Beyond the Usual: Discover 7 Secret Hill Stations in India

The chilly days are just withering away, and the hot days are around the corner. It’s very natural for people to escape to cool places and heave a sigh of relief. The vacation period for most kids makes it convenient. A hill station is a location most families prefer to visit.

There’s always a buzz about places like Shimla, Kashmir, Ooty, Mussoorie, etc.. There’s always a scope to explore other places. If you are travel-savvy and looking for strange locations, here are some options. 

1. Lachung, Sikkim

Lachung is a small hill station in Sikkim at a distance of 125 km, approximately from Sikkim’s capital, Gangtok. The hill station receives worldwide tourists- mainly between October and May when they visit Lanchung Monastery and Yumthang Valley. Joseph Dalton Hooker- a British explorer, describes Lachung as the ‘most picturesque village of Sikkim’.

Rich in panoramic views and topography with snow-capping, Lachung also acts as a base for several adventurous activities. The Sikkim Mountaineering Association (SMA) offers skiing activities for beginners and experts.

Places to visit in Lachung:

1. Lachung Monastery: Lachung Monastery’s erection goes back to 1880 and is a Nyingma Buddhist gompa worship centre.
2. Yumthang Valley: Also known as Sikkim Valley of Flowers. Witness a picturesque river, springs of hot water, beautiful grasslands and yaks.
3. Mount Katao: The best place for snow lovers.
4. Bhewma Falls: Also known as Amitabh Bachchan Falls for its height. Intriguing view of the falling water.
5. Naga Falls: Beautiful spots with flowers, lush greenery and waterfall.

Safety tips:

1. Being at a high altitude, people having pre-ailments or weak and infants may face problems due to lack of oxygen.
2. Avoid visiting Lachung between June and September.

2. Lambasingi Hills, Andhra Pradesh

Lambasingi is famous for its coffee and tea plantations. In addition to coffee and tea plantations, the area also grows small apple and strawberry farms. Wildlife, flora and fauna are in abundance here. It has a reputation for supporting tigers in the past when it was covered thickly with forest.

Since Lambasingi receives snowfall in winter, it is also known as “Kashmir of Andhra Pradesh”.

Places to visit in Lambasingi Hills

1. Kothapalli Waterfalls: A common picnic place for the natives and tourists. 
2. Thajangi Reservoir: One of the best locations for nature lovers and photographers.
3. Kondakarla Bird Sanctuary: A meaningful location for bird-watchers and photographers.
4. Susan Garden: Another location for nature lovers.
5. Bojjannakonda: These are some of the oldest Buddhist structures in India.

Safety tips: 

1. Be ready with extra warm-wear during winters. 
2. During winter, wildlife gets active. Therefore, try not to wander in faraway places.

3. Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh

Home to the Apatani tribe, Zero is a small town in Arunachal Pradesh. From the mean sea level, it stands at an elevation of 1500 metres. It is known for its paddy-cum-pisciculture cultivation, a unique water management and poly-culture system.

Ziro Valley is ideal for those who love nature’s beauty, peace and spirituality. It charms you with its natural landscapes, cultural heritage and aura.

Places to visit in Ziro:

1. Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary: The wildlife park established in 1995 stands on an area of 337 sq. km. It is a biodiversity zone with both conifer and broadleaved forests.
2. Hapoli: Rejuvenate by witnessing scenic paddy fields, treks and mesmerizing views. 
3. Pechi Putu: A perfect place for jungle camping.
4. Tippi Orchid Research Centre: Visit this place to view rare orchid species of North India.
5. Pine Grove: Forget yourself and be nature’s part in this area.

Safety Tips: 

1. Procure a permit before entering Ziro. Indians need an Inner Line Permit (ILP), while non-Indians need to procure a Protected Area Permit (PAP).
2. If you are at Ziro during monsoons, be careful with the condition of the roads.
3. Beware of the temperature dropping to -13 degrees C. if you plan to travel between November and January.

4. Mawlynnong, Meghalaya

If you wish to visit the cleanest villages in Asia, visit Mawlynnong. It’s a tiny village in Meghalaya, in the district of East Khasi Hills. It is popularly known as God’s Own Garden.

The Mystic Village has a 100% literacy rate with an encouragement towards women’s empowerment. Mawlynnong is famous for its eco-friendly practices, well-nurtured gardens and cleanliness. 

Places to visit in Mawlynnong:

1. Sky View Point: Climb this tree house by stepping on hand-made stairs made from bamboo poles.
2. Living Root Bridge: Visit this place to witness the century-old immaculate bridge created with roots from living trees.
3. Balancing Rock of Mawlynnong: Witness the wonder of nature of how a gigantic rock is balancing on a small stone.

Safety Tips:

1. Do not litter and make noise. Natives expect tourists to maintain a cleanliness and tranquil ambience.
2. Mawlynnong prohibits plastic, and smoking is not allowed.

5. Munsiyari, Uttarakhand

Known as “Little Kashmir”, Munsiyari stands at 2298 metres above mean sea level. It is a sweet spot for mountaineers and trekkers. It also doubles as a base camp for several Himalayan treks, such as Milam, Namik and Ralam Glaciers. 

To witness a spectacular view of higher Himalayan ranges covered with snow, a visit to Munsiyari is a must.

Places to visit in Munsiyari

1. Thamri Kund: Witness the stunning Panchchuli ranges while trekking to this kund, while relieving your ears with the sweet sounds of chirping birds.
2. Maheswar Kund: Refresh yourself with the serene Maheshwar Kund. A perfect place for bird-watching and spotting wildlife, if lucky.
3. Panchchuli: These five peaks covered with snow charm you with their glittering looks.
4. Tribal Heritage Museum: Visit this place to learn more about the local culture. View rare collections of antique coins, jewellery, maps, stones, machines, clothes, utensils, books, images, spices etc.
5. Kalamuni Temple: A Kali Mata temple.

Other places of interest are Nanda Devi Mandir, Harkot Waterfall, Khaliya Top, Betuli Dhar, Zero Point, Tulip Garden and many others.

Safety Tips: 

1. Avoid low-lit areas.
2. Stay alert to safeguard yourself from wild animals.
3. Do not wander late at night.

6. Dhanaulti, Uttarakhand

Dhanaulti is a small town near Mussoorie. This lovely place is blessed with lush green woodlands and offers a spectacular view of the Himalayas. Dhanaulti is a convenient spot for Mussoorie, Kanatal travellers or trekkers trailing to Chandrabadai, Kunjapur, and Surkanda Devi Temple.

Dhanaulti is ideal for people looking for a calm and peaceful gateway.

Places to visit in Dhanaulti:

1. Dhanaulti Eco Park Amber: Visiting this Eco Park is worth it. To enjoy this fully, one should go to the park top.
2. Snow Adventure Zone: An adventure park with activities like Sky Walk, Sky Bridge, Zip Swing, Valley Crossing, Spiderman, Commando Bridge, Zip Line, Superman Ride, Rock Climbing, Rappelling, etc.
3. Surkanda Devi Temple: You can reach here by cable car. After reaching the top, feel blessed once you view the breathtaking scenario.
4. Tehri Dam: Visit this location to view the engineering marvel structured to such a large magnitude.
5. Sahastradhara (hidden place): An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Safety tips:

Dhanaulti is at a height of 7500 feet above sea level. Therefore, it may prompt some visitors to experience dizziness, headache, and nausea. To avoid 

1. Visitors can acclimatize
2. Use a monkey cap or woollen cloth to cover your head.
3. Keep drinking water at regular intervals to keep dehydration away.

7. Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh

Araku Valley nests in the Eastern Ghats. Blessed with coffee plantations and waterfalls, Araku Valley is one of the best locations for trekking. One of India’s natural cave structures, the Borra Caves, is in this picturesque valley. 

Araku Valley is a preferred location for camping, trekking and wildlife spotting.

Places to visit in Araku Valley

1. Tribal Museum: It showcases the culture of tribals around the Araku Valley.
2. Coffee Museum: Visit this museum to view customary art, handicrafts, ornaments & textiles used by native tribals.
3. Borra Caves: Ready for another natural wonder?
4. Padmapuram Gardens: A must-visit botanical garden.
5. Galikonda View Point: A great point to experience the mesmerising view of Araku Valley.

Other places of interest are Chaparai Water Cascade, Kothapalli Waterfalls, Katiki Water Falls, Araku Valley Tourist Hub, Ananthagiri Water Falls, Haritha Jungle Bells, Rana Jilleda Water Falls and many others.

Safety Tips:

1. Erosion and mud at Araku Valley make driving difficult. So it’s wise to not take a car there, or else drive only on specific roads.
2. Avoid travelling at late night. Always travel in well-lit areas.
3. Keep plenty of water during summer days.

Wrapping up:

India is a great place to travel. There are several tourist destinations across the length and breadth of India. Popular places see a rush of tourists, making it difficult to get appropriate facilities. However, these places may prove as a real gateway, to feeling refreshed.