Known For : Old Manali Solang Valley Jogini Waterfall
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. All of its beauty coupled with cool and pleasant temperature in the summer season gives it the top spot among places to visit in summers near Delhi.
Distance from Delhi: 542 km
Best Time: October to June
Known For : Skiing in Auli Trishul Peak Auli Ropeway
Dotted with apple orchards, oaks and deodars, Auli is a popular hill resort in the Himalayan range dating back to the 8th Century AD. It is a popular destination for those who love skiing. Located at 2800 meters above sea levels, it is home to mountain ranges of Nanda Devi, Mana Parvat and Kamat Kamet and has a lot of religious destinations scattered around it.
Distance from Delhi: 493 km
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : The Ridge Jakhu Temple Mall Road, Shimla
Probably the most popular hill station in northern India, Shimla is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh. Famous for its Mall road, the Ridge, toy train and colonial architecture, Shimla is popular among honeymooners and families alike.
Distance from Delhi: 349 km
Best Time: October to June
Known For : Rafting in Rishikesh Lakshman Jhula Triveni Ghat
The land of the gods, Rishikesh has Ganga flowing through it. It is a perfect blend of traditionality and modernity. On one hand, there are the Sadhus with their chants, people devotedly trying to reach the Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula, and to take holy dips, while on the other hand, in the same waters, people are enjoying the wrath of the water by river rafting. A long 17-km trek up the east bank of Ganga takes you to Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. For the shopaholics, there are dozens of shops selling religious goods, Nehru jackets, gems, natarajas, and the comic books that bring the legends of Hinduism and India’s history to life. An apt holiday destination with great weather for those who live life to the fullest, Rishikesh is undoubtedly one of the top places to visit in summers near Delhi.
Distance from Delhi: 223 km
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Mussoorie Mall Road Kempty Falls Camel's Back Road
If your idea of the perfect holiday involves tranquil hills, untouched nature and a holiday experience that is unadulterated in the truest sense of the term, Mussoorie is the place you should be heading to. Nestled amidst the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayan ranges, Mussoorie, also known as Queen of The Hills, stands at an altitude of 7000 feet above sea level, and has a cool, pleasant climate throughout the year. The pristine, natural beauty of Mussoorie makes it a very popular choice of holiday for honeymooners. If you want to enjoy the beautiful sight of the rolling green slopes juxtaposed with the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, Mussoorie is the place for you to be.
Distance from Delhi: 271 km
Best Time: September to June
This little known town finds its place along the bright, crystal clear waters of Yamuna, unlike the dead creature you encounter in Delhi. While the fine landscapes of Doon Valley, Katta Pathar where the Yamuna first comes out of the mountains, scintillating 180º panoramas of the Chakrata Hills and the celebrated 3rd century BC Ashokan Rock Edict are routine sights, the one of its kind river rafting on the Yamuna, and leisurely drives and picnics make for a perfect trip.
Distance from Delhi: 272 km
Known For : Naini Lake Snow View Point Mall Road Nainital
One of the most beautiful tourist destinations in Uttarakhand, Nainital, which is nestled amidst the Kumaon Hills, is a quaint hill station built around a uniquely shaped lake known as the 'Naini Lake' (thus contributing to its name Nainital). Also famously known as 'City of Lakes,' Nainital abounds in natural beauty, with its snow-capped hills and tranquil lakes lending it a nostalgic charm of its own. Situated at an altitude of 1938 km above sea level, Nainital has a pleasant climate all year round making it an ideal destination among the places to visit in summers near Delhi to beat the scorching weather of the capital. Nainital can rightfully be called a picturesque paradise for all travel lovers.
Distance from Delhi: 285 km
Best Time: Throughout the year
You can feel the difference when you turn left from the highway for Morni Hills. The hills have a tranquillity and calmness of their own, Morni Hills is no different. The six-hour road journey sets up the break beautifully with a range of flora and fauna. You can trek down to the Tikkar Tal or visit old ruins of the fort. A birders’ delight, over a hundred species inhabit the area. Following the lost Sarasawati could be the perfect ending as you come across some of the pre-Harappan and Harappan sites on the way back to Delhi.
Distance from Delhi: 259 km
Known For : Skiing in Kufri Horse Ride to the Mahasu Peak Mahasu Peak
Kufri in Shimla district, Himachal Pradesh is one of the most sought after holiday destinations, and more so for couples, because of its proximity to Shimla and relatively higher altitude which makes it a place with snow all through the winters.
Distance from Delhi: 363 km
Best Time: November to March
Known For : Monkey Point Mall Road Gilbert Trail
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. If one is looking for a place to cool off in peace and quiet then Kasauli is a perfect choice among the places to visit in summers near Delhi.
Distance from Delhi: 295 km
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Zero Point Jageshwar Kasar Devi
The 500-year-old town is pretty much an offering in itself. With the beautifully paved roads and amazing mountain views, Almora becomes a treat for those who like to while away their time dating the nature. Other attractions include Gobind Vallabh Pant Public Museum, Bright End Corner which is the sunrise and sunset point, and numerous temples. And if you ever visit this place in spring, during the Mahashivratri Mela, you’ll witness droves of pilgrims coming to worship and celebrate.
Distance from Delhi: 349 km
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Bhulla Lake Tip N Top Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple
Perched amidst the Garhwal Hills of Uttarakhand, Lansdowne is a quaint little hill town that not many tourists know of. Off the beaten tourist trail, Lansdowne is an untouched, pristine town, miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Situated at 5670 feet above sea level, Lansdowne is more famously known for being home to the Garhwal Rifle regiment of the Indian Army. This hill station is neither commercialised nor heavily urbanised, making it the perfect getaway for anyone looking to take a break amidst peace and solitude.
Distance from Delhi: 243 km
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Bhimtal Lake Aquarium Island Cafe Hanuman Garhi
Rested at a height of 1370m above the sea level, Bhimtal is spotted with temples lying amid the verdant mountains and a pristine blue lake. The ancient town of Bhimtal is a place to lie down under the shade of nature, close your eyes and experience serenity.
Distance from Delhi: 292 km
Best Time: March to June, September to December
Known For : Triund Dharamshala Cricket Stadium Namgyal Monastery, Mcleodganj
Most people know Dharamsala for the beautiful stadium surrounded by snow laden peaks in which Kings XI Punjab used play their IPL home matches. One of the most spectacular hill stations that I’ve travelled to, it is home to the 14th Dalai Lama. There is Kotwali Bazaar, the Kangra Art Museum and the Yol Camp where Italian prisoners of war were lodged during World War II, for sightseeing. With the lively McLeodganj in Upper Dharamsala and the traditional Indian hill settlement in Lower Dharamsala, this is definitely one of the top places to visit in summers near Delhi.
Distance from Delhi: 481 km
Best Time: October to June
Known For : Robber's Cave Sahastradhara Tapkeshwar Temple
If you are looking to enjoy few days in the lap of the hills, this might be it. With the urban yet calm feel, Dehradun offers the peace of its ancient forest enclaves in the Shivalik Hills. Places like Sahastradhara, Robber’s Cave and Lacchiwalla are famous picnic spots, while shopping at the Paltan Bazaar offers an experience unlike any other. Coming a little higher to Lansdowne, it still has traces of colonial bungalows, winding roads, ornate gates and window sills. Serenity and quietness are the only things here, other than the famous Tarkeshwar Mahadev temple.
Distance from Delhi: 239 km
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Chaubatia Orchards Majhkhali Golf Course
As per the forklore, Rani Padmini was so impressed by the place, that her king Raja Sukherdev built her a palace and named the place Ranikhet. This might be just a myth, but one thing is for certain that this place impresses one and all. Right from the three hour beautiful drive to the snow clad mountain spectacle that you witness upon reaching Ranikhet to the Chaubatia orchards and Army Golf Course in Upat, the place is a good break for urbanites.
Distance from Delhi: 341 km
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Lake Naukuchiatal Boating, Naukuchiatal Bhimtal Lake
As the name suggests, Naukuchiatal is a nine cornered lake, Sattal is a group of seven interconnected lakes and Bhimtal is associated with the Pandava brother Bhima. The water in all the lakes is really clean, and looks beautiful. The one who is able to see all the nine corners of Naukuchiatal from one spot, as the word goes, attains nirvana. Since nirvana isn’t powerful enough an attraction to drag you to these lakes, paragliding, trekking, rafting, kayaking and the lakeside church are also there to keep you engaged.
Distance from Delhi: 292 km
Best Time: April to June, September to November
Known For : Arki Fort Diwan-i-Khaas Arki Palace
A small town located in the Solan district, Arki is located 52 kms away from Shimla and is home to a lot of temples with striking architecture. The Arki Fort is a great viewpoint and if nature permits, can allow people to see as far as Kasauli and Shimla Hills. Arki’s great patron of the arts Raja Kishan Chand was responsible for Diwan-i-Khas, the lavish interiors of the great audience hall in Arki Fort. The picturesquely located fort, now in the ranks of historic heritage hotels, is a good destination for history buffs, connoisseurs of art and peripatetics.
Distance from Delhi: 330 km
Best Time: Throughout the year
Ready to beat the heat yet? These places to visit in summers near Delhi are the perfect destinations to cool off with friends and family. Let us know in the comments below how many have you ticked off this list.
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