Traffic, crowds and construction: India’s hill stations swamped by tourists escaping Delhi heat

The hill station of Mussoorie in Uttarakhand sits at an altitude above 2,100 metres. People from India’s urban centres are visiting hill towns in increasing numbers to escape the sweltering heat of the cities. Photograph: ephotocorp/Alamy

Until recently, the drive up the mountainous road to Landour was a highlight of a visit to the small hilltop town, as drivers enjoyed glorious Himalayan views and breathed in the cool forest air. Today, the journey is something to be endured with up to 1,000 cars a day clogging the narrow, winding road – slowing to navigate hairpin bends.

A journey that once took five to six hours from Delhi can now take up to 10 hours, especially at weekends in May and June.