[ASHISHPALLOD]

@geenhorn,
I think you had asked off-beat hill stations and not regular one.
So mine is Mhaismal and Madheghat in Maharashtra, those are really off-beat.

[lordofgondor]

Originally Posted by greenh0rn

So here's the question- what's your favourite off-beat hill destination?

One place I'd recommend is Kharapathar in HP and beyond to Rohru. I've been there during peak tourist season but I think it's still not on a typical tourist map. Altitude is 8800 feet and the place is full of apple orchards. Beyond Rohru one can visit the Chansal Pass (4-5 Km walking).

Another would be Mount Abbott in Pittoragarh, though it has very limited stay option. Only one guest house and with a steep rent. But the views and weather are amazing.

Next, Chaukori and onwards to Munsiyari. Though they're touristy places but not too much rush.

[bijuks]

Originally Posted by greenh0rn

Munnar is a great place, really amazing for those of us exposed mostly to the Himalayas!

And you have 9 days. So start driving on 28th Sep morning. Visit Kodaikanal and Munnar - it would be really refreshing with rains all over in Kodai and Munnar.

[abk]

Originally Posted by greenh0rn

One more thing I am planning to add this time is a bit of angling/fishing. Looks like Khirsu will offer me a good base for that.

Guys, any experience with fishing?

Originally Posted by greenh0rn

Hi guys,

September has two long weekends (in face one starting on Sep 28 can be extended to a nine-day holiday if one takes 3 days off) and I am planning to head out for the hills in the north.

I like slightly off-beat places that are in the lap of nature, and away from hustle bustle of places like Simla, Mussoorie etc. Also, I like places that are reasonably high altitude (read 1800-2000 meters), so that distance to reach them is up to 8-9 hours from Delhi. So far I've loved Fagu (ahead of Simla), Naldehra, Lansdowne (ok it's a little closer)...

I would like your suggestions on some places in Himachal or Uttarakhand... so far I am veering towards Bhimtal/Naukuchiatal (near Nainital), Binsar, but wouldn't mind a great tip in Himachal (roads are much better in that direction).

So here's the question- what's your favourite off-beat hill destination?

Dear greenh0rn, looks like we are looking out for exactly the same sort of holidays, though at different times of the month (am going out on 18 Sep to 21 Sep because the longer holiday is meant to be travelling to Assam & spent at home!). I have been digging a lot to find a good* angling destination but doesn't look like i have been able to find what I am looking for. Meanwhile, it appears that for angling there aren't too many choices here in this part of India, at least for me because I do not intend to buy angling gears / professional equipments spending several thousands of Rs. Sigh! During the childhood days we used to fish in the monsoon in our hometown using bespoke equipments. It would not cost more than 50 paise because that is all we needed to buy the hook. The bamboo stick, the thread, the bait, et al were arranged without a hassle! What a tragic loss of convenience!

You may check out this official link of Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam that arranges angling holidays: KUMAON HIMALAYAS :::: Simply Heaven !

*Good:

1. Offbeat place
2. Preferably mountaneous (at least a few thousand ft.)
3. Cottage accommodation where I can have the kitchen at my disposal
4. Peaceful & green
5. Angling (preferred; no would be great; no must!)
6. Driving distance of not more than 400~450 Kms

By the way, to answer your original question, my favourite off-beat hillstation is Mukteshwar (well, is that really off-beat?). Been there twice (last 2 years back) and on both occassions I loved it immensely, staying at the TRH. The walk through the jungle from the TRH down to this village (5Kms) that I can't remember the name was great. En route there is a KMVN shop that sells a lot of good stuff including honey that was excellent. If you do go to Mukteshwar do not drive on the obvious direct road. Instead take the road (I think it is via Dhanachuli) which was brilliant with lot less traffic.

I would also highly recommend Pangot (about 20~25 kms further from Nainital). Unfortunately, I did not check angling arrangements / availability when I went there in June this year.

Why don't you consider Patnitop & then go all the way to Srinagar? Again, angling aspect unknown. Also, please let us know where you choose to go eventually, especially from angling perspective, whilst my search continues..

[travelwriter]

I would definitely recommend Kashmir Valley but the situation is a little fragile right now. Patni top has nothing to offer. It is hardly a holiday destination and a poor excuse for a hill station.

If you have 9 days with you, I suggest you book a camp lodging at Sangla. It will be slightly cold now but will be ideal to spend your holidays.

[frequentflyer]

You can try off beat Chikamagalur and stay in the Tata Coffee bungalow on the slopes of Baba Budan giri hills. Did that last September. It was cloudy and we drove up Baba Budan giri and it was etheral. Look at plantation trails web site and ring them up and ask for the C'magalur bungalow. It is not advertised this year, only their Coorg property is ..which is also a great place.

[abk]

Embarking on yet another trip to the Himachal - destination: Shoja (1 night) and then into the forest of Great Himalayan National Park (place & acco yet to be decided / arranged) during 18-21st Sep. Trout fishing is one of the attractions for us to choose this region, amongst others

[milindajp]

Dirang and Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh

Lava and Kalingpong in West Bengal

Gangtok in Sikkim

Jampui in Tripura

[abk]

Originally Posted by abk

Trout fishing is one of the attractions for us to choose this region, amongst others

Unfortunately, we could not catch any trouts, for that matter no fish at all :(

[ampere]

Originally Posted by frequentflyer

You can try off beat Chikamagalur and stay in the Tata Coffee bungalow on the slopes of Baba Budan giri hills. Did that last September. It was cloudy and we drove up Baba Budan giri and it was etheral. Look at plantation trails web site and ring them up and ask for the C'magalur bungalow. It is not advertised this year, only their Coorg property is ..which is also a great place.

Wow! the Tata Coffee Estate seems to be amazing. Last time I went to Chikmagalur, I stayed at Taj. Although the stay was excellent, but it was always like, you wanted something more. At those times, I was not so sure of homestays/guesthouses and hence did not attempt any. This time, I would definitely try one! Thanks for this info.

PS: Also I noticed your signature shows a Fusion 2006! I have the same (2005).

[rajshenoy]

In south we dont have many hillstations, so i am not sure we can call anything as offbeat.. I would say Chickmaglur is one place that has good potential

[sgiitk]

I would say Mussoorie / Dhanaulti manali & Munnar

[ampere]

Instead of Manali, I would prefer Dharamshala and stay at McLeodGanj. The place is serene, less crowded and amazing.

[v&v]

Originally Posted by ampere

Instead of Manali, I would prefer Dharamshala and stay at McLeodGanj. The place is serene, less crowded and amazing.

Me too in opinion about Dharamshala. I think less visited places.
Mcleodganj has some good shoping options and also can visit Dalai Lama's residence too.
I am also planning a Dharmshala + Amritsar trip. I will be taking a break at amritsar too. Want to visit golden temple and wagah border too.

[issigonis]

Lads,

W.r.t my thread :
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/route-...ts-please.html

please recommend a quiet place with a clean, hygienic hotel/resort by posting your reply there. One condition is that as my car has low GC (152 mms) I would like to do all weather, tarred roads.

Regards