Holiday planner: Winter in hill stations can be cold, so pack appropriate clothing like layers, thermals, and sturdy shoes for trekking. Staying prepared allows you to fully enjoy outdoor activities and ensures your comfort during cold nights (Image: Luna Nova, StayVista)
As the festive holidays begin, there’s no better escape than a serene hill holiday, where towering forests, scenic meadows, and ancient cultural landmarks come together to create an enchanting retreat. Away from the city pollution and hustle-bustle if you are heading to the quite hill stations that offer an ideal blend of natural beauty, spiritual calm, and luxurious stays, keep in mind these handy tips by Amit Damani, founder of StayVista.
Here's a guide to the top five things to explore, winter delicacies to savor, and best practices for planning an unforgettable hill holiday.
- Prepare for winter weather:
Winter in hill stations can be cold, so pack appropriate clothing like layers, thermals, and sturdy shoes for trekking. Staying prepared allows you to fully enjoy outdoor activities and ensures your comfort during cold nights. Some remote hill areas may have limited internet and mobile coverage. Prepare for periods of digital disconnection, which can provide a welcome retreat from constant connectivity and allow you to immerse yourself more fully in the serene environment.
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- Respect local culture and traditions:
Hill station communities, especially in states like Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, are steeped in rich traditions and customs. Approach interactions with locals respectfully, and be open to learning about the area’s cultural heritage, which adds depth to your travel experience.
From tourist-friendly locations like Mussoorie, Dehradun, Rishikesh, Manali, Kasauli to the offbeat ones like Ranikhet, Mukteshwar and Kanatal, find unique stays and local experiences for a holistic holiday. Book in advance a trip to lush orchards that offer captivating views of the Himalayas, inviting visitors to wander among apple, plum, peach, and apricot trees. For a spiritual escape, head to the historic temples and take a stroll to local monuments.
- Prepare a balanced itinerary:
For eco-tourists, the preserved nature trails provide opportunities for sustainable exploration. From trekking and camping to guided nature walks, visitors can enjoy adventure activities while preserving the area’s natural ecosystem. For a truly rewarding experience, try a camping night under the stars or explore the charm of local villas and resorts, where you can have access to both luxury and sustainability. This festive season, make the most of your hill holiday by embracing the natural beauty of hills, savoring its comforting winter dishes, and exploring with mindful travel practices.
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- Book in advance for peak season:
Given the festive and winter seasons are peak times for travel, booking early is key to securing the best accommodations. It also allows you to take advantage of better rates and arrange travel details with ease. When choosing where to stay, look for properties that prioritise sustainability, such as eco-resorts, villas, and homestays. Go for offbeat properties that blend luxury with eco-conscious practices, offering a stay experience that respects the environment.
- Savour local winter delicacies:
The culinary offerings at hill stations shine in the winter, look for an speciality restaurant that serves authentic hill flavors. Some of the top must-try dishes that provide warmth and comfort in the chilly mountain air are Kafuli made from spinach, fenugreek leaves and wheat flour, Bhatt ki Churkani (a protein-rich specialty made with black soybeans (bhatt) and seasoned with spices), Jholi (a soupy curry prepared with curd and chickpea flour) and Aloo Ke Gutke that are served with poori or chapattis.