5 Hill Stations Near Kullu For The Hardcore Mountain Lovers

Kullu is around 500 km away from the capital city, Delhi and lies at the heart of Himachal. Once you are here, you can easily explore other famous hill stations of Himachal. The place is located on the banks of the River Beas and you can start your adventure tour right from here. If you have time in hand, you can easily cover up Kullu in two to three days and then head towards other famous hill stations near Kullu like Shimla, Manali, Dalhousie, and Mcleodganj. You don’t require much to travel to these places from Kullu and can reach them in a maximum of three hours’ drive. It is best to be here during summers as the temperature is not too cold and you can easily work your way out amidst these hill stations.

5 Hill Stations Near Kullu

Here is a list of the best hill stations near Kullu that will give you a breathtaking experience of holidaying there. Take a look!

1. Shimla – 208 Km From Kullu
2. Manali – 39 Km From Kullu
3. Dalhousie – 286 Km From Kullu
4. Mcleodganj – 184 Km From Kullu
5. Kasauli – 224 Km From Kullu

1. Shimla

Shimla is a lush green hill station with snow-capped mountains which is spread across an area of 12 km long ridge. It is one of the most popular destinations amongst north Indians, where travelers often spend their weekends in the lap of nature. The place is extended along the ridges and preserves a magical heritage of the old structure of building built in Pahari architecture. The lamp posts there would instigate the traveler in you which are made from steel and were built in Anglo-Saxon style. Shimla is one of the best-known hill stations near Kullu and one could never get bored out of its beauty and charm. Other activities apart from exploring this exotic hill station are paragliding, camping, rafting, and trekking. You can visit here during the summers as the temperature is moderately around 15 to 30 degrees. People also come here during winters to experience snowfall.

Distance from Kullu: 208 km
How to visit: Shimla is a popular and a famous destination that has all the options for transport by air, by bus, by train, and via road.
Best time to visit: March until June
Things to do: visit Sanjauli, Kali Bari Temple, Himachal Pradesh University, Sankat Mochan, The Mall Shimla, Gaiety Theatre, Scandal Point, The Ridge, Jakhu Ropeway
Special attractions: Chadwick Falls Shimla, multi-story Parking in Shimla, Tara Devi Temple Shimla
Places to stay: Treebo Trend Varuna, Snow Valley Resorts, Treebo Trend Snow View Resort
Ideal Duration: 3 Nights/4 Days
Packages Starting From: ₹ 6,999/-

Suggested Read: 28 Best Places To Visit In Kullu That Will Make Your Trip A Happy One

Himachal Holiday Packages On TravelTriangle

2. Manali

Manali is known for its exotic honeymoons. It is also called a lover’s paradise as the city is nestled amongst the snow capped mountains and the place have lush green forests and beautiful sprawling meadows. If you are here during spring, you will see a different variety of flowers blooming everywhere. It’s like you are in fairyland as the sweet smell from blooming flowers leaves a mist in the air. Apart from nature, you can also visit various famous tourist attractions like temples and shops. The place also has a famous hippie village which takes you to another world. The place is adorned by clean roads and swaying pine trees with small Maggie points at every corner with a bench laid beside them where you can sip the coffee and take a deep look into the lush mountains. It is a very popular tourist destination and has more than 25 lakh tourists reaching this place every year. It is also a starting point for several biking trips to Leh and Ladakh because of its proximity to Rohtang Pass.

Distance from the Kullu: 39 Kms
How to visit: You can reach here through air and road via bus or self-drive. No railway station is there nearby.
Best time to visit: October to June
Things to do: White water rafting, paragliding, trekking, zorbing, horse-riding, skiing
Special attractions: Solang Valley and Rohtang Pass, Beas Kund Trek, Hadimba Temple
Places to stay: Hotel Parvati Valley, Negi’s Nest Hotel, The Rainbow Inn
Ideal Duration: 3 Nights/4 Days
Packages Starting From: ₹ 9,999/-

Suggested Read: 13 Best Places In Manali For Honeymoon Couples Visiting The Hill Station

3. Dalhousie

Dalhousie is also known as a mini Switzerland of India. This tiny town is proudly sitting in the lap of Himalayas and is a paradise for travelers. The place is warm and is full of natural landscapes and dense pine forests. You also have a fast-flowing river that passes through the center of the valley and allows you to experience one of the best rafting experiences in Himachal. The place is adorned with a mix of Scottish and Victorian architecture and explicitly reminds you of the ancient British era in India. This was their summer holiday home while being situated far from the buzzing cities. Spending some time here would be perfect to quiet your mind and give your lungs some fresh and clean air to breathe while you appreciate the scenic beauty sitting in your hotel room. You must never forget to bring your warm clothes with you if you don’t want to spend your whole day inside the hotel room and wish to explore this lavish city from the British era.

Distance from the Kullu: 286 Kms
How to visit: There are a railway station and airport nearby to this place from where you can drive. Also, buses and taxis are available.
Best time to visit: March-June
Things to do: River crossing and River rafting in river Ravi and river Saal
Special attractions: Khajjiar, Satdhara Falls, Panchpula, Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary, Dainkund Peak
Places to stay: Hotel Nature View, The Devdar Hotel, Hotel Mini Swiss
Ideal Duration: 2 Nights/3 Days
Packages Starting From: ₹ 12,000/-

Suggested Read: 7 Vibrant Manali Festivals That Make This Resort Town Even More Amazing

4. Mcleodganj

Mcleodganj is a beautiful hill station near Kullu and is quite famous for trekking paths. People often come here to do a serious trek and then relax in this place to pant off their drained-out energy from the trek. The place is known as the land of Dalai Lama and you can see and learn a lot about Tibetan culture while you are here. The place is located in the middle of beautiful lush green mountains and prominently has Tibetan influence in almost everything. They also host a Tibetan museum. The best way to look at the soul of Dharamshala is to live here with the local people and learn about the Tibetan culture, their food, and their festivals. The other nearby attractions which you can visit while you are here are Dalai Lama Temple Complex, Tsechokling Gompa, Bhagsunath Temple.

Distance from the Kullu: 184 Kms
How to visit: Nearest railhead is Pathankot and otherwise, you can board a cab or a bus to reach this place.
Best time to visit: March and June
Things to do: Visit the Tibetan Museum, see Bhagsu waterfall, do a pilgrimage circuit, watch the monks’ debate, and do a hefty trek.
Special attractions: Bhagsu Falls, Namgyal Monastery, Tsuglagkhang Complex, Bhagsunag Temple, Tibetan Museum, Triund
Places to stay:
Ideal Duration: 2 Nights/3 Days

Suggested Read: Manali In January: Know What Makes It A Great Time To Explore This Paradise

5. Kasauli

Kasauli is a cozy little hill station, which is located near Shimla. It is also a cantonment area and hence is well kept and very safe. The place is known for its timber trails and calm and beautiful clean roads. When you are here, you can wear your walking boots and start exploring this place alone. You can also admire the lavish Victorian buildings and serene environment. The place has a magical calmness to it which doesn’t make you worry, but bestows peace upon you. The place is this appropriate for people who wish to ditch the city hustle for a few days or want to practice yoga and meditation.

Distance from the Kullu: 224 Kms
How to visit: Nearest railhead and airport is Chandigarh from where you can hire a cab to reach this place.
Best time to visit: March and June
Things to do: Go trekking, riding a toy train, nature walks, explore gilbert trail, ride the cable car.
Special attractions: Timber Trail, Monkey Point, Mall Road, Sunset point, Lover’s Lane, Gurdwara Sri Guru Nanakji, Baptist Church
Places to stay: Radisson Blu Hotel, Hotel Mountview, Hotel Honeymoon Inn
Ideal Duration: 2 Nights/3 Days
Packages Starting From: ₹ 9,000/-

Further Read: 15 Homestays In Manali You Must Consider Staying In For Your Vacay

Himachal is a majestic place with a full trail of famous hill stations. Some of the prominent ones are mentioned above. When you reach Kullu and have some time in hand, then you should not miss visiting these. The best way to travel Himachal is to come to Delhi and then hire a cab to traverse through the hill stations in Himachal. You can easily spend two days at each place to explore them fully. Apart from the one mentioned above, you can also explore Kasauli, Kasol, Chail, and Narkanda. Every place has something unique to offer and has its own special culture. So, plan a trip to Himachal Pradesh and explore these hill stations near Kullu. 

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Frequently Asked Questions About Hill Stations Near Kullu 

Seema Gurnani

Exploring new places and trying out new food cuisines are two things that bring Seema all the happiness. Travel freak and a die-hard foodie are the synonyms that define her the best. Popular on social media by the name of ‘PandaReviewz’, lazing around the beaches, exploiting the sunset points, visiting the farthermost villages, exploring the renowned cities, trying out new food cuisines, and blogging about them are few things that keep Seema occupied, and happy!