From Mussoorie To Manali: Discover These 10 Amazing Hill Stations Near Delhi To Escape The Summer Heat
photoDetails english 2923383 https://zeenews.india.com/photos/lifestyle/from-mussoorie-to-manali-discover-these-10-amazing-hill-stations-near-delhi-to-escape-the-summer-heat-2923397 Updated:Jun 28, 2025, 09:05 AM IST
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As the scorching heat of Delhi summer rolls in, there's no better time to escape to the serene hills. From the charming lanes of Mussoorie to the breathtaking valleys of Manali, North India is dotted with refreshing hill stations that promise cool weather, scenic views, and a break from the chaos of city life. Whether you're planning a family vacation, a romantic retreat, or a solo adventure, these top 10 hill stations near Delhi are perfect for a rejuvenating summer 2025 getaway. Pack your bags, breathe in the mountain air, and let these stunning destinations redefine your summer travel goals. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
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The Queen of Hills and the Perfect Summer Retreat
Just about 340 km from Delhi, Shimla is a timeless favourite among Delhiites. With its colonial architecture, mall road charm, and pleasant weather, it offers the ideal respite from the summer blaze. Whether you love shopping, sightseeing, or simply enjoying a peaceful walk amidst pine forests, Shimla never disappoints. Manali, Himachal Pradesh
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Snow-Capped Peaks, River Adventures and Summer Bliss
Located approximately 530 km from Delhi, Manali is perfect for those looking for both relaxation and adventure. With the Beas River flowing through it, lush valleys, and activities like paragliding and rafting, this hill station provides a refreshing break from city life. Mussoorie, Uttarakhand
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Charming Colonial Town with Stunning Valley Views
Just 280 km away from Delhi, Mussoorie is often called the "Gateway to Yamunotri and Gangotri." Its cool climate, British-era architecture, cable cars, and scenic spots like Kempty Falls make it a top choice for a weekend getaway. Nainital, Uttarakhand
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Lakes, Mountains, and a Perfect Peaceful Escape
About 300 km from Delhi, Nainital is nestled around the beautiful Naini Lake. Boating, ropeway rides, and shopping at Tibetan markets make it a delightful family-friendly destination. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
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Serene Spiritual Vibes and River-Side Cool
Though not a typical hill station, Rishikesh (240 km from Delhi) offers cool weather, yoga retreats, and river rafting on the Ganges. It's a perfect blend of spirituality and adventure, making it an ideal place to unwind in summer. Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh
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Mini Switzerland of India with Pine-Clad Valleys
Situated around 560 km from Delhi, Dalhousie boasts old-world charm, colonial structures, and lush green landscapes. Its slow pace and cooler temperature make it a great destination for summer relaxation. Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh
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A Quiet Colonial Hamlet with Fresh Mountain Air
At just about 290 km from Delhi, Kasauli is a quiet hill station ideal for those seeking peace. With scenic walking trails, heritage churches, and charming cafés, it's perfect for a slow-paced, cool escape. Lansdowne, Uttarakhand
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Hidden Gem Surrounded by Oak and Pine Forests
Located 250 km from Delhi, Lansdowne is an offbeat destination untouched by heavy tourism. Its serene environment, British-era buildings, and birdwatching spots make it a tranquil retreat from the heat. McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh
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A Spiritual and Cultural Retreat Amidst the Hills
About 480 km from Delhi, McLeod Ganj is the home of the Dalai Lama and offers a peaceful escape with Tibetan culture, monasteries, trekking routes, and stunning views of the Dhauladhar range. Auli, Uttarakhand
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Snowy Slopes and Himalayan Views Even in Summer
Though popular as a winter skiing spot, Auli (500 km from Delhi) remains cool and picturesque in summer. Surrounded by apple orchards and oak forests, it's ideal for nature lovers and those looking for an unconventional summer trip.
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Whether you want an action-packed adventure or a quiet scenic stay, these top 10 hill stations near Delhi offer the perfect escape from the city's sweltering heat. From bustling tourist spots to lesser-known gems, each destination promises cool breezes, breathtaking views, and memorable moments.
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The Hindu
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The surroundings were clean and undisturbed, with low hills gently enclosing the valley, as if sheltering it from the rest of the world. A place utterly still, yet brimming with quiet life. Literature, after all, has long borne witness to rivers not just as locations but as moral and symbolic thresholds, from the meditative solitude of Izaak Walton's The Complete Angler to the spiritual journeys across the Ganga in Indian mythology. Rivers are indeed not merely backdrops but undying protagonists. Modest in form, the Giri carries the soul of a river, ancient and awake. It flows down through Himachal's foothills, like a whispered hymn, to join the Yamuna at Ponta Sahib, that old, sacred town of pilgrimage and memory, a site where literature, history, and faith intertwine. And from there, its waters merge with the great Yamuna, which eventually pours into the Ganga, India's most timeless river steeped in reverence and legends. To sit beside the Giri, then, was to be part of that immense journey, a thin stream flowing into the heart of the subcontinent. Blissful days We spent three blissful days upriver from that sacred site, a fleeting spell of unbroken serenity full of sunlight and quiet rapture. We basked by the water, swam in its cold blueish-green clarity, cast our lines for the elusive Mahaseer, and relished long, simple meals under the sky. Every afternoon and evening featured fish, either those we had (miraculously) managed to catch, or, more often, the result of a more pragmatic solution. One morning, as we descended from the guest house to the water's edge, we came upon a local fisherman who had already laid claim to the day's abundance. While we enacted our slow-motion drama of enlightened angling, he skipped straight to success without props or pretence. 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