The life in a metro city is on the run, full of fatigue and countless oodles of stress. The escapade comes from venturing a nearby hill station. A visit to the rejuvenating locations obviously fortifies the much-needed recharge to the mind and the body.
Delhi is fortunately geographically located near the enchanting beauty of Uttarakhand & Himachal Pradesh. Even cool mountains of Kashmir are at a striking distance. The distance stretch of 500 KM ( approx ) from Delhi offers various excursion options for the scenic beauty of a number of Hill stations. These Hill stations are comfortably accessible by diverse way of communication like Car, Bus, train & flight. Let us throw some light on prominent Hill stations nearby Delhi.
1. Mussoorie – is one of the most popular Hill station in Dehradun district of Uttarakhand. An obvious and advantageous reason being the proximity to Delhi. Mussoorie is in the foothills of Garhwal Himalayan range with an altitude of 1885 meter. Mussoorie offers a fabulous view of Doon valley and the Himalayan ranges.
Places of attraction in Mussoorie: Mall Road, Kempty Falls, Gun Hill, Lake Mist, Bhatta Falls, Nahata Estate, Nag Devta Temple, Happy Valley
How to reach Mussoorie:
It is 279 km from Delhi by road. The state roadway bus takes a minimum time of six and half hour for Delhi to Mussoorie. The nearest station and the airport are Dehradun. The distance of Dehradun to Mussoorie is 32 km and it takes approx 1.5 hours from Dehradun to reach Mussoorie by road.
Time to visit Mussoorie: April- May- June are the months of a peak season. For those interested in the chilly weather can visit in the winters. The communication may be temporarily interrupted by snow from Mid December to February because of snowfall, however, it is a good time to enjoy the snow. August and September are avoidable because of heavy rain and higher possibility of the disruption of the general services.
2. Shimla– is a capital of Himachal Pradesh and also one of the most popular hill station of Himachal. Shimla maintains its colonial charm of the British era since it was developed by the British. Historically, it enjoyed the status of the summer capital of British India. The name Shimla originated from the name of Hindu deity Shyamala Devi, an avatar of Goddess Kali. It is situated at the altitude of 2276 meter and it is popularly known as Queen of Hills.
Places of attraction in Shimla: Jakhu Temple, Jakhu ropeway, Christ Church, The Mall, Tara Devi, Sankat Mochan. Some wonderful nearby places like Kufri, Mashobra, Tattapani ( for river rafting) & Naldehra
How to reach Shimla: It is 378 km from Delhi by road. The Himachal roadway bus takes a time of 11 and half hours for Delhi to Shimla journey. The enjoyable Kalka Shimla Railway, a narrow gauge track, is listed in the Guinness Book of Records for the steepest rise in altitude. It is also a glorious part of World heritage site. The journey in the toy train ( Kalka to Shimla ) is considered to be a breathtaking experience. Shimla Airport is situated at Jubbarhatti, 23 km from the city.
Time to visit Shimla: March to June is a peak season as the temperature is pleasant. October to February is another popular season for venturesome folks and adventure sports. July to Mid September span is avoidable.
3. Manali – popularly known as the Valley of Gods. Manali is one of the most beautiful Hill station in Himachal at an altitude of 2050 meter. This mesmerizing Hill station is situated near the end of Kullu valley and beautifully spread at the banks of river Beas. Manali has lots to offer Snow clad mountains, adventures sports, waterfalls and other mind-blowing lush surroundings.
Places of attraction in Manali: Hadimba Temple, Vashisht Temple, Naggar Castle, Bhrigu Lake, ManiKaran, Solang valley ( adventure sports ), Rohtang Pass ( visit to snow clad mountains ) Kullu ( for river rafting).
How to reach Manali: It is slightly far from Delhi at 545 km. State roadways and luxurious Volvos are available for Delhi to Manali route. In case of taking Train/Flight, one can reach Chandigarh and continue further road journey to Manali.
Time to visit Manali: December end to January is a perfect time to visit Manali to cherish the snowfall. Rest months are good to enjoy the winters and as usual rainy July- August to be avoided.
4.Nainital- is a popular Hill station located in Uttarakhand at Kumaon foothills of the outer Himalayas. It is also known as a Lake district of India. Its name is derived from Naini Lake, Naina Devi temple. As per the legend, eyes from the charred body of Sati formed the Naini Lake.
Places of attraction in Nainital: Naini Lake, Naini Peak, Tiffin Top, Snowview point, Naina Devi temple, Sat Tal
How to reach Nainital: Delhi to Nainital is 300 km by road. Buses and Volvos operate on day to day basis. The nearest railway station is Kathgodham, which is 34 km from Nainital.
Time to visit Nainital: September to November & April to June.
5. Dharamshala – is an amazing Hill station in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. It is situated at an altitude of 1475 meter. Dharamshala is also declared as the second capital of Himachal Pradesh. It is 18 KM from Kangra.
Places of attraction in Dharamshala: Chamunda Temple, Dal Lake, Triund Trekking Point, Dalailama Temple, Namgyalma Stupa, Bhagsunath Temple,
How to reach Dharamshala: The Distance of Delhi to Dharamshala by road is 520 km. It is well connected by buses. The nearest station is Pathankot, which is 85 km away. The nearest airport is at Gaggal, about 13 kilometers away from Dharamshala
Time to visit Dharamshala: September to December and Mid March to Mid July.
6. Landsdowne: like Shimla was developed by British. It is a small hill town in Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand. It is a pleasant place for enjoying the beauty of nature and trekking. It is situated at an altitude of 1706 meter above sky level & nestled by Oak trees and Pine forest.
Places of attraction in Landsdowne: Tarkeshwar Mahadev temple, Gauri Kund, Garhwal Regimental Museum, St. Mary’s Church, St. John’s Church, Durga Devi Temple,
How to reach Landsdowne: One of the nearest Hill station from Delhi with a distance of 250 km. The nearest station is Kotdwar, which is at 44 km from Landsdowne. The nearest airport is Dehradun at 152 km, however, the better route is the road route.
Time to visit Landsdowne: Sharadotsav Festival during the autumn is also a good time to visit Lansdowne. March to June is a peak season and December to February are good to enjoy winters.
7. Auli – is known as a Switzerland of India. It is situated at height of 3049 M above sea level. This Hill station located in Uttarakhand is a popular skiing and snow sports location in our country. The best part of Auli is the longest cable car in Asia with a length of4 km, which connects it to the holy town of Joshimath, and it is the only way to reach Auli. One can have a beautiful view of snow-clad Trishul Peak & Nada Devi Peak.
Places of attraction in Auli: Auli Artificial Lake (world’s highest man-made lake), Vishnu Prayag, Gorson Bugyal, Kuari Pass, Joshimath, Badrinath, Tapovan,
How to reach Auli: The nearest airport is Dehradun, about 270 km from Auli. Rishikesh is the nearest railway station, 250 far from Auli. The distance from Delhi is 506 km with last 4 km on the ropeway.
Time to visit Auli: The prime attraction is snow skiing and the perfect time span is November to March.
8. Ranikhet – surrounded by Himalayan mountain range, it is a popular Hill station situated in Almora district of Uttarakhand. It is famous for lush green surroundings and extensive view of Himalayas.
Places of attraction in Ranikhet: Nanda Devi Temple, Kasar Devi, Chitai Temple, Jageshwar, Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, Baijnath, Katarmal Sun Temple
How to reach Ranikhet: Delhi to Ranikhet distance is 350 km, which is well connected by road. The nearest airport is Dehradun, about 151 km away. Kathgodham is the nearest railway station which is just 43 km away.
Time to visit Ranikhet: September to December & March to June.
9. Almora – is located at the southern edge of the Kumaon Hills of the Himalaya range. Its average elevation from sea level is 1861 meter. It is surrounded by thick forests of pine and fir trees. The rivers Koshi and Suyal complement the city.
Places of attraction in Almora: Nanda Devi Temple, Kasar Devi Temple, Chitai Golu Devta Temple, Bright End Corner, Martola, Kalimat, Katarmal Sun Temple, Jagheswar Temple
How to reach Almora: Delhi to Almora on road distance is 363 KM. The nearest airport is Dehradun, about 173 km away. Kathgodham is the nearest railway station at 38 km.
Time to visit Almora: September to December & April to June.
10. Kasauli – Also established by British is situated in an eye-catching location of Solan district of Himachal Pradesh at an elevation of 1900 meter above sea level.
Places of attraction in Kasauli: Christ Church, Krishna Bhavan Mandir, Kasauli Brewery, Nahri Temple, Monkey Point, Beja State
How to reach Kasauli: Delhi to Kasauli on road distance is 289 KM via Parwanoo. The nearest airport is Chandigarh, about 25 KM away. Sonwara is the nearest railway station, just 6 km away.
Time to visit Kasauli: April to June & September to November.