Uttarakhand is the land of serene beauty. It is dotted with the prettiest, cosiest, littlest hamlets that are just perfect to vacation in. They are thinly populated, unstepped on by regular visiting crowds, have fresh air, stunning views and focus on the slower, more in-sync with nature lifestyles. If you’re looking to book a cottage or a tent for a staycation at one such dreamy, quiet little town, scroll through our list to figure out which one works best for you.

1. Lohaghat

Picture Credits: darshan_sah30

In the Kumaon district of Uttarakhand, there exists a beautiful, mystical hill station that naturalist P. Barron referred to 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 | 410 KM

2. Mana Village

Picture Credits: abhijaiwilkinson

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 | 522 KM

3. Khirsu

Picture Credits: __amitclicks

A city located in the Pauri, Garhwal district, Khirsu is blessed with a skyline that allows you a complete 180 degrees 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, best smelling, 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 own 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

4. Peora

Picture Credits: the.orchard.at.peora.estates

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 | 350 KM

5. Harsil

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 river Bhagwati flowing right through it which makes Harsil the calmest and 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 | 450 KM

6. Chaukori

Who says you can only find tea gardens in the 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

7. Jeolikot

Picture Credits: alokkumar_ak

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 | 295 KM

8. Munsiyari

Picture Credits: stillsfromhills

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 | 550 KM

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

Aarushi Jain