We love to travel but we barely know that near the famous Hill Station, there are places with serene beauty, picturesque views, breath-taking surroundings, and calmness around the town. Do you want to explore these hidden hill stations of North India? I assure you the trip will be unforgettable and you will enjoy the peace as the crowd will be less.
Chail: Where Serenity Reigns Supreme
Chail is located in the Solan District of Himachal Pradesh and is only 45 km away from Shimla. Chail is located at an altitude of 2,250m and is famous for its pine & deodar forest, architecture, cleanliness, and of course less crowd. If we talk about the history of this place, it was built by Maharaja of Patiala for a summer retreat.
Attraction Points
- The world’s highest Cricket Ground which is located at an altitude of 2444m in between the thick deodar forest.
- Chail Sanctuary is renowned for ‘ghoral’, ‘sambhar’, ‘khalij’, ‘red jungle fowl’, and ‘cheer’ peasants.
- If you are an adventure lover then you can trek to Sadhpul or Juga which is located between Solan and Chail.
- You can visit temples in Chail, Stone Kumbh known as Shiv Mandir, and Kali ka Tibba known as Kali Devi Temple which attracts lots of tourism.
Image Credit: Google
- Chail Gurdwara is one the most famous attraction points in Chail which was built by Maharaj of Patiala in the indo-western style.
- Lover’s Point is the most attractive place to click couples’ photographs.
Best Season to Visit
March to June is the most visited month. If you want to enjoy the winter’s snow, then plan between November to February.
How to Reach
- Nearest Airport: Shimla Airport
- Nearest Railway Station: Kandaghat. You can enjoy the trip with Kalka Shimla Toy Train also
- Roadways: Roads are well connected from Shimla and all the major cities like Chandigarh and Delhi.
Kurfi: A Winter Wonderland
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Kurfi is a less popular and charming hill station renowned as the Winter Sports Capital located in the district of Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. If you are planning to visit Shimla, then don’t miss the pleasant and less crowded hill station, Kurfi which is just 16kms. away from Shimla.
Attraction Points
- You can spend time with friends & family at Himalayan Nature Park and the panoramic view of the city.
- Indira Tourist Park which is near to Himalayan Nature Park is an attraction point for tourists.
- Mahasu Peak, the highest peak gives a breath-taking view and
Image Credit: Google
- If you are an adventure lover, then in winter plan for skiing, Horse Riding, Tobogganing & Yak Riding.
- To see the beautiful architecture and statues, Kufri’s Chini Bungalow.
- Kufri Fun World, an amusement park situated at the peak of 9000 ft. where you can enjoy all rides, especially Go-Karting.
Best Season to Visit
If you want to enjoy the pleasant weather of summer, then plan between April to June. If you are adventurous and enjoy the winter then plan it between November to February.
How to Reach
- Nearest Airport: Shimla Airport
- Nearest Railway Station: Kalka Shimla Toy Train
- Roadways: Roads are well connected from Shimla and all the major cities like Chandigarh and Delhi.
Narkanda: Adventure Meets Solitude
Narkanda is a Skiing Resort known for apple orchards and is surrounded by the Himalayan Range in the district of Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. Narkanda is a peaceful hill station and the apple growers are cultivating apples in the range to generate income.
Attraction Points
- Hatu Peak is situated at the highest feet of 11150 above sea level where you can experience the oak forest and gardens of apples.
- Hatu Mata Temple, the oldest temple made of wooden and most popular among travelers. It is believed that Pandavas cooked their meal during exile (vanvas) and the Chulhas are still there.
- Mahamaya Temple, an ancient temple of Maa Kali situated above 5500 feet above sea level where you can meditate and enjoy the pleasant beauty.
- Tanni Jubbar Lake, is a tourist place in India that is quite offbeat and is dedicated to the God of Snakes.
- As you know Narkanda is famous for the production of apples and Stoke’s Farm is the major contributor which is only 14 km away from the town.
- Kacheri, a famous place that loves sport, you can enjoy skiing and hiking to the Mahamaya Temple.
- Jau-Baug, a small valley which has a mesmerizing beauty. You can trek to Hatu Peak from this place.
Best Season to Visit
If you are planning in summer, then April to June is the ideal time to visit. In winter you can plan between December to February and enjoy the sports activities.
How to Reach
- Nearest Airport: Shimla Airport
- Nearest Railway Station: Kalka Shimla Toy Train
- Roadways: Roads are well connected from Shimla and all the major cities like Chandigarh and Delhi.
Dhanaulti: Paradise for Nature Lovers
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If you want a gateway from the hustle-bustle of your life and enjoy a peaceful vacation, then plan a trip to Dhanaulti which is only 57km from Mussoorie. If you are a nature lover and adventurous, then Dhanulti is a perfect gateway for you.
Attraction Points
- Eco Park for a Nature Lover, The park is known for its natural beauty, oak, deodar, and rhododendron trees.
- Adventure Lovers can visit the amusement parks, Kantal Adventure Camp, and Dhanaulti Adventure Park which is famous for the sports activities like zip line, mountain biking, and many more.
- Surkanda Devi Temple, which is 8kms from Dhanaulti Hill Station and situated amidst clouds and beautiful flowers.
- Dashavatar Temple, a Vishnu Temple built in the period of Gupta, those who love to explore our history can enjoy this place.
- If you love farming, then pay a visit to the famous Potato Farm of the Uttrakhand Government. For organic farming, you can explore the Apple Orchard Resort where you can also enjoy the delicious Garhwali food.
- Tehri Dam, a perfect picnic spot with a scenic view to enjoy the scenic view.
Best Season to Visit
You can visit Dhanualti throughout the year, but if you want to witness the snowfall then plan a trip from December to February.
How to Reach
- Nearest Airport: Dehradun Airport
- Nearest Railway Station: Dehradun Railway Station
- Roadways: Roads are well connected from all the major cities.
Lansdowne: A Quaint Colonial Retreat
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Lansdowne a town situated at an altitude of 1,706m above sea level in the Pauri Garhwal, Uttrakhand, and name after the then British Empire Viceroy, Lord Lansdowne. The Britisher’s used this place for the training and now our Indian Army’s, Garhwal Rifles regiment is situated over here. Lansdowne is a peaceful hill station and Uttrakhand’s ideal location for eco-tourism.
Attraction Points
- If you are adventurous and want to do sports activities in the hill station, then do this:
- Camping in the dense forest under the shinning starts, bonfire, and the delicious food
- Boat Ride in Bhulla Lake and enjoy the scenic view. Don’t forget to capture the moment
- A thrilling trek to the snow viewpoint and a beautiful view of Chaukhamba and Trishul Peak.
- Nature Walk in the lush green forest of pine, oak, and many others, and feel the fresh air.
- Hiking to Tip N Top Viewpoint and enjoy the Garhwal Hills and panoramic view of lush green forest and Himalayan Range.
- Kalgarh Tiger Reserve, known for the lush green forest of Sal and Sheesham with an exotic range of natural species, flora, and fauna.
- Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple, a 1500-year-old ancient temple of Lord Shiva situated at an altitude of 1800 meters. You can explore the architecture and the amazing view of the lush green forest.
Image Credit: Google
- Explore the history, wars, and achievements of the Historical Defense Museum, Darwan Singh Sangrahalaya.
- Bim Pakora, the placement of rocks was made by Bhim, one of Pandava’s during their exile.
- Kanavashram, a divine place in the culture of Hinduism located on the bank of the Malini River.
- St. John’s Church made by the British Empire during British Rule where you can experience the architecture of colonial era.
Best Season to Visit
You can visit Lansdowne throughout the year, but if you want to witness the snowfall then plan a trip from December to February.
How to Reach
- Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
- Nearest Railway Station: Kotdwar
- Roadways: Roads are well connected from all the major cities.
Final Thoughts
The hidden gems of Himachal and Uttrakhand give you unforgettable memories. In these less crowded places, you can feel the calmness, the freshness of air, the beauty of nature and along-with this you can take an adventurous ride too.
Pack your bag and explore the unexplored places with Hema.
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