Who said that there aren’t any unexplored hill stations in India? Be it clocking in late hours at work, studying for your dreaded final exams, or the exhaustion of our mundane lives, we all deserve a vacation. From hill stations to deserts, India is a land which has something for everyone. Here’s some of the unexplored hill stations in India you need to visit in the summer.
1) Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh
Mesmerizing sceneries and tree lined streets, Dalhousie is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of cities. This picturesque hamlet is one that is right out of a fairy tale, situated in the lap of the Himalayas. With its colonial history, you can find the most beautifully quaint Victorian architecture here. The crisp air free from pollution, the chirping of birds at dawn, and the friendly faces of town-dwellers provide for an ideal getaway during the summer. This unexplored hill station in India, aptly named “Little Switzerland,” is not however just about its scenic beauty.
Things to Do:
Visit the Satdhara Falls, the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary and the Dalkund Peak, from where you can look upon the breath-taking view of the hamlet. While you sightsee, get a bite from some of the best restaurants and cafés in the area; a warm cup of coffee at Café Dalhousie, masala chai at Kwality Restaurant, or scrumptious Italian cuisine at the Tiffins Restaurant. Dalhousie, being a fairly unexplored hill station in India makes for a perfect holiday destination for those looking for a tranquil getaway.
Best Time to Visit:
The summer months between March-May are the ideal season to explore this unexplored hill station in India.
2) Auli, Uttarakhand
Tucked away in the snow-clad mountains of the Himalayas, Auli is an unexplored hill station that needs to be on your itinerary for the summer. Part of the Chamoli district in Uttarakhand, it is gaining popularity among honeymooners, nature-enthusiasts, and those who simply want to immerse themselves in the scenic beauty of this quaint meadow.
Things to Do:
Tourist activities in Auli include skiing, where you can glide down snow-laden slopes, that is guaranteed to be an experience of a lifetime. Auli also provides for great trekking trails for those looking for some adventure in these beautiful hilltops.
The Hanuman Temple, Nanda Devi National Park, and the Trishul Peak make for unforgettable tourist destinations.
Best Time to Visit:
The summer is the ideal time to visit Auli, with pleasant weather and clear skies to beat the scorching heat of the plains. The month of November right through March provide the ideal climate for skiing.
3. Coorg, Karnataka
Further south in the Indian peninsula, you can find the undulating landscapes of Coorg, in the state of Karnataka. Also known as Kodagu, Coorg is known for its people and their culture of hospitality. Being so down South, it remains an unexplored hill station for those from the Northern districts of the country. Explore the full Coorg itinerary as well.
Things to Do:
Among the many tourist attractions in the city, Abbey Falls definitely is the most well-known. The roar of the waterfall can be heard from the main road, from where a winding path surrounded by Coorg’s famous coffee plantations leads you to your destination. The Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the country’s few biosphere reserves, with a myriad range of flora and fauna, unique to the region.
Catch a breath-taking view of the sunset at Raja’s Seat, a quaint spot at the peak of Coorg, a perfect place to be with your loved ones at the end of the day. Other activities include white water rafting, trekking, rock climbing and mountain hiking that are sure to make your trip unforgettable. When at Coorg, don’t miss out on the delectable Coorgi cuisine, with spices and flavours that are sure to have you asking for more. Coorg is filled with fresh, green plantations of coffee, which are a must buy. A number of shops sell the local coffee, whose quality and aroma are to die for.
Best Time to Visit:
With the temperature ranging between 15 degree Celsius and 20 degree Celsius throughout the year, Coorg is a year-round destination. October to March, however, is the best time for adventure activities, and from March to April, the valley can be found covered with picturesque white flowers.
4. Matheran, Maharashtra
Despite being the smallest and an unexplored hill station in India, Matheran is a must-visit destination. Developed by the British as a popular resort to beat the summer heat, you can find lush, evergreen trees, a large number of animals, including in leopards, macaques, and the Malabar giant squirrel.
Located very close to many metropolitan cities, Matheran serves as the perfect weekend getaway from the fast- paced city life, with quaint streets, unbeatable weather, and a tranquil atmosphere.
Things to Do:
Places of interest in this unexplored hill station include the Pisarnath Temple, the Monkey Point and the Matheran Race Course, all of which provide for not only scenic, but also cultural exploration of the region.
A unique feature of this hamlet is that no private automobiles are permitted inside, and the only forms of transportation are horses and hand-pulled rickshaws. This makes for a pollution-free environment, and literally provides a breath of fresh air to the tourists. It is Asia’s only automobile-free hill station.
Best Time to Visit:
The months of March to May provide the ideal climate to visit Matheran, being a perfect escape from the scorching heat of the plains.
Let your next vacation be not just a quick getaway from the everyday life, but an experience of a lifetime. Explore these unexplored hill stations in India, breathe in the crisp scent of freshly cut grass, the dew, the flowers and the rich, mountain soil. Discover the wondrous gift of nature with your loved ones, and create unforgettable memories.