With the advent of summers, the capital of India starts blazing in tremendous heat and everyone begins to look for long weekends to escape to cooler destinations. Fortunately, Delhi is conveniently placed in proximity to several hill stations. Though most of them are quite popular among vacationers and the crowd and bustle will follow you, some others are exotically beautiful and blissfully unexplored. We bring you a list of five such hidden paradises to escape from the sizzling summers and maddening crowd of the capital:
Chopta (Uttarakhand) – An unmapped hamlet, Chopta is nestled in the mountains of Himalayas and marks as the starting point of Tungnath Trek. Approximately 415 km from Delhi, Chopta features pleasant climate to indulge in trekking, nature walks or camping. While the pines, deodars and rhododendrons will give you a mystic impression, the mesmerizing views of Trishul, Nanda Devi and Chauhamba will stay in your memories till long. To reach Chopta you can avail trains till Rishikesh and complete the remaining distance by road. Check the train status and other details through NTES for a hassle-free journey.
Gairsain (Uttarakhand) – Around 450 km from Delhi in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand lies the quaint hill town of Gairsain. Expansive meadows, lush mountains, gurgling streams and charming terrace farms, Gairsain acts as an important town for both Kumaon and Garhwal region. The picturesque town is also the source of the Ramganga River and tourist attractions in proximity include AdiBadri, Nanda Devi National Park and Vasundhara Falls. Go for nature walks, treks and village tourism to make the most of your vacation. The nearest railway station is Kathgodam and there are several trains plying from Delhi in this route. Get live train running status at the National Train Enquiry System.
Chail (Himachal Pradesh)—A tranquil, fascinating, and off-beat hill station in Himachal Pradesh, Chail is home to some gorgeous peaks. A heaven for hikers and photographers, it is about an 8-hour drive from Delhi. Chail is dotted with thick pine forests and tall deodars, and the best way to explore the sleepy hill town is through camping, trekking, and nature walks.
Tabo (Himachal Pradesh) – Nestled in the Lahaul-Spiti district of Himachal, Tabo is an unblemished and hidden secret of the Himalayan regions. A Holy Grail for adventure seekers, Tabo would also be a blissful feeling if you are a nature lover and solitary explorer. The vibrant monasteries of the place offer ultimate spiritual serenity and add to the charm of Tabo. The best way to reach Tabo is by taking a train to Kalka and covering the remaining 450 km by road. Get all information related to the running status of your train from NTES live station updates.
Lansdowne (Uttarakhand) – A 6 hours’ drive from Delhi will take you to the idyllic hill station of Lansdowne in Uttarakhand. Verdant slopes, salubrious climate and inherent beauty of Lansdowne make camping and nature walks an enthralling experience for travellers. The cantonment town can also be reached by train from Delhi to Kotdwar railway station.
If you are already excited about travelling to an exotic hill station near Delhi for your next long weekend, consider checking out the aforementioned destinations for a tranquil experience. Listen to the call of the mountains and set off on an adventure of a lifetime!
