7 cold hill stations near Delhi to escape the summer heat

For every Delhiite, the first sight of the mountains after a long drive through the plains of Haryana and Punjab feels like a rebirth. Leaving behind the burning "Loo" winds of the capital for the crisp, thin air of the Himalayas is a tradition as old as the city itself. Whether you have a long weekend or just a quick break, these seven escapes offer the perfect "chill" factor to reset your internal temperature and escape the concrete furnace of the NCR.

While everyone else is stuck in the traffic jams of Mall Road, you should head just a little further to Kanatal. Located about 300 km from Delhi, this hidden gem is perpetually misty and cool. It is surrounded by dense forests of pine and deodar, offering a silence that is hard to find elsewhere. It is the kind of place where you can sit with a book, a hot cup of chai, and watch the clouds float right into your balcony.

Lansdowne is one of the closest hill stations to Delhi and remains pristine because it is an army cantonment area. There are no loud markets or crowded malls here; instead, you get quiet walks through oak forests and old colonial-style buildings. Because it isn't as commercialized as other spots, the air stays remarkably cool even in peak June, making it the best "emergency" escape when the Delhi heat becomes unbearable.

If you are tired of the same old tourist spots, Chakrata is your answer. This rugged hill station sits between the Tons and Yamuna rivers and is famous for the majestic Tiger Falls. It’s a bit of a climb, but once you’re there, the temperature drops significantly. The area is home to ancient temples and caves, making it perfect for those who want to explore the mountains rather than just sit in a hotel room.

Located near the Jalori Pass, Shoja is a tiny village that looks like it belongs on a postcard. It is much higher and colder than the popular towns in the Kullu valley. The wooden houses and the view of the snow-capped peaks even in summer make it a dream destination. A short hike to the nearby Serolsar Lake provides a cool, shaded trek through deep forests where the sun barely touches the ground.

Once the summer capital of the Maharaja of Patiala, Chail is famous for having the highest cricket ground in the world. While Shimla can get hot and overcrowded, Chail stays peaceful and several degrees cooler due to its thick cover of giant deodar trees. The Chail Palace offers a touch of royalty, while the wildlife sanctuary nearby is perfect for spotting Himalayan birds in the cool morning air.

Known as the paragliding capital of India, Bir Billing isn't just for adventure junkies. The landing site in Bir is surrounded by cozy Tibetan cafes and monasteries that stay wonderfully cool throughout the summer. Taking a flight from Billing (the takeoff point) allows you to feel the freezing mountain wind on your face as you soar above the valley, providing an "unreal" escape from the stifling heat of the plains below.

Mukteshwar sits high in the Kumaon hills and offers one of the most spectacular views of the Nanda Devi peak. The town is famous for its apple orchards and the "Chauli-ki-Jali" cliffs where the breeze is so strong it can give you a brain-freeze. Because it is located at a high altitude, the nights here require a sweater even in the middle of May, making it a top-tier choice for a true "winter-in-summer" experience.