Perfect Long Weekend Getaways- Hill Station

For anyone in Delhi craving a quick escape from the hustle and heat of the city, hill stations are the perfect remedy. Within a few hours’ drive, you can be surrounded by fresh mountain air, pine forests, breathtaking landscapes, and charming towns.

This guide covers the best hill stations near Delhi - including routes, travel tips, best seasons, and detailed itineraries so you can plan a perfect long weekend getaway.

Top Hill Stations Near Delhi

1. Shimla - The Queen of Hills

Distance (Delhi to Shimla): 340 km (7-8 hours by road)
Best Time to Visit: March-June, September-December
How to Reach

• By Road: NH44 or NH5, 7-8 hours drive
• By Train: Kalka-Shimla toy train (UNESCO heritage)
• By Air: Jubbarhatti Airport (23 km from Shimla)

4-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Shimla → Mall Road stroll → Ridge visit → Jakhoo Temple 
Day 2: Kufri excursion → Himalayan Nature Park → Scenic Green Valley 
Day 3: Kullu excursion → Drive to Manali 
Day 4: Manali excursion → Hadimba Devi Temple → Drop to Manali Bus/Railway station. Click here for detailed program

2. Mussoorie - The Queen of Hills in Uttarakhand

Distance: 290 km (6-7 hours drive)
Best Time to Visit: March-June, September-November
How to Reach

• By Road: NH534 or NH7
• By Train: Nearest station Haridwar or Dehradun, then cab
• By Air: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (35 km)

3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival → Camel’s Back Road walk → Mall Road exploration → Sunset from Gun Hill
Day 2: Kempty Falls visit → Lal Tibba viewpoint → Evening shopping
Day 3: Day trip to Dhanaulti → Return to Delhi

3. Kasauli - Quiet Colonial Charm

Distance: 290 km (6 hours drive)
Best Time to Visit: March-June, September-December

How to Reach

• By Road: NH5 via Chandigarh or Kalka
• By Train: Kalka Railway Station → cab/taxi to Kasauli
• By Air: Chandigarh Airport (60 km)

3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival → Gilbert Trail walk → Sunset at Monkey Point
Day 2: Christ Church → Manki Point → Local café exploration
Day 3: Day trip to Solan → Return to Delhi

4. Lansdowne - Serene Hills & Military Charm

Distance: 250 km (67 hours drive)
Best Time to Visit: March-June, September-November

How to Reach

• By Road: NH534 via Meerut, Najibabad
• By Train: Nearest station Kotdwar → cab to Lansdowne
• By Air: Jolly Grant Airport (140 km)

3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival → Bhulla Lake → War Memorial visit → Evening leisure walk
Day 2: Tip-in-Top viewpoint → St. Mary’s Church → Nature walk in pine forests
Day 3: Day trip to Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple → Return to Delhi

5. Nainital - The Lake Paradise

Distance: 300 km (6-7 hours drive)
Best Time to Visit: March-June, September-November

How to Reach

• By Road: NH9 or NH109
• By Train: Kathgodam Railway Station → cab to Nainital
• By Air: Pantnagar Airport (71 km)

3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival → Naini Lake boating → Mall Road exploration
Day 2: Snow View Point → Naina Devi Temple → Eco Cave Gardens
Day 3: Day trip to Bhimtal / Sattal → Return to Delhi

Best Time to Visit Hill Stations from Delhi

• Summer (March-June): Pleasant weather and lush landscapes.
• Monsoon (July-August): Lush greenery but beware of landslides in hilly roads.
• Autumn (September-November): Clear skies and vibrant views.
• Winter (December-February): Snowfall in Shimla, Mussoorie, and Nainital - perfect for a winter escape.

Travel Tips for Hill Station Trips

• Start early to avoid traffic and enjoy more time at destinations.
• Carry light woolens even in summer - evenings can be chilly.
• Book accommodations in advance for peak season.
• Try local delicacies and interact with locals for a richer experience.