When it comes to hill stations, what names come to your mind? Ooty, Matheran, Mahabaleshwar, Shimla, etc., right? What if I tell you there are many hill stations that are lesser known but beautiful and here you will find the tranquility which you will not find in those famous hill stations? In this blog, we have listed some of the less crowded hill stations in India that are perfect for a quiet and peaceful getaway. These hill stations offer stunning views and great outdoor activities, making them ideal destinations to relax and unwind. Let’s explore the less crowded hill stations in India.
Less crowded hill stations in India
1. Doodhpatri in Jammu and Kashmir
It is located in the Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir. Doodhpatri is also known as ‘Valley of milk’ or the ‘mini Switzerland of Pahalgam’. Here, you will find alpine meadows consisting of pines, firs and deodars, beautiful streams and snow capped mountains. Snowfall is a frequent phenomena here. It is located at an altitude of 8,957 feet above sea level. You can visit Doodhpatri after travelling about 2 hour from Srinagar. Doodhpatri offers adventurous activities like trekking, horse riding, picnic on the meadow, etc.
2. Barog, Himachal Pradesh
Barog is a beautiful hill station in Himachal Pradesh. It is a part of the Kalka- Shimla road, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is at a distance of 300km from Delhi. Barog is girdled by lush verdure, mountains and offers stunning views. It’s an ideal destination for those who love to visit lesser crowded hill stations and relax. Barog is a perfect destination for adventure lovers as it offers adventure activities such as trekking, camping, mountain bike, rock climbing, paragliding, river rafting, and much more. Barog is a peaceful destination for nature lovers, landscape photographers, adventure lovers and off beat tourists. Here, you can also visit Dolanji bon monastery, Seek peace, Choor Chandni peak, Barog camping grounds, etc to make the most of your vacation and enjoy.
3. Raithal
Raithal is a picturesque village located in Uttarakhand at an elevation of 1800m. It is a favourite spot of seasoned trekkers as it is the base camp to Dayara Bugyal. Dayara Bugyal is a popular trekking destination where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains of the Himalayas. Raithal will amaze you with its lush green fields, colourful flowers, traditional Garhwali houses, ancient temples, and friendly locals. It is also known for it’s rural empowerment Initiative, the Goat village. The goat village is loved by it’s visitors for it’s serene beauty, hospitality, trek, and cuisine. It is also known as mini Utopia. This beautiful destination has a lot to offer to make your stay memorable and enjoyable. Some of the things to do in Raithal are:
- Trek to Dayara Bugyal
- Visit Gidara Bugyal
- Enjoy village walks
- Paragliding,
- Cycling
- Mountain biking
- Rappelling
- Rock climbing
- Zip-lining
4. Tirthan valley
Tirthan valley is a serene and offbeat destination in Himachal Pradesh. It is also the gateway to the Great Himalayan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its flora and fauna. Great Himalayan National Park is home to you many fascinating animals like bharal, common leopard, snow leopard, Himalayan brown bear, Himalayan tahr, musk deer, serow , and many more animals which you have never heard of in your life. It offers scenic views of mountains, beautiful waterfall, snow covered peaks, etc. Tirthan valley is an undiscovered paradise and a perfect destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, offbeat travelers, and culture enthusiasts. Things to do in Tirthan Valley are:
- Trout-fishing
- Trekking
- Visit Chhoie Waterfall
- Visit Great Himalayan National park
- Camping
5. Yelagiri in Tamilnadu
Yelagiri is a hill town in Tamil Nadu, at an altitude of 1,110 metres. It is enclosed by rose gardens, orchards, green valleys, waterfalls, lakes, gardens, etc. Yelagiri is considered as the second cleanest hill station in India. It is a perfect spot for trekkers, nature lovers and offbeat travelers.
Here, you can visit Punganur Lake, where you can see the peacocks roaming freely, enjoy boating, admire the beauty of nature, etc. Trekking at Swamimalai Hills is a must, it is the highest point and you can enjoy stunning views from here.Nature Park is where you can find 130 varieties of butterfly and you can also see 40 species of mammals and trees older than 150 years. Another destination that you can visit in Yelagiri is Nilavoor lake. Nilavoor Lake is perfect to enjoy the sunset view. Jalagamparai Waterfalls is a place where you can relax and enjoy, It is rich in flora and fauna. If you are someone who is space enthusiasts, then a visit to Vainu Bappu Observatory is a must which houses the Asia’s largest telescope and you can also enjoy stargazing.
6. Chikaldhara in Maharashtra
Chikaldhara is a tranquil hill station in the Amravati district of Maharashtra. Perched at an elevated height of 1,088 metres above sea level. It is rich in vegetation and wildlife. It is famous as the only coffee producing region in Maharashtra. Chikaldhara is surrounded by beautiful lakes, waterfalls, and the borders of the Melghat Project Tiger Reserve. Melghat Project Tiger Reserve is home to 700 species of plants, 70 tigers and leopards, barking deer, chousingha, sambar, cheetal, wild boar, etc. Make sure to visit Melghat Reserve if you are a wildlife lover. Chikaldhara is a perfect destination for nature addicts, wildlife lovers, and those who love visiting less crowded hill stations.
These were the top 6 less crowded hill stations in India where you can escape the scorching heat, hectic city life and relax in the lap of nature.
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