The Lesser Known Hill Stations of India

As the naturalist, John Muir said, "The mountains are calling and I must go." Hill stations are the perfect getaway for not just nature enthusiasts, and trekkers but also for tourists, families, youngsters, and seniors. The beauty of hill stations can leave you spellbound and the clear mountain air can rejuvenate even the weariest travellers.

India has been blessed with some spectacular hill stations across the country. If you thought that hill stations are only in the Himalaya's you may think again. There are secret hideaways in different corners of the nation. Such undiscovered gems are devoid of the bane of commercialization and are truly pristine and untouched beauties.

Here are the Lesser Known Hill Stations of India:

1. Kasauli:
   
   Kasauli is a quintessential colonial hill station located in the land of the mountains, Himachal Pradesh. Nestled between Kalka and Shimla, Kasauli is especially well-known for its Victorian-era buildings, a reminiscence of its British past. Though not as well known as its famous sister Shimla, Kasauli is a perfect hideaway in the Himalayas. It still retains its beautiful pine and cedar trees. A trek in these lush green woods filled with fresh air is ideal for people coming from polluted cities. The cobbled pathways of Mall Road and walking trails to Sunset Point and Lover's Lane are also popular among visitors.



2. Landour:
   
   Located just 6 kilometres away from the hustle and bustle of Mussoorie, lies the sleepy cantonment town of Landour. Landour is an undiscovered hill station, complete with beautiful red rhododendrons, wonderful woods, cute cafes, blissful bakeries, colonial churches, and the magic of the mountains. No visit to Landour is complete without a trip to Laal Tibba. At Laal Tibba, located at an altitude of 1880 meters, visitors are able to catch the most sensual sunsets and sunrises. And the pancakes and bun-omelettes at the quaint Char Dukaan keep you asking for more.



3. Panchmarhi:
   
   Panchmarhi is a little known hill station located literally in the heart of India, Madhya Pradesh. What used to be a British cantonment in the early 20th century, is now an essential part of the Panchmarhi Biosphere Reserve. Panchmarhi is at an altitude of almost 1,200 meters in the Satpura mountain range, earning it a nickname of Satpura Ki Rani (Queen of Satpura). Interestingly, according to an ancient legend, it is believed that during the age of the Mahabharata, the five Pandavas spent time living in the caves of this area, giving it the name of Panchmarhi (Five Caves). Today a trip to this untouched hill station offers visitors walks through beautiful forests, dips in clear waterfalls, and mysterious caves.



4. Tawang:
   
   Tawang is a monastery town hidden in Arunachal Pradesh, the Land of the Rising Sun. Located in the extreme northeast of India, Tawang is unknown to the Indian traveller. It still remains out of the routine travel circuit as it is about 500 kilometres from Guwahati. Due to limited air and rail support, Tawang is one of the most beautiful yet undiscovered hill stations of India. Along with the calm of the monasteries, travellers to Tawang are greeted by unparalleled views of the Himalayas, snowy terrains, enchanting orchids, and not to forget the sparkling blue skies.



5. Pelling:
   
   Pelling is a little hamlet located at an altitude of about 2,150 meters in Western Sikkim. Pelling offers travelers a unique combination of unrivaled natural beauty, gorgeous vistas, and culturally enriching experience. While in Pelling, visitors can take an experience of local flavors, village life, and community living by visiting the Darap village. Nature enthusiasts trek to the perennial Kanchenjunga waterfall located on the Pelling Rimbi road. If you are interested in hiking and trekking activities, Kanchenjunga National Park is a must visit.



6. Yercaud:
   
   Yercaud is a beautiful hill station in the Shevaroys hills of Tamil Nadu, in Southern India. Yercaud is home to India's best tea and coffee plantations and a drive down Yercaud's 32-Km Loop Road will give you a flavor of its blooming tea and coffee estates. Another off-the-beaten-track experience at Yercaud is a visit to its Silk Farm and Rose Garden. At the silk farm, visitors learn about producing silk rearing from silkworms using traditional techniques from mainland China. The Rose Garden is home to several indigenous rose species, a visual and aromatic delight for travelers.