Here’s a curated list of kid-friendly and budget-friendly hill stations near Delhi that are accessible by train, along with the best activities for children and budget travel tips:
🚂🌄 1. Nainital, Uttarakhand
- Train Station: Kathgodam (30 km from Nainital)
- Best Train: Ranikhet Express, Kathgodam Shatabdi
- Kid Activities:
- Boating in Naini Lake
- Cable car ride to Snow View Point
- Nainital Zoo (snow leopards, red pandas)
- Eco Cave Gardens (mini adventure caves)
- Budget Tips:
- Stay in budget guesthouses in Tallital or Bhimtal
- Shared taxis from Kathgodam to Nainital are cheap
🚂🏞️ 2. Mussoorie, Uttarakhand
- Train Station: Dehradun (34 km away)
- Best Train: Nanda Devi Express, Dehradun Shatabdi
- Kid Activities:
- Kempty Falls (shallow waterplay)
- Company Garden with rides
- Ropeway to Gun Hill
- Mussoorie Aquarium
- Budget Tips:
- Budget hotels and hostels available in Landour Bazar
- Local buses/shared taxis from Dehradun are economical
🚂🦜 3. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
- Train Station: Kalka + Kalka–Shimla Toy Train
- Best Train: Kalka Shatabdi from Delhi
- Kid Activities:
- Toy Train ride itself is a hit!
- Ice skating (seasonal), horse rides at Kufri
- Mini zoo and amusement park at Kufri
- Scandal Point, Mall Road walks
- Budget Tips:
- Use Himachal Tourism hotels (clean and affordable)
- Toy train general class is scenic and cheap
🚂🌳 4. Ranikhet, Uttarakhand
- Train Station: Kathgodam (115 km)
- Kid Activities:
- Chaubatia Gardens (orchard tour)
- Jhula Devi Temple with hundreds of bells
- Army Golf Course (open for visitors)
- Budget Tips:
- Shared jeeps from Kathgodam
- Many homestays and forest guesthouses
🚂🌸 5. Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh
- Train Station: Kalka (40 km)
- Kid Activities:
- Gilbert Trail (easy nature walk)
- Sunset Point with snacks and telescope views
- Christ Church and toy shops
- Budget Tips:
- Ideal for a 2-day trip with low cost
- Shared cabs from Kalka or local buses
🧺 Bonus: Budget Travel Tips for Families
- IRCTC: Book sleeper or 3AC in advance for big savings
- Pack snacks/toys: Helps during train rides and sightseeing
- Stay: Look for OYO, Zostel, and Himachal/Uttarakhand Tourism guesthouses
- Food: Local dhabas offer tasty and affordable meals
- Avoid peak weekends: Go mid-week to get better deals
