12 Offbeat Local Towns In Uttarakhand To Travel To That Most Tourists Always End Up Overlooking

Welcome to Uttarakhand, a land where serene beauty reigns supreme. Picture this: the prettiest, cosiest little hamlets, perfect for a dreamy vacation. These hidden gems are sparsely populated, untouched by the usual tourist crowds, and offer fresh air, stunning views, and a slower, nature-focused lifestyle. If you’re dreaming of booking a cottage or tent for a peaceful staycation in one of these idyllic towns, look no further. Scroll through our list to find the perfect spot for your next tranquil escape. Let's dive into the charm and magic of Uttarakhand together!

1. Agoda Village

Picture Credits: engineer.insafar

Nestled in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, Agoda Village is a picturesque hamlet set against the stunning backdrop of the Himalayas. This serene destination offers breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, lush greenery, and tranquillity, making it perfect for nature lovers and trekkers. Known for its traditional Garhwali culture and warm hospitality, visitors can immerse themselves in local life, savour traditional cuisine, and experience the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Distance from Delhi | 440 Kms 

2. Bampa Village 

Picture Credits: rabbit.eyes18

Bampa Village, a picturesque settlement near Joshimath in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty. Nestled amidst the majestic Himalayan mountains, Bampa offers visitors the charm of rural mountain life, with lush greenery, cascading waterfalls, and breathtaking vistas all around. Explore the charm of Bampa village by taking leisurely walks through its narrow lanes, interacting with locals, and experiencing the traditional way of life in the mountains.

Distance from Delhi | 580 Kms

3. Ransi Village 

Picture Credits: the_ethereal_journey

Ransi Village, nestled in the Ukhimath area of Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand, is a tranquil hamlet surrounded by lush terraced fields and dense forests. Its charming slate-roofed houses add to its picturesque appeal. As the starting point for the trek to Madyamaheshwar Temple, one of the Panch Kedars, Ransi offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and serenity. For a spiritual and secluded stay, Ransi Village is the ideal destination.

Distance from Delhi | 287 Kms 

4. Khurupatal Lakeside 

Picture Credits: Anirudh Ravishankar

Just 11 km from Nainital, Khurpatal is a remote village in Uttarakhand surrounded by towering pine and cedar trees. Nestled in the outer Himalayan range, Khurpatal is renowned for its emerald blue-green lake, a year-round fishing hotspot. This idyllic village is perfect for fishing enthusiasts, offering traditional fishing practices and a variety of fish. Rich in vegetable farms and largely unexplored, Khurpatal provides a tranquil escape from bustling city life, making it a paradise for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.

Distance from Delhi | 305 Kms 

5. Lohaghat 

Picture Credits:  Deepak Joshi

In the Kumaon district of Uttarakhand, there exists a beautiful, mystical hill station that naturalist P. Barron referred to as heaven on Earth. Lohaghat has been famous for its close location to many Hindu religious sites but thankfully is relatively unexplored yet keeping its natural beauty dotted with pine trees still in pristine condition for you to discover. If you visit in summer, do make sure you get clicked with the Burans flower. 

Distance From Delhi | 440 KM

6. Mana Village 

Picture Credits: Anirudha Pandit

Located in the Chamoli District, Mana is known as the last village of India as it’s India’s last inhabited village before the Indo-Tibet border. Situated only 3 km away from the Badrinath Temple, the village is surrounded by breathtaking peaks. According to Hindu mythology, Mana is where the Pandavas had to go through to reach heaven so it’s quite apt when we say this place transports you to heaven. The iconic village is gaining more and more importance and is all set for a makeover by the government but we recommend visiting the place as is to enjoy its bounty unfiltered. 

Distance From Delhi | 546 KM

7. Khirsu

Picture Credits: A Explorer

A city located in the Pauri, Garhwal district, Khirsu is blessed with a skyline that allows you a complete 180-degree view of the beautiful snow-capped mountain peaks you travel far and wide to admire. And if that isn't enough to hold on to your hat, Khirsu has some of the prettiest, highly scented and gorgeous looking apple orchards that you can spend hours at end strolling through. Life at Khirsu seems to run on its own clock and the sky seems to be coloured in its unique dyes. For a slow, full and wholesome vacation, visit the sleepy town of Khirsu and immerse yourself in its spirit. 

Distance From Delhi | 350 KM

8. Peora

Picture Credits: Sachin Bisht

The village is so well hidden that it stands to reason that one would call it Uttarakhand’s dirty little secret but how could we call something as spectacular as Peora like that? Located in its much more popular town Nainital’s district, Peora is known as the fruit bowl of Uttarakhand due to its large number of fruit orchards that make the town stunningly colourful and beautiful. The untouched town is a feast for wildlife enthusiasts, bird watchers and nature lovers alike. The town welcomes visitors all year round and has the freshest, crispest air we Delhites could only dream of. 

Distance From Delhi | 380 KM

9. Harsil

Picture Credits: piyush verma

While most hill towns in India advertise themselves as ‘The True Switzerland of India’, there is plenty of evidence to suggest that Harsil hands down takes this crown. The serene hill town has the river Bhagwati flowing right through it which makes Harsil the calmest and the most fabulous place to visit. Being the base camp for the Char Dhaam Yatra, Harsil is on the straight route to Gangotri. During summers, it’s exceptionally fun to sit under the sun and hills with your feet dipped in the chilled river water flowing underneath. Comparable to a swiss ski village, Harsil is ideal for lazy winter days spent doing nothing. 

Distance From Delhi | 497 KM

10. Chaukori 

Who says you can only find tea gardens in South or Northeast India? You could also find some stunning sprawling tea gardens in a little hamlet in Kumaon known popularly as Chaukori. Located in the Pithoragarh district, Chaukori is a bowl-shaped town that houses beautiful old-time cottages that are perfect to have hilly side staycations in. If you dream of sunny days spent with scarves on your head and baskets on your arms to pick up fresh fruits while you smell fresh tea leaves, then go ahead and book yourself a little one-bedroom cottage in the hills and look out for the stunning sunsets. 

Distance From Delhi | 460 KM

11. Jeolikot 

Picture Credits: Lav Thakur

Do you even remember the days when you could see a sky full of stars? And if by fluke you can remember that, can you think of a day when you had the chance to lay on the ground in fresh air looking above at the starry sky with your partner’s hand in yours? Well just like Kat said in ZNMD, you’re really missing out on life if you don't experience these moments. So rush to Jeolikot now, a pretty pristine station in Nainital district that is so set in nature, that it’s impossible to even think of city craziness when there. After star watching, make sure you get some good sleep so you’re ready in the day for some butterfly watching. 

Distance From Delhi | 319 KM

12. Munsiyari

Picture Credits: Chandan Singh

You know that feeling when you keep seeing snow-capped mountains following you around but no matter how high or far you go, they just keep seeming farther away? Well if seeking those mountains and some clouds is your go-to vacation ideal, then you must visit Munsiyari, the star hamlet of Panchachuli, or five peaks. This little town is one of the most stunning and has the best views of the snow-capped Himalayas. Trekking enthusiasts especially rave about this place as its location allows it to harbour some of the best, prettiest and most rewarding trails. For a taste of Kashmir, without the risk, visit this little hill station of Pittorgarh. 

Distance From Delhi | 629 KM

Already in a vacation mood after reading the descriptions of these dreamy hamlets? Pack your bags and head over ASAP!