If the hustle and bustle of life has left you squirting at the thought of crowded places, you are not the only one to feel so. Finding the best hill stations near Lucknow might be a task at first, but still, there are a few unexplored, offbeat and untouched hill stations.
At these hill stations near Lucknow, you can enjoy the misty views and steaming cups of hot tea or Maggi without worrying about crowded places. Taking a trip to any of these nearest hill stations from Lucknow can be done by car, bus or train. Moreover, Treebo hotels are all set you host with the best amenities and comfort like never before!
Top Hill Stations near Lucknow are –
1. Chitrakoot
A 5-hour drive, Chitrakoot is one of the nearest hill stations from Lucknow. This less populated and subtle town is popularly known as the hill of many wonders. It offers a magical view of the Chitrakoot Parvat Mala which includes many religious important hills such as Kamad Giri, Hanuman Dhara, Janki Kund, Lakshman Pahari, and Devanganga.
All these hills are significant to the religious epic, Ramayana and you can find immense peace and connect sincerely to everything related to Lord Rama. There is so much to see in Chitrakoot, which serves as a perfect amalgamation of culture, and history and touches the roots of Hinduism.
This spiritual retreat is one of the best hill stations near Lucknow and it would help you feel the essence of Lord Rama amongst deep forests. Roaming the numerous temples and the lush green forests all around the hills click away to your heart’s consent.
2. Champawat
There are very few people who have ever heard of Champawat, a tiny hill station near Lucknow. This gorgeous hill station was initially part of the Almora district. Over the coming years, it has become a perfect spot to experience lush greenery, mythology, and culture. A mere 7-hour drive from Lucknow, it is hugely popular for its prominent historical pillars, monuments, manuscripts and folklore going back to ancient Indian history.
The weather is pleasant around the year, but visiting this hill station near Lucknow must be visited during the winter. It makes for a great getaway destination serving as the nearest hill station from Lucknow, far from the maddening crowds of the main city. This quiet and quaint town has a unique charm in the lower Himalayas region. This offbeat place is a great pick for temple lovers and dense forests.
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3. Bhimtal
The verdant green landscapes of Bhimtal are relatively untouched and ensure complete peace of mind. Situated at an altitude of 1,370 meters above sea level, it is a picturesque hill station near Lucknow. Every year many tourists plan a long trip to one of the best hill stations near Lucknow.
Situated at a height of 4,500 feet and a 7-hour drive, it is popular for its Nag temple and a huge hoard of worshippers visit it every year. In the winter months of December and January, you can witness the majestic beauty of the Himalayas and several mountain peaks covered with snow.
The marvelous Bhimtal Lake provides the best enjoyment of pedal boats and row boats. You can also enjoy the evening stroll in the markets and purchase authentic Kumaon winter wear. Serving as Lucknow’s nearest hill station, it sure is an unforgettable trip to cherish every moment of the visit to the mountains and its lovely temples.
4. Naukuchiatal
Naukuchiatal, popularly known as the Lake of nine corners, is one of the best hill stations near Lucknow. Presiding in the laps of the hills at a height of 4000 feet, it offers the best views of the nearest peaks in the distance. This gorgeous gem of a hill station is a fun abode to witness the beauty of the lake in the lap of the lush green forests and mountains.
Hiking along the silent trails here will take you to some gushing waterfalls where you can arrange a picnic with friends and family in peace, without worrying about people disturbing you. Overlooking a valley, Naukuchiatal offers scenic vistas and stellar sunsets. It is the best hill station near Lucknow even in summer due to blooming wildflowers. In winters, it is humming with pleasant weather and tourists exploring all the corners of the lake.
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5. Abbott Mount
An unexplored and offbeat winter destination, Abbott Mount offers a tranquil experience as the hill station near Lucknow. Abbott Mount is one of those hill stations that look like a painter’s dream. This less-explored hill station near Lucknow is known for spotting Himalayan birds, colourful butterflies, and bright red . There are some prominent Buddhist monasteries and prevalent Tibetan culture that you can experience here.
Being the nearest hill station from Lucknow, Abbott Mount is truly breathtaking with its quaint little villages, mesmerising meadows, and spread of Himalayan vegetation. One of the best treks in India, you can enjoy stunning winter views here leaving you in awe.
The winter experience of Abbott Mount is unparalleled, as being the home to Mahaseer Fishing in Pancheshwar, the confluence of the Saryu and Mahakali rivers. It has plenty of colonial architecture such as rustic bungalows and buildings. Nature’s beauty like lakes and cascading waterfalls give you some ecstatic views to add to your photo gallery.
6. Nainital
An evergreen proof of the enchanting beauty of the Kumaon hills, it is one of the best snow destinations in India for winter vacations. Situated at a height of 2,000 metres above sea level, you can take the cable car to the snow observation point and witness the majestic beauty of mountain peaks at a distance. Nainital in winter seems like a dream come true destination.
The trail running from the Naini lake to the adjacent forest is a must-try for trekking enthusiasts as it offers you much more than just the serene beauty of Nainital. Also, lying amidst the serene calmness and beauty of the Himalayas, there’s lots more for you to explore here. Witnessing the beauty of the mesmerising sunrise, along the high peaks of Naina Peak, Deopathat, and Ayarpatta is one of the best parts of a trip to Nainital
The captivating views of these peaks coupled with the views of the low-lying valley glistening with the calmness of the dense forests and the glitter of Naini lake. These winsome views are bound to make your trip to Nainital special and ever-lasting.
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7. Pangot
Pangot is one of the upcoming tourist destinations which is home to a large number of places to visit. The otherwise green valley trunks itself into white during the winter months and invokes a surreal beauty within it. The major tourist attraction here is the expansive jungles and pine forests offering raw and scenic views of the flora and fauna.
It is a bird-watching paradise as you can spend countless hours watching birds zip past, float in the high winds amongst the mountains, and hover in mid-air, amazing you at every second. The adjoining forests of Pangot which is one of the best hill stations near Lucknow are blessed with close to 300 species of birds. It is a true birders’ paradise with countless habitats at your disposal.
Nainital
Through the astounding ecoregions, you can witness up to 100 species of a variety of birds including ducks, geese, and waders. Some of these birds have migrated from remote reaches of the Palearctic regions of the world to experience the winters and reside in the lush green pine forests of Pangot.
8. Auli
In winter, it is a snow-covered postcard. A 670 kilometres drive, it is among the best hill stations near Lucknow. Away from the more-crowded Lucknow, Auli is pristine and untouched. With its glittering white slopes and quaint backdrop of evergreen conifers and oak forests, Auli truly is heaven on earth.
It is touted to be the favourite ski destination in India among spirited winter sports enthusiasts. The astounding Auli is the place to enjoy a white Christmas and have the best of winter vacation at the nearest hill station from Lucknow. The snow-covered meadows and snow-capped mountains surround you, Auli feels like a page taken from the textbook of a winter wonderland.
It offers you to stay in Igloo-shaped tents and one thing is for sure, you are bound to return with a bag and heart full of cherishable memories. Moreover, what is a better way to spend New Year than staying in a wooden cottage amidst the snowfield of Auli.
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9. Mukteshwar
Rarely featured in winter destination lists, this offbeat place looks nothing short of a paradise with its lush trees and captivating views of the Hanuman temple. Situated amidst the lap of the mountains, Mukteshwar is a calm and serene town, offering easy trekking and great opportunities for bird watching.
The place is isolated from the brimming flock of tourists and is known for witnessing the high peaks covered with snow at a distance.
The immense tranquillity of Mukteshwar along with the dark wood forests is perfect for camping. It gives you a chance to challenge the chilly breeze and truly enjoy winter for what it offers. You can experience the captivating atmosphere during the winter season. For additional comfort, book hotels in Lucknow for a serene getaway.
10. Ranikhet
Ranikhet also known as the Land of the Queen receives snowfall occasionally for 2-3 years. Far from the tourist hotspots is a slice of paradise known as Ranikhet, which is the nearest hill station to Lucknow. These gorgeous rolling hills are a great escape from the humdrum of city life. Covered with dense green forests and the popular St.Bonaventure Church amidst it all, there is lush greenery as far as the eye can see. You can pick a cosy homestay for your getaway and revel in the misty winds.
This quiet hill station is nestled in a valley, located on the banks of a furious Kosi river, and is surrounded by divine meadows. Some of the popular tourist spots in Ranikhet are so off-beat that many locals also don’t know about them. This charming town has the most welcoming and helpful population that will shower you with their utmost hospitality and love.
11. Almora
In the streets of Almore, you can hear the traditional Kumaoni music with bagpipes and native drums. Lucknow nearest hill station, Almora is one of the most prominent cultural centres of Uttarakhand and consequently India. This city, in its 450-year-old history, kept its art and culture alive throughout and made a distinct mark of its own in history.
The popular mall road serves as the main shopping area and market with several prominent hotels, malls, cinema halls, and even a couple of multi-story parking on these roads. There are various little tourist attractions, ancient temples, and historical monuments in and around the town. On the banks of the Suyal river, the walls of the Lakhudiyar rock shelter house thousands of years old rock paintings.
12. Pithoragarh
Pithoragarh, also known as the little Kashmir, receives snowfall occasionally and is one of the best hill stations near Lucknow. In the eastern part of Uttarakhand, close to the Indo-Nepal Border, lies this secret gem. Lush pine, rhododendron, and deodar forests surround this town. This endearing setting gives it an aromatic fragrance. With the Panchachuli Range for a vista, this town makes for a dramatic photo background.
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Lucknow nearest hill station, Pithoragard is so serene, yet so beautiful, you may never want to leave. Pithoragarh is also known as the cultural centre of Kumaon, and a grand old centre. Visiting the Gorkha fort in Pithoragarh, one of the best hill stations near Lucknow, and witnessing the local culture and handicrafts. Take the high-altitude treks to the glaciers to forgotten lands, see the waterfalls and forests and make your trip to Pithoragarh a memorable one.
As you explore the best hill stations near Lucknow, make sure to make advance hotel bookings so you never miss a moment. Also, the trip cannot end without shopping and street food exploration in the city of Lucknow.
