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India is home to a number of small and large hills and mountain ranges. Nestled amidst them are various hill stations. The popular ones are frequented by tourists in hordes, which has resulted in these places losing their charm, getting overcrowded and polluted. However, if you are ready to tread off the beaten track, you stand to gain in terms of finding virgin hills and towns set amongst them. Their charm is still intact and you get the opportunity to experience the ever elusive and precious solitude.
If you are not looking for luxurious resorts with all the creature comforts or for exciting activities to do on vacation, then we have a list of hill stations for you. These are the perfect destinations to tear away from the city life and for once just be with yourself.
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Dhanaulti:
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A 30 kms drive from Mussoorie, (an extremely popular hill station) on narrow and steep roads brings you to Dhanaulti. This little hamlet is where you should be heading if you are looking for some peace and quiet. Though it is very near to Mussoorie, even in the peak season, Dhanaulti receives very few travellers. Very few people actually know about this place and among those who know, the number who actually visit is even smaller.
Covered with Pine and Deodar trees, Dhanaulti offers scenic view of vast mountain ranges and valleys, which are sure to satiate your desire. Very few villages are scattered around these mountains. Apple orchards can be spotted at regular intervals. Wild and exotic flora dots the mountainside and gives it an ethereal feel.
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| A number of trekking routes are present in and around Dhanaulti and the locals organise such trekking trips. If you are an early raiser, you can witness the sunrise over the snow-capped mountains, bathing them with a golden-orange hue. If you are visiting Uttaranchal, then along with the other popular destinations, try to set aside some time for this tranquil town. |
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Pachmarhi:
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Located in the low-lying and weathered Satpura Hills, Pachmarhi is not the usual hill station getaway. Though Pachmarhi cannot boast of spectacular views and majestic heights like a Himalayan hill station, it makes it up in peace, tranquility and solitude. It is considered a holy adobe and a number of pilgrimage spots dot the town of Pachmarhi. The Chota Mahadev and Maradeo (which is also the second highest point on the Satpura Range) are some of the highly revered pilgrim spots. Another extremely interesting place is the Jata Shankar Caves. Lord Shiva is believed to have taken shelter here and parts of his ‘jata’ (dreadlocks) fell on the ground and created the sharp rock formations, which you need to pass before entering the caves. You can organise leisurely picnics beside any of the numerous waterfalls in this area. The Bee Falls is the most popular one. Pandav Caves, where the Pandavas were supposed to have hidden for a period, is a must-visit too.
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| Pipariya (47 kms) is the nearest railhead and Bhopal (195 kms) has the nearest airport to Pachmarhi. |
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Kurseong:
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Kurseong, known to many people in North Bengal as “the school town”, is a beautiful little hill station. It is located around 30 km from Darjeeling, the more popular tourist haunt. Kurseong or ‘Kharsang’, in the local Lepcha language, means “Land of the White Orchids”. This tiny town in Darjeeling district is famous for its orchid nurseries. A number of well-known schools call Kurseong home. Students from all over India flock here, every year. Some of these schools are Goethals Memorial School, St Helen’s Convent and Godwin Modern School. The Tea Plantations add to the beauty of this place. Kurseong town is best explored on foot. You could also take a Toy Train ride through this place. |
| For a nature enthusiast, this is paradise. There are a number of trekking routes around Kurseong and you can explore the Himalayan valleys in complete solitude. Eagle’s Craig is one of the well-known sightseeing attractions. Kurseong is around 50 kms from Siliguri and is connected by road. You could also take the Toy Train from New Jalpaiguri to Kurseong. Bagdogra is the nearest airport. |
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Yercaud:
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Yercaud has always been over shadowed by the more popular, Ooty. Located near Salem, Yercaud is quaint little hill station in the Servarayan range of the Eastern Ghats. Yercaud got its name from the lake, situated in the centre of the town. Numerous coffee plantations and orange orchards dot this hill adobe. The Botanical Survey of India runs an orchidarium here, which is a must-visit, in order to let your eyes feast on the multitude of colours on view. What makes Yercaud a great vacationing option is the fact that, unlike Ooty, it is affordable and much less crowded. There are some quiet picnic spots in and around Yercaud. You could also go for a nature walk among the plantations. |
| From Salem, there are frequent bus services to Yercaud. Salem is also the nearest railhead. If you plan to travel by train, then catch the Yercaud Express from Chennai. Get down at Salem and Yercaud is just 36 kms from Salem Junction. Trichy (163 km) is the nearest airport. |
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