Exploring Top 5 Underrated Hill Stations Close To Goa

Goa is known for its sun-drenched beaches, delicious food, awe-inspiring history, and non-stop parties. However, what many don’t know is that Goa also has stunning hill steeped stations that are not given the attention they deserve. These breathtaking retreats are tucked away in the Western Ghats and are perfect hideaways from the noise of busy beaches. This place enables one to find astounding peace, nature, and tranquility. In this article, I will walk you through the five surreal hill stations around Goa City that are often ignored, but should definitely be explored. 

1. Amboli

Another stunning hill station that is located within Goa’s reach is Amboli which is at a distance of approximately 120 kilometers from Panaji. Amboli is most known for its enchanting greenery, gushing streams, and foggy surroundings. It is also famous for places like the Niagara Falls and Hiranyakeshi Temple Waterfall . Along with these stunning places and views, it also has its own Amboli Ghat viewpoint from where you can see the entire valley and the canopies surrounding it. Perched at an elevation of about 690 meters above sea level, this hill station is accessible for everyone, and for avid explorers, this place also provides endless trekking opportunities.

2. Mollem National Park

Its base was located on the bhagwan mahavir wildlife sanctuary, roughly 57 kilometers from Panaji. The National Park is celebrated for housing landscapes of dense forest, white mountains, and woodlands of the Frank Dudhsagar waterfalls. Everything is painstakingly beautiful, bestowing more than the beloved “sightseeing,” Mollem pledges its visitors the luxurious option of recreation through trekking and undertaking exploration quests with stumping sites junctioning to flawless waterfalls. This makes Mollem National Park not only a biogeographic hotspot, but also a pillar for sports tourism in India. It has hidden treasures that contribute to a lesser-known mountain ecosystem enriched with a plethora of enchanting flora and fauna such as leopards, deer, and a myriad of birds.

3. Kudremukh

Yes, it is roughly 250 kilometers away from the beautifully mesmerizing state of Goa, but the drive is worth the drop dead stunning majestic mountains along the way. Kudremukh is a UNESCO world heritage site known for its sprawling grasslands alongside the western ghats. The primary peak resembles a horse face and is dubbed as horse face while it is also home to the Shola forest extending towards the bottom. Kudremukh as dazzling as it looks offers hiking for adventurers and even gives nature lovers the chance to appreciate its rare flora and fauna like the lion tailed Macaques and Malabar giant squirrels.

4. Castle Rock

Castle Rock is approximately 80 kilometers away from Goa and serves as the entrance to the majestic Western Ghats. Primarily recognizable as a railway junction, Castle Rock is approached by rolling hilly terrain along with dense forests. It is a perfect stopover for tourists on their way to Dudhsagar Falls or seeking for off-beat treks around the region. The surroundings are cool and quiet making it perfect to rest after a long trip. Apart from this, do not forget to relish a train journey through the picturesque ghats dotted with gorges, tunnels, and cascading waterfalls.

5. Netravali

Nestled in the Sanguem taluka of South Goa, Netravali is a quaint village endowed with scenic hilly and forest regions. It may not be a traditional hill station but the topography does make it a simply incredible destination. One of the highlights of Netravali is Vajrapoha Falls, or Bandol Falls, known for its dramatic plunge into a gorge. Besides that the area is draped with history and culture, so there are ancient temples and other archaeological sites to explore as well.

Final Thoughts

While Goa has stunning beaches, it also has mesmerizing hill stations nearby which often go unnoticed. Each place is alluring in its own way and they are best suited for a traveler who likes to enjoy them at their full glory without the hustle and bustle of the crowd. From the misty highlands of Amboli, to the rich in flora and fauna Mollem National Park, these places will leave you spellbound. Adventure, solitude, or simply an appreciable moment with nature but these underrated hill stations are bound to leave you with breathtaking memories. So, when planning your next trip to Goa, take some time out of the busy coastline and explore the mystical places in the Western Ghats.

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