Indian Nature-Full Of Life

HILL STATIONS IN INDIA


AULI

Auli is a comparatively recent addition to the tourist map of India. Located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand among snow capped mountains, this small town is fast becoming one of the major tourist attractions of Uttarakhand. The main attraction of Auli is skiing. It is considered by many to be the best skiing slope found in Asia. Skiing in India is catching up as a popular winter sport. The vast snow-capped landscape and the perfect slopes flanked by oak and coniferous forests make Auli an ideal destination for skiing enthusiasts. November to March is usually the skiing season in Auli.

The landscape of Auli is a visual treat with the Nanda Devi peak standing tall amongst the mountains facing the snowy slopes. The Hathigauri, Neelkanth, Comet and Eravath mountains present a spectacular panoramic view from Auli. The area offers splendid trekking routes to adventure lovers. A ropeway from Joshimath to Auli is one of the longest in India, extending to 4.15 kilometers. Auli is also the venue for the National Winter games in the months of February and March. Among the other interesting aspects of Auli is the grazing land spread over 6 kilomteres, known as Byugal in the local language. A large number of colorful flowers blossom during the monsoon.

The population of Auli in Uttarakhand is composed of Tibetans belonging to the Bhotiya ethnic group. Hinduism is the chief religion practiced here. There are many scenic and interesting spots around Auli. Joshimath, also called Jyotirmath is the site of one of the four religious centers established by the Hindu religious saint Adi Shankara. Badrinath, and Hemkunda sahib are among the famous religious centers located close to Auli. The valley of flowers is known for the colorful flowers that blossom there.

Pithoragarh is another important tourist destination near Auli. Pilgrims to Kailash Manasarovar trek through this scenic town. The town of Bageshwar has many historic temples including the Baijnath temple, believed to have been built by the Pandavas. Almora is another important district near Auli. It is famous for many old temples.

Auli is attracting an increasing number of adventure lovers and vacationers each year. Thanks to the promotional efforts of the state Government, this little hill station is already a major contributor to tourism in Uttarakhand.

DALHOUSIE
Dalhousie is a beautiful hill station in the state on Himachal Pradesh. The city was established in the year 1854 during the British rule in India and is situated on and around five hills. Located on the Western side of the Dhauladhar mountain range of the Himalayas, the city is the gateway to the ancient Chamba Hill State. The city is situated about 6000 ft above the sea level and has a large number of destinations which attracts tourists from all around the World. The hill region in which the city stands is a repository of ancient Hindu culture and is bounded by temples all around.

Dalhousie is the home to many temples and Churches. The temples in the Chamba region dates back to the 7th Century AD. The rulers of Chamba were great patrons of art which is depicted in the architectures of these temples. Craftsmen from remote areas of Northern India, who used to take shelter in this region during the medieval Indian Historical period, were patronized by the rulers of this region. The bronze idols made by these craftsmen are still extant in the temples of the region. Some of the important temples in the region include the Lakshminarian Temple, Hari Rai Temple, Chamunda Devi Temple, Lakshna Devi and Shakti Devi Temples, Mindal Vasni Temple, Temple of Purthi, and the Mani-Mahesh Temple. The Minjar fair, which is one of the most awaited festivals every year in the Chamba Valley, is held each year in the month of August. Thousands of tribal people and tourists assemble here on the occasion of this festival.

The British rule in this region also experienced development of a large number of Churches Between 1894 and 1909 AD, there were about four churches made in this region, St. John’s Church being the oldest one. Other Churches include the St. Francis Church, St. Andrew's Church, and the St. Patrick's Church. There is also an elite convent residential school at Dalhousie, which was built in 1910 exclusively for girls.The city has a good transportation system with railways, roads and air traffic services. Pathankot in North Punjab has the nearest Airport and the railway station. Besides, there are private car and luxury bus services to ferry travelers from one part of the city to the other.

DARJEELING
Darjeeling is also called 'Queen of the hills'. This famous hill station in the state of West Bengal in India is one of the highlights of Indian tourism and West Bengal tourism benefits significantly from the vast number of Indian and international tourists that visits Darjeeling every year. The town is also the capital of the Darjeeling district which is the northernmost district of West Bengal bordering Nepal. The town offers fantastic vacations in summer as well as winter. The view of the Himalayas, particularly the magnificent view of the Kanchenjungha is one of the major attractions of Darjeeling. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, popularly known as the toy train, has become the symbol of Darjeeling

Major tourist attractions in Darjeeling
Every nook and corner of Darjeeling fascinates the tourist. The mall, the sloping streets, the beautiful colonial buildings, the pines, temples, monasteries and even the whistling toy train combine to make Darjeeling one of the best hill stations in India. The major tourist spots in Darjeeling are-

Darjeeling Mall
The mall is one of the most popular places in Darjeeling. It is the center of tourist activities in the town and most of the hotels are clustered around the mall. The mall is also the location of the taxi stands from where tourists can hire taxis to the sites in and around Darjeeling. Many shops including old bookshops and curio stores are a major draw in the mall. The first site to welcome tourists at the mall is the local people offering pony rides and photographers clicking pictures of people as they ride the ponies. People tired from walking can take a break and sit on the many benches placed in the mall and sip the excellent tea sold by local tea vendors. There are many restaurants, cafes, and ice cream parlors around the mall. Early morning and evenings are the best time to stroll in the mall.

Ghoom Monastery
Ghoom is the last destination of the famous Darjeeling toy train. Located six kilomerters from Darjeeling, Ghoom is home to the famous Ghoom monastery at an altitude of 2407 meters. The main attraction of the monastery is the 4.5 meter statue of Maitreya Buddha.

GANGTOK

Gangtok is the capital city Sikkim, the second smallest state of India. Famous for its many important monasteries, and for the picturesque views of the Himalayas, Gangtok is one of the important hill-station of the country. In Gangtok you can see a smooth blend of both tradition and modernity. Located at an altitude of 1547 m above sea level, Gangtok houses some of the important Buddhist religious sites too. The existence of the peaceful Chortens or Stupas, old monasteries and the un-spoilt natural beauty of Gangtok offers you a truly unique traveling experience.

Gangtok in Sikkim is well connected by roads, rail and air transport. The nearest airport is at Bagdogra in West Bengal. There are helicopter services from Bagdogra to Sikkim. The nearest railhead is at New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal, which is connected by regular trains from different cities in India. One can easily reach Gangtok by road from the airport and the railway station. The city is connected with West Bengal by all weather roads which connect Siliguri and Kalimpong in West Bengal with Sikkim.

The city of Gangtok is also famous for having wide varieties of flora and fauna. The main vegetation in the forests of Gangtok consists of Oak, Katus, and Kimbu. One can visit the sanctuaries in and around Gangtok in Sikkim like the Fambong La Wildlife Sanctuary, Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary. One can visit these sanctuaries between the months of March and May and again between September and November.

KULLU

Capital town of the Kullu District, in the state of Himachal Pradesh, the hill station of Kullu is located along the banks of the Beas River in the Kullu Valley at around 10km northwards of the airport at Bhuntar. Sprawled amid the fascinating Kullu valley, it has the mighty Himalayas for its backdrop. The several temples and the yearly Dussehra festival attract huge number of tourists both in the form of devotees as well as sheer travelers.Kullu gives you major options of tourism as there are numerous tourist attractions in Kullu and around the town as well. The scenic beauty of the place will prove to be the main attraction on your tour to Kullu. Set amid the lower base of the Himalayas, this small town offers breathtaking views of valleys like Ani, Manikaran, Korpan, Lug, Banjar, Garsa, several apple orchards, and the imposing Himalayan ranges all of which go on to create a captivating atmosphere for the tourists.

Kullu is well-known for its temples and festivals. The main tourist interest of Kullu is the Raghunath Temple, devoted to Lord Ram, who is one of the important deities of the Hindus in general and the patron deity of the whole Kullu valley. It was built by Raja Jagat Singh, the former ruler of Kullu, in 1660 to amend for his sins. He got an idol of Lord Ram from Ayodhya and established it within the premises of this temple. Jagannathi Devi Temple or the Bekhli temple is at a distance of 3 km from Kullu and is sited in the village of Bekhli. It is a steep 1½ hour ascent to the temple, but it provides a wonderful view of Kullu which is worth the climb.

Among the festivals celebrated widely in Kullu are Malani, Phalguni, Shahri Jatra and Birshu. Kullu Valley, also referred to as the “Valley of Gods”, is renowned for the seven day festival of Dussehra, a festivity of the mythological Lord Rama’s victory over the evil king Ravana.

ullu is also a major hub of Himalayan Adventure Sports activities. Kullu Valley is recognized all over the world for Heliskiing. This sport is generally arranged near Bhrigu peaks in the Hamta pass. Solang Nala is also another convenient venue for the sport. You can enjoy the thrill of river rafting through the rough waters of River Beas.


Other places of tourist interest in the region include Manikaran and Vashisht village near Manali (hot water springs) at 40 km north of Kullu. Malana, Kaish-Dhaar in Lug Valley, Bijli Mahadev, Bhekhli and Bajaura are dotted with the famous temples of the area. Towards the north lies the eminent town of Manali, which leads onto the Lahaul and Spiti Valley through the Rohtang pass.

MANALI

Travel to Manali is immensely popular among the tourists as it is considered to be an ideal getaway to escape the heat of summer. Situated on the Beas River, it is renowned for its scenic beauty. The breathtaking beauty of the landscapes can leave you mesmerized here at Manali. You can also see the true beauty of nature here. There was a time when this place was more like a sleepy town, away from the glare of bustling city life. But now, it has undergone a sea change and the place has emerged as a major tourist destination.


Manali is a popular base for several trekking routes and mountaineering expeditions. You can opt for locations like Solang Valley and the way from Rohtang Pass into Lahaul-Spiti for initiating your trekking expeditions. As Manali is situated at the end of the valley, leading to Leh, on the National Highway, the beauty of the surrounding area is at its prime. When the white waters of the Beas rushes through the town and you can watch the snow capped peaks from here, you get the feeling as if you are living in paradise on earth. Lying a little beyond the town proper, are the dense pine and deodar trees, fruit orchards and tiny fields. Manali is great place for planning your holidays and also the starting point for initiating trekking to places like Spiti, Lahaul, Leh, Kinnaur and Zaskar regions in the Kashmir Valley. All these scenic beauty have earned the name of “Switzerland of India” for Manali.

Tourist attractions of Manali Hadimba Devi Temple is one of the tourist destinations of Manali which is famous for its exquisitely carved doorway. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Hadimba, a female Hindu deity. You will find a beautiful hot spring at Manikaran, located at an altitude of 1700m. There are three Tibetan monasteries to be found here which too are popular among tourists. Another famous spot here is the Vashisth baths where the hot water sulphur springs are renowned for their medicinal qualities.

Although Manali does not have any of its won airport, but you can get flights from the nearest located airports at Bhuntas. Flights from Delhi, Lucknow, Ludhiana and Shimla can be easily availed from here. The road transport here is also excellent. So you will not have to spare much thought on commutation during your Manali tours.

KASUALI

Kasauli is a small cantonment town in Solan District of Himachal Pradesh. This town is famous for the Kasauli Brewery which is the largest brewery in the World. The town has a very rich history. It is said that the city came into being when Lord Hanuman on his way of getting the Sanjeevani herb to cure Laxman landed here before jumping on the Sanjeevani Hill. This cantonment town is a wonderful place to spend a vacation with your family. However, being a cantonment area, entry is restricted without permission from concerned authorities and foreign tourists traveling in this town must carry a valid passport. We at Touristplacesinindia.com provide you with complete information on all that you want to know about Kasauli in Himachal Pradesh.

Kasauli in HP is easy of access by roads, railways and airways. The best way to reach here is by road. One can hire a private car or take a luxury bus towards Shimla and reach Dharampur. From Shimla, one can also take a toy train to Dharampur. To provide accommodation needs to the growing influx of tourist each year, numerous hotels have come around this town. Kasauli Regency situated at a height of about 5600 ft on Kasauli Hill is one of the best options for accommodation.

One of the major attractions in the city includes the Christ Church which is located near the bus stand. This 159 year old Church is a wonderful architectural creation which attracts visitors still today. The Church is located on a spur and is a must to be visited site for the tourist. Another major attraction in Kasauli is the Monkey Point which gives a wonderful view of the distant plains of the Chandigarh region. There is also a small temple on the top of the hill which is dedicated to Lord Hamuman. You can also visit Dharampur, which is on the National Highway No. 22 and is about 15 km from Kasauli. Besides, one can also visit the temples like Baba Balak Nath Temple and the Shirdi Sai Baba Mandir on their visit to Kasauli.
The two main walks around Kasauli, the Upper and Lower Mall are beautiful. The residents of Kasauli walk a lot, for Kasauli was always short on hill resort attractions and meant for getting about on your own two feet, in communion with nature or if you are lucky, a walking partner. The somewhat steep Upper Mall takes you past an important landmark, the Kasauli Club.

The Indian hill resort of Kasauli is easily accessible through air, road and rail from the other major Indian cities and states. touristplacesinindia can arrange for you all types of transport for your comfortable journey to and in Kasauli and throughout the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh.

KASHMIR
Kashmir, the paradise on Earth is a wonderful holiday destination for the tourists in India. This state lies in the North Western Part of the Indian Subcontinent and is surrounded by the Greater Himalayas and the Pir Pangal Range. The snow capped mountains, the landscaped gardens and the romantic houseboats will definitely give you a wonderful holiday experience.

The lakes, mosques, temples and the gardens add beauty to the city. Kashmiri cuisine is one of the major attractions of the city. If you want to enjoy the true natural beauty of the place put up in any of the Houseboats in Kashmir. We at Touristplacesinindia.com provide you with complete information on all that you want to know about Kashmir and about tourism in Kashmir.

Some of the attractions in the city which draw tourists form all around the world every year include:
Gulmarg: It lies in the Baramula District of Jammu and Kashmir and is also known as the “beauty spot” of Kashmir. It is a hill station located near Srinagar. Some of the attractions at Gulmarg include the Khilanmarg – which offers an unparalleled view of the Greater Himalayas, the Alpather Lake – a picturesque alpine lake which remains frozen until mid June and the Shrine of Baba Reshi.


Sonamarg: It is situated at a distance of 84 km from Gulmarg and is a picturesque destination with several mountain lakes like Kishansar, Gadsar, Satsar and Gangabal passing through it. You can drive here through the Sindh Valley. The Sindh River that passes through the valley abounds with trout and mahaseer.

Amarnathji Yatra: It is a pilgrim tour of Hindus during the month of July and August every year. Here there is a Stalagmite in the form of Shiva Lingam formed naturally of ice. On two sides of this Lingam there are two more ice lingams – one of Parvati and another of Ganesha.

MUSSOORIE

Mussoorie is distinctively known as the queen of hills, because of its out of the world splendor. One of the major tourist destinations in Uttrakhand, Mussoorie not only boasts of the picturesque views of the Himalayas and the Doon valley but it also showcases some of the rarest flora and fauna of the country. Standing magnificently among the foot hills of the Himalayas, this hill adorns the edge of the Garhwal Himalayas. With River Ganga on one end and River Yamuna on the other, Mussoorie stretches up to 12 miles in length.
Mussoorie is an essential part of Uttrakhand tourism. Apart from its own charismatic beauty, Mussoorie boasts of stupendous visions of the Himalayan ranges covered with snow and the charming views of the Doon valley and Haridwar. The irregular shapes of the hills clad in a cloak of green flora and white mist take you to a fairyland. The peaks of Chakhamba, Shrikantha, Banderpoonch and the Gangotri look beautiful from here and form some of the major tourist attractions in Mussoori

Traveling to Mussoorie is pretty convenient as it is well placed and well connected. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant in Dehradun. The closest railway station is also in Dehradun. There are many trains plying to and fro Haridwar and Rishikesh as well. Mussoorie is connected through proper roadways to all major towns and cities of Uttaranchal, Delhi, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh.

Being a major tourist site, Mussoorie provides world class accommodation options to the tourists. There are a number of hotels in Mussoorie. You have the options of 5 star, 3 star, budget hotels as well as lodges and inns to choose from. Generally, all major tour packages of Mussoorie include accommodation facilities.

NAINITAL

The picturesque town of Nainital is located at the foothills of the Kumaon ranges of the outer Himalayas. This town still exudes the colonial charm which engrosses the tourists dropping in here from all parts of the country and also from abroad. The scenic beauty of Nainital is simply unrivalled and the most prominent landmark here is the Nainital Lake also known as Tri-Rishi-Sarovar. Nainital is one of the most popular summer retreats in northern India and offers ample scope for adventure and sightseeing to ardent travelers. Moreover, its cool and healthy climate makes traveling extremely comfortable, a factor that contributes towards the growth of tourism here.

Nainital city in Uttarakhand offers many places of tourist interest to its visitors and to watch these attractions is a real delight. Naina Devi temple is among the major tourist attractions in Nainital and is a highly venerated place for the pilgrim travelers. The lake area in Nainital is the place where all the prime attractions of the town are to be found. Whether you are a nature lover, a honeymooner, a family holidaymaker or a pilgrim, your trip to Nainital will definitely be a delightful experience.

The Boat House Club is quite popular among the holidaying families and the honeymooners. A boat ride into the serene lake would surely be an unforgettable experience. Nainital is home to a large number of colonial buildings that were built here by the British as their residences and government buildings. There are many other things to watch in Nainital including The flats, Nainital Zoo, Eco Cave Gardens, Snow View, China Peak, Aurobindo Ashram, and Dorothy's Seat.

Tourism in Nainital is ever increasing and so is the need for the lodging options to accommodate the tourists frequenting this amazing town. There are many categories of hotels that are available in Nainital such as heritage, deluxe, economy and budget. Some of the famous hotels of nainital are - Palace Belvedere, Royal Hotel, Shervani Hill Top Inn, The Naini Retreat, Vikram Vintage Inn, Hotel Everest, Mountain Trail, Swiss Hotel, The Pine Crest, Cedar Lodge, Elphinestone Hotel, Hotel Capri and Hotel Channi Raja. These hotels guarantee the best of facilities and services and your stay will certainly be a contented one.

OOTY

Ooty is popularly known as the queen of hill stations. It is officially known as Udhagamandalam and is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Tamilnadu. With its scenic beauty and brilliant climate, Ooty forms a perfect summer getaway. Nestled in the lap of the Nilgiris, the hill resort presents excellent views of the mountain ranges. The Nilgiri range is a beautiful mountain range that is a part of the western ghat. It is older than the Himalayas.

Ooty tourism forms a major part of tourism of the Nilgiri region. Ooty is famous for its tea. Lofty mountains, dense forest, expansive grasslands and miles of tea estates greet tourists almost everywhere in Ooty. The tea and tourism festival is one of the major tourist attractions in Ooty.

Ooty has its origin dating back to 1817 during the British rule. The region is full of sky scrapping mountains and as you climb higher you actually travel through clouds lingering on the edge of the mountains. Traveling through the hair-pin bend roads is another experience altogether. Lakes, mountains, palaces, hills, water falls, gardens, you name it and you have it here. The place is an ideal tourist spot where you can loose yourself to fishing, loitering, sightseeing, playing golf and tennis.

Some of the major tourist sites in Ooty are the Cairn hills, the Dodda Betta peak, the Tiger hills, the Arronmore Palace, the Awnandale palace, the botanical garden, the thread garden, the boat house lake, the Ketti Valley view, the rose garden, the Kandal cross shrine, the Kalhatty water falls, the Ooty museum and the Mudumalai wild life sanctuary.
SHIMLA

is a tourist destination par excellence. It 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. It is a 18 sq km mountainous region lying at an altitude of 2,213 meters. British coined the term “Queen of the hills” for Shimla. It has been blessed with all the natural bounties, one can think of. The biggest industry in Shimla is hotel, travel and tourism. Bulging at its seams with unprecedented expansion, the town retains a colonial aura, with its grand old buildings. If you happen to visit Shimla without hotel reservations, you can take the services of one of the numerous porters who double up as travel guides and touts for hotels in Shimla.

Besides being the ultimate summer retreat it remains an ideal spot for adventure sports. Tourists can go in for the various treks to the Kullu valley or indulge in trout fishing at the Pabbar River. The more adventurous may ski at the Narkanda and Kufri from January to mid-March. The nine-hole golf course at Naldehra is also a major draw for the tourists.



This beautiful hill resort also offers a lot for those who would like to indulge in a shopping spree. The Mall is the place to check out for the best in garment and textile industry. Here the State emporium offers the himachali (local) handicrafts and handloom items. The hats that are available in a wide range of charges and colors make the perfect souvenirs. For the dry fruits and natural herbs carrying medicinal properties you may check out any of the local shops whereas the Lakkar Bazaar is the one stop market for the wooden items of all shapes and sizes.

SRINAGAR

The summer capital of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, the city of Srinagar is considered to be the mother of all hill stations in India. Located on the banks of the Jhelum River, which is a tributary of the Indus River, the city of Srinagar at 876 km north of Delhi is almost paradise on earth with numerous lakes and valleys spread throughout the land. Such unparalleled beauty and historic associations make it one of the highlights of tourism in Jammu and Kashmir.

Owing its name to two Sanskrit words, Sri (meaning profusion and wealth) and Nagar, (meaning a city), Srinagar was discovered by the King Pravarasena II over 2,000 years ago. A visit to Srinagar, one of the loveliest tourist attractions in India, will help you discover a different facet of the nation’s history. Going back at least to the 3rd century BC, the city was originally a part of the Mauryan Empire, which was one of the major empires of India.

The tourist attractions in Srinagar are varied and numerous. Natural beauty being the main attraction of the city, it is full of captivating landscapes. Gliding down the Dal Lake in the houseboats or a visit to the Mughal Gardens or Shalimar Gardens can be an experience of a lifetime. There are also a number of nice places to be visited near Srinagar. Most of these sites are located in lovely scenic backdrop of the majestic Himalayas. Besides offering natural beauty, they are some of the finest destinations for adventure loving travelers

Being one of the major tourist attractions in India, Srinagar is visited by large number of tourists every year. Accordingly, the city offers a huge range of accommodation options. Most of them are located at convenient distance from the main transport depots and the different hotel packages offer first class facilities. The well-furnished and well-decorated rooms equipped with most of the modern make for excellent stays in Srinagar. You will have the luxury of choosing your type of accommodation according to your own preferences.