Lucknow Nearest Hill Station: For those living in or visiting Lucknow and looking for a refreshing escape to the hills, there are many scenic hill stations within reasonable travel distance. Though Lucknow is situated in the plains of Uttar Pradesh, a few hill stations in neighboring states like Uttarakhand offers cool climates and breathtaking views, making them ideal getaways.
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Lucknow Nearest Hill Station:
Nainital
- Distance from Lucknow: 400 km
- Commute Time: 7-8 hours by car; overnight journey by train or bus
- Nainital is one of the most popular and closest hill stations to Lucknow. It is situated in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. Nainital is famous for its picturesque lakes, lush green hills, and pleasant climate.
- Things to Do:
- Boating at Naini Lake
- Visit to Naina Devi Temple
- Exploring Snow View Point and Tiffin Top for panoramic views of the Himalayas
- Strolling through Mall Road for shopping and dining
- Best Time to Visit: March to June, September to November
Ranikhet
- Distance from Lucknow: 475 km
- Commute Time: 8-9 hours by car
- It is known for its quiet and serene environment. Ranikhet is a charming hill station located in Uttarakhand. Its beautiful meadows, pine forests, and cool weather make it a perfect retreat for nature lovers.
- Things to Do:
- Visit Jhula Devi Temple and Chaubatia Orchards
- Enjoy scenic views of the Himalayas.
- Explore the peaceful Ranikhet Golf Course.
- Best Time to Visit: April to June, September to November
Almora
- Distance from Lucknow: 430 km
- Commute Time: 8-9 hours by car
- Almora is another scenic hill station in Uttarakhand. It offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. IT is known for its rich heritage and panoramic views, Almora attracts tourists who seek a peaceful atmosphere.
- Things to Do:
- Visit Kasar Devi Temple
- Explore Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Walk along the Bright End Corner for stunning sunset views.
- Best Time to Visit: March to June, September to November
Mukteshwar
- Distance from Lucknow: 450 km
- Commute Time: 8-9 hours by car
- Mukteshwar is a relatively quiet and lesser-known hill station in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. It is known for its unobstructed views of the snow-capped Himalayas and is ideal for a peaceful retreat away from crowded tourist spots.
- Things to Do:
- Trek to Chauli Ki Jali for scenic views and rock climbing
- Visit Mukteshwar Temple
- Explore nearby orchards and scenic hiking trails.
- Best Time to Visit: March to June, September to November
Lansdowne
- Distance from Lucknow: 360 km
- Commute Time: 7-8 hours by car
- Lansdowne is a quiet and quaint hill station located in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand. It’s relatively less commercialized, making it an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility and scenic beauty.
- Things to Do:
- Visit Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple
- Enjoy the Bhulla Tal Lake and St. John’s Church
- Explore nature trails around Tip-n-Top.
- Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year, but September to November is particularly pleasant
Binsar
- Distance from Lucknow: 470 km
- Commute Time: 8-9 hours by car
- It is located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. Binsar is known for its scenic beauty, wildlife, and breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges. It’s a nature lover’s paradise, offering peace away from the more commercialized hill stations.
- Things to Do:
- You can explore Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Visit Zero Point for incredible panoramic views
- Take nature walks and bird-watching tours
- Best Time to Visit: March to June, September to November
How to Reach
- By Road: All the above hill stations are well connected by road. Private cars, taxis, and buses are available from Lucknow to these destinations. The drive is scenic, especially as you approach the hills.
- By Train:
- Kathgodam Railway Station is the nearest railhead for Nainital, Ranikhet, Almora, and Mukteshwar. It’s about 35 km from Nainital and act as a gateway to many hill stations in Uttarakhand.
- Lansdowne is best reached by taking a train to Kotdwar Railway Station, 40 km away, followed by a taxi or bus ride.
- By Air: The nearest airport to most of these hill stations is Pantnagar Airport, located about 70 km from Nainital. However, flights to Pantnagar are limited. The better-connected airport is in Dehradun (Jolly Grant Airport).