Gurugram News: Given the intensity of the heatwave we’ve experienced in May, it appears that we’re in for an exceptionally hot summer this year. However, our purpose remains to help you discover some fantastic hill stations that will provide respite. If you’re seeking a refreshing destination to escape the heat, let me introduce you to these mountainous locations that will truly satisfy your soul. What’s more, these hill stations are conveniently located near Gurugram.
MUST READ: Bigg Boss OTT 2: Confirmed! Salman Khan will host the new season; watch promo
Kasauli
Kasauli, a charming town, offers a delightful blend of scenic hiking trails, snow-covered mountains, and lush landscapes. This hill station, dating back to the colonial era in Himachal Pradesh, is a paradise for hikers and nature enthusiasts, boasting unparalleled views of the majestic Himalayas. Surrounded by serenity, it stands as one of the top holiday destinations in Himachal Pradesh. Nestled in the lap of the Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas, Kasauli provides an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Once favored by the British as a summer retreat, it showcases beautifully crafted colonial-era architectural wonders. With its misty lanes, cobblestone roads, well-designed avenues, and blooming gardens, Kasauli exudes a nostalgic ambiance at every turn. As the birthplace of renowned author Ruskin Bond, it is a dream destination for readers and writers seeking inspiration amidst its pristine beauty and tranquil atmosphere. The monsoon season is the optimal time to visit Kasauli, although it enjoys a pleasant climate year-round. Summers, from March to June, offer cool nights and warm days, with temperatures ranging between a maximum of 28°C and a minimum of 14°C.
Kanatal
Nestled in the picturesque Garhwal Himalayas, Kanatal is a charming hill station that serves as an ideal weekend escape for those in need of rejuvenation. Surrounded by sunlit peaks and lush coniferous trees, Kanatal retains its unexplored charm. Situated at an elevation of 8,500 feet above sea level on the Mussoorie-Chamba road, Kanatal is a delightful winter destination with snowy landscapes and excellent camping opportunities.
If you seek a holiday filled with exploring forest trails, enjoying meals by the stream, and observing mountain goats in velvety grasslands, Kanatal is the place to be. Away from the more popular Mussoorie, Kanatal allows you to immerse yourself in nature and disconnect from the chaos. The quaint hill station is enveloped by apple orchards and offers several rustic homestays that serve organic food. Stroll along winding roads surrounded by fragrant pine, deodar, and rhododendron forests, embracing the harmony of nature. Engage in meditation and nature photography, and during winter, witness the transformation of Kanatal into a magical wonderland with its snowy landscapes. The best time to visit Kanatal is from April to October, while December to February is when the region experiences snowfall.
Lansdowne
Lansdowne, situated in the Pauri Garhwal District of Uttarakhand, is a charming and pristine hill station. It serves as an ideal destination for those seeking an escape from the monotonous 9-to-6 office routine. With its breathtaking mountain ranges and snow-capped peaks, Lansdowne is a paradise for nature lovers, providing a compelling reason to visit. This picturesque hill station, adorned with blue pine trees and colonial-style architecture, offers a serene and romantic ambiance, making it perfect for a relaxing vacation or a cozy honeymoon. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the small artificial lake for boating and take a walk to the Tip-in-Top viewpoint, offering spectacular views of the Shivalik Range. Along the way, you’ll also come across St Mary’s Church, adding to the charm. Shopping for leather products at Javed Boot House is another delightful experience in Lansdowne.
Like other hill stations in Uttarakhand, Lansdowne is a haven for birdwatching enthusiasts and serves as an excellent base for scenic hikes in the hills. Lansdowne experiences pleasant summers and freezing winters. The best time to visit is mostly from March to November when the temperature is enjoyable. Summers, from March to June, offer pleasant temperatures, while December to February brings below-zero temperatures that create a chilling experience. Additionally, the monsoon season adds freshness and beauty to the place, making it quite appealing.
Narkanda
Narkanda, a tranquil and picturesque hill town in Himachal Pradesh, enjoys pleasant weather throughout the year. Situated at an altitude of 8,100 feet, it is located 440 km away from Delhi and just a two-hour drive from Shimla. Narkanda sits slightly higher than Shimla, and the road connecting the two offers a scenic journey along the mountain ridge with gradual ascents. The road provides captivating bird’s-eye views of different valleys as it meanders through spurs. The view of Narkanda from the village of Faguen route, is particularly breathtaking. Narkanda’s stunning panoramic view of snowy peaks is attributed to its location on the ridge, which marks the last watershed before the Himalayan range. To the north of Narkanda lies the Sutlej Valley, with the snowy massif beyond. The ridge on which Narkanda stands serves as the watershed between the Sutlej and Giri rivers, marking the division between the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal watersheds.
Autumn is the best season to visit these mountains, as the setting sun paints the sky with vibrant hues of red, crimson, and orange, casting a mesmerizing spectacle on the clouds and snow. For an even better view, one can trek to the nearby Hattu peak, which is approximately 2,000 feet higher than Narkanda and can be reached in a little over an hour. The region around Narkanda is renowned for its orchards, where cherries, apples, and other fruits are grown. Along the way, you’ll come across empty and packed crates of these fruits at various roadside points. Narkanda is also emerging as a popular destination for adventure sports like skiing.
Shimla
Situated at an elevation of 2215 meters above sea level, Shimla, known as the Queen of Hills, is one of the largest hill stations in India and serves as the capital city of Himachal Pradesh. It attracts honeymooners, couples, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking serenity and tranquility for their holidays. From a high vantage point, Shimla appears as a wide, crescent-shaped ridge located approximately 12 km northwest of the Himalayas. The beauty of Mother Nature is evident everywhere in Shimla, with its pine and deodar forests, snow-capped mountains, deep valleys, natural springs, and crystal-clear rivers.
Shimla can be visited in any season, as each season has its own charm and significance. However, during the winter season, it is advisable to carry warm woolen clothing. Spring and summer are the ideal times to explore Shimla, while taking a stroll along the famous Mall Road during autumn offers a memorable experience. It is best to avoid visiting Shimla during the monsoon season, as heavy rainfall can occur for several days.
Kotdwar
Kotdwar, a small yet enchanting city, is located in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, India. It is the eighth-largest city in Uttarakhand and is renowned for the sacred Sidhbali Temple, situated at the foothills of the mountains. Devotees visit the Sidhbali Temple throughout the year to offer prayers to Lord Hanuman. In addition to the famous Sidhbali Temple, Kotdwar boasts other notable temples and attractions. St. Joseph Church in Kotdwar is also worth exploring, with its expansive grounds adorned with beautiful flowers.
Visitors can engage in activities such as cycling and running in the pollution-free environment, explore the scenic surroundings, and spend time by the river that flows through the mountains. The weather in Kotdwar is generally subtropical, occasionally bordering on tropical. The temperatures can vary from scorching in the summer to bitterly cold in the winter, depending on the season and altitude of the area. While Kotdwar does not experience freezing temperatures, the hilly regions often receive snowfall during the winter months.
Dhanaulti
Dhanaulti, a captivating tourist destination, is located in the serene and elevated plains of Uttarakhand. Positioned away from the bustling city life, Dhanaulti is swiftly gaining recognition as a remarkable travel spot in Uttarakhand. It provides a tranquil, unhurried, and laid-back ambiance. This charming hill station rests in the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayan range, renowned for its verdant green slopes, fresh air, scenic mountain vistas, and serene solitude.
The period from April to June witnesses a surge in tourism in Dhanaulti. During this time, visitors can relish pleasant sunny days accompanied by mildly cool nights. Exploring nature trails, engaging in treks, partaking in adventure activities, and visiting parks are among the delightful experiences one can enjoy here. Dhanaulti offers a range of charming and cozy resorts, hotels, and cottages that boast picturesque views of the Himalayas. These accommodations provide affordable rates, impeccable service, and splendid vistas of the valley, particularly during snowfall.
