With less than a week until Diwali, Delhi is still grappling with worsening AQIs and the corresponding health impact. The AQI is staggering in the ‘severe category’, with values reaching 481 in Anand Vihar, 467 in RK Puram, and 443 in Punjabi Bagh as of November 8, 2023. It doesn’t come as a surprise, then, that locals are choosing to escape the hazardous air by flying to serene hill stations near Delhi.
The AQI value is directly proportional to the pollution level and health implications. Numbers falling between the 0 to 50 range imply good air quality, 51 to 100 is moderate, and any value over 300 is dangerous and can induce severe ailments. Fret not, for we’ve compiled a list of hill stations with panoramic sights and soul-soothing AQIs that you can head to.
Scenic Hill Stations Near Delhi — Take Your Pick
Kufri, Himachal Pradesh (AQI 58)
Escape to Kufri, the winter sports capital of Shimla, to encounter wildlife, explore the town on a horse, and enjoy breathtaking walking trails. While grazing yaks will greet you at Green Valley Park, the Himalayan National Park lets you meet Kashmir Stags, Red Jungle Fowls, bharals (blue sheep), and Muntjacs (barking deers). Thrill seekers can go to Kufri Fun World and Hip Hip Hurray Amusement Park. Tourists can also saunter through the Indira National Park, and pay respects at the Nag Temple. Come December, with its blankets of snow, tourists can opt for skiing and tobogganing.
Distance from Delhi: 356.6 km
Book your stay at Wildflower Hall, An Oberoi Resort, Shimla via Booking.com
Book your stay at Wildflower Hall, An Oberoi Resort, Shimla via Agoda.com
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Mashobra, Himachal Pradesh (AQI 96)
Mashobra, also known as Quieter Shimla, is among the offbeat hill stations near Delhi. It promises a mix of adventure, spirituality, and slow living. If you fancy adventure, indulge in river rafting, paragliding, quad biking, and rappelling. Or, take the road less travelled and indulge in bird watching and nature trails. Fill your days with feasting on Himachali cuisine (Madra, Dham, Tudkiya Bhath, among others), walk around the serene Jakhu Temple and Mahasu Devta Temple, or go souvenir shopping at the Tibetan Shopping Market.
Distance from Delhi: 352.5 km
Book your stay at Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Shimla via Booking.com
Book your stay at Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Shimla via Agoda.com
Related – Beyond Shimla: These Tranquil Hill Stations In Himachal Are Off The Tourist Trail
Auli, Uttarakhand (AQI 100)
For incredible beauty and surreal sights, head to Auli. Set a camp amid nature’s lap, and enjoy stargazing, bonfire nights, and savour local food. Or, trek from Auli to Gursan Bugyal (only about 3 km), and admire the views of Nanda Devi, Trishul Peak, and Dron along the way. Other delightful treks include the Valley of Flowers Trek (10 km), and Kwani Bugyal (13 km). The town also houses spiritual sights like Shri Hemkund Sahib and Pandukeshwar Temple. We recommend visiting the man-made Auli Lake (or Auli Bugyal), constructed 3,000 metres above sea level. Other exciting experiences include the cable car and the chair lift.
Distance from Delhi: 485.1 km
Also Read – Discover The Ultimate Skiing Destination Of India: Top Things To Do In Auli
Book your stay at Mountain Rover, Auli via Booking.com
Book your stay at Mountain Rover, Auli via Agoda.com
Nainital, Uttarakhand (AQI 101)
Built around the shimmering Naini-Tal or Naini Lake, this Himalayan resort town offers heritage, spectacular sights, spirituality, and a hint of romance. For the best views, visit Tiffin Top, Cheena Peak, Lands End, or Snow View Point. In addition to the famed Nainital Lake, tourists can also explore Sariyatal (for paddle boating, water sports, and a Himalayan Botanical Garden), and Khurpa Taal, which changes colours from sunrise to sunset. Tourists can head to the Mall Road and Tibetan Market for shopping, or admire the architecture and sweeping lawns of Raj Bhawan, the second house of the Governor of Uttarakhand. Tourists can even go to places of spiritual importance like the Hanuman Garhi temple and Naina Devi temple.
Distance from Delhi: 315.6 km
Also Read – Looking For Lakes, Cliffs & Caves All In The Same Place? Nainital Is Where You Should Go
Book your stay at The Naini Retreat, Nainital by Leisure Hotels via Booking.com
Book your stay at The Naini Retreat, Nainital by Leisure Hotels via Agoda.com
Mukteshwar, Uttarakhand (AQI 113)
Head to the hill town of Mukteshwar for breathtaking views of the Himalayas, age-old temples, lush nature trails, and a slice of adventure. For a dose of thrill, sign up for paragliding, rock climbing, and rappelling. Tourists must also add the 370-year-old Shiva Temple, called Mukteshwar Dham, to their itinerary. Additionally, we recommend exploring the nearby villages of Seetla and Nathuakhan for their orchards, traditional houses, and lush forests. Other top tourist attractions Mukteshwar include the Bhalu Gaad Waterfall and the Indian Veterinary Research Institute.
Distance from Delhi: 358 km
Book your stay at The Orchard at Peora Estates via Booking.com
Book your stay at The Orchard at Peora Estates via Agoda.com
Related – Pre-Diwali Delhi: These Clean Air Getaways Can Be Your Escape From Poor AQI
Nahan, Himachal Pradesh (AQI 115)
Nahan, also called the Town of Ponds, is brimming with wildlife experiences, temples and adventure. Start with Renuka Lake (the largest in Himachal Pradesh), which delights with boating and a zoo nearby. Hop onto the wild side by visiting Renuka Sanctuary and Simbalwada Wildlife Sanctuary.
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Life-size models of pre-historic animals await at the Suketi Fossil Park — a valuable addition to your itinerary. For an adrenaline rush, we suggest the 16-km-long Churdhar Peak trek, which starts from the nearby Nohradhar base. Lastly, visit the beautiful temples of Nahan: Renuka Temple, Jagannath Temple, Triloknath Cave Temple, and Trilokpur Temple, to name a few.
Distance from Delhi: 248.km
Book your stay at Jay Clarks Exotica via Booking.com
Book your stay at Jay Clarks Exotica via Agoda.com
(Main and Feature Image Credit: Yogesh Raut/Shutterstock)
Related: The Idyllic Hill Stations Of Kerala: Your Perfect Getaway
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– What are the best hill stations near Delhi for nature lovers?
Some of the best hill stations near Delhi for nature lovers include Mashobra, Nainital, Nahan, and Auli.
– What are the best hill stations near Delhi for adventure lovers?
Some of the best hill stations near Delhi for adventure lovers include Mukteshwar, Mashobra, and Kufri.
– What are the best hill stations near Delhi for a solo trip?
Some hill stations near Delhi for a solo trip include Kasol, Kullu-Manali, Theog, Dharamkot, and Palampur.
– Are there adventure activities available in these hill stations?
Adventure activities like rock climbing, rappelling, paragliding, skiing, and tobogganing are available at most hill stations near Delhi.
Written By
Yashita Vashishth
Writer by day, reader by night, Yashita has a flair for all things travel, wellness and food. She has previously worked at Condé Nast India and Times Internet. When not working, you can catch her binge-reading the latest thriller on the block, re-watching Friends, trying a new recipe or hosting her friends.
