Who wants to skip explore hill stations, especially when It’s peak summer and the mountainous beauty is also at its peak.
Luckily, some of the best hill locations are just a few hour drive away from Delhi. You should be feeling lucky.
And when you’ve got a car for rent at your service, then the mountains don’t just call-they send you a calendar invite.
From crisp air to winding roads, from hot maggi at roadside dhabas to postcard-worthy views, here is a list of top hill stations that you are going to love.
Top 5 Hill Stations You Need to Visit-
These locations are going to make you skip a breaths-
1. Nainital – The Lake City Bliss
Distance from Delhi: ~300 km
Travel Time: ~7 hours by road
Imagine you’re driving through curvy hill roads, with pine trees on both sides, and suddenly the sight of Naini Lake appears – sparkling under the sun. That’s Nainital for you.
This great ancient hill town of Uttarakhand is renowned for its peaceful lakes, colonial buildings, and some bestcafes. You can go on a boat ride in Naini Lake, trek up to Naina Devi Temple, or simply enjoy coffee at Mall Road and watch the people pass by.
With a rental car, you can visit surrounding treasures such as Bhimtal, Sattal, and Naukuchiatal without having to stick to a schedule.
Tip: leave early from Delhi to see the best sunrise somewhere beyond Haldwani.
Best for: Couples, families, and people who love strolling by lakes.
2. Mussoorie – The Queen of Hills
Distance from Delhi: ~290 km
Travel Time: ~7.5 hours by road
Mussoorie is not nicked The Queen of Hills for nothing. Situated at 6,170 feet, i, it commands breathtaking views of the Doon Valley and the Shivalik ranges. The twisty road from Dehradun to Mussoorie is pure bliss – and with a rented car, you can pull up at every picturesque bend for photos.
Must-sees are Kempty Falls, Camel’s Back Road, Gun Hill, and Landour – a less crowded, colonial town just a few kilometers off. In the night, Mall Road is filled with shops selling woolens, antiques, and hot momo’s.
The best part? If you leave Delhi at sunrise, you can lunch amidst a view by afternoon. Road trips do not get better than this.
Best suited for: First-time visitors to the mountains, shutterbugs, and Maggi enthusiasts.
3. Shimla – The Evergreen Favorite
Distance from Delhi: ~350 km
Travel Time: ~8 hours by road
Yes, Shimla is crowded. Yes, it’s touristy. But there’s a reason why it never goes out of trend. The capital of Himachal Pradesh is a delightful and perfect blend of colonial charm, bustling bazaars, and Himalayan majesty.
With a rental car, the journey from Delhi through Chandigarh is smooth, and as soon as you enter the hills, it’s mountain magic. Ridge at Shimla, Christ Church, Jakhoo Temple, and Kufri (16 km away) are all must-sees.
The biggest plus of having your own rented vehicle is the liberty to explore the surrounding areas such as Mashobra, Naldehra, and Chail – each with less crowded, more picturesque atmospheres than central Shimla.
Best for: The lovers of traditional hill station bliss and plenty of hot chocolate.
4. Lansdowne – The Quiet Escape
Distance from Delhi: ~280 km
Travel Time: ~6.5 hours by road
If the term “peace” the only place that could be geotagged, it would be Lansdowne. Hidden in the Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, this campsite town is spotless, serene, and postcard-like.
In contrast to overpopulated hill stations, Lansdowne is literally untouched. You may go to the War Memorial, enjoy a view from Tip N Top, or laze about in your comfortable homestay. The pine woods here are perfect for early morning walks.
Driving here in a hire car is pure bliss since the roads are not so crowded, and one can stop mid-way at small tea stalls to fuel up on tea and snacks. It’s also the type of journey where you abandon the plan and just… be.
Best for: Individual travelers, nature enthusiasts, and those fleeing city madness.
5. Rishikesh – Hills, Ganga River, and a Spur of Adventure
Distance from Delhi: ~250 km
Travel Time: ~6 hours by road
Alright, geographically Rishikesh is at the foothills, but listen – as soon as you enter town, the Ganges, the pure air, and the hills surrounding you make you forget all about the entire city life.
Considered the Yoga Capital of the World, Rishikesh provides spiritual retreats, river rafting, cliff jumping, and even bungee jumping for the thrill-seekers. Drive a bit more, and you can strike places like Neelkanth Mahadev Temple or the idyllic village of Byasi.
Car for rent that provides you the freedom to mix up spiritual mornings with adrenaline-packed afternoons. And yes, you can wind down the evening with chai at Lakshman Jhula as the sun sets over the river.
Best for: Adventure enthusiasts, yoga enthusiasts, and weekend thrill seekers.
Car for Rent is the Ultimate Travel Partner. Now, let’s get real – public transport has its own charm, but spontaneous hill station trips are better with a bit of flexibility. With a rental car, you:
Get to control your timings: No waiting at the bus or train station. You go when you want, and stop when you want.
Take in scenic detours: Spot a roadside waterfall? Pull over. Discover a secret dhaba? Park and dine.
Travel in comfort: Air conditioning on a hot day, your playlist on other days.
Cover more grounds: With your own vehicle, you can move from one nearby spot to another without worrying about time constraints.
Zeta Cars makes booking a rental car extremely convenient – from sedans to SUVs, suitable for everything ranging from solo breaks to large group outings.
Tips for a Smooth Hill Station Drive Start early: Beat the traffic in the city and drive on empty roads.
Have snacks & water ready: Hill roads never have shops nearby.
Check weather forecasts: Rain or fog can make you slow down.
Fill up early: Petrol pumps in hilly areas are scarce and far between.
Slow down on bends: Safety comes first, selfies later.
Conclusion –
Mountains Are Just a Drive Away The best part about living in Delhi is how close you are to the hill stations. Whether it’s the shimmering lakes of Nainital, the charm of Mussoorie, the timeless beauty of Shimla, the peace of Lansdowne, or the adventure-packed vibe of Rishikesh – they’re all just a road trip away.
So the next time the mountains beckon, don’t spend time planning bus tickets or monitoring train delays. Simply grab a car on hire, pack your bags, roll down the windows, and let the hills cast their spell.
For after all, life’s too short for dull weekends – and the mountains are waiting.
