​Summer escapes: 5 offbeat hill stations to visit near Delhi to beat the heat​

While most of the tourist destinations are jam-packed near Delhi, here are some peaceful locations for you to try this summer to beat the scorching heat and escape the daily hustle. These tourist spots are lesser-explored gems that offer travelers a perfect escape packed with unmatched peace and much-needed pleasant weather!

Whether you are a nature lover or someone who loves to explore the unexplored, here are some places for you to explore this summer and beat the nasty summer heat! These destinations will offer you the most unforgettable experience without the crowd.

Ditch the famous hill stations of Himachal Pradesh and go explore Nahan this summer. This pretty Himachali gem makes for a perfect weekend escape from Delhi, as it is only 267 km away by car, which takes about 5-6 hours (depending on the traffic). This quaint hill station in the Shivalik ranges is a place that offers scenic views along winding roads. You can explore the historic Renuka Lake, visit the Jaitak Fort, and pray at the Trilokpur Temple when in Nahan. It is also a wonderful place for those who enjoy trekking; the adventure seekers can trek to Churdhar peak. The temperature at Nahan ranges from a high of 28 degrees to a low of 20 degrees in the evening, making it a pleasant escape.

Bhimtal is located at a distance of 303 km from Delhi, Bhimtal is a perfect spot to escape Delhi heat. The place is perfect for nature lovers, bird watchers and adventure seekers. Bhimtal Lake here is among the largest lakes in the Kumaon region. Some of the prime attractions here include Victoria Dam, Bhimeshwar Mahadev Temple, and Hidimba Parvat. Bhimtal is less crowded than Nainital, which makes it a perfect retreat for solitude seekers. The place is easily accessible by road and is close to Kathgodam railway station. The temperature here ranges from a high of 30 degrees to a low of 17 degrees Celsius.

Chaukori is another hidden gem in Uttarakhand waiting to be explored. The hill town is set at a distance of about 470 km from Delhi.. Not known by many, this place looks like heaven on earth. The views of Nanda Devi and Panchachuli peaks are simply unbelievable! It's a perfect escape for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Some of the must-visit places in and around Choukori include Patal Bhuvaneshwar Cave Temple and nearby villages like Berinag. Don’t miss out on the golden sunsets and sunrise views. The best time to visit is between March and June or later in the year, from September to November. The temperature here ranges from 27 degrees to a low of 10 degrees at night.

Lansdowne is about 258 km from Delhi and it takes about 5.5 hours to reach this beautiful cantonment town in Uttarakhand. The hill station is noted for its peaceful environment, which makes for a perfect escape from city life. The place is surrounded by pine forests and has a colonial charm; there are some serene spots to explore including Bhulla Tal Lake, Tiffin Top, and St. John’s Church. The weather at Lansdowne remains pleasant year-round, especially from March to June. A road trip to Lansdowne is extremely relaxing and scenic. The temperature here varies from 29 degrees in a day to 17 degrees at night. This place is great for a short and fun trip with family.

Pangot is a birdwatcher’s paradise! Set some 15 km from Nainital, Pangot is about a 6-8 hours drive from Delhi. It is a quiet retreat in Uttarakhand renowned for its rich biodiversity. The region is home to 580 species of birds, including the Himalayan griffon and Blue-winged Minla. Visitors can also enjoy local Uttarakhandi cuisine such bhatt ki churkani and aloo ke ghutke. The best time to visit is between October and June. The temperature ranges from 15 degrees to 22 degrees Celsius.