This World Tourism Day Village Square brings you a curated list of hidden hill stations from the Indian hinterland. From the pristine meadows of the Himalayas in the north to the rolling hills of the south, we’ve got a recommendation for every kind of mountain enthusiast.
Mountain escapes are popular all times of year, as the different seasons bring out the character of these destinations in different ways. This is why, this World Tourism Day (September 27) we list some enchanting hill stations for you to visit, regardless of whether you’re an adventure seeker or a nature lover.
Peppered all over the Indian countryside, the list includes gems like Uttarakhand’s Chopta which is famous for its meadows, to the lesser-known Lachung in Sikkim and Kerala’s Vagamon, from where you can take in breathtaking views of the Western Ghats. So no matter what your preferences are, we’ve got you covered with the recommendations below.
Situated in the Garhwal region, Chopta is a Himalayan village that is popularly called the ‘mini Switzerland’ of Uttarakhand’. This serene hill station remains pleasant in every season, making it an all-year holiday destination. Surrounded by sprawling meadows and snow-covered peaks, Chopta is a picturesque hamlet that offers several exciting experiences to tourists. For avian enthusiasts, it is a paradise with over 200 species of birds, both native and migratory. Trekking is also an attraction in this region. Moreover, to the left of Chopta are the sacred Kedarnath and Madmaheshwar shrines, to its right are Rudranath and Kalpeshwar and above it, lies the Tungnath temple.
Gulaba is a small village near Manali that lies near the well-known Rohtang Pass. It is surrounded by captivating natural scenery. Among the activities you can do here is stargazing, as Gulaba’s clear night skies allow you to see several constellations. The topography of the region also makes it suitable for adventure activities like trekking, camping, yak riding and more. You can also go skiing in winter since the area receives heavy snowfall. And while you are there, don’t forget to indulge in the local food items sold at restaurants and street food stalls.
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Aru is a quaint village in the Anantnag district of Jammu Kashmir, which is a must-visit place for nature lovers. The pristine lakes and lush meadows of Aru valley make it a favourable destination to enjoy hiking and horse riding. At Aru, you can also meet local nomads who inhabit the region. It is advisable to hire a guide to learn more about these local communities and their culture. Tarsar lake, Kolahoi glacier and the Overa Aru biosphere are some places to visit while you are in Aru valley.
Surrounded by lush green hills and sprawling tea gardens, Vagamon is a serene hill station located at the Kottayam-Idukki border of Kerala. Situated at about 1,200 metres above sea level, Vagamon is a great getaway with rolling plains, valleys, forests and waterfalls. Paragliding, trekking, camping and rock climbing are some popular activities you can engage in here. Vagamon is also home to a chain of three famous hills: Thangal, Murugan and Kurisumala. You can also go boating in the Vagamon lake, take a walk in the vast forests and visit religious sites like the Pattumala Church and Vagamon Kurisumala Church.
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In the state of Sikkim lies Lachung, a picturesque village in the Himalayas. Known for its tranquillity and warm hospitality, this region is also a hub of Sikkimese culture. Among the major attractions here are the Lachung monastery and the majestic Yumthang valley, where the Shingba Rhododendron sanctuary houses several species of rhododendrons. The Yumthang valley is also known to have hot springs which offer a soothing retreat to travellers. Lachung can also be treated as a base camp to explore surrounding areas like Mount Katao and Yumesamdong.
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One of Maharashtra’s less explored hill stations is Amboli, a beautiful village tucked away in the Sahyadri ranges. This hill station is known for its captivating scenery and cascading waterfalls. Its rich biodiversity and misty atmosphere make Amboli the perfect getaway for nature lovers. Various amphibians, reptiles and other wildlife are found in this region. If you wish to enjoy the prevalent Konkani culture and cuisine in this region, you can choose to stay with the local villagers. The sightseeing attractions here include Shri Hiranyakeshi temple, Amboli waterfall, Kavalshet point and Nangartas falls.
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The lead image on top shows flowering trees in Chopta, a village in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. (Photo from Wikimedia Commons)
