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Hill Stations near Rishikesh

Among the most popular hill stations in India, Shimla holds a distinct place owing to its unique charm. Located at a distance of 342 km from the national capital, Delhi, Shimla is a great choice for a weekend getaway from Delhi and Chandigarh since there are so many places to visit in Shimla. Shimla is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, and all it possesses and all it offers helps it easily justify its reputation and position as the capital city of a beautiful state, widely known for adventure activities and natural wonders. Laden with beautiful, dense forests of Pine, Oak, and Deodar, Shimla is refreshing in its very existence. 

The picturesqueness of this beautiful hill station makes it an apt destination for photographers looking for perfect frames and nature enthusiasts who want explore the nature in its pristine form. It is quite interesting that despite being home to a large population, the biosphere of Shimla is still in an excellent form. Shimla exhibits a very relaxing mood to those who visit it in search of tranquility.

Due to the plenty of activity options available here, Shimla is emerging as a popular destination for offbeat travel as well. People from all over India and beyond visit Shimla to experience an adventure which makes it a major hotspot for adventure activities in northern India. It is also home to some beautiful places with spectacular views, and some truly magnificent specimens of architecture can be found in Shimla.

Shimla houses some beautiful Hindu temples, located at apt locations, offering spectacular views of the beautiful hill station and the nearby hills with a thick covering of green forests. Some of the most revered temples in Shimla are Jakhoo Temple, Tara Devi Temple, Mansa Devi Temple, etc. These temples are located at short distances from the city center, so if you prefer, you can trek up to these temples through the woods. Shimla has a plethora of interesting places to visit and explore. As Shimla once served as the Summer Capital of British India, some captivating buildings with brilliant neo-Gothic architecture exist here.

Some of the most remarkable ones among those are the Institute of Advance Learning, Gorton Castle, Bantony Castle, and Christ Church. You can spend an evening shopping from the Mall Road and enjoying some interesting cultural activities on the Ridge. Splendid views of the city can be enjoyed and captured in your camera from the Ridge after sunset. Shimla also has also some interesting places in store for wildlife lovers. Himalayan Bird Park is a delight for wildlife lovers, exhibiting some exotic and native unique bird species. Another great option for nature lovers and photographers in Shimla is Shimla Reserve Forest Sanctuary.

Shimla is not the kind of place that would ever let you feel bored while you are there since there are many interesting things to do in Shimla. Small things feel extraordinary in its beautiful setting. Be it a lazy walk on the Mall Road or shopping low-cost wooden articles and woolen clothes from Lakkar Bazar; be it picking one of the many restaurants serving toothsome food or trying pastries at bakery shops on the Mall Road, everything has a ‘feel good’ factor about it here. Moreover, the popularity of Shimla as a travel destination for an offbeat experience is on the rise. Earlier, Shimla was more popular among people travelling with families as a summer getaway, but with the popularisation of adventure activities, it is earning a reputation among adventure lovers.

Due to its proximity from major cities like Delhi and Chandigarh, people from these cities prefer to travel to Shimla to indulge into adventure activities over travelling to destinations farther than it. Among the most popular activities in Shimla are camping, trekking, ice skating, paragliding, river rafting and heli skiing. If you want to experience light and easy activities in Shimla, there are some nice easy trek options here that take you to amazing spots through lush green Pine and Oak forests. And, if you crave thrill, Shimla is surrounded by some prominent Himalayan mountain ranges which is the reason why there are some breathtaking trails for trekking in and around Shimla. You can also experience the unique fun of ice skating here. Mountain biking can also be enjoyed in Shimla if you are up for something different.

Being the capital city of Himachal, there are abundant stay options in Shimla. You can find a good accommodation at a ridiculously low price and you can also find luxury hotels and resorts at scenic locations. Furthermore, there are some excellent campsites in Shimla where you can enjoy camping in the woods under a beautiful starlit sky. So, it does not matter whether you are a budget traveller or you prefer extravaganza; if you want to just relax in a comfortable accommodation laced with all modern amenities or you want an outdoor camping experience, Shimla has the most appropriate options to offer.

Shimla looks beautiful during all the seasons and can be visited during any time of the year. However, if you are interested in indulging in activities like camping, trekking and rafting in Shimla, the best time to visit is between March to June when the climate is pleasant. Most tourists visit Shimla during summer to find refuge in the cold hills of Shimla. But, visiting Shimla during winters is altogether a different experience. It is an ideal destination to spend a cold, lazy vacation at. If you get lucky, you may get to witness snowfall here between December to February, which is an experience, the memories of which you will always want to keep intact.

Auli is a hill station located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand state in India. It has rightly derived its name Auli - meaning meadows, from the characteristics of its topography. The hill station is located on slopes and has far stretching meadows that look stunning to the eyes. Auli is fondly referred to as a place where nature comes alive in all its glory and splendour. It is rich in natural resources and offers a stunning landscape of the surrounding hills.

The hill station has a plethora of wildflowers and trees like deodars, oaks, coniferous and pine forests. The slopes here that are as high as 9000 feet above sea level offer stunning views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks; like that of Nanda Devi, Kamet, Dunagiri and Mana Parvat. There are a number of attractions here at the hill station. The most famous one amongst tourists is the ropeway.

It is the highest and the longest one not just in India but the whole of Asia and it offers magnificent views of the Himalayan peaks. Auli’s artificial lake is another attraction which is one of the world’s highest man-made lakes. Similarly, Chattrakund and Chenab lake are also two other lakes worth visiting in Auli. Auli is also known as the skiing capital of India which explains how well the activity can truly be enjoyed here.

The winter months offer this thrilling experience and invite enthusiasts from across the globe. Other activities in Auli include trekking to nearby hills like Guarso and Kwani Bugyal. There is also a great scope for camping in and around Auli.  The cherry on top is the weather in Auli. The hill station being located on a slope is high in altitude but is also surrounded by dense vegetation of deodars and oaks. This controls the pace of the wind blowing here and thus, giving Auli a pleasant environment.

We do not need to describe Mussoorie because great author Ruskin Bond has already done that in his immortal novels and short stories. He used this amazing town and the tourist places in Mussorie as the backdrop of his stories and the natural beauty of this town has created many landmarks in the field of “nature’s romanticism.”
If you are in love with nature’s romanticism and follow literature for that then the enchanting beauty of Mussoorie is your wonderland waiting for you. Sir Sachin Tendulkar, the demigod of the cricketing world loves this place as his regular hideout in a great climate and pleasant city.

Located at the height of almost 1900 meters from the sea levels this landscape of nature has become a paradise for the tourists with a passage of time. This advantage point of nature has a history dating back to19th century when the officers of ruling East India Company developed it as a holiday paradise in the hills. Located at the distance of 40 Kilometers from the state capital of Indian state of Uttranchal, Dehradun, Mussoorie also won this moniker of being the “queen of the hill stations.” More than 15 attractions full of nature, religion and culture are at your disposal when you are planning a stay in Mussoorie Resorts. This hill station also serves as a gateway to the glaciers of Yamunotri and Gangotri and we can consider it as an ideal place to spend summer vacations.

The year of 1991 brought this town into the spotlight because of certain cultural events and movements of political celebrities. We can term this phase as the beginning of the modern history of "Mussoorie the tourism Destination." Now this hill station has become a modern town where nature and modern day amenities are developing a new eco-system of fun, frolic, and entertainment for all age groups and honeymoon couples in particular. Withpassage of time, Mussoorie has also become an educational hub because of the presence of some premium educational institutes and convent schools. The presence of these tourist places in Mussoorie also added a youthful spirit in the ambiance of this hill station.

When one speaks about a family vacation, the first few things that strike one’s mind are green trees, blue skies, chilly weather, great food and a place where you can forget all your woes and calm down. This holiday destination is among those that fall under the category of delivering this experience to its visitors.

Lying at the foothills of the Himalayas, Dehradun which is the capital of Uttarakhand is known for its beautiful climate and the lovely landscapes it encompasses. One of the most astonishing facts about this place however, is that it is also one of the most important education hubs in the whole of India. How a place so small and petite be able to give a tough competition to other financial sectors of India is truly unimaginable.

Dehradun lies in Doon Valley which is located on a varying height of approximately 410m. The region is especially known for its climate. While one will experience a pleasant cool weather in Dehradun, the city is often times referred to as the ‘Rainy city of India’ due to the continuous rainfalls especially during monsoons.

Dehradun is the capital of Uttarakhand. In the recent years – there was a sense of construction boom that took place wherein endless residential property emerged in the city. Modern buildings have gradually been constructed making up for the good portions of Dehradun.

Nainital, the hill resort town in the district of the same name, derives its name from the emerald, glassy, eye-shaped lake (tal) which the town is built around. The British Sugar trader, P. Baron, founded the town in the year 1841 and thank God that he did! There could not be a better getaway spot from the hustle and bustle of the cities. The moment you enter Nainital district, you step into a new, parallel world. With the best tourist places to visit in Nainital, the transition to scenic splendour of the likes of the place is a treat to the senses, a characteristic balming bliss of an experience that one can only understand through live experience.

No wonder then that the Kumaon Himalayas are regarded as “devbhoomi” ( land of the Gods), a divine manifestation of the most intricate natural laws, working for millennia, to carve out the perfect cradle in the arms of the lofty peaks, who remain standing as sentinels, offering solace and inspiring awe in humanity. Nainital’s appeal comes across as no less than a dreamscape. The British elites had used the location as a retreat during the harsh summers of the Indian mainland once upon a time, and the tradition remains alive for native Indians, as well as our foreign guests to this day.

With the changing climatic patterns ushering in harsher summers, Nainital as an easily accessible and highly affordable getaway vacation spot appears as no less than a prayer answered. With the best tourist places to visit in Nainital, the Naina Devi temple, St John in Wilderness, Hanuman Garhi for the pious ones, Mall road market,Tibetan market for the spendthrift ones, Naini Lake, Nainital Zoo, Jim Corbett National Park, Snow Viewpoint for the nature and adventure lovers, Nainital has a very inclusive agenda in terms of provisions - there is something for everyone.

If you wish to escape the digital jungle, then Bhimtal should be your topmost choice. Bhimtal is an offbeat replica of Nainital and is an idyllic destination to have a peaceful vacation. It is located at a distance of around 23 kilometres from Nainital, and the tranquil aura of this place makes it the most sought after destination in India. The Himalayan ranges border the northernmost area of this town, and Almora and Pauri Garhwal neighbour it.

Bhimtal is one of  the most popular attractions in Uttrakhand that has gained immense popularity among nature lovers as well as the tourists alike. Dense forests of pine, oaks, and shrubs bound this scenic hill station and make it look like a Gateway of heaven on Earth. From picturesque dams to expansive water bodies and eco-friendly conservatories, it is dotted with the alluring vistas of nature.

There are many popular tourist attractions in Bhimtal that make it a must-visit destination for every tourist. Bhimeshwar Temple is revered for being one of the holiest sites over here that offers homage to Lord Bhima. Bhimtal lake is another popular destination over here that enthrals the visitors with its picturesque beauty and offers memorable rides.

Bhimtal offers tons of enthralling activities to visitors for a fun-filled vacation. From paddle boating to scenic walk and bird watching, you can enjoy some of the most mind-blowing activities over here. You can also try trekking and camping over here for an adrenaline-pumping experience. You can also have a glimpse of the tales of the bygone era by visiting Lok Sanskriti Sangrahalaya over here that is a repository of rare wooden antiques.

Bhimtal experiences temperate and warm climate all year round, and it experiences an average annual temperature of around 15.7 degrees Celsius. During summer, it undergoes a mixture of cold and warm breezes, and during winters, the weather becomes relatively more freezing but not frigid. Monsoon(July-August) makes the entire area covered in lush greenery with constant showers.

Kasauli is a beautiful, picturesque town and cantonment, situated in the district of Solan, in the state of Himachal Pradesh. Even though there are a lot of unique attractions in Kasauli, it is primarily known for its scenic beauty and serenity. This town is accessible both from Chandigarh, which is 65km away and Shimla, which is 77km away from Kasauli.

The most convenient way to travel to Kasauli is by train since it is a railway junction itself. The Kalka Mail, which is one of the most important trains in the country connecting cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Amritsar, is a great way to reach Kasauli, as the town is a mere 40 km away from the town of Kalka in Haryana. If one wants to reach by air, then Chandigarh Airport is the nearest airport from where you can easily hire cars or avail buses to take you to Kasauli. Buses are also frequently available from Delhi and Chandigarh, making trips to Kasauli easy and convenient.

Despite Kasauli being a small town, it has many spectacular places to visit, which has made it a popular tourist destination. The main attractions of Kasauli are Manki Point (a Hanuman Temple), the Gilbert Trail on Kachcha Road, Sunset Point, the Gurkha Fort, Baba Balak Nath Temple Christ’s Church, Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, and the Central Research Library which is famous for its virological research and studies in the fields of immunology.

Since the town is located in the foothills of the Himalayas, it experiences moderately cool to humid climate throughout the year. Therefore, the best time to visit this beautiful town is from March to June, and again during September, October and November. The town has several comfortable hotels and lodges that range from moderately priced to luxury accommodations, depending on the budget and requirement of the visitors.

If you want a perfect refuge from your hectic busy life, head towards Almora. A picturesque hill station in the lap of nature with lush greenery in the divinely beautiful state of Uttarakhand, yes, it is Almora. Situated in the Kumaon region of the Himalayas, Almora takes pride in its natural beauty. Also known as the Town of Temples, a famous Hindu Temple is situated in the heart of the town, called Nanda Devi.

The beautiful places that you should pay a visit in Almora are temples like Nanda Devi temple, Patal Devi temple, Maa Dunaguri temple, etc., and few other astounding sites. You can hire a taxi for sight-seeing.

Almora has a lot of hotels and resorts where you can stay comfortably. A few of them are Hotel Bhagwati Palace, Khim’s Guest House, Binsar Resort, Khali Estate, etc. If you are a foodie and wondering what and where to eat, there are some really great restaurants offering finger licking foods and some suggestions for you are Lali’s Inn and Restaurant, Kasar Rainbow Restaurant, Essence of Nature, Dolma Restaurant, etc. You should definitely try singauri, ginger tea and choklate in Almora.

If you love shopping, you should definitely visit the street side markets in Almora. The Chowk Bazaar sells some premier quality angora wool garments. Copperwares are also sold there. Another market where you will get a lot of good things to take home is the Lal Bagh Market.

The nearby tourist destinations that you can visit from Almora are Kathgodam, Nainital, Chaukori, Binsar, Kausani, Ranikhet, Saltakhet, Bageshwar, etc.

Uttarakhand is abounding with beautiful places and one among them is Joshimath, the sacred town of Uttarakhand. Nuzzled with lots of warmth in the Chamoli district the town has its own heavenly aura.  Also known as Jyotirmath, Joshimath is those places where one of the Mutts was established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. It is also the winter seat of Lord Badri Whose idol is traversed from Badrinath temple to Vasudev temple here.

In the sacred town of Joshimath, you will be able to visit umpteen temples like Narsimha and Gauri Shankar. You can also witness the magnanimity of the sacred Kalpvriksha which is said to be more than 1200 years old.Joshimath is also a famous destination for mountain climbing trips, treks and many other thrilling activities for those who love to explore the unexplored. If you want to explore religion, spirituality and thrill all in one place, then visiting here is a good decision.

One of the prime attractions here is a temple dedicated to the mighty Narsimha who is considered as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.The government has also introduced the winter Char Dham Yatra in order to turn Joshimath into a major winter travel destination. Apart from being a religious hub, it is also a popular hill station elevated at a height of 1890 meters above sea level. Vishnuprayag where the two powerful rivers of Alaknanda and Dhauliganga meet overlooks the beauty of the town of Joshimath.

The famous gateway to trekking also has a valley of flowers located very close to it. The place holds immense religious importance and so is the activity area of thrill-seekers. There are many places in Joshimath which you can enjoy. The most popular ones are Ghangria, the Nanda Devi National park, Tapovan and all the temples located in the vibrant town.

The quaint town of Uttarkashi is situated in Uttarakhand, and it is considered to be one of the holiest cities in Hindu mythology. The entire town is full of divine heritage, breathtaking natural beauty, and a soothing atmosphere. It is also called as DevBhumi, and it is considered to be the gateway to Yamunotri and Gangotri pilgrimage.

It has some of the most breathtaking vistas of nature as well as challenging trekking routes that makes it the favourite destination of the hardcore trekkers as well as nature enthusiasts. The snow-laden hills, scenic valleys, and verdant alpine woods make it seem like a heaven on Earth.

The best places to visit in Uttarkashi are Kashi Vishwanath Temple that is considered to be an essential divine abode over here. It also houses the Gangotri Temple, where you can find a shiva lingam submerged in water. Nachiketa Tal, Gaumukh Glacier, and Dayara Bugyal are other scenic destinations over here that are an absolute treat to your eyes and soul.

Uttarkashi is an absolute haven for the trekking enthusiasts as it is interspersed with some of the best hilly terrains and scenic routes. You can also try mountain biking and mountaineering over here for an adrenaline-pumping experience.

Uttarkashi experiences four distinct seasons-winter, summer, autumn, and monsoon. Summer(March-June) is the best time to visit this destination as the temperature rises to around 30 degrees Celsius maximum. During the rainy season, many festivals are celebrated here, making it an ideal time to visit Uttarkashi. Winters are quite harsh over here, and the temperature even falls to the sub-zero level.