The pandemic has been quite hard all those who love travelling. Work, eat, sleep, repeat- this has become the diurnal routine for most of us, after being cocooned at home due to the coronavirus lockdown. Now, to revive the economy, the country is gradually unlocking and travel destinations too are reopening. Domestic flights have also resumed and the airports countrywide are operating with stringent safety measures. So if you want to ditch the quarantine stresses, you can easily fly to a mountain destination now. Here are some idyllic hill stations near prominent airports where you can visit right now to wash off your quarantine stresses.
1. Shoghi: 3 Hrs From Chandigarh Airport
The picturesque suburb near Shimla in Himachal Pradesh, Shoghi has a pretty railway station, along with some splendid temples, the 250-year-old Tara Devi Temple being the most prominent among them. The forests and terrains of Shoghi are ideal for adventures activities like trekking and camping. During winter, the hill station beautifully dresses up in flakes of snow. Shoghi is near to the most popular destination in Himachal, Shimla. The entire state is open to tourists now without the mandate to carry any COVID certificate. Shoghi is just 3 hours drive away from Chandigarh Airport.
Flights Available From | New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai, etc.
2. Tinchuley: 3 Hrs From Bagdogra Airport
West Bengal boasts of some mesmerizing hill stations, Darjeeling and Kurseong being the most noteworthy of them. And if you want to treat your eyes with the marvellous views of the Kanchenjunga peak, you can plan a trip to the profoundly captivating, offbeat hill station near Darjeeling, the village of Tinchuley. It is a secluded hamlet nestled at a height of 5800 feet above Takdah, perfect for a socially-distanced trip. Tinchuley also overlooks the Kalimpong hills. Darjeeling is open to outsiders now and we do not require any fitness certificate or e-pass to visit there. You can take a flight up to Bagdogra Airport and then hire a car to Tinchuley.
Flights Available From | Kolkata, Guwahati, Delhi, Dibrugarh, Mumbai, Bangalore, etc.
3. Pushkar: 3 Hrs From Jaipur Airport
Pushkar is a hilly city in Rajasthan’s Ajmer district, located at a distance of three hours drive from Jaipur Airport. It is a holy city set on the sacred Pushkar Lake. The artificial lake, Foy Sagar, also falls on the route to Pushkar. Pushkar is home to the only Brahma temple in the world. The Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra mosque, believed to be built in just two and a half days, is just half an hour away from Pushkar. Rajasthan was one of the first states to fully open up for tourists.
Flights Available From | Mumbai, Kolkata, New Delhi, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Pune and others
Also Read: I Went On A Trip To A Secluded Campsite In Pushkar During The Pandemic
4. Pelling: 5 Hours From Bagdogra Airport
Pelling in Sikkim offers of the best views of the grandiose Kanchenjunga. From Pelling, one can view Kanchenjunga up and close, literally. A must-visit spot here is the glass skywalk near the statue of Chenrezig, which is also the first glass skywalk in India. Other attractions near Pelling include the Khecheopalri Lake, Pemayangtse Monastery, Rabdentse Ruins and Phamrong Falls. But remember, if you’re visiting anywhere in Sikkim now, you’ll need to produce a COVID negative certificate. Only then you can enter the state.
Flights Available From | Kolkata, Guwahati, Delhi, Dibrugarh, Mumbai, Bangalore, etc.
5. Mussoorie: 1 Hr From Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
Uttarakhand is now open and thus, the ‘Queen of Hills’ Mussoorie can be an excellent weekend getaway. Located at 290 kilometres from Delhi, Mussoorie offers a long list of attractions like Kempty Falls, Lal Tibba, Benog Wildlife Sanctuary, Lake Mist, Lamba Dewar Mines and more. The mind-blowing view of the mountains from Lal Tibba can leave anybody spellbound. They have installed a binocular on the rooftop so that travellers can take a closer look at the red sunrise. Mussorie just an hour drive from Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun.
Flights Available From | New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Pantnagar, Kolkata, etc.
Also Read: Why We Prefer Slopes of Auli For Skiing Over Alaska
6. Munnar: 3 Hrs From Cochin International Airport
Kerala had opened up for tourists in early October and recently it has thrown open its beaches, parks and museums too. And if you think about the prettiest hill station in Kerala, it definitely has to be Munnar. Munnar in Kerala is one of the most serene and peaceful places in the country. It is known for its rolling mist-clad hills, evergreen tea plantations and spice gardens, gurgling rivers, cascading waterfalls, winding trails, wildlife protected areas and much more. It is the perfect place to escape alone and unwind and relax amid the lush greenery.
Flights Available From | Bangalore, New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Pune
7. Shillong: 58 Minutes From The Shillong Airport
Shillong, the Scotland of the East, is known all over the world for its breathtaking scenic beauty. Thanks to its rolling mountains, lush green flora, lively streams, magnificent caves, terraced plantations and more, this north-eastern hill station in Meghalaya, India has been on the bucket list of every nature lover. There are oodles things in which one can indulge while at Shillong, from enjoying the mountain view from the Laitlum Canyons, chilling at the Police Bazar to gorging on authentic Meghalayan momos. The main city of Shillong is around 58 minutes from the airport. To fly to Shillong now, you will require a negative COVID-19 report ( RT-PCR report or negative rapid antigen test), not older than 72 hours of boarding the flight. It is also mandatory for travellers to install Aarogya Setu app on phones, apart from wearing masks and using sanitizers.
Flights Available From | Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, New, Delhi
Also Read: Vagamon In Kerala Gets Green Checkposts To Curb Plastic Waste
So spread your arms, inhale the fresh air and get lost in these heavenly expanses. Meanwhile, here are 10 snowy hill stations to explore in North India: