Hill Holidays in India

A God Gifted land, India is full of natural wonders and hill stations are one of them. All over the country, in fact, every region namely south, west, north and east is home to one to many hill stations. Most of the hill stations of India were developed by the British East India company and draw millions of tourists round the year from across the globe. The Great India Himalayas, running across the entire length of the country from north to east. Besides, the western and eastern ghat ranges in South and West India are also home to many beautiful hill stations.

Situated thousands of feet above the sea level, with lush greenery all around the hill stations of India take you close to mother nature. Far from the hustle and bustle of cities, the hill station takes provide a soothing respite to visitors. However, visiting all the hill stations at one stretch is not possible. Hence, for the nature lovers who wish to spend a memorable hill holiday, I am suggesting top ten hill station of India.

Darjeeling (East India) : One of the most popular hill stations of India, Darjeeling is situated in the state of West Bengal. Darjeeling is famous world over for its thrilling trek routes and sightseeing. Darjeeling-Sandakphu - Phalut trek is the famous trek route which passes through low areas and very high ridges. From Darjeeling you can have the excellent, uninterrupted view of the worlds third highest peak - Kanchenjunga peak.

Attractions in and around Darjeeling include Batasia Loop,Bhutia Busty Gompa, Botanical Gardens, Chowrasta, Dhoom Gompa, Happy Valley Estate, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute & Museums, Natural History Museum, Observatory Hills, Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Center and Passenger Ropeway.

Best way to visit Darjeeling is boarding the toy train from New Jalpaiguri. In fact, the real fun of the hill station lies in the toy train journey between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling. The 82 kms long journey takes six to seven hours and it provides you enough time to appreciate the nature. The toy train passes through the lush forests, tea gardens, waterfalls, deep valleys and through the mountains and tunnels.

Manali (North India) : Manali is an ancient town of Himachal Pradesh, situated in the Kullu Valley. A famous honeymoon destination, Manail is bestowed with a great countryside which make an ideal base for adventure seekers. Literally meaning the 'Home of Manu', Manali is supposed to have survived when the world was drowned in flood. Hence, besides a tourist destination, Manali is a sacred place for Hindus.

Popular attractions in and around Manali are Hidimba Devi Temple, Gadhan Thekchoking Gompa, Gulaba Camp, Malana valley, Manali Sanctuary, Mountaineering Institute, Naggar, Manu Temple, Tibetan Temple, Vashisth Village,Vashisth Hot Sulphur Springs (3Km), Old Manali (3Km), Arjun Gufa (5Km),Jagatsukh Temple (6Km), Solang Nullah (14Km), Rahalla Falls (16Km),Rohtang Pass (50Km) and Beas Kund (50Km). For adventure enthusiasts Manali offers the option of Heli Skiing and Mountaineering. Winter Carnival organized yearly in the month of February is not be missed event.

Shimla (North India) : Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh is one of the most popular hill stations of north India. Discovered in 1918 by the British, Shimla abounds with colonial era buildings. Even today, you can see the colonial buildings across the town and experience the bygone era. Annandale, Chadwick Falls, Chapslee, Christ Church And St Michael'S Cathedral, Churdhar Sanctuary, Gurkha Castles, Jakhu Temple, Karyali Lake, Kotesvara Temple, Shirigul Temple, Mahatma Gandhi's Retreat: Gorgian Mansion, Viceregal Lodge, War memorial and Tattapani are some of thr attractions in Shimla.

Other attractions close to Shimla include Mashobra & Craignano (11Km), Kasauli (12Km), White Flower Hall (13Km), Kufri (19Km),Sarol (23Km),Chail (43Km), Sarahan (44Km), Renuka Lake (45Km), Solan (48Km), Narkanda (110Km), Rampur (140Km) and Sirmour (142Km).

Gulmarg (North India) : Gulmarg literally meaning the 'Meadow of Flowers', lies 56 km south-west of Srinagar the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. A huge cup shaped meadow, with lush and green slopes, Gulmarg looks like a paradise on earth. Set at a height of 2,730 mts, Gulmar valley spreads over an area of 3 sq kms and surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Besides it beauty, Gulmarg is famous all over the world for adventure sports of skiing and heli-skiing. Gulmar has also one the world's highest green golf courses. Gondola lift is a new attraction of Gulmarg, don't forget to take a fun-filled ride.

Nainital (North India) : Nainital, also called the city of lake is situated in Uttaranchal state of North India. A beautiful hill station, Nainital is surrounded by mountains on three sides. In fact, the life in Nainital revolves around the Naini lake and main markets are located close to this lake. One can enjoy boating across the Naini lake at nominal charges. You can also go for shopping in the Bhotia market or in shops on the Mall road or the Bada Bazaar. Condola ride, land's end, caves garden, Nainital zoo are some of the attractions of Nainital. Don't miss the horse riding in Nainital as you need it to reach the snow view point, tiffin top and kilburi.

Ooty (South India) : Also called Udhagamandalam, Ooty is the district headquarters of Nilgiri district. Situated 105 km from Coimbatore, Ooty is often referred to as the 'Queen of hill station.'The altitude of the hills in the Nilgiri range varied between 2,280 mts and 2,290 mts, Doddabetta is the highest peak having the height of 2,623 mts. A beautiful hill station, Ooty is bestowed with lofty mountains, dense forest, sprawling grasslands and miles and miles of tea gardens.

Ooty is famous for its lush green tea estates covering most of the hill station. A not be missed event, the annual Tea and Tourism festival visitors from all over the world. Some of the popular attractions of Ooty include Botanical Garden, Government Museum, Kalhatty Falls, Rose Garden, Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Ooty Lake and the Summer Festival.

Kodaikanal (South India) : One of most famous serene hill stations of India, Kodaikanal lies 120 kms from Madurai in Tamil Nadu. A charming hill station Kodaikanal is bestowed with wooded slopes, mighty rocks, shimmering waterfalls and a picturesque lake. Set at an elevation of about 2,133 metre, Kodaikanal covers an area of 21.45 sq. kms. Apart from a hill town, Kodaikanal is known for housing educational institutions of international repute. 'Kurinji flower' which blossoms once in 12 years is the pride of Kodaikanal. The hill station also makes a perfect base for short and long trekking. The Summer Festival held every year is another attraction of Kodaikanal. One can enjoy golf at the Gold club, or go for boating and enjoy angling facilities at the Kodaikanal lake.

Munnar (South India) : Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams namely Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. One of the famous hill stations of South India, Munnar lies at an altitude of 1,600 m above sea level. Munnar has the highest peak in south India, Anamudi, towering over 2695 metre. Once the summer resort of the British government, Munnar is dotted with lush tea gardens, criss-crossed by winding lanes. Munnar is home to exotic variety of flora including the 'Neelakurinji' flower, blooms once in twelve years. Prime attractions of Munnar include Kuthumkal Waterfalls and Observatory Hills.

Mount Abu (North- Central India) : Mount Abu the only hill station of Rajasthan, provides a welcome break to the people of desert state. A 1,220 m high hill, Mount Abu is situated at the far south-western end of the Aravalli hills around a lake. Besides a hill resort, Mount Abu is also famous for Dilwara Jain temple and other archaeological remains. Gaumukh temple, Government museum, Nakki Lake, Mandakini kund and Summer festival are some of the important attractions of Mount Abu.

Mahabaleshwar (West India) : An important hill station of West India, Mahabaleshwar is situated in Stara district of Maharashtra at an elevation of 1,372 m. Set in the heart of Sahyafri hill, the hill station has a legendary past and the name 'Mahabaleshwar' is derived from a temple of Lord Mahadev. Discovered in 1824 by the British government, Mahabaleshwar is known for its scenic beauty and the splendid views of the valleys and the sea. Mahabaleshwar is an excellent hill station for the adventure seekers and the people who love boating and horse riding.