Most of the hill stations in India were developed by the British,
around a central mall, to get respite from the oppressive summer heat.
Many have picturesque lakes as their focal point, making them
excellent places for boating activities. One thing is for sure, you
won't be
short of things to do at any of the hill stations in India. And to
add to the adventure, it's possible to take a toy train ride up to some
of the hill stations. You'll find hill stations all over India. This
guide lists 10 of the most popular ones.
- Shimla
-
- Shimla used to be the summer capital of the British Raj when
they ruled India. Now it's the state capital of Himachal Pradesh.
This wonderfully cool and charming town sprawls along a mountain
ridge, enveloped in oak, pine and rhododendron forests.
It's quite famous for its colonial style buildings and historic
railway.The old Christ Church, with its beautiful stained glass
windows, is one of Shimla's most prominent landmarks. Also to be
enjoyed are the mesmerizing views from Scandal Point, and the Viceregal
Lodge (try to be there for the sunrise or sunset) on Observatory
Hill. There are plenty of adventure sports and short hikes on offer in
the vicinity as well.
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- Manali
-
- Manali, with its soothing backdrop of the Himalayas, offers a
blend of tranquility and adventure that makes it one of northern India's
most popular destinations. You can do as little or as much as you
want there. Located in the Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh, it's a
magical place bordered by cool pine forest and the raging Beas
River, which give it a special energy.
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- Munnar
-
- If you like tea, a visit to Munnar, in Kerala, is a must! The
surrounding region is renowned for its sprawling tea plantations.
The Kundale Tea Plantations, which surrounds a picturesque lake,
offers the best opportunity to see the tea being
picked and processed, and to try fresh tea straight from the
gardens. The area is blessed with the natural beauty of winding lanes,
misty hills, and forests full of exotic plants and wildlife.
Adventure enthusiasts can trek to Anamudi, the highest peak in south
India,
explore Eravikulam
National Park, or go rock climbing and para gliding. If you want
to relax away from it all, try a homestay at one of the many plantation
bungalows. Mahindra Homestays have a couple of excellent homestays
in Munnar.
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- Darjeeling
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- Darjeeling, in West Bengal, is also famous for its lush tea
gardens. In addition, it's blessed with a stunning view of Mount
Kanchenjunga, the world's third highest peak. Some of Darjeeling's
most popular attractions include monasteries, botanical gardens,
a zoo, and the Darjeeling-Rangeet Valley Passenger Ropeway cable
car (the longest cable car in Asia). Darjeeling is a wonderful place
to walk around, and explore the tea estates, villages, and
markets. Don't visit during themonsoon season though -- the region is
one
of the wettest places in India!
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- Ooty
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- Established in the early 19th century by the British as the
summer headquarters of the Chennai government, Ooty is now a soothing
place to escape the summer heat in Tamil Nadu. If you travel there
during the peak season in April and May, do be prepared for it to be
crowded though!Ooty's most popular attractions include the 22
hectare Government Botanical Gardens (a flower show is held there every
May
as part of the Summer Festival), boating on Ooty Lake, and
climbing Dodabetta Peak for an excellent view of the Nilgiri hills. To
get to
Ooty, take the scenic toy train from Metupalaiyam.
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- Nainital
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- The hill station of Nainital, in the Kumaon region of
Uttarakhand, was a popular summer retreat for the British during the
time they
ruled India. It features the serene, emerald colored Naini Lake
and action filled strip
strip called The Mall, lined with restaurants, shops, hotels, and
markets. Enjoy one of the many
forest walks, explore the surrounding area on horse back, or relax
on a boat in the lake.
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- Kodaikanal
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- Secluded Kodaikanal is nestled 120 kilometers from Madurai in
the Palani Hills of Tamil Nadu. Its name means "Gift of the Forest",
and you'll find many varieties of flora and fauna there. Orchards
of pear trees
and charming buildings with gabled roofs, will greet you as you
enter the town. There's an annual
horticultural show at the landscaped botanical Bryant Park in May,
waterfalls where you can enjoy a picnic beside, boating on the lake,
and plenty of walking trails. Herbs and aromatherapy oils are some
of the more interesting things to buy in Kodaikanal, with the
eucalyptus oils being particularly popular.
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- Mussoorie
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- Mussoorie, located around an hour from Derahdun in
Uttarakhand, is a popular weekend destination for north Indians, as well
as
honeymooners. One of the reasons for Mussoorie's popularity is
that
it has a lot of facilities developed especially for tourists. Take
a cable car to Gun Hill,
enjoy a beautiful nature walk along Camel's Back Road, have a
picnic at Kempty Falls, or ride a horse up to Lal Tibba (the highest
peak
in Mussoorie). Mussoorie also offers a superb view of the
Himalayas.
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- Srinagar
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- Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, delights
visitors with its lovely lakes and relaxing houseboats. In fact, lakes
and gardens are in such abundance there that Srinagar is often
referred to as the "Land of Lakes and Gardens".
The gardens have a distinctly Mughal influence, as many of them
were cultivated by Mughal emperors.
You'll find Asia's largest tulip garden in Srinagar, with a tulip
festival held every April. Srinagar is a great place to come if you're
a golf enthusiast, as there are a number of courses there. In the
winter, adventure lovers flock to Srinagar for snow skiing.
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