Delhi, the capital of India, is surrounded by places to visit for a weekend. All of these places offer a wide variety of experiences, ranging from adventure sports to heritage walks. Yes, the Taj Mahal at Agra is one of the most famous places to go to near the capital city, but for those looking for something extra, we have selected 8 lesser jewels of the hills near Delhi.
KALSI
Kalsi often considered the gateway to the mountain land of the Garwhal tribe, is a shy hamlet that passes by unnoticed by most travellers. But, thanks to a lot of developmental work carried out by the Uttarakhand state government, Kalsi is very soon going to be one of the most crowded tourist hotspots near Dehradun. At Kalsi, check out the Timli Pass. While munching on a snack here, you should think about this – the British army fought the Garhwals here. How often do you get to visit a real battleground? If history does not do it for you, Kalsi is also an amazing destination that offers some trekking trails and ancient monuments with magnificent architecture. You can fish here, but only in summer. Another crowd-puller in Kalsi is Dak Pathar, which is host to several eco-tourism activities throughout the year. Kalsi, like a box of surprises, is one of the best hill stations near Delhi.
ROHRU
Rohru isn’t commonly found in most travel itineraries because it’s yet unexplored. This is great news because while visiting Rohru, you need peace and quiet. How else will you fish? You read that right. The best time to visit Rohru is just before the winter season, by the way. This town, now one of the best hill stations near Delhi, was developed as a fishing resort by Raja Bajrang Bahadur Singh Bhadri, the Lieutenant Governor of Himachal Pradesh. They say an apple a day keeps a doctor away. We say when in Rohru, eat apples all day. You see, this hamlet is part of the famous ‘Apple Belt’, the richest source of apples in the country. Rohru doesn’t have too many accommodation options, so you should either go camping or check into a hotel in Shimla, the nearest travel hub.
DALHOUSIE
Dalhousie has melted traveller’s hearts for hundreds of years – due to this, it is considered one of the best hill stations near Delhi. This is the place you need to be at to live in a Georgian-era resort rebuilt after the British left India. If you like trains, then you’re in luck – the train ride from Delhi to Dalhousie is absolutely delightful. It’s fondly called the ‘Mini Switzerland’ of India because of its natural splendour. Places to visit in Dalhousie include – Panch Pulla, Satdhara Falls, the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary and others.
NAHAN
Do you know of the Sirmur kingdom? It was an independent princely state of Himachal Pradesh around 300 years ago. The king of Sirmur built a fort in his capital, and he called it Nahan. Other legends involving Nahan include a battle between forest warriors, sages and kings. Stuff that legends are made off. Well, one thing is for sure – Nahan should not be missed if all you plan to do is relax by a lake. The Renuka lake in Nahan, one of the top tourist attractions in Himachal Pradesh, is surrounded by the Shivaliks, and the landscape is pure heaven. While in Nahan, don’t miss the Suketi Fossil Park, which has fossils dating back to prehistoric times. Then, trek up the Jaitak fort, peer over the walls, and you will realize that Nahan’s views make it one of the best hill stations near Delhi.
BHIMTAL
Bhimtal is a town in the Nainital district that has been in existence for thousands of years. While not as popular as its bigger cousin (Nainital), Bhimtal has one advantage – it’s less crowded. There’s a lake here, and it’s quite well-maintained, making for a great picnic spot. While here, visit the ancient Bhimeshwar temple, which can only be accessed via boat. There’s an aquarium here, too, in case you’re interested in wildlife. Overall, the pristine and isolated Garwal town of Bhimtal is one of the best hill stations near Delhi. It’s a 310 kilometre drive from Delhi and is surprisingly well-connected with India’s capital.
ALMORA
Almora is a 500-year old hill station in Uttarakhand. It’s at a distance of 364 km from Delhi and can also be approached via Dehradun if you plan to visit other places during your next trip. Almora is the starting point for many treks, especially to places like Mukteshwar and Ranikhet. At Almora, you should definitely check out the local market where you can the traditional Panchmarhi shawls, scented candles, and copperware. In fact, Almora was at one time well-known for its copper mines. Almora is like a tripod on which you can set your camera if you want the best Himalayan views on this side of the border. This makes it one of the best hill stations near Delhi.
CHAKRATA
Chakrata is 325 km away from Delhi, and if you’re up for it, it can actually be considered a great destination for a motorcycle trip from Delhi. It was built as a summer retreat for high-ranking officials of the East India Company. Today, it’s an Army garrison (so no rave parties here). The Tiger falls are the most famous attraction here, but why not escape the crowds and visit Chilmiri, a sunset point set atop a plateau, offering National Geographic-worthy views of the mountains surrounding Chakrata? Chakrata offers a full spread of places to see, making it one of the best hill stations near Delhi.
AULI
Riding the ski lift is a rare experience. It feels like you’re rising up in the mountains on a winged throne, with no end in sight but the summit. It’s not for the faint of heart though. At Auli, you’ll be welcome with snow-capped mountains, wintry forests and crystal-clear lakes that seem to be picked up straight out of a photographer’s portfolio. In Auli, one of the best hill stations near Delhi, you should visit the artificial lake, which freezes over in winter, making for a perfect spot for skiing and ice-skating. By road, you’ll need to drive through 370 km of picturesque Uttarakhand real-estate, and that alone makes the drive a memorable one.
