Posts Tagged ‘QUEEN’

Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was surely a great connoisseur of destinations who described Ooty ‘the Queen of Hill Stations’. The short version of Udagamandalam, Ooty is situated at an altitude of 2240 m which blesses the town with salubrious climate and spectacular beauty. The capital of the Nilgiri district in Tamilnadu, Ooty is one of the most acclaimed holidaying retreats characterized by mountains, dense woods, rolling meadows, aromatic tea gardens and lush green valleys. This quaint hill station caught the attention of the British and remained their summer resort for a long time. The enchanting beauty of this paradisaical territory is unparalleled and draws numerous nature lovers. The annual tea and tourism festival is a major lure for the tourists who throng in here in enormous numbers. Visiting this cool hill station during this festive season is a remarkable experience.

The entire town is a feast to the eyes and you just cannot take your eyes off the panoramic vistas offered by this place. The lake at Ooty is the prime landmark and enriches the exquisiteness of this town. There are several other places of tourist interest in Ooty that should not be missed out. Botanical Gardens made by the Marquis of Tweepdale is located on the downhill slopes of the Dodabetta peak. This charming garden is replete with lily ponds and many curt bushes. A fossil of tree trunk here is a top draw amongst the tourists as it is believed to be 20 million years old.

The St. Stephen’s Church is one of the oldest churches in Nilgiri and was built in the year 1829. Some of the other noteworthy attractions in Ooty comprise Government Museum, Ketty Valley View and Doddabetta.

Ooty is also popular for a number of interesting and picture perfect sites that can be explored during the excursions. In your leisure, you can embark on the short excursions and discover some of the unfrequented places of pristine beauty. Some of the important spots you must visit on your excursions are Madumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Kotagiri, Sim’s Park, Dolphin’s Nose, Avalanche and Coonoor. Apart from these attractions, Ooty is also recognized for its fairs and festivals when the entire ambiance is filled with joy and excitement. Makar Pongal and Flower Show are the two events besides the renowned tea and tourism festival which is held annually.

Relax and luxuriate in any of your favorite  hotels. You choose any Hotels in Ooty to put up in. There are various types of accommodations available in Ooty and include the luxury, heritage, three star and budget categories. The unmatched south Indian hospitality will surely win the heart of even the most discriminating tourists.

Ooty is well linked by air, rail and road. The nearest airport is located in Coimbatore and is well connected to Chennai, Mumbai and Bangalore. Mettupalayam is the main railway station on narrow gauge and is connected to Chennai.

Ooty has motorable road network and regular bus services for Ooty are available from Coimbatore, Trichy, Bangalore, Madurai, Kanya Kumari, Mysore, Palghat, Calicut and Tirupati.

Choose this captivating hill station for your tour the next time you visit India as it promises to make your tour a rewarding experience.

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
 

Shimla the”Queen of Hill Stations.” Situated in the north-West Himalayas, Shimla the summer capital of India before independence is now the capital of Himachal Pradesh. Shimla derives its name from “Shyamala”;- the goddess Kali, whose temple existed in the dense forest that covered Jakhu Hill in the early 19th century. The English named it Simla. Shimla is well connected by air, road and rail with all parts of Himachal Pradesh, and the neighbouring states of Punjab, Haryana, Jammu and Kashimir and the Union territory of Chandigarh. Covering the area of 18 sq. km. at a height of 7,238 ft. Shimla is surrounded by pine, deodar, oak and rhododendron forests. Its well developed facilities, easy accessibility and numerous attractions make it one of Indian’s most popular and biggest hill-stations.

Shimla is connected to the city of Kalka by one of the longest narrow gauge railway routes in India. Shimla is approximately 115 km (71.4 miles) from Chandigarh, the nearest major city, and 365 km (226.8 miles) from New Delhi, the national capital. The city is named after the goddess Shyamala Devi, an incarnation of the Hindu Goddess Kali.

Shimla Tourist Attractions

The Mall: Known as ‘the Heart of Shimla’, the Mall is the main shopping centre of the place. It is teemed with colorful shops that sell various curios and trinkets to tourists. For gourmands, the place is next to heaven with a huge array of exotic cuisines and local delights. No vehicles except the emergent ones (like fire brigades and ambulances) are allowed inside the mall which makes it a pedestrian’s delight.

Tara Devi Temple: Among the various places to visit in Shimla, this temple occupies a crucial place and is also of great importance for the pilgrims. It is located on top of a hill facing Shimla and commands panoramic vistas of Shimla. It is also an ideal picnic spot surrounded by thick forest of oak and rhododendron.

Chadwick Falls: These are the 67 metres high water falls which come streaming down from the Summer Hill. The falls are set amidst thick forest at a height of 1586 metres. The falls are at their best after monsoons. You can go and explore the tracks in the forest on your own, deodar trees line the forest. There are also some old temples closeby and a fair is held here in April every year.

Himachal State Museum: The museum showcases a large collection of Pahari miniatures, stone sculpture, local handicrafts, textiles and embroidery.

Nature Park, Kufri : Kufri is a well known tourist resort near Shimla. A large number of tourists visiting Shimla also visit Kufri where a nature park has been established. In this park rare varieties of Hangal, Barking Deer, Musk Deer, Brown Bear, rare species of Monal and other pheasants are kept in social groupings

Accommodation

Shimla, being a very popular holiday destination amongst Indians & foreigners, does not leave scope for complaint in context of accommodation. Right from the luxury travelers to the budget ones, no one will find the hill station lacking in accommodation .Hotels in Shimla cater to every need and budget. The luxury ones provide world-class amenities and excellent hospitality, while the budget ones make sure to never ever put a strain on your budget. Some of the most popular hotels in Shimla are Wildflower Hall, Oberoi Cecil, Radisson, Shilon Resort, Hotel Asia The Dawn, East Bourne Resort, Chapslee Palace, Woodville Palace Resorts, etc.

Queen of the Hills in the Indian Himalayas

Darjeeling is one of the most magnificent hill resorts in the world. The flaming red rhododendrons, the sparkling white magnolias, the miles of undulating hillsides covered with emerald green tea bushes, the exotic forests of silver fir, all under the blanket of a brilliant azure sky dappled with specks of clouds, compellingly confounds Darjeeling as the QUEEN OF HILL STATIONS.

Darjeeling beckons thousands today for a leisurely respite from the bustle of the madding crowd.The traveller-whether a green-tourist,or a trekker, a photographer, a botanist, an adventure tourist or families with kids -  will find in Darjeeling an experience which will remain etched in ones memory — forever.

The nearest airport Bagdogra is is 90 kms from Darjeeling. One can travel to Bagdogra Airport from Delhi , Varanasi or Kolkata by direct flights and from there airport Cabs and taxis are available easily for a trip to the Darjeeling hills.

For people willing to travel cheaper,they can take a train to New Jalpaiguri from  the Sealdah Railway Station  in Kolkata.New Jalpaiguri is 88 kms from Darjeeling, the Queen of the Hills in the Himalayas in Eastern India. The Toy-Train to Darjeeling starts fro the New Jalpaiguri Station.

A Toy-Train ride through the lush green valleys full of tea-gardens is connected from New Jalpaiguri Railway Station. This joy ride begins at New Jalpaiguri, a busy railway station in the plains. The plains are much more warmer than the hills and as the train climbs up the mountains the climate gets much colder. Therefore it is advisable to keep warm clothes handy as one needs them. Leaving New Jalpaiguri station the train passes through the outskirts of Siliguri town and reaches Siliguri station. After a short halt the train leaves Siliguri station and crosses the Mahanadi bridge over the Mahanadi river which flows from the Himalayan foothills. Finally the train enters the Darjeeling Station, the destination of the journey. Darjeeling, the Queen of the Hills in the Himalayas  is a town with all its charm and beauty that awaits the weary traveller.

Ooty also known as Udhagamandalam is the “Queen of hill stations” and the capital of Nilgiris district. It is one of the most popular tourist resorts in India. Nilgiris means “Blue Mountains”. It is a land of picturesque picnic spots. Used to be popular summer and weekend getaway for the Britishers during the colonial days. It is situated at an altitude of 2240 meters above sea level

Shimla, was the Summer capital of India under British rule . Presently, it is the state capital of Himachal Pradesh, with its population around 1.6 lacs (Shimla town only). Shimla has seen many important historical events such as the famous Shimla Pact between India & Pakistan which was signed here. The place is also famous for its natural beauty, architectural buildings, wooden crafts and apples .

The large open space in the heart of town presents excellent view of the mountain ranges. Shimla’s landmarks – the Neo-Gothic structure of Christ Church and the new – Tudor Library building is worth seeing.

Most of Shimla’s landmarks are located here. The Mall further joins the Ridge at the ‘Scandal Point’ of Kipling’s Shimla, where a statue of the nationalist leader Lala Lajpat Rai has been erected.This is the main shopping centre of Shimla with restaurants. This is especially pleasant in the evenings when the views and lights are wonderful. The Gaiety Theatre, which is a reproduction of an old British theatre is a center of cultural activities. A passenger lift of HPTDC can be taken from the Cart Road and the Mall. Lakkar Bazaar adjacent to the Ridge is popular for its wood-crafts and souvenirs.

Shimla is full of Hotels and Restaurants and there are around 500 hotels in Shimla, which includes One Five star hotel (Cecil Hotel) and many three star hotels. There are many Govt. Guest Houses and private Guest Houses. So accommodation is no problem in Shimla but to be on safer side one should book accommodation in advance for stay in Shimla, especially during the peak seasons of summer and Christmas.

Fascinating composition of the lush greens forests, the cascading rivers and lofty mountains of the Kanchenjunga and the Mount Everest makes Darjeeling a magnificent hill resort of incredible India. The artistic diversification of natural beauty makes it a hot spot for tourists  trekkers, ornithologists, photographers, botanists and artists. This place is internationally known for its Tea Industry and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (toy train), which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Background:

This wonderful hill station is situated at an average elevation of 6,982 ft (2,128 meters)  in the lower Shivalik Hills region. Initially, it was a part of Nepal and Sikkim but after Indian independence it became an integral part of the West Bengal State.

Fascinating Attractions:

Darjeeling Toy Train:

It is the name given to the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. Managed by the Indian Railways, this toy train is a 2 ft (610 mm) narrow-gauge railway route from Siliguri to Darjeeling.

The train covers the distance of 86 km, rising from 100 meter at Siliguri to about 2,200 meter at Darjeeling. The steady puffing of toy train through the lush green valley gives a lifetime chance to witness the serene beauty of nature. The snaky railway track  passing over gushing waterfalls,  and greenery stretching for miles with panoramic views of snow capped lofty mountains is beyond imaginative description of effulgence nature’s beauty. The historical significance combined with tourism importance earned this train the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.

Zoological Park:

It is popularly known as the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park and its main objective  is to preserve the endangered species of animals. This zoo houses a number of endangered species such as Red Panda, Tibetan Wolf, the Siberian Tiger and Snow Leopard.

The Lloyd’s Botanical Garden:

It is a colourful garden known for its preserved endangered species of flora. The display of 150 species of Cacti and Succulent is the main attraction of it. The garden is also noted for its Orchid collections.

Darjeeling is one of the most magnificent hill resorts in the world. The scattered natural beauty is the charm of this place. Some of the other noteworthy tourists spots here include Kalimpong, Gangtok, Mirik,The Tiger Hill,  Ghoom and many more.

This hill station can be visited throughout the year but the best season to visit is from May to June  and from September to November. The gruelling sport activities of trekking and river rafting along with nature’s scenic pleasure makes Darjeeling an incredible destination of the north-east India.

India that is famous for tourist destination where tourists can find wide variety of sightseeing places, attractions, destinations to visit and lots more that attracts million of tourists every year. India is also Hill stations hub where tourists can spend their India holidays with their family to have enjoyable time. Darjeeling in India is known as queen of Hill stations. Darjeeling comprises visions of ataraxis, of vibrant green hills steeped in splendor, a land of breathtaking beauty crowned by the majestic Himalayas. Darjeeling is one of the most magnificent hill stations in the world. This heavenly retreat is bathed in chromaticities of every colour. The flaming red bushes, the sparkling white magnolias, the miles of cockling hillsides covered with emerald green tea bushes, the exotic forests of silver fir under the blanket of a brilliant cerulean sky mottled with mites of clouds, compellingly foxes Darjeeling as the QUEEN OF HILL STATIONS.

Darjeeling – the name is derived from the Tibetan word ‘Dorje’ which means the precious stone or ecclesiastical sceptre, which is emblematic of the thunderbolt of Indra, and ‘ling’ – a place, hence the land of the thunderbolt. The sceptre of Indra is believed to have fallen at a place where now stands the Observatory Hill in Darjeeling. Darjeeling is the ultimate destination for tourists while tours to India. The adventure destination of Darjeeling in West Bengal (India) offers several adventure sports to the daring. The cool height of the Himalayas, the spectacular sunrise and sunsets are unforgettable sights at Darjeeling. As it is Darjeeling attracts botanists, ornithologists, adventurers, photographers and holidaymakers alike.

Place of Interest, Spots and Sight Seeing in Darjeeling, India:

Tiger Hill:

Situated at an altitude of 2590 meters (8482 ft.) and 13 kms from the town, this spot has earned international fame for the magnificent view of the sunrise over “Kanchenjunga” and the great Eastern Himalayan Mountains. Even Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak, is visible from here.

Batasia Loop:

About 5 kms from Darjeeling, this Railway Loop is a marvelous feat of engineering. It is fascinating to watch the toy train wind its way round the loop. A glorious view of snowy peak and town can be seen from this place. Entrance fee: Rs. 2/- Timings: sunrise till two hours after sunset.

Observatory Hill:

Apart from the magnificent view it commands, great religious importance is attached to the observatory Hill by both Hindus and Buddhists who are worshipped here by the hundreds

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute & Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park:

Situated on Jawahar Par bat about 2 km. From Chowrasta, this unique institution trains mountaineers. It has a museum containing an interesting collection of mountaineering equipment. Adjacent to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, it is a high altitude wild life park and new home for Siberian Tiger, Himalayan Black Bear, Deer, Red Panda, Snow Leopard and Birds. Timings: 9 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. Closed on Thursday.

Natural History Museum:

Within walking distance from Chowrasta, this interesting museum contains comprehensive collection of the fauna of the region. Opens from 10 a.m. too 4 p.m. Closed on Thursdays.

Lloyds Botanical Garden:

A colourful garden situated just below the Market Motor Stand. It contains a representative collection of Himalayan plants, flowers, orchids etc. The green houses are well worth a visit. Timing: 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Chunnu Summer Falls (Rock Garden) & Gangamya Park:

A worth-seeing place. Beautiful combination of natural hill rocks decorated with fountains and flower gardens. Boating facilities available.

Hayden Hall:

Woolen carpets, cotton shoulder bags, table mats, hand knitted pure woolen sweaters and caps are available for sale at reasonable prices. The items are woven by the local ladies.

Senchal Lake: A favourite Excursion and picnic spot about 10 km. from the town. Senchal Lake provides water supply to Darjeeling town.

Singla: At an Altitude 244 meters or 800 ft. (approx.), this attractive picnic spot near Rangeet River has been earmarked by the Department of Tourism, DGHC for a water sports complex.

Apart from this there are more destinations in Darjeeling where tourists can visit during their India tours like Gram Silpa, Barbotey Rock Garden, Garg World Amusement Park, Lebong Race Course, Happy Valley Tea Estate, Ava Art Gallery, Chunnu Summer Falls (Rock Garden) & Gangamya Park.

Our trip to Mahabaleshwar the hill station in Maharashtra, India in 1997. Mahabaleshwar, which is about 220Km away from Mumbai (Bombay) is considered to be the queen amongst all hill stations of Maharashtra

Our trip to Mahabaleshwar the hill station in Maharashtra, India in 1997. Mahabaleshwar, which is about 220Km away from Mumbai (Bombay) is considered to be the queen amongst all hill stations of Maharashtra

Our trip to Mahabaleshwar the hill station in Maharashtra, India in 1997. Mahabaleshwar, which is about 220Km away from Mumbai (Bombay) is considered to be the queen amongst all hill stations of Maharashtra

Joyfull journey on the World famous Toy Train from Mettupalaiyam to OOTY, the QUEEN OF HILL STATIONS!!!

Trip to Ooty conducted by Muneer KM ,Sirajuddeen KM, Mahmood UA, Jasim Khalid, Shemeer Kassim, Ishaq AK (Aaji) on 13-14 December 2008

Himachal Pradesh, a wonderful state nestled between the Indian Himalayas and is often referred to as the magical showcase of nature’s splendors. Himachal houses some of the most beautiful hill stations like Shimla, Manali, Kasauli, Khajjiar, Dalhousie and Mcleodganj.

But Shimla the capital city of Himachal also known as the Queen of Hills has emerged as the popular hill station and tourist destination in India and hence visited throughout the year for honeymoon vacations, pilgrimage temple tour and adventure activities for an enjoyable and fun filled holiday in Himachal. There are lots of places one can visit during your trip to Shimla.

One can enjoy half day city tour visiting Indian Institute of Advance Study a magnificent building with a well-maintained and beautiful lawn in front of it. It was in this building that India’s destiny was decided by the British. One can also visit the Shimla State Museum, one of the biggest museums of north India and relive the History.

An evening scroll in the famous shopping place of Shimla town-The Mall, Ridge and Lakkar Bazaar completes the day with an enriching feeling.

Get pleasure from the lush slopes, waterfalls and the greenery against the backdrop of the hills and fantabulous travel to famous Chini Bangla, enjoy horse riding and Go-Cart ride at Fun world in Kufri. Chail is worth visiting for a full day excursion where you can see the famous Maharaja Palace which is now converted into a luxury retreat by Himachal Pradesh Tourism and witness the world’s highest cricket ground in Chail along with a golf course in Naldehra the famous picnic spot.

So, come and make your trip a vacation for a life time in the “Queen of Hills” Shimla, Himachal Pradesh with Himachalhotels.in catering to your service by providing online booking for luxury, deluxe, budget hotels in Shimla and car rental reservation to make your trip a memorable one.

EXPERIENCE THE CHILL AND THRILL OF NILGIRIS