Love Manali? Go To These 10 Underrated Hill Stations That Give Similar Feels

Gangtok has slowly crept into a lot of itineraries and for good reason! It's a beautiful mix of nature and architecture, with monasteries and Buddhist influence taking precedence. Like Manali, Gangtok too has a lot of adventure sports hubs while also providing you with spectacular views of the Kanchenjunga ranges. Blending modern living with traditional charm, head here if you wish to indulge in experiences like paragliding but without the usual bustling crowd. 

Main attractions: Tashi viewpoint, Seven Sisters waterfall, Hanuman Tok, Gangtok ropeway, Gonjang monastery, Mall road

Best time to visit: October to February

How to reach: The nearest railway stations to Gangtok are Siliguri (113 km) and New Jalpaiguri (125 km), from where you can take cabs (4-5 hours drive) to the city. Via air, you can land at the Pakyong Airport (26 km) after which you can take a cab (2 hours drive). 

Pro Tip: This complete East Sikkim guide will help you prepare an itinerary. 

Dalhousie is a distant cousin of Manali but with a colonial charm. Picture British-era architecture, churches, and a more structured town layout. While here, you can also visit Khajjiar, often known as 'Mini Switzerland.' This place is less about adventure sports and trekking and more about slow living, walking and taking in the scenery, and exploring cute cafes. You can visit historic trails, visit the 'singing hills,' the 'Panchpula' or bridge where five streams meet. If relaxation and tender nature-loving is on your cards this vacation, Dalhousie should be your pick. 

Main attractions: Panchpula waterfall, Gandhi Chowk, Garam Sadak, Dainkund Peak, Kalatop wildlife sanctuary

Best time to visit: April to June

How to reach: The nearest railway station is Pathankot Railway Station (80 km), from where Dalhousie is a three-hour drive away. 

Pro tip: Here are some more places you should not miss when in Dalhousie. 

Kufri is a postcard-perfect hill station if you wish to escape the hustle and bustle of Manali. It is painted pristine white courtesy of the snow-clad mountains. You have plenty of adventure sports here like trekking, skiing, tobogganing (sledding), and hiking. It has some of the oldest winter peaks in Himachal Pradesh and shares a similar picturesque view of the hills as Manali. Kufri, from higher peaks like Mahasu Peak, also offers breathtaking views of the Badrinath and Kedarnath ranges. It has the Himalayan Nature Park too.

Main attractions: Himalayan Nature Park, Tattapani Hot Springs, Green Valley, Chini Bangla, Kufri Fun World

Best time to visit: October to March

How to reach: The nearest railway station and airport are Shimla (around 15 km), from where you can take a bus to Kufri, which is a 45-minute drive. 

Located in Idukki in South India, Munnar is not your typical snow-clad Manali doppleganger. It is a much greener, lush tea plantation hill station. With rolling hills and an enviable, pleasant climate, Munnar is technically the Manali of the south, if you will. Not trekking or adventure spots, but Munnar is for the slow life enthusiasts who want a walk through a tea estate, because that's exactly what you would be doing here. Tea factories, spice plantations, and spice parks are the highlights here. There's dams and panoramic viewpoints, that makes Munnar a perfect fit for a calming vacation in the hills amidst nature. 

Main attractions: Eravikulam National Park, Anamudi, Mattupetty Dam, Pothamedu Viewpoint, Kolukkumalai Tea Estate

Best time to visit: September to March

How to reach: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport (110 km), from where Munnar is a 4-5 hour drive filled with scenic sights. 

Nicknamed 'Little Kashmir,' Munsiyari is an underrated Indian hill station that is all views and no crowds. Trekkers and nature lovers will feel at home at this rugged, beautiful place, with panoramic views of the Panchachuli peaks. You can try your hand at trekking, birdwatching, and nature walks to take a break from all the usual noise. Munsiyari is also the trekking base for treks to Milam, Ralam, and Namik glaciers. It is home to the local Bhotiya tribes and is also designated as an Important Bird Area by Birdlife International, so you will have the time of your life birdwatching here! 

Main attractions: Eravikulam National Park, Anamudi, Mattupetty Dam, Pothamedu Viewpoint, Kolukkumalai Tea Estate

Best time to visit: September to March

How to reach: The nearest railway stations are Kathgodam (275 km) and Tanakpur (286 km), from where Munsiyari is a ten-hour drive by cab. 

If the magic of Ruskin Bond hasn't convinced you to visit this beautiful hill station with a colonial charm yet, then let us convince you to put it on your travel list. Known as the 'queen of the hills,' Mussoorie has a scenic and bustling Mall Road similar to Manali. The city is more about exploration on foot, through nature walks, waterfalls, and scenic sunset points. Aside from paragliding, zip-lining, and trekking, it is also the gateway to the Himalayan ranges and is home to the Soham Heritage Centre, showcasing Himalayan culture. Culture and calming views? Check. 

Main attractions: Lal Tibba Scenic Point, Gun Hill, Mall Road, Kempty Falls, Benog Wildlife Sanctuary, George Everest's House, Cloud's End, Soham Himalayan Centre

Best time to visit: December to February and March to June

How to reach: The nearest airport is Dehradun Jolly Grant Airport (82 km away), the nearest railway station is Dehradun (36 km away). 

If a peaceful vacation with rolling hills, numerous waterfalls, and scenic views is on your cards, then Shillong is where you should head. This Northeastern paradise is also known as the 'Scotland of the East' and rightly so. Home to the East Khasi tribe, the hill station boasts stunning vistas and babbling brooks and falls, courtesy of the Umiam Lake, a man-made reservoir, and the Elephant Falls. For trekkers and nature lovers, the Laitlum Canyons offer panoramic views atop the East Khasi hills. It is also home to museums that showcase the culture and lifestyle of the indigenous tribes of Northeastern India. 

Main attractions: Laitlum Canyons, Elephant Falls, Don Bosco Museum, Umiam Lake, David Scott Trail, Shillong Peak

Best time to visit: March to June

How to reach: The nearest airport is Shillong or Umroi airport (30 km away), from where Shillong is a one-hour drive. You can also fly to Guwahati airport and take a bus/cab to Shillong, which is a three-hour drive away. 

Bir Billing is the 'paragliding capital of Himachal Pradesh.' And if that's not enough to channel the inner pahad lover in you, the beautiful hill station has plenty to offer in terms of cafes, winter fashion, camping sites, lakes, waterfalls, and monasteries. Situated in the Joginder Nagar Valley, it is nestled in the Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas and is a perfect spot for both thrill seekers and peace lovers alike. 

Main attractions: Paragliding, Tibetan Colony, Chokling Monastery, Bir Tea Factory

Best time to visit: March to May and  September to December

How to reach: If you’re travelling by bus, it’s likely to drop you off near the Landing Site, where most homestays and cafes are just a short walk away. The nearest airport to Bir is Kangra Airport (DHM), located about 67.5 km (approximately two hours) from Bir.

Pro tip: Here's our complete guide to Bir Billing. 

This ancient town in Kullu is an underrated hill station that remained the state headquarters for years. The result? The Naggar Castle is a prominent tourist spot. Beautiful architecture, scenic views, and elegant temples dot this little town. Unlike the crowded aura of Manali (which is 20 km away), Naggar is a perfect spot to unwind, relax, and roam around without the noise. Here, you can try your hand at trekking, fishing, explore the royal castle, visit the museum, learn more about the town, and spend some peaceful time meditating in its monasteries.  

Main attractions: Naggar Castle, Jana Waterfall, RUMSU Village, Krishna Mandir, Gauri Shankar Temple, Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery

Best time to visit: March to May and September to November

How to reach: The nearest airport is Bhuntar (50 km away), from where Naggar is a two-hour drive. You can also take a bus to Manali and get off at Patlikuhl, from where Naggar is a half-hour drive away. 

Narkanda, also known as the 'Gateway to Apple Country,' is a beautiful destination for skiing, especially during winter, hosting peaks that suit beginners and experts alike. Snow-capped mountains, scenic views, vast apple orchards, and a picturesque lake; Narkanda is the complete winter paradise package. It is on an off-beat path and a beautiful escape from the crowds of Shimla and Manali. 

Main attractions: Hatu Peak, Tani Jubbar Lake, Himalayan Nature Park, Stokes Farm, Narkanda Ski Resort, Mahamaya Temple

Best time to visit: April to June and December to February

How to reach: The nearest railway station is Shimla (67 km away), from where Narkanda is a one-hour drive away by bus/cab. You can also take the Kalka-Narkanda toy train from Kalka.