Slow living: India's most laidback hill stations

Far away from the maddening crowd, there are places that are close to magic; beautiful mountain places in India that exhibit Goa-like susegad, places where sunny mornings give way to lazy afternoons that turn into evenings by bonfire and nights that are best spent in either skygazing or spent happily in snoring all the world's worries away.

On that note, we have handpicked India's most laidback hill towns that will woo you with their slow way of life.

Kalimpong lies in the Himalayan foothills in the state of West Bengal and is a sleepy, old-school hill town even in the face of growing commercialisation. It has a colonial air around it, with architecture of that age still standing tall. It's your place for a taste of what slow living is all about, complemented by English tea, stunning landscapes and a romance with the past.

Almora in Uttarakhand is a far cry from the mostly-bustling cities of Rishikesh, Mussoorie or Nainital. It's further up in the Himalayas, has beautiful views of the snow-capped peaks around and is just the place to snip ties from the rush of a fast life. The Kasar Devi temple here has a few very interesting to tales and it could just be the vacation for anyone who loves fables, legends, folklore and more.

Read more: Nanda Devi and the tales of botched espionage

Gulmarg in Kashmir is a joy than unravels slowly and the magic will then grow on you. While it's a popular escape in the country, it's usually just a pitstop in the regular Kashmir itinerary and is usually less-crowded. It also has the Goa-like charm of susegad, that rare time when you no longer want to rush or plan anything for a while. Counting sheep is what we recommend.

Carpe diem!

Kanatal is very close to the always bustling Mussoorie but is a far-cry from the place. This is the place where life hits the slow mode, giving vacationers the time to immerse in little joys like the rustling of pines, feeling the sun in one's face, watching the sun rise and so much more.

Kodaikanal is a sleepy hill town in Tamil Nadu, sees vacationers who do not like rushed-up trips, is a nature's trove and a place where the evenings are best spent with a coffee and pizzas that are fresh off the oven. Also, just the place for long, silent walks in the hills around.

Mirik in West Bengal is an idyllic place, postcard-like in its landscape and Goa-like in its mood. Life is slow, people are welcome, tea is always freshly brewed, and food is always fresh; plus, no traffic jams. Mirik is one place that might make you feel like never wanting to come back to the big cities again.

Naggar is the opposite of its more famous neighbour, Manali. A few cafes, cosy stay options, beautiful views of the valleys and the Himalayas around, Naggar is as good as the magic potions from the world of Harry Potter; it'll make you feel good and as close to a beautiful dream as possible.

Pro-tip: You'll find a tiny stall, run by a woman, near the memorial and Kangra Fort here. She sells the best siddu, a Himachali delicacy, in the region. You really shouldn't miss it.

Read more: Why you should visit Naggar soon?

Meghalaya's Shillong is a delight for the lovers of slow living. It is also set with a beautiful golf course, famous as India's Gleneagles, and is as quaint as it can get. When here, explore Laitumkhrah and the cantonment area of the Assam Rifles, both perfect for quiet long walks that you will remember for long.