It’s that time of year when everyone takes off from the heat and dust of the plains and heads to the mountains for a vacation. And while an Indian mountain holiday can bring respite from the scorching conditions in the cities, with more travellers heading to such locales, you could find large crowds clogging the narrow streets of your favourite hill station. Or worse, there could be a water crisis because of the clamour of tourists at places like Shimla, Mussoorie or the other frequented Himalayan hill towns across the nation.
Don’t fret, we’ve got you covered for your plans to escape to the hills with our line-up of lesser-known locales in the misty mountains. Head to one of these five destinations for a thrilling outing where you commune with nature, and make new memories of a place you’ve probably not discovered before.
Rajgarh, Himachal Pradesh
Located in Sirmour district of Himachal Pradesh, on the Solan-Nahan route, this high-altitude paradise is known to be home to delicious stone fruits, including peaches, plums and cherries. Perched at a height of 2,170 metres, the hill station is cool around the year and is a gateway to several treks, including the one leading to the Chur Dhar range. This is also where the famous preserves of Bhuira Jams come from. The nearest railhead is at Solan, at a distance of 40 km from Rajgarh. It is easily accessible by road from most cities and towns of north India.
Shitlakhet, Uttarakhand
Barely 20 km out of Ranikhet lies the quaint hamlet of Shitlakhet. Not far from the area is the famous Katarmal sun temple, situated 18 km away. Besides offering panoramic views of the Garhwal and Kumaon peaks, the region is dotted with both pine and fruit trees. The nearest airport is at Pantnagar at a distance of 110 km and the nearest railhead is at Kathgodam which is 75 km away. There are only a few staying options here so book in advance.
Yousmarg, Jammu and Kashmir
Tucked away in the Bagdam district of Jammu and Kashmir, Yousmarg or ‘Meadows of Jesus’ is fabled for its pristine grasslands fringed with alpine vegetation. The area is home to the Sang-e-Safed valley, and offers commanding views of the peaks in the Pir Panjal range including Tattakutti, at 4,725 metres and Sunset Peak at 4,746 metres. The setting is made more idyllic by the river Doodh Ganga that flows through the area. The nearest railway station is at Ompora, 42 km away, while the bigger Jammu Tawi railway is 261 km away. The airport is at Srinagar, which lies 53 km away.
Ravangla, Sikkim
Situated between Pelling and Gangtok and located at an altitude of 2,100 metres in Sikkim lies the town of Ravangla. From this point, you can take treks to Maenam wildlife sanctuary. The area commands fantastic views of Mount Kanchenjunga and Mount Pandim. When not picnicking at one of the scenic spots of this destination, you can pay a visit to the Bonn monastery or the Ralang monastery. The closest airport is at Pakyong, 75 km away, while the station is at New Jalpaiguri which is 123 km by road.
Sethan, Himachal Pradesh
If you’re intending to vacation in the Manali area, head to Hamta valley’s Sethan instead. It is located barely 45-minutes away from Manali in terms of time, but is a world away in terms of its vibe, which is pristine and untouched by the evils of modern tourism. The locals of the area are the original inhabitants from Tibet and Spiti, and settled here when Himachal Pradesh was still a part of Punjab. Enjoy views of the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges from here. Boarding options are still limited, and the only way in is on a taxi from Manali.
The lead image above depicts the town of Ravangla, which is located at an altitude of 2,100 metres in Sikkim. (picture courtesy Wikimedia Commons)
