I have explored northern India quite a bit specially himachal pradesh. I wanted to just ask if there are any lesser known hill stations which I could explore. Some of the places which I have already explored are: Shimla Manali Dharamshala Dalhousie Other then these, are there any hill stations in himachal pradesh which are worth going? Also, if yes, can you please also highlight the route from Delhi which I would have to take.
Well there are a number of hill stations in North Eastern India that are pretty great. Darjeeling is probably the most well known one and although I haven't been there, it seems more or less like the typical Indian hill station with tea plantations, a mountain railway and colonial architecture. Not far from Darjeeling is the less known Kalimpong which I went to a few years ago. It's a small town, but with very scenic surroundings to take a walk around. I also went to Gangtok, and this is one I seriously recommend, I wish I had spent more days there. Sikkim itself is one of the most beautiful states in India and we didn't have time to see much of it. You can stay in Gangtok and go for day trips to various parts of the state.
Hello there! Here are some of the lesser known hill stations in Himachal Pradesh: 1. Barog - This is a small hill station in the Solan District of Himachal Pradesh. It is about 1,560 metres above sea level. The town was named after Colonel Barog, who built the railway track here in 1903. However, due to some miscalculations, the tunnel didn't meet each other in the ends. Due to humiliation, Barog committed suicide. At the end of the tunnel, Barog was buried and that place was dedicated to him. Most of the residents of the small town are Sikhs from Punjab. Some attractions here are the following: Railway Station and Barog's Graveyard - I've mentioned the story about Barog already. It's worth visiting the railway station, supposed to be, if it had been completed, this could have been the straightest tunnel in the world. At the end of the railway track, you'll find the graveyard of Barog. It's well-maintained and has a beautiful garden as well. Dolanji Bon Monastery - This is also known as Yungdrung Bon Monastery. It was built in 1969 by Abbot Lungog Tenpai Nyima. As soon as you enter the monastery, you'll find schools, restaurants and medical assistance. It's like a community of monks living together. You can also opt to stay in the guest house, just make sure you book it in advance. Choor Chandni Peak - This peak is about 3,650 metres above sea level. It is also known as Choordhar Mountains. It is so named because there appear to be silver bangles passing down the slope of the mountain at night time. You can camp for the night here as well. Make sure you bring your camera as the view of the snow-clad mountains from above are stunning. Suketi Fossil Park - This is also known as Shivalik Fossil Park. This park has a collection of prehistoric fossils and skeletons found in the region. There's also an open air exhibition of six extinct animals, in life size made of fibreglass. This is Asia's biggest fossil park. The distance between Delhi and Barog is about 289 kms. You can reach the latter in about 5 hours. Route from Delhi: Delhi > Sonipat > Panipat > Karnal > Shahbaad > Ambala > Zirakpur > Barog. 2. Rakcham - This is a hill station in the Kinnaur District of Himachal Pradesh. It is about 240 kms from Shimla, between Sangla and Chitkul. You can consider this as the second to the last village before the Tibet Border. It is about 2,900 metres above sea level. This town is not touched by commercialisation at all, so don't expect shops, restaurants or hotels here. You might find shops selling basic necessities but nothing more than that. Here are some attractions in the hill station: Phulech Festival - There's not much you can do in the small town. But if you're going during the months of September and October, you might be lucky and witness this festival. The Kinnaurs fill the temples with flowers and the oracles perform some sacrifices and predict the future. Kali and Shiva Temples - These are the two temples in the village. The Kali Temple was burned down because of a fire so it was renovated. Apple Orchards - You can visit the Kinnauri Orchards for apples in the village. They taste sweet and delicious, you can even bring some home to your family and friends. The distance between Delhi and Rakcham is about 593 kms. It can take you 15 hours to reach the latter. Route from Delhi is: Delhi > Sonipat > Panipat > Karnal > Kurukshetra > Ambala > Zirakpur > Solan > Shimla > Rampur > Sangla > Rakcham. 3. Bir - This is a village located in the Western end of the Joginder Nagar Valley, in the district of Kangra in Himachal Pradesh. It is about 50 kms away from Dharamshala. It is about 1,525 metres above sea level. Some of the attractions here are: Dzongsar Insitute - This is a monastic college for higher studies. Monks all over the country go to the institute to attend the shedra, where they are taught by highly trained khenpos. Palpung Sherab Ling - This monastery was built by Pema Donyo Nyinje after his exile to India. There are about 750 monks residing in the monastery now. There's also about 250 enrolled in the university in the monastery. Dharmalaya Insitute - This institution focuses on education for sustainable living and responsible eco-tourism. They have programmes for tourists to help them learn more about the institute's goals. They also have volunteer programs for tourists. The distance between Delhi and Bir is 516 kms. You can reach the latter in about 9 or 10 hours. Route from Delhi is: Delhi > Sonipat > Panipat > Karnal > Kurukshetra > Sahibjada Ajit Singh Nagar > Nangal > Kangra > Bir. 4. Dharamkot - This is a small hill station in the Kangra District of Himachal Pradesh. It is about 2,109 metres above sea level. Unlike the crowded cities of Dharamshala and McLeodganj, Dharamkot is the perfect getaway for those looking for some solitude and serenity. Some attractions here are: Bhagsu Falls - The height of this waterfalls is about 20 metres. The water here is very cold but good enough for swimming. There's also a couple of eateries around the falls so you can enjoy eating while admiring the view. Bhagsunag Temple - Just beside the Bhagsu Falls, you'll find the Bhagsunag Temple. This temple is dedicated to the Lord Shiva. There's also a fresh water spring in the temple. Tushita Meditation Centre - This is a centre for the study of Buddhism. This centre offers introductory courses and intermediate courses. The distance between Delhi and Dharamkot is about 478 kms. You can reach the latter in 9 hours. Route from Delhi is: Delhi > Sonipat > Panipat > Karnal > Kurukshetra > Sahibjada Ajit Singh Nagar > Nangal > Kangra > Dharamkot. I hope this helps.
