20 Offbeat Hill Stations Near Delhi To Escape The Crowd

   

During the peak seasons, most of the best-known tourist destinations near Delhi are swarming with tourists, so it’s always better to visit places that are less well-known. There is a slew of offbeat hill stations near Delhi that have escaped the commercialization of the city.

   

All of the locations listed below offer a one-of-a-kind experience. From nature lovers to culture vultures, Delhi is surrounded by some of the most heartwarming and fascinating places in the world, making a trip worthwhile. Here are a few unique places to visit that are often overlooked by tourists but are well worth the trip!

Offbeat Hill Stations Near Delhi Within 350 km

1. Pangot

Distance from Delhi: 310 kms
Where is it located?
In the state of Uttarakhand. Pangot is located at around 18-20 km from Nainital
Why Visit:
This laidback hamlet near Nainital is the perfect offbeat weekend getaway. It offers picture-perfect views of the surrounding hills and is in close proximity to the beautiful lakes of Naini Tal, Saat Tal, Naukuchia Tal, and Bheem Tal. Pangot is also known for being a bird-watching destination.

Image Credits: Soumendu Das (Flickr) 

2. Kanatal

Distance From Delhi:  320 km
Where is it located?
In the state of Uttarakhand. Kanatal is located at around 77  km from Dehradun, 49 km from Srinagar, and 80 km from Rishikesh

Why Visit:

Located between the towns of Mussoorie and Chamba, Kanatal has not been touched by the filthy hands of commercialism. This untainted town should be your next romantic weekend getaway. It has spellbinding forests which will transport you straight to mother nature’s laps. Kanatal is a town that has been overlooked and underrated as a holiday destination but let that not demotivate you from exploring this secluded hill station.

Image Credits: Ankur Biswas (Flickr)

3. Khirsu

Distance From Delhi:  321 km

Where is it located?
In the state of Uttarakhand. Khirsu is located at around 92 km from Lansdowne and 40 km from Srinagar (Not to be confused with the capital of Jammu).

Why Visit:

The hamlet is undiscovered and surrounded by lush forests and orchards, providing a serene setting. The picturesque hill station in the Pauri Garhwal district offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including the Panchachuli, Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot, and Trishul peaks. Khirsu, perched at 1,700 meters, is surrounded by dense pine and deodar forests, providing excellent opportunities for nature walks and hikes. The hamlet is surrounded by apple orchards and wildflowers of all kinds. The village is also an agricultural hub, with picturesque terrace farms surrounding it.

Image Source – Joe Athialy (Flickr)

4. Chakrata

Distance From Delhi:  321 km
Where is it located?
In the state of Uttarakhand. Chakrata is a beautiful hamlet with beautiful valleys, mountains and woods.

Why Visit:

Chakrata in Uttarakhand is known mainly for adventure sports and a laid-back atmosphere. This quaint town offers stunning views of the Himalayas and is home to Tiger Falls. It is best when explored in the spring when the hills are covered in greenery.

Image Credits: Jitendra Singh (Flickr) 

5. Nahan

Distance from Delhi: 255 km

Where is it located?

Nahan is the headquarters of the Sirmaur District in Himachal Pradesh, India. It was the capital of the former Sirmur princely state.

Why Visit:

Nahan is a perfect romantic getaway because it is away from the city’s bustling crowds. This small hill station, nestled among the lofty Shivalik range and overlooking lush green fields, dirt-free roads, and clean streets, is an ideal holiday destination. Nahan’s history is steeped in myths and legends. This town, which was founded as a capital by Raja Karan Prakash in 1621, is thought to be named after a sage named Nahar who lived on the same site where this town now stands.

Source: Writers Hill (Flickr)

6. Shoghi 

Distance from Delhi: 342 km

Where is it located?

Shoghi is a small suburban town in Himachal Pradesh’s Solan district. This picturesque hill station, at an elevation of about 1790 metres above sea level, is an ideal destination for those seeking solitude and nature.

Why Visit:

While Shimla is flooded with tourists every year, a serene, calm, and epitome of beauty await discovery nearby. Shoghi, a small hill station 13 kilometers from Shimla, is rich in natural scenic beauty as well as a diverse range of flora and fauna. This small town has a lot to offer, from beautiful old temples to adrenaline-pumping activities and its well-known fruit products. Amazing weather all year, ideal lodging facilities in the area, and just the right environment to refresh your mind all contribute to making your vacation to this stunning location a dream come true.

 

Source: India Untravelled (Flickr)

7. Jeolikot

Distance from Delhi: 318 km

Where is it located?

Jeolikot is a hill station in Uttarakhand, India, located in the Nainital district. Jeolikote is located at 1,219 meters above sea level.

Why Visit:

Jeolikot, also known as the “Gateway to Nainital,” is a charming hill station with mesmerizing and panoramic views of the Himalayas. This small town’s tranquil setting and picturesque natural beauty make it ideal for a relaxing vacation away from the crowds. The British loved Jeolikot, with its orchards and flowering gardens, and colonial cottages from that era (mostly turned into hotels today) harken back to those days. The bungalow of Warwick Sahib, a retired British army official, is one of the most popular. A beekeeping center is also located in Jeolikot. When you go for walks through the nearby villages and forests, keep an eye out for a variety of birds. The peace and tranquility of Jeolikot drew philosophers such as Swami Vivekananda and Sri Aurobindo, who are said to have spent time meditating here.

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Offbeat Hill Stations Near Delhi Between 350 – 500 km

8. Kasar Devi

Distance from Delhi: 373 km

Where is it located?

In the stunningly silent hills of Kumaon, Uttarakhand, just 8 kilometers from Almora.

Why Visit:

Uttarakhand is known for its many hidden gems, with breathtaking views around every corner. Kasar Devi is no exception to this rule. The village takes its name from the Kasar Devi temple, which is dedicated to the village’s namesake local deity. In the Almora area, a Devi temple dedicated to her is a popular pilgrimage destination. The imposing panoramic view of the valleys, rivers, and hamlets that surround Kasar Devi eclipses the tranquility of the village. For nature and history buffs, this is a must-see.

 

Source: Christian Lanciai (flickr)

9. Fagu

Distance from Delhi: 364 km
Where is it located?
In the state of Uttarakhand. Pangot is located around 18-20 km from Nainital.
Why Visit:

Fagu is a tranquil snow-covered hamlet located at an elevation of 2500 meters. Fagu is a perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, nestled in the majestic Himalayan Range in the state of Himachal Pradesh. Because it is always engulfed in snow and fog, this place appears magical. The clouds are so close to the ground that it feels like you’re walking on clouds at times. This serene and tranquil location is rich in scenic beauty and offers breathtaking views of nature. Fagu is a must-see destination for relaxation and unwinding, thanks to its lush green fields, verdant trees, and snow-capped mountains.

Image Credits: Urmimala Singh (Flickr) 

10. Tirthan Valley

Distance from Delhi: 319 km

Where is it located?

In the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh.

Why Visit:

Have you visited Tirthan Valley before? If that’s not the case, what have you been up to? In Himachal Pradesh, the Tirthan Valley is nothing short of a paradise. Tirthan Valley, a gateway to the Great Himalayan National Park, is your gateway to the wild. Spend some time in the great outdoors, breathing in the fresh mountain air. In Delhi, you won’t miss the monotony of city life or the pollution. It is one of Himachal’s most beautiful hill stations.

Image Source: BohemianJoy (Flickr) 

11. Chopta

Distance from Delhi: 424.5 km

Where is it located?

On the Ukhimath-Gopeshwar state highway, Chopta is located in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayad District.

Why Visit:

Chopta, also known as Uttarakhand’s “mini Switzerland,” is a slice of paradise nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas. Chopta, surrounded by bugyals or velvety meadows and pristine snow-capped peaks, is a year-round vacation spot: pleasant in the summer, rain-fresh in the monsoon, and a snow-covered fairyland in the winter. The Panch Kedar – the state’s five most sacred Shiva temples – is centered in Chopta. The shrines of Kedarnath and Madmaheshwar are on the left, Rudranath and Kalpeshwar are on the right, and the Tungnath temple is just above it. Over 240 species of birds, including native and migratory species such as Himalayan monal, Himalayan swiftlet, Himalayan griffon, scarlet finch, hill partridge, and others, can be found in Chopta.

Image Source: TheUnrulyTraveler.com

12. Rohru

Distance from Delhi: 453.3 km

   

Where is it located?

In the Himachal Pradesh state of India’s Shimla district. It is located on the banks of the Pabbar River, about 115 kilometers from Shimla.

Why Visit:

Known for trout fishing and mesmerizing apple orchards, Rohru is a small hill station near Shimla. It boasts a mushroom-shaped lake called Sauru Tal, which is surrounded by lush meadows. The temperature never rises beyond mildly warm even in the summers. This sunkissed hill station encapsulates the beauty of Himachal Pradesh giving you everything you look for in an offbeat getaway.

Image Credits: Satyender S Dhull (Flickr)

13. Karsog 

Distance from Delhi: 419 km

Where is it located? 

The Karsog Valley is located near Shimla’s Karsog village.

Why Visit:

The Karsog Valley is one of Shimla’s most popular valleys, surrounded by lush forests and massive mountains. While hauling around the valley, you will come across a variety of exciting natural vibes. Landscapes are great eye-delights, even if the high mountain ranges are enough to entice you. The valley’s beauty lies in its pristine nature, which has not been disturbed by rampant tourism. It is also peppered with temples that all trace their histories back to the Mahabharata.

Image Source – Travelling Slacker (Flickr) 

14. Chaukhori

Distance from Delhi: 490.4 km

Where is it located? 

It is located in the Pithogarh district of Uttarakhand.

Why Visit:

Chaukori is an idyllic tourist destination surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks and lush forests. Snow-capped mountains, lush valleys, deodar and rhododendron groves, and picturesque views as far as the eye can see abound. From this idyllic spot, you can see the stunning Panchachuli peaks. Chaukori, at an elevation of around 2,010 metres and about 173 kilometres from Nainital, is home to large stretches of emerald tea gardens that make for great nature walks. Don’t forget to visit the fruit orchards while you’re here. Don’t forget to take in the spectacular sunrises and sunsets that you will be treated to.

Image Source: siddhartha das (flickr)

15. Gwaldam

Distance from Delhi: 495.1 km

Where is it located? 

It is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand state.

Why Visit:

Gwaldam is a sleepy little town on the border of the Garhwal and Kumaon hills, nestled among green jungles and apple orchards, with a spectacular view of the Himalayan peaks Nanda Devi (7817 mt), Trishul (7120 mt), and Nanda Ghuti (7120 mt) (6309 mt). Gwaldam, nestled in the woods, is a little heaven with its pleasant weather and unspoiled serenity. The area up to Talwar is densely forested with some of the most beautiful orchids. Badhangarhi temple, perched on a narrow ridge, is reached after a 3 km trek through bewitchingly beautiful nature in the company of nameless flowers, endless springs, and countless birds. You can get a glimpse of the Himalayas’ never-before-seen wonders from here.

Image Source: manzoonathan (Flickr) 

16. Abbott Mount

Distance from Delhi: 441.0 km

Where is it located? 

Abbott Mount is a tiny hill station in Uttarakhand’s Champawat district, nestled in the Kali Kumaon region.

Why Visit:

Nestled on the eastern Kumaon hills, Abbott Mount is a peaceful and serene hamlet that offers extremely awe-inspiring views of the Gangotri and Dhaulagiri ranges. This place is best explored alone as you will lose yourself in natural beauty. These are only a fraction of the offbeat hill stations near Delhi that you can visit on your next long weekend. We hope you have already chosen some of the places from this list to visit next. Do let us know what you think about these offbeat hill stations.

Off-Beat Hill Stations Near Delhi 500-600 km

 

17. Parvati Valley: Kasol-Grahan – Kalga – Tosh

Distance from Delhi: 541.0 km

Where is it located? 

It lies in Himachal Pradesh, a state in northern India.

Why Visit:

During the winter months, you can admire snow-covered mountains and lush green hiking trails in Parvati Valley. The Parvati valley runs along its narrow valley from the meeting point of the Parvati and Beas rivers. There are hiking trails that lead to the villages on top of the hills, and there is a pine tree-lined trail that leads to the hot springs of spiritual Kheerganga beyond Rudranag Waterfall. Pulga’s Parvati Hydel Project towers over the village’s idyllic natural environment. Parvati Valley holds a lot of fame for a number of reasons. The Parvati Valley is not only famous for its spiritual significance and natural beauty, but also for its hippie trail and the small Israeli population near Kasol.

Image Source: Soumya Ganguly (Flickr) 

Image Source: Moodinho (Flickr) 

Image Source: Mukesh Kumar (Flickr) 

18. Harsil

Distance from Delhi: 501.9 km

Where is it located?

A Hindu pilgrimage site in Uttarkashi district of northern India, it is situated on the banks of the Bhagirathi River.

Why Visit:

In the lap of the Himalayas, Harsil is an unspoiled and hidden gem of Uttarakhand. At an elevation of 2620 meters above sea level, it is located on the banks of the Bhagirathi River. Travel enthusiasts and nature lovers have become increasingly attracted to this quaint hamlet in recent years. In the vicinity of Harsil, you can find several adventurous trekking routes. Harsil offers a relaxing experience where you can meditate and practice yoga.

Image credits: theunrulytraveler.com

19. Munsiyari

Distance from Delhi: 624.1 km

Where is it located?

Munsiyari is located at the entrance to the Johar valley, along the ancient trade route between Tibet and India.

Why Visit:

A quiet hamlet in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, Munsiyari offers breathtaking views of the mighty Himalayan peaks and serves as a base for many high-altitude treks. It has some of the most beautiful views of the Himalayas and the sunsets at Munsiyari should not be missed.

Image Credits:  Krisnendu Sar (Flickr)

20. Kinnaur: Sarahan-Kalpa- Chitkul 

Distance from Delhi: 601.9 km

Where is it located?

Kinnaur is situated in northeastern Himachal Pradesh on the border with Tibet, approximately 235 kilometers (146 miles) from Shimla, the state capital.

Why Visit:

The valley of Kinnaur in Himachal Pradesh features spectacular mountains, rolling terrain, meandering rivers, orchards, and vineyards. Due to its border with Tibet, the region is strongly influenced by Tibetan culture. The land of Kinnaur is known as the ‘Land of Fairytales.’ Like Spiti and Lahaul, it remains covered in snow for six months. Kinnaur consists of two main valleys – Sangla Valley and Hangrang Valley – and three administrative areas – Pooh, Kalpa, and Nichar.

Sarahan

Image Credits: Garry Summers (Flickr)

Kalpa

Image Source – Biswarup Sarkar (Flickr)

Image Source: Rahul Bera (Flickr) 

Hope you add these beautiful offbeat destinations near Delhi to your travel bucket list and explore them. Happy Wanderlusting!

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