Looking to escape the crowds and traffic of Manali? These scenic destinations near Delhi offer breathtaking mountain views, dense forests, adventure activities, and peaceful surroundings. From the meadows of Khajjiar to the tranquil hills of Khirsu and Shoghi, these lesser-known getaways make for perfect weekend retreats without the tourist rush.
1 / 5Khajjiar, Himachal Pradesh | Located in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, Khajjiar is just 22km from Dalhousie and is known as the “Mini Switzerland of India”. At the heart of Khajjiar lies a meadow with a lake, surrounded by a dense deodar forest and the Dhauladhar mountain range in the distance. Popular activities include paragliding over the valleys and zorbing down the meadow slopes. It takes 11 hours to reach Khajjiar from Delhi by road. The nearest railway station is in Pathankot, and the nearest airport is the Gaggal Airport (DHM) in Dharamshala.
2 / 5Kanatal, Uttarakhand | The small village of Kanatal is located in the Tehri-Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, just 30km from Mussoorie. Kanatal has a pleasant climate throughout the year and boasts lush green forests, fruit trees, and stunning views of the snow-capped mountains. Popular activities include trekking along the pine forest trails in Kodia Jungle, rappelling, zip-lining, and water sports. It takes 6 hours to reach Kanatal from Delhi by road. The nearest railway stations are in Dehradun and Rishikesh, and the nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun.
3 / 5Chakrata, Uttarakhand | Located in the Dehradun district, Chakrata is a cantonment town and subdistrict in Uttarakhand. Scenic spots include Tiger Falls, a 312-foot-high waterfall nestled amidst dense forests; Chilmiri viewpoint; and Budher caves. Some popular activities include rock climbing and waterfall rappelling. It takes 6 hours to reach Chakrata from Delhi by road. The nearest railway station is in Dehradun, and the nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun.
4 / 5Khirsu, Uttarakhand | Nestled in the Pauri Garhwal district at an altitude of around 1,700 meters, Khirsu is a serene hill village known for its dense oak and deodar forests and panoramic views of the snow-clad Himalayan peaks. Far from the crowds, it offers peaceful nature walks, birdwatching opportunities, and sunrise vistas. Nearby attractions include the ancient Ghandiyal Devta Temple and apple orchards dotting the landscape. It takes around 8 hours to reach Khirsu from Delhi by road. The nearest railway station is in Kotdwara, and the nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun.
5 / 5Shoghi, Himachal Pradesh | Located about 13 km from Shimla, Shoghi is a peaceful hill station nestled amidst pine, oak, and rhododendron forests in the lower Himalayas. Known for its tranquil surroundings and panoramic mountain views, it offers a quieter alternative to Shimla. Visitors can enjoy nature walks, birdwatching, and visits to nearby temples and fruit orchards. Its pleasant climate and scenic landscapes make it an ideal weekend retreat. It takes around 8 hours to reach Shoghi from Delhi by road. The nearest railway station is in Kalka, and the nearest airports are in Shimla and Chandigarh.
