“Weekend Wonderlands: Top 5 Hill Stations Near Delhi less crowded. Enjoy your Weekend vacation and do some adventure in nature “

Hill Station Near Delhi

Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

Rishikesh is a city situated in Uttarakhand, best known for “Yoga Capital of the World” and a major Hindu pilgrimage center. Attracting those seeking inner peace through yoga and meditation, as well as those drawn to adventure activities like white-water rafting. The Beatles’ 1968 visit, and ashrams offering yoga, Ayurveda, and meditation programs.

Best Time to Visit – Rishikesh

• March to May and September to November: Ideal for rafting, trekking, and outdoor activities, with pleasant weather (15–35 °C)
• October to February: Best for spiritual retreats, yoga, and sightseeing under cool, clear skies (10–30 °C)
• July to August (monsoon): Lush and tranquil with fewer crowds—but rafting is often suspended and landslides can occur

Early March is also special for the International Yoga Festival, a highlight for seekers and practitioners from around the globe.

Top Attractions & Experiences

Iconic Bridges

• Laxman Jhula: Historic suspension bridge built in 1939, lined with temples and shops (~5 km from town)
• Ram Jhula: Larger bridge built in 1986, connecting Swargashram and Muni Ki Reti and hosting several prominent ashrams, including Parmarth Niketan

 Sacred Ghats & Temples

• Triveni Ghat: Largest ghat for ritual bathing and the evening Ganga Aarti under Vedic chants—a must-see spiritual experience
• Neelkanth Mahadev Temple: ~32 km from Rishikesh, set amidst forests; known for its lore surrounding Shiva consuming poison during Samudra Manthan

Ashrams & Spiritual Centers

• Parmarth Niketan: The largest ashram along the Ganges, with daily yoga, meditation, satsangs, and the Ganga Aarti, as well as Ayurveda and holistic programs
• Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia): Abandoned but restored as a public art and meditation site where the Beatles studied Transcendental Meditation in 1968
• Adventure & Wildlife

• Thrilling adventure activities like white-water rafting, bungee jumping, giant swings, kayaking, and camping—primarily active during summer and post-monsoon seasons
• Rajaji National Park, a rich wildlife reserve nearby, home to elephants, tigers, and over 300 bird species

 

Lansdowne, Uttarakhand

A serene hill station with colonial charm and panoramic Himalayan views. And a great destination for finding some peace of mind. Blessed with remarkable natural beauty and home to a colorful and vibrant flora and fauna this place looks like it is straight out of a fairy tale book.

Best Time to Visit – Lansdowne 

April to June: Peak season — sunny days, temperatures between ~21–32 °C. Ideal for trekking, boating, and sightseeing, although accommodation rates are higher September to November: Post-monsoon period with crisp air, clear skies, stunning autumn foliage, and pleasant temps (~3–16 °C) — great for photographers and birdwatchers Monsoon (July–September): Lush, misty landscapes and fewer crowds—but travel disruptions and landslides are a real risk due to heavy rainfall Winter (December–February): Cold weather with occasional snowfall. Temperatures may drop from 0 °C to 15 °C. Charming if you enjoy wintery scenes and quieter streets

Top Attractions

1. Tip‑in‑Top Viewpoint

• The highest vantage point near St. Mary’s Church offering panoramic eastern and western views at sunrise and sunset. Trekking to this ridge is a popular activity 2. Bhulla Tal (Bhullatal Lake)

• A man‑made lake created by the Garhwal Rifles in tribute to their youth. Located ~1 km from the town, it features a park, boating, and sometimes ducks and a mini-zoo

3. Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple

• About 35 km from the town centre, this Shiva temple is set within deodar and pine forests at ~1,800 m elevation. Surrounded by nature, it’s a peaceful spiritual retreat with hillside views and a related Shiva-Parvati legend

4. Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple

• Believed to be over 500 years old, this historic shrine dedicated to Shiva draws devotees, particularly during Shivratri

5. Garhwal Rifles War Memorial & Darwan Singh Museum

• Located at the cantonment ground, the memorial and museum honour the history of the Garhwal Rifles, including Victoria Cross winner Darwan Singh Negi, and display regimental memorabilia.

 

Dehradun, Uttarakhand

Dehradun is capital city of the state Uttarakhand. The city is a renowned education and research hub, home to institutions like the Indian Military Academy, Forest Research Institute, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, The Doon School, Welham Schools, and more. Dehradun sits in the scenic Doon Valley at about 640 m (2,100 ft) above sea level, flanked by the Ganges tributary (Song River) on one side and the Asan/Yamuna tributary on the other Founded in 1699 by Guru Ram Rai and later brought under British control, it became the capital of Uttarakhand in 2000.

Best Time to Visit – Dehradun

Dehradun, nestled in the Doon Valley at the foothills of the Himalayas, offers a pleasant climate most of the year, making it a versatile travel destination. Here’s a seasonal breakdown.

Top Attractions & Experiences

• Robber’s Cave (Guchhupani)

A natural limestone cave with a river flowing inside—it disappears underground and reappears a few meters downstream. Ideal for picnics and wading through the cooling waters about 8 km from the city center

• Sahastradhara (Thousand-Fold Spring)

Famous for its sulphuric water springs, cave structures, and scenic waterfalls. Known for its purported medicinal properties and tranquil nature ~14 km from town

• Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple

An ancient Shiva temple set in a natural cave above the Tons River, with a naturally dripping shivalinga. Believed to be 6,000 years old and connected to the Mahabharata saga of Dronacharya and Ashwatthama

• Forest Research Institute (FRI)

A stunning colonial-era campus with a forestry museum, expansive grounds, and impressive architecture. Great for learning and leisurely walks

• Mindrolling Monastery

One of Asia’s largest Buddhist centers with a 130‑ft stupa and colorful murals. A place for meditation, reflection and photography insights

• Malsi Deer Park

A mini wildlife sanctuary just off the Dehradun-Mussoorie road. Enjoy deer, peacocks, small animals, and bird-watching trails—perfect for families and nature lovers ~10 km away

• Khalanga War Memorial & Rajaji NP

Visit the first war memorial in Dehradun honoring the Gurkhas, and venture into nearby Rajaji National Park (~820 km²) for safaris and wildlife spotting, including elephants and tigers

 Nearby Outdoor & Hiking Access

Dehradun is a launchpad to Himalayan treks and spiritual destinations, including Valley of Flowers, Har Ki Dun, Nag Tibba, Kedarkantha and more—often accessed via Dehradun.

 

Mussoorie, Uttarakhand

Mussoorie is known as the Queen of Hills for its stunning natural landscapes, cool climate, and timeless colonial charm. The excellent climate makes it an attractive holiday.

Best Time to Visit – Mussoorie

March to June is best time to visit

• Temperature: 10 °C to 30 °C

• Weather: Pleasant days, cool evenings

• Ideal For: Sightseeing, cable car rides, waterfalls, shopping at Mall Road, treks to Lal Tibba and Gun Hill

• Why Go: This is peak tourist season with vibrant greenery and clear mountain views. Perfect for family vacations and honeymoons.

Top Attractions

Mall Road & Library Bazaar

This pedestrian-only central stretch is the town’s hub, lined with colonial architecture, cafés, bakeries like Cambridge Bookstore, and local bazaars filled with woollens, souvenirs, and live music

Lal Tibba

At 2,275 m, the highest point in Mussoorie offers stunning sunrise or sunset views of the snow-capped Himalayas

Gun Hill & Ropeway

Reach Gun Hill, Mussoorie’s second-highest point, via a scenic ropeway for panoramic views and photo ops

Waterfalls

• Kempty Falls (~15 km) cascades from ~4,500 ft and is popular for swimming and picnics
• Jharipani Falls (~9 km) and Mossy Falls (~7 km) are quieter, serene spots amid forested trekking routes

Nature Trails & Sanctuaries

• Camel’s Back Road: A peaceful ~3 km walk with uniquely shaped rocks and valley views
• Benog Wildlife Sanctuary: About 11 km out, ideal for birdwatching and spotting mountain quails or deer in pine forests.

Cultural & Heritage Spots

• Christ Church: Erected in 1836 and the oldest church in the Himalayan region, built in Gothic revival style
• Kasmanda Palace: A stunning Anglo‑French colonial mansion now turned heritage hotel, originally built in 1836
• Sir George Everest’s House: The historic observation point and former home of Sir George Everest, with sweeping views of surrounding hills

Unique Shows

• Winterline: A rare optical phenomenon visible between October and February, offering a stunning false horizon at sunset—celebrated with the local Winterline Carnival

 Adventure Options

• Mussoorie Adventure Park / Snow Adventure Zone: Offers ziplining, rope walks, rock climbing, ATV rides, sky swings, and more—an adrenaline-packed experience for all ages
• Kipling Trail: Walk the 9 km historical route between Dehradun and Mussoorie (3:00–4:00 hrs), passing oak forests, colonial remnants, and Jharipani.

 

Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh

Kasauli is a town, located in Solan district in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Kasauli is a peaceful, low-key retreat that blends colonial heritage, nature trails, and Himalayan panoramas. Ideal for couples, solo travelers, or families seeking respite from city life, its year-round charm lets you choose your vibe—rainy-romantic, snowy-fairytale, or colorful-springtime.

Best Time to Visit

• April to June: Pleasant climate (~14–30 °C), ideal for hiking, sightseeing, and escape from plains heat
• September to November: Crisp autumn air, clear skies, fewer tourists, and beautiful foliage (~10–25 °C)
• Winter (Dec–Feb): Cold nights and possible light snowfall (0–5 °C), especially rewarding at Monkey Point and Sunset Point Monsoon (July–Aug): Lush and romantic but potentially slippery with occasional roadblocks; suitable for those who enjoy rain-soaked tranquility

Things to Do & Must-See Places

• Monkey Point (Manki Point)

The highest vantage in town offering breathtaking views of Chandigarh, the Sutlej River, and Himalayan ranges. Also home to a small Hanuman temple. Access via ~4 km uphill walk from the Mall Road area

• Gilbert Trail

A scenic woodlands walking path approximately 1.5 km long, ideal for nature lovers and birdwatchers. Spot species like flycatchers, owlets and enjoy panoramic valley views

• Sunset Point & Lover’s Lane

Upper Mall Road leads to Sunset Point—a peaceful spot perfect for late afternoon strolls or watching the sun dissolve into the hills. Nearby Lover’s Lane is ideal for romantic walks or solo reflection

• Christ Church

Built in 1853, this historic Anglican church surrounded by deodars and pine offers a glimpse into Kasauli’s colonial past

• Kasauli Brewery & Distillery

One of Asia’s oldest distilleries, it started production in the late 1820s with “Lion Beer” and India’s first single-malt whisky “Solan No. 1.” The distillery uses original copper pot stills from that era and remains functional today

• Shri Baba Balak Nath Temple

Perched atop Graner Hill, this spiritual shrine sits in a cave-like setting and offers scenic views. It’s easily reachable by short local transport or hike

 Mall Road & Local Culture

The vibrant Mall Road is filled with shops, cafés, small bookstores, and local eateries. Great for picking up woollens, jams, handicrafts, and tasting local street food such as samosas and apple barfi. Stroll along cobble-stoned lanes for a relaxing afternoon.