Winter travel in India is having a moment in 2025, and Vande Bharat trains are one of the biggest reasons. With faster routes, clean coaches and smoother travel schedules, families and young travellers are choosing train-based hill getaways instead of expensive flights. The Vande Bharat winter hill getaways India 2025 trend is exploding because the trains are comfortable, punctual and perfect for short weekend breaks.
The best part? Most of these winter trips can be done under ₹8,000 per person, including travel, stay and local transport. That makes them ideal for families, couples and college groups planning last-minute escapes to cold-weather destinations.

Best Hill Destinations You Can Reach by Vande Bharat in Winter 2025
India’s expanding Vande Bharat network connects major metros to scenic hill stations and winter towns. These routes offer quick travel, minimal fatigue and easy weekend planning, especially for people with packed schedules.
Here are some of the top destinations accessible through Vande Bharat routes:
| Metro City | Connected Hill Destination | Travel Time | Trip Type | Budget (per person) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi | Dehradun / Haridwar – gateway to Mussoorie | 4–4.5 hrs | 2-day trip | ₹6,000 – ₹8,000 |
| Mumbai | Pune – gateway to Mahabaleshwar | 3 hrs | 2-day trip | ₹5,500 – ₹7,000 |
| Chennai | Mysuru – gateway to Coorg & Ooty | 2–3 hrs | 3-day trip | ₹6,500 – ₹8,000 |
| Bengaluru | Hubballi – gateway to Dandeli | 5 hrs | 3-day trip | ₹7,000 – ₹8,000 |
| Ahmedabad | Sabarmati – gateway to Mount Abu | 2 hrs | 2-day trip | ₹6,000 – ₹7,500 |
Each of these routes offers great winter weather, easy road connections, affordable stays and scenic value.
Delhi to Dehradun: Snow & Misty Mountains for a Quick Break
This is one of the most popular Vande Bharat winter hill getaways India 2025 because Delhi travellers can reach Dehradun in just over four hours. From there, Mussoorie, Dhanaulti and Landour offer cold winds, pine forests and occasional winter snowfall.
What you can do:
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Mall Road evening walk
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Visit Kempty Falls (less crowded in winter)
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Try cafes in Landour like Rokeby and Emily’s
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Enjoy sunrise viewpoints near Lal Tibba
Approx budget:
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Train: ₹1,200–₹1,600
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Hotel: ₹1,000–₹2,500 per night
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Food & local travel: ₹2,000–₹3,000
Total: Under ₹8,000 easily.
Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar via Pune: Cosy Hill Vibes Close to the City
The Pune Vande Bharat opens a gateway to Mahabaleshwar, Panchgani and Tapola. Winter here brings cool breezes, strawberry season and scenic viewpoints perfect for couples and small groups.
Best things to try:
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Mapro Garden desserts
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Sunset at Wilson Point
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Boating at Venna Lake
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Strawberry farms tour
Budget breakdown:
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Train: ₹900–₹1,300
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Bus/taxi to Mahabaleshwar: ₹900–₹1,200
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Stay: ₹1,500–₹2,500
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Food: ₹1,200–₹1,800
Total: Around ₹7,000.
Chennai to Coorg or Ooty via Mysuru: The South India Winter Charm
The Chennai–Mysuru Vande Bharat is perfect for three-day weekend escapes. Winter in Coorg means misty mornings, waterfalls and coffee trails, while Ooty offers eucalyptus forests and chilled air.
Coorg highlights:
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Abbey Falls
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Coffee estate tours
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Raja’s Seat
Ooty highlights:
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Botanical Gardens
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Pine Forest
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Ooty toy train
Budget range: ₹6,500–₹8,000 per person.
Bengaluru to Dandeli via Hubballi: Adventure and Forest Winters
Dandeli is ideal for those who want an adventurous winter break. From Hubballi, the road journey is easy and scenic. Expect lush forests, wildlife sightings and natural river pools.
Things to do:
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Kali River rafting
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Syntheri Rocks
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Kavala Caves
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Jungle stays
Budget range: ₹7,000–₹8,000.
Ahmedabad to Mount Abu: Rajasthan’s Only Hill Station in Winter
Mount Abu becomes one of the most comfortable winter destinations for those coming from Gujarat. The weather is cold but pleasant, and the Vande Bharat short travel time makes it an effortless weekend plan.
Places you’ll love:
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Nakki Lake boating
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Dilwara temples
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Sunset viewpoint at Honeymoon Point
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Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary
Average cost: ₹6,000–₹7,500 per person.
Sample 2-Day and 3-Day Itineraries for Quick Planning
Here are simple ready-made itineraries for a fast, stress-free trip:
2-Day Mussoorie Itinerary
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Day 1: Reach Dehradun → Travel to Mussoorie → Mall Road + Gun Hill
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Day 2: Landour cafes → Lal Tibba viewpoint → Return
3-Day Coorg Itinerary
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Day 1: Mysuru arrival → Coorg travel → Madikeri town
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Day 2: Abbey Falls → Coffee estate → Raja’s Seat
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Day 3: Shopping → Return
2-Day Mount Abu Itinerary
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Day 1: Nakki Lake → Local markets → Sunset point
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Day 2: Dilwara temples → Wildlife sanctuary → Return
These itineraries fit comfortably within weekend timeframes and budget limits.
FAQs
Which Vande Bharat winter trip is best for Delhi travellers?
Dehradun–Mussoorie is the quickest and most scenic winter getaway under a small budget.
Can Vande Bharat trips stay under ₹8,000 per person?
Yes, all recommended trips—including Mussoorie, Mahabaleshwar, Coorg and Mount Abu—fit within ₹6,000–₹8,000.
Are winter hill getaways safe for families?
Absolutely. Roads are well connected, and the weather is pleasant with occasional mild snowfall.
Which destination is best for snow?
Mussoorie and Dhanaulti offer the highest chance of winter snow among the listed options.
Is Vande Bharat better than flights for short winter trips?
Yes. It is cheaper, more comfortable and saves time by avoiding airport delays.
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