When mountains call, you must go. But the question is where? The touristy mountains in India are filled with swarms of crowds and it’s tough to find a quiet spot to spend some quality time. The usual hill stations, Shimla, Manali and Ooty are too cliche and the resorts, luxurious homestays and cafes there leave nothing much to explore, after a point of time. Here’s where you must take a detour and venture into the unknown. So we have here a list of lesser-known hill stations in India to plan your next holiday. These hill stations are quieter, peaceful and will definitely offer you an enriching experience.
1. Landour In Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand’s Landour is located 6km away from Mussoorie. It’s a cantonment town which has a breathtaking feel of a hill station. The old-world vibe in Landour has inspired a myriad of artists for many years. Landour is known for breeding famous literary geniuses like Ruskin Bond, Allan Sealy and Colleen Gantzer to name a few. So if you’re looking for a quiet spot to hone your inner artist then Landour should be your abode.
2. Mashobra, Himachal Pradesh
When you think of a relaxing holiday, Mashobra in Himachal Pradesh must come to your mind. This quaint little town is connected to Shimla via Hindustan-Tibet Road. This road was built in 1850 by Lord Dalhousie. The thickly wooded cedar, oak, rhododendron and Himalayan deodar gives this hill station a blanket of greenery. It’s calming to the eyes and will leave you aspiring to stay here forever.
3. Aru Valley, Kashmir
Experience a wholesome holiday of horse riding, trekking, bird watching and much more at Aru Valley in Kashmir. This hill station has a village-like vibe similar to Pahalgam but it offers much more. When you’re here you visit the Betaab Valley, Chandanwari and the Baisaran which over picturesque views. Photography enthusiasts can click gorgeous pictures here. Apart from this you can even go for a refreshing morning stroll or go horse riding. This is one of the best lesser-known hill stations in India.
4. Dharamkot, Himachal Pradesh
This charming little hill station is perched right on top of a hill above Mcleodganj in Himachal Pradesh. It’s tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Dharamshala. Scattered with quaint little village homes and guesthouses. Dharmkot is famous for its meditation centres named Vipassana, Tushita and Dhamma Sikhara. The slow-paced life and the trekking site, Triund has been attracting travellers since quite some time. When you’re here do spend some time at the cute cafes here and gorge on a variety of freshly prepared continental food. Stock on fruit wines which you can easily find at the grocery stores here.
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5. Tawang- Arunachal Pradesh
The ultimate city to enjoy solitude and some much-needed me-time has to be Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh. It’s interestingly one of the least crowded cities in India. Located at an altitude of 3048m this hill station is naturally and historically blessed. but you have to get a special government-issued Inner Line Permit to enter the district. You can get it from New Delhi, Tezpur, Guwahati and Kolkata. The snow-capped mountains and Buddhist monasteries makes this hill station a must-visit place.
6. Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh
South India has its own hidden gem when it comes to hill stations. Araku Valley is Andhra Pradesh’s charming little secret. Known as the ‘Food bowl of India’, this hill station is known for its coffee plantations, waterfalls and caves. Visit her during the months of September to October and March to May. Covered in mist and greenery Araku Valley has beautiful sightseeing spots nearby like Sangda Waterfalls, Borra Caves, Katiki Falls and many more. Visit Lambasingi Known As Kashmir Of Andhra Pradesh
7. Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh
Ziru is one of the lesser-known hill stations in India, which has captivated travellers with its spellbinding beauty. It’s so lovely that UNESCO has also made a proposal to list this in its World Heritage Sites. It’s perched at the highest point of Arunachal Pradesh and is home to the ancient Apatani tribe. The tribe have a unique and rich culture where they are often seen wearing facial tattoos and nose plugs. If you do plan to go backpacking here there is alot you can learn. This hill station is known for its Ziro Music Festival organized in September which is attended by thousands of people from across the world.
8. Munsiyari, Uttarakhand
Nestled at an elevation of 2298m, Munsiyari is Uttarakhand’s hidden gem. This hill station has thick forestry, where you can spot h rhododendron, cedar and deodar trees. The snow-capped peaks and Himalayan ranges just enhance the beauty of this hill station. Trekkers! If you haven’t gone on a trek here, then this must be on your go-to list. The Namik Glacier Trek here is very popular. Did you know Uttarakhand To Commence Yamuna Aarti Similar To Varanasi’s Ganga Aarti?
9. Kaza, Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh’s Kaza is one of the lesser-known hill stations in India. It a high altitude cold desert that is perched at an altitude of 3650 m above sea level. Kaza is known for its Buddhist culture and its rough terrains attract adventure junkies and travel enthusiasts. When you’re in Kaza you can visit the nearby spots like the Tangyud Monastery, Kibber Village and Key Gompa. Shopaholics can visit the street markets and purchase curious and lemon tarts for your loved ones.
10. Chitkul In Himachal Pradesh
This charming little hill station located in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh was also the shooting location for Imtiaz Ali’s Love Aaj Kal. In the melodious song Mehrama, the actor is seen melancholically spending time at the gorgeous Chitkul hill station. Chitkul is known for its clean air, majestic mountains, and its winding roads. It remains untouched from mass tourism, and that’s what makes Chitkul a must-visit place. Chitkul In Himachal Pradesh Is A Love Aaj Kal Discovery
So these were some of the lesser-known hill stations in India for the wanderlust in you. We suggest that you take a break from massy tourist destinations and venture out to these hidden gems, you will definitely have an amazing time.