knacks and St. Pauls Church if you wish to enjoy the old world architecture.
Shimla
Shimla is a refreshing amalgam of history and breathtaking views. There’s the Viceregal Lodge, a bird park, the Ridge, Chadwick Falls, Mall Road, and many churches, museums, temples, and theatres worth checking out. Remember to visit Mall Road for a fun shopping experience and Kufri Fun Park for the highest go-cart park in the country.
LBB Tip: Here's our guide to places see in and around Shimla.
Where to Stay: Whispering Pines, The Corner House, and Daafi House
Distance from Delhi: 346 km
Best Time To Visit: March to June and December to January
How To Reach: Again, road-tripping is the best way to experience the nice drive. The nearest airport from Shimla is Chandigarh Airport situated at a distance of about 120 kms from Shimla. The journey from Chandigarh to Shimla can be taken by road. Shimla also has a smaller airport situated at Jubbarhatti, 23 kms from the city which has limited functioning depending upon the seasonal/weather conditions. Kalka railway station, situated at a distance of around 96 km, is the nearest railhead connecting Shimla to Delhi.
Things To Do & Must-Visit: The Ridge for ice-skating, Chadwick Falls for touritsy feels, Mall Road for buying trinkets, skiing in Kufri and riding the toy train to Kala are a must. Cafe Simla Times is a hotspot for grabbing coffee.
Nainital
One of the most visited hill stations in the country, Nainital is especially great in winter as the crowds generally disappear at this time. You can book this homestay, which is perfect for enjoying the scenic view in solitude. You could even drive down to Bhimtal, which is less than an hour away and is great for trekking and paragliding. Remember to visit the ever-popular Mall Road for some fun shopping and Naukuchiatal for its scenic beauty.
Where to Stay: The Naini Retreat, The Earl's Court, and The Pavillion Hotel
Distance from Delhi: 300.8 km
Best Time To Visit: It's a year-round destination but between March to June tend to be the busiest months because of the pleasant weather.
How To Reach: Travelling by car is the best way to commute to Nainital from Delhi. You can take a train till Kathgodham and cover the rest of the route by bus. The nearest airport to Nainital is Pantnagar Airport in Udham Singh Nagar which is around 69 kilometres away and has regular flights from Delhi.
Things To Do & Must Visit: Mall Road for shopping and Naukuchiatal for the views, Naini lake for boating and Tiffin Top for a nice trek.
Mussoorie
Mussoorie is home to lush green hills and ample flora and fauna, which is a sight for sore eyes. Although it has now become quite crowded, the place is perfect for those who love trekking and exploring its rumbling waterfalls along with its incomparable scenic beauty. Remember to check out the Tibetan market for a fun shopping spree, enjoy the cold air at Kempty Falls, and, of course, the peaceful atmosphere at Mussoorie Lake.
LBB Tip: Our guide here has everything for planning a trip to Mussoorie.
Where to Stay: Larisa Resort, Ramada by Wyndham, and The Fern Brentwood Resort
Distance from Delhi: 288 km
Best Time To Visit: All year round
How To Reach: Of course, by car is the best way to reach Mussoorie. The nearest railway station to Mussoorie is Dehradun Railway Station, which is about 36 kilometres away and Jollygrant Airport in Dehradun serves as the nearest airport to Mussoorie.
Things To Do & Must Visit: Mall Road for shopping, Mossy Falls, Jharipani Falls, Bhatta falls, Cloud’s End, Nag Tibba Trek for all the touristy feels. Gun Hill for enjoying the cable car experience.
Lansdowne
A small hill station with a stunning view of the Himalayas, it is fairly untouched by heavy commercial activity since it’s mainly an army cantonment area. Don’t forget to add the Bhulla Lake, Tip N Top and this quaint café to your list of must-visit places here.
LBB Tip: Here's our Lansdowne travel guide.
Where to Stay: La Hermitage Resort, Windsor Cottages, and Tatvam Resort
Distance from Delhi: 260 km
Best Time To Visit: April to June
How To Reach: Nothing beats a nice drive with the Himalayas as your view but you can also consider taking a train or flight to Dehradun Railway station or Jollygrant Airport in Dehradun and catch a bus or taxi to cover the rest of the distance.
Things To Do & Must Visit: Bhulla Lake for boating, Tip N Top for a lovely view and Trip Travel Cafe for a taste of nostalgia and Bhim Pakora for the sake of doing touristy things.
Auli
Ever wanted to try your luck at skiing? Then make Auli your next holiday destination. You can even dare a trek to Nanda Devi, which is supposed to be India's second-highest peak. Also, make sure that you visit the Valley of Flowers, which has some of the most gorgeous flowers that you might've never seen before, making it one of the most beautiful treks in the country.
Where to Stay: Blue Poppy Resort, Himalayan High, and Casa Himalaya
Distance from Delhi: 381 km
Best Time To Visit: November to March is an ideal time to travel to the hill station as this is when all the tourist attractions open.
How To Reach: The nearest railway station to this railway station near Delhi NCR is Rishikesh Railway Station. Or, take an overnight bus from Delhi to Rishikesh, and then take a cab till Auli.
Things To Do & Must Visit: Visit the Auli Artificial Lake, world’s highest man-made lake. Don't miss on skiing at one of the ski schools and of course, the trek to Nnada Devi.
Chail
About 55 km away from Shimla, Chail overlooks the Satluj Valley. Frequented by the Maharaja of Patiala, it has a beautiful palace (that’s now a hotel) which you can visit, a wildlife sanctuary and many small markets. It also has various religious places like the Siddh Baba Ka Mandir. According to local legend, this revered temple was built by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh when he dreamt of Siddh Baba in his dream.
Where to stay: The Maple Resort by Aamod, Hotel Ekant, and Freddy's Bungalow
Distance from Delhi: 339 km
Best Time To Visit: Depends on whether you want to enjoy a comfortable, pleasant weather from March to June or enjoy the snow in the peak of the winter season, which is between November and March.
How To Reach: Take a train till Kalka and cover the rest of the commute by road. The nearest airport station to Chail is Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport in Chandigarh from where you next best bet to reach Chail is by car.
Things To Do & Must Visit: Kali Ka Tibba is a famous temple that most tourists visit. You can also visit the Chail Cricket Ground which is the world's highest cricket ground. Chail Wildlife Sanctuary and the famous Gurudwara Sahib Chail are other famous spits. Also, don't miss on horse riding while you are at this hill station near Delhi.
Sattal
Want to be near water while being heavily surrounded by hills? It’s possible at Sattal, a heavenly place that boasts seven mysteriously interconnected freshwater lakes surrounded by a dense forest. The lakes are home to many migratory birds. Wildlife photographers, this is one place you cannot miss. Remember to visit the Butterfly Museum for an interesting dive into nature.
Where to Stay: Glamping Tales, The Nature's Green Resort and, Sattal Forest Resort
Distance from Delhi: 326 km
Best Time To Visit: March to June and October to December
How To Reach: A six to seven hour drive from Delhi. The nearest railway point to Sattal is Kathgodam situated 33kms from Sattal. The nearest Airport to Sattal is Pantnagar Airport situated 61kms from Sattal.
Things To Do & Must Visit: Sattal lakes which are a group of seven interconnected freshwater lakes, Butterfly Museum with with over 2,500 species of butterflies and 1,100 species of insects. Incredible Birding Sattal is also a must-visit for bird watchers.
Mashobra
Mashobra is a hill station located in Himachal Pradesh, and it doesn't matter if you are a peace-seeker or an adventure-seeker; you'll definitely be sorted here. If you are the former, there are plenty of homestays that you could book and admire the lush green surroundings over chai, and if you are the latter, you can indulge in activities such as rappelling, river rafting, camping, and more.
Where to Stay: Mashobra Greens, The Nilaya Mashobra, and Koti Resorts
Distance from Delhi: 352 km
Best Time To Visit: April to June since the weather is pleasant and sky is clear.
How To Reach: Buses are the most comfortable way to commute to Mashobra or hire a private taxi (or drive yourself) till this hill station near Delhi.
Things To Do & Must Visit: Mashobra is one of those hill stations near Delhi where you you don't have the pressure of stepping out and heading somewhere. Simply make the most of your beautiful surroundings. mashobra waterfall, Carignano Nature Park, Shali Tibba and Shimla Water Catchment Wildlife Sanctuary are some of the spots to check out.
Kanasar
Only 25 kilometres away from the famous Chakrata, Kanasar is an absolute hidden gem, perfect if you want a relaxing and peaceful trip to unwind. Visit Sarawati Bugyal, where you can run, relax, and see plenty of goats. Plus, just five kilometres away, there is a beautiful waterfall called Koti Banal, which looks like a waterfall out of Meghalaya.
Where To Stay: Kansar Jungle Camp, Kanasar Homestay
Distance from Delhi: 310 km
Best Time To Visit: April to June and from September to November
How To Reach: While driving will be a nice choice, if that feels too hectic for you, take a train to the Kanasar Railway Station.
Things To Do & Must Visit: Sarawati Bugyal for some laid-back time and a beautiful waterfall called Koti Banal.
Kanatal
Close to Mussourie and Tehri village, Kanatal is an up-and-coming tourist destination with history, panoramic views, and great and fun things to do. You can check out Surkanda Mata Mandir, Kaudia Eco Park, and Tehri Lake, with many popular viewpoints for sunset and sunrise. This place is absolutely unreal and should definitely be on your radar if you're looking for something more offbeat.
Where To Stay: Raw Wood Resort, Eco Glamp, and Owl's Nest Homestay
Distance from Delhi: 332 km
Best Time To Visit: Ideal time to visit Kanatal is from April to October while it receives snow from December to February.
How To Reach: The drive takes around 7 to 8 hours. The nearest railway station to Kanatal is Dehradun Railway Station and Jollygrant Airport in Dehradun serves as the nearest airport.
Things To Do & Must Visit: Dhanaulti Eco Park for nature-lovers, Kaudia Forest for some moments of peace (and fauna), Tehri Lake for a nice view and Surkanda Devi Temple for religious vibes.
Binsar
Known for the famous Baijnath temple, Binsar is the ultimate spot for a relaxed stay in the hills. Alongside the main Baijnath temple, there are many other temples and sites that are a couple of decades old, boasting the strength and architectural integrity of the old times. But mostly, we recommend chilling here and spending quality time with friends and family.
Where To Stay: Binsar Forest Retreat, Binsar Oak Paradise Resort
Distance from Delhi: 400 km
Best Time To Visit: If you wish to enjoy winter at this hill station near Delhi, then visit between November to February, and for pleasant weather, October to March are the months to consider.
How To Reach: Binsar isn't recommended to travel by road since it's considerably far. Kathgodam Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Binsar. The railway station is around 119 kilmetres from the hill station from where you can take a taxi or bus to reach Binsar.
Things To Do & Must Visit: Baijnath temple since it's extremely popular, Binsar Zero Point is the highest view point from where one can witness a stunning 360-degree view, Binsar Sanctuary Museum is a must-visit for photographers, nature lovers, and bird watchers.
Parwanoo
One of the nearest hill stations from Delhi, Parwanoo town in Himachal Pradesh, is famous for its organic jams, fruit juices, and marmalades. The cable car ride is a must here, as it gives you a spectacular view of the space's red and orange hues. The locals are welcoming, and you'll find a number of great stays here.
Where To Stay: Timber Trail Resort, Hotel Windsmoor, and Hotel Vertigo Hills
Distance from Delhi: 260 km
Best Time To Visit: Months between June and September are ideal is weather is pleasant.
How To Reach: Driving is the best option since its less than 300 kilometres away. However, if that's not your choice, the nearest railway station to reach Parwanoo is Kalka, situated at a distance of 4 kilometres away from hill station.
Things To Do & Must Visit: Pinjore Garden, a historic 17th century garden, Bhima Devi Temple Site Complex and Museum that's known as the Khajuraho of North India, Parwanoo Ropeway that offers panoramic views of the valley and the Renuka Lake for scenic views.
Kasauli
One of the best cantonment towns situated amidst lush green forests of Himachal, Kasauli is a beautiful hill station that has become a tourist hotspot. A colonial possession, you can see remnants of the British legacy in the local architecture. The Kasauli Church is beautiful and emanates classy styles of Gothic architecture. Also, the food is great with momos becoming your staple diet.
Where To Stay: Estate 5, WelcomHeritage Parv Vilas Resort & Spa and Velmore Kasauli
Distance From Delhi: 295 km
Best Time To Visit: April to June and then again from September to November
How To Reach: Road tripping to this popular hill station near Delhi is the way to go! But you can also take the train till Kalka from where Kasauli is a forty-minute drive.
Things To Do & Must-Visit: Sightseeing in Timber Trail tops the list, followed by eating Tibetan food at the Mall Road. Strolling at the Gilbert Trail, and Lover`s Lane are great for exploring the hill station on foot. Monkey Point overlooks forests of horse chestnut and Himalayan oak in case you need an unrestricted view.
Uttarkashi
Another of Uttarakhand's scenic hill stations, Uttarkashi is often frequented by folks for pilgrimage reasons since it is home to a number of ancient temples such as the Vishwanath Temple. But apart from temples, the snow-laden hills and gorgeous valleys are reason enough to head head to this hill station around 400 kilometres away from the national capital.
Where To Stay: Gangotri Paradise Resort and Celestial Dream Hotel
Distance From Delhi: 422 km
Best Time To Visit: March to November
How To Reach: You can take a bus from Delhi to Dehradun and then to Uttarkashi or hire cab that might take you around eight to ten hours to reach Uttarkashi.
Things To Do & Must-Visit: Vishwanath Temple is a must-visit along with Dodital lake for some peaceful time, Dayara Pass Trek for seeking some thrill and Nehru Mountaineering Institute which is the most prestigious mountaineering institute in Asia.