Long Weekend? Go To These Hill Stations Near Delhi

There is no doubt about the fact that Delhi summers epitomize heat. If you have stayed there for any length of time, you must have felt the urge to escape the heat, dust, pollution, noise, and people for at least some time. Obviously, there is no better time to do this than during a long weekend. But where will you go? Thankfully, since Delhi is very close to the Himalayas, you have plenty of options to choose from. Many popular hill stations offer respite from the heat and dust of the city. You can choose to relax in luxury hotels or resorts or you can go camping, mountaineering, or even hang-gliding if that takes your fancy. There’s something for practically everyone in these beautiful and charming towns. The nearest hill stations to Delhi for long weekends:

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Shimla

Shimla is easily the most popular summer destination, especially for those who stay in Delhi. The town is located in the foothills of the Himalayas and has plenty to offer for everyone. You don’t have to worry if you don’t want to spend too much; there is plenty of accommodation for all types of budgets. The former summer capital of the British offers a lot in the way of things to do and gorgeous views while you do it. Enjoy traveling by the toy train from Kalka to Shimla. Shop along the famous Mall Road and eat at any of the town’s well-known restaurants. Take in the Rashtrapati Niwas and the Christ Church and the colonial air they exude. If Shimla seems too crowded – it is a popular tourist destination, after all – you can always escape to Kasauli, Chail, Solan, Kufri, or Naldhera.

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Mussoorie

There is a reason this colonial-era hill station is called ‘Queen of the Hills’. The beauty of this town is truly famous, bringing everyone from families to honeymooners. You won’t find the small town lacking in attractions, the first of which is the natural beauty and the magnificent views it has to offer. If you feel romantic or even philosophical, try taking a morning or evening walk down the four-kilometer stretch known as Camel’s Back Road, which passes a rock formation resembling a camel’s hump. You can even enjoy beautiful sunrises and sunsets from here. If you enjoy bird watching or are a nature lover, you will find the Benog Wildlife Sanctuary the perfect place to visit. Look for the rare mountain quail or the red-billed magpie; alternatively, you can also catch sight of leopards, panthers, bears, and deer. If you’re looking for something a bit less material and more spiritual, Shedup Choepelling Temple is where you should head. On the other hand, you can satisfy your more material urges such as shopping along The Mall. If you want to be above it all, Lal Tibba and Gun Hill are the places for you. Finally, if the water is your element, check out Mussoorie Lake and the Kempty Falls.

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Nainital

Another popular weekend getaway and tourist destination is the charming ‘City of Lakes’ called Nainital. In addition, this town is also revered as one of the Shakti Peethas, a location where people pray to the Goddess Sati who is in the form of Shakti. You will find all sorts of accommodation here – from the simple to the absolutely luxurious. Your stomach will be served well too – the town is as well-known for the variety of its cuisines as it is for its beautiful lake. There is plenty to see and visit here. You can go to Tiffin Top and Dorothy’s Seat for a panoramic view of the Himalayas or take the cable car up to Snow View and get a bird’s eye view of Nainital. Marvel at the Gothic construction of the Raj Bhawan. Pay tribute to Jim Corbett by visiting his home known as Gurney House. Take boat rides across the Naini lake or trek up to Snow View and Tiffin Top or simply gaze up at the stars in the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Scientists.

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Dharamshala Mcleodganj

This small town is the centre of Tibetan Buddhism and the home in exile of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. That isn’t all, though. Mcleodganj or Upper Dharamsala is also known for the myriad of activities it offers to those who visit. In fact, if you are on a budget, Mcleodganj is the place to go. It has plenty of hotels that are budget or mid-budget on offer. If you identify yourself as a foodie, you will be glad you came here. The cuisine ranges from Tibetan (of course) to Korean to Japanese to Indian. In addition, there are a variety of great dessert places that you can visit to satisfy your sweet tooth. If you are culturally inclined, the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts, the Kangra Art Temple, and the Dalai Lama Temple and Museum are some places you will enjoy. For nature lovers, there is Dal Lake and Triund Lake. You can also take in the Bhagsunag Temple with its waterfall and the small hamlet of Dharamkot.

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Auli

A lovely hill station in the district of Chamoli in Uttarakhand, Auli is only 400 kilometers away from Delhi. It is the best-known skiing destination in India. If you visit anytime between January and March, you can see the ski enthusiasts lining up. Road access from Dehradun makes it easy for you to get from Delhi to Auli and the accommodation that ranges from the basic to the luxurious makes it easy for you to stay. If you are an avid skier or if you are looking to take it up, Auli is the place for you. There are different slopes and professional instructors who will guide you through all of them. If skiing isn’t your thing, don’t worry – Auli also has plenty of treks. Discover ancient temples, hot springs, and nature in its untouched form.

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Dalhousie

The quaint charm of Dalhousie quickly shows you why the British would decamp here every summer, much as you are planning to do. While the town is fairly well-known in the tourist circles, it doesn’t see as many visitors as some of the other towns on this list. So if you’re looking for a place less visited, this could be it. This is the place you come to so you can get away from people. Accommodation options range from the budget to the luxury options. Your options for food here are plentiful but can be makeshift in the form of shacks. Tiny cafes provide you the jolt of caffeine that you crave. The town itself has an old-world charm that is reinforced by its colonial-era churches and cobblestoned streets. If you’re in the mood for nature, head out to Kalatop Sanctuary or the deep woods of Khajjiar. Go on the Dain Kund trek, if you want something a bit more active. The St Francis Church is perfect for those more artistically inclined.

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Chamba

This tiny place lies not far from Mussoorie; only 50 kilometers away, in fact. It hasn’t been discovered by tourists yet, so this is the best place to get far from the madding crowd. If you are a nature lover or want some quiet or both, Chamba is the place for you. It offers you brilliant views of the Himalayas and even stunning views of the Bhagirathi river valley. You’ll probably find more trees here than people, what with the apricot and apple orchards that surround the township. Plenty of pine, deodar, and rhododendron trees make this one of the greener weekend destinations.