BEST HILL STATIONS IN NORTH INDIA
|Indian hill stations are a traveler’s paradise, gifted with snowy peaks, deep gorges, green valleys, misty woods, frothing rivers, azure lakes and flower-filled meadows. these misty, mystical and serene hill stations of India are a perfect holiday options.
SHIMLA:
Shimla also called as Simla has a lot of variety to offer. Shimla derives its name from Goddess ‘’Shyamala Devi’, an expression of Goddess Kali. Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh and the summer capital of India.
Shimla is situated at an altitude of 2159 m and is blessed with natural beauty . It is engulfed by snow-clad mountains, green pastures, dense forests and wholesome climate. Shimla retains its royal heritage and it is unique from other hill stations in the country.
Shimla is an ideal place for fishing, golfing, skiing, trekking etc. Adventuring here which definitely make you enthusiastic and spirited. For more energetic entertainment, hit the indoor roller-skating rink in Lakkar Bazaar or go open-air ice-skating above the Rivoli Bus stand. There are always amazing things to be explored in its surrounding countryside. Fagu, Kulfri and Naldhera are some of the well- known places for adventuring and camping too. Speed lovers can opt for Jeep Safari to view the beautiful hills and pastures.
The overall conditions draw tourist to this hill station. The toy train ride from Kalka station to Shimla takes you through a picturesque route, which will keep you spellbound and memories of which you will relish forever
The famous tourists spots to visit are: Jakhu temple. It is an integral part of your tour. Jakhu hill looms over Shimla town and is the geographical nucleus. Summer hill, Chadwick Falls, Gorgian Mansion– Gandhiji’s retreat, Christ Church – second oldest church in North India.
MOUNT ABU:
Mount Abu is the only hill station in Rajasthan. It is located among the rocks on a 1,220 m granite table mountain at the southwestern end of the Aravalli hills. Mount Abu derives its name from Arbuda, a serpent who descended to the spot to rescue Shiva’s bull, Nandi. It is surrounded by forest, hills and rocks.
The massive rocks makes the approach road to Mount Abu curvaceous. The golden tinge that smears over the hills of Mount Abu during sunset makes it a spectacular sight. The grassy plains and deep valleys makes Mount Abu look fabulous especially during dusk.
Although Mount Abu can be visited throughout the year, February to June and September to December are considered ideal for visiting. Charming forest hills set up wonderfully by the coniferous trees act as the backdrop for your holiday. Cool, inherent innocence and beauty of Mount Abu is sure to refresh and rejuvenate you. Its lake, temples and landscape will definitely lift your spirits. The gigantic rocks in different shapes are crowd pullers. The famous Dilwara temples and the archealogical remains of the long gone Rajaputana era and the Raj royalty are something you should not miss.
The major attractions of Mount Abu are Dilwara Temples, Gaumukh temple, Government Museum, Nakki Talav and Mandakini Kund.
DARJEELING:
Darjeeling got its name from from Dorje (Thunderbolt) and Ling (Place). Also known as Dream land of the East . It covers an area of 1,200 sq. miles and surrounded by the Himalayan peaks, its a enchanting place rich in natural beauty. One of the popular hill stations in India, very close to Nepal and Bhutan borders.
The main attraction of Darjeeling is its toy train. Built in the late 19th century, the world heritage Darjeeling Himalayan railway is a technological marvel. Its tracks rise from sea level to an altitude of over 7,500 ft in just about 70 km. Zigzag, reverses and loops were devised to overcome these gradients, the most famous being the Batasia Loop, where the train does a complete figure of eight. It covers about 83 km in six or seven hours, so sit back and enjoy the mountains , waterfalls, valleys and the fresh air.
The weather is pleasant round the year , the lustrous greenery of tea estates and the famous Darjeeling tea makes it a memorable trip. The prime places of attraction are: The Natural History Museum, Kanchenjunga View, Passenger Ropeway ( first ropeway in India, covers 8 kms in 45 minutes, you need to plan in advance to avoid disappointment), Ghoom Monastery and Tiger hills in Darjeeling must be visited at least once.