10 Underrated Hill Stations In India: Hidden Gems For A Peaceful Getaway

An image of Chopta which offers peaceful retreats among the majestic mountains.

India is home to beautiful hill stations, which are ideal for your upcoming summer vacation this year. You must explore the underrated hill stations in India before planning your travel with your family and friends. It’s a great opportunity to explore this beautiful side of India and learn about new cultures and traditions. You can also try different food cuisines as you explore these hill stations. Do not miss this golden opportunity to spend some time in the lap of nature, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. You can give yourself this peaceful escape with your loved ones for a great time.

Top 10 Underrated Hill Stations In India

It’s time to explore the underrated hill stations in India as you check out this exclusive guide for a seamless experience on your vacation.

1. Tawang

Tawang, one of the underrated hill stations in India is located near the Indo-China border.

Photo: Chandrasen31 / Wikimedia Commons

Tawang is located near the Indo-China border in the state of Arunachal Pradesh. It has lush green valleys, mountains, and stunning natural beauty. For a spiritual trip, you can explore the Buddhist monasteries in Tawang. The monastery is located at an elevation of about 10,000 feet. This is an excellent place to shop for shawls and carpets. You can reach this place easily by road for sightseeing, local cuisine, trekking, and learning about the local culture.

Major Attractions: Tawang Monastery, Sela Pass, Madhuri Lake
Nearest Airport: Tezpur Airport or Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport

2. Ziro Valley

Ziro Valley, one of the underrated hill stations in India, known for its stunning landscapes.

Photo: Arunachal2007 / Wikimedia Commons

Ziro Valley is a beautiful valley in Arunachal Pradesh, India. It is known for its stunning landscapes and massive rice fields. You can visit this place and explore the lively tribal culture. It is also known as the rice bowl of Arunachal Pradesh. It is a great place to visit for outdoor photography. The annual music festival in this valley attracts visitors from all across the world. The weather is mostly pleasant, and it is amazing to observe the beautiful sunset and serene rivers.

Major Attractions: Hong Village, Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Missing Village
Nearest Airport: Guwahati Airport or Tezpur Airport

3. Kausani

Kausani, one of the underrated hill stations in India, is located in Almora, Uttarakhand.

Photo: Supratik Deshmukh / Unsplash

Kausani is a hill station in Almora district of Uttarakhand. This place can be visited for the beautiful Mountain ranges, including Trishul and Nanda Devi. It is also known as Switzerland of India. The panoramic view of the snow-covered Himalayan peaks is beautiful to watch with family and friends. You can also explore the tea gardens for the high quality that it produces. Trekking and outdoor activities are common in this area.

Major Attractions: Anasakti ashram, baijNath Temple, Kausani tea estate
Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport

4. Munsiyari

Munsiyari, one of the underrated hill stations in India is popular as a hidden gem.

Photo: Vipin Vasudeva / Wikimedia Commons

Munsiyari is a hill station in the Pithora district of Uttarakhand. It is also popular as a hidden gem for adventure enthusiasts or those seeking peace in the lap of the Himalayas. It has an unaltered scenic beauty and views of the Himalayan mountain ranges. This region also has high-altitude treks, and the route is less commercialized. It is beautiful to visit the local culture of the Bhotia tribal community and learn more about their culture and food cuisine.

Major Attractions: Munsiyari Lake, Panchachuli peaks, Khaliya top
Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport

5. Kumarakhar

Kumarakhar is one of the underrated hill stations in India located in the Satara district.

Photo: vicky munde / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Kumarakhar is a lesser-known village in the Satara district of Maharashtra. It has a rich culture and is considered a peaceful retreat for knowing more about rural life. This is a great place to visit for people who want to explore the countryside and its surroundings. This region has rich flora and fauna. You can take short hikes to this place and experience the nature Walks. The local culture, festivals, music, and dances are great to observe at this place.

Major Attractions: Rajgad, Torna Fort
Nearest Airport: Aurangabad airport

6. Chopta

Chopta, also known as the Mini Switzerland of India is located in the Chamoli district.

Photo: Ssteaj / Wikimedia Commons

Chopta is located in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India. It is also known as the Mini Switzerland of India. It has snow-covered peaks, natural beauty, and Alpine Meadows. You can observe the peaks of Nanda Dev and Chaukhamba mountains from this place. The sunrise and Sunset are special to watch. It is a great place to visit for photographers. This is a great place for meditation and introspection. You can visit TungNath Temple, which is a part of Panch Kedar.

Major Attractions: Tungnath Temple, Chandrashila Peak, Deoria Taal Lake, Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun

7. Dhanaulti

A view of Dhanulti which is located in the Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, India.

Photo: Amit Kumar / Unsplash

Located in the Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, this is a small town located at an elevation of about 2200 m. This place is full of beauty and a tranquil environment with dense forests. The peaceful atmosphere of this place provides you with a calm retreat in the lap of mountains. This place is less commercialized and provides a great opportunity for trekking. There are forests of oak, Rhododendron, and Deodar in this area. A great place to visit if you are looking to escape from the busy life of cities, this place is a colourful paradise during the spring season. You can try mountain biking and camping during your visit.

Major Attractions: Eco Park, Surkanda Devi Temple, Chamba
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun

8. Tirthan Valley

A glimpse of Tirthan Valley which is located in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, India.

Photo: Ankitwadhwa10 / Wikimedia Commons

Tirthan Valley is located in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, India. It has crystal clear river streams and a Green Forest. It is known for the great Himalayan National Park, where you can spot snow leopards and Western Tragopan. This place is popular for adventure activities, including trekking, fishing, and camping. Birds like Indian vultures and bearded vultures can also be spotted here. You must explore the local cuisine, including Dham and Sidu.

Major Attractions: Choi waterfall, Tirthan River, Great Himalayan National Park, Raghu Pur Fort
Nearest Airport: Bhuntar Airport

9. Ramgarh

Greenery at a hill station, Ramgarh which is situated in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand.

Photo: kamal singh rawat / Unsplash

Ramgarh is situated in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand and is also known as the fruit bowl of Kumaon. It is located in the Himalayan range and is known for its clear skies, cool breeze, and stunning landscapes. There are orchards of Apples, peaches, and apricots. The atmosphere at this place is peaceful, and there are trekking opportunities for the visitors. It is beautiful to visit during the monsoon season when this region observes light snowfall. Varieties of birds like Himalayan Monal, Eagles, and woodpeckers can also be spotted.

Major Attractions: Golu Devta Temple, Naina Peak, Naina Devi Temple, Ramgarh fruit orchard
Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport

10. Mawlynnong

A glimpse of Mawlynnong, a village in the east Khasi Hills of Meghalaya, India.

Photo: Ritika74 / Wikimedia Commons

Mawlynnong is a village in the east Khasi Hills of Meghalaya, India. It is known for its ecotourism and provides a great opportunity for visitors to explore the traditional Khasi culture. It is also known as the cleanest village in Asia. The people of this place take great pride in keeping their village litter-free and clean. There are living root bridges that you must explore. The sky viewpoint is a bamboo Tower on the top of a hill with valleys. You can stay at the guest houses or homestay to get the local vibe. It is easy to reach by road, rail, or air. Do not forget to try Jadoh, a traditional Khasi dish at this place.

Major Attractions: Dawki River, Balancing rock
Nearest Airport: Shillong airport

Now that you have checked the underrated hill stations in India, you are all set to explore the unexplored. You can easily plan your travel with the help of this guide to explore your dream hill station in India. It is better to plan your travel, so hurry up and make that move. Plan a trip with TripXL and enjoy a memorable vacation. This trip guarantees an unaltered experience that will bring you close to nature.

Cover Photo: Prashant bamnawat / Unsplash

Frequently Asked Questions

Some underrated hill stations in India include Chakrata (Uttarakhand), Tawang (Arunachal Pradesh), and Ziro Valley (Arunachal Pradesh), known for their scenic beauty and tranquillity. Lambasingi (Andhra Pradesh) and Chikhaldara (Maharashtra) offer cool climates and lush landscapes.
-In Ramgarh, you can enjoy nature walks, birdwatching, and exploring orchards filled with apples, plums, and apricots. Visit Tagore Top and Mahadevi Verma’s house for a literary and historical experience. Relax in peaceful homestays, try local Kumaoni cuisine, and enjoy breathtaking Himalayan views.
In Tirthan Valley, you can enjoy trekking to the Great Himalayan National Park, trout fishing, and river crossing. Explore hidden waterfalls, go camping by the Tirthan River, and visit Serolsar Lake. Experience village walks, bonfires under the stars, and local Himachali cuisine.
In Chopta, you can buy woollen clothes, handmade souvenirs, and Himalayan herbs. Local markets offer Tibetan prayer flags, wooden crafts, and handmade jewellery. Organic honey and medicinal plants are the products that you can buy.
In Tawang, you can enjoy Thukpa (noodle soup), Momos (steamed or fried dumplings), and Zan (a Monpa millet dish). Try Gyapa Khazi, a Monpa-style rice dish, and Khura, a local pancake. Also, try butter tea and Chhang, a traditional fermented drink.

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