Tired of Shimla-Manali? Try these offbeat hill stations instead this summer

While the general perception about the summer season in India is to escape to the hills, the fact is that places like Shimla, Manali, and Ooty become crowded very quickly, while there is a whole other side of the hills that is still undiscovered by a large number of travelers. There are a number of offbeat places in the country that provide the same experience of the hills, the same pleasant weather, the same beauty, and the same cultural experience, but without the crowd, the queues, or the overbooked hotels.
If you are looking to travel differently this summer, then here are some offbeat hill stations to look at:

Located in the Great Himalayan National Park, the Tirthan Valley is the ideal location for tourists looking for solitude in the Himalayas. The valley is surrounded by the River Tirthan and is thus the best location for trout fishing and other activities. Unlike other major Himachal destinations, there is no hurry in this location. This place is best suited for tourists looking for solitude and peace in the Himalayas.

Located near the India-China border, Mechuka is a beautiful and untamed location in the state of Arunachal Pradesh. The location is surrounded by the towering Himalayas, the River Siyom, and the lush green pine trees. The location is best suited for tourists looking for solitude and peace in the Himalayas.

While it is often overshadowed by Spiti, Kalpa is said to offer some of the most beautiful views of Kinnaur Kailash. The village is famous for its apple orchards and wooden houses. The sunrises and sunsets here are particularly beautiful as the mountains change hues during the day. This is an excellent option for those who wish to enjoy the Himalayas without going too deep into the wilderness.

While Ooty and Kodaikanal get all the attention in Tamil Nadu, Yercaud is another hill station in the Shevaroy Hills that is often ignored. However, it is a great place to visit if you wish to enjoy the beauty of South India without much tourist traffic. With coffee plantations, orange groves, and pleasant weather, Yercaud is perfect for a relaxing summer vacation. Yercaud Lake, Lady’s Seat, and other viewpoints offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature

Chopta is called the ‘Mini Switzerland of India.’ However, it is still not as commercialized as other tourist spots in Uttarakhand. It is used as a starting point for trekking to Tungnath, which is the highest temple of Lord Shiva in the world, and further to Chandrashila. The weather is cool and pleasant, and the scenery is beautiful and green during summers.

Haflong is the only hill station in Assam and offers a completely different topography from other hill stations in India. The region is surrounded by hills and lakes and is home to various tribal populations. Haflong Lake is the central feature of this region. If you’re looking for a hill station in Northeast India without venturing too far into remote territory, this is a good option.

Daringbadi is known for its nickname, “Kashmir of Odisha,” and for being located at a higher point than most other places in the state. This means that it has cooler temperatures than most places in Odisha even in the peak of summer. It is surrounded by pine trees and coffee plantations and has waterfalls. It is still not very popular, making it the best place for travelers who wish to experience something new.

If you wish to have a view of the Himalayas without the crowd that Mussoorie and Nainital have to offer, Kausani is a great alternative. It provides a view of the Nanda Devi and Trishul peaks. It is a great place for those who wish to relax and unwind.