Imagine you decide to go on a vacation to a hill station to relax and unwind. But you see a sea of people visiting the same hill station. Well, nothing can ruin your vacation mood faster than that. But little did you know that India is brimming with a range of extremely beautiful but unexplored hill stations. These underrated hill stations offer an amazing escape from both the summer heat and the crowd. So, here we are with a list of some underrated hill stations in India:
6 Unexplored Hill Stations In India
1. Kolli Hills, Tamil Nadu
Located in the Namakkal district of Tamil Nadu, Kolli Hills, also known as Kolli Malai is one of the most underrated hill stations in India. It is located at an altitude of 1,000 to 1,300 meters in the Eastern ghats and offers untouched natural beauty, coffee plantations, pleasant climate, and thrilling 70 hairpin bends on the roads leading to the hills. It is less crowded than other hill stations in South India. It is perfect for trekking, bike rides, and nature walks.
Key Attractions: Agaya Gangai waterfalls, Arapaleeswarar Temple, Seekuparai and Selur Nadu Viewpoints, Ettukai Amman Temple
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Also Read: 10 Best Hill Stations Near Bangalore For A Weekend Escape
2. Lava, West Bengal
Lava is a serene, misty hill station located in West Bengal’s Kalimpong district. It is situated at an altitude of roughly 2,138 meters in the Eastern Himalayas. This hill station is one of the offbeat hill stations in India. It offers dense coniferous forests, cool climate, view of snow-capped mountains, bird-watching opportunities, and fun trekking opportunities. Lava is the perfect hill station for people looking for a quiet Himalayan escape in India instead of crowded spots like Darjeeling.
Key Attractions: Lava Jamgon Kongtrul Monastery, Neora Valley National Park, Changey Waterfall
Best Time To Visit: October to April
3. Kausani, Uttarakhand
Kausani is a low-density beautiful hill station located in Uttarakhand’s Bageshwar district. It is located at 1,890 meters offering a wide and breathtaking panoramic view of the majestic Himalayan peaks. The hill station offers pleasant climate, lush green landscapes, dense pine forests, valleys, green tea gardens, and enchanting sunrise. It is one of the lesser-known hill stations in India. You can also indulge in stargazing and astrophotography sessions here in the observatory.
Key Attractions: Kausani Tea Estate, Starscapes Observatory, Rudradhari Falls and Caves
Best Time To Visit: September to May
Also Read: 17 Best Hill Stations In Tamil Nadu For A Break
4. Agumbe, Karnataka
This is a high-altitude village and hill station located in the Shivmogga district in Karnataka. Nestled in the Western Ghats at an elevation of roughly 660 meters, this place houses some of the most dense rainforests in India. It offers stunning sunsets, majestic waterfalls, high biodiversity, and trekking opportunities. This hill station is one of the hidden hill stations in India with minimal commercialization so accommodation is limited. King Cobra, Malabar Pit Viper, Lion-tailed Macaque, and Malabar Giant Squirrel are some creatures you can easily spot here.
Key Attractions: Agumbe Rainforest Research Station, Sunset view point, Jogi Gundi Falls, The Big House (Malgudi)
Best Time To Visit: June to September, October To February
Also Read: 5 Hill Stations In Madhya Pradesh That You Can Travel To
5. Chatpal, Jammu & Kashmir
Chatpal is one of the untouched hill stations in India located in the Shangus district of Anantnag, Jammu & Kashmir. It is situated at an elevation of approximately 2,244 meters above sea level. This hill station offers endless green meadows, dense pine and fir forests, and freshwater springs. It offers opportunities for short treks, apple orchards, pleasant climate, alpine meadows, and peaceful escape from citylife. If you wish for a place that is away from commercialised tourism, this is the right place for you.
Key Attractions: Thimran village hike, wildflower meadow, Chatpal river, nature walks
Best Time To Visit: April to June, September to November
6. Jawhar, Maharashtra
Jawhar is a deeply historic and stunning hill station in Maharashtra’s Palghar district. It is located at about 550 meters in the Western ghats. This hill station offers pleasant year-around climate, sweeping valleys, pollution-free environment, historic palace and scenic points. It is away from heavy commercialisation and is a perfect spot for all the nature lovers and history buffs in India. It can be easily tagged as a non-touristy hill stations in India offering a peaceful getaway.
Key Attractions: Jai Vilas Palace, Dabosa Waterfall, Hanuman Point, Sunset Point, Warli Painting workshops
Best Time To Visit: July to September, October To February
Also Read: 5 Hill Stations To Visit In South India This Year
Summing Up
We have listed some of the most beautiful but underrated or unexplored hill stations in India here. So the next time you decide to go on a summer or monsoon vacation with your family, you can visit a less commercialized hill station instead of the popular ones to experience peace.
FAQs
Which Are The Most Underrated Hill Stations In India?
Agumbe, Jawhar, Chatpal, Kausani, Lava and Kolli Hills are the most underrated hill stations in India.
What Are The Least Crowded Hill Stations In India?
Agumbe, Jawhar and Chatpal are the least crowded hill stations in India.
Which Hidden Hill Stations Are Worth Visiting In India?
Agumbe and Jawhar are some of the hidden hill stations in India that are worth visiting.
What Are The Best Offbeat Hill Stations In India?
Some of the best offbeat hill stations in India are Agumbe, Jawhar, Chatpal, Kausani, Lava and Kolli Hills.
Which Hill Stations In India Are Not Touristy?
Jawhar, Agumbe and Chatpal are some hill stations in India that are not touristy.
What Are The Best Hidden Mountain Destinations In India?
The best hidden mountain destinations in India are Jibhi, Mechuka, and Chopta.
