Top 11 Offbeat Places of Northern India

Famous hill stations of Northern India such as Shimla, Manali or Nainital experience a big flock of tourists almost every year. Little do people know that near these popular places like little paradises that are going to leave every visitor mesmerized. 

Below are some of the most beautiful Northern towns that are slowly making their way up into the hearts of people who love everything beautiful related to the magnificent nature.

1. Jibhi

Jibhi is one of the most mesmerizing and enchanting sites to witness in the entire northern region of India. Surrounded by green thick forests and vibrant mountains, Jibhi is one of the ideal places to spend a weekend. A holiday where you wish to get enchanted by the beautiful naturistic surroundings then Jibhi is where you ought to be. Spending some peaceful time here is easily possible due to zero industrialization activities. The dense pine forests, tranquil freshwater lakes and pristine temples give you enough exploration and relaxation opportunities. Jibhi is also known for its beautiful Victorian-style cottages where many tourists are known to reside for a small period.

2. Chopta

Located on top of a small settlement and valley in the state of Uttarakhand is known to be a little paradise for adventure enthusiasts all around. Surrounded by the steep mountains of Himalaya, one can witness the precious Trishul, Nanda Devi and Chaukhamba ranges. Many trekkers visit Chopta for its famous trekking up to Tungnath, the third temple of Panch Kedar that is 3.5 kilometre ahead. The Chopta, Tungnath, Chandrashila trek is among the most famous destinations for trekkers in India. Chopta is famously adjudged as the Mini Switzerland’ of India due to its lustful surroundings that consist of pine, deodar and rhododendron trees. Tourists also get to witness rare birds flying and chirping around the valley.

3. Kalpa

Located at an altitude of 2759m, Kalpa is one of the most popular hill stations in India. It is 260 km away from the famous hill station of Shimla. Known as the former District Headquarter of Kinnaur, Kalpa. It is also one of the main villages of Kinnaur that sits pretty on the  Sutlej River Valley. Kalpa is a truly remarkable place to witness in the state of Himachal Pradesh that is willingly visited by many tourists around the country. It is very well known that it gained importance during the visit of the British Governor-General Lord Dalhousie in the 19th century. The hill station is also known to be located close to the foot of 6050 meters high Kinner Kailash, the legendary winter home of Shiva. Another great spot to witness here is the prestigious Narayan-Nagani temple that showcases stunning ancient craftsmanship. Kalpa also houses many Buddhist monasteries that are remarkable in themselves. 

4. Kangra

One of the most popular districts of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, Kangra is home to the stunning mountain ranges of the Shivalik, Dhauladhar and the mighty Himalayas. The altitude of the Kangra District ranges from 427 to 6401m above mean sea level. It is enclosed in the northern corner by the districts of Chamba and Lahaul and Spiti. Whereas for the southern corner it is surrounded by Hamirpur and Una, Mandi in the east and by Gurdaspur in the west. Deriving its name from the Kangra town that was once known as Nagarkot, Kangra came into existence on the 1st of September, 1972. It houses one of the most stunning rock-cut Hindu temples, the Masroor Temples. Built-in the eighth century, the temple exhibits North Indian Nagara architecture style.

5. Solan

Solan is one of the most unpopular and offbeat destinations of the state of Himachal Pradesh. It lies on the border of Punjab-Himachal, next to the lower ranges of Himalayas. People who are looking to travel to destinations that are not too crowded to visit. Solan is a fairly peaceful town at all times of the year. Due to which many people love spending a couple of days to relieve the stress of the monotonous city life.  The town is also famous for its ancient temples and monasteries that have known to exist decades ago. It also houses a three-hundred-year-old fort that has been built on top of a steep hill. Sadly the hill is in ruins but still is perfect to visit for the amazing views it serves. Solan is popularly termed as the mushroom capital of the country due to the number of mushrooms it produces every year.

6. Narkanda

If you are among the many people who loves visiting the queen of the hills Shimla then you will definitely love Narkanada. Narkanda is a small town in the district of Shimal that serves as the best spot during winters. During the winter month when the entire town is covered with white snow, you will spot many skiers skiing away. Located at a height of 9000 feet, Narkanda is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the entire Northern region of India. The town is surrounded by apple orchards, lush trees and mountainous peaks of Himalaya. While touring around this place do not forget to visit the Tannu Jabar Lake. It is one of the most ideal spots to spend some relaxing time alone or with friends. Apart from its scenic attraction spots, Narkanada is frequently visited by trekkers. The town has various trekking routes. One of the most famous includes the trekking route up to the Hatu Nag hill.

7. Tirthan Valley

If you have a deep love for everything adventurous then the Tirthan Valley is where you should plan to travel to on your next holiday. The Tirthan Valley lies in the state of Himachal Pradesh. Over the course of a couple of years, the town has gained some popularity among tourists who wish to discover an offbeat and less crowded spot. A day of adventurous sports activities may involve a wonderful trek up to the Great Himalayan National Park which is an absolute nature’s paradise. Another famous trek of the Tirthan Valley is the Chhoie Waterfall. The sight of waters flowing down leaves many in a mesmerized and peaceful state of mind. A river crossing is another Tirthan Valley favourite that leaves you with enough zeal and enthusiasm. But if you’re not into any form of adventure then you should certainly visit Serloskar Lake.

8. Mashobra

The famous town of Mashobra is situated in the famous district of Shimla in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The town attained its connection to Shimla through its historic Hindustan–Tibet Road that was built in 1980 by Lord Dalhousie. Located at the height of 7700 feet, Mashobra offers one with the purest and peaceful experiences in the entire Northern region. Mashobra is the perfect spot for you to spend a couple of days. If you have been longing to spend some time away from the usual hustle-bustle and just wish to relax but at a mesmerizing spot then Mashobra is the place for you. The place is filled with numerous resorts that you can book over a weekend or more days.  Spend some time away from the boring and exhausting usual life and replenish your mind and soul through the enchanting surroundings of Mashobra.

9. Spiti Valley

Stunning glimpses of snow lit mountains is what you can expect from the incredible Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh. The Himalayas surround the entire region like a warm blanket leaving you spellbound. Located in Himachal Pradesh, Spiti Valley has an altitude of 12,500 feet above sea level. It is marked as one of the coldest places in the country. Out of the 365 days in a year you could expect 250 days to be warm and the rest chilly. When it snows in the valley, Spiti remains aloof and shut for any kind of visitors. It is only in the remaining six months in a year when Spiti is directly accessible via motorway. Spiti is visited by hardcore adventure enthusiasts who get to experience various trekking trails. All the treks begin from Kaza which is the capital of Spiti and also the base camp spot.

10. Fagu

Fagu in Kufri is one of the most beautiful spots to visit in the state of Himachal Pradesh. It is the perfect getaway spot near the majestic hills of Himalaya. Fagu is located at an elevation of 2500 meters making it appear like a small snowy hamlet. Sometimes Fagu gets really close to the clouds making it appear as if you’re walking on them! Due to its great altitude, the place is always enveloped in some fog. Therefore it was named as Fagu. The place offers one of the most stunning nature views one can ever experience. Lush pine and cedar trees, snowy mountains and fields make it an ideal place to spend some time relaxing. You will also be able to spot some animals such as the snow leopard, yak and ponies that are inhabitants of Fagu. Another great thing about Fagu is that it is unaffected by any form of industrialization.

11. Dagshai

Dagshai is a not so popular cantonment town that can be spotted in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh. Located at a height of 5,689 feet on top of a hill, the town is known among tourists who wish to explore the offbeat spot of Northern India.  Dhagshai was laid down by the East India Company in the year 1847. This event occurred after the East India Company took over the five villages of Badhtiala, Chunawad, Dabbi, Jawag and Dagshai from the Maharaja of Patiala, Bhupinder Singh. The town consists of a jail that saw the revolt of the  Irish soldiers in 1920. Visit here to experience ancient history or to just sit relax and ponder over the stunning landscapes that Dhagshai portrays.

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