Escape the Delhi Heat
When Delhi's summer temperatures cross 40°C, the Uttarakhand hills beckon with cool breezes, misty mornings and stunning Himalayan views. Here are our top 4 picks — all reachable in 5–7 hours by road from Delhi.
1. Mussoorie — Queen of the Hills (280 km, 6 hrs)
The most popular Delhi escape for good reason. Mussoorie offers the perfect blend of colonial charm, natural beauty and modern amenities. Must-do: Walk the Mall Road at sunset, visit Kempty Falls, take the Gun Hill cable car for panoramic valley views, and drive to Landour for Ruskin Bond's famous Char Dukan Maggi.
Best for: Couples, families, first-time hill visitors.
Budget: ₹6,500–9,000 for a 2N/3D trip.
Stay: We recommend hotels on Picture Palace Road for the best Doon Valley views.
2. Nainital — The Lake City (320 km, 7 hrs)
Built around the gorgeous Naini Lake and surrounded by seven hills, Nainital has an irresistible old-world charm. Must-do: Boat on the lake at dawn (avoid afternoon crowds), ride the cable car to Snow View Point for Himalayan panoramas, explore Tiffin Top on foot, and try the legendary Bal Mithai sweets.
Best for: Families, honeymooners, photographers.
Budget: ₹7,000–10,000 for a 2N/3D trip.
Pro tip: Visit the lake at 6 AM — the reflections of the surrounding hills in still water are extraordinary.
3. Lansdowne — The Hidden Gem (250 km, 6 hrs)
This quiet cantonment town is Uttarakhand's best-kept secret. No crowds, no chaos — just pristine oak and pine forests, colonial architecture and the peaceful Bhulla Lake. Must-do: Walk through the silent Tip-n-Top viewpoint, visit the Garhwal Rifles Regimental Museum, row on Bhulla Lake, and simply breathe.
Best for: Couples seeking peace, nature lovers, offbeat travellers.
Budget: ₹5,000–7,500 for a 2N/3D trip.
Warning: Very limited restaurants — most visitors eat at their hotel.
4. Dhanaulti — The Cool Surprise (290 km, 7 hrs)
Just 24 km beyond Mussoorie but a world apart in tranquility. Dhanaulti sits at 2,250m surrounded by deodar and rhododendron forests. Must-do: Walk through the Eco Park (separate sections for families and adventure seekers), visit Surkanda Devi Temple, and enjoy the uninterrupted mountain views from your hotel balcony.
Best for: Peace seekers, families with kids, budget travellers.
Budget: ₹4,500–6,500 for a 2N/3D trip.
Plan Your Weekend
All four destinations are available as weekend getaway packages. Check our weekend getaways page for current pricing and availability.