Summers, especially in India are a pain. Added to that are the din and drama of everyday life. And you would like nothing better than to escape the dirt and heat of the plans and lay in the lap of the cool and calm mountains. We bring to you a one stop guide ten lesser known hill stations from all over India where you can enjoy the beauty and serenity of the hills, without being daunted by hordes of tourists.

1 – Lahaul Spiti

A secluded valley in Ladakh, home to Buddhist monasteries and an ideal place for adventure lovers and peace lovers alike. Explore the terrains by trekking and mountain climbing, or just enjoy the serene landscapes.

2 – Chopta Valley

Located in North Sikkim, this valley of flowers has exotic and exceptional varieties of lesser found flowers and decorative plants. One can also visit the peaceful Gurudongmar Lake and walk on frozen water for an exhilarating experience.

3 – Kodaikanal

The Summer Forest of Tamil Nadu, home to numerous scenic lakes and caves. This place is a natural wonder and a delight for trekkers and nature lovers. The waterfalls and pine forests in the area make it a treat for the senses.

4 – Chikaldhara

A refreshing break from Maharashtra’s popular hill stations Mahabaleshwar and Matheran, Chikaldhara is not only a beautiful hill station. It is also the only coffee growing estate in Maharastra. Abundant wildlife is the USP of this place.

5 – Munsiyari

The Little Kashmir of Uttarakhand, trekkers delight, Munsiyari is the base camp for the trekkers to Milam, Ralam glaciers and Nanda Devi peak. With hot springs and snow covered peaks, it makes for a scenic, quiet mountain holiday.

6 – Anantagiri

Hot and dry Andhra Pradesh has a hidden jewel in the form of Anantagiri hills. Along with the customary valleys, hills, parks and caves of a hill station Anantagiri also boasts of scenic beaches which make this destination a best of both worlds.

7 – Tawang

Situated in Arunachal Pradesh and claimed by Tibet Tawang is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists and is home to many monasteries and nunneries. The lakes and waterfalls here are unparalleled and the town boasts of some very fine art in forms of handicrafts.

8 – Pelling

The base for trekking to the Himalayas and the Kenchunjanga, the as yet unexplored territory of Pelling in West Sikkim has alpine vegetation and scenic waterfalls which are not marred by tourist excess and form the perfect getaway for the adrenaline junkie in you.

9 – Kalimpong

With a stunning backdrop of snow capped peaks of the Himalayas and lush green surroundings, this hilly holiday spot in Darjeeling offers visitors relaxation, walking and trekking, forest and flora exploration, bird and butterfly watching, Buddhist tours and meditation, River Rafting, Mountain Biking, and nature and Culture tours, or just a relax and laze holiday.

10 – Yercaud

Trekking, fruit orchards, flower gardens, lakes, waterfalls, caves and forests there is nothing unlovable about this hill station in Tamil Nadu. Equally enchanting for the young and the old, this quiet town can offer solace to everyone in its own sweet way.