It’s not even May yet and Noida has already become super-hot! Imagine how it would be when the summers are at its peak. We bet you’d want to get out of the city, looking for some respite from the scorching sun and blazing hot winds. Luckily enough, there are a lot of options for you to explore, some even being just a few hours’ drive away. So if you are a Noida resident looking for a break from the city’s chaos and humdrum and most of all, its prickly heat, here are some of the best hill stations perfect for a holiday during this summer season.
Hill Stations near Noida (List):
- Lansdowne (243 km)
- Nainital (294 km)
- Sattal (319 km)
- Kasauli (333 km)
- Auli (382 km)
- Chail (382 km)
- Narkanda (449 km)
- McLeod Ganj (510 km)
- Jibhi (543 km)
- Kasol (551 km)
- Manali (569 km)
- Tosh Valley (571 km)
1. Lansdowne, Ideal For Adventure Enthusiasts
Lansdowne | #1 of 12 Best Hill Stations near Noida
Situated at a height of 1700 metres above sea level, Lansdowne is every adventurer’s paradise. Complete with riverside camps, colourful markets, beautiful churches and viewpoints, this hill station in Uttarakhand is ideal for a summer getaway. Stay in a camp, and go for cliff jumping, fox flying and nature walks because Lansdowne is all about unwinding amidst nature.
- Distance from Noida: 243 km (6 hours’ drive approx.)
2. Nainital, The City of Lakes
Nainital | #2 of 12 Best Hill Stations near Noida
Located in the foothills of the Kumaon region, Nainital is your quintessential summer getaway. While boating in the famous Naini Lake is a given, you can also explore the hidden paths and trekking trails on the outskirts of the city. Explore the local markets, enjoy thukpa from Tibetan stalls, or take a day trip to nearby off-beat places like Bhimtal to avoid the touristy crowds.
- Distance from Noida: 294 km (7 hours’ drive approx.)
Also Read: Places to Visit in Nainital
3. Sattal, An Underrated Gem in the Hills
Sattal | #3 of 12 Best Hill Stations near Noida
One of the most underrated and beautiful hill stations in Uttarakhand, Sattal is a must-visit for nature lovers. This picturesque town is often shrouded in mist but if you wait for the clouds to clear up, the azure sky, lush green forest cover and the turquoise blue Sattal Lake will take your breath away. Go for boating or kayaking in the lake, embark on an exhilarating trek through the forest or simply unwind at your hotel.
- Distance from Noida: 319 km (7 hours and 30 minutes’ drive approx.)
4. Kasauli, Renowned for its Gothic-style Churches
Kasauli | #4 of 12 Best Hill Stations near Noida
Once served as the summer capital of the British, Kasauli is a popular hill station for the Gothic architecture prominent in its churches and snow-clad mountain peaks visible through its thick forest cover. The rustic beauty of the hill station is also making headlines for pre-wedding shoots. The one place you should not miss here is the Kasauli Brewery – the oldest functioning distillery for scotch whiskey.
- Distance from Noida: 333 km (6 hours 30 minutes’ drive approx.)
5. Auli, The Skiing Capital of India
Auli | #5 of 12 Best Hill Stations near Noida
If you want the perks of winter during the summer season, Auli is the place to visit. Dotted with myriad ski-resorts, this hill station has started attracting tourists only recently. Its snow-covered hills are not just to be admired but to be enjoyed on a ski. When in Auli, don’t forget to take the ropeway because the view of the lake, green pastures and white slopes from up there is simply surreal.
- Distance from Noida: 382 km (9 hours 40 minutes’ drive)
6. Chail, Where History Meets Nature
Chail | #6 of 12 Best Hill Stations near Noida
One of the most picturesque hill stations in Himachal Pradesh, Chail must be on the top of your list of summer getaways if you wish to see nature at its best. Dotted with tall pine and deodar trees, this quiet place is perfect for a hiking expedition or simply relaxing in the lap of nature. A place that you shouldn’t miss here is the Chail Cricket Stadium – India’s highest cricket ground.
- Distance from Noida: 382 km (8 hours’ drive approx.)
7. Narkanda, The Land of Apple and Cherry Blossoms
Narkanda | #7 of 12 Best Hill Stations near Noida
An off-beat and much quieter alternative to Shimla, Narkanda is renowned for its trekking trails and picturesque forests. For those who want to go on a trek, the 7-km long Hatu Peak trekking trail offers some of the most stunning views. You can relish on freshly plucked apples when you visit the famous Stokes Farm. And guess what. If you arrive here in June, you will be welcomed by the beautiful cherry blossom season, which is truly a sight to behold.
- Distance from Noida: 449 km (10 hours 10 minutes’ drive approx.)
8. McLeod Ganj, A Backpackers’ Dream Destination
McLeod Ganj | #8 of 12 Best Hill Stations near Noida
From the cute and Instagram-worthy cafes that have recently popped up to the famous Triund trek, McLeod Ganj is perfect for spending your weekend in hibernation. Since it is a very small town, you can walk to almost every cafe or monastery here. Go for the Triund trek or just relax and enjoy the most delish food and a steaming cup of tea at the famous book cafe – Illiterati! A good book, a stellar view and drool-worthy pizzas, what else do you need?
- Distance from Noida: 510 km (10 hours 40 minutes’ drive)
9. Jibhi, An Unspoiled Little Hamlet in Tirthan Valley
Jibhi | #9 of 12 Best Hill Stations near Noida
A small scenic village, located at a distance of just 15 km from the famous Tirthan Valley, Jibhi is perfect for people who want to spend their summer holidays in solitude. Spend the day amidst the little stone and wood houses and end it with the most beautiful sunset views and bonfires. Go for forest hikes, enjoy lakeside picnics or indulge in trout-fishing while soaking in the serene, quiet and lazy setting of this hill station to make the most of your holiday retreat.
- Distance from Noida: 543 km (12 hours’ drive)
10. Kasol, Renowned for its Eclectic Vibe
Kasol | #10 of 12 Best Hill Stations near Noida
Parvati Valley in the backdrop, apple orchards and artsy cafes sprinkled across the village! This is a glimpse of what to expect when you are in Kasol. Located 20 km from Tosh Valley, this small village is fast gaining popularity among backpackers, nature lovers and also trekkers as it marks the base of the famous Kheerganga trek. Take a walk around the village, enjoy Israeli dishes, or sit in a riverside café and finish that book you have been meaning to read for so long.
- Distance from Noida: 551 km (12 hours 30 minutes’ drive approx.)
11. Manali, A Favourite among Honeymooners
Manali | #11 of 12 Best Hill Stations near Noida
If you and your partner want to make the most of the upcoming weekend, plan a trip to Manali. A perfect summer retreat, Manali is truly a tourist’s favourite as it offers almost everything that you expect from a hill station. From snow-laden slopes and myriad trekking trails to the famous Rohtang Pass and Hidimba Devi Temple, there’s a lot to see and do in Manali for every type of traveller. You can also shop at Mall Road or hand out at one of the pizzerias in Old Manali.
- Distance from Noida: 569 km (13 hours’ drive approx.)
12. Tosh Valley, The Hipsters’ Village
Tosh Valley | #12 of 12 Best Hill Stations near Noida
Located close to Kasol, Tosh Valley has recently become quite popular especially among young travellers. Surrounded by hills, this village offers captivating views of the Himalayas and the Parvati Valley. The famous Parvati Valley trek starts from here so if you are looking for a long trek that offers camping options, go to Tosh Valley this summer. Oh, and did we tell you that this place is also famous for its unconventional cafes?
- Distance from Noida: 571 km (13 hours 40 minutes’ drive approx.)
Of course, these are not the only hill stations near Noida. There are plenty more like Dalhousie, Shimla, Mussoorie and even Rishikesh. All you have to do is take your pick, pack your bags and leave the summers behind for that much-awaited trip, away from the city.
Until then, find how you can make the most of your summer days in Delhi NCR in our blog post on ‘10 Things to Do in Delhi in Summers’.
