8 Least Known Yet Most Beautiful Hill Stations To Visit In India

India is a country that boasts of diverse landscapes, and one of the most picturesque features of its geography is the hill stations. Hill stations are towns or small settlements located at a high elevation, usually in the midst of mountains or hills. They are popular tourist destinations and offer visitors a respite from the hustle and bustle of city life.

India has a rich history of hill stations, dating back to the British colonial era. During this period, the British built several hill stations across the country as summer retreats to escape the scorching heat of the plains. These hill stations were designed with British architecture and infrastructure, and many still retain their colonial charm.

Today, hill stations in India are popular tourist destinations and attract visitors from all over the world. They offer a serene and scenic environment, cool climate, and a range of outdoor activities such as trekking, camping, and sightseeing. In addition to their natural beauty, many hill stations in India are also known for their cultural heritage, such as the temples, monasteries, and colonial-era buildings.

Each hill station in India has its own unique charm and character. Some of the most popular hill stations in India include Shimla, Darjeeling, Ooty, Munnar, Manali, and Mussoorie. These hill stations offer visitors a chance to unwind, relax, and enjoy the scenic beauty and fresh air.

Whether you are a nature lover, adventurer, or culture enthusiast, the hill stations in India offer a variety of experiences and attractions to suit all interests.

Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Tirthan Valley is a beautiful and serene valley located in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, India. The valley is named after the Tirthan river, which flows through it and is known for its crystal clear water and picturesque surroundings.

Tirthan Valley is surrounded by the Great Himalayan National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including snow leopards, brown bears, and musk deer. The valley is also known for its apple orchards, trout fishing, and hiking trails.

The best time to visit Tirthan Valley is from March to June and from September to November, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities. The nearest airport to Tirthan Valley is the Kullu-Manali Airport, which is about 50 km away, while the nearest railway station is Jogindernagar, which is about 160 km away.

Dzukou Valley, Nagaland

Dzukou Valley is located on the border of the Indian states of Nagaland and Manipur. It is situated at an altitude of 2,438 meters above sea level and is known for its stunning natural beauty and diverse flora and fauna.

The valley is surrounded by lush green hills and is home to a wide variety of flowering plants and medicinal herbs. It is also known for its trekking trails, which offer breathtaking views of the valley and the surrounding hills. The Dzukou Valley trek is one of the most popular treks in the Northeastern region of India.

The valley is also home to the Dzukou Lily, which is a rare and endangered species of lily that blooms only in the Dzukou Valley. The valley is also home to several other species of flora and fauna, including the Blyth's Tragopan, which is a rare species of bird found only in the Eastern Himalayas.

The best time to visit Dzukou Valley is from June to September, when the valley is covered in a carpet of blooming flowers. The nearest airport to Dzukou Valley is the Dimapur Airport, which is located about 70 km away, while the nearest railway station is Dimapur Railway Station, which is about 74 km away.

Pelling, Sikkim

Pelling is a small town in the West Sikkim district of the Indian state of Sikkim. It is situated at an altitude of 2,150 meters above sea level and is known for its stunning views of the Himalayan Mountains, including the Kanchenjunga peak, which is the third highest mountain in the world.

Pelling is surrounded by lush green forests and is home to several tourist attractions, including the Pemayangtse Monastery, which is one of the oldest and most important monasteries in Sikkim. The monastery is known for its beautiful architecture and houses several rare and antique Buddhist artifacts.

Other popular tourist attractions in Pelling include the Khecheopalri Lake, which is considered to be one of the holiest lakes in Sikkim, and the Rabdentse Ruins, which are the remains of an ancient capital of the Sikkim Kingdom.

Pelling is also a popular destination for adventure enthusiasts, as it offers several trekking and hiking trails, including the popular Dzongri-Goecha La Trek, which offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan Mountains.

The best time to visit Pelling is from March to May and from September to November, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities. The nearest airport to Pelling is the Bagdogra Airport, which is located about 160 km away, while the nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, which is about 150 km away.

Chopta, Uttarakhand

Chopta is a small town located in the Rudraprayag district of the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is situated at an altitude of 2,680 meters above sea level and is known for its stunning natural beauty and panoramic views of the Himalayan Mountains.

Chopta is surrounded by dense forests and is home to several trekking trails, including the popular Tungnath-Chandrashila Trek, which offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan Mountains, including the Nanda Devi and Trishul peaks. Chopta is also known for its camping sites, which offer a serene and peaceful environment for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.

Chopta is also known for its biodiversity, and is home to several species of flora and fauna, including the Himalayan Monal, which is a rare and endangered bird species found only in the Himalayan region.

The best time to visit Chopta is from April to June and from September to November, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities. The nearest airport to Chopta is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is located about 226 km away, while the nearest railway station is in Rishikesh, which is about 209 km away.

Khajjiar, Himachal Pradesh

Khajjiar is a small hill station located in the Chamba district of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is situated at an altitude of 1,920 meters above sea level and is known for its stunning natural beauty, green meadows, and dense forests.

Khajjiar is also known as "Mini Switzerland of India" due to its resemblance to the Swiss landscape, with green meadows, dense forests, and snow-capped mountains in the background. The town is surrounded by cedar forests and is home to several trekking trails, including the popular Khajjiar-Kalatop Trek, which offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan Mountains.

One of the major attractions of Khajjiar is the Khajjiar Lake, which is a small, serene lake located in the center of a grassy meadow. The lake is surrounded by tall cedar trees and is considered to be one of the most picturesque lakes in Himachal Pradesh.

Khajjiar is also home to several temples, including the Khajji Nag Temple, which is dedicated to the snake god, and the Golden Devi Temple, which is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali.

The best time to visit Khajjiar is from April to June and from September to November, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities. The nearest airport to Khajjiar is the Gaggal Airport in Kangra, which is located about 127 km away, while the nearest railway station is in Pathankot, which is about 118 km away.

Mawlynnong, Meghalaya

Mawlynnong is a small village located in the East Khasi Hills district of the Indian state of Meghalaya. It is known for being one of the cleanest villages in Asia and has won several awards for its cleanliness and environmental conservation efforts.

Mawlynnong is surrounded by lush green forests and is home to several tourist attractions, including the Living Root Bridge, which is a unique and amazing structure made of living tree roots that has been created by the Khasi tribe over several generations. The village is also known for its beautiful gardens, which are meticulously maintained by the villagers and are filled with colorful flowers and plants.

Another popular attraction in Mawlynnong is the Sky View, which is a bamboo watchtower that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes and the nearby Bangladesh border.

Mawlynnong is also known for its eco-tourism activities, including trekking and hiking trails, and is a great place to explore the natural beauty and biodiversity of the region.

The best time to visit Mawlynnong is from October to May, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities. The nearest airport to Mawlynnong is the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, which is located about 170 km away, while the nearest railway station is in Guwahati, which is about 152 km away.

Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh

Araku Valley is a scenic hill station located in the Visakhapatnam district of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is situated at an altitude of about 1,160 meters above sea level and is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, coffee plantations, and waterfalls.

Araku Valley is surrounded by verdant forests and is home to several trekking trails, including the popular Araku Valley Trek, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes and the Eastern Ghats. The town is also famous for its coffee plantations, which are spread across several acres of land and are a major source of income for the local farmers.

One of the major attractions of Araku Valley is the Borra Caves, which are a series of limestone caves located about 29 km from the town. The caves are adorned with stalactites and stalagmites and are considered to be one of the largest cave formations in India.

Araku Valley is also home to several waterfalls, including the Katiki Waterfalls and the Dumbriguda Waterfalls, which are located in the nearby areas and are popular tourist spots.

The best time to visit Araku Valley is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities. The nearest airport to Araku Valley is the Visakhapatnam Airport, which is located about 114 km away, while the nearest railway station is in Araku, which is connected to major cities in Andhra Pradesh.

Kanatal, Uttarakhand

Kanatal is a small hill station located in the Tehri Garhwal district of the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is situated at an altitude of about 2,590 meters above sea level and is known for its serene natural beauty, lush green forests, and scenic views of the Himalayan Mountains.

Kanatal is surrounded by pine and cedar forests and is home to several trekking trails, including the popular Kodia Jungle Trek, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes and the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. The town is also famous for its apple orchards and is a great place to indulge in apple picking and other agricultural activities.

One of the major attractions of Kanatal is the Surkanda Devi Temple, which is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Surkanda. The temple is situated on a hilltop and offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.

Kanatal is also known for its adventure sports activities, including rock climbing, rappelling, and zip-lining, and is a great place to experience the thrill of adventure amidst the scenic beauty of the Himalayas.

The best time to visit Kanatal is from April to June and from September to November, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities. The nearest airport to Kanatal is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is located about 92 km away, while the nearest railway station is in Dehradun, which is about 78 km away.