Mahabaleshwar

A hill station located in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra.Located at a distance of 285 km from Mumbai,it is the ideal get away spot for most of the people in the state. Mahabaleshwar in Sanskrit stands for God of Great Power. Mahabaleshwar is comprised of three villages:Old "Kshetra" Mahabaleshwar,Malcolm Peth and part of the Shindola village.The hill station is surrounded by valleys on all its sides. The highest peak of the plateau is Wilson/Sunrise Point which boasts a height of 4,720 ft .Mahabaleshwar is known to be the source of Krishna river and legend has it that it comes out of a bull's mouth in the Mahadev Temple in Old Mahabaleshwar along with four other rivers Gayatri, the Koyana,Savitri and the Veni.




As the hill station was a summer capital of Bombay during the reign of British Empire,It has traces of British era in the architecture of cottages,mansions and bungalows built there.Mahabaleshwar was named "Malcolm Peth " after the then General of Bombay ,Sir John Malcolm.The market place is still named after him.

Famous for its massive production in strawberries,it acts as the biggest supplier of the fruit across the country and abroad.Major attractions are:
The Venna Lake which is surrounded by trees on all its sides.One can enjoy boating in the evening especially when its a little foggy. Panchgani,another scenic hill station smaller in size though is very close to Mahabaleshwar,about 20 km. The Table Land Phenomena of the little hill station is simply mesmerising

Mount Malcolm, which was built in 1829 under the rule of the then Governor of Bombay,Sir John Malcolm is worth a watch but has lost its old world charm now.




Mahabaleshwar Club was built in the year 1881.It is open for members only.It is well taken care of and is popular for its well tended rose gardens and a jogging track.The Golf course,however can be visited by tourists in the club

Morarji Castle in the hill station was once home to Mahatma Gandhi in the year 1945.

There are various points which are famous among which a must visit are Lodwick Point which has a great view.The point has a monument of a general which was erected by his son.Elphinstone Point is a another scenic spot overlooking the valley of Koyna river.It was named after a former General of Bombay.Other Points to visit are Kate's Point,Wilson's Point.

Mahabaleshwar gets more beautiful with every place that you visit there,filled with streams,perennial springs and amazing climate all throughout the year,it has become the most popular hill station across the nation.

PANHALA Hill Station, Maharashtra

Situated at a magnificent height of 3177 feet above sea level, Panhala commands a panoramic and awesome view of the valley. There are innumerable places of interest , each with its share of haunting anecdotes. Sajja Kothi, where Sambhaji was imprisoned. Ambabai Temple, where Shivaji used to seek blessings before venturing on expeditions. Pavankhind, where Baji Prabhu laid down his life to cover Shivaji's escape.




The history of Panhala is also the history of Marathas. Panhala is redolent with memories of Shivaji. Not surprising, though, considering that barring his capitals at Rajgad and later Raigad, and Shivneri, where he spent his childhood, Panhala is the only fort where Shivaji spent more than 500 days. It was Maratha State capital until 1782 and in 1827 it went to the British.Besides, there's the Sambhaji temple Someshwar temple, Teen Darwaza, Raj Dindi

This imposing fort, 20km northwest of Kolhapur, is built on an outlying spur of the Sahyadris, rising more than 400m above plain. The strategic importance of Panhala, guarding one of the principal routes through the Western Ghat, can be judged from its long and varied history. After serving as the headquarter of the Shilahara ruler Bhoja II (1178-1209), the site subsequently passed into hands of Yadavas. It was favorite outpost of the Bahamanis of Bidar ; Mahmud Gawan, the powerful Prime Minister, encamped here during the rainy season of 1469. By the beginning of the 16c Panhala was absorbed into the kingdom of Bijapur.The Adil Shahis were responsible for strengthening and rebuilding the ramparts and Gateways.The fort was raided by
Shivaji in 1659, but it was not until 1673 that he was able to occupy it permanently.




In 1701 Panhala surrendered to Auragzeb, and it was here that the Mughal Emperor recieved the English Ambassador, Sir William Norris. Within a few months the fort was retaken by the the Maratha forces under Pant Amatya Ramachandra, who asserted his autonomy by founding
an independent dynasty.In1782 these rulers shifted their headquarters to Kolhapur.

After a local rebellion in 1844, Panhala was taken by the British.

Panhala Fort

More than 7km of fortifications define the approximately triangular zone of Panhala fort. The walls are protected for long sections by steep escarpments, reinforced by a parapet with slit holes. The remaining sections have 5-9m high ramparts, strengthened by round bastions. Unfortunately, the East Gate called Char Darawaja, through which the road passes on arrival at fort, was demolished by the British.

Places to see-
Sajja Kothi is a major attraction at Panhala is the that was built by the Mohammedans in 1008 AD. There is a very interesting anecdote attached to this monument. It is said that when Siddi Johar, a formidable Bijapur General, attacked Panhala, Shivaji tricked the general by escaping from the window of Sajja Kothi while a brave stalwart Shiva Kashid disguised as Shivaji combated the wrath of the general.

The Ambabai temple stands vigil to this, which is another, must visit at Panhala.Shivaji, a religious devotee, did not undertake any perils without paying obeisance to the goddess.

While at Panhala you may also visit the Sambhaji temple. The Sambhaji temple was built in memory of Sambhaji, the first ruler of Kolhapur.

The Someshwar tank of Panhala too is worth visiting. The tank came into existence due to the quarrying of stones that were required for the construction of the fort wall. There is a very well camouflaged well with a three-storied structure on top, Andhar Bav. This was cloistered to prevent any kind of water poisoning by the enemy.

The Nayakini Sajja at Panhala manifests the intelligent warfare strategy used by the Marathas to dupe the enemies. The Nayakini Sajja has been very strategically located near one of the corners of the fort to conceal a deep ravine in between. When the enemies attacked from that corner, they would actually climb over the make-believe corner of the fort to accede the Nayakini Sajja and in the endeavor fall into the deep ravine.

Climate
Average temperature at Panhala is 25 C throughout the year.The ideal weather to visit Panhala is from October to December although tourists visit till May.

The small yet scenic hill resort, Panhala lies in the lap of the Sahyadri mountain range. Panhala is located in the Kolhapur district of Maharashtra. Panhala is situated about 22 km to the northwest of Kolhapur on the Kolhapur-Ratnagiri road at a height of 3177 feet above sea level.

Getting there

By Air: The airport closest to Panhala is the airport at Kolhapur airport at a distance of 35 km from Panhala. Panhala is 416 km from Mumbai and about 200 km from Pune.

Road & Rail: State Transport buses ply between Kolhapur and Panhala every 2 hours during the day. The Kolhapur railway station is only 26 km from Panhala.

West Bengal Hill Station - Mirik

West Bengal Hill Station - Mirik in India is situated fifty-two km away from Siliguri and 55 kms from the nearest Airfield of Bagdogra. It stands at an altitude of 1,768m in the Eastern Himalayas. Mirik is wrapped in the forested hills and is surrounded by tea estates, orange orchards and cardamom plantations.




The natural beauty of this beautiful hill resort has a rejuvenating effect on the tired urban soul. All the wild flowers, enchanting lakes and flourishing forests of Cryptomaria Japonica trees make Mirik at apr with a paradise and the Kachunjanga as a backdrop adds immense beauty to the whole scenery of the place.

Tourist attractions in Mirik
Sumendu Lake
The most prominent of tourist spots in Mirik is the Sumendu Lake. It is a man made lake enveloped in a forested ridge, and surrounding it is a flower garden and there is also a floating fountain in its center. Though not for swimming, Sumendu is considered ideal for boating and Fishing.

Singha Devi
The temple of Singha Devi or the Devi Sthan is on the west bank of the river and you have to take the bridge over the lake to get there, not only is it frequented by the pious but also the nature lovers. Other temples dedicated to Hanuman, Shiva and Kali Mata can also be visited there. Bokar Gompa is another place of religious importance.





Rameetay Dara
A holiday package usually also includes a tour to the Rameetay Dara, which is ideal for watching the spectacular sunset and the sunrise. Deosi Dara is yet another vantage point in Mirik. One can also take a tour to Rai Dhap, which has a small lake that is the source of potable water in Mirik and is also an ideal picnic spot.

Plantations in Mirik
The hill station of Mirik is also quite famous for its oranges, you can move through orange orchards either on foot or hired ponies. One can also take a tour to the cardamom and tea plantations, which add even more to the beauty of the hill resort. The tea plantations can also be visited and many conducted tours to the factories are organized from time to time.

Tea Estates : There are eight tea gardens in Mirik area. Thurbo T.E., one of the best tea-estates, is only 2 kms from the lake. The factory may be visited with the permission.

Deosi Dara
It is a era point in Mirik that must be visited to catch some vistas of the plains, hills and peaks in and around Mirik.

Climatewise, Mirik is pleasant throughout the year.

One can reach Mirik in following ways-
By Air : The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport, 55 km from Mirik.
By Rail : Nearest major stations are New Jalpaiguri .
By Road : Excellent road network links Mirik with places like Bagdogra, Siliguri, Darjeeling and Kurseong.

Panchgani - Five Plateau Hill Station

Only sixteen kilometers from Mahabaleshwar, the hill station of Panchgani is lesser known to tourists but no less in anyway. Swoops around bends with abandon, offering heart stopping views of the river krishna on one side & the coastal plains on the other.A key geographical feature is the table topped plateau (panch = five, gani=plateaus) shaped by flattened volcanic rock.




Panchgani with its pristine natural beauty and rejuvenating oxygen levels has a TB Sanatorium. Patients are known to get better faster at Panchgani owing to the pure environs offered at Panchgani. It can be seen in the old architecture of the old British buildings, the parsi houses, & the boarding schools that have been for a century or more.

In the evenings it turns into a makeshift fair with ferris wheels, pony rides and a variety of food stalls.Panchgani is often referred to as the 'Mecca of Maharashtra' If you want to enjoy the beauty of the hill Station Panchgani you may go for a pony ride.

The ride through the hamlets, farms and ravines with the gorgeous greens and the ravishing river Krishna of Panchgani will surely enchant you. Situated in the Western Ghats Panchgani is close to important cities like Mumbai and Pune. There are as many as twenty boarding schools in Panchgani.

Panchgani does not experience major temperature variations. Though the monsoons are rather heavy. The temperature ranges between sixteen and thirty-five degrees throughout the year.

You can commute to the beautiful place by following routes-
By Air: The airport at Pune is nearest to Panchgani at a distance of 98km.

Road & Rail: Pune is a popular railway station for tourists to Panchgani at a distance of 98 km from Panchgani. Though the railway station nearest to happens to be at Wathar. Panchgani is well linked with Mumbai and Pune through road.

Panchgani is the quintessential and a place for those seeking resort from polluted metro cities.The months from September to May are the best time to visit Panchgani.

OOTY - Spectacular Place!

Ootacamund is a popular hill station located in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, India. Udhagamandalam is the official Tamil name for the town. Ooty stands at an approximate height of 9,080 feet (2,268 m) above sea level.

Nestled in the brilliant green hills of the Nilgiris, its one of the favourite summer retreats of people in South India or the whole of India. Orchards of peaches and plums, terraced tea plantations, and eucalyptus, pine and wattle lining the landscape… a typical hill station in many ways. Founded by the British in the early part of the 19th century, Ooty was home to many Britishers who have fallen in love with this hill station where they discovered a little bit of England.such as beautiful English rain. The British influence is visible in the handrolled cigars, chocolate and cheese one enjoys here.

A hill station with a landscape perpetually enveloped in mist, Ooty's beauty has a timeless appeal.

History of ooty
Udhagamandalam, The "Queen of hill station" is one of the best tourist resorts. Nilgiris is called as "Blue Mountains". he name Nilgiri was due to the blue haze which envelopes the range with most distant hills of considerable size.

Places To Visit in OOTY
Government Botanical Garden This garden was laid out earlier by Marquis of Tweedale, the then governor of Madras in 1847. This garden covers an area of 22 acres. A fossil tree trunk of 20 million years is preserved here. The flora of the garden consist of varieties of tree species, grass carpet, variety of ferns, fashioned beds laid beds laid out in an Italian style, multi coloured flowering plants, house ferns and orchids and nurseries.

Lake View
At about one kilometer distance, an artificial lake can be seen with a charming look, which was formed in 1824 by Mr. John Sullivan,the then Collector of Coimbatore. Tamil Nadu tourism Development Corporation provided the following facilities to the tourists.

Mini Garden
Tourists can visit this mini garden which is on the way to the Boat House. The children amusement park is housed here.

Doddabetta
It is the highest peak (2623 meters) in the Nilgiris and is about 10 Kms from Ooty. It lies at the junction of the Western & Eastern Ghats and offer beautiful vistas of the Nilgiri Hill ranges. It is
surrounded by dense sholas. One can have a panoramic view of the landscape

The Mukkurthi Peak & National Park
Mukkurthi Peak is about 40 Kms. form Ooty. The Mukkurthi National Park is located on the Southern corner of the Nilgiris Plateau. The area contains a viable population of Nilgiri Thar (Hamitragus hilocrius). The Kollaribetta and Nilgiris Peak are other major peaks around. The
area is chained by many beautiful and perennial little streams which fall into Bhavani Puzha. The Silent Vally in the Western Ghat is located on the Western side of these ranges. A fascinating feature of the Mukkurthi Sanctuary is its endemism and relationship with Himalayan Flora and fauna.

Hindustan Photo Films
The HPF, one of the major industrial units ot the district, is a public sector enterprise. This unit is located (about 5 Km away from Ooty railway station) over a sprawling area of over 300 acres, near the Ooty golf-links on the Ooty- Mysore road. The HPF was inaugurated by Mrs. Indra Gandhi, Prime Minister, in January, 1967. This industrial unit is currently producing Indu roll films which are used for taking photographs; Indu X-ray films, the quality of which is acknowledged to be among the best in the world; Indu bromide paper on which photographs are printed; and Induaerographic for geological and defence mapping, industrial X - ray film, laser recording film, CAT film, special film for space photography, oscilloscope direct print paper, photo typesetting paper and range of chemicals for the film processing.
Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary
This Sanctuary lies at an elevation of 1140 metres in the junction point of Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. It however, extends over an area of 321 sq.kms. A variety of habitats ranging from tropical ever green forest, moist teak forest, secondary grass lands and swamps are found. The fauna is varied with Minivets, Hornbills, Fairy Blue Birds, Jungle Fowls, Panther, Sambar, spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Wild boar, Porcupine etc.

Ferhill Palace
Fernhill Palace was the erstwhile summer residence of the Maharaja of Mysore. The first Fernhills bungalow was built in 1844.

Pykara
It is situated about 21 kms from Ooty, on the Ooty-Mysore Road. The tourist attraction are well protected fenced sholas, Toda settlements, undisturbed grassy meadows and also a good wildlife habitat.The Pykara Dam,Pykara falls and the reservoir attracts many tourists.There is a forest Rest House at Pykara. a boat House with Restaurant is available.

Deer Park
It is located at a distance of one Km. on lake road which has Sambar, Chital and Hares besides water birds.

THE NARROW TRAIL
This is a journey nobody should miss. A journey where you jostle with unimaginable crowds and squeeze into tiny coaches, a journey where you feel you can actually reach out and touch the elusive Nilgiris. It starts at Mettupalayam, 46 km southeast of Ooty, where you board the Blue Mountain Express that gets pushed by an engine instead of being pulled! This is a precious travel tip. But once you are on, it' s heaven. The overpowering Nilgiri landscape has the ability to make you oblivious of the human ocean around you and the greenery is bliss. It' s a memorable 4. 5-hour journey, so don' t miss it for anything.

Climate of Ooty
Temperatures range from 25°C in summers to 5°C in the winters.

When to Go to Ooty
Between November and March, avoiding high-season crowds (April-June and September-October).
Wildlife of Ooty-
The region is a treasure of wildlife with some animals even native to these southern mountain ranges. There is that deep-voiced Nilgiri langur (Presbytis johnii) with its shiny black body and yellow-brown crown. The Nilgiri langur happens to be one of the five langur species found in India and Sri Lanka. These langurs of the Nilgiris are often found in the sholas, which are amongst their favourite haunts. It' s in the sholas that you can also see the lion-tailed macaque.

The shy, timid and hard-to-spot Nilgiri tahr (Hemitragus hylocrius) also has its home in these blue mountains. This animal has pride of place in being the only wild goat to inhabit any region south of the Himalayas. It has a short coat, dark yellow brown in color, and prefers to inhabit craggy regions above forest level. The Nilgiris are home to a great variety of carnivorous animals like tigers, panthers, jackals and hyenas. Elephants, wildcats, civet cats, giant squirrels
and mongoose are also part of Nilgiri fauna. The Nilgiri marten, nightjar, hill mynah, and golden oriole are some of the region' s avifauna. In essence, this range of mountains harbors a massive
diversity of animal life.

Ways to Reach to Ooty-
By Air Coimbatore, 105 km from Ooty, is the nearest airport. Indian Airlines has flight to Coimbatore from Bangalore, Cochin and Madras.

By Train The Blue Mountain Express to Ooty is from Mettupalayam (47 km). Mettupalayam can be reached from Coimbatore by the Tea Garden Express.

All important towns of Tamilnadu, Kerala and Karnataka are connected to Ooty.

Mussoorie "Queen of Hill Stations"

Mussoorie is located in the Garhwal hills, Uttaranchal at a altitude of 2,000 m. Due to its immense natural beauty, Mussoorie is known as the "Queen of Hill Stations".

History of Mussoorie

In 1820, Captain Young from the British army was influenced by the beauty of this place and made this place his residence. This marked the foundation of a hill station called Mussoorie. The name, Mussoorie, is derived from plants of 'Mussoorie' which were found in abundance here. After its discovery, this hill station gradually developed as a center of education, business, tourism and beauty.


Climate & Best Time to Visit

Summers are pleasant in Mussoorie while winters are characterised bysnowfall and rain. Temperature during the summer season lingers around 30 degrees centigrade. During the winters, temperature drops down to near zero at night and remains around 7 degrees at daytime. Mid March to mid November is the ideal time to make a trip to Mussoorie.


Sightseeing in Mussoorie

The Mall : The mainstay of the hill town of Mussoorie, the Mall is a hub of activities from dawn to dusk. The Kulri Bazaar sells interesting souvenirs to take back home. Here, you can also visit
India's largest indoor skating rink.

Gun Hill : A hill that's flat-topped, Gun Hill happens to be the second highest peak in Mussoorie. The spot can be reached from the Mall either on foot or by taking a pony ride. You can also choose to take the 400 metres ropeway which also gives you heart-stirring views.

Clouds End : It is an impressive English country house which was built in 1838 and was also the among the first buildings to be built in Mussoorie. Today, a holiday resort, it gives panoramic views of the surrounding greenery and the snow-laden peaks.

Image by treesftf via Flickr

Camel's Back Road : The road which spans over 3 km surrounds the base of the Gun Hill. Tourists arrive here to feast their eyes on thedramatic views of the Himalayan sunset. The place derives its name from a camel-back-shaped rock that lies closeby.
Ven Chetna Kendra - 2 kms from Mussoorie on Tehri bypass is a spectacular picnic spot called Ven Chetna Kendra. It also has park. The whole area is covered with Deodar forests and thick undergrowth. The main attraction of this place has been animals in the park. It can
be accessed by taxi or bus. Municipal Gardens - The municipal or the Company gardens was
previously (before independence) was also known as Botanical gardens of Mussoorie. These gardens were laid by famous geologist Dr. H. Fackner in the last century.

Tibetan Temple - This temple is located in Happy valley area of Mussoorie. Both Company gardens and Tibetan temple can be seen in one day. They are located one kilometer from Lal Bahadur Shastri National Administrative Academy. The Tibetan temple is evidence to rich Tibetan cultural heritage. This temple is sure to attract attention of tourists.

Kempty Falls - Kempty Falls are located 13 kms from Mussoorie. This place was developed as a tourist destination by John Mekinan after 1835.
Nearby Places To Visit

Lake Mist - This place is seven kilometers on way to Kempty Falls.There are good accommodation facilities there for the weary tourists.

Lal Tibba - This place is highest point in Mussoorie. Lal Tibba is located in Landour area which is the oldest inhabited place in Mussoorie.
Yamunotri Bridge:This bridge is located 27 kms from Mussoorie on the Chakrata road. This bridge is famous for fishing.

Nag Tibba which is 55 kms from Mussoorie is very good place for trekking. Nag Tibba, as it is called, is the highest place around Mussoorie. It is surrounded by thick dense forests. The actual trekking for Nag Tibba starts some 21 kms away from the place. The 34 kms journey from Mussoorie is done on Taxi or Bus and the rest is covered on foot. This trek has its own charm and fun. The trek starts at Thathyud.

Bhadraj Temple which is 15 kms from Mussoorie is the place of principle deity of Brother of Lord Krishna, Balram. Every year in the third week of August on Shravan Sankranti day a festival is celebrated here.

Dhanoulti is located 25 kms from Mussoorie on Tehri-Mussoorie highway. Here one has got good accommodation facilities. While going towards Dhanoulti, there are lovely green forest of fur and pine trees. These forests cover the Himalayan ranges lending them an unparalleled beauty. The fresh air and lovely surroundings fills you with enthusiasm and energy.

Sarkunda Devi: This place is 35 kms from Mussoorie. To access this place one has to go till Khaddu Khal by vehicle and then cover 2 kms on foot or on ponies.

Jhari Pani Falls are located some 8.5 kms on the Jharipani-Mussoorie road. 7 kms of the road to these falls is covered by taxi and rest 1.5 kilometers has to be covered on foot.

Activities to Do in Mussoorie

Mountaineering, mountain biking, camping, trekking and nature walks are some popular options to fill your days at Mussoorie with fun, flavour and adventure. Horse riding is another good activity to move around and see the scenic landscapes of the town. Tourists can also
indulge in ice skating at Kulri Bazaar that has India's largest indoor skating rink. Shopping at Kulri Bazaar can get you relics for memories.

Where To Stay in Mussoorie

Accommodation at Mussoorie provides you with an experience which is one of its kind. You need to stay at the town's hotels and resorts to soak up the spectacular panorama. A few of the options include Hotel Green Castle, Hotel Country Inn, Hotel Solitaire Plaza, Hotel Savoy and many more cosy places are there.

Reaching Mussoorie

The Jolly Grant Airport of Dehradun is just 24 km from here and has regular flights from Delhi. From the airport, one can take a bus or a taxi to get to Mussoorie. The railway station at Dehradun (34 km) is also well linked with the key destinations of the country.
The connectivity through roads that link Mussoorie to the important places inside and outside the state is quite good.

Khajjiar, Himachal Pradesh

Khajjiar, located at an altitude of 1960 m above sea-level, is often called the Switzerland of India, with its rolling meadows, majestic deodars, bubbly streams, and the sheer opulence of its natural beauty. The snow - line appears above its lush woods, and at the very centre of this divine glade, is a lake fed by countless streams that criss - cross the area.

Also called as 'Gulmarg of Himachal Pradesh', it has been aptly described by Hutchinson as - "Khajjiar is a forest glade of great beauty, 6,400 feet above sea level".

Khajjiar's is located between Dalhousie and Chamba. It is a major landmark is a 12th century, golden - domed temple dedicated to Khajjinag, which houses huge, life size wooden images of the 5 Pandava brothers.

Khajjiar that is located in the north-western part of the state of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is perched at an altitude of 1951 m above sea level. Khajjiar is 22 km from Dalhousie and 24 km from Chamba.

History of Khajjiar

The local Rajput rulers ruled Chamba valley in the 6th century ad and made it their capital city. This region became the part of the Mughal Empire in the medieval period and later came under various Sikh kingdoms. Finally, it was taken over by the British. It became a part
of the state of Himachal Pradesh when it came into being on April 15, 1948.

Places to Visit

The Lake Set in the rolling green turf is a small lake. One gets out of the car to go to the lake but the ground seems to give way. The earth is 'spongy' due to dense growth of weed called 'vacha' over which dust has formed a thick layer of earth.
Khajinag Temple

Khajjiar, known as one of the most charming spots in the Himalayas, derives its name from its ancient, golden-domed temple of Khajinag. The 12th-century Khajinag temple is a small shrine dedicated to the local Goddess or the Devi. This temple is also known as the Golden Devi temple, as it is adorned with a golden dome and spire. Pilgrims visiting the Chamba valley often come to this temple.

Nine Hole Golf course

A nine-hole golf course is an added attraction at Khajjiar.
Climate of Khajjiar

The climate of Khajjiar is alpine Summers (April-June) are mild and winters (November February) are cold and bitter. It experiences southwestern monsoon rains in July-September.

The best time to visit Khajjiar is between March and June

Nearby Sight-seeing Places

Chamba
The town of Chamba is 24 km from Khajjiar. Chamba is located in a picturesque valley, amongst the Shivalik ranges and is famous for its medieval temples.
Dalhousie
The hill station of Dalhousie is 22 km from Khajjiar and is a popular
summer retreat set amongst the lower Himalayan ranges.

To reach Khajjiar, follow the following routes-
By air

The nearest airport is at Gaggal, in Kangra ( 180 km ).
By Train

The nearest railhead is at Pathankot ( 120 km ).
By Road

Khajjiar is connected by road, and is 26 km from Delhi and 24 km from Chamba.

The quiet and tranquil place of Khajjar is located in Himachal Pradesh, near Chamba and Dalhousie. The place serves as the perfect travel destination for those travelers who want some respite from maddening crowd of cities.

Kufri Small Delight of HP

Kufri is a small hill station in Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh state in India.

Location

It is located 13 km from the state capital Shimla on the National Highway No.22. Kufri has a Himalayan Wild Life Zoo which hosts rare Antelopes, Felines and Birds including Himalayan Monal, the state bird of Himachal Pradesh. During winter a meandering path through the potato plantations turns into a popular Ski track.

History

The region around Shimla including Kufri was once a part of the Kingdom of Nepal until the area was ceded to the British Raj as part of the Sugauli Treaty. This region remained obscure from the rest of the world until the British 'discovered' it in 1819.

Places of interest

Among the famous sight-seeing places are mentioned here.

Mahasu Peak

One can hike through thick forest around Kufri to the Mahasu Peak- the highest peak in Kufri.

Indira Tourist Park

The Indira Tourist Park is near the Himalayan Nature Park and provides panoramic view of the locations around.

The best time to visit is April to June & November to February.

Chail Hill Station

Chail is honeymooners paradise, a hill station of Himachal Pradesh.



It is situated at a height of 2,250 m above the sea level. Bhupinder Singh, Maharaja of Patiala, when was facing an exile from Shimla, he decided to create his own summer capital, which was Chail.

Chail was perfect sometime in history and so it is now - it was surrounded by a thick cover of majestic, soaring deodars, Simla was just 45 kms away, and most significantly, the hill of Chail was decidedly higher than the then British-controlled Shimla.

The picturesque hill station is located amidst scented forests of chir pine and gigantic deodars. Chail is built on three hills, the palace is on Rajgarh Hill, the Residency Snow occupied by British resident is on Pandhewa Hill and on the third hill Sadh Tiba where Chail is situated. Overlooking Satluj Valley, Shimla and Kasauli are also visible at night from here.

Chail has the highest cricket ground in the world, well-kept and well maintained lush green ground is surrounded by massive deodar and pine trees. On the other side of the town are situated the massive Himalayan ranges spectacularly gleaming in the sun and snow-covered every thing under it.

Chail has a natural air-conditioned weather and the tourist find this place to be suitable to visit all throughout the year. Even during the summer the temperature doesn't rise to much, the autumn in all its colors is really fascinating. During autumn, the fields and the forests are covered with a cloak of russet and gold and in winter it is nothing less than a paradise. The weather conditions are so perfect that even in the winter when there is snow fall there is an unusual featured warmth present avoiding the inconvenience of the people. Sight seeing in Chail

Chail Sanctuary

Chail is always splurging with numerous tourists. The Deodar and Oak forests with grasslands around the township are the abode of wildlife.Chail sanctuary was notified on 21st March, 1976 near Chail Town in District Shimla and covers an area of 10,854.36 hectares.

Palace Hotel

The little 'hill station' of Chail came into being when Bhupinder Singh, Maharaja of Patiala was banished from Shimla, the 'summer capital' of British India, after a dalliance with the
Commander-in-Chief's daughter in the late 19th century.

Cricket Ground

Surrounded by gigantic deodar and well maintained Chail Cricket ground is the highest cricket ground in the world. Built in 1893, this cricket pitch located at the height of 2,144m is also used as polo ground.

Maharaja's Palace

The magnificent Rajgarh palace, with elaborate furnishings, built in 1891. With comfortable log huts and cottages, dense forests and serene walks, sprawling lawns, a childrens park, a `lovers hill', and sports facilities, Chail is a resort in the real sense of the term.

Sidh Baba Ka Mandir

Maharaja Bhupinder Singh had originally intended this to be the site of his palace, and had even started building it, but as is believed, a 'sidh', saintly person appeared in the Maharaja's dream, and declared that this was the place where he had meditated. Consequently, Bhupinder Singh shifted his venue and built a temple on the spot.

On the outskirts of Chail there are other good places to visit like Kufri, another hill-station and Sadhupul, a picnic spot.

Kullu-Manali-Hill Station of HP

The lush Kullu Valley is the most picturesque of Himalayan valleys that is spread on both sides of the Beas River. The valley runs north to south of this river and is 80km long and about 2km at its broadest. Manali is 40Kms from Kullu at an altitude of 2050metres, famous for its canopy of Deodar trees that surrounds it.



Manali has been a popular destination for honeymooners, trekkers, mountaineers, rafters, skiers and adventure freaks and anyone who wishes to escape the heat & dust of the plains to breathe the crystal clear air of the Himalayas and enjoy the spectacle of unlimited greenery.

A tour to Himachal Pradesh is incomplete without a tour to Kullu-Manali.

Manali literally means the 'Home of Manu'. Manu, the mythological character who survived when the world was drowned in floods. He then came to Manali and recreated human life. Thus, the area of Manali is sacred and Hindus treat the temples over here as pilgrimage.

Surrounded by towering peaks at an arm length, Manali's major asset is its proximity to the snowline. It is a flourishing orchard industry, a popular honeymoon destination and trailhead for numerous treks as well as a great countryside ideal for adventure sport lovers.

Manali, with its mountaineering institute, is a popular base for trekking and mountaineering in summer and skiing in winter. Interesting routes into the surrounding valleys, over the high passes, are provided with tourist huts and rest houses for trekking enthusiasts

Now, the question is how to reach Kullu-Manali?

By Air :- The nearest airport is at Bhuntar, 10km from Kullu. Indian Airlines, Trans Bharat Aviation and Jagson flights operate flights between Kullu Delhi & Shimla.

By Rail :- Nearest convenient railheads are Kalka, Chandigarh and Pathankot from where Kullu can be reached by road.

By Road :- Kulu is well connected by road with Delhi, Ambala, Chandigarh, Shimla, Dehradun, Pathankot, Dharamsala & Dalhousie and other cities in Himachal and outside. Regular direct buses ply between these stations. Deluxe, semi-deluxe and air conditioned buses during are available during tourist season.

Local Transport :- Local buses operate between Kullu-Manali and Manikaran regularly. Taxis are also available. On a tour to Kullu-Manali you can avail local transport for sightseeing purposes.

Tourist Attractions in Kullu-Manali
The tourist attractions in Kullu-Manali are numerous. The Hirimba Temple, Vashisht Ashram, Rotang Pass, Manikaran are some of them. On a tour to Kullu-Manali you also have the option for undertaking weekend excursions. On weekend getaways from Kullu-Manali you can travel to Shimla, Kalpa, Kaza, Kannaur, Lahaul-Spiti, Dharamshala, Dalhousie and so on.


The mountain state of Himachal Pradesh is particularly famous for springing beautiful intoxicating visual surprises on a traveler at every turn of the road. The Kullu district is not an exception either. The colorful Himachal Pradesh offers plenty of options for weekend getaways from Kullu-Manali.

Lahaul-Spiti - the twin districts of Lahaul-Spiti is a major weekend getaways from Kullu-Manali. Lahaul plateau is very dry and cold surrounded by high mountains on all sides. It has a vast number of glaciers, the ‘Bara Shingri’ being the biggest of them. The district of Spiti, with its headquarters at Kaza is also called ‘Little Tibet’. Kalpa - a small town located in the Sutlej River Valley, above Recong Peo in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, Kalpa is inhabited by the Kinnauri people and famous for its apple orchards. Apples are a major cash-crop for the region. The local inhabitants mostly follow a combo of Hinduism and Buddhism, and many temples in Kalpa are dedicated to both Hindu and Buddhist gods & godesses.

More Weekend Getaways from Kullu-Manali include Dharamshala, Dalhousie, Kinnaur and Almora.

The equally colorful people, an old traditional culture portrayed in its rock cut cobwebbed temples and of course, a spicy, indigenous cuisine makes the eating out in Kulu-Manali real fun.

Eating Out in Kullu Manali-
The colorful people that reside these heights are equally colorful and of a creative sort, which accounts for the wide array of handicrafts and artefacts that find their place in the shop windows in this region that are notorious for baffling tourists with their beauty and variety.There are quite a few places to shop for handicrafts and local curios in Manali. The colorful Tibetan Bazaar at the extreme south end of Manali sells Kullu shawls, caps, woolens, and Tibetan souvenirs that include thangkas (Buddhist paintings on cloth), silver and turquoise jewellery, and music cassettes.

Government owned Charitable Trust Tibetan Handicrafts, or any of the cooperatives run by local women, such as Kullu/Kashmir Shawl Emporium are authentic shopping outlets. Bhutico is good for shawls, and so is the Himachal Handicrafts on Circuit House Road.



Adventure Sports
Skiing in Manali: Near Manali, there are some slopes, which have been rated the best for skiing in the world. The Solang Nullah, Patalsu, Kothi, Marhi and Rohtang slopes are very good for skiing in the winters as well as in summers. In fact Patalsu and Rohtang slopes are the only places where one can do summer skiing. The slopes are being further developed to accommodate more trainees and tourists.

The national level skiing competition is held on the slopes of Solang Nullah and the winter carnival is organised at Manali. The place has immense potential to offer some world-class ski slopes and they are being developed on the same lines. There are private organisations that provide training as well as equipment for skiing. The Mountaineering Institute has put up a small ski lift at Solang Nullah.

Rafting in Manali:


White Water Rafting The Beas river flowing through Kullu valley is suitable for not only white water rafting but is ideal for canoeing and kayaking too. The Beas River from the Manaki to Jhiri near Bajaura in Kullu district has become very popular among the lovers of river rafting and many competitions have been organised in the same. The trip starts from Mohal and covers a total distance 10-kms. The season normally starts from May to mid-June and rest depends on the arrival of monsoon. The various clubs provide the basic equipment required for the water sports.

Paragliding in Manali:
Paragliding is a combination of hang gliding and parachuting. In parachuting one has to jump from an aircraft whereas in paragliding one has to run down hill. The slopes of Solang Nullah provide just the right kind of slopes for paragliding during summers. There are organisations, which offer packages for paragliding. One can hire equipment from the private organisations in Manali and around.


Around Manali, tourist attractions include the following

Hadimba Temple

Beas Kund


Further ahead is the Beas Kund. The tiny roundish igloo like stone hut shelters the Beas Kund, the very source of the holy river Beas. Water flows at the source of the river likfe a spring, so clear and icy cold that it almost numbs the fingers. All around is the rocky terrain with very little vegetation. A few mules graze around while all and sundry try to brave the wind on a clear sunny day.

Rohtang Pass (13-kms):
Situated about 50-km from Manali town, at an altitude of 4,111m on the highway to Keylong, is the Rohtang Pass. There is a beautiful Dasohar Lake left of the Pass. The Pass, which provides the only access to the Lahaul Valley, is open from June to November each year. Snowfall is, however, unpredictable and blizzards can close the Pass even during this period. Here one sees the majesty of the mountains at its height and splendour. A few km away from the pass is the Sonapani glacier and, slightly to the left are the twin peaks of Gaypan-jagged pyramid of rock, snow streaked and snow crowned.

The Best Time To Visit the place - April To June & September To October.

Indian Hill Stations

India is the perfect tourist destination when it comes natural beauty. The picturesque Indian hill stations are among top hill stations of world.

Himalayas, the planet's highest mountains, which now abut India in the north and the north-east are filled with river-borne sediment, now forms the Indo-Gangetic Plain.To the west of this plain, and cut off from it by the Aravalli Range, lies the Thar Desert.The original Indian plate now survives as peninsular India, the oldest and geologically most stable part of India, and extending as far north as the Satpura and Vindhya ranges in central India. These parallel ranges run from the Arabian Sea coast in Gujarat in the west to the coal-rich Chota Nagpur Plateau in Jharkhand in the east.To their south, the remaining peninsular landmass, the Deccan Plateau, is flanked on the left and right by the coastal ranges, Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats respectively.

This geographical alignment gives rise to many a hill stations of India.

Hill stations of Kashmir susch as Srinagar, gulmarg, sonmarg are among most beautiful hill stations of India and world. Hill stations of Himachal pradesh like kullu manali, dalhousie, chamba, solan, shimla are equally beautiful.

These Hill stations providing a retreat from the heat and dust of the plains. The snow clad peaks and the cool hill stations on the foothills of these hills provide respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. We can divide these hill stations on the directional basis.

North-India Hill Stations

Badrinath Hill Station,Chail Hill Station,Gangotri Hill Station,Khajjiar Hill Station,Kullu Hill Station,Manali Hill Station,Mount Abu Hill Station,Mussoorie Hill Station,Nainital Hill Station,Shimla Hill Station,Sonamarg Hill Station.South-India Hill Stations
Anantagiri Hill Station,Coonoor Hill Station,Devikulam Hill Station,Horsley Hill Station,Idukki Hill Station,Kodaikanal Hill Station,Munnar Hill Station,Nandi Hill Station,Ooty Hill Station,Peermade Hill Station.Seven Hills of Tirumala are among the famed ones worldwide.

Eastern Hill Stations of India
Darjeeling Hill Station,Kalimpong Hill Station,Mirik Hill Station,Shillong Hill Station and Tawang Hill Station


Western Hill Stations of India

Khandala Hill Station,Lonavala Hill Station,Mahabaleshwar Hill Station,Matheran Hill Station,Panchgani Hill Station,Panhala Hill Station,Saputara Hill Station.