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Fagu, Himachal Pradesh, If Shimla is too crowded for your taste, travel a little further and take a pitstop in Fagu, it's lesser-known neighbour. Think apple orchards, misty trails, and snow-dusted peaks in the distance. Stay in a homestay for authentic Himachali food (straight from farm to thali). Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu, “Princess of Hill Stations” is not a title easily earned, but Kodaikanal lives up to it. Between its lake that looks like a mirror on good days and the curious natural wonder of the Pillar Rocks, this hill station in South India always surprises us. Sure, it is far too crowded now, but it is certainly worth a trip if you haven’t been. For the best experience, hike up Dolphin’s Nose for a view that’ll make your Instagram audience jealous and air that feels a world away from Delhi's smoggy streets Chopta, Uttarakhand, Often overshadowed by more famous neighbours, Chopta is a hill station you’ll want to keep secret (it is another hill station in India that is called Mini Switzerland for its beautiful, unfettered views of the hills). Meadows drenched in green, treks to Tungnath and Chandrashila, and snow in winter is what awaits you if you drive down here. A true lesser-known hill station in India that rewards those willing to wander a little off-map. , Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh, High in the Himalayas, Spiti Valley stands out as one of India’s top stargazing destinations, and it helps that the air here is clean too. At 12,500 feet above sea level, it’s far from atmospheric pollution and city lights, offering a pristine view of the stars. While much has been said and written about its daunting trails and spectacular views, the valley also offers its visitors unfettered views of the Milky Way, coupled with shooting stars and stunning constellations. Pangong Tso Lake, Ladakh, Ladakh is renowned worldwide for stargazing, with its high altitude and minimal light pollution providing clear views of the Milky Way. At over 3,000 metres above sea level, Pangong Tso Lake’s clean air and low annual precipitation make it perfect for stargazers. When here, make sure to also visit the Indian Astronomical Observatory in Hanle for a stargazing night. Kausani, Uttarakhand, Kausani isn’t just a lesser-known hill station in India; it’s a Himalayan balcony with uninterrupted views of Nanda Devi and Trishul. Mahatma Gandhi once called it the “Switzerland of India,” but for us, it’s the stillness that lingers. This is where you come to watch the sky turn fifty shades of orange at sunset. You can also visit Anashakti Ashram, where Mahatma Gandhi had stayed, before making your way to Starscapes Observatory for a glimpse of the night sky. , Chakrata, Uttarakhand, At a distance of 88 kms from Uttarakhand’s Dehradun district, and surrounded by the Himalayan hills, Chakrata has thankfully remained blissfully untouched by mass tourism. Apart from the conifer and rhododendron forests that surround it, Chakrata is famous for one of the rare places in India where foreign nationals are not allowed entry, even if they have valid visas. This is primarily because Chakrata is home to important military cantonments of strategic importance. Coorg, Karnataka, There’s a reason Coorg is called the “Scotland of India.” Tucked in the Western Ghats, this hill station in Karnataka brims with spice plantations, cascading waterfalls, and viewpoints that seem lifted straight out of a painting. You'll keep going back for the filter coffee alone—thick, strong, and best enjoyed while mist curls around your balcony. While the town is quite crowded now, you can still find pockets of peace in small meadows and coffee estates that lie off the beaten track.
