Off the Beaten Path: Why Second-Tier Hill Stations Are the New Summer Getaways
In 2025, the heart of Indian tourism seems to beat not in the buzz of the big hill stations, but in the calm of second-tier destinations like Jibhi, Tawang, Chakrata, and Coorg.
As the mercury rises and urban fatigue peaks, the great Indian summer getaway is undergoing a quiet yet meaningful transformation. Forget the throngs in Shimla or the traffic snarls of Ooty—today's travellers are veering away from the tried and tired. In 2025, the heart of Indian tourism seems to beat not in the buzz of the big hill stations, but in the calm of second-tier destinations like Jibhi, Tawang, Chakrata, and Coorg.
A Shift in Summer Sensibilities
The pattern is clear: travellers are actively seeking less commercialised, more authentic escapes. According to Rikant Pittie, CEO and Co-founder, EaseMyTrip, 'We're definitely seeing a shift this summer. As the usual hill stations get more crowded, travellers are looking for quieter, less commercialised places to unwind. Second-tier hill stations like Shangarh in Himachal Pradesh, Coorg in Karnataka, Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, and Meghamalai in Tamil Nadu are drawing attention. These destinations are rich in natural beauty and have much lower footfall."
This shift is not just anecdotal—EaseMyTrip's data reveals that nearly 60% of travellers this year are opting for lesser-known destinations over traditional favourites. The trend is driven by a desire for slower, more mindful experiences. 'It's not just about escaping the heat anymore," says Pittie. 'People want slower, more meaningful experiences, and the second-tier destinations offer exactly that."
From Crowds to Calm: The Rise of Offbeat Travel
Echoing a similar sentiment is Pranav Dangi, CEO and Founder of The Hosteller, who has noticed a tangible shift in traveller behaviour across their properties. 'One of the most prominent changes we've seen is the way people have started travelling compared to previous patterns," he notes. 'Guests are now open to not just locations in the South but also offbeat and lesser-known places in the North for a summer break."
The change is visible in booking trends too. While southern hotspots like Goa remain popular, there's a clear uptick in occupancy in North India, especially in offbeat locations like Jibhi, Khajjiar, and Chakrata. Dangi adds, 'Travellers are looking out for locations beyond Goa in the South and Shimla in the North to avoid extensive crowds at accommodations, tourist spots, and transport hubs."
Interestingly, this shift is not limited to Gen Z backpackers. Millennials, often balancing work and wanderlust, are also flocking to quieter corners of the country. Weekday bookings have risen, indicating a new kind of mindful, crowd-conscious travel. 'This in itself is a direction toward mindful travelling," Dangi observes, 'instead of rushing to the same famous locations and the same weekends when everyone would be too."
Conscious Choices and Authenticity
Beyond escaping crowds, there's a philosophical turn in how people travel. Rikant Pittie points to the rise of conscious travel, where authenticity matters more than popularity. Today's travellers are rejecting cookie-cutter itineraries in favour of immersive experiences—whether that's sipping filter coffee in a Coorg homestay or hiking through the misty trails of Shangarh.
'There's a growing shift toward conscious travel," Pittie says. 'Travellers are now choosing calm over chaos, and these hidden gems are meeting that need perfectly."
What's Next?
Both hospitality brands and booking platforms are evolving to meet this demand. From community-based stays in Fort Kochi and Wayanad to digital-nomad-friendly hostels in Kasol and Chakrata, second-tier destinations are stepping into the spotlight.
And while there may be no single pattern to this shift, as Dangi puts it, 'Travellers are now open to newer and more offbeat locations." Whether it's for the affordability, the authenticity, or simply the quiet, this new wave of Indian travel is as refreshing as the mountain breeze in these hidden havens.
First Published:
May 28, 2025, 12:41 IST
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
NDTV
30 minutes ago
- NDTV
ICYMI: 10 Recent Travel Updates Indian Travellers Should Know About
Planning your next international getaway or looking forward to festive travel within India? There's been a lot happening in the world of travel recently that you need to know about. They include visa changes, passport-related news, unique tourism initiatives, global rankings and much more. All of these can affect your plans and future trips in different ways. The good news is that most of them can prove to be beneficial. Here's a quick round-up of a few important recent updates Indian travellers should be aware of: 1. Indian Passport's Global Ranking Improved The Indian passport just made its biggest jump in years, moving up to the 77th position in the Henley Passport Index. Indian citizens can now travel to 59 countries either without a visa or by getting one on arrival. While it's still far from the world's most powerful passports, it is nevertheless a win for Indian travellers for several reasons. A stronger passport brings multifold benefits. Explore the lists of visa-free countries to know more. 2. GCC Visa Will Let You Visit 6 Gulf Nations With One Visa Planning a trip to the Middle East? Keep an eye out for a soon-to-be-launched Schengen-style visa for this region. A new GCC Grand Tours Visa will allow travellers to explore six Gulf countries (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and Kuwait) using just one visa. Expected to launch by the end of 2025 or early 2026, the GCC Visa promises to make regional travel across the Gulf cheaper and easier for tourists. 3. India Reopened Tourist E-Visas For Chinese Citizens After a five-year break, India has officially restarted tourist e-visa services for Chinese nationals. This decision came into effect in July 2025. It is expected to bring more Chinese tourists, business travellers, and cultural visitors to India. The move is seen as a step towards improving bilateral ties and boosting tourism exchanges between the two countries. 4. Germany's Freelance Visa Could Benefit Independent Workers If you're a freelancer, consultant, or artist looking to live and work abroad, Germany's Freelance Visa might be worth exploring. It's designed for professionals who don't need a full-time employer. This visa allows you to live in Germany while working on independent projects. It is valid for up to one year and can be extended. It seems to be a practical route for creative or remote workers from India to try working in Europe. 5. Jaipur Ranked Among The World's Best Cities In a proud moment for India, Jaipur has been named one of the top 5 cities in the world by Travel + Leisure magazine. The city was praised for its vibrant markets, historic palaces, rich cultural heritage, and the warm hospitality of its people. This accolade puts Jaipur on the global map as a city that offers an unforgettable travel experience. 6. Abu Dhabi Named The Safest City In The World Again For the ninth year in a row, Abu Dhabi has been ranked the world's safest city, according to Numbeo's 2025 Safety Index. It scored high for low crime rates and effective public safety systems. For Indian travellers planning trips to the UAE, this is reassuring news. On a national level, Ahmedabad was named the safest city in India. 7. India's First Car Ferry Train To Run Between Mumbai And Goa In a first for India, a car-carrying train is set to start operations between Mumbai and Goa during Ganesh Chaturthi 2025. Travellers will be able to load their cars onto a freight coach and then board the same train, making it easier to drive around once they reach Goa. This option could be especially useful for those heading home or on vacation during the festive season. 8. Special Trains Announced for Ganesh Chaturthi Festival Rush The Indian Railways has announced 262 special trains in order to handle the heavier-than-usual travel demand during Ganesh Chaturthi 2025. These trains will run between major cities and the Konkan region, where the festival is widely celebrated. These extra trains aim to ease overall congestion, reduce waitlists, and help people travel more comfortably during this festive season. 9. India's First Mining Tourism Project To Be Launched In Jharkhand Jharkhand is getting ready to launch India's first mining tourism experience, which will reportedly include tours of actual mining sites. This project could offer something new and educational for tourists. At the same time, it would showcase a lesser-known side of the region's economy and history. Read more about Jharkhand's mining tourism project and its current status. 10. Arunachal Pradesh May Be Declared India's 'Orchid Capital' Nature lovers, take note! Arunachal Pradesh plans to become India's Orchid Capital. With over 600 recorded species, the state boasts many rare and exotic blooms. Tourism authorities are planning to promote orchid-based eco-tourism, develop orchid parks, and boost awareness around conservation.
NDTV
30 minutes ago
- NDTV
What Is Germany's Freelance Visa And Why It Matters To Indian Travellers
For many Indian travellers, the idea of living in Europe has always felt like a distant, if beautiful, hypothesis. A place for brief holidays, Schengen stamps, and postcard winters-never a space to pause, work, and actually live. But in recent years, Germany has been quietly opening a different kind of door: a visa that does not ask for an office desk or a corporate job offer. Instead, it asks what you do, how well you do it, and whether you are ready to build a life on your own terms. It is not instant, and it is not for everyone. But if you have the paperwork and the patience, it could mean something much more lasting than a two-week Euro trip. What Is Germany's Freelance Visa? Germany's Freelance Visa is a residence permit that allows non-EU citizens to work independently in certain professional categories while living legally in the country. Unlike a tourist visa, which restricts work, or a work visa that depends on a full-time employer, this option gives qualified individuals the freedom to run their own professional practice. It is structured around liberal professions-meaning it is ideal for creatives, educators, scientists, and consultants whose work is not bound to a traditional office. The visa is typically granted for one year, with the possibility of extension. If you meet the conditions-ongoing freelance work, proof of income, tax registration-it can be extended for up to three years. After five years of continued stay and fulfilment of requirements, applicants may become eligible for permanent residency. Why It Matters To Indian Travellers For Indian citizens, navigating European visas often comes with a long list of constraints-employer sponsorship, tight visa durations, and little flexibility. Germany's freelance visa breaks that mould. It allows Indian travellers to: Base themselves in Europe for at least one year Work independently, legally invoicing clients in Germany and other EU countries Travel within the Schengen area (up to 90 days in any 180-day period) Renew the visa or eventually apply for permanent residency This visa is not meant for backpackers or short-term tourists-it is for those looking to spend an intentional year or more abroad, combining career with travel, language learning, and cultural immersion. Who Is Eligible? Eligibility is based on whether your profession falls under what Germany defines as a "liberal profession." These are jobs that require expertise, creativity or intellectual work, but not a business license. Some of the eligible professions include: Journalists and photojournalists Writers, editors, interpreters, and translators Architects, engineers, and surveyors Visual artists, musicians, and designers Teachers, educators, and researchers Lawyers, patent agents, tax consultants, and accountants Medical and therapeutic professionals like physiotherapists, dentists, and veterinarians Pilots and aviation specialists If you are in IT or business services, you may need to apply for a different visa, such as the self-employment visa (Gewerbetreibende). What Documents Do You Need? Be prepared-Germany is detail-oriented. The documentation required for the freelance visa application is extensive, and applicants need to show that they are financially self-sufficient and professionally qualified. Here is a checklist of the key documents required: A valid passport (issued within the past 10 years and with at least two empty pages) Proof of income: approximately 1,280 euros per month (Rs 1.27 lakh) as a minimum Proof of professional qualification (such as a university degree) Proof of freelance work or client contracts-letters of intent or ongoing projects Detailed freelance business plan or project outline A comprehensive CV Health insurance valid in Germany Proof of address/accommodation in Germany Two passport-size photographs (taken within the last six months) Pension plan documentation for applicants over 45 Visa fee payment receipt (75 euros or about Rs 7,500) Tip: Double-check which documents need to be submitted in German or translated versions. Many consulates require official translations. How To Apply From India Applying for this visa involves a combination of paperwork in India and follow-ups in Germany. Here is a step-by-step guide tailored for Indian travellers: Fill out the National D visa application form and print a copy for submission. Book an appointment with the German Embassy or Consulate in India. Prepare your documents, including income proof, business plan, and health insurance. Attend the in-person appointment, where your biometric data will be collected. Wait for the visa to be processed-this can take between 6 and 10 weeks. Once in Germany, register your address (Anmeldung) within two weeks. Visit the local Auslanderbehorde (Foreigners' Office) to apply for your freelance residence permit. Remember, the National D Visa is your entry pass. The residence permit is what allows you to live and work long-term. Can You Afford To Live In Germany On A Freelance Visa? While the visa fee itself is nominal, living costs are not. Germany is not the cheapest destination in Europe, but it offers value in terms of quality of life, infrastructure, and access. Here is a monthly estimate to help plan your finances: Shared housing (WG or flatshare): 300 to 600 euros Groceries: 150 to 200 euros Transport pass: 49 to 90 euros Internet/phone/utilities: 100 euros Miscellaneous personal expenses: 100 to 200 euros Total estimated monthly budget: 800 to 1,200 euros In addition to this, you must show proof of funds for one year-around 11,208 euros, which is close to Rs 10 lakh. What Life In Germany Could Look Like For A Year This visa is not just about work. It opens up a different kind of European life-one that involves living like a local. No two months will feel the same: Winter: Christmas markets, hot chocolate, snow-covered old towns Spring: Bike rides through parks, blooming cherry trees, weekend trips to neighbouring cities Summer: Beer gardens, lakeside picnics, outdoor cinema screenings Autumn: Foliage trails, wine festivals, and local Oktoberfest celebrations You could also take up: Volunteering at local cafes or co-working spaces Enrolling in a neighbourhood language school Shopping at weekly farmers' markets Living without a car-most cities are built for walking and cycling Adjusting to Sunday quiet-most shops are shut, so it is your day to slow down What Happens After One Year? If you have maintained your freelance work and financial self-sufficiency, your visa can be extended. Some freelancers also use the opportunity to: However, if your income is not consistent or the freelance work dries up, you may need to return to your home country.
NDTV
33 minutes ago
- NDTV
How An Indian Allegedly Got 5-Year Multiple Entry Schengen Visa In Less Than A Week
A recent Reddit post about the quick processing of an Indian traveller's multiple-entry Schengen visa has received a lot of interest online. The user shared several details about how they managed to obtain this longer-term Schengen visa, which was issued under the European Commission's visa "cascade" regime. They wrote, "Sharing my experience for those curious about the cascade regime - it seems to be finally working well, at least in France's case!" The Indian passport holder claimed their 5-year multiple-entry Schengen visa from France took the Bengaluru consulate only 4 working days to process. The user revealed that they have an extensive travel history of 32 countries. They stated that they previously had 3 Schengen visas issued by Germany and Spain. All of them were allegedly issued within the past 2 years. Their most recent visa was from Spain, and it was only valid for 45 days. The comments section was full of queries about what exactly the traveller did to secure this highly sought-after visa. Here's what the user claimed he submitted in his application for this Schengen tourist visa: A cover letter that included a request for a longer validity visa. Their old passport and a scanned copy of each page of the new and old passports (which contained stamps) Details about their 10-day itinerary for France 2 years Income Tax Returns, 3 months bank statements and pay slips (as financial proof) Other key documents usually required for Schengen visa applications The user said that they mentioned their travel history as well as them having been to the Schengen zone three times in the past. "For the cascade regime, you need at least 2 visas in the past 3 years to be eligible for a 2-year visa, but granting a longer duration visa is completely at the discretion of the visa officer," they wrote. Got 5 Year Multi Entry visa from France! by u/Time-Impact-5523 in SchengenVisa How Can Indians Get Multiple-Entry Schengen Visas? Indians can apply for multi-entry Schengen visas under the visa "cascade" regime. If you have used two Schengen visas within the previous three years, you can obtain a two-year multi-entry Schengen Visa. After using this visa, you can later apply for a five-year visa provided that your passport has sufficient validity remaining. During the validity period of these visas, holders enjoy travel rights equivalent to visa-free nationals, as per the EU. Like short-term Schengen visas, these long-term multiple-entry visas allow free travel in the Schengen area. The holder can stay a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period in this zone. These visas cannot be used for work purposes. Which Countries Are Covered By Multiple-Entry Schengen Visa? The Multiple-Entry Schengen Visa grants access to the entire Schengen area, which consists of 29 European countries. They are Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, the Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland, Sweden, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
