8 Offbeat Hill Stations That Are *NOT Shimla* For A Memorable Vacation This Winter

My dream is to fly, over the mountains so high!

This winter head on over to some well-hidden and untouched hill stations in India to get away from the scorching heat of the capital city! We’ve curated a list of some of the most non-commercialized places that are not your quintessential Shimla, Mussoorie or Manali. No offence, we love them too, but it’s time to give something new a shot now. So, keep your bags packed and dive right into the list!

1. Tawang

Picture Credits: imgayatri_

Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh lies 500 Km from Guwahati and is a hidden gem since barely anyone knows about it! Hidden in the Eastern Himalayas, this town is simply beautiful beyond words. The Shonga-Tser Lake, formed by an earthquake, is one of the most remarkable places you can visit here, and the Tawang Monastery is ranked as the largest in India and the second-largest monastery in the world. The rivers here have such clear and pristine water that you can view the reflections of the Himalayas in it *Starstruck*! 

Where | Arunachal Pradesh

2. Shoja

Picture Credits: thetripperstours

A lovely hill village in the lap of the Himalayas - this place is adorned by several temples made of wood and various other age-old materials. Its beauty will make for those picture-perfect shots and will perfectly fit into your definition of a relaxing vacation. Gently undulating slopes and the green shade all around make Shoja a dream holiday place - pristine, untouched and remarkably pure!

Where | Himachal Pradesh

3. Pelling

Picture Credits: the.trail.makers

Sikkim to most of us is all about Gangtok, but there’s a lot more to it guys! We set out to find new places and discovered this gem called Pelling. Not bitten by the commercialisation bug yet (thank God!), this is a smaller, yet gorgeous hill station! It’s the starting point of a couple of excellent treks and home to some great scenic views and the enchanting skywalk. Head on over if you’re not looking for an ultra-modern town for your next vacay! 

Where | Sikkim

4. Gethia

Picture Credits: nandwanimohit

Located in the massive state of Uttarakhand, Gethia is a tiny town with not many things to do. But the scenic beauty of this place will make you fall in love with it! It’s what hill stations are all about, with Maggi points here and there and simple kinare shops with only the essentials, find yourself a good homestay and you’re all set. There are a few treks too here, so if you’re up for it then pack your sneakers for sure! 

Where | Uttarakhand

5. Khajjiar

Picture Credits: ganibhay_awesome346

Granted the sobriquet of ‘Mini Switzerland of India’, Khajjiar is one charming hill station whose beauty CANNOT be translated into words (we’ll try though!). A sleepy hill town near Dalhousie that’s replete with hills, lakes and meadows, Khajjiar is home to a bunch of Bollywood ghost movies too. Those of you who aren’t all that keen on solely sightseeing can also indulge in a round of paragliding, horse riding and trekking here! 

Where | Himachal Pradesh

6. Ponmudi

Remember those sunrises that you drew on paper as a kid? The ones with perfect mountains and a dip between them where the sun comes peeping through? Yeah, well, Ponmudi is the place where you can witness this, and live in all its glory! So be prepared to wake up early with the sunrise here, but trust us, it’s worth it! 

Where | Kerala

7. Nubra Valley 

The land of timeless beauty, which looks like it’s just been painted out of our imagination, Nubra Valley in Jammu & Kashmir is simply to die for! About 140 kms from Leh, it’s got rivers streaming through the valley which simply add a lot more to the scenic beauty. If you’re looking for a simple vacation where you can happily admire the beauty of nature, then Nubra Valley is your go-to destination! 

Where | Jammu & Kashmir

8. Kalimpong

Picture Credits: that_kolkata_girl

Known as the ‘Kingdom of Clouds’, this offbeat hill station in West Bengal is home to Tibetan monasteries and churches, alike. You’ll get to pick out some orchids for your Delhi garden from here and give it a ‘pahadi-touch’! With beautiful sunsets and sunrises, this place is a beauty. Head on over! 

Where | West Bengal

So get away from the chaos of the city and plan out your hilly vacation at one of these offbeat and beautiful locales, right away!