Posts Tagged ‘Hill Stations In India’

Two heavenly abodes 280 km apart; that’s Ooty and Kodaikanal. Nestled snugly in the Nilgiri biosphere of Indian State Tamil Nadu, these two hill stations are hideouts for the value travellers. By the by, Nilgiri means blue hills, and it is indeed blue hills that gets into your system and soothes like Mom’s hand.

When you long for a lot of mist, breeze, cool greenery, vistas of grass-carpeted slops, crystal clear lakes, and above all no crowd, Ooty-Kodaikanal are indicated. Both or either could be a good bet, be it unwinding or honeymooning.

Not for nothing is Ooty’s called the Queen of Hill Stations in India. It is a land of picturesque picnic spots, something of a postcard presentation. Used to be favorite haunting grounds of the royalty and rulers it is visited by the conscious vacationers and tourists who can appreciate Nature’s mesmerised handiwork when they see one.

Ooty is situated at an altitude of 2,240 meters above sea level. Thrilling is the word for the mountain rail journey on a ratchet and pinion track which commences from Kallar, near Mettupalayam, and wends its way through many hair-pin curves and fearful tunnels and chugs along beside deep ravines full of verdant vegetation, gurgling streams and tea gardens.

As you enjoy the other-worldly ride you will espy the change in tone and tenor of vegetation, from purple at Kallar to blue in Coonoor. Numerous tea estates along have given it a trim, neat look and is Ooty’s USP. Lofty mountains, dense forest, sprawling grasslands and miles and miles of tea gardens greet the passengers on most routes. The annual Tea and Tourism Festival attracts multitudes. From here one could take a cab ride to Kodai, an eight-hour pleasant journey.

Kodaikanal or Kodai as it’s better known, is a quiet hill station at an altitude of 2,300 m, on the southern ridge of the Palani hills in Tamil Nadu. Kodaikanal means ‘the gift of the forest’. The hilly retreat was established by American missionaries around 1845 in order to escape from the steamy weather of the plains. The star-shaped Kodai Lake is the centre of attraction in Kodaikanal.

If you are with your new-found love you could simply drink in the mountain scene and savor the changing canvas of the sky while roaming about or lying side-by-side. Or in the mood, you can go for a short trek to the nearby areas like bear Shola Falls, Dolphin Nose. Better still, you can hire a bicycle and take a round around Kodai Lake. It is fund and healthy. Kodai  is at its best in month of April & May though any time is good time for Kodai. Anyway you look at, it is a win-win bet.

Mention Darjeeling and it evokes many images- Queen of the Hills, lush green tea gardens, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, sturdy Gorkhas and amazing views of Mt. Kanchenjunga. Going beyond these images, Darjeeling has much to offer in terms of its cultural diversity, education and exciting opportunities for lovers of adventure sports. Like most other hill stations in India, the British developed Darjeeling as a respite from the oppressing summer heat in the Gangetic plains. Located in the lower Shivalik Hills region of the Himalayas at a height of 2,134m above sea level, Darjeeling toll the initial years of the 19th century was a part of Nepal and Sikkim. After a lease agreement with the Chogyal of Sikkim in 1835, the British started developing Darjeeling as a hill station.
After independence, Darjeeling became a part of the state of West Bengal.

MUST TO SEE
Chowrasta and the Mall
Like most other hill stations developed during the British era, the Mall in Darjeeling is the centre of all the action. It is the place around which you will find most of the tourist amenities including hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops, banks, ATMs, post offices and street vendors selling sweaters, paintings and imitation Jewellery.

Observatory Hill
Or a splendid view of the snow-clad Kanchenjunga, walk up to Observatory Hill, which is located near Chowrasta or the Mall.

Lloyd’s Botanical Garden
Many of the plant species native to the Darjeeling Himalayan hill Region can be seen at Lloyd’s Botanical Garden.

Karma Dorjee Chyoling Monastery (Bhutia Busty Monastery)
First built in 1765 on Observatory Hill by Lama Dorje-rinzing, the Bhutia Busty is the oldest monastery in Darjeeling.

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI)
The Government of India established the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) in 1954 to give a fillip to this adventure sport in the country.

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
Established in 1958 by the state of West Bengal, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park specializes in captive breeding of alpine animals like Snow Leopards and Red Panda.

Ghoom
Ghoom hosts on of the world’s highest railway stations at an altitude of 2,225.7m and is known for the Yiga Choeling Monastery that dominates this small hilly place.

Darjeeling-Rangeet Valley Passenger Ropeway
The first ropeway in India and the longest in Asia, Darjeeling-Rangeet Valley Passenger Ropeway offer spectacular views. It is located at North Point about 3km from the town. A shaerd taxi service is available to reach here. It is not too far from the zoo.

 
Go on a tour of tea estates
All the hills around Darjeeling produce the world’s finest tea. Darjeeling’s tea gardens are a picturesque sight, covering terraced hill slopes, upto an altitude of 1,950m. While in Darjeeling, you should seize the opportunity to tour some reknowned tea estates. You can walk through the estates, explore a tea factory and see how moisture is extracted from tealeaves and how they are rolled and withered, sifted, fermented, dried and sorted.

What to Eat
A fairly good number of Tibetans and Nepalese in Darjeeling ensure that you will get delicious momos and hot steaming thukpas everywhere, more so at the Mall Road and Chowrasta. But momos and thukpas are not the only dishes you can relish. Try local delicacies like Wai Wai and Churpee while here. Wai Wai is a thick noodle eaten in soup of dry.

What to shop for
The Mall and Chowrasta are choc-a-bloc with shops selling all kinds of curios, sweaters, cardigans, pullovers and other winter garments. You can buy local handicrafts as souvenir. We have a list of some important shops and markets. But the first thing on your list of shopping items should be Darjeeling tea.

BEST TIME TO VISIT
June to September are the monsoon months hence avoid travelling to Darjeeling then. The best time to visit Darjeeling is from mid-September to mid-December and from mid –march to mid –June.

 HOW TO REACH
By Air: Bagdogra is the nearest airport to Darjeeling. Two main domestic carriers, Indian Airlines and Jet Air, operate from Bagdogra.
By Rail: Visitors may also travel to Darjeeling from NJP, by the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. This famous journey lasts 7 to 8 hours. Alternatively, you may travel by road to Darjeeling, from New Jalpaiguri, by a scenic rout.
By Road: the journey by road offers breathtaking views of earth, water and sky, as the vehicle climbs from near sea level at Bagdogra near Siliguri, to an altitude of about 7,500ft at Darjeeling
 

A drive up the ghats through Satpura Tiger Reserve en route from Pipariya railway station to the sole hill station in Madhya Pradesh, India – Pachmarhi – nestling at an elevation of 3500 ft. Though the ghat road is narrow, vehicles are seen going quite fast due to sparse traffic on the highway. Also, unlike other popular hill stations in India, such as Simla, Kodaikanal and Ootacamund, this scenic resort, Pachmarhi, is totally free of crass commercialisation and is full of densely forested hills with ample wildlife, and unpolluted air. Hope it remains this way for posterity.

Ooty which is a part of Tamil Nadu, South India is by far one of the most sought after and beautiful hill stations of the south. It is no wonder why it is popularly also called as the ‘queen of hill stations’. Known to very few, Ooty was originally called Udhagamadalam and sometimes even Ootacamund. Ooty is only a short form for Ootacamund. Ooty is located at a height of about 8000 feet above sea level and is a part of the famous Nilgiri mountain ranges in south India. Just like many other hill stations in India, Ooty was also founded by the British in the beginning of the 19th century. The place had served as a summer retreat for the British in the old days. The weather is mostly pleasant all year round however it could drop to as low as aero degree Celsius in the winters. The place attracts tourists all year round and has always been a favourite hot spot to many. The beautiful landscapes, tea gardens, little huts and cottages surrounding the mountainous regions and the ever rising mist among the greens make Ooty a little paradise of the south.

It was the establishment of the tea gardens and estates that popularized Ooty as a famous holiday destination. The dense forests and huge acres and hectares of beautiful evergreen tea gardens adorn the lengths and breadths of Ooty. It is very unfortunate to know that apart from the natural beauty of the place, the hill towns today suffer from overcrowding, pollution, water shortage, bad roads and erosion. However, the places surrounding the town are still untouched. The virgin land has much to explore with its protected forests, stunning landscapes and picture perfect views from the majestic hills above.

Reaching Ooty

Ooty is accessible to tourists by plane, rail and road. Whatever the means of travel may be, once you get there the fresh smell of the breeze and the cool air will freshen your senses as if the distance you travelled was barely anything at all.

By Air: The closest airport to Ooty is at Coimbatore which is approximately a 3 hour drive. There are frequent flights to Coimbatore from almost every part of the country. Air India, Jet Airways, Go air, Paramount and Air Deccan are a few airlines that can be named. You also have the option to fly to Bangalore and drive down to Ooty which is approximately a 6 hour drive. The road trip from any of these places is quite scenic as the roads that take you to Ooty are mostly through dense forests and good roads.

By Train: Train Number 2671, the Nilgiri Express leaves to Mettupalayam which is a little town on the foothills of the Nilgiris from Chennai. Since this is only a night journey, most of the scenic adventures are lost. However, a good nap before you reach there is always a good idea. From Mettupalayam one can either choose to drive to Ooty are take another diesel powered mini train which is over 200 years old and takes a longer time to reach its destination. During peak season cab drivers and other transport vendors charge tourists an exorbitant price to take them to Ooty. You also have the option to go to Coimbatore by rail and then drive down to Ooty which is again a 3 hour drive.

By Road: Though Ooty is located in Tamil Nadu, Ooty is very close to the Karnataka and Kerala border. From Bangalore Ooty is only about 280 kilometres away and the roads are very well maintained. The Bangalore-Mysore highway that was recently built is an excellent road and gets you to Mysore pretty fast. From Mysore one can travel through Bandipur which is protected forest before reaching Ooty. The winding roads and the scenic landscapes make this an excellent experience. If you are lucky you may spot some of the animals that live around this region like the spotted dear, elephants, tigers and monkeys. There are many Dhabas and restaurants on the way, so you can always stop on the way to grab a quick bite or relax. You also have the option to travel by bus or hire a cab or a mini bus that have frequent shuttles to Ooty and back. Travel by road is most preferred as the roads are good, the drive beautiful and the expense affordable.

Shimla, Kullu and Manali located in Himachal Pradesh are scenic hill stations in India. These beautiful destinations are very popular among vacationers, families, honeymooners and nature lovers.

Shimla, often described as the Queen of Hill Stations is one of the most popular hill stations in India. This splendid place is famous for snow-covered mountain peaks of splendid Himalaya, thick forests, gorgeous valleys, fruit laden orchards and beautiful meadows of colourful wild flowers. The place is laden with tourist throughout the year. The charm and beauty of the nature attracts globetrotter in all weather condition. The weather remains pleasant throughout the year. Those who want to play with the ice-balls and snow can make out their adventure tour during chill winter. The breezy air of hills is really thrilling. Those who have desire to enjoy the nature can visit the place in modest weather. The place remains too cool in summer also. When other part of country experience hot scorching temperature, Shimla entertain people with cool icy breeze. One can also enjoy trekking; mountain biking and cycling trips, etc there.

There are many tourist attractions to explore in Shimla. You can explore the place with any Shimla Tour Package. Never forget to enjoy in Toy Train during your trip. Major places of interest in Shimla are Jakhoo Hill, State Museum, Dorje Drag Monastery, Mall Road, The Ridge, Christ Church, Lower Bazaar, Viceregal Lodge, Prospect Hill, State Museum, etc.

Manali is a beautiful hill town in Himachal Pradesh and is very popular as summer holiday destination. This is a natural garland. The place endorses superb nature beauty, attractive landscapes, icy and breezy winds, refreshing climate and soul touching nature ambience. This charming place has capacity to attract newly wedded couple like magnet. It is favorite destination among honeymooners.

There are number of places to visit Kullu Manali Tours. You too can make your honeymoon memorable. The places like Hot Water Springs, Rahala Waterfalls, Larji Hot Water Springs, the Club House Nehru Kund, etc are very exciting where you can spend hours with your intimate partner. These places are perfect to understand emotion of your beloved.

This is very perfect destination for adventure loving couple. They can enjoy adventurous sports like white water rafting, trekking, paragliding, ice-skating, skiing, heli-skiing, etc. They can also enjoy hot air ballooning, jeep safari and fishing there. Couples can make their honeymoon more enjoyable with a right honeymoon package. There are many Honeymoon Packages in Manali available to choose from. So plan for Shimla Manali tour and relish unique & cheery experience of lifetime.

Queen of Hill Stations – Shimla is among the most popular hill stations in India which is known for its snow capped hill slopes, green pastures, ambiances of deodar, pine, oak trees and Victorian architectures. The sublime greenery and snow laden mountains of Himalaya make it a famous destination of allindia travel tours which is visited by score of nature lover and adventure freaks. This Capital City of Himachal Pradesh is located in the north-west of Himalayas at an altitude of 2,205 meter above sea level. It is a lovely hill station of all india travel tours which derives its name from ‘Goddess Shyamla’ who is an avatar of Goddess Kali. The panoramic nature and salubrious climate make it a most sought after hill resorts of India where both national as well as international tourists come to enjoy pleasant summer and bone chilling winter. Some of the popular attractions of this place are:

The Mall:

It is the prime attraction which is visited by every tourists of this place. This centre of attraction is among the liveliest places of Shimla which is famous for major hotels, restaurants and recreational centers. It is also known as a shopper’s paradise and hub of merriment. The colonial architectural layouts and designs in the backdrop of Himalayan Mountains make this a romantic place whose visiting experience remains indelible from visitor memory. Some of the prominent attractions of this place are Christ Church, Scandal Point, Kali Bari Temple and General Post Office. The Scandal Point, which is located at the end of the Mall road, attracts large number of tourists for its scenic and picturesque view of mountains and nearby places.

Jakhu Temple:

This temple is situated on Jakhu Hill which is Shimla’s highest peak at a height of 2,455 meter above sea level. The temple is dedicated to lord Hanuman which is believed to be in existence from the times of Ramayana. The Jakhu hill is the highest peak around Shimla which is also famous for its trekking options. During trekking trekkers can get excellent views of the ethereal Himalayan Mountains, sunrise, sunset, and town in the valley. The hill is full of narrow paths and roads which make trekking enjoyable.

The Glen:

The Glen is a famous picnic spot which is located at a distance of 4 km from Shimla. It is the oldest picnic spot situated in the midst of the bushy green forests which make this a romantic destination that appease tourist’s appeal of enjoying pristine nature’s beauty. The famous Chadwick Falls that passes through The Glen heightens the panoramic beauty of this place. The scenic beauty of this place attracts tourists from all over the country and abroad.

The salubrious climate and natural panorama make Shimla a prominent destination for tourists who travel to India to enjoy the diversities of this country. The best time to visit this place is from October to November and from March to May. Some of the other popular attractions of this are Viceregal Lodge, Photo Art Gallery, Tara Devi Temple, Shimla Ridge and Lower Bazaar.

Located in the Aravalli range of Rajasthan, Mount Abu is one of the most beautiful hill stations in India. The charming beauty, pleasing environment, harmony of temples, beautiful blossoming gardens, wooded forest and the pleasant lake adds appeal and attractiveness to this hill station. Visitors from all across the globe throng here to enjoy their holidays in this beautiful hill station. Due to its scenic beauty this place has become the most sought after destination for nature lovers, honeymoon couples and holiday makers. Some of the captivating places to visit in this hill station are:

Dilwara Jain Temple: This temple is one of the most finely made Jain temples of Mount Abu. The architectural beauty and stone carvings are the striking features of this temple. The temple is dedicated to the Tirthankaras and the beauty of this temple is just unparalleled. Every year thousands of Jain pilgrimages come to this temple to pray before their deity. Any visitors coming to enjoy their holidays in Rajasthan must visit this beautiful temple of Mount Abu.

Sun Set Point: This beautiful tourism spot is famous amongst tourists for its magnificent view of setting sun. Visitors gather here in the evening to catch a glimpse of the setting sun. Many tourists capture the amazing view of the setting sun in order to see the best sunset of their lives.

Mount Abu wild life sanctuary: It is the most favored place to enjoy the scenic beauty and amazing species of birds and animals in their natural habitat. The flora and fauna of this place is really mind blowing and their beauty showcases the interior beauty of this hill station. It is an experience in itself to take a tour inside the forest and catch the glimpse of the animals wandering in the forest. In the forest one will find deer, monkeys and colorful birds. One can explore the sanctuary by taking a safari tour with the help of an experienced city guide.

Nikki Lake: The beauty of Nikki Lake charms every person coming to visit this lake. It is one of the most important tourist interests of this place and its beauty is really mesmerizing and fascinating.

There are many other attractive destinations like Museum and art gallery, Achal garh Fort, Honeymoon Points, Adhar Devi Temple, Trevor’s tank, Gurumukh temple etc. So one should book the Rajasthan tour package and visit these amazing places in Mount Abu.

If your idea of a perfect summer holiday destination is one that offers breathtaking views, picturesque landscapes and clean fresh air redolent with the scent of pine trees and herbs then you should head to any of the hill stations like Darjeeling, Kasauli, Kashmir, Kodaikanal, Manali, Mt.Abu, Mussorie Nanital, Ooty, Shimla and Ranikhet just some of the destinations that bring pleasant memories to mind.

Usually, to reach any hill stations in India one needs to aboard a metre-gauge train from the nearest railway station. As the train begins to chug along the tracks you would realize that the train journey itself is a treat to the senses. Each curve in the mountain-trail presents some breathtaking views worthy of any postcard and the most thrilling part of the journey comes when the train howls through dark tunnels enveloping everyone in complete darkness.

One can experience absolute bliss and tranquillity in these exotic destinations. A mountain trek on a bicycle is perhaps the best way to explore a hill station. What they offer is breathtaking beauty; the sight of hills covered with lush greenery and meadows ablaze with wild flowers, terraced fields, waterfalls and spring-fed streams is a sight to behold. It is perhaps the quietest way to enjoy the hills. One gets to see abundant flora in these hill stations: pines, cedars, himalayan oaks, rhodendrons, wild cherries and so forth, the astonishing variety is for all to see.

Most international carriers offer daily/weekly flights to India that land in Delhi, Mumbai or any other metro. Package deals are the best option as they provide customers the choice of availing bundled offers which include air-tickets and hotel reservations. Customers save themselves from the hassle of booking tickets and rooms separately while agents benefit from higher revenues.

Summers are usually the best time for visiting any hill station in the North of India or if you plan to visit a destination down south then the best time would be from November to March. Ensure that your bookings are made months in advance, so that you get the best deals on airfare and hotels and the maximum value for your hard earned money.

Indias tourism industry is booming with new opportunities and government support. Every year millions of foreign visitors visit on India holidays. India is well known throughout the world for its culture, heritage – both manmade and natural, famous buildings, hills stations, sightseeing places and wonders of the world. The climate of India is variable as we move from north to south. This country is famous throughout the world for its spiritual richness as well. India offers wide variety of tourists destinations to the visitors. Each attractions and sightseeing places of country has been blessed with some unbelievably beautiful and attractive scene. In India there are various beautiful places and hill stations where you spend your holidays and picnics happily while India tours.

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Hill stations in India

Darjeeling

Darjeeling is the queen of all hill stations, famous for its natural beauty, clean fresh air, year round pleasant weather and above all, the ever smiling and welcoming local people. The 3rd highest pick in the world, mount Kanchenjunga is very close to this place and also gives the clearest view. During tours to India, Darjeeling is widely known as visitors paradise because every day it offers something new to everyone ,may be the first time visited and may be the regular one.

Manali

Manali offers wide variety of mountain resorts that are Covered with pinewoods and apple orchards. Manali is one of the attractive, adventure and nature lover destinations from all over the world. At an attitude of 1929 meters, it is bordered by the Rohtang Pass, the gateway to the mighty mountain desert-Ladakh. Perched on the left bank of the River Beas, the Holiday In Manali overlooks a fertile valley covered with gently terraced paddy fields. The majestic snow clad peaks of the Himalayan range provides a breathtaking backdrop.

Ooty

Ooty in India is known as Udhagamandalam is the “Queen of hill stations” and the capital of Nilgiris district India. It is one of the most popular tourist resorts in India. Nilgiris means “Blue Mountains”. While holidays in India Ooty is used as land of picturesque picnic spots and Used to be popular summer and weekend getaway for the Britishers during the colonial days. It is situated at an altitude of 2,240 meters above sea level. An added attraction for the tourists to Udagamandalam is the mountain train journey.

Srinagar

The climatic conditions in Srinagar are mostly alpine. Summers (April-June) are gentle and soothing while the winters (November-February) are icy cold. During December-February it is blessed with heavy snowfall. Srinagar is best visited during summers between the months of April and June. During tours to India you will need to carry heavy woolens while traveling to Srinagar.

Shimla

Shimla is a beautiful hill town in the lap of nature, surrounded by pine and deodar forests. Temperature is ideal in summers and tourists flock it in great numbers and it is highly advisable to get hotel reservations done well in advance despite the fact that there are over 1000 hotels in Shimla. It is well connected by road to the plains. Facilities and amenities are good. People are friendly. It is also comparatively safer than other tourist destinations. All this makes it the favorite travel destination of tourists from India and across the world. A amazingly high percentage of tourists come back here again. It is situated in the north-west Himalayas and is the capital of the state of Himachal Pradesh in North India.

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Panchgani

Panchgani is an idyllic mountain retreat in the Krishna valley. Tucked away in the Satara district of Maharashtra, Panchgani is a well-known hill station of Maharashtra on the highway to Mahabaleshwar from Pune.

Mahabaleshwar

Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar via Mahad is 220 kms Mumbai to Pune is 180 kms & further Pune to Mahabaleshwar is 120 kms. Panchgani to Mahabaleshwar is 20 kms. Vast green plateau of about 150 sq. kms. Height is about 4500 feet above sea level. Climate is never too hot because of the heights. Never too cold bacause of the nearness to the Arabian Sea. Duration of higher temperature is short.

Matheran

Matheran is Just 85 miles from Pune is an unsullied, pollution free hill station and the most loved one by nature lovers, trekkers and honeymooners. The place is special as you will need to walk a lot here; motor vehicles are not allowed beyond a point. You will find ponies, horses and man pulled carriages if you do not intend to walk. Sharlott lake, Panorama Point, Porcupine Point and the train journey from Neral to Matheran are not to be missed when in Matheran.

After the wedding, the perfect time to spend vacation is to have your honeymoon in a very romantic place. Having a honeymoon package in a place that you haven’t explore yet is a perfect gift as you start a new life. If you want really to make it romantic then you should start planning your honeymoon at hill stations package tours in India.

Hills stations in India is the best place for newly wed lovers. It’s like you are sent into postcard when you see the scenic views all over the place. India has so many hill stations to choose from. These stations are popular to the tourist especially for those that are making their honeymoon. In fact, hill stations are the most popular attractions in India. The uniqueness of the place makes India more adventurous and more fascinating for new lovers.

Make your honeymoon in India more memorable as you choose among the variety of hills stations honeymoon tour packages. It offers you a perfectly romantic place for your honeymoon. Hill stations tour is like a magical place that cast a spell once you step into this place. This is why it is one of the honeymoon destinations in India. The atmosphere gives at chill to lovers making them closer to each other. Moreover, hill station destinations are all over the country making it more accessible to everyone. The spread of hill stations in India are able to meet high demands in honeymoon destinations. This brought Indian industry at their best in providing the right services and facilities.

The boom of hill stations in India is widely recognized all over the world, thus it is not that difficult to find a perfect place to stay. There are lots of hotels that preserve the beauty of the environment as you take a rest in well-furnished rooms. The things you should expect here is the unexpected beauty of nature. They say expect the unexpected because you might think well but hill stations will serve you the best.

Do not let this perfect time to lose. Make your honeymoon more memorable and start building a good relationship as you find a perfect gift for your love ones in hill stations. Your partner will probably embrace you when you brought them here. Avoid the hassle of choosing a perfect honeymoon destination. Start selecting among the suiting hill stations that will give you the desires of your heart.

Hill stations in India are among the well known destinations which summon scores of tourists to enjoy nature at its best. These hill stations are not only renowned for their salubrious climate and stunning scenery but also for serene ambiance of meadows and dense forests. Though most of the famous Indian hill stations are located in the foothills of the Himalayas but the Western Ghats, the Niligiri and the Palani Hills of the southern India also have some of the beautiful hill retreats. Thousands of tourists prefer hill station tour while they travel to India so that they can escape the cacophony of cities and towns. Some of the famous hill stations in India are:

Darjeeling

This is among the most romantic hill stations of India which is located in the state of West Bengal at an altitude of 2,134 meters above sea level. The abundant natural beauty and its closeness to the Himalayan massifs make it a most enchanting hill station which draws large number of tourists from several parts of the globe.

Darjeeling offers many interesting and exciting tourist attractions, the Toy Train being the biggest crowd-puller of this place. The Batasia Loop 5 km from the main Darjeeling city is another attraction of this place which is known for its soul stimulating natural beauty. The serene and scenic natural ambiances of Himalayan ranges and forests make it a paradise for nature lovers. But it is also a known destination for adventure freaks who love hiking, trekking and camping on Himalayan Mountains.

Ooty

The verdant hills, the lush green valleys and the pristine natural beauty make Ooty among the most famous hill resorts of South India. The serene and scenic beauty of lofty Nilgiri Mountains, dense forests, sprawling grasslands and miles of tea gardens designated this place with the title of ‘Queen of hill stations’. This picturesque hill station is pleasant all through the year, so there is no ‘wrong time’ to visit this place. Botanical Garden, Kalhatty Falls and Ooty Lake are some of the prominent attractions of this place which are must see attractions for tourists who visit this place from several parts of the globe.

Shimla

The awe-inspiring greenery, snow capped mountains and beautiful landscapes laden with pine, deodar, oak and rhododendron forests make Shimla among the most famous hill resorts of North India. This is also the capital city of Himachal Pradesh located at an altitude of 2,128 meters above sea level. The nature’s splendor and salubrious climate summons both national as well as international tourists from far and wide to enjoy pleasant summer and bone chilling winter. Viceregal Lodge, Photo Art Gallery, Sankat Mochan Temple,Tara Devi Temple, Shimla Ridge Christ Church, Jakhu Temple and Glen are the famous attractions of this place.

Almora, Srinagar, Mussoorie, Mount Abu and Munnar are some of the other prominent hill stations which are visited by nature lovers and adventure freaks during their travel to India.

A trip to Lansdown,one of the most tranquil hill stations in India.By students of Maulana azad medical college.

The ideal picture of our mother India is incomplete without its spotless white crown,which is formed by the picturesque hill stations in India. The entire north Indian hill stations prove to be an ideal gateway for various theme based tours. When it comes to the major mountain ranges and hill states in India – the Himalayas, Shivalik, Vindhyachal, Garhwal, Aravali, Nilgiri etc. are the favourite of almost all the tourists visiting India for their holidays.

States like Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttaranchal etc. are dotted with countless mountain ranges, pilgrimages and historical attractions. This way, a number of theme based tours are conducted here throughout the year. Places like Kashmir, Nainital, Manali, Mussoorie, Shimla, Dharamshala, Dalhousie, Khajjiar, Chamba, Lahaul Spiti, Ranikhet etc. are popular since the British era and are frequently visited by travellers even today with the same enthusiasm.

Top Hill Stations in India

Tours to Himachal Pradesh, the abode of the Himalayas, let you enjoy the captivating beauty of green meadows, deep valleys, snow-clad mountains, serene lakes and gushing streams. Places like Kullu, Manali, Rohtang Pass, Chamba, Dalhousie, Kangra, Khajjiar, Chamba, Kinnaur, Kufri, Mandi, Shimla, Dharamshala etc. are ideal for activities like trekking, relaxing and spending quality time with your loved ones. Massive Dhauladhar range, which touches Dharamshala, has always been a renowned hill resort since the British Raj. On the other hand, Jammu & Kashmir has always proved itself as a divine paradise on earth. Apart from the spell binding beauty of hill stations like Srinagar, Gulmarg, Sonmarg and Pahalgam, the state offers superb houseboats. These boats provide you with a lifetime opportunity to sail through the tranquil lakes in Kashmir and explore the virgin natural beauty there. Moreover, Uttaranchal – the land of Gods and Mountains – is known for its adventure as well as religious tours. Carved out from 14 hilly districts of former Uttar Pradesh, the newly formed Uttaranchal offers Shivalik foothills and Greater Himalayas that add to the beauty of various glaciers, passes, meadows, and trekking routes. Mussoorie, Nainital, Dehradun, Ranikhet, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri etc. are some of the highly frequented tourist destinations in Uttaranchal.

Almost all of the above places are well connected by air, rail and road to the major Indian cities. Seeking true peace amidst nature or the best of adventure sports in hilly areas? – India tourism is unbeatable.

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India is a popular destination for tourists. The country has a large number of hill stations, deserts, rivers and grassy grounds. Hill stations in India are popular among the tourists for several reasons like snow capped rolling mountain ranges and excellent sports facilities. These stations attract adventure tourists, sports lovers and wildlife lovers alike. The hill stations of India are spread across the entire length and breadth of the country. While most of the hill stations of the country are located in its Northern and North Eastern regions, Southern India also has many beautiful hill stations.

The popular hill stations of the country are: Kullu Manali, Shimla, Mussorrie, Nainital, Almora, Dehradun, Gulmarg, Leh, Ladakh, Mount Abu, Tawang, Munnar and Mahabaleshwar. Most of these stations are visited by tourists to enjoy the scenic beauty of the region. A large number of tourists come to these places to enjoy adventure sports, skiing, trekking, mountaineering, river rafting, yachting, paragliding, excursions etc. Some destinations have formidable forts which give the testimony for India’s glorious past.

Kullu Manali tour is one of the favorites of nature lovers. Both of these hill stations are located in Himachal Pradesh state of North India. The stations are highly popular among honeymooners as they provide a romantic, calm and pleasant ambience to the newlyweds. Meadow, orchards and flowers fill the ambience with sweet fragrance and make it more romantic.

Kullu and Manali, both of these hill stations are separated by a distance of 40 kms. While Kullu is famous for its apple laden valleys, Manali is popular of awesome skiing slopes. The popular stoppage points of Kullu Manali tour are Rohtang Pass, Solang Valley, Hadimba Devi Temple, Raghunath Temple and Manikaran Sahib. Rohtang pass is one of the highest located motorable pass in the world and is located at an altitude of 4,112 metres. Manikaran Sahib is a holy place for Sikhs and there is natural hot water spring near its Gurudwara.

Shimla tour has its own attractions for the travelers. The beautiful hill station is also known as the “Queen of the Hills”. The picturesque station has mind blowing topography, rolling hills, dense forest, chatty mountain streams and lush green valleys. The popular destinations of Shimla tour are The Mall, Jakhoo Temple. The Christ Church, Chadwick Falls, the Sankat Mochan Temple, Padam Palace and Viceroy Lodge. The Mall is a commercial point where you could shop for artifacts, textile, handicrafts and other curios. Christ Church has tainted glass window and clocks while Jakhoo Temple provides you a panoramic view of snow clad mountains. The nearby places for excursion are Kufri, Chail, Mashobra and Naldhera.

There are many more hill stations in India which you may also plan to visit like Mussorrie, Nainital and Munnar. The attractions of Mussorrie are Gun Hill, Bhatta Fall and Childer’s Lodge. Nainital has Naini Lake, Naina Devi Temple and Hanuman Garhi, while the beautiful Munnar is famous for Rajamala Wildlife Sanctuary and Eravikulam National Park.

The picturesque greenery in India is a place of vacation. Each part of the country is blessed with lofty hillocks, which has its own unique identity. Some knock at the heat of adventure seekers, while many offers pleasant hours to its explorers. The rolling hill-stations in North India unfurls pleasure and excitement all together. No one can bet to catch-hold of their beauty at a single trip.

Therefore, to help you find your kind of place, we bring to you a travel kit containing brief about the popular hill-stations in North India

Almora
Known as the cultural capital of Kumaon, Almora is one of the charming destinations in Uttarakhand. It is located at an altitude of 1, 638 meters above the sea level and holds the many attractions. Some popular one are Chitai Temple, Nanda Devi Temple, Deer Park, Bright End Corner and Kasar Devi Temple. The best time to visit Almora is from April to June and September to November.

Dehradun
A tour to Dehradun hill-station in Uttaranchal offers the chance to undergo a wildlife safari in Rajaji National Park. It is positioned at an altitude of 2200 feet above the sea level and is idyllic for trekkers. Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple is a must visit center here. Days between March and April is the best time to explore its beauty.

Gulmarg
The meadow of flowers, Gulmarg is situated in the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir. The snow-capped hill-stations measures about 2730 meters above the sea level and therefore is the best place for snow-skiing, that starts from December and continues till April. The 18-hole golf course and the gondola lift, here is popular in the tourist circuit.

Leh
Remarked as the Buddhist capital of India, the mesmerizing Leh attracts adventure lovers from all over the world. The snow-covered hills of Himalayas offers challenging sports like hiking, trekking, river-rafting, polo, archery and lot more. The must-visit places in the hill-station are Leh Palace, Namgyal Hill, Victory Tower, Buddhist gompas, Shanti Stupa and Mahabodhi Meditation Center.

Ladakh
This incomparable hill-station in Himachal Pradesh is one of the most adventure destination in India. The place is surrounded by the Great Himalayas, the Karakoram, the Ladakh range and the Zanskar range, which challenges adventure trekkers in no time. Besides, travelers can also peep into the tribal areas and observe their unusual style of living.

Mount Abu
Mount Abu can be called as oasis in the desert land, Rajasthan. It is situated at the southern tip of the Aravali range and is featured by arid regions, marked with ancient rocks, lofty hills and whispering breeze. The hill-station represents a surprising array of majestic Dilwara Jain Temples, all of which date back from 11th to 13th centuries.

Mussoorie
Situated about 35 kms from Dehradun, this hill-station dotted with picturesque spot that ensnares tourist, visiting India. It lies in the Shivalik mountains in Himalayan foothills and measures about 1970 meters above the sea-level. Days between March to June counts a number of groups enjoying the speechless evergreen beauty of Mussoorie. A number of waterfalls like Kempty falls, Mossey Falls and Bhatta Falls, fascinates holidaymakers here.

Nainital
Nainital tourism is a way to take break from the bustling city life. The hill-station is nestled at an altitude of 1938 meters above the sea level and an is a popular summer retreat in India. Tourist can manage a stay in the luxury hill resorts here and can make a visit to prime attractions like Naina Peak, View Point, Hanumangarh temple, St. John Church etc. Enthusiast can enjoy boat rides and yatching on some of its breath-taking lakes.

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Shimla-the queen of all hill stations,is one of the most popular hill stations in India.Its well developed facilities, easy accessibility and many other attractions makes it the most sought after hill resort in India.It is surrounded by pine, cedar, oak and rhododendron forests,in the lower Himalyan ranges.Shimla is favourite amongst all type of people,be it honeymooners,families, youngsters & old people.

Most of the people comes to the sylvan heights to spend some time in the lap of hills & to enjoy the pleasures of natural bounties out there.

Main Tourist attractions in Shimla-
The Ridge-

This is the best place in Shimla,where one can spend many hours in a day,basking in the warmth of the lazy sun.This place experiences a mixed crowd of young and the old,having a stroll or talking against the backdrop of the glittering peaks.

Lakkad Bazaar-

This place,popularly known as the world of wooden marvels lies right below the ridge.This market offers a wide variety of items carved out of wood.One can get anything from key chains, walking sticks, massagers, toys and jewellery boxes to sailor’s wheels, planters and
stationary holders.One can pick a plenty of things for friends and relatives, without flattening your wallets.

St Michael’s Cathedral-

This cathedral was Once considered to be the Michael’s Cathedral is a stained-glass masterpiece. It is masterpiece of stained-glass.It is a place that makes you learn the qualities of Hope, Faith, Patience and Humility.

Institute of Advanced Studies-

Orginally,this institute was the Viceregal Lodge,built in in 1888,it is a perfect example of a magnificent English Renaissance grey-stone edifice set admist beautiful gardens and lawns. The grounds of this place are open for visitors only on Sundays,otherwise the is by ticket.

Tara Devi Temple-

The panoramic views,provided by this temple leave visitors gasping.Situated atop a hill,& lying amidst the oak and rhododendrons, it is accessible by road, rail and by foot.

To know more about “indian-hill-stations” visit this site: http://www.indian-hill-stations.com

It is a known fact that hill stations are most popular in India. In fact, the word “hill station” has been coined in India, according to a popular website http://www.hillstations.com (which happens to be my favorite resource whenever I plan to visit one of them). So, while most travel solution providers offer packages like “9 day travel in India” or even a “30 day travel”, do you think it is really possible to visit the whole of India, check out all the sight seeing, go shopping and collect souvenirs, and actually experience the pleasures that each of them offer, all in a month? Certainly not – not by a long shot! Not even if you have a private jet plane or helicopter (or both) at your disposal. Even if you took a vacation of one whole year, you would never cover it all. My advice is – take a few locations which are close to each other at a time and keep the rest for next time. This way, you won’t have to rush around hurriedly.

Ideally, I would suggest breaking up your plan into 4 major parts – East, West, North and South of India (assuming that you’re not from India). You can then plan your visits to each of them in such a way that you can cover each part in one, two or three visits. Of course, this also depends on how much time you have at your disposal. Let us see what hill stations fall in these 4 parts:

In the North part of India, you can visit Shimla, Nainital, Kullu, Manali, Mussoorie, Chail, Badrinath, Gangotri, Mount Abu, Khajjiar and Sonamarg. Other hill stations in the North are Almora, Bhimtal, Chamba, Dalhousie, Dhanaulti, Dharamsala, Gulmarg, Kangra, Kufri, Kasauli, Khilanmarg, Kausani, Ladakh, Mukteshwar, Pachmarhi, Pahalgam, Patnitop, Ranikhet, Renuka, Srinagar, Zanskar and Pithoragarh.

In the East part of India, you can visit Darjeeling, Shillong, Tawang, Mirik and Kalimpong.

In the West part of India you can visit Lonavala, Khandala, Mahabaleshwar, Panchgani, Saputara, Matheran and Panhala.

In South India, you can visit Anantagiri Hills, Coonoor, Devikulum, Horsley Hills, Idukki, Kodaikanal, Ooty, Munnar, Nandi Hills and Peermade. Other hill stations in South are Agumbe, Horanadu, Kemmannagundi, Ponmudi, Coorg, Aruku Valley, Wayanad, Yercaud and Kotagiri.

Side note: I may have missed a few hill stations, it would be best to visit the website in the link from this article if you want the complete list and also the information on them.

Originally used by Britishers as summer capitals to escape the summer heat, hill stations now serve as tourist attractions after India got its Independence. All the hill stations are mostly known for the ambiance, the beauty, the sanctity, the peace and the serenity. So it would be impossible to give justice to them individually in a tiny article such as this. It would be in your best interest to read the information, watch the videos and pictures about them, work out your budget as per the hotel and resort tariffs, check which one matches your choice, nature, preference and budget, and then take an informed decision on which ones to visit.

I would like to give you some useful tips before you set off visiting them. Do plenty of research before leaving. Try to get good deals on hotels and resorts, especially if you’re visiting off season. Carry plenty of cash – you may not get ATMs at some places, and some places don’t accept credit cards. Carry battery operated torches, extra clothes depending on the weather and climate, and an extra pair of sports shoes. Don’t forget your cameras, accessories and picture storage options (films or memory chips). And, of course, extra batteries too – you may not get a chance to recharge as often as required.

Since most hotels and resorts charge on a minimum twin sharing basis, it makes sense in having a colleague with you (better still, a group of like minded folks). It not only makes the tour more pleasant, it also allows you to save money and gives you a sense of security. I wish you the best of pleasure in your visit to hill stations!