10 OFFBEAT HILLSTATIONS TO VISIT THIS SUMMER 

1, I've been smitten with Chatpal since I first saw its images. This off-the-beaten-path destination in Jammu and Kashmir has everything you and I might want from a memorable vacation. Chatpal is tucked away from all of Kashmir's iconic tourist attractions and epitomises the Valley's everlasting beauty.

Since the location has been listed in less travel articles, it has remained undiscovered. A well-kept secret for those with a strong desire to travel. Imagine spending your holiday by the side of a cool river, soaking up the sun in the green meadows and taking in the tranquilly of the surroundings. Chatpal is ideal for a family vacation or a romantic getaway.

This offbeat Kashmir destination is located in the Shangus district of the Kashmir Valley and is accessible by road via Anantnag and Chitergul. A cab can be hired from Srinagar to Chatpal or Chitergul. Hiking to Chatpal from Chitergul adds some adventure to your journey.

The Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department has some lovely cottages that are perfect for a stay.

2, Askot is the epitome of an offbeat destination. This hill station is located in Uttarakhand's easternmost district, close to the Indo-Nepal border. Since few people are aware of Askot, you can have the place to yourself if you want this offbeat Himalayan escape.

Many who are familiar with the area are aware of the lovely wildlife sanctuary that is home to the endangered Musk Deer. The lush Pine, Deodar, and Rhododendron forests, as well as gurgling streams, will be your visual treat in Askot, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Chhiplakot and the Panchchuli Range with the Nepal Mountains.

If you take the train to Kathgodam in Uttarakhand's Kumaon region, you'll need to hire a cab to travel 234 kilometres to Askot. The good news is that Dehradun and Pithoragarh now have flight connections. Askot is 52 kilometres from Pithoragarh, which has recently opened an airport. So, if you like, you can either travel to Dehradun first and then take a bus to Pithoragarh. 

If you're coming from Delhi, travel to Dehradun and then to Pithoragarh. It will save you a lot of time and energy in either case.

In Askot, there are PWD Rest Houses. If none of those are available, you can stay in Pithoragarh, which has a large number of hotels.

3, Gurez Valley is one of the most beautiful places in Kashmir, and it is one of the best examples. Gurez, in reality, is one of India's best-kept secrets, with crystal clear streams meandering through velvety meadows, tall, mostly snow-capped mountains, and lush alpine forest.

Gurez's razor wire fence sets it apart from other offbeat hill stations in India; indeed, it shares a border with Pakistan, but unlike other border-sharing destinations in the Valley, this one is absolutely peaceful.

It's a place where you can spend time introspecting as well as taking in the beauty of Kashmir and experiencing its authentic tribal culture. Gurez Valley is ideal for a solo trip or a group of people who share a passion for culture, nature, and adventure.

The most convenient way to get to Gurez Valley is to hire a cab from Srinagar.

Since it is off the beaten path, with just one or two hotels in the entire valley, you might be welcomed to stay with the locals.

4, When it comes to hill stations, we always overlook South India or stick to traditional destinations like Ooty and Kodaikanal. We forget that India is a vibrant country that never ceases to stun us. There are several offbeat South Indian hill stations to explore in both the Western and Eastern Ghats, which are ideal for summer vacations.

Kemmangundi, located in the Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka, is one such destination. Kemmangundi, located 273 kilometres from Bengaluru, is a place where you can forget about the harsh realities of life and relax in a surreal landscape.

The tranquilly of this location is enhanced by waterfalls, mountain streams, and lush vegetation. The sunset view from the Raj Bhavan is spectacular, and you should go there to see it.

By path, Kemmannugundi is 53 kilometres from Chikkamagaluru and 17 kilometres from Lingadahalli. Kemmangundi and Bangalore are linked by the National Highways NH-206 and NH-48. There is also a scenic route that goes through Mullayyanagiri and Attigundi. You can take a private bus from Lingadahalli if you are taking public transportation.

The Horticulture Department Guest House/Raj Bhavan, which has a number of cottages, is a good place to stay. In Kallathi village, where the popular Kallathi waterfall is located, there is also a Horticulture Department Guest House.

5, Himachal Pradesh is home to a plethora of bizarre locations and is one of the few places in North India with an abundance of offbeat attractions. Kalpa, in the Kinnaur District of Himachal Pradesh's upper region, is one such place that can turn any ordinary summer vacation into something magical. 

The imposing Greater Himalayas, an abundance of apple orchards, and thick pine forests are all within a stone's throw of this town in the Sutlej River Valley. You will see the gurgling Sutlej River flowing through deep gorges below you, and the sight can make your knees weak.

You can go on a variety of treks in and around this Himachal Pradesh city. You can also travel a short distance from Kalpa to the border village of Chitkul.

Kalpa is well-connected by road, with routes from Shimla and Manali. If you want to travel by bus from Delhi, there is a regular state bus that runs until Reckong Peo. You can take another bus to Kalpa from Reckong Peo.

In Kalpa and Reckong Peo, there are a variety of hotels. Staying in upper Kalpa, where the views are simply stunning, is the perfect way to go.

6, Though we adore the beauty of Lonavla and Khandala, isn't it always fun to explore Maharashtra's offbeat destinations? When a friend from North India posted a photo of Tungi on Instagram, it caught my attention.

The green triangle hill in the background of the photo captured my attention. Tungi is a village on the foothills of Tungi Fort, about 85 kilometres from Pune. Tikona Fort and Lake Pavana are visible from here.

If you're looking for an offbeat travel experience this year, it wouldn't be incorrect to label it a great summer destination in West India. Trekking to Pavna Lake is a great way to relax and rejuvenate yourself while in Tungi.

Tungi is a simple 85-kilometer drive from Pune. It's that easy!

Club Mahindra's Lake Pavna Resort.

7, To be honest, Kurseong isn't exactly offbeat. This location has already made its mark on the tourism map, but it is undoubtedly a location that many people would not expect to find in West Bengal.

When we think of West Bengal, the best picture that comes to mind is Darjeeling, but there's a lot more to this eastern state than that. This hill station is about 30 kilometres from the city.

Kurseong, unlike the other offbeat summer destinations on this list, can be crowded, but the sprawling tea plantations, surreal sunset views, Kanchanjunga and Ghoom Range in the background, and pleasant weather are all compelling reasons to visit.

One of the best ways to get to Kurseong is by taking the Toy Train from Darjeeling. You can also drive from Darjeeling to reach this spot.

As previously mentioned, this location has made its mark on the tourism map, so finding a hotel in Kurseong of your choice should not be difficult.

8, Why not get a better view of Mount Kachenjunga? Though Kurseong may pique your interest in Kanchenjunga Peak, Yuksom in Sikkim may be the ideal location to realise your dream of seeing the Himalayan peak up close and personal.

Yuksom, in North West Sikkim, is a location that many trekkers are familiar with but that most visitors are unfamiliar with. Mark my words, this destination in North East India is perfect for offbeat tourism.

Away from the crowds, Yuksom offers not only an unrivalled view of Kanchenjunga or Khanchendzonga Peak, but also a glimpse of the region's diverse flora and fauna. Many treks, including the Kanchenjunga Base Camp, are available in the region, making it an ideal destination for adventurers.

If you wish to fly, the nearest airport is Pakyong in Sikkim, which is about 124 kilometres away. Take a taxi to Yuksom from here. If you want to travel by train, the closest station is New Jalpaiguri, which is 150 kilometres away. It's possible that there won't be any direct taxis from NJP, so the journey will have to be split into two parts: NJP to Jorethang and Jorethang to Yuksom.

In Yuksom, there are a few hotels. The majority of them are budget hotels with only minimal facilities.

9, You're probably rolling your eyes right now if you're from Bengaluru. I understand that Dandeli isn't an unusual vacation spot for you. However, this location has not been widely advertised as a vacation destination in the rest of the world, so it had to be included. Let me surprise you by telling you that Dandeli is just a short distance from Goa. So, where on a tourism map had it been all along?

The location is a popular weekend destination for Bengaluru residents. Dandeli has thick foliage, so it has the potential to become a popular destination for nature lovers. Staying in the camps here is a great way to enjoy the peace, good weather, and a view of the rich fauna while also having a white water rafting adventure.

Dandeli is easily accessible by road. The highways NH 34 and 46 link it to a number of destinations, including Goa, which is 104 kilometres away. Bengaluru is 459 kilometres away and is easily accessible by car.

There are a host of camps and cottages in Dandeli that are nice places to stay.

10, Why not take a trip to Assam's only hill station this summer? Yes, Haflong is the only hill resort in Assam's north-eastern state, making it a unique destination. Since it is less well-known and visited, Haflong preserves its natural beauty; there are lakes to visit and natural trails to hike on for the best trekking experience.

The most interesting place to visit near Haflong is Jatinga, which is famous for mass bird suicide (though this unusual phenomenon is not visible during the summer). What do you think it would be like if that happened? So, you've planned a trip to this incredible location to discover the cause.

The most comfortable way to get to Haflong is to fly or train to Guwahati and then take a train to Haflong. It is also possible to fly to Silchar and then take a train to Haflong. The train's journey is breathtaking.

Haflong has a limited number of hotels and guesthouses. You can use our website to find the right hotel for you.

NAMRATA DEY