-India: Hill Stations

Himachal Pradesh:

Shimla - Manali - Dharamshala - Dalhousie

Shimla :
In the days before independence, Shimla was the most important British hill station, and in the summer season became the summer capital. Shimla was first "discovered" by the British in 1819, but it was not until 1822 that the first permanent house was erected and not until many years later that Shimla became the summer capital. The name Shimla derives after the Himalayan Goddess Shamla a synonym of Kali.

Places of Interest:
Himachal State Museum, Jakhu Hills and Temple, Institute of advance study, Tara Devi Temple, Himachal State museum, Kamnadevi Temple, The Ridge, Lakkad Bazaar, St. Michael’s Cathedral, Annandale, Wildflower hall, Mashobra, Fagu view point, Kufri snow point, Chail Palace are places worth visiting.
Reach -
By Air: Nearest Airport is Jubarbhatti-23 kms. and is linked to Chandigarh, Kullu and Delhi.
By Rail: Nearest broad gauge railhead is at Kalka. Chandigarh is another alternative option.
By Road: Delhi: 343 kms, Chandigarh: 83 kms.

Manali :

Manali is the northern end of the Kullu Valley and is the main resort in the area. It is beautifully situated and there are many pleasant walks around the town. Surrounded by towering peaks at arm length, Manali’s major asset is its proximity to the snowline, never more than few hours drive from the town nestling at comfortable 2,050 meters. It is the center of flourishing orchard industry a popular honeymoon destination and trailhead for numerous treks.

Places of Interest:
Hadimba Devi Temple, Tibetan Monastery, Jagatsukh, Vashisht Kund, Kothi, Naggar Castle, Rahla Falls, Solang Valley, Rohtang Pass, Manikaran and Jalori Pass Treks.
Reach -
By Air: Nearest airport is Bhuntar 49 kms.
By Rail: Nearest station are Chandigarh 320 kms. and Jogindarnagar 180 kms.
By Road: Delhi: 611 kms, Shimla 267 kms.

Dalhousie:

In western Himachal Pradesh, It covers an area of about 14 square kms and built on five hills. It is named after the British Governor - General of the 19th century Lord Dalhousie. The town’s height varies between 1525m and 2378m, and is surrounded by varied vegetation. Dalhousie has charming colonial architecture, including some beautiful churches. The spectacular snow-covered Dhauladhar Mountains are also visible from this enchanting town. Places of Interest: Laxmi Narayan Temple Complex, Hari Rai Temple, The Chowgan, Rangmahal, St. Andrew’s church, Akhand Chandi Palace.

Reach - By Air: Nearest airport is Gaggal, in Kangra 135 kms. By Rail: Nearest railhead is Pathankot 80 kms. By Road: Delhi 485 kms Chamba 52 kms. Dharamshala: Set against the backdrop of the dramatic Dhauladhar Mountains, Dharamshala is perched on the high slopes in upper reaches of Kangra Valley. It is charming town with elegant bungalows nestling in thick conifer forests. Dharamshala is also the home of Dalai Lama, spiritual head of Buddhists; Little Lhasa is an enchanting world where spinning prayer wheels and fluttering prayer flags spread the massage of peace and universal harmony. Places of Interest: War memorial, Kangra Art museum, Kunal Pathri, Mcleodganj, Dal Lake . Reach - By Air: Nearest airport is Gaggal in Kangra -13 kms. By Rail: Kangra Mandir Railway Station is nearest 22 kms. By Road: Shimla -317 kms. Manali – 260 kms. Delhi-526 kms. Karnataka: Coorg Coorg: Coorg is one of the smallest districts of Karnataka in size but is among the most beautiful. It is often called the Kashmir of Karnataka for it's cool weather and natural be auty. This small district if home to 260,000 people and is as well known for its coffee and tea estates, as for its brave and gutty people. Several Kodavas (as the people from Coorg are often called) have actively served in the Indian army and the "Coorg Regiment" is among the most decorated. Places Of Interest: Harangi & Kudige, Nisarga Dhama, Dubare Forest, Bhagamandala, Talacavery, Brahmagiri, Fort Madikeri, Raja’s Seat, Omkareshwar Temple, Iruppu Falls. Reach - By Air: Nearest airport is Bangalore- 260kms. By Rail: Nearest railhead is Bangalore and Mysore. By Road: Bangalore- 260kms, Mysore- 120kms, Mangalore- 136kms, Tellicherry & Cannanore- 113kms. Kashmir: Srinagar - Sonmarg - Pahalgam - Gulmarg Srinagar: Srinagar (1,768 meters) is at north of Delhi via Pathankot, and Jammu. It is on both the sides of River Jhelum and is the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, which includes Jammu. Vale of Kashmir, Kishtwar, Ladakh & Zanskar ranges. The God has graced this city with such a beauty, which is often compared to Venice. Walk down Sonwar or Residency Road and you’ll see half-timbered houses and brick churches surrounded by magnolia trees i n the garden. Enter a houseboat and you are instantly transported to another world. Places of Interest: Nagin Lake, Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens: Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, Nehru Garden, Char Chinar, Floating Gardens, Cheshma Sahai, Shankaracharya Temple. Reach - By Air: Srinagar is well connected from Delhi, Jammu and Leh. By Rail: Nearest railhead Jammu-305 kms. By Road: Delhi -900 kms, Jammu- 305 kms. Sonmarg: At an altitude of 2740 meters, Sonmarg is at Srinagar – Leh Highway. The town lies in the heart of a beautiful valley carved by the river Sindh, the meadow of gold strewn with the loveliest of alpine flowers and surrounded by towering mountains. Here at Thajiwas Glacier where snow remains round the year and Sonmarg is known as Gateway of Ladakh. Places of Interest: Thajiwas Glacier, Gadsar Lake, Satsar Lake. Reach - Srinagar 84 kms by road. Pahalgam: Pahalgam (2240 meters) is heralded by gushing, silvery streams of ice – water and by densely wooded mountains. As the road winds along, Pahalgam appears round the corner against a background of mountains and glistering glaciers with streams rushing past. Pahalgam is the starting point for many trekking trails, such as to the Kolohoi Glacier, Amarnath, Zanskar and Kargil. Places of Interest: Awantipura-Mattan -Eshumukam Cave, Golf Course, Lidder River, Baisaran. Reach - Srinagar 96 kms by road. Gulmarg: The large meadow of Gulmarg is on southwest of Srinagar at 2730 meters. The name means meadow of flowers and in spring it is just that. Gulmarg is one of the most beautiful summer resorts in the valley. It is also popular for its golf course, which is highest in the world and skiing during the winter season. This is also an excellent trekking base. In winter, it is used to be India’s premier skiing resort. Places of Interest: Gondola ride to Apharwat (cable car), Khilanmarg, skiing, horse riding. Splendor of nature and Snowy Mountains. Reach - Srinagar-52 kms by road. Kerala: Munnar - Vyithri Munnar: Munnar is nature lover’s paradise and was the summer resort of British Government in South India. 1600m above sea level, sprawling tea plantations, picture-book towns, windin g lanes and holiday facilities make this a popular hill station. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is Neelakurinji. This flower, which bathes the hills in blue once every twelve years, will bloom next in 2006 AD. Munnar also has the highest peak in South India - Anamudi, which towers over 2695 m., an ideal spot for trekking. Places of Interest: Devikulam, Eravikulam National Park, Kannan Devan Hills. Reach - By Air: Nearest airport Kochi- 130 kms by road. By Rail: Nearest rail head Kochi- 130 kms. By Road: Kochi- 130 kms. Vythiri: Tucked away at the north eastern tip of Kerala, this quaint little hill station about 1300 m above sea level is renowned for its coffee, tea, cardamom, pepper and rubber plan tations. Mist capped mountains and breathtaking scenery dominate other tourist attractions. Places of Interest: Vythiri: National Park. Reach - 100 kms.(5 hours) Kozhikode. Madhya Pradesh: Pachmarhi Pachmarhi: An all-season hill resort, Pachmarhi nestles in Satpura ranges with its enchanting forest glades, giggling ravines and fascinating wildlife. It has its archaeological assets too. There are rock paintings, said to be dating back to thousands of years, in the caves of Mahadeo hills. Pachmarhi was discovered in 1857 by a Bengali lancer. The British developed it as a hill resort. The location has been named Priyadarshini Point. Places of Interest: Apsara Valley, Rajat Pratap Fall, Duchess Fall, Sunder Kund, Saunder's Pool, Mahadeo Hills, Chhota Mahadeo, Chauragarh, Jata Shanker Caves. Reach - By Air: The nearest airport is Bhopal- 195 kms. By Rail: Pipariya- 47 kms on the Mumbai-Howrah mainline, via Allahabad, is a convenient railhead. By Road: There are bus services from Bhopal, Hoshangabad, and Nagpur. Taxis are available from Pipariya. Meghalaya: Shillong Shillong: Shillong the capitol of Meghalaya which was planned by the British as a hill resort and remain summer retreat of the British, the beautifully kept golf course and several English country cottages testify to another influence besides the local one. Beautiful lakes and falls, hillside cottages, a large university, and the popular Bara Bazar are quaint aspects of this town. Th e place, the people and the climate all combine to create an atmosphere to make Shillong an ideal holiday resort throughout the year. Cherrapunjee, the wettest place on earth is only 56 kms away from Shillong. Places of Interest: Ward Lake, Botanical Garden, Museum, Lady Hydari Park, Crinoline Falls, Sweet Falls, Shillong Peak, Elephanta Falls, Iewduh Bara Bazar, Beadon Falls, Shillong Golf Course, Polo Grounds, Umian Lake. Reach - By Air: Nearest airport Guwahati-129 kms. By Rail: Nearest Railhead is Guwahati- 103 kms. By Road: Guwahati-103 kms, Calcutta-1184 kms, Kaziranga-294 km, Siliguri-578 kms, Manas-273 kms. Rajasthan: Mount Abu Mount Abu: The only hill resort of Rajasthan, crowning at the highest peak of the Aravali hills at altitude of 1220 meters. It is not the only one of the prettiest hill stations in the country, but also a major Rajput centre. Mt. Abu was dedicated to Lord Shiva before it became Jain pilgri mage center. The biggest draws for Mt. Abu are Dilwara Temples. The hill boasts of a rich vegetation and thick forest. It stands out like an oasis in arid environs. Places of interest: Dilwara Temple, Adhar Devi Temple, Guru Shikhar, Sunset point, Nakki Lake, et c. Reach - By Air: The nearest airport is Udaipur, 185 Kms. By Rail: Nearest station is Abu Road, from here trains to Bombay, Jaipur, Delhi, Ahmedabad. By Road: Udaipur 185 Kms, Ahmedabad 222 Kms, Jodhpur 326 Kms. Sikkim:Gangtok - Lachung Gangtok: Gangtok the 'Lofty Hill' or t he 'hill made flat' to build Gangtok Monastery in 1716. Cradled in the manifold splendors of nature, deep within the snow clad Himalayas is Sikkim's capital - Gangtok. Overlooking the city is the hill Lukshyma, ' the mother of pearl ' citadel of magic mountain, Khang-chen-dzodnga. Gangtok offers a hospitable base to explore the varied wonders of this highland its picturesque valleys, monasteries, mountain, lakes and trekking trails. Places of interest: Deer Park, Enchey Ancient Monastery, Government Cottage Industries Institute, Orchid Sanctuary, Research Institute Of Tibetlogy, Tashi View Point, Tsuklakhang. Reach - By Air: Nearest airport is Bagdogra. By Rail: Nearest railhead is New Jalpaiguri 126kms and Siliguri 111 kms. By Road: Bagdogra 124 kms, New Jalpaiguri 126 kms. Siliguri 111 kms, Kalimpong 72 kms, Darjeeling 110 kms. Lachung: One of the most exquisite valleys in Sikkim, Lachung is resplendent with snow-capped mountains, breathtaking waterfall and all that nature can offer. Its on the North of Sikkim highway - a highway which can boast of being one with the most beautiful surrounding. Lachung is situated at height of 8610 ft. Blessed by the goddess of nature. The most picturesque village of Sikkim, where the time stands still. Take one and half hour drive to Yumthang situated at a height of 11,800 ft, gets covered with rhododendron flowers with riot of colours bursting on each o ther. Places of interest: Yumthang flower valley, mountain trekking and village tour. Reach - By Air: nearest airport is Bagdogra. By Rail: nearest railhead is New Jalpaiguri 250 Kms. By Road: Gangtok 124 Kms, Bagdogra 250 Kms. Tamilnadu: Ooty - Kodaikanal Ooty: Known as the queen of hills and the most popular hill station in the South India. It is located in the Nilgiri hills at 2286 meter above sea level. With its rolling lawns and salubrious climate it became the important hill station in South India and the summer capital of the former Madras presidency. Ooty still has the touch of the Raj about it, with its cottages and pretty gardens and stone churches that stands among the groves of pine. Old summer palaces of maharajas are now hotels and set in their beautiful parks. Places of interest: Dodabetta Peak, Ooty lake, Kitty Valley View, Coonoor, Dolphins Nose, Lambs Rock, St. Catherine’s Fall and Laws Fall. Reach - By Air: Nearest airport is Coimbatore- 90kms. By Rail: Nearest railway station is Coimbatore. By Road: Well connected by major destinations of Southern India. Kodaikanal: Set among the gently sloping Palani hills is the charming retreat of Kodaikanal also known as the princess of hill stations. This is one of India’s most beautiful hill stations frequented by tourists in large numbers right through the ear. The hill town is renowned for its education institutions of international repute. The pride of Kodaikanal is Kurinji flower, which blossoms once in 12 years. The hill plantation of fruits and plums are well known for their freshness and taste. Places of interest: Kodaikanal Lake, Bryant Park, Croakers Walk, Green Valley View, Telescope Houses, Pillar Rocks, Kurinji Andavar Temple, Silver Cascade and Bear Shola Falls. Uttar Pradesh: Nainital - Ranikhet - Almora - Kausani - Mussoorie

Nainital:

At 1938 meters in the Kumaon hills, this attractive hill station was once the summer capital of Uttar Pradesh. Nainital is very much a green and pleasant land that immediately appealed to the homesick Britishers, who were reminded of the Cumbrian Lake District. This is certainly one of the most pleasant hill stations to visit and there are many interesting walks through the forests to points with superb views of the Himalayas. Today the life of Nainital revolves around the lake of Naini. But there are few other lakes around Nainital which are equally beautiful and attractive as the Naini lake.
Places of Interest:
Naini Lake, Khurpatal, Bhimtal, Naukuchiyatal and Sattal, St-John’s Church, Hanumangarh & Observatory, Vantage point for snow view.

Reach -
By Rail: Nearest railhead is Kathgodam-35 kms, well connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta, and Agra.
By Road: Delhi – 322 kms, Lucknow - 401 kms, Bariely -141 kms, Corbett 128 kms.

Ranikhet: North of Nainital and at an altitude of 1829 meters, this peaceful hill station offers excellent views of the snowcapped Himalayas including Nanda Devi (7817 meters). It is an important army town and the headquarters of the Kumaon regiment. Unrivalled for panoramic views it offers added attraction of ancient temples, pretty picnic spots and quiet strolls, exciting treks of Kausani and Dunagiri. Ranikhet is a delightful place to spend some time. Besides, the golf course at Upat offers good golfing facilities. Places of Interest: Golf Course, Jhula Devi Temple, and Orchards at Chaubatia.

Reach - By Air: Nearest airport is Pant Nagar- 199 kms. By Rail: Nearest railhead at Kathgodam-84 kms. By Road: Kathgodam-84 kms. Nainital-59 kms. Delhi-361 kms. Almora: The picturesque hill station, at an altitude of 1650 meters, is one of the fewnot created by the British.Some 400 years ago it was the capital of theChand Rajas ofKumaon. Its 67kms from Nainital is famous for itsexquisite templesand rich medley of fairs and festivals.Almora also offers the visitor healthy selectionof treks which combine the pleasure of sightseeingwith spirit of adventureto Binsar 30 kms, and Jageshwar- 34 kms. Places of Interest: Udyot-Chandeshwar or Nanda Devi temple, Temple of Goll and Bhairab, Trekking Points. Reach - By Air: Nearest airport is Pantnagar-128 kms. By Rail: Nearest railhead is Kathgodam-90 kms, well connected to all major cities. By Road: Nanital-67 kms. Pithorgarh-122 kms. Delhi-381 kms. Kausani: Nestling amongst thick, dense pine forests, atop a narrow ridge andseparated from the towering mountains of the Nanda Devi range.Kausani is known forHimalayan snow- capped peaks standingin a stately row of over300 kms, of majesticglory. The glory ofsnowcovered peaksTrishul, Nanda Devi andNanda Kot when the Sunrays turn them into crimsonand gold at sunriseand sunset can bedazzle anyviewer by its scenic grandeur and beauty. Places of Interest: Dwarka Ghat 55 temples, Durga Temple, Jhula Devi, Binsar Mahadev, Majkhali, Sitalakhet, Gold Crouse, Fishing. Reach - By Air: Nearest airport is Pantnagar-180 kms. By Rail: Nearest railhead is Kathgodam124 kms. By Road: Almora-53 kms, Ranikhet-79 kms, Nainital-120 kms. Delhi -410 kms. Mussoorie: Mussoorie is a city and muncipa board, about 34 km fromDehradun and in Dehradun district in the Indian state ofUttarakhand. This hill station, situated in thefoothills of the Himalaya ranges, is also known as the Queen of theHills.The adjoining townof Landour, which includes a military cantonment,is considered part of 'greater Mussoorie',as are the townships of Barlowganj and Jharipani. Being at an average altitude of 2,000 meters (6,600 ft), Mussoorie, with its green hills and varied flora and fauna, is a fascinating hill resort.Commanding snow ranges to the north-east, and glittering views of the Doon Valley and Shiwalik ranges in the south, the town was once said to present a 'fairyland' atmosphere to tourists. West Bengal: Darjeeling Darjeeling: Popularly know as the 'Queen of Hill Stations' Darjeeling is at the height of 2134meters, offering magnificent view of Himalayan panorama including the Kanchenjunga peak. Tiger hill top, offering abreathtaking view of sunrise over Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga. Darjeeling Rangeet Valley Ropeway, a 2 kms-long journey between Darjeeling and Takvar, with fantastic overview of hills, undulating valleys and tea gardens. Places of Interest:Lloyd Botanical Gardens, Natural History Museum, Dhirdham Temple, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Buddhist monastery. Reach - By Air: Nearest airport is Bagdogra connects Calcutta, Delhi, Guwahati. By Rail: Nearest railhead is New Jalpaiguri, Toy train runs between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling. By Road: Bagdogra 90 kms, New Jalpaiguri 90 kms, Gangtok 110 kms.