The problem with listing out places untouched by tourist footfalls are many – pollution, and the careless attitude toward Nature being among the first and foremost of these issues. However, this should not be a reason to bar one from going to these hamlets of joy and retreat in search of peace and tranquillity. The onus rests upon oneself to be a conscious protector of the environment and surrounding beauty that we occupy on this planet. With this being said, here are a few destinations anyone with a bit of wanderlust, or even those who are in dire need of scenic change, can look to satisfy their need for adventure!
Pangot
With about 580 recorded species of birds in the area, this hill town is a must-go for ornithologists and bird-lovers alike! It is nestled 310 km away in Nainital, Uttaranchal, with the closest railway station being Kathgodam. With a car on rent in Delhi, you can drive to Pangot through Bara Patthar, and witness the dense cedar forests of the peak range of Naina and Kilbury, and across the Pangot valley slopes that offers views of mighty waterfalls and huge snow peaks.
Fagu
Fagu is an enchanting little town in the Kufri region of Shimla with the Himalayan range in the backdrop of stone houses strewn across the landscape. The hamlet is located at a distance of 380 km from the capital via NH1 and is accessible by road. Shimla offers one the option of travelling by train as well. The journey by road makes the trip all the more worthwhile and is a perfect solution to beat the concrete blues that Delhi brings with it. The best time to visit would be between April and August before the monsoons hit.
Darang
While not exactly an offbeat destination, Darang is definitely among those places one should visit in their lifetime. Located near Mcleodganj on the road to Palampur, Darang stands at a distance of about 435 km from Delhi via NH-20. The rustic charm of the tea gardens offers soul-nourishing tranquillity and a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of city life. Dive into nature in a big way, and be serenaded by the quiet waters of a khud (mountain stream) in a relatively undetermined part of Himachal Pradesh.
Kausani
With near-virgin Kumaoni land at an altitude of 1890m above sea level, Kausani offers tourists a majestic view of the Nanda Devi, Trishul and Panchachuli peaks in their full glory. Offering a welcome retreat in the months of April-June, and September-November, Kausani is located in Uttarakhand, 398 km from Delhi. Sunrise and sunset have never been quite as magical as they are experienced in Kausani. Enthusiasts may also visit the Anashakti Ashram located here, renowned for its federation with Mahatma Gandhi. The library located in the Ashram is well-worth visiting as well!
Kanatal
Nestled between two already well-known hill stations, Mussoorie and Chamba, Kanatal is surrounded by mountains and rivers, offering breathtaking views and scenery. It is easily overlooked for this reason and is a perfect getaway for those looking to escape tourist hotspots. This easy weekend getaway is located 317 km from Delhi, with the nearest railhead being either Dehradun or Rishikesh. You can avail Dehradun cabs from the railway station and make your way to this little-known tourist spot. The Kodiak Jungle, Chamba, and the Surkanda temple offer much regarding tourist attraction. Kanatal is enjoyed both in summer as well as winter, with both seasons offering different experiences regarding sightseeing or for sports such as skiing. Famed hoteliers such as Club Mahindra have properties here, and you can also opt for the adventure camp experience!