This year in the summers I really want to get away from the Delhi heat as it gets too much. I also plan to spend at least four weeks at some place and am thinking that going to a hill station would be the best bet, as the weather is more pleasant. Some hill stations are not as cold as one would think and it is still a bit hot there during the summers, so I am ideally in search for the coldest hill station near Delhi, a place where we would need to at least wear a jacket during the mornings and evenings. There is plenty of time for the summer season, so I will be on and off visiting my post and seeing the suggestions.
Hello, welcome to the forum! Overview Summers in Delhi can be very hot, with temperatures reaching 35°C. It's also not unusual for temperatures to reach 40°C or even beyond, at times. No matter how much Delhi locals love the city, it can be very uncomfortable in the locality during the peak of summer season. Your best option? Well, none other than the age-old, trustworthy hill stations. And fortunately, there are many of these hill stations around Delhi that you can visit. However, with the onset of climate change, sometimes, even these hill stations suffer from high temperatures, not to mentioned congestion due to crowds. And yes, these are the most popular and closest ones to Delhi, like Shimla, Manali and Mussoorie. You need to venture further, away from these known hill stations, about eight hours and above, just to reach the truly colder and more pristine hill stations. Coldest Hill Stations Near Delhi (Not Including Shimla, nor Manali, nor Mussoorie) Under 400 Kilometres Away 1. Kanatal (Uttarakhand) - Kanatal is located 325 kilometres to the north of Delhi, so about 8 to 9 hours of driving away. Summers in Kanatal are very mild, with temperatures reaching 25°C at the most. On normal summer days, temperatures are around 20°C to 24°C. Nights are more chilly, when you might experience the need for lighter jackets, as temperatures reach below 15°C. Actually, Kanatal is merely 49 kilometres away from Mussoorie, the popular hill station of Uttarakhand. You can make a day trip for the attractions of Mussoorie but instead opt to stay in Kanatal for the night, as it is relatively less crowded and you can enjoy camping here under the stars. As a destination, Kanatal is not that developed yet, which makes it even more enticing than other hill stations of the state. Around Kanatal, there are only a few attractions, one of which is the Tehri Dam, about 36 kilometres away. This is one of the largest water reservoirs in India, averaging at about 50 kilometres long. The view of the water in the dam, especially during summer, is very crisp and clear. You can even enjoy boating here plus a myriad of other water sports. Another is the Surkanda Devi Temple, merely 10 kilometres away from Kanatal. The temple can be approached only by foot, about a two-kilometre trek from the base, which can take around two hours. It is dedicated to Goddess Sati and is one of the Shakti Peethas as well. From the top, an amazing view of the Himalayan ranges awaits you. Distance from Delhi - 325 Kilometres Must Visit Attractions - Tehri Dam and Surkanda Devi Temple Related Thread - Snowfall in Delhi Kanatal (Image from Pawan Blog) 2. Shoghi (Himachal Pradesh) - Just 20 kilometres prior to Shimla, and about 330 kilometres away from Delhi, is the lesser known hill station of Shoghi. Temperatures in Shoghi remain around 26°C during day time in summers. Temperatures fluctuate to the low 20°C during night time. Though close to Shimla, the hill station receives lesser visitors and remains less developed. If you want to explore the attractions of Shimla, you can do so during the day and return to Shoghi by afternoon for a more pleasant and relaxing night. In Shoghi, there are a few religious sites that one can visit. One of which is the Santakata Mochan Hanuman Temple, located in a hillock, approachable by a steep climb. It has a 108-feet statue of the Lord Hanuman, with the whole premises being surrounded by monkeys. There's also the Kali Temple, located a bit further from Shoghi, en route to Shimla. It is also located on a small hillock, with a great view of the surrounding jungles and distant mountains. If you have your own car, reaching Shimla and visiting the attractions there from Shoghi would be very easy. Otherwise, it's also okay to just stay in Shoghi, enjoying the serenity and tranquility of this small hamlet. Distance from Delhi - 330 Kilometres Must Visit Attractions - Santakata Mochan Hanuman Temple and Kali Temple Related Thread - Less Known Destinations in India 3. Chail (Himachal Pradesh) - A bit further from Chandigarh is the hill station of Chail, about 7 to 8 hours away from Delhi. During summer season, temperatures in Chail barely exceed 25°C. June is usually the hottest month but even then, temperature remain around 27°C. Interestingly, the creation of this hill station can be attributed to Maharaja Bhupinder Singh, which only occurred after he was expelled from Shimla by a British ruler. Though easily accessible from Delhi, Chail can be considered an off the beaten route destination. It remains partly hidden, with unexplored terrains and attractions. It's the perfect place for just an idyllic getaway, a place where you can just laze around and enjoy the natural views. But if you're the type of person who still loves sightseeing, you can visit the Maharaja's Palace. This palace was built under the rule of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh and it has been converted into a heritage hotel. For a nominal fee of Rs. 100, you can enter the palace and explore some areas as well. You can also opt to stay in the hotel, for that ultimate experience of the glorious past. On the other hand, about six kilometres away from the palace, is the Chail Cricket Ground. Standing at a height of over 7,000 metres above sea level, it is known as the highest cricket ground in the world. However you can only view it from the outside as it is now being used as a school of the military. Then, there's the Chail Wildlife Sanctuary, a dense forest with some sambars residing in it. It's hard though to spot animals because of the thick coverings, but you can enjoy the jungle experience. Further is the Kali Ka Tibba, which can be specified as the main attraction of Chail. Located upon a hillock, the approach can be by car or by foot. The temple has a red and white facade, dedicated to Goddess Kali, but also has smaller shrines for other Hindu deities. The peak also offers a panoramic view of the surrounding hills, with clouds as if within one's reach. Distance from Delhi - 336 Kilometres Must Visit Attractions - Maharaja's Palace, Chail Cricket Ground, Chail Wildlife Sanctuary and Kali Ka Tibba Related Thread - Best Places to Visit in Himachal Pradesh Chail (Image from Uma Srinivasan) 4. Kufri (Himachal Pradesh) - Kufri is a small hill station in the Shimla district, about 357 kilometres away from Delhi. Temperatures in Kufri remain on the low 20°C make during summer season. For a fun-filled adventure, Kufri is the place to be, sure, it's a known winter destination due to its slopes covered with snow during the winter months. But little to the knowledge of many travellers, Kufri can be a great summer destination too. For instance, the Himalayan Nature Park, blessed with thick deodar forests and misty views, would certainly take you away from the hustles and bustles of the city. Home to the endangered Himalayan brown bears and Himalayan black bears, and also the state bird of Himachal Pradesh, the Himalayan monal, a wildlife safari here can be a unique experience. Nearby is the Indira Tourist Park, which is mainly a small park that you can enjoy a stroll in amidst the greenery. Last is the Kufri Fun World, where you can indulge in various adventure activities. The theme park has facilities for roller skating, zip lining and go karting. There are also some dry rides like kangaroo jump, sky swinger and wave train. There are only a few hotel options in Kufri as compared to Shimla and they are priced quite higher too. But if you like to stay away from the crowds, without venturing too far from Delhi, Kufri is a good option. Distance from Delhi - 357 Kilometres Must Visit Attractions - Himalayan Nature Park, Indira Tourist Park and Kufri Fun World Related Thread - Snow Points in Himachal Pradesh 5. Ranikhet (Uttarakhand) - Ranikhet is about nine hours away from Delhi, also just two hours away from the popular hill station of Nainital. Summers in Ranikhet are very mild, with temperatures averaging around 29°C. Nights can be more chilly, with temperatures reaching the low 20°C mark. What makes Ranikhet a pleasing getaway from Delhi is that it remains solitary and quiet, which coupled with the pleasant climates, can make you forget all about your city worries. Aside from the majestic views of the Kumaon ranges, you can also enjoy the spirituality in Ranikhet, as it is home to various temples. The small but colourful Jhula Devi Temple, dedicated to Goddess Durga, is a must visit here. Even locals regard the temple as very sacred, as the deity here is believed to fulfil the wishes of the pilgrims, evidenced by the gratitude bells in the temple. There's also the Haidakhan Babaji Temple, located about four kilometres away from the city centre. The temple was built by Baba Haira Khan, a revered holy guru of the Himalayan region. He was a worshipper of the Lord Shiva, hence the temple was dedicated to deity. The religious complex of Binsar Mahadev Temple is also worth visiting, though it is located about 20 kilometres away from Ranikhet. A collection of various temples dedicated to deities like Ganesha, Shiva, Krishna, Durga and many more, it will surely uplift your spirits. Of course, the Chaubatia can't be missed as well, probably the most popular attraction of Ranikhet. This huge garden has fruit orchards of apples, peaches, plums and many more. Other places worth visiting are the Ranikhet Golf Ground and Sunset Point. Distance from Delhi - 370 Kilometres Must Visit Attractions - Jhula Devi Temple, Haidakhan Babaji Temple, Binsar Mahadev Temple, Chaubatia, Ranikhet Golf Ground and Sunset Point Related Thread - Places to Visit in July in India Under 600 Kilometres Away 6. Berinag (Uttarakhand) - Berinag is located at the easternmost side of Uttarakhand, about 471 kilometres away from Delhi. Berinag has very mild summers, with temperature remaining around 20°C. Night time temperatures can drop as low as 10°C even. Berinag is rarely known as a tourist destination in the state. It doesn't boast of many attractions but it does have the best view of the mighty Himalayan ranges. From any point of the hill station, get your camera ready as you're bound to capture the best photographs of the Panchchuli and Garhwal ranges of the Himalayas. There are a few temples around Berinag too that you can visit. The most popular of which is the Nag Devta Mandir, dedicated to Shesha Nag, which is considered as a manifestation of the Lord Vishnu. There are many local legends surrounding the temple, like the belief that snakes where found residing in the location of the temple, hence a temple was built here to show reverence to the creatures and the Hindu deity. Chaukori is also just a few kilometres away from Berinag, where you can find various tea estates and temples that you can also visit. For an idyllic getaway though, Berinag suits that purpose. Further, hotels are limited here, so you might have to resort to staying to guest houses, which can give you a more authentic local culture experience. Distance from Delhi - 471 Kilometres Must Visit Attractions - Nag Devta Mandir and Chaukori Related Thread - n/a 7. Auli (Uttarakhand) - Auli is a popular skiing destination during winter in Uttarakhand. It is about 506 kilometres away from Delhi, approachable from the nearby Joshimath. If you are a trekking expert, or maybe even just an enthusiast, Auli is a perfect destination for that during the summers. With temperatures barely exceeding the 28°C mark, you're bound to enjoy the trails here without feeling too exhausted because of the summer heat. One of the easier trails around the hill station is that of the Gorson Bugyal, a three-kilometre trek from the main centre of Auli. The meadows are greener and vibrant during summer season, with clearer views of the peaks of Nanda Devi, Hati-Ghora Parbat and even Trishul. Next is the trail leading to the Chattra Kund, a small sweet-water lake, four kilometres away from Auli. The whole lake is surrounded by pine forests which add to its serenity. For the more expert trekkers, you can opt for challenging treks instead. There's the trail to the Kwani Bugyal, a 13-kilometre trek from Auli proper. You can also trek to reach the Chenab Lake, but the approach for this trail is through the Dang Village near Joshimath. Distance from Delhi - 506 Kilometres Must Visit Attractions - Gorson Bugyal, Chattra Kund, Kwani Bugyal and Chenab Lake Related Thread - Which is Better, Auli or Manali? Auli (Image from Aryaa Akshay) 8. Gangotri (Uttarakhand) - If you're a devout Hindu, Gangotri might have been on your list of must-visit places in India. At a distance of 509 kilometres away from Delhi, Gangotri can be reached in about 13 to 14 hours proper. The hill station of Gangotri is part of the Chota Char Dham Yatra, which are mainly shrines dedicated to the four origins of the rivers of Yamuna, Ganga, Mandakini and Alaknanda. Gangotri, as the name suggests, is the origin of the holy river of the Ganges. The pilgrimage opens only during summer, usually in the beginning of May, as the region is plagued by heavy snowfall during winter season. Temperatures in Gangotri during summer remain under 15°C, sometimes even lower, especially at night time. Of course, the Gangotri Temple is the most important site in the region. According to mythology, this is where the Lord Shiva trapped the Ganga River, locally known as Bhagirathi River, in his hair and let her all out in smaller streams to avoid the destruction of the Earth. The temple is a pure white one, seemingly matching with the pureness of the river itself. For the adventurous individuals, you can set out for a trek to reach the main origin of the Ganga River, which is the Gangotri Glacier, a 19-kilometre trek from the hill station. The trek passes through streams and glaciers, treacherous at times due to muds and landslides. This trek can only be conducted inside the Gangotri National Park, so you need prior permission before doing the trail. For those who aren't too keen on covering that trek, there are smaller trails that you can indulge in the national park, perhaps just to see the wildlife. Though Gangotri is mainly a pilgrimage destination, even adventure lovers can have a great time here, all the while nourishing their spiritual side as well. Distance from Delhi - 509 Kilometres Must Visit Attractions - Gangotri Temple, Gangotri Glacier and Gangotri National Park Related Thread - Chota Char Dham Yatra 9. Chitkul (Himachal Pradesh) - Chitkul is located in Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, about 15 hours away from Delhi. Situated at an elevation of about 3,450 metres above sea level, it is inevitable that summers here are quite mild. Temperatures remain below 23°C here even at the peak of summer. Chitkul is the last village before the border with China of India as well. Though inhabited, Chitkul has far less civilisation, pollution and noise, as compared to the other hill stations of Himachal Pradesh. No, this is not your usual hill station destination, you can't complete a tourist circuit here as there are no proper attractions per se. But if you want to get away from the mundane routine of day to day life, then Chitkul is the ideal destination for that. You can take a stroll amidst the Baspa River, crossing through the locally made bridges as well. Maybe try interacting with the locals, visiting their quite charming and unique homes. Visit the only Buddhist temple of the village, the Kagyupa Temple. But beyond these, Chitkul boasts of natural sceneries, of spell-bounding grasslands and picturesque valleys. Truly an off the beaten track destination that one can take from Delhi. Distance from Delhi - 600 Kilometres Must Visit Attractions - Baspa River and Kagyupa Temple Related Thread - Tourist Places in Himachal Pradesh Chitkul (Image from Nick Irvine-Fortescue) 10. Triund (Himachal Pradesh) - Last on this list is the Triund Hill, located in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, close to Mcleodganj. Inaccessible to trekkers during winter, the best time for visiting the Triund Hill is during summer. Temperatures remain around the 25°C even at the peak of summer in Triund. Keep in mind that Triund is not a vast hill station, it is smaller than the nearby Mcleodganj, but does give one a good view of the Dhauladhar ranges. Usually, trekkers make Mcleodganj their base and camp for the night in Triund. Camping in Triund is a one-of-a-kind experience, especially if you have your loved ones with you. It takes you closer to nature and away from the suffocating technologies of life, at least for a while. The trek for the one-way uphill climb takes around five hours, add another five hours for the downhill climb. If you reach the Triund Hill during early March, chances are, there might still be snow at the top as well. The Triund Hill trek is approachable from Dharamkot or Mcleodganj proper, specifically through the Main Square of Mcleodganj. You can visit the Gallu Devi Temple en route, which is also the last motorable road to reach the Triund Hill. From this temple, your trekking journey can be cut to around 3 hours and 30 minutes. You can take a taxi from Mcleodganj to the temple. Distance from Delhi - 479 Kilometres Must Visit Attraction - Gallu Devi Temple and Camping Site Related Thread - Best Tourist Places in North India Conclusion With these destinations close to Delhi, you can now enjoy winter temperatures even in the peak of summer. Since you have four weeks to spend anyway, you can allot at least a day or two for travelling to and from these destinations. For those pressed for time, opt for the destinations on the first half of the list instead. Good luck and I hope this helps!
