Plan Your Diwali 2024 Weekend Getaway To These Hill Stations Near Delhi

As the long-awaited festival of lights, Diwali, approaches, a palpable sense of excitement and anticipation fills the air. The festive season brings joyous gatherings as people prepare to celebrate Diwali. However, for those looking for a more peaceful and contemplative experience, the tranquil hill stations near Delhi present an enticing opportunity to escape the noise and pollution that engulfs the city. These picturesque getaways offer a serene and idyllic setting for a holiday. So head to these hill stations near Delhi to celebrate Diwali amidst lush greenery, crisp mountain air, and breathtaking views. And take a welcome respite from the frenetic energy of urban festivities.

Landour, Uttarakhand

Nestled near Mussoorie, Landour is a charming hill station that beckons peace lovers and nature enthusiasts. Unlike its lively neighbor, Mussoorie, Landour exudes an irresistible old-world charm with its colonial-era architecture, verdant landscapes, and awe-inspiring vistas of the Garhwal Himalayas. The tranquil ambiance and refreshing weather make it the perfect retreat for a serene Diwali getaway.

Known for its old-world charm and pristine surroundings, this hill station offers a peaceful reprieve from the Diwali fervour. Steeped in colonial history and natural beauty, Landour beckons visitors with its understated elegance. It boasts enchanting landscapes and historic sites like the Landour Cantonment and the renowned Kellogg's Church. Landour has some excellent cafes and eateries where you can get great food with stunning views. Check here for our guide.

The town's simplicity and unspoiled vistas make it an ideal destination for those seeking solace amidst nature. With its cool, pleasant weather and meandering trails, Landour provides a serene atmosphere for strolls and unwinding amidst the breathtaking Himalayan scenery. The best way to explore Landour is on foot. Check here for our guide to a walking trail.

Getting There

Landour is a little over 30 kilometres from Dehradun, which takes about two hours by road. The climb is moderate and easy to navigate. There are no direct flights or trains to Landour the best way to reach it is by hiring a cab from Dehradun or driving yourself if you have a car. 

Dharmasala, Himachal Pradesh

Immerse yourself in Dharamsala's enchanting landscapes. The Dalai Lama's revered residence lends it a peaceful ambience and spiritual vibrancy as you explore Tibetan culture through captivating monasteries like Tsuglagkhang Complex, Norbulingka Institute, and Namgyal Monastery. Surrounded by tranquil landscapes and ancient traditions, you'll find the perfect setting for a more contemplative and meaningful Diwali celebration. Step away from the usual festivities and embrace the opportunity for spiritual introspection amidst the serene beauty of Dharamsala.

Explore the monasteries, the school of Tibetan studies, and the state museum, where you can see a display of Kangra paintings. The Kangra Art Museum is a repository of the valley's rich heritage. The display contains artefacts that date back to the 5th century and miniature paintings that are part of the famous Kangra School of Art. Additionally, there is a Martyr's Memorial at the town's entrance. Dhaaramsala also boasts a cricket stadium, perched at 4,780 feet and overlooked by the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayan ranges. The first international match at this stadium was played between India and Pakistan in 2005.

Getting There

The nearest major airport is in Delhi. Flights are available from Delhi to Gaggal Airport, near Dharamshala, which reduces travel time to around 1.5 hours. Alternatively, one can take a train from Delhi to Pathankot and a 3-hour road journey to Dharamsala.

Barog, Himachal Pradesh

Barog, a charming hill station in the Choor Chandni hills of the Himalayas, beckons you to explore its intriguing history and breathtaking landscapes. Just 55km from busy Shimla, this small town is home to the famous 1143.61m long tunnel of the Shimla-Kalka Railway route, enveloped in tales of the ghost of Colonel Barog, a British railway engineer. Legend has it that his spirit roams the tunnel, conversing with unsuspecting visitors. The tunnel, part of the UNESCO heritage Kalka-Shimla railway, holds a mystique that has captured the attention of filmmakers and travellers alike.

Barog's lush forests and crisp mountain air offer a serene escape.  The town also boasts numerous trekking trails, including the one leading to the Choor Chandni Peak, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys. The Solan Brewery, with a history dating back to 1855, adds a touch of old-world charm to the experience and is a must-visit, located approximately 11km from Barog. While there, don't miss the opportunity to explore Jatoli, a picturesque village on the Solan—Rajgarh road, renowned for the magnificent Vishal Shiva temple. Additionally, a visit to the Yungdrung Bon Monastery in Ochhghat, established in 1969 by Abbot Lungtog Tenpai Nyima, promises a truly enriching experience.

Getting There

The airport closest to Barog is Chandigarh, 65 km away. Another option is Shimla Airport, 73 km away. The nearest international airport is the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi. The closest narrow gauge railhead is in Barog.

Ranikhet, Uttarakhand

Ranikhet is a charming hill station in the Almora district of Uttarakhand, where nature takes precedence over man. The best way to experience Ranikhet is by walking along its lanes or hiking through its forests. You can take a leisurely walk on the Mall Road from Nar Singh Ground (NSG) to Meghdoot Hotel or hike from Meghdoot Hotel to Chaubatia (5 km).

The winding route from behind the Army Holiday Home to the AMU Guest House is peaceful, and the trek up from the Mall to the guest house is lovely, passing by many old British bungalows. Ranikhet boasts several temples, the most venerated being the Jhula Devi Temple and the Kalika Devi Temple, the shrine of the principal deity of the Kumaon Regiment. The town also has a dozen Anglican churches, some of which have been converted into army seminar halls or other facilities.

The nearby destination of Majkhali does not just boast of beautiful views of the Nanda Devi mountain but also of magical night skies, as it is known to have zero light pollution. It also is a preferred spot among astrophotographers as one can witness the glowing arc created by the Milky Way here.  

Golf enthusiasts can enjoy the Upat Golf Course, which offers stunning views of the majestic Himalayas. The nine-hole golf course started sometime in the 1920s and is open for play. Local eateries in Ranikhet serve delightful cuisine, often featuring traditional Kumaoni dishes.

Getting There

The nearest major railhead is Kathgodam, connected to various cities by rail. From Kathgodam, a scenic drive of approximately 80 kilometres through winding roads surrounded by lush forests leads to Ranikhet. Pantnagar Airport is the nearest to Ranikhet, located at a distance of 119 km. Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi is the closest international airport, located around 370 km away.

Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh

Nestled in the lush embrace of the Shivalik Range, Kasauli beckons with its tranquil charm and breathtaking vistas. Originally established as a haven for recovering soldiers from the nearby Sabathu cantonment, this idyllic hill station now offers weary urbanites a soul-reviving sanctuary. The verdant pine and cedar forests provide a serene backdrop for nature enthusiasts, inviting leisurely strolls along winding paths and moments of quiet contemplation amidst the majestic Himalayan peaks.

A visit to the historic Christ Church, a testament to the region's colonial past, adds a touch of timeless elegance to the experience. The beautiful Christ Church is just a five-minute walk from the Kasauli bus stand, with the road encircling its grounds. It was constructed in 1853, when Kasauli was known as Kusowlie and is surrounded by deodars and pines.

Eager for some invigorating exercise? Leave your cosy deckchair behind and embark on a refreshing walk through the surrounding hills of Kasauli. The town's crisp, bracing air creates the perfect environment for leisurely strolls. Explore the town from Lower to Upper Mall and meander around the Sanatorium. Don't miss the opportunity to take in the breathtaking views of the majestic Himalayan peaks from the designated viewpoints along the way.

The area is perfect for birdwatching. You can enjoy a relaxing picnic in the untouched forests. Don't forget your binoculars and bird books to observe hummingbirds, flycatchers, minivets, magpies, and other birds. You might also have the chance to see a deer or hyena moving through the bushes.

Getting There

Kasauli is well connected with most of the important towns and cities of Uttarakhand. The nearest airport to Kasauli is located in Chandigarh, which is approximately 60 km away. The nearest railway station is Kalka, which is about 30 km away.