Do you want to beat the summer heat by visiting some hill stations or refresh yourself in winters by seeing snow? The hill stations in India, especially the ones in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, are surely a treat to the faculties. The hill stations in India are considered the ideal places to visit North India due to their grand magnificence and brilliant temperatures. These hill stations in North India are generally favoured by individuals who wish to get away from the fiery temperatures around the country during the summers.

Affordable Hill Stations in India

1. Nainital

Nainital is an astonishing spot known for its superb climate all year round. It is situated alongside the foothills of the outer regions of the Himalayas. Nainital offers scenic views, which you can best relish on top of the Naina Peak, the most elevated top in Nainital. To luxuriate in the greatness of snow-capped views, one can visit “Snow View” by cable cars to enjoy the beautiful views from a high elevation. Those looking for a heartfelt escape, remember to visit the Nainital Lake for a steady paced walk around the quiet blue waters.

How to Reach Nainital?

By Personal Car: To relish the pleasing views, one can drive, which takes around seven hours via NH9 from Delhi.

By Bus: Daily bus service to Nainital is available from Delhi and Kathgodam. Buses like Volvo, AC and non AC are available in this route. Taking an overnight bus from Delhi is the most convenient way to reach Nainital.

By Rail: Kathgodam Railway Station, located around 34 km away, is the closest railhead to Nainital. Numerous trains connect Nainital with Delhi and Dehradun. Travellers from Kolkata, Lucknow, Agra and Mathura can even take a train till Kathgodam and then hire a private cab or shared taxi for Nainital.

By Air: Nainital does not have any airport. Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, is the nearest commercial airport to Nainital. One can hire a private taxi from Delhi to reach Nainital.

2. Manali

Encircled by verdant peaks among the green Valley of the Beas River, Manali is an absolute place to visit. Manali is ideal for adventure lovers who can travel across challenging territories and relish exquisite views while mountain trekking and rafting through the white water rapids. Manali is the best spot to twist up in a good book around the romantic bonfire during winters and escape the fast-paced city’s chaos. This is also appraised among the best places for a heartfelt escape from Delhi.

How to Reach Manali?

Manali is well-connected to several crucial famous tourist destinations, such as Leh, Kullu, Shimla, Dharamshala and New Delhi, by a network of private and state-run transports. 

By Personal Car: To enjoy the scenic views, one can drive, which takes around fifteen hours via NH 44 from Delhi.

By Bus: The bus journey from Delhi to Manali is approximately 550 km. It is good to opt for air-conditioned Volvo buses, around INR 1200 for the route. This will make your journey comfortable and also enjoy the long-distance simultaneously.

By Air: The closest airport to Manali is at Bhuntar, situated at a distance of 50 km away from Manali. There are some other domestic flights that run regularly, which connect Bhuntar with Delhi and Chandigarh. Furthermore, once you arrive at the airport, you will find pre-paid taxis that you can book as per your convenience.

By Rail: Manali is not directly connected by railways. The nearest train station will be Chandigarh (315 km) or Pathankot (290 km). If you are going from Delhi to Manali, you can go up to Chandigarh and then opt for a bus or taxi for the onward journey. Moreover, the distance from Chandigarh to Manali is 250 km, which you can travel half the distance by train.

3. Shimla

Shimla is the former summer capital of the British, lies along the lower regions of the Himalayas amid pine timberlands that offer stunning views. Mall Road is the most significant landmark in Shimla, which features the town, and a walk around Mall street with the breeze blowing has its appeal. There are many temples in Shimla district to visit.

Traffic is restricted from the focal piece of the town, so strolling is a beautiful encounter and helps get your mind refreshed and rejuvenated. Remember to try ice-skating; Shimla has the only open-air rink and one of the oldest drinks in the whole of Asia.

How to Reach Shimla?

By Personal Car: To relish the environment and its beauty, one can drive, which takes around eight hours via NH 44 and NH5 from Delhi.

By Bus: Bus service to Shimla from Delhi is available. One can travel through Volvo buses from Delhi to Shimla, Kalka to Shimla or Chandigarh to Shimla. There are approximately four direct buses that run directly from New Delhi to Shimla. The state transport buses (HRTC) and other private travel companies. It takes around 9 hours to reach Shimla from New Delhi by bus.

By Air: Since there is no airport in Shimla, one can take a flight from Delhi to Chandigarh. It will take around 4 hours and 15 minutes. One can book a cab from Chandigarh or go by bus to Shimla.

By Rail: Well, there is no direct train from Delhi to Shimla. One can take a train from Delhi to Kalka or Chandigarh. You can travel from Kalka to Shimla by train.

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