Tired of the usual weekend getaways? If the thought of crowded mall roads makes you want to stay home, it's time to explore beyond the obvious. Here’s your guide to reaching some of the most serene and less-familiar hill stations from Delhi.
Lansdowne, Uttarakhand: The Quiet Cantonment
Nestled in
the Garhwal hills, Lansdowne is a quiet cantonment town that has retained its colonial-era charm. Unlike its bustling counterparts, it offers a peaceful retreat with its clean air, disciplined environment, and surrounding oak and pine forests. The town is perfect for leisurely walks, visiting the historic St. Mary's Church, or enjoying a quiet boat ride on Bhulla Tal lake. Its proximity to Delhi makes it an ideal choice for a quick, refreshing escape. By Road: The journey of about 260-290 km takes approximately 6 to 7 hours by car. The most common route runs through Meerut, Bijnor, and Kotdwar before the final scenic ascent to Lansdowne. Regular bus services also operate from Delhi's Kashmere Gate ISBT to Kotdwar. By Train: The nearest railway station is Kotdwar, which is about 40 km away. From Kotdwar, you can easily hire a local taxi or take a shared jeep for the final 1.5-hour drive up to Lansdowne. By Air: The closest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, approximately 145 km from Lansdowne. A taxi from the airport will take around 4-5 hours to reach the hill station.
Chail, Himachal Pradesh: The Royal Retreat
Once the summer capital of the Maharaja of Patiala, Chail is a dignified hill station spread across three hillocks. It boasts the world's highest cricket ground and the historic Chail Palace, offering a touch of royal history amidst dense deodar forests. At an altitude of 2,250 metres, it provides a tranquil alternative to the nearby, ever-popular Shimla. It’s a destination for those who appreciate heritage, serenity, and panoramic Himalayan views. By Road: Chail is approximately 340 km from Delhi, making it a 7 to 8-hour drive. The route typically goes via Chandigarh and Kandaghat. Buses are also available, though a cab offers more flexibility for the hilly terrain. By Train: The nearest major railway station is Kalka, about 80 km away. From Kalka, you can either hire a taxi for a 3-hour journey or take the famous Kalka-Shimla toy train to Kandaghat, which is closer, and then proceed by road. By Air: Chandigarh International Airport is the nearest airport, located about 115 km from Chail. From there, a taxi ride of approximately 3-4 hours will get you to your destination.
Fagu, Himachal Pradesh: The Misty Hamlet
Often overlooked by travellers heading to more famous destinations, Fagu is a quiet hamlet located just beyond Kufri on the Hindustan-Tibet Road. It is a paradise for those seeking peace and quiet, offering stunning 360-degree views of the Himalayas and dense forests. With its apple orchards and opportunities for leisurely village walks, Fagu allows you to experience the slow, local way of life far from any commercial hustle. By Road: The drive from Delhi to Fagu is around 360-390 km and takes approximately 8-9 hours. The route is picturesque and the roads are generally in good condition, making for a pleasant drive. Direct buses are also available from Delhi to Fagu. By Train: The nearest railway station is in Shimla, though Kalka is the closest broad-gauge railhead. A popular option is to take a train to Kalka or Chandigarh and then hire a taxi for the remaining 4nd hour journey. By Air: Shimla’s Jubbarhatti Airport is the closest, but Chandigarh Airport (about 132 km away) offers better connectivity. From Chandigarh, you can book a cab for the final leg of the journey.
Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh : The Colonial Outpost
Kasauli is a charming cantonment town that exudes an old world colonial vibe with its cobbled paths , pine forests , and gabled houses . Less commercialised than many other hill stations , it’s an excellent spot for a peaceful weekend . The drive itself , particularly the final stretch through winding mountain roads , is a scenic experience . At just under $300$ km from Delhi , it is one of the most accessible Himachali getaways . By Road : The drive to Kasauli covers about $290$-$300$ km and typically takes $6$-$7$ hours . The most common route follows NH$44$ to Ambala and then diverts towards the hills via the Kalka$-$Shimla highway . By Train : Kalka is the nearest railway station , located just $30$-$40$ km away . Numerous trains connect Delhi to Kalka , and from there , a taxi ride of about an hour and a half will take you up to Kasauli . By Air : Chandigarh Airport is the closest air link , situated around $65$ km from Kasauli . The journey from the airport to the hill station can be completed in about two hours by taxi.
