Top 10 offbeat hill stations in north India you must visit

The multifariousness that one gets to see in Northern India is both refreshing and satisfying. If you have already toured the destinations in this region of India, then you must not scratch it off from your bucket list yet.

Travelers, be seasonal or regular have already begun planning their summer vacations, and we couldn’t refrain ourselves from bringing out our list of favorite hill stations in India.
Get surprised to see your urge to explore more with our list of top offbeat hill stations in North India.

1. The enchanting beauty of Barog

It is a little village situated in the Solang district of Himachal Pradesh. In earlier decades, Kalka-Shimla toy train stopped at its railway station here for an hour while the sahibs and memsahibs dug into a lavish brunch.

Things to do

The major attraction here is its railway station, which is on the Kalka-Shimla Railway line and has the longest tunnel that is a kilometer long.

Hiking is possible from the old tunnel station, which is some distance from the station.

Accommodation in the well-maintained rooms of the Barog station is a good option as the views from its rooms are mesmerizing.

One can opt to stay at home-stays and resort if staying in Railway station rooms is not convincing.

Barog Grave, Churdhar mountains (ideal for trekking), Barog camping grounds, the Suketi Fossil Park and Markanda River are other interesting tourist points.

How to reach

• Air: The Nearest airport is in Chandigarh. Take a bus or train to reach Barog from here.
• Train: Kalka-Shimla toy train arrives here from Kalka city
• Road: Barog falls on Shimla-Kalka highway, and one can easily reach here from Chandigarh and Kalka.

2. Tawang, under a thick blanket of snow

One of the few corners situated stupendously in the hills of the Eastern-Himalayas, Tawang can be described with just one word- “gorgeous.” Tawang is both historically and naturally endowed and is situated at an altitude of 3500 meters above sea level.

Things to do

• Shonga-Tser Lake which is formed by an earthquake is one of the fascinating places you will hit.
• Pangang Teng Tso lake, another lake in the Himalayas with water so clearly reflect the shadows of the mountains and trees in it.
• For those into trekking, may trip to Goi ichen! Getting to its base camp itself is an exhilarating and challenging experience.
• There is also the Tawang Monastery, where the sixth Dalai Lama was born. Set a day aside to visit the Jang Falls, too.

How to reach

• Air: Nearest Airport is Salonibari Airport, Tezpur which is about a six-hour drive to Tawang.
• Train: Guwahati Railway Station, which is located around 485 km from Tawang.
• Road: Take a cab or bus to reach Bhalukpong from the railhead and proceed to Tawang from there.

3. Shimla’s quaint little town: Narkanda

Situated at a distance of 440 Km from Delhi, Narkanda is a beautiful place located near the highest mountain in Shimla with a gradual ascent. While traveling to Narkanda via road, one is regularly treated to a bird’s-eye view of the different valleys as the path takes its twists and turns.

Things to do

• Trek and visit the Hatu Peak to get some spectacular view of the entire Himalayan ranges & its snow-clad mountains. Also see it’s in depths dense forests, green fields and apple orchards.
• Kacheri, Kotgarh & Thanedhar, Serolsar Lake, and Jalori Pass are some of the top attractions that draw tourists in abundance here.

How to reach

• Air: Shimla airport is nearest
• Train: The Nearest station is at Kalka that is 125 km away from Narkanda. Toy trains are available to reach Narkanda on the Kalka-Shimla route.
• Road: Easily accessible from Manali, Chandigarh, and Shimla

4. Pristine reflection of nature: Kotgarh

An interesting point, 15 Km from Narkanda, Kotgarh is known as the apple bowl of India and is situated 82 km from Shimla on the old Hindustan-Tibet road. The place has many interesting homestays & resorts around its apple and cherry orchards.

Things to do in Kotgarh

• Visit the St Mary’s Church, one of the oldest churches in India. It has a beautiful wooden church with an old graveyard in its premises as a reminder of the bygone era.
• Mailan Devta Temple, Tani Jubbar Lake, Hatu Temple, and Peak are the other main tourist points here that are a must-visit.

How to Reach

• Same as Narkanda. Very easily reachable from Narkanda

5. The location for all things colorful & peaceful: Kasol

There is no dearth of scenic spots in Kasol, which means you’ll come back with a lot of pictures with scenic backdrops.

Things to do

• Camping in the woods of Kasol while attending the happening parties all day and night that flaunt some of the best DJs from around the world.
• Go shopping and pick some great styles from the local markets. Try the rice beer, which is exclusively found only here in India and is a favorite in the market
• Go to the banks of the river near Parvati Valley and enjoy a day under the shine of the sun.
• If you are a trekking enthusiast, do no miss the Kheerganga trek, which is known for taking its hikers closer to the Himalayan crest.

How to Reach

• Airport: Bhuntar Airport, located near Kullu is the nearest.
• Road: Well connected with Delhi, Pathankot, and Shimla. Rent local cabs from here to reach Kasol.

6. Magnetic beauty of Drass

Dress is beautiful pasture ground with majestic mountain peaks surrounding it. It is known as the Gateway to Ladakh and is the second-highest and the coldest civilized area in the world after Siberia. During summers, the valley turns into a lush green meadow with colorful, redolent flowers glorifying the beauty of nature.

Things to do

Go to the tiger hill, Drass War Memorial, Nimu and the Drang Drung Glacier, which is a major attraction here.

How to reach

• Air: Srinagar Sheikh-Ul-Alam Airport is the nearest.
• Train: Nearest railhead is at Jammu Tawi (380 Km away)
• Road: National Highway 1 connects Srinagar, Kargil, and Leh to Drass.

7. The evergreen charm of Palampur

A secluded point at the foothills of the Dhauladhar range in the Himalayas, Palampur is an ideal getaway for those desiring to explore offbeat tourist places. Surrounded by dense pine forests and covered by sprawling tea gardens, this tiny town will hold you back with its captivating charm.

Things to do

Paragliding at Bir-Billing from the height of 2290 m above sea level, Trekking to Triund from Mcleodganj, Trout fishing at Barot, trekking to Bir from Barot & taking a walk in the luscious-green jungles of Palampur are some activities to do while here.

How to reach

• Air: Nearest Airport is at Dharamsala (35 km)
• Train: Pathankot is the nearest railway station at a distance of 112 km
• Road: Palampur is well linked by road to all the major cities.

8. Where nature is kind with abundant green: Chakrata

Renowned as a panoramic picnic spot, Chakrata in Dehradun District of Uttaranchal State is a popular hill station located at an altitude of about 7000 ft above the sea level. The cold but pleasant ambiance makes the stay in Chakrata more delightful.

Things to do

River rafting & camping, trekking to the Tiger falls, Exploring the Budher caves, Bird watching in the jungles, waterfall rappelling and watching sunsets at Chilmari Neck will all make memories that you would relish all your life.

How to reach

• Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant which is 115 kilometers away
• Train: The nearest railhead is in Dehradun
• Bus: Easily reachable by buses and cars

9. Where serenity meets peace: Dharamshala

Located in the picturesque valleys of Kangra in Himachal Pradesh, this serene hill station is at an average altitude of 1,475 meters above sea level. The scenic surroundings of Dharamshala along with the presence of Buddhist culture make this hill station unique. It is bordered by thick deodar cedar trees and snow-clad mountains.

Things to do

Kareri Lake trek, Kangra Valley sightseeing, Visiting Dal Lake, Gyuto Monastery, Bhagsu Waterfall, Tea gardens, Mani Lhakhang Stupa, and camping make for an incredible experience in Dharamshala.

How to reach

• Air: The nearest airport is the Gaggal airport
• Train: Nearest railhead at Pathankot
• Road: Accessible from Delhi via Chandigarh, Kiratpur and Bilaspur and is a 12-13 hour road journey.

10. The dazzling beauty of Kausani

Kausani often confused with Kasol, is another beautiful hill town located in Uttarakhand, India. The town is defined by a peaceful and serene aura that surrounds it. Kausani sits over a mountain crest that is 1890 meters above sea level in the Himalayan foothills. The hamlet fronts the Someshwar Valley from one side while giving away some marvelous views of the surrounding peaks.

Things to do

• Sightseeing includes Pant Museum, Lakshmi Ashram, Baijnath, Someshwar, Chaukori, Pindari Glacier, Sunderdhunga and Kafni Glaciers
• Further ahead, there are the Hill Stations of Nainital, Almora, and Ranikhet that are easily reachable from Kausani and make excellent excursion options.

How to reach

• Air: The nearest airport is in Pantnagar, at a distance of 180 km.
• Train: Kathgodam has the nearest railhead to Kausani
• Road: Kausani is well connected with the other hill resorts like Almora, Ranikhet, Pithoragarh, etc.

Best time to visit these hill stations is right after the monsoons as these places exude plenty lush green views along with the glimpses of some exotic animals. It is recommended to carry enough warm clothes, even if you are traveling here during summers.