10 Best Hill Stations to Visit Near Delhi NCR on Weekends

The urban intensity and increasing temperatures of Delhi make weekend sojourns to nearby hill stations a need rather than a luxury for NCR residents. Within a radius of 250-400 kilometres are some of India’s most accessible mountain retreats, offering everything from colonial-era atmosphere to adventure sports and spiritual rejuvenation. Whether you have 48 hours or an entire long weekend, these ten hill stations offer quick relief without any hassle of travel planning.

The Himalayan foothills around Delhi NCR offer varied experiences across seasons. Winter means snow-covered peaks and cosy fireplaces, while summer offers respite from the heat of the plains. Before you put those bags in the car and drive off from the chaos of a Delhi city tour one day sightseeing, here is your guide to choose the right hill station for your next weekend break.

1. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

Distance from Delhi: 343 km 

Travel Time: By Road 7-8 hours

Shimla still remains the most popular weekend destination for the residents of Delhi in terms of accessibility, as well as in terms of a considerable amount of tourist infrastructure. The former British summer capital is located at 2,200 metres, and has cool temperatures even in the peak summer months.

Mall Road remains the social centre and is lined with restaurants, shops, and cafes. The Kalka-Shimla toy train, which is a UNESCO World Heritage route, is a picturesque alternative to road travel. Jakhoo Temple is located at the highest point in Shimla and can be reached either through a steep climb or by cable car.

Kufri, 16 kilometres from Shimla, is a place meant for horse riding, skiing in winter, and the Himalayan Nature Park. Summer weekends are quite busy with heavy crowds, especially around school holidays. Winter visitors should bring good warm clothes and review road conditions.

2. Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Distance from Delhi: 540 Km 

Travel time: 12-14 hours (Roadways), 1 hour (Flight) to Bhuntar

Manali is a more ideal destination for three-day weekends due to its long distance, but for adventure opportunities, it makes the journey worthwhile. The town is divided between the backpacker atmosphere of Old Manali and the busier tourist centre close to Mall Road.

Solang Valley, 14 kilometres from Manali, acts as the adventure sports centre with paragliding, zorbing, and skiing. Hadimba Temple, surrounded by a cedar forest, is a quieter alternative during this tour. 

Vashisht village comprises natural hot springs and a more laid-back atmosphere. Peak season pricing and crowds can be severe. Shoulder months such as April or September will have better value and fewer crowds, but some high altitude areas will be closed off in early spring.

3. Mussoorie, Uttarakhand

Distance from Delhi: 290 km 

Travel time: 6-7 hours Road

Mussoorie is close, and the infrastructure is fully developed, which makes it an ideal two-day weekend destination. The hill station is spread across a ridge at an elevation of 2,000 metres, with different areas providing different experiences.

Mall Road is a shopping, dining, and people-watching concentration. Gun Hill, which can be reached on a cable car, offers valley views. Kempty Falls is 15 kilometres from town, and is a popular tourist attraction for its cascading water and swimming areas.

Lal Tibba provides the Himalayan views on clear days. Camel’s Back Road offers a 3-kilometre walk away from traffic. Landour, the quieter upper section, has colonial-era churches, quiet lanes, and cafes.

4. Nainital, Uttarakhand

Distance from Delhi: 320 km 

Travel Time: 7-8 hours by road

The main attraction of Nainital is its eponymous lake, with boating being one of the main activities. Mall Road runs along the lake’s edge and is lined with hotels and restaurants. Naina Devi Temple is on the northern edge of the lake. Tiffin Top, with its moderate climb or horse ride, offers rewards in panoramic views to the visitor. Snow View Point, which is accessible via a cable car, provides views of Himalayan peaks such as Nanda Devi.

Bhimtal is 22 kilometres away and is a less crowded replacement with a bigger lake. Sattal is the haunt of bird watchers and nature photographers. Winter brings opportunities for snowfall, and travel plans may be disrupted by road closures.

5. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

Distance from Delhi: 240km 

Travel Time: 5-6 hours by road

Rishikesh is not like other traditional hill stations, but is located at the feet of the Ganges instead of mountain peaks. It is a combination of spiritual tourism, adventure sports, and yoga retreats that makes it a unique weekend destination profile.

Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula, suspension bridges over the Ganges, anchor the tourist areas. Parmarth Niketan Ashram has evening Ganga Aarti ceremonies. White water rafting is also operated throughout the year, with the exception of monsoon high water periods. Bungee jumping facilities lay claim to the highest jump in India at 83 metres.

Cafes in between Tapovan and Laxman Jhula areas serve international cuisine. The Beatles Ashram is a hybrid of Beatles history, decaying architecture, and meditation spaces. Rishikesh caters to a range of travel styles from cheap hostels to expensive riverfront resorts.

6. Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh

Distance from Delhi: 310 km 

Travel Time: 6 – 7 hours by road

Kasauli keeps a low profile and noise in contrast to Shimla, as it is meant for travellers who want to experience minimum tourist infrastructure and maximum peace. The little town runs along the forested ridges at 1,800 metres.

Gilbert Trail and Lover’s Lane are covered in shade and provide walking trails through pine forests. Sunset Point offers views throughout the valley without strenuous hikes. Monkey Point is where there is a Hanuman temple with the highest elevation in Kasauli.

There are limited accommodation options, which means pre-booking is essential. The town prohibits loud music after 10 PM, ensuring its peaceful nature retreat. This makes Kasauli unfit for travellers who want to see nightlife and do much shopping.

7. Lansdowne, Uttarakhand

Distance from Delhi: 250 km 

Travel Time: 5-6 hours by road

Lansdowne is perhaps one of the most underrated hill stations of North India, mainly because it is a military cantonment, which limits development on hill station. The town is located at 1,700 metres in oak and pine forests.

The Tip-n-Top viewpoint offers sunrise and sunset views over the Shivalik ranges. Bhulla Tal is an artificial lake where boating and a walking path are available. Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple, 37 kilometres away, offers ancient deodar groves.

Accommodation options are still limited to a few hotels. This paucity helps to maintain Lansdowne’s languid atmosphere. Mobile network coverage can be patchy in some areas.

8. Kufri, Himachal Pradesh

Distance from Delhi: 365 km 

Travel Time: 8-9 hours by road

Kufri is more of a winter-sports centre than a full-fledged hill station at a distance of 16 kilometres from Shimla. At an elevation of 2,510 metres, it can be guaranteed to receive winter snowfall.

Himalayan Nature Park hosts some regional wildlife such as musk deer and leopards. Winter months change Kufri into a centre of snow sports with skiing and tobogganing facilities. Summer months are relatively quiet with horse riding and nature walks. 

Kufri’s proximity to Shimla makes it a day-trip destination for most of the visitors. However, there are a few hotels and resorts for overnight stays for people looking for a peaceful environment away from the crowds of Shimla.

9. McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh

Distance from Delhi: 475 km

Travel Time: 10-12 hours by road

McLeod Ganj’s Tibetan Buddhist culture, coupled with mountain scenery, makes a unique experience for travellers who visit a hill station. Home to the Dalai Lama’s home, the town offers a mix of spirituality and backpacker tourism.

Tsuglagkhang Complex is the temple of the Dalai Lama and Tibet Museum. There are swimming spots at Bhagsu Falls (water quality varies). Triund trek offers overnight camping with the views of the Dhauladhar range.

Tibetan food predominates restaurant menus, with momos and thukpa being specialties. The town’s steep topography requires reasonable levels of fitness to explore on foot.

10. Almora, Uttarakhand

Distance from Delhi: 365 km 

Travel Time: 8-9 hours by road

Almora preserves a cultural authenticity that most popular hill stations have lost due to tourism development. Set on a horse-saddle shaped ridge at 1,650 metres, the town has panoramic views of the Himalayas, Nanda Devi and Trisul peaks.

Bright End Corner offers sunrise and sunset views from over valleys. Kasar Devi Temple is located in an area that has been frequented by spiritual seekers since the 1960s. Chitai Golu Devta Temple is adorned by thousands of bells made of brass offered by devotees.

Almora’s markets sell traditional Kumaoni crafts and copper items. Tourist infrastructure is still basic, which maintains the local character but limits luxury accommodation options.

Planning Your Weekend Hill Station Getaway

Completing weekend trips will require planning, especially during peak seasons and long weekends. Book accommodation at least two weeks in advance in popular destinations. Check weather forecasts and road conditions before your departure, especially during the monsoon and winter months.

Starting early on Friday evening or Saturday morning allows maximum time at the destination. Many people of Delhi love to go on overnight drives and reach the hill stations by early morning. This works out for nearby destinations such as Mussoorie, Rishikesh, and Lansdowne.

Combining your hill station visit with Delhi exploration will provide a more wholesome experience. Before going to the mountains, do not miss the opportunity to feel the rich past of the capital with a Delhi heritage walking tour Old Delhi, where narrow lanes can unlock centuries of history. The Delhi food tour street food experience gives you an introduction to authentic tastes and flavours that are opposite to hill station food. For those who want to see some local commerce and culture, a Delhi shopping tour Chandni Chowk gives insights into one of the oldest and busiest markets in Asia.

Having a Delhi tour guide English speaking private can make a lot of difference in your pre-departure Delhi experience. Several operators provide all-in-one Delhi hill station tour packages including transportation, accommodation, and activities to eliminate the stress of planning. These Delhi holiday packages tend to have a combination of both city orientation and mountain retreats, so as to maximize the value of the weekend.

Roads on hill routes fluctuate quite a bit. Monsoon months raise risks of landslides, especially in Uttarakhand. Winter driving to higher elevation destinations requires experience with snow conditions or hiring local drivers.

Pack layers for all seasons as the weather can change quickly in the mountains. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, considering that most of the hill stations consist of a lot of uphill movement. Carry Basic Medications for altitude sickness and common ailments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which hill station near Delhi is best for a quick overnight trip?

For minimal time coupled with decent facilities, Mussoorie & Rishikesh work best for overnight getaways. Both are situated at around a distance of 6 hours from Delhi by road. Rishikesh has the shortest drive at 5-6 hours. Lansdowne is another good choice where the crowds are minimal, but choices for accommodations are still limited.

Q: When is the best time to visit these hill stations?

Summer months (March to June) provide good weather in all destinations and are the most popular months with the highest number of tourists. Monsoon (July to September) brings lush green though it also puts you at road risk. Winter (October to February) offers clear skies and higher snow opportunities. October to November and February to March are shoulder seasons with better value and fair crowds.

Q: Can these hill stations be visited without a private vehicle?

Yes, most of the hill stations are connected to Delhi by regular bus services of state transport departments and private operators. Shimla and Dehradun are rail-connected to Delhi. Local taxis and shared cabs are available from drop-off points to hill stations. However, the advantage of having a private vehicle is much greater flexibility.

Q: Are these destinations suitable for solo travelers and women travelers?

All of the listed destinations receive regular traffic from tourists and maintain reasonable standards of safety. Rishikesh, McLeod Ganj and Kasauli are especially friendly to solo travelers with hostels and cafes. Women travelers generally have comfortable experiences, although standard precautions are in order with respect to establishments and late-night activities.

Q: What activities beyond sightseeing do these hill stations offer?

Rishikesh is at the top in adventure sports with rafting, bungee jumping, and trekking. Manali and Solang Valley offer paragliding, skiing and mountain biking. Nainital is more focused on water activities, including boating. McLeod Ganj has trekking tours, especially the famous Triund trek, meditation, and yoga courses. Most destinations offer nature walks and photography opportunities.

Q: How much should I budget for a weekend trip to these hill stations?

Budget requirements vary considerably depending upon accommodation options, transport mode and activities. Basic weekend trips by public transport and spending in budget hotels are much cheaper than experiences on mid-range with private vehicles and comfortable hotels. Luxury options with luxury resorts and dining come with bigger price tags. Peak season pricing adds to the cost of everything. Manali and Shimla fall in the higher bracket, whereas Lansdowne and Kasauli are good for budget seekers.

Make Your Weekend Count

Delhi NCR being so close to these different hill stations, it is possible to escape to the mountains every weekend all year round. Whether you are looking for adventure sports in Rishikesh, colonial allure in Shimla, or serene forests in Lansdowne, there are options for every taste and timeline.

At Memorable India, we know that weekend trips need to be planned efficiently and executed reliably. Our team creates hill station tour packages that take care of the transportation, accommodation and activity arrangements, allowing you to focus on the experience and not on logistics. 

Whether you would rather join organized tours or need help planning your travels on your own, we have people on the ground who can help make your mountain weekends better.

Ready to exchange Delhi’s concrete for the mountain air? Contact us to talk about your perfect weekend experience in a hill station and let us do the groundwork while you get ready for the escape.