5 Hill Stations to Visit in 2022 in India

 As the temperature is rising in north India. The summers have kicked in with a bang. The temperature is unusually high this year as compared to previous years and so we all long for pleasant days. With the summers comes the summer vacations of schools and colleges which means planning a trip with our family or friends.

Summers is a popular time to visit hill stations and especially in May and june. June is considered to be the perfect weather to visit the hills because the temperature is not very cold in hills and there are no rains.  

So why not consider a vacation in hills this June? Visit the beautiful mountains and have a cup a tea and coffee with your fam and soak in the sun. 

HERE ARE 5 HILL STATIONS TO VISIT IN JUNE IN 2022- 

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1. DALHOUSIE [Himachal Pradesh]- The Mini Switzerland of India- 

Dalhousie is a perfect hill station consisting of everything which a typical hill station posses like- mountains to trek, picnic spots, nature walks, old churches, colonial buildings, mesmerising views, religious places and adventure activities.

HOW TO REACH- Via Air- Closest airport in Pathankot which is 75kms from Dalhousie, Gaggal Airport in Kangra which is 140kms from Dalhousie. 

Via Train- Dauladhar express from Delhi to Pathankot. Delhi-Pathankot express from Delhi to Pathankot.

Via Bus- There are a lot of Volvos which run between Delhi to Dalhousie. There are Ac, non-Ac, Ac seater and Ac sleeper. 

By road you can reach Dalhousie from Delhi in 13 hours. It’s 560kms distance. 

PLACES TO VISIT- St Johns Church, Subhash Baloi, A trek to Dainkund Peak, St Patrik’s Church, Mall Road, Rang Mahal, Kalatop Wildlife Reserve, Tibetan Market, Barkota hills, rock garden, garam sadak, Chamunda Devi temple, St Francis church, Khajjiar, Chamera Lake.

PLACES TO EAT- Stella Lounge, cafe by mongas, cedar cafe, Kwality restaurant, old sher-e-Punjab with Himachali kitchen, bon appetit baked fries grills roasts restaurant, bunny’s restro cafe and barista cafe house.

PLACES TO STAY IN DALHOUSIE- 

Budget friendly properties- Zostel, Aaroham by Aamod, Fortune park, Mongas hotel and resort.

Expensive properties- Hotel Mount View, JK Clark’s exotica, Brijvilla- A luxury experience.

ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES- Trekking, boating, hiking, paragliding, zorbing, camping.

2. THEOG [HIMACHAL PRADESH]-

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Theog is a laid back town in the outskirts of Kufri and Shimla. Unlike these 2 cities, Theog is not very commercialised and focuses more on scenic beauty. It is a very good place if you want relax and have a easy-breezy holiday with your family or as a couple.

HOW TO REACH- Via Air- Nearest airport is in Shimla which is 18kms and in Chandigarh which is 47kms. 

Via Train- From Delhi to Kalka via Kalka Shatabdi express and further from Kalka toy train runs from Kalka-Shimla. Shimla is the nearest railway station to Theog.

Via Bus- There are 3 Volvo buses which connect Delhi-Theog- HRTC Himsuta AC Volvo Scania 2×2 which has 3 timings and Northern Travels  Volvo AC Semi Sleeper bus.

If you wish to travel to Theog from Delhi then the distance is 370kms and takes around 9 hours to reach the destination. 

PLACES TO VISIT- Theog in itself doesn’t have many places to visit but the nearest city is Kufri like- Himalayan Nature Park, Fagu, The Retreat Building, Green Valley, Mahasu Peak and Kufri zoo. 

PLACES TO EAT- Theog Junction- The Gastro Pub, Peony- The Oriental Restaurant, cafe highway, friends corner, Vishal Sharma dhaba, trapogan cafe, Sher e Punjab Kufri, The food junction.

PLACES TO STAY- 

Budget Friendly property- Zostel Homes Theog, de exotica crest, treebo hotels.

High-end property- Taj Theog Spa and Resort, Wood Vista Nature Cottages, Daafi House.

ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES – Kufri fun world, skiing, trekking, yak rides, tobogganing, paragliding, amusement  park and camping.

3. MCLEODGANJ  [HIMACHAL PRADESH]- 

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Mcleodganj is a Suburb of Dharamshala. It is known as Little Lhasa of India. The reason behind this name is because it consist of a lot of Tibetan population. This place is not only a gift of nature but also consists of famous trekking points, monasteries, temples, Tibetan markets. The culture here is highly inspired by the Tibetans. It also offers authentic Tibetan food which is a must try. 

HOW TO REACH- Via Air- Nearest airport is Kangra Airport which is 17kms from Mcleodganj.

Via Train- Nearest railway station is Pathankot station which is 90kms from Mcleodganj. You can take taxi and bus service from the station to Mcleodganj. 

Via Bus- A lot of Volvos run from Delhi to Mcleodganj at different timings like HRTC, Zingbus ranging from sleeper to semi sleeper AC. 

Via Road- If you wish to travel via road, the distance between Delhi and Mcleodganj is 480kms which nearly takes 9 hours to reach. 

PLACES TO VISIT- St John’s Church, Tirund Peak, Namgyal Monastery, Tushita Meditation Centre, Kalachakra temple, Tsuglagkhang Complex Dalai Lame temple, Sunset view point, Tibetan Flags Temple, Tibetan Market, Dal Lake, Dip Tes Chok Ling.

PLACES TO EAT- Jimmy’s Italian kitchen, the clay oven restaurant, four seasons cafe, Tibet kitchen, Nicks Italian kitchen, lung ta Japanese restaurant, Kalimpong restaurant, Llhamos’s croissant(includes vegan and gluten options), Woeser Bakery, the chocolate log and many more, the options available are plenty so you must explore.

PLACES TO STAY- 

Budget friendly property- Zostel [Dharamkot], Hotel holiday hill, Alt life Dharamkot, Hotel Asian International, The lodge by Cyber Tatva, Greenwoods inn.

Expensive properties- Hotel Sahebs Castle, Hungarian Resort and Spa, Indraprastha resort and spa, hyaat regency Dharamshala resort, Radisson blu resort Dharamshala. 

ACTIVITIES TO DO- Trekking, rappelling, zip lining, paragliding, nature walks, hiking and boating. 

4. KOTHGARH [HIMACHAL PRADESH]-

Hatu Peak- Narkanda

Kothgarh is a formerly princely state in Shimla district. It is a subdivision of Kumarsain. Kothgarh itself is not very commercialised. It is a perfect place for a relaxing holiday, laying around in the sun with a cup of hot coffee is perfect for this place. Narkanda is the biggest city near to Kothgarh which consist of many peaks like Hatu peak with mesmerising views.

HOW TO REACH- Via Air- Nearest Airport is Shimla for Kothgarh which is 38kms and takes about 2 hours 30 mins to reach.

Via Train- If you wish to travel by train then the nearest railway station is Shimla. You can reach Shimla via toy train which starts from Kalka to Shimla.

Via Bus- The nearest bus stand to Kotgarh is in Narkanda. You can easily take public transport from Narkanda to Kotgarh which takes approximately 35 minutes to reach. 

Via Road- From Delhi to Kothgarh the distance is 420kms which takes 9 hours 35 mins to reach via road.

PLACES TO VISIT- Tanni Jubbar lake, Koteshwar Mahadev temple, Hatu peak, Hatu Mata temple Narkanda, Narkanda Hatu trek.

PLACES TO EAT- Restaurants are hardly there in Kothgarh, if you stay in a hotel then you will get all 3 meals, but if you wish to explore restaurants then the nearest will be in Narkanda and Kumarsain like Hatu restaurant and bar, government restaurant, yetis cafe, kadu cafe, tea and Maggie point in the foothills of hatu peak, new gazal restaurant and bar and standard service and bar.

PLACES TO STAY-  Budget friendly- Zostel homes, the lords Kothgarh, majestic Himalayan homestay, 13 forest b&b, behtal honestly, Lockwood cottage and seetvalvan Cottage.

ACTIVITIES TO DO- Hikes, trekking, camping and bike riding. 

5. NALDEHRA [ HIMACHAL PRADESH ]-

Naldehra is a beautiful hill station in the valley of Himachal Pradesh. It is a pristine location nestled in hills. The main attraction is the golf course in Naldehra. It is a laid back station which is perfect for a weekend gateway. It has beautiful home stays and hotels to indulge in a much needed vacation from work. A good laid back place to spend time with your family and friends. It is very close to Shimla which makes it an attractive tourist location. 

NALDEHRA

HOW TO REACH- Via Air- Nearest airport is Shimla which is 17kms from Narldehra.

Via train- Nearest railway station is Shimla, Delhi-kalka Shatabdi and further toy train from Kalka to Shimla. This is the most convenient way to travel by train.

Via bus- Nearest bus station is also Shimla. You can reach Shimla via bus and after that book a cab/taxi. You can also take local Himachal Pradesh state bus to reach from Shimla to naldehra.

Via Road- The distance between Delhi to Naldehra is 370kms and it takes approximately 8 hours 30 mins.

PLACES TO VISIT- Golf course, Jablanda, magical Victorian Shimla, shaily peak, tattapani and mahunag temple.

PLACES TO EAT- The garden pavilion, Woodstock cafe and restaurant, Satvik food corner and homestay, boca Maria restaurant, Gugnoo dhaba.

PLACES TO STAY- Club Mahindra Resort, the forest cottage, the chalets, royal jardin whistling pine resort, the manor- service apartments, magical Victorian penthouse and Woodstock resort.

ACTIVITIES TO DO- Pony ride, camping, trekking, paragliding, bird watching, leisure walks and Rampling.

It is best decision to take some time off from work and the heat wave prevailing in india. These locations are perfect for vacations with family and friends. Go ahead and book your tickets.