Why You Need an Offbeat Summer Escape
As temperatures soar across Indian cities, the instinct to flee to the hills is universal. But while most flock to the usual suspects like Shimla, Manali, and Ooty, these destinations are often overcrowded, overpriced, and overdone.
The good news? India is brimming with lesser-known hill stations that offer the same breathtaking views, pleasant weather, and peaceful vibes — without the tourist overload.
Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple seeking tranquility, or a family craving something fresh, here are 7 underrated hill stations in India you should explore this summer.
1. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
Altitude: 10,000+ ft | Perfect For: Culture lovers & mountain explorers
Tucked in the far reaches of Northeast India, Tawang is a serene town known for its Buddhist charm and dramatic landscapes. With snow-capped peaks, high-altitude lakes, and the second-largest monastery in the world, Tawang is spiritual, scenic, and stunningly underrated.
Highlights:
- Tawang Monastery – A 400-year-old marvel
- Sela Pass – A mesmerizing, snow-laden drive
- Bum La Pass – Close to the Indo-China border (permit required)
Travel Tip:
An Inner Line Permit (ILP) is mandatory for entry into Arunachal Pradesh. Best accessed via Tezpur or Guwahati by road.
2. Chikhaldara, Maharashtra
Altitude: 3,600 ft | Perfect For: Wildlife lovers & weekenders
Chikhaldara is the only hill station in Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region, yet it remains a secret to most. It’s the only region in the state that grows coffee and is home to Melghat Tiger Reserve.
Highlights:
- Bhimkund – A serene spot with a mythological twist
- Gavilgad Fort – Historical ruins with a view
- Sunset Point & Hurricane Point – Perfect for golden hour lovers
Best Time to Visit:
June to September, when the greenery is at its peak and waterfalls come alive.
3. Kanatal, Uttarakhand
Altitude: 8,500 ft | Perfect For: Digital detoxers & glampers
Just 2 hours from Mussoorie but a world away in ambiance, Kanatal is quiet, scenic, and dotted with charming homestays and luxury campsites. Ideal for a workation or weekend retreat.
Highlights:
- Camping under the stars
- Tehri Dam – For adventure water sports
- Surkanda Devi Temple Trek – A moderately easy hike with views
Local Tip:
Visit in late April for blooming wildflowers and apple blossoms.
Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh
Altitude: 5,500 ft | Perfect For: Culture buffs & nature photographers
A UNESCO Tentative World Heritage site, Ziro is home to the indigenous Apatani tribe, known for their sustainable lifestyle and rice-fish farming. It’s a valley of bamboo houses, rolling paddy fields, and absolute calm.
Highlights:
- Tribal village walks
- Ziro Music Festival (September)
- Tarin Fish Farm – Eco-farming meets culture
Pro Tip:
Rent a bicycle or scooter to explore the valley at your own pace.
5. Lambasingi, Andhra Pradesh
Altitude: 3,300 ft | Perfect For: Mist chasers & couples
Called the “Kashmir of Andhra,” Lambasingi is one of the few places in South India where temperatures drop to near-zero. Early mornings are wrapped in a thick mist, and the vibe is straight out of a movie scene.
Highlights:
- Foggy forest drives
- Strawberry & coffee plantations
- Kothapalli Waterfalls
Best Experience:
Stay at a farm stay and wake up to mist rolling over your balcony.
6. Kausani, Uttarakhand
Altitude: 6,000 ft | Perfect For: Poets, writers & peace seekers
Kausani is nicknamed the “Switzerland of India” for a reason. It offers panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks — Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Panchachuli — all from one balcony.
Highlights:
- Gandhi Ashram – Where he wrote his commentary on the Gita
- Tea Gardens – Visit a local estate for a guided tasting
- Rudradhari Caves & Falls – A short nature trek
Photo Tip:
Best time for Himalayan views is sunrise — golden light + snow peaks = magic.
7. Yercaud, Tamil Nadu
Altitude: 4,970 ft | Perfect For: Budget travelers & southern explorers
Often overshadowed by Ooty and Kodaikanal, Yercaud in the Shevaroy Hills is cooler, cheaper, and cleaner. It’s known for its coffee plantations, colonial-era bungalows, and pleasant weather year-round.
🌟 Highlights:
- Yercaud Lake – Boating with hills as your backdrop
- Pagoda Point – Sunset spot with panoramic views
- Botanical Garden & Orchidarium – A hidden flora paradise
🧭 Getting There:
Easily accessible from Salem (35 km) or Chennai (230 km).
What to Pack for These Hill Stations
Light woolens (even summers can be chilly)
Hiking shoes or good grip sneakers
Reusable water bottle (avoid plastic)
Power bank & offline maps
Travel permits (for Northeast regions)
Final Words: Travel Where the Map Fades
India’s charm lies not just in its famous destinations but in the whispers of pine forests, the hum of remote villages, and the smile of a local serving you home-cooked dal. These underrated hill stations offer that — and more.
So, this summer, break free from the crowd. Take a quieter road, hear the mountains breathe, and create stories worth telling.
