HILL STATIONS IN INDIA

PAMPER YOUR SOUL IN CHARMING MOUNTAIN STATIONS OF INDIA

The hill stations of India welcome you with refreshing vacations for your friends and family. Dotted with wild flowers in full bloom, bright green beauty, apple orchards, waterfalls and unadulterated mountain air, all these hill stations present a pleasurable experience that you will remember for the rest of your life. Apart from relishing the magical creations of nature and scenic exquisiteness, one can go high up in the sky through mountaineering, trekking, camping and paragliding amidst misty nature woods.

Your holiday trip to India will definitely be a colorful itinerary with so much to scout and so much to experience. The biological enormity of this mystical nation with a huge diversity makes it a great place to pay a visit at any time of the year. And once you have chosen a hill station, there might be the possibility that you would wish to explore the other beautiful hill stations of India. These hill stations are beautifully located in the different regions of the Indian Himalayas. They are famed hill stations among domestic and international travelers who travel to these mountain stations in search of peace, beauty and thrill. Moreover, these stations offer you an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Most of the hill resorts in India still retain their old world charm and offer an opportunity to experience some of god’s surprises such as frothing rivers, green valleys, snow covered mountains, deep gorges, misty woods and a lot more that can amaze anyone on his/her India hill vacation.

  1. CHAIL HILL STATION

Chail hill station once arrived here, it is not easy to forget alleged love story between the Maharaja of Patiyala or the green signboard informing about the highest cricket ground of the world at 7500 ft or stay in honeymoon suite of crystal shape perched on a hill and numerous different. These are just few of the many images tourists come across here.

Celebrated for its virgin beauty, Chail in Himachal Pradesh is located near Satluj Valley and surrounded by the high peaks. This natural haven became a summer haunt for people from royal families a long time back. And it still serves as a great place to escape tropical heat without having to spend big bucks.

Speck of pollution and urbanization nowhere disturbs the harmony of humanity and Nature; this feeling never fails to dawn during Chail tourism. The location of this village which is spread in 72 acre was escape-perfect with three adjacent hills- Rajgarh Hills, Pandava Hill and Sabba Tibba.

Raja Bhupinder Singh decided to make Chail his summer capital in riposte to the exile imposed on him for courting his daughter by Lord Kitchener to not to enter in Shimla, Summer Capital of British Raj. When Chail finally merged with the Indian Union after dependence, most of the royal buildings were donated to the Government. Tourists can enjoy year round, spending their holidays in Chail.

CHAIL HILL STATION & MOUNTAINS

2. BADRINATH HILL STATION

Nestled among Nar and Narayan mountain ranges, Badrinath is the most important sacred town in the Chamoli District in Uttarakhand. It is gifted with undulating peaks, natural beauty, hallowed ponds and picture book panoramas. All these make for an exhilarating place for travelers seeking peace and pleasure. It derives its name from the sacred shrine of Badrinath and it is the place where berries can be seen in abundance.

The beautiful hill station is lying at an elevation of 10,800 ft above sea level on the banks of Alaknanda River. Moreover, it is among the four chardham pilgrimage sites of India. In the former time, devotees would walk miles to make it to the holy site. It is also a door to many trekking routes headed to peaks as Nilkantha. Apart from emerald beauty, it tenders superb opportunity for those who love adventure and exciting activities.

BADRINATH HILL STATION

3. SHIMLA HILL STATION

STATION
Shimla hill station is still the colonial summer capital (resort) to which British used to retreat in when heat of Indio-Gangetic plains used to become unbearable. Be it grey-stone work of Vice Regal Lodge, or Gaiety Theater putting neo-gothic architectural excellence, the beauty of building seem to come alive and not only staying in eyes of beholder. The Elizabethan style mixed and merged with different other forms in buildings like Ellerslie, Christ Church, Gorton Castle, Wood Ville, etc are a must-see.

Spirits of that past attracts enthusiasts from India as well as abroad when this hill city has been made capital of state of Himachal Pradesh after India got its Independence. However, this is not the sole reason for why to come to Shimla. Smooth slopes of Snow-draped mountain peaks are absolute invitation to the skiers by spirit or profession. While camping and trekking trips, doing yoga facing the mild rays of waking sun might become the other reason. And this list is sure to go long, once tourists get to know what all they could do to make best time in Shimla. The way it is nestled at a maximum altitude of 2200 m in the foothill of Himalayas, traveling Shimla is a perfect course to get to view this heaven in summer; and also in winter that brings a different glory altogether.

Named after Shyamala Devi, an incarnation of Goddess Kali, Shimla has emerged as a well developed city. Yet, the touch of Nature could be felt everywhere one goes too. The beauty of hill could be summarized by uttering the name of this place. It is no wonder why film Industry took to this city when shooting for some place abroad.

Shimla tourism encompasses a complete experience, where entertainment, culture, sights like British architecture reminiscent of colonial era, temples and palaces could be spotted interspersed on its landscape. There are many exciting activities tourists can add to their itinerary and Shimla tour packages. Camping is a very popular activity that people choose to do here, but only those who have sufficient holidays in hand.

There are few popular adventure-activities organizers who schedule days with activities like rock climbing, Rope walking, valley crossing, forest treks, rappelling, etc. For those who love to zip-zap-zoom on snow, Kufri serves all ski and ice skating intentions. Another exhilarating experience of adrenaline pumping is paragliding and hand-gliding from Bir and Billing peak in Kangra Valley.

Physical endurance is put to test on cycling and mountain biking trips that take to different routes to or from Shimla; a superb way to explore the beauty of hills and feel the tranquility in the air. Wildlife lovers can find their interests catered to in places like Shimla Reserve Forest Area, Chail Sanctuary, Daranghati Sanctuary and many other places that are located at some distance from the city of Shimla like in Solan, Sirmour, Kasauli, Naldehra ,Narkanda etc. Other activities are angling and golfing with time in this hill city could be made memorable.

SHIMLA HILL STATION

4. MANALI HILL STATION

When sound of exhilaration seems to be coming far above from sky and only colorful para-gliders could be spotted above head, the site is most probably Solang Valley of Manali Hill Station, which has a uniqueness that stands out from any other paragliding site in India. What more this is one facet of this hill city, like honeymooner trying to pose wearing ski gears rather than actually willing to try the fun of skiing. Add to that elders on some sort of minor pilgrimage to various temples in Manali, individual getting holy dip in hot water springs, families bonding in picnic spots and many other images, and this hill city comes alive in front of eyes.

A part of Beas River Valley, Manali is situated at an altitude of more than 2000 m from where the eyes fall on the views of forests, orchards, river, mountains ranges and more, for nothing but sheer visual delight. The place once used to serve trade purposes via Manal – Leh route; now the same route is used for the purpose of adventure mainly for the bikers and jeep riders.

Having invitingly secured its history in its name, Manali is associated with legends of King Manu who had the responsibility to protect human civilization after the great flood meant to destroy the world; which he successfully shouldered. If unfolding stories entwined in myths and legend is a loved way to spend holidays, Manali rouses the need to explore the Himalayas with even more intensity.

Spirit of tourism is far from fading even after the consequence of popularity. Be it pleasantly cool months or duration of snowfall during the New Year or Christmas, this hill destination is revered by everyone with the intention or for the experience of Manali tourism.

MANALI HILL STATION

5. MUSSOORIE HILL STATION

From an altitude of more than 6150 ft, views of Doon Valley, the surrounding hills and greenery could be glimpsed from anywhere one stands in Mussoorie. Mists hanging over Dun Valley and the forests of Pine are just the beginning of the spell that casted over this hill destination. As the ‘Baby Sun’ opens eyes for the dawn, life in small houses down the slopes and in the hotels and resorts for tourists here starts getting stirred to lovely wakening. The curvy road which resembles to the back of double-humped camel and water falling with all the majesty one can associate with it, are some of the ways to become aware of being in Mussoorie Hill Station, but these are not alone.

Mussoorie tour is like golden amber which keeps spark of rejuvenation kindled in the mortal body and immortal soul. These are some of the features that are instantly recognizable of Mussoorie, yet not the only aspects. Among the crown jewels of tourism in Uttarakhand, Musoorrie has its own charm. Baits of this ‘Queen of Hills’ attracts everyone coming to this town snuggled in foothills of Garhwal Himalayas; the nearer one gets, more indulgent he becomes.

Although there is a great need to control ‘over’ in Mussoorie tourism and promote eco-friendly facet of it, the place continues to draw tourists from India and abroad being easily accessible and enchantingly welcoming.

MUSSOORIE HILL STATION

6. GANGOTRI HILL STATION

Gangotri is a famous hill station as well as the sacred destination for visitors. It is nestled in Uttarkashi at an elevation of around 3000 meters above the sea level. It is a place where the pious river Ganga originates. The place is encircled by the enchanting hills of Garhwal. The beautiful scenic views, peaceful ambience, and spectacular landscape entice many tourists from various geographical locations of the world to visit here.

It is certainly an ideal destination for the tourists to rejuvenate their mind, body and soul. Gangotri is also the best place for the visitors looking for solace and inner peace. The place creates an awe among the tourists.

GANGOTRI HILL STATION

7. KULLU HILL STATION

These are but few types of scenery when thinking of Kullu. They contribute their part in making complete picture of a memorable hill town with perfect Kullu holidays.

The Kulanthpitha of past referring to the meaning – ‘end of the livable world’, is Kullu where visitors come and revel in all the gifts Nature has to bestow on its onlookers. At an altitude of more than 1200 m, the feeling of ‘inhabitable’ can come to mind, even more when the visit is made in winters. However, during the pleasant sunny days, Kullu can give a run to best of the hill resorts.

Presence of various temples makes the sanctity in the foothills of Himalaya even more venerable. The hills and forests that force couples to snuggle a little closer are a welcome too. Add unbridled Nature to as well above ingredients and a tourist can get the adrenaline rush of his life. Kullu tour thus becomes an obvious choice for the honeymooners, families and adventurers for an exceptional time.

KULLU HILL STATION

8. DARJEELING HILL STATION

Darjeeling – what bells does it ring – Darjeeling Himalayan Railways, exotic tea flavors, imprints of Victorian Age – all this and more in the land of non-elusive Nirvana.

Do not forget to pinch yourself if the sight of tea estates from the windows of first class coach belonging to Toy Train looks too good to be true. The playing children with their parents carrying the huge basket meant for collecting delicate tea leaves might catch fancy as the wish of being there in the first place crosses mind. After all, joy is what is much looked for in a hill station as old and as amusing as Darjeeling. At around 6710 ft, one can dream of sipping world-famous Darjeeling tea and going on to enjoy the waves of cool breeze softly combing exposed skin until goose bumps accompanied by views of green mountains and some of the highest peaks of the world.

While on the roads to tour Darjeeling, the Victorian town is hard to miss which puts on show the period it was under British control. The colonial era is still a part of the popular boarding schools located in this renowned hill station.

But what is not exactly reflected by the town is the time when it used to be a part of Sikkim until annexed by British for their own purposes. Situated in West Bengal, the hill town is well known for mixed ethnicity including Nepalese, Bengali and Sikkimese, a result of its history been rooted in these places. British era of past will continue to influence the way Darjeeling tourism is evolving

DARJEELING HILL STATION

9. MOUNT ABU HILL STATION

The Aravallis never before seemed so calling. The spiraling roads to Mount Abu Hill Station, the only hill station of Rajasthan, catch the fantasy every time a visit is made. And no beginning is better than the hot cities getting smaller as being left behind for the cool tingles of a much sought after hill town. What sunrise could be like and how sunset can leave mere humans unnerved is understood in its full impact only in a place like this and more in Mount Abu. All these imagery and more takes shape of reality with decision to tour.

Aravalli Hills, where Mount Abu is situated, are of peculiar beauty that is difficult to understand if one has seen only the sand dunes of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan. Considered as the ‘oasis of the desert’ for being home to some rivers, lakes, waterfalls, etc, this hill destination is respite from the scalding heat of Rajasthan which is around 66% desert.

Mount Abu travel thus presents a stark contrast to the other parts of the state associated with Rajput warriors. In ancient scriptures the place is noted as ‘Arbuda Mountains’, which was associated with Gurjar who used to live here but later moved to other places of both Rajasthan and Gujarat. The history and prominence of this place became less significant with the change of ruling power and later dominance of Mughals and British Raj.

However, now the place is very much sought after for the Natural beauty with which it grips its domestic visitors and the spiritual charm for what it is popular among foreigners. These two are important characteristics of Mount Abu tourism.

MOUNT ABU HILL STATION

10. COORG HILL STATION

Having peace of intellectual and youth of spirituality, this place is ready to offer whatever it possesses by the grace of God and divine Nature. The dense forests covered with dew of early morning which mist has left behind as a tell-tale sign of her presence, coffee plantations on steep slopes, falling and flowing Cauvery River from a distant place refreshing and nurturing the flora and fauna and its harsh yet soothing noise, a golden yellow-orange ritually spread on the sheet of morning sky acting as backdrop to the contrasting green-brown small-big peaks, and many such vivid sceneries of Nature are a constant companion of those choosing to travel Coorg.

Hear the name Kodaimalenadu and it rarely strikes of Kodagu in Karnataka, if knowledge of places is limited. Coorg is the name with which masses remember this hill beauty of south which is nothing but the anglicized version of the local name of the place- Kodagu.

Getting caught in names and in their origins is easy when it is southern part of India being discussed. The rich language heritage which is witnessed on Coorg tourism is not just in terms of culture or tradition but also in terms of Nature and history written in forts and palaces.

Past of this place under various rules and kingdoms is remembered in these relics and preserved monuments. The sleepy town of Madikeri is one of the many places affirming and emphasizing this fact and thus making Coorg suited for an escape richer in experience and most awaited by many vacationers. And over and above all the sightseeing, there is joy of adventure in check but waiting to be unleashed on a single cue!

COORG HILL STATION