Hill Stations near Shimla for an Extended Vacation

Known For : Kufri Fun World Skiing in Kufri Horse Ride to the Mahasu Peak

Kufri in Himachal Pradesh is one of the most sought after hill stations near Shimla, and more so for couples, because of its proximity to the Himalayas and relatively higher altitude which makes it a place with snow all through the winters.

Best Time: November to March

View packages starting from ₹ 7,500

Situated at an elevation of 2500 meters, Fagu is a serene snow clad hamlet. Nestling in the majestic Himalayan Range in the state of Himachal Pradesh, Fagu is perfect place to get away from the hustle bustle of the city. This place looks magical as it is always enveloped in snow and fog. The clouds are so close to the surface that at times it feels as if you are walking on clouds.

An ideal tourist destination in Himachal Pradesh is a combination of not just the scenic beauty of the Himalayas that you'd expect from this gorgeous state but also a place that is steeped in pre-colonial history and ancient myth. This would be a hill station near Shimla that is not like Shimla -- without the capital city's hustle and mainstream crowdedness during the vacation season.

Sarahan has countless views, sceneries and landscapes and no matter for how long you stay at this place, a walk through its endless forests and valleys will let you leave behind all you want to and let go.

Known For : Timber Trail Cable car Ride Fruit orchards

This is a place where one can enjoy the captivating ambience of a hill station near Shimla and hustle-bustle of a city. Situated on the border of Haryana and Himachal Pradesh, this small town offers beautiful apple orchards and delicious fruit products.

Best Time: March to May, October to November

Known For : Reserve Forest Sanctuary Craignano WildFlower Hall Hotel

Mashobra is a lush green expanse in Himachal Pradesh, tucked away at a height of about 7700 feet, ensuring minimal human obstruction in the course of nature to provide you with the purest and liberating experience of your lifetime.

Best Time: April to June

Known For : Kandaghat Trekking and Hiking Tara Devi Temple

While Shimla is being flooded by tourists every year, a serene, calm and epitome of beauty lies near it, waiting to be discovered. Shoghi, a small hill station just 13 Kms. from Shimla is abundant in natural scenic beauty and a large variety of flora and fauna.

Best Time: October to June

A quiet escape, one of the less crowded attractions of the state, Theog in Himachal Pradesh, warmly wrapped in the arms of the mighty Himalayas, has everything a popular hill station can give you minus the tourist rush.

Naldehra is around 22 km from Shimla and is famous for the Naldehra Golf Club. Situated at an altitude of 2200 m, this is an 18 hole golf course and is among one of the best golf courses in India.

Known For : Kasauli Nalagarh Palace Shoolini Mata Temple

Located on the Punjab-Himachal Border, Solan lies on the lower ranges of the Himalayas and is more of an industrial town with various industries.

Best Time: Throughout the year

Known For : Chail wildlife sanctuary Palace Hotel Cricket Ground

Chail is a quiet hill station near Shimla, known for the world's highest cricket ground and the heritage hotel, Chail Palace, in the midst of pine and deodar trees.

Best Time: Throughout the year

View packages starting from ₹ 15,500

Known For : Waterfall Point Jalori Pass Serolsar Lake

Shojha is a small village sitting quietly in the middle of wilderness and panorama. Its untouched beauty might be just the thing that you need to relax and unwind. Located amid the Banjar Valley, the village is dotted with several temples made of wood.

Best Time: April to June

Away from the buzzing sound of city, this small village sits quietly in the lap of nature. Packed with apple orchards and blessed with divine beauty of nature, one can also find several small temples near the village.

Known For : Timber Trail Monkey point, Kasauli Mall Road, Kasauli

Located on the way from Chandigarh to Shimla, Kasauli is a hilly cantonment town which makes for an ideal peaceful holiday location, away from the rush.

Best Time: Throughout the year

View packages starting from ₹ 8,000

Known For : Hatu Peak Skiing in Narkanda Tannu Jubbar Lake

Surrounded by forests and woodlands, Narkanda is a quaint little hill station near Shimla district which is popular for skiing in winters.

Best Time: Throughout the year

View packages starting from ₹ 7,000

A treat for trekking and rock climbing buffs, Churdhar Peak at a height of 3650 m above sea level is a 50km trek. Covered with verdant forests and fields, one can approach this peak from Dadahu, Sangrah, Bhawal, Gandhuri and Nauhra.

If you are tired of the hustle bustle of the city and want to getaway for a few days to relax and live amidst hills and forests, Sirmour is just the place for you. Located in the state of Himachal Pradesh, Sirmour is a calm and tranquil district where still more than 90% people live in villages. The locals are very close to nature and hence this place is untouched by industrialization.

Known For : Kinnaur Kailash Trekking to Chakka Suicide Point

Kalpa, the main village of Kinnaur, in the Sutlej River Valley is a place to remember and cherish. Known for its many beautiful temples and monasteries, this town is also famed for its apple orchards. The majestic Kinnaur-Kailash range peeking from across the Sutlej River makes for a blissful break.

Best Time: March to September

Known For : Dharamshala Cricket Stadium Library of Tibetan Works and Archives St. John in the Wilderness Church

Dharamsala is famed as the holy residence of the Dalai Lama and houses the Tibetan monk in exile. Dharamsala is located in Kangra district at a distance of 18km fro Kangra City. The city is distinctively separated as upper and lower divisions with different altitudes. The lower division is the Dharamsala town itself whereas the upper division is popularly known as Mcleodganj.

Best Time: October to June

View packages starting from ₹ 9,000

Known For : River Crossing Serlosar Lake

The land of untouched and mystifying beauty, Tirthan Valley is a destination with a plethora of delights. Lying nearly 3 km from the entrance of Great Himalayan National Park, this place is abundant in adventurous activities and a paradise for nature lovers. '

Best Time: Mar to June, October to November

View packages starting from ₹ 6,000

Often referred to as a mesmerising "hamlet" situated amidst the lush green forests and surrounded by variegated mountain, Jibhi is just the right place to relax and spend some peaceful moments with your loved ones.

Known For : New Tehri Dhanaulti Kodia Jungle

Once a deserted land, today Kanatal is a usual haunt for those travelers who seek peace and solitude. Kanatal is said to be named after a lake that once existed there. Apart from peace, the place exhibits a charm in form of majestic hills, fruit trees, apple orchards and lush green forests.

Best Time: Throughout the year

Barot is a mesmerizingly beautiful village located in the serene valleys of Mandi District in the north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is a new found tourist destination and is located about 67 kilometers away from Mandi. If you are a backpacker, this destination is perfect to backpack through for a day or so. The scenic landscapes are captivating, and the unpolluted air draws travelers from across the world for sightseeing and much more.

A place beyond which lies the Indo-Tibetan Border, this one is the about 28 km. away from Sangla. Sitting on banks of River Bapsa, this village is mystery waiting to be unfolded.

If you are up to some adventure, sightseeing and understand the traditions of the local inhabitants, a visit to this small village is a blessing in disguise. If visiting Kasol you need to get involved in a trekking expedition to Malana. Malana village is almost 21 km from Kasol. As you drive from Kasol to Malana, you will find an endpoint to the road. This endpoint is the spot from where the trek to Malana village begins. Trek 2 km uphill to reach the village of taboos. On your way, you will find the enchanting beauty river and valley blowing your mind.

Hampta Pass, situated in the Manali region of the Himachal Pradesh, serves as one of the most convenient and enjoyable treks. Laden with pristine form of nature, the trail comprises of dense pine forests, pristine glacial valleys, vast meadows and panoramic landscape.

Known For : Tashi Jong Monastery Tea gardens in Palampur Saurabh Van Vihar

With pine and deodar forests and tea gardens encircling the town and numerous streams pouring in, Palampur is known for the enchanting combination of water and greenery.

Best Time: Throughout the year

View packages starting from ₹ 8,500

Known For : Sangla Meadow Bering Nag temple Chitkul

One of the most charming valleys in the whole Kinnaur District, Sangla Valley is a perfect getaway from the hustle bustle of the swarming cities. It is named after a beautiful village by the same name.

Best Time: April to June, September to December

Known For : Kangra Fort Baijnath Temple Brajeshwari Temple

Kangra's majestic beauty and the Valley's various panoramic delights have something to offer for people of all ages. While there are enough stay and travel options available, plan your trip in advance keeping the climate of Kangra in mind. Rest assured, you're in for a visual and experiential treat.

Best Time: September to June

Known For : Solang Valley Rohtang Pass Adventure Activities in Manali

Nestled in between the snow-capped slopes of the Pir Panjal and the Dhauladhar ranges, Manali is one of the most popular hill stations in the country. With jaw-dropping views, lush green forests, sprawling meadows carpeted with flowers, gushing blue streams, a perpetual fairy-tale like mist lingering in the air, and a persistent fragrance of pines and freshness -  Manali has been blessed with extraordinary scenic beauty. From museums to temples, from quaint little hippie villages to bustling upscale streets, river adventures to trekking trails, Manali has ever a reason to be the tourist magnet it is, all year round.

Best Time: October to June

View packages starting from ₹ 6,250

Known For : Rafting in Manali Great Himalayan National Park Bijli Mahadev Temple

Kullu, a popular tourist destination generally coupled with Manali, is an open valley with panoramic views and majestic hills covered with Deodar and Pine trees.

Best Time: October to June

View packages starting from ₹ 10,999

Kinnaur is percieved to be a magical land aka the land of fairy tales and fantasies which has a spectacular terrain of lush green valley, orchards, vineyards, snow clad peaks and cold desert mountains. It is a border district of Himachal Pradesh. Kinnaur is also rich in flora & fauna.

Treacherous roads, a hippie culture and some stunning sceneries - this is what makes up Tosh. This little village tucked in the Himachal offers on-going treakers pretty pastoral scenes and calming views. Gurdwara Manikaran Sahib, a mere 20-min drive from Kasol, which is also popular for its hot springs, should also be visited when near Tosh. The architecture of wooden houses, with simple designs and bright colours also add a lot to the beauty of this pristine Himalayan village.

Kangojodi is an offbeat hill station near Shimla nestled in the Himachal mountains lined with pine trees, surrounded by majestic hills and ravines. The place hasn't been popularised yet and sees considerably lower volumes of tourists compared to its overcrowded counterparts.