Hill stations near Delhi
Delhi’s sweltering heat and fast-paced lifestyle has now made people hunt for a refreshing break. The silver lining is that Delhi is blessed with some of the most beautiful hill stations in India at a close proximity which are perfect to beat the summer heat. If you are looking for cold places near Delhi or planning a family vacation or even just a one day trip, then there are many tourist places near Delhi that one can explore. This comprehensive guide provides you with a few good hill stations near Delhi one can explore for family vacations.
In this Blog
1. Mussoorie: The Queen of Hills
Best for: Family vacations, homestays, and snow experiences
Mussoorie also known as Queen of Hills is a scenic hill station located approximately 290 kilometres from Delhi that makes it an ideal destination for family vacations in June and July, due to the favourable climate and beautiful landscapes along with several attractions.
Key Attractions:
Kempty Falls: An amazing waterfall where you can take a dip
Gun Hill: Second highest peak in Mussoorie offering view of Himalayas all around.
Camel’s Back Road: A peaceful walkway having amazing views.
Homestays in Mussoorie
Mellow Cottage: One of the last houses on the hill, this cosy holiday home overlooks the picture-perfect snow-clad Himalayas
Cottage in the Clouds: Enjoy the splendour of Mussoorie while staying at this beautiful and absolutely comfortable villa on a hill.
2. Kasauli: A Tranquil Retreat
Best for: Peaceful getaways with family, homestays, and scenic beauty
Kasauli is situated at approximately 290 kilometres from Delhi thus making it a great quick retreat option. It offers lush greenery throughout its length, colonial architecture structures other than its calmness.
Key Attractions:
Monkey Point: Provides panoramic view of Satluj River along with surrounding hills.
Christ Church: Beautiful church built during the British era.
Gilbert Trail: Amazing walking path for nature lovers.
Homestays in Kasauli
Nook @ Leopard’s Creek w/ Pool : Spread over an acre of land, this is a luxurious 2 bedroom villa that treats the guests with exuberant mountain views and chic amenities.
The Mansion : The Mansion is a magnificent villa exuding grandeur and elegance.
3. Shimla: The Evergreen Destination
Best for: Year-round visits, cultural experiences, and shopping
Shimla is one of the most famous hill stations near Delhi and it is also the capital of Himachal Pradesh. Located at about 350 kilometres away Shimla is an evergreen destination that can be visited throughout the year. It’s particularly famous as one of the best places to visit in India in July when the weather is perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Key Attractions:
The Ridge: A large open space in shimla heart offering stunning views.
Mall Road: Bustling shopping lane filled with cafes, shops, and restaurants.
Jakhoo Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman on Jakhoo Hill.
4. Manali: The Adventure Capital
Best for: Adventure enthusiasts, snow lovers, and honeymooners
Manali offers a slice of heaven for adventure lovers or those looking out for snow filled landscapes situated around 540 kilometres from Delhi. It is one among the snow places near Delhi that attracts tourists round the year especially during winter months.
Key Attractions:
Rohtang Pass – High mountain pass offering snow activities even in summer
Solang Valley – Known for paragliding, zorbing and other adventure sports.
Hadimba Temple – An ancient cave temple surrounded by cedar trees.
5. Rishikesh: The Yoga Capital
Best for: Spiritual retreats, adventure sports, and cultural experiences
Rishikesh, around 240 kilometres away from Delhi is not just a hilly area, rather it has become the spiritual capital of the world having a great number of yoga and meditation centres. It’s also a hotbed of adventure watersports like river rafting thus making it an all-round destination.
Major attractions:
Ganges River: Having sacred bathing ghat.
Laxman Jhula:An iconic landmark in Rishikesh
Beatles Ashram: Historic centre for The Beatles in 1968
6. Nainital: The Lake District
Best for: Romantic getaways, boating, and scenic beauty
Nainital is approximately 300 kilometres away from Delhi on the basis of coordinates and it is one of those hill stations near Delhi which are known for their pristine lakes and breathtaking views. This could be your ideal romantic escape or vacation with family.
Must-visit Places:
Naini Lake: A place to visit at Nainital that serves as its centrepiece with facilities for boating and picnicking.
Naina Devi Temple: One of the best places to visit in Nainital is this Hindu temple situated on the north end of Naini Lake.
Snow View Point :A viewpoint that provides stunning views of snow-covered Himalayas.
7. Lansdowne: The Quiet Retreat
Best for: Tranquil vacations, nature walks, and wildlife
Lansdowne is about 260 kilometres away from Delhi in a straight line distance. It is certainly one less commercialised such hill station where people can spend time without any worry about hustling and bustling life.
Must Visit Attractions:
Bhulla Tal :The pretty artificial lake ideal for boating made by Britishers during their colonial rule over India .
Tip-n-Top:A viewpoint which offers wide angle views across the himalaya range.
St.John’s Church: The most beautiful church with glassy windows depicting the saints
One Day Trips from Delhi
Here are some hill stations that can be visited in a one-day trip from Delhi for those who have limited time:
Sohna: Just 60 kilometres away, it’s known for its hot springs and peaceful surroundings.
Damdama Lake: Can be covered as a short getaway within approximately 60 kilometre or less distance from the city of Delhi.
Neemrana: It is situated about 120 kilometres north-west side of Delhi, where you will find the famous Neemrana Fort Palace.
Best Places to Visit in June and July
June and July are said to be the best months to visit hill stations around Delhi because they provide a cool relief from scorching summer heat across India. These destinations are also preferred during the month which is expected below;
Shimla: Hill station with pleasant weather conditions and a lot of greenery for sightseeing.
Manali: For snow sports enthusiasts or adventure lovers this is the place to be during these two months accompanied by cool temperatures thus making it perfect for such activities.
Family vacations are so much enjoyed here since it has mild weather throughout the year.
Homestays: A Home Away from Home
The better option is to go for homestays rather than hotels providing personalised services. Apart from Mussoorie Homestay, another great suggestion would have been Kasauli Homestays but check this out also;
Mellow Cottage: One of the last houses on the hill, this cosy holiday home overlooks the picture-perfect snow-clad Himalayas
Cottage in the Clouds: Enjoy the splendour of Mussoorie while staying at this beautiful and absolutely comfortable villa on a hill.
Delhi to Rishikesh: A Spiritual Journey
For anyone planning a trip from Delhi to Rishikesh, keep in mind that it is possible to travel by road, rail or even air if you prefer things fast. Even though Rishikesh is an adventure destination, it also offers a spiritual experience as well.
Travel Tips:
Best Time to Visit: October to April for pleasant weather.
Must-Do Activities: River rafting, yoga sessions, and Ganga Aarti.
Conclusion
The nearby hill-stations of Delhi provide a unique combination of natural beauty, adventure and calm. If you are looking for places to visit near Delhi in summer, or cold places near Delhi for your family outing, or want to know the best places to visit in July in India there are many alternatives. From snowy landscapes of Manali to spiritual retreats in Rishikesh, every destination has something different about it. So be prepared with your bags and begin the journey of exploring these amazing hill-stations that will leave you with lifetime memories
