Majestic mountain escapes beyond the Indian Himalayas
December 11 is International Mountain Day, and we’re giving you the lowdown on mountain destinations outside Himalayan country. So if you’re heading for the hills anytime soon, check out these high-altitude spots in the lesser-known ranges of India.
India, and the wider Indian subcontinent, is famous among mountaineers for the Himalayan peaks that are considered to be among the highest in the world. However, lesser-known hill stations tend to be overlooked.
This International Mountain Day, Village Square curates a list of such unconventional mountain getaways that give adrenaline junkies the rush of conquering a peak outside Himalayan country. From lush forests, verdant valleys and steep slopes, you’ll find all the typical features of mountain terrain in these destinations.
So pack your bags and prepare to make the trek to these rustic mountain escapes that pack in leisure and adventure in equal measure.
Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh’s Araku Valley is located on the state’s Eastern Ghats. The Galikonda hill, at an altitude of about 5,000 ft, is the highest in the region. (Photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons)
When you think of Andhra Pradesh, you’re probably thinking of hot chillies and the coastline. Believe it or not, the state has its own hill station in Araku Valley. This is where the state gets its coffee from, and the rolling terrain of the region has earned it the nickname ‘Ooty of Andhra Pradesh’.
The peak season to visit Araku Valley, which is located on the Eastern Ghats, is between November and February, when the Himalayan hill stations tend to be snow-bound. The best way to get here is by flight or rail to Visakhapatnam, and then by road to the hill station.
Take in views of the valley from Ananthagiri, and visit the tribal museum and Chaparai waterfalls. There’s also a coffee museum for those who love a cuppa! The Galikonda hill, at an altitude of about 5,000 ft, is the highest in the region for trekkers seeking the thrill of climbing.
Pachmarhi is often referred to as “Satpura ki Rani” or Queen of Satpura. (Photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons)
This quaint hill station is perched on the Satpura range, and is often called ‘Satpura ki Rani’ (Queen of Satpura). Its highest point, for adventure seekers, is at Dhupgarh, which stands 4,430 ft above sea level.
Pachmarhi is a cantonment town, with winding roads and little traffic. Being home to numerous hill-top caves, it derives its name from the Hindi term for “five caves”. The Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve and Satpura Tiger Reserve crisscross the region, and wildlife is abundant.
The nearest railhead is at Pipariya, 54 km away, while the nearest airport is at Bhopal at a distance of 222 km. It is well-connected by road to the other tourist destinations in Madhya Pradesh.
The best time to visit the hill station is in the monsoon, when it’s lush green, and in winter. Even the summers here tend to be cooler than nearby attractions of the planes.
Yelagiri hills, Tamil Nadu
The Yelagiri hills, on Tamil Nadu’s Eastern Ghats, fall between four mountains. (Photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons)
A winding road with 14 hairpin bends will take you to the top of the Yelagiri mountain, which is formed on the Eastern Ghats in the state of Tamil Nadu. At its highest point the mountain towers at 4,630 ft, offering captivating views of the region around.
While here, you can experience the hospitality of the people by visiting the many hamlets around the hills. A five-kilometre trek to the Jalagamparai waterfalls, a boat ride on the Punganoor lake or a visit to the local telescope observatory could be the highlight of your trip.
The nearest rail-head is at Jolarpettai junction, at a distance of 20 km, and the closest airport is at Salem, 156 km away. Winter is the best time to visit and explore the verdant charms of this place.
Chikkamagaluru in Karnataka attracts tourists for its treks, waterfalls and coffee plantations. (Photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons)
The hill station on the foothills of the slopes adjoining the Mullayanagiri peak on the Western Ghats attracts visitors for its lush vegetation, tranquil waterbodies, adventurous treks and coffee plantations.
Obviously, surmounting the towering Mullayanagiri peak that stands at 6,330 ft is a must-do for all nature lovers. Trekking enthusiasts can also plan excursions to Z-Point and the Baba Budangiri shrine. There’s also a coffee museum where you can learn about coffee cultivation. The Jhari waterfalls are a great place to cool off in warmer weather.
The best time to visit is between October and March when the days are pleasant and the nights cold. You could fly to Mangalore airport, and drive to Chikkamagaluru, which is 154 km away. Or you could take a train to Kadur, which is 45 minutes away by road.
Netarhat, Jharkhand
Netarhat in Jharkhand is the highest point on the Chotanagpur plateau. Tourist traps have not sprung up here yet. (Photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons)
Often referred to as the “Shimla of Jharkhand”, Netarhat is a serene mountain escape that sits on the highest part of the Chotanagpur plateau. It is also called “The Queen of Chotanagpur”.
Nestled in unexplored forests that reach up to a height of 3,701 ft, the tourist traps haven’t sprung up here yet. While here you could make your way to the Upper Ghaghri falls, the Mahuadanr wolf sanctuary, the Koel river viewpoint or the Sunrise Point.
The hill station is located 156 km west of Ranchi, and is motorable by road. Ranchi has both the nearest railway station and airport. The months between October and March are the best time to visit.