Here Is A List Of 10 Least Crowded Hill Stations To Explore In India

How willing are you to make this summer 2020 count? Well, as a 30-year old, non-smoker, individual who has been breathing the hazardous air of Delhi that on an average measure 500 PM, answering ‘A lot,’ is obvious. I know some of you reading has the same response too. The truth is, nobody wants to see herself die choking on this heavily polluted air; let me tell you if Oxygen was a person, she would have sorted an escape plan to some pristine hill station in North India already! So, why shouldn’t we when there is a chance? North India is replete with several explored, some lesser-explored and fewer unexplored hill destinations that can offer you respite from the devilish realm of city life. Pretty sure you must have had a vacation at a number of popular hill stations in North India by now but did you try to explore something completely offbeat so far? No, well, make this summer 2020 count then! Plan a trip to a lesser-known hill station in North India, and slay summers like a BOSS. Here are some incredible lesser explored hills for this summer for you.

* Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh

It wouldn’t be correct to call Sirmaur a lesser explored destination as the district has some popular and frequented places in Himachal Pradesh like Renuka Ji, Paonta Sahib, and Nahan. However, this southernmost district of the state has been able to reserve some of its best sights and experiences for those who are lucky enough to have found our link and made a wise decision of clicking on it. So, Sirmaur district that lies at a distance of approx 150 km from popular hill station of North India, Shimla, boasts being the Peach Bowl for the state. You know the luscious hill fruit with that velvety outer skin, is cultivated here in a large number, and June will be the month when you are likely to savour it or the pretty view of its blooming flowers. Apart from this, Sirmaur makes for a great trekking destination; the Churdhar Peak trek is something you must do if you’re an adventurer at heart. For those aiming to spend a lazy holiday, almost all the destinations in Sirmaur has closely knitted temples that can be seen on a sightseeing tour.

* Abbott Mount, Uttarakhand

Are you ready to walk back in time to the era of British in India? No, not that time of oppression but a walk back in the quiet hills where handful British style bungalows and a wide expanse of mountains and whiff of fresh air welcome you. Head to the east Uttarakhand to find this beautiful hill station in Kumaon region of the state. Abbott Mount is perfect for that relaxing summer holiday away from the hullaballoo of the city life. The best way to explore this quite an eerie yet mesmerizing hill station of Uttarakhand is to take a walk. Along the expanding Shivalik Hill Range, one can see an ancient cricket ground along with the faint silhouette of some village in Nepal. This destination in Uttarakhand is ideal for honeymoon couples as well as for those wishing to see the best side of nature this summer 2020.

* Peora, Uttarakhand

Meet another quaint village at a close proximity to the popular hill station of Mukteshwar in Uttarakhand. Now, a handful of travel writers have been blogging about this quiet little hamlet in the lap of Kumaon Himalayas and their descriptions claim that the place is worth spending a holiday. Dak Bungalow which is believed to be the best place to stay here, needless to say, is the major attraction in Peora. Also, birdwatchers will love this place as the sighting of hundreds of different species of birds is certain. The village and its suburb are replete with sal, pine, oak, kaphal and rhododendron trees. Care for a locally grown apple, plum, peach or apricot? Well, this holiday destination has everything in abundance for you. So, in Peora, a summer vacation is about basking amidst the glorious Himalayan mountains, savouring the beauty of lush green forests and being inspired by the simplicity of the place.

* Pabbar Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Ditch the crowded Shimla and drive some 131 km from there to land at a breathtaking destination of Rohru in Himachal Pradesh. Rohru marks the beginning of an unforgettable summer holiday for you as ahead of it, there is only magic for you to relish, the reality my friend is far left behind. Imagine, the gurgling and foaming river Pabbar carrying on its journey through a lush valley with meadows, forests and apple orchards. Interested in trout fishing? Pabbar Valley is the travel destination for you then this summer 2020. The entire valley is rich in trout fish giving one ample opportunity to go fishing and angling. Like to trek? You would love the Chanshal Pass Trek and Kuper Valley Trek that cross some of the most beautiful places in Pabbar. The three prominent places to see in Pabbar are Rohru, Hatkoti, and Jubbal. If you’re planning a long summer holiday, Pabbar Valley in Himachal can be the right vacation destination for you.

* Sarmoli, Uttarakhand

I happen to have come across the name Sarmoli last year while reading a blog online, and ever since this place has been lingering in my head and I certainly wanted to tell all our readers about it. What caught my eye the most about this remote village in Munsiyari district of Kumaon region in Uttarakhand is the fact that natives own an Instagram handle, for a destination known to fewer people, this surely comes as a surprise. In for more surprises? Well, this tiny village has one of the most powerful women organization that bring valuable ideas of the urban world to the locals like the importance of fitness, flavours from international cuisines, and of course, the online world. Don’t be surprised if you are served some international dish like pasta in Sarmoli. If you’re someone who is looking for something incredible to this summer, then plan a trip to Sarmoli and I’m sure, you’d come back as a changed person.

* Kokernag, Jammu and Kashmir

I assume you haven’t gotten over your last Srinagar-Gulmarg-Pahalgam trip but what if I told you that you missed a rare gem just a few kilometers away from the bustling travel destination of Pahalgam? Some 60km from the tourist hub of Pahalgam is situated the lesser known yet the wonderful destination of Kokernag. Did you enjoy visiting the lush Mughal Gardens in Srinagar? Yes. Well, Kokernag is going to give you more reasons to enjoy then as this lesser-known destination has the biggest garden in Kashmir, also it has Asia’s largest trout fishery, where one can go and learn about breeding this species of fish. Kokernag is out and out a family vacation destination and you must not miss out on it when planning a summer holiday in Kashmir this year.

* Sanasar, Jammu and Kashmir

How does an idea of rolling in the meadows on a warm sunny afternoon sound to you? I’d do it if given a chance. Sanasar is one of those apt tourism destinations where you can bring this fantasy to come alive. And if you’re thinking, this is yet another offbeat destination in Kashmir region of the state then you’re mistaken. Sanasar is quietly seated in the Jammu region, some odd 20km from the famous hill station of Patnitop. This surprisingly lesser frequented destination boasts of a vast expanse of meadow which takes you to tiny settlements with mud houses, farms, and streams, you’d be invited at one of the houses to have tea or a meal. Sanasar is so far unexploited, perfect to trek and learn about the local culture without feeling like an intruder.

* Chatpal, Jammu and Kashmir

The global warming has done its share of damage around the world already and India is no exception. The hill station that we usually escape to find some respite from the scorching summer season, have all seem to have seen a rise in temperature themselves, resultant, the daytime is as hot as any destination in the lower altitude. But luckily, there remain a few hill stations in North India, offbeat of course, where you can still escape. In southern Kashmir, Chatpal sits like a small piece of paradise, where even in the summers one needs to sleep in layers of blankets and use a Kangri to keep warm. Honestly, Chatpal looks like a place where the time has taken a pause. So, if you’re thinking to spend a time doing nothing then this is the place to be. However, you’ll always have trekking option open. You can head out in one particular direction only to find more surreal views to savour; one can trek to the nearby Thimran village en route apple orchards and walnut and oak forest. Oh! Did I tell you at Chatpal there is no electricity leave alone digital connectivity?

* Achabal, Jammu and Kashmir

A perfect destination for nature lovers in Kashmir is Achabal, a place that is home to one of the most stunning gardens in the region. In the Anantnag district, Achabal catches one’s eyes with its gorgeous Mughal Garden that is said to be once the retreat for Noor Jahan, the consort of Mughal Emperor- Jehangir. Once you are done soaking all the beauty of the garden at Achabal, there awaits a scenic waterfall- Aharbal. The cascade can be visited on a day visit from Achabal but if you are looking for some adventure, I suggest to do a trek to the lush meadows of Kungwatar and then camp there overnight. The experience can truly be something you will never ever forget.

* Raithal, Uttarakhand

The good thing about mountains is the slow pace of life in them which all of us, and I mean all of us do need to experience every now and then. If this summer, you’re ditching a crowded hill station, then choose a destination that offers you a parallel lifestyle like in the small village in Garhwal Himalayas- Raithal. So, what do you do here when you reach? Simply nothing, just bask under the sun watching the rolling mountains and lush forests and the mud houses with carvings and designs. You can also stay in The Goat Village, a homestay where you get to learn about the rich culture, traditions and hard life of the village people. To make this trip even more fruitful, you can plan a trek to the gorgeous Dayara Bugyal.