The time of the year when the school holidays start and it's family time to get away to someplace cool. I have kind of taken my family to the majority of the popular places, but this time around we want to go somewhere secluded, and peaceful and would like some suggestions. We would like to have some shops nearby, the main city possibly half an hour or less drive away. Something like what we generally see on the TV or the web, where there is an amazing room, with a great view of the hills. My budget is some what average, but can go on the higher side, depending on the location and accomdation.
North India is known for its beautiful hill stations, which offer a cool respite from the scorching heat of the plains. While popular hill stations like Shimla, Manali, and Mussoorie attract hordes of tourists every year, there are many lesser-known destinations in the region that offer a more offbeat and authentic experience. In this article, we'll take a closer look at some of the offbeat hill stations in North India that are worth visiting. Chakrata, Uttarakhand Located in the Dehradun district of Uttarakhand, Chakrata is a beautiful hill station that's relatively unknown to tourists. The town is surrounded by thick forests of oak and rhododendron, and offers stunning views of the Himalayas. One of the main attractions in Chakrata is the Tiger Falls, which is a beautiful waterfall located a few kilometers outside the town. Visitors can take a short trek through the forest to reach the falls, which cascade down a height of 50 meters. Another popular activity in Chakrata is camping. There are several campsites in the surrounding forests, where visitors can spend the night under the stars and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Lansdowne, Uttarakhand Located in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, Lansdowne is a serene hill station that's known for its beautiful scenery and colonial heritage. The town was founded by the British in the 19th century, and many of the old buildings and churches still stand today. One of the main attractions in Lansdowne is the Bhulla Lake, which is a beautiful man-made lake surrounded by thick forests. Visitors can go boating on the lake or take a leisurely walk along the promenade. Another popular activity in Lansdowne is trekking. There are several trekking trails in the surrounding hills, which offer stunning views of the Himalayas and the surrounding forests. Khajjiar, Himachal Pradesh Located in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, Khajjiar is often referred to as the 'Mini Switzerland of India' due to its stunning natural beauty. The town is surrounded by dense forests of deodar and pine, and offers panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayas. One of the main attractions in Khajjiar is the Khajjiar Lake, which is a beautiful lake surrounded by lush green meadows. Visitors can go boating on the lake or take a leisurely walk around the perimeter. Another popular attraction in Khajjiar is the Khajji Nag Temple, which is a beautiful temple dedicated to the serpent god. The temple is located in the middle of a dense forest, and is believed to be more than 1,000 years old. Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh Located in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh, Kasauli is a beautiful hill station that's known for its colonial charm and scenic beauty. The town was founded by the British in the 19th century, and many of the old buildings and churches still stand today. One of the main attractions in Kasauli is the Christ Church, which is a beautiful church that's over 150 years old. The church is built in the neo-gothic style, and features beautiful stained glass windows and a pipe organ. Another popular activity in Kasauli is hiking. There are several hiking trails in the surrounding hills, which offer stunning views of the Himalayas and the surrounding forests. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh Located in the western part of Arunachal Pradesh, Tawang is a beautiful hill station that's known for its Buddhist monasteries and stunning natural apart from its beautiful natural scenery. The town is situated at an altitude of over 10,000 feet, and is home to the Tawang Monastery, which is the largest Buddhist monastery in India. The Tawang Monastery is a beautiful complex of buildings that dates back to the 17th century. It houses a large collection of Buddhist scriptures, as well as stunning artwork and sculptures. Visitors can explore the monastery and witness the daily rituals and prayers of the monks. Another popular attraction in Tawang is the Sela Pass, which is a high-altitude mountain pass that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The pass is also a popular spot for trekking and camping. Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh Located in the Satpura range of Madhya Pradesh, Pachmarhi is a beautiful hill station that's known for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. The town is surrounded by thick forests and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills. One of the main attractions in Pachmarhi is the Pandava Caves, which are a series of caves that are believed to have been used by the Pandavas during their exile in the Mahabharata. Visitors can explore the caves and witness the stunning rock formations and ancient artwork. Another popular attraction in Pachmarhi is the Bee Falls, which is a beautiful waterfall located in the heart of the town. Visitors can take a dip in the cool waters of the falls or go trekking in the surrounding forests. Auli, Uttarakhand Located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, Auli is a beautiful hill station that's known for its stunning skiing slopes and natural beauty. The town is situated at an altitude of over 9,000 feet and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. One of the main attractions in Auli is the Auli Ski Resort, which is one of the best skiing destinations in India. The resort offers skiing and snowboarding lessons for visitors of all levels, and also features a chairlift that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Another popular activity in Auli is trekking. There are several trekking trails in the surrounding hills, which offer stunning views of the Himalayas and the surrounding forests. In conclusion, North India is home to some of the most beautiful hill stations in the country, and while the popular ones are always a great choice, these offbeat destinations offer a more authentic and unique experience. From the stunning natural beauty of Khajjiar to the rich cultural heritage of Pachmarhi, these destinations are definitely worth a visit for any traveler looking to explore the beauty of North India.
