A fresh breath of air, humming sound of the wind, the splendid beauty of the mountains, the fast-flowing rivers and immense green forests. Sounds serene, doesn’t it? Now imagine spending a weekend at such a place with your friends and family. Wouldn’t it just be immaculate? In that case, you should know about the hill stations near Delhi.
You’re at the right place if you want to know about the hill stations that are within 300 km of Delhi. If you live in New Delhi and want to plan a trip to any hill station and want to know more about such places, here is a list of the 10 best hill stations in Delhi that are within the range of 300 km-
Amazing Hill Stations near Delhi within 300 kms
Mussoorie
Mussoorie, also known as the Queen of Hills, one of the best hill stations near Delhi is located at an altitude of about 6500 feet offering relief in the scorching summer heat. The beautiful blue skies, the pinching cold breeze, and sunny days add to the natural beauty of the place. Mussoorie is the perfect spot to go for a vacation with your friends and family since its not crowded.
Mussoorie, the glittering hill station, has long been a favourite of many. It is the muse of a romantic, a loner’s paradise, and a nature lover’s paradise. Once you’ve been here, you’ll never be able to erase the memories from your heart because the kaleidoscopic hills will always remind you of your betrothal.
The best time to visit Mussoorie is around April to June and October to November. It has many tourist spots including Mussoorie Lake, Christ Church, Dhanaulti, Bhatta Falls, Mossy Falls, Kempty Falls.
This colonial hill station attracts visitors with some of India’s most prestigious educational institutions, stately hotels, cosy cafes, old taverns, estates, churches, buildings, offices, bustling markets, and tourist spots. Furthermore, Mussoorie is one of India’s most popular hill stations, popular for its weekend getaways, honeymoon destinations, Himalayan views, and Mall Road.
Mussoorie is 289 Km from Delhi and is a must-visit for all the travellers who want to visit a place that brings them peace and serenity.
Nainital
Nainital, also known as the ‘City of Lakes’ is located at an altitude of 6830 feet and is 286 km away from Delhi. The stunning lakes, clear sky, the fresh wind gives you a warm welcome as you enter this gorgeous city. The constant pleasant weather adds to the extraordinary beauty of the city. This makes it one of the must visit hill stations near Delhi.
Located in the state of Uttarakhand, Nainital has a lot of places that people can visit including Naini Lake, Raj Bhavan, Naina Peak, Naina Devi Temple, Bara Bazaar. Besides, the best time to visit Nainital is March to June or December to January. If you want to properly take a trip to Nainital, you need to take 2-3 days out of your life.
The glittering city of Nainital, perched at an elevation of 2,084 metres above sea level, is hailed for being a parent to the ravishing Naini Lake, from which it has earned the moniker “lake city.” The town of Nainital attracts not only domestic travellers and tourists but also a large number of foreign tourists. It glitters like a jewel in the Himalayan Mountains, lakes surround it.
Nainital has a pleasant climate all year, making it a popular hill station for families, couples, and even solo visitors. It is easily accessible by road from nearby major cities and is ideal for a two-day visit. The Naina Lake is the focal point of Nainital, with Mall Road on one side, Thandi Sadak on the other, and the bus stand opposite.
Naukuchiatal
Naukuchiatal, a lovely town surrounded by pine trees, is an ideal hill station near Delhi. This natural body of water lies at a height of 4000 feet above sea level. It has nine corners, hence the name, Naukuchital. Naukuchiatal is a little-known hill station near Delhi that offers untouched natural beauty. So, go ahead and discover this hidden gem in the Himalayan foothills.
The best time of the year to visit Naukuchiatal is from March to June and September to November. Various places in Naukuchiatal for travellers to visit include Naukuchiatal Lake, Hanuman Mandir, Jangalia Gaon.
Naukuchiatal, along with Nainital, Bhimtal, and Sattal, constitutes Uttarakhand’s lake district. It is an ideal getaway in the hills for a relaxing holiday, with a very pleasant climate, surrounding hills, and a serene lake. Naukuchiatal is well-known for its popular Bhuransh, a rhododendron-based squash that can be purchased from any of the fruit shops.
Bhimtal
Bhimtal is one of the most soothing hill stations near Delhi. It is the best place to go if you want to unwind. Bhimtal, a great hill station within 300 kilometres of Delhi, attracts bird watchers and nature lovers. It lies at a height of 1370 metres above sea level and a beautiful natural lake surrounds it. Bhimtal attracts hundreds of tourists throughout the year due to its numerous attractions such as the Victoria Dam and Bhimtal Lake.
Bhimtal is 296 km away from Delhi and is located in the state of Uttarakhand. The months between June and October are the best times to visit Bhimtal. The ideal duration to roam around Bhimtal is 1-2 days. The best places to visit in Bhimtal are Bhimtal Lake, Bhimtal Island, Sayad Baba ki Mazar, Bhimeshwar Mahadev Temple.
The Bhimtal lake is located in a scenic area and has a small island in the centre with a beautiful large aquarium that was previously a restaurant. Bhimtal offers breathtaking views and visual vistas of nature’s splendour. Bhimtal is easily reachable by road and is a great place to visit at any time of year.
This lake city is becoming more popular by the day because it is close to Nainital and has some stately hotels that are less expensive than those in Nainital.
Lansdown
With an unspoiled environment, pleasant weather, and grassy slopes, Lansdowne makes it one of the ideal destinations to visit in Uttarakhand. It is located at a height of 1700 meters above sea level and provides a quiet environment for you to enjoy your vacation away from city life. Furthermore, Lansdowne is secluded and has a great expanse of exploration and discoveries of new nature spots.
Lansdowne is 257 km away from Delhi and falls in the state of Uttarakhand. The period between March and October is the best to visit Lansdowne. Visitors can visit numerous places in Lansdowne including St. Mary Church, War Memorial, Bhulla Lake, Bhim Pakora, Nature walk, Gharwali mess, trekking.
Lansdowne is distinct from other hill stations in that it is easily reachable by motorable roads while remaining remote in its own right. Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple, with its unique Shivalinga and a Kund (small pond) known as Gauri Kund, is located 39 kilometres from Lansdowne. Before entering the temple, people take a bath in Gauri Kund. Durga Devi Temple and Jwalpa Devi Temple, both on the Pauri-Kotdwar road, are 24 and 47 kilometres away, respectively. Durga Devi Temple is one of India’s oldest Siddha Pithas.
Dehradun
Dehradun is the capital and the largest city of Uttarakhand. It is also the state’s most populous city. It is the administrative headquarters of the same-named district and the Dehradun Municipal Corporation governs it, with the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly holding its winter sessions there.
Dehradun is part of the Garhwal region and the headquarters of its Divisional Commissioner. It is located on National Highway 7 248 kilometres (154 miles) north of India’s capital, New Delhi, and is well-connected with a rail line (Dehradun railway station) and an airport (Jolly Grant Airport).
Dehradun, the state capital of Uttarakhand, is well-connected by road, rail, and air, making it easily accessible from most parts of the country. It is located 235 kilometres from Delhi and is easily accessible from various parts of India. Chandigarh is only 183 kilometres from Dehradun, and many people drive there on their own. You can also take public and private buses from Agra, Kullu, Shimla, Delhi, and Chandigarh. If you prefer to travel by train, the Dehradun Railway Station has trains departing from cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Varanasi, and Lucknow.
Jolly Grant Airport is located on the outskirts of Dehradun. There are a few direct flights from Lucknow and Delhi to Dehradun, as well as a few connecting flights from cities such as Mumbai and Trivandrum. Dehradun is an easy-to-reach tourist destination that one can visit at any time of year due to its great connectivity by all modes of transportation.
Attractions of Dehradun
Dehradun, with its unparalleled landscape and modern amenities, is a city for both business and pleasure. It was once a retirement haven, but it now buzzes with excitement while maintaining its laid-back vibe. Cafés and lounges coexist with heritage monuments and bazaars. This makes one of the hill stations near Delhi you must visit.
Dehradun is one of the National Capital Region’s (NCR) “Counter Magnets”. It is being developed as an alternative growth centre to help ease the migration and population explosion in the Delhi metropolitan area and to establish a smart city in the Himalayas. Dehradun is pleasant all year, but it is especially pleasant from March to June and October to December. Summer temperatures reach 36°C, while winter temperatures drop to 5°C.
Speaking of the beautiful views, you might also be interested to know about the Best Waterfalls to visit near Mumbai.
Rishikesh
Rishikesh, also spelt Hrishikesh, is a city and tehsil in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is governed by the Rishikesh Municipal Corporation (since October 2017). It is known as the “Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas” and the “Yoga Capital of the World” and is located in the Himalayan foothills of northern India.
Rishikesh is home to a number of ashrams, some of which are internationally recognised as centres of philosophical studies, yoga, and other ancient Indian wellness traditions. The Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board hosts the annual International Yoga Festival (IYF) in this location, which draws thousands of yoga enthusiasts. Rishikesh is associated with several legends. Rishikesh has mentioned in the ancient text Skanda Purana as well as the epic Ramayana. After killing Ravana, Lord Rama and his brothers are said to have come to Rishikesh to do penance.
The name Rishikesh literally means “sage’s locks or hairs.” The city is well-known as the “Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas” and the “World Yoga Capital.” As a result, many locals and foreign tourists visit this location in search of spirituality and peace.
Two Sides of Rishikesh
Rishikesh is divided into two main areas: the downtown area, known as Rishikesh town, and the popular Triveni Ghat. The other side of Rishikesh, 2 kilometres upstream from the popular Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula, is where most of the popular ashrams, cafes, accommodation, and tourists can be found. Moreover, Haridwar and Rishikesh are the first Indian cities to be given the title of “twin national heritage cities”.
It is known as a pilgrimage town and is considered one of the sacred places for Hindus. Since ancient times, Hindu sages and saints have come to Rishikesh to meditate in search of higher knowledge.
The district of Sivananda Nagar encompasses the city, north of the town centre, which is home to the Sivananda Ashram and the Divine Life Society established by Swami Sivananda. The temple domains of Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula, a little further north and various ashrams around Swargashram on the eastern bank. Visitors enjoy the Ganga Arti, at the Triveni Ghat at dusk.
Dhanaulti
Dhanaulti, a tinsel town in Uttarakhand, is becoming a popular winter destination. This is due to its tranquil vistas and proximity to Delhi and other cities. The enchanting hill station is at an elevation of 2286 metres above sea level. It also offers panoramic views of the majestic Himalayas.
It is close to popular hill stations in Uttarakhand such as Mussoorie, Tehri, Kanatal, and Chamba. The velvety rhododendrons, deodar, and tall oak forests surround this hilly town. Because the hill station receives a lot of snow during the winter, a lot of tourists come here.
Dhanaulti is located at an elevation of 2,250 metres, far from the hustle and bustle of busy marketplaces and pollution. Furthermore, thick virgin forests of deodars, oaks, and rhododendrons surrond it. It serves as the starting point for numerous Himalayan treks, including trails to Surkanda Devi Temple, Chandrabadni, and Kunjapuri.
Moreover, Dhanaulti slowly seeps into your consciousness like a long-forgotten pleasant dream. Thereby, bringing with its comfort and quiet and providing you with a much-needed break from your mundane routine life.
Activities Around Dhanaulti
There are several adventure resorts in the area that offer activities such as rappelling and zip-lining. Dhanaulti also has a number of popular skating rinks. In the winter, snow completely covers the small town, making it the ideal destination for a holiday. People often prefer Dhanaulti for a peaceful vacation because Mussoorie has become quite crowded. Dhanaulti, unlike other hill stations, is located in a quiet and quaint area away from the bustling areas.
It is 325 kilometres (202 miles) from Delhi and takes 8 to 9 hours to get there. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, which is located near Dehradun and is 82 kilometres (51 miles) away. The nearest railway station is Dehradun, which is located 74 kilometres (46 miles) away.
Kasauli
Kasauli is a cantonment and town in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh’s Solan district. The British Raj established the cantonment in 1842 as a Colonial hill station. Shimla is 77 kilometres away, Chandigarh is 65 kilometres away, and Ambala Cantt (Haryana) is 94 kilometres away. Kasauli has a pleasant climate. Winter temperatures average around 2 degrees Celsius, while summer temperatures rarely reach 32 degrees Celsius or higher.
Kasauli is nestled among gorgeous wooded forests of pine and cedar trees. It owes its magical and serene atmosphere to the luxurious Victorian buildings. Britishers who built this, who lived here many years ago. Summer is the best time to visit Kasauli because the days are warm and the skies are clear.
Kasauli is spattered with natural wonders and rustic old buildings that harken back to the colonial era. The dense forests that cover the area are home to a distinct array of flora and fauna. These only add to the natural beauty of the area.
Morni Hills
Morni Hills is a hill station in Haryana near Chandigarh, located on the outskirts of Panchkula. As Haryana’s only hill station, it is also a popular picnic destination for both locals and tourists. The hills are 1,220 metres high and offer some truly breathtaking views. The entire route from the city to these quaint hills, located 45 kilometres from Chandigarh, makes for a beautiful journey. Forests and massive pine trees line the path up to the Shivaliks’ foothills before arriving at Morni Hills.
It is also an excellent location for trekking and birdwatching. Morni Hils, in addition to being a natural retreat, has a variety of activities to offer its visitors. The lake has boating facilities that will take you on a peaceful excursion through the hills. You can also go for leisurely nature walks in the nearby forests.