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Archive for the ‘Hill Stations Of India’ Category

Language : Nepali, Sikkimese, Bhutia, Lepcha, Hindi, English

Best time to visit : October to March

STD Code : 03592

About The Place

Ensconced on a ridge flanking the Ranipool river, Gangtok at an altitude of 1870 m, is a destination that would lure anyone who has a taste for natural beauty and an inclination or interest in the Buddhist religion and culture. For it is a place that has beautiful monasteries, including the esteemed Rumtek – the head quarter of Kagyu order; vistas as breath taking as the awe-inspiring Khangchendzonga – the third highest mountain peak in the world. If you are flying to Bagdogra (nearest airport to Gangtok), opt for window seat on left for a glimpse of it.

But then, had it only been the monasteries and the natural beauty, Ladakh (another very popular Indian destination) would have easily stolen away a big chunk of tourists from Gangtok. So, there has to be something more to it. And that something is the glamour of this city and the easy accessibility. It’s a beautiful town with broad roads, flyovers, posh markets, fast food outlets, discotheques and all other modern amenities that one can ask for. Hotel ‘The Royal Plaza’ at Gangtok has India’s first land based live casino, and is the only place besides Goa to brag a casino in India. The tastefully lit and decorated and absolutely no traffic M.G Marg (street) is an ideal place to spend the evenings in the town.

Major Tourist Attractions In Gangtok

Himalayan Zoological Park : This Park exhibits a wide species of Himalayan fauna like the black beer, barking deer, snow leopard, civet cat, red pandas and the spotted deer.

Nathula : It is a mountain pass situated about 56 km from Gangtok at an altitude of about 14,200 ft and is covered with rich varieties of alpine flora and fauna. It is a calm place to visit and is open only for Indian Nationals.

Pemayangtse Monastery : It is one of the oldest monasteries in the state which was established by Lhatsun Chempo, the Lama who is said to have performed the consecration ceremony of the first Chogyal of Sikkim. This Monastery is located at the hill top and gives a wonderful view of the Himalayan ranges and the surrounding hills of the region.

Khecheopalri Lake : This Lake located at East Sikkim is considered to be one of the most sacred lakes in the city both for Hindus and Buddhists. This lake lies in the rich forest cover and is believed that the birds in the region never allow a single leaf to keep afloat on the water of the lake.

Menam Hill : This hill situated at an altitude of about 10300 ft gives a wonderful view of the scenic beauty of the Kanchenjunga Hills and its surrounding ranges. On a sunny day, one can even see the plains of Bengal spanning across Kalimpong and Darjeeling Hills in the South.

Ropeway : To capture the most stupendous scenes of the city, an easy way out here in Gangtok is to take a cable car ride that brings to your view Gangtok market, valley and assembly hall of state of Sikkim on its 15 to 20 minutes journey. There are 3 stop points on the journey. The lowest point is at Deorali market and the highest point is at Tashiling. There is a mid point stop at Nam-Nang. One can enter from any point and return to same point after touching other two points.

Location : 265 kms from Mumbai, Near Mahabaleshwar in Maharashtra

Altitude : 1334 meters

Attractions : Table land, Parsi point, Sydney point

Best Time to Visit : October to May

How to Reach : One can take tourist buses; hire private taxis or board a train to reach Panchgani from Mumbai.

Best Time To Visit This Place

Panchgani is a pleasant hill resort that does not experience major temperature variations. Though the monsoons are rather heavy. The temperature ranges between sixteen and thirty-five degrees throughout the year. The months from September to May are the best time to visit Panchgani. Panchgani Tourism is at its peak during the winter months.

Major Attraction Of Panchgani

At a height of 60 meters, Table Land is a major tourist attraction with its few caves, including the popular Devil’s Kitchen and Pandvgadh Caves. Panchgani is renowned for its green environs that make it a perfect place for sanatoriums and boarding schools. Most of the educational institutes here are settled in the old British buildings and Parsi houses, which attract tourists with their gothic architecture. Thanks to the oxygen-rich air of Panchgani that cures breathing problems of people at sanatoriums.

On a small mound facing the Krishna Valley is Sydney Point, a vantage point that offers stunning vista of Pandavgad, Mandhardeo and the sparkling waters of Dhom Dam. From Parsi Point, one can get the impressive panoramic view of the profound Krishna Valley. The Kamalgad Fort nearby is another nice ancient structure to visit. You can also hire a bicycle to move around the place and brood over the splendor that the Almighty has bestowed. Often called the Mecca of Maharashtra, Panchgani would definitely enthrall you with its hamlets, farms, greens and ravines.

How To Get There

Air : 127km from Almora, Pantnagar is the nearest airport. At present flights are however not operational.

Rail : Kathgodam (90km) is the nearest railhead with connection to Delhi, Howrah & Lucknow.

Road : Buses connect Almora with Kathgodam, Nainital (66km), Ranikhet, Pithoragarh(122km) & Delhi (380km) directly. There is also direct connection to Nepal Border, Banbassa (7 hours). Buses depart at a regular interval, every half of an hour for Kathgodam (3 hours). It takes about 2 hours to travel to Nainital & 4 hours to Pithoragarh. Infact road transportation is the most convenient way to travel to Airnora.

About The Place

At an altitude of 1638 meters and located on the ridge at the southern edge of the Kumaon Hills of the Himalayan range, Almora is at a distance of 380 km from Delhi. In the shape of a horse saddle shaped hillock it is surrounded by thick forests of pine and fur trees, flowing alongside the city are rivers of Koshi and Suyal and to top it all are the snow capped Himalayas in the background.

It is a town bustling with activity, and has a rich cultural heritage and history. It is considered the cultural heart of the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand.

Almora, a picturesque district in the Kumaun region, with a mesmerizing panoramic view of Himalayas, summons tourists worldwide to its alluring grandeur of natural beauty.Almora is a scenic hill station in the northern state of Uttarakhand. Located on a five km long ridge which is shaped like a horse shoe, Almora is a quaint town in Kumaon Hills in the Himalayan range. It is at an average height of 1,651 meters above sea level, and is surrounded by greenery all around with beautiful thick forests of fir and pine trees covering the hills.

Almora offers amazing views of the snow capped mountain peaks of the Himalayas and is popular among visiting tourists for its natural splendour. The Kosi and Suyal rivers run alongside the town adding to the beauty of the place. It is surrounded by the hill ranges of Kasar Devi, Banari Devi, Shayahi Devi and Katarnal, all of which are adorned by temples at the peaks.

There are many beautiful temples in Almora. The 1000 years old Temple of Goddess Nanda Devi is located right in the middle of the town. The Chitai Temple is the temple of Lord Golu, worshipped by the people of the Kumau region of Uttaranchal. There are quite a few temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, few dedicated to Goddess Durga, and another few Vaishnavite temples scattered all around the town.

Tourism In Almora

Situated on a 5 km long mountain range, the small town of Almora has a unique historical, cultural and political importance. Unlike other cities in the vicinity such as Shimla, Ranikhet and Nainital that were developed by the English, Almora was set up by the Indians. The way this hill station has lived up to its ancient traditions makes it different from other hill stations in the state and the country.

A popular tourist destination among vacationers, Almora is often referred to as the ‘town of temples’. Situated in the centre of the town is the temple of Goddess Nanda Devi, known as Nanda Devi Temple. Though the temple is a major attraction of the town, other places that interest tourists include State Museum and Bright End Corner. Tourists can even travel to the outskirts in order to visit the Deer Park in NTD.

There is ample justification for regarding Mount Kailash – the highest mountain exclusively within Tibet – as the holiest of all holy places. For Hindus, this awe-inspiring lone peak is the representation on earth of Mt Meru, the spiritual centre of their universe and a ‘world pillar’ 84,000 miles high, around which all else revolves. Hindus believe that Kailash is the abode of Lord Shiva, who sits at the summit with his consort Parvati, otherwise known as the daughter of the Himalayas.

The ‘Parikrama’, circumambulation, or journey round the base, of Mount Kailash, is said to wipe out a whole lifetime of accrued sins and many people report that they feel renewed or changed for the better after undertaking this spiritual journey. It is not just Hindus for whom Kailash is imbued with such great meaning. The Jains regard the mountain as the place where their first prophet achieved enlightenment and it is also of great spiritual significance for Buddhists and for those who still follow the ancient Bon religion. Buddhists call Kailash the “Precious Jewel Peak” and they, too, make many circumambulations in order to achieve enlightenment.

Day 01 : ARRIVAL IN KATHMANDU

Upon arrival in Kathmandu. Our representative will meet you at the airport & transfer to hotel. Evening, tour briefing.

Day 02 : FLIGHT, KATHMANDU TO NEPALGUNJ

Morning, Pashupati Darshan & Pooja, afternoon visit Budhanilkanth (sleeping Bishnu), monkey temple then transfer to domestic airport for your flight to Nepalgunj. The flight takes an hour to reach Nepalgunj (the administration head quarter of Western Nepal). In Nepalgunj airport, our representative receives you & transfer to Hotel.

Day 03 : FLY, NEPALGUNJ – SIMIKOT – HILSA, THEN DRIVE TO PURANG (Taklakot – 3400 m.).

Early morning transfer to airport (10 minutes from Hotel) for flying to Hilsa (the boarder between Nepal and China). But before reaching Hilsa, your Helicopter must land at SIMIKOT (the administrative head quarter of Northern frontier of Nepal) because the boarder immigration office is situated here only and according to the regulation of Nepal government, you must go through the immigration check before you get entered into the China side. The entire formalities take about 30 to 45 minutes. After completing the formalities in Simikot, you will continue the journey to Hilsa. Once you land at Hilsa, you will cross the River Karnali through a suspension bridge and get entered to the China side then continue TREKKING up to the “Sher village”. The Chinese immigration Office and Boarder Check Post is situated in Sher village. Our vehicles (Land Cruisers & truck) are waiting there as well. The actual trek takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour to reach Sher from the suspension bridge. Due to the different pace of walking, it may take at least two hours to gather all group members & luggage in immigration office up in Sher. However, the formalities don’t take long time but it depends on the mood of Chinese Police. From Sher, it takes another an hour to reach Taklakot (Purang -3700 m.).
- Nepalgunj to Simikot flight: 1 hour.
- Simikot to Hilsa flight: 20 minutes.
- Hilsa to Sher trek: 1 hour.
- Sher to Taklakot drive: 1 hour.

Day 04 : REST DAY IN TAKLAKOT (PURANG) FOR ACCLIMATIZATION

Today, you will have rest in Taklakot for acclimatization purpose. In fact, you have gained an enormous height within a day while coming in Taklakot, so before making any further journey to the higher elevation, your body should be acclimatized properly with the atmosphere in high altitude. So, it is significantly important to spend a day here for your health. However, we can also arrange a short visit to the Khojarnath temple (the ancient temple of Ram, Sita and Laxman) which is an optional program and you have to pay for transport (going and coming back) as well as the entrance fee of the temple. OR, you may stroll around the city on your own and visit the ruins of ancient Taklakot.
Khojarnath temple: Khojarnath temple is the ancient temple of Ram, Sita and Laxman. The temple (Monastery) is 1100 years old. – Takalakot to Khojarnath temple: 45 minutes (one way) by Jeep.

Day 05 : DRIVE, PURANG TO LAKE MANSAROVAR (Chiu Gompa – 4550 m.)

Early morning (after breakfast) you will depart for Lake Manasarovar (4560 m- Chui Gompa). The drive takes about 2 to 2 1/2 hours. On the way, you will have a short break in Rakshas Taal (Lake Ravana) to take some pictures & observe the sceneries. After taking a short break in Rakshas Taal, you will continue your journey to Lake Manasarover. After having holy dip and lunch at Lake Mansarovar, you will start for circumambulation around the lake by jeep. The journey around the lake requires approximately 3 hours.
- The distance of Mansarovar circumambulation: 72 km
- Taklakot to Lake Manasarovar: 3 hours.
- Jeep tour around Lake Manasarovar: 3 hours.

Day 06 : DRIVE, LAKE MANSAROVAR TO DARCHEN (4664 m.).

In the morning, perform Pooja (worship) & Snan (holy dip) after that we head out to Darchen (Mount Kailash base camp, 4662m).
- Lake Mansarovar to Darchen – 40 km
- Lake Mansarovar to Darchen drive – 1 hour & 30 minutes.

Day 07 : DRIVE, DARCHEN TO YAM DWAR THEN TREK TO DERAPHUK (4920 m)

Early morning, drive to Yam Dwar (OR Serson, 10 kms / 4750m), the auspicious gateway to the Parikrama (circuit) around Mt. Kailash. As well as, this is the sky burial sites of local Tibetan people. From here, you can see the closest view of Mt. Kailash. This is the particular place from where the group normally splits in two parts. Those, who are willing to perform the holy circumambulation around the Mt. Kailash will start trekking from this place and the rest of the people who are not willing to go for trekking will return Darchen on Jeep and wait for others to come. The trail to Deraphuk is easy & flat but because of the high elevation of the area, you will find this trek a tough one. The total journey to Deraphuk Gompa (4890m/18 km). requires 5 to 6 hours respectively. However, it depends on your pace.
- Darchen to Yam Dwar drive: 45 minutes.
- Yam Dwar to Deraphuk trek: 5 to 6 hours

Day 08 : TREK TO ZUTULPHUK (4780 m). VIA DOLMA PASS (5600 m.)

Early morning start up hill trekking to Dolma-La (5600 m). This is the toughest day of this journey. The entire trail up to Dolma-La is gradually up and from here the trail rapidly drops down to the next valley (Zutulphuk). The holiest water pool (glacial lake – Gauri kunda) is just situated beyond this pass. This is the lake, people believe, where Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva used to take bath. After making down hill trek to the valley (the next side of the high pass), the trek up to Zutulphuk Gomba requires another two hours. From here, the train is easy and flat.

Day 09 : FINISH TREK NEAR DARCHEN THEN DRIVE BACK TO TAKLAKOT

Today, you will complete the circumambulation around Mt. Kailash. The trek will be finished near Darchen where our vehicles will be waiting to fetch you and transfer to Taklakot. Evening in Taklakot.
- Zutulphuk to trek ending point: 3 hours
- Darchen to Purang drive: 3 hours

Day 10 : DRIVE TO HILSA – FLY KATHMANDU VIA NEPALGUNJ

Early morning (after breakfast), you will drive to Sher village then trek down to Hilsa (45 minutes) and take Helicopter flight to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj.
- Purang to Sher: 1 hour.
- Sher to Hilsa trek: 30 minutes.
- Hilsa to Simikot: 20 minutes flight.
- Simikot to Nepalgunj: 1 hour.
- Nepalgunj to Kathmandu: 1 hours

Day 11 : BACK HOME

Transfer to Tribhuvan International airport for your flight back home. Reporting time at the airport counter: two hours prior to the departure time.

Mahabaleshwar, Queen of all Hill Stations, is situated at an altitude of 1,372m in the heart of Sahyadri Hills in Satara District. The hill station has a legendary past. The name ‘Mahabaleshwar’ is derived from a temple of Lord Mahadev and three Sanskrit words, “Maha” (great), “Bal” (power) and “Ishwar” (God). But, some say that the name ‘Mahabaleshwar’, which simply means very mighty God, seems to have a mythological past.

The British in order to escape the summer heat of the plains and in their search for cooler pleasant climates, were always looking for mountain tops and plateau for recreation and change. So it happened that Col. Lodwick (Late General Sir Peter Lodwick) stationed at Satara, in April 1824 with a contingent of soldiers and Indian guides climbed up the mountain face reaching what is now known as the Lodwick Point. Thus Mahabaleshwar was “Discovered”.

Mahabaleshwar is famous for its scenic beauty and the splendid views of the valleys and the sea, which is quite visible in clear days pony rides on the lanes of Mahabaleshwar, are quite thrilling.

Main Attraction

Mount Malcolm:
It used to be the most famous building in the olden days. it was built in 1829 with magnificient architectural skills. Unfortunately, it has lost a lot of its old charm now.

Catholic Church:
A visit to the old Raman Catholic Holy cross church is worth a detour. although the church is practically falling apart, its stained-glass windows are still a sight to behold. this deserted church is now looked after by a Hindu family.

Mahabaleshwar Club:
The club was built in 1881 and is still flourishing and well-maintained. Only members of the club can stay here. It is very popular for its well-tended roses and lovely jogging track. Christmas is grandly celebrated by loyal members every year. Fortunately, one facility is open to visitors; who can use the golf course whenever they feel like it.

How To Go

Air:
Pune is the nearest airport both for Mahabaleshwar (120 km and Panchgani (98 km)

Train:
For Mahabaleshwar, the nearest railhead is Wathar (62 km) but Pune (120 km) is the convenient railhead.
For Panchgani, the nearest railhead is Wathar (45 km). Mumbai-Wathar via Pune (312 km). Pune-Wathar (120 km)

Road:
From Mumbai via Pune, Mahabaleshwar is 290 km and via Mahad it is 247 km. The State Transport buses ply from Mumbai and Pune to Mahabaleshwar. MTDC operates daily bus services except during the monsoon, between Mumbai-Mahabaleshwar-Mumbai. Also sightseeing tours for Mahabaleshwar and Mahabaleshwar-Pratapgad Fort.

Munnar is located at the Idukki district of Kerala State in South India. Munnar’s mesmerising greenery, mountain scenery, calmness and cool refreshing air attracts honeymooners and tourists throughout the year. It is a weekend hideout location for domestic tourists during summer season. Foreign travellers likes watching the natural beauty of Kerala while the journey from Thekkady to Munnar.

Munnar is at the confluence of three rivers. In Tamil, the word ‘munnu’ means “three” and ‘aar’ means “river”. Hence “Munnar” is a shortened version of ‘Munnu Aar’. The 3 mountain streams joining together here are Madurapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala.

Munnar also has the highest peak in South India – Anamudi , which towers over 2695 m. Anamudi is an ideal spot for trekking. The high ranges of Munnar were earlier known as Kannan Devan Hills,named after a certain Kannan Devan,who had been land lord in the Anchanad Valley on the eastern side of the district. The main cultivation crops in Munnar are Tea and Coffee

Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands in Munar is the Neelakurinji. This flower which bathes the hills in the blue every twelve years, will bloom next in 2006 AD.

Main attractions in Munnar :

Mattupetty :
Mattupetty is situated at a height of 1700 m above sea level. Mattupetty Lake and Dam is a beautiful picnic spot with the panoramic view of the tea plantations and the lake. Boating facilities are available in the reservoir. Mattupetty is also well known for its highly specialized dairy.

Eravikulam National Park :
A sanctuary for the endangered mountain goat of South India, the Nilgiri Tahr ( Hemitragus hylocrious), the Eravikulam National Park stands out for the stark beauty of its rolling grasslands and sholas, spread over 97 sq km in the Rajamalai hills.

Altitude : 2730 meters
State : Jammu and Kashmir
Languages : Kashmiri and Hindi
Attractions : Skiing

A huge cup shaped meadow, lush and green with slopes where the silence is broken only by the tinkle of cowbells, Gulmarg looks like a fantasy set in a film and not surprisingly have been the venue of several films.

The valley of Gulmarg, a large meadow about 3-sq-kms in area, stands at 2,730 metres, 56-km south west of Srinagar. The name means ‘Meadow Of Flowers’ and in the spring it’s just that, a rolling meadow dotted with countless colourful Bluebells, Daisies, Forget Me Not’s and Buttercups. The valley itself is about 3-km long and up to a km wide.

All around are snow-capped mountains, and on a clear day one can see all the way to Nanga Parbat is one direction and Srinagar is another. It’s a popular day trip from Srinagar to Gulmarg, although many people extend their stay or use it as a base for trekking. The road from Srinagar rises gently towards the lower slopes of the range, passing through rice and maize fields.

The journey to Gulmarg is half the enchantment of reaching there– roads bordered by rigid avenues of poplar give over to flat expanses of rice fields interspersed with picturesque villages. Depending on the season, nature’s colours could be the translucent green of spring, summer’s rich emerald, or autumn’s golden hues, when scarlet chillies festoon windows of village homes. After Tangmarg, the climb to Gulmarg begins through fir-covered hillsides. At one point, known simply as View Point, travelers generally stop their vehicles for a few minutes and look out a spectacle of snow-covered mountains, almost within touching distance.

Shimla is a beautiful Hill station in the lap of Himachal Pradesh and is also its capital. It is located at an altitude of 2213 m. Shimla derives its name from goddess ‘Shayamla Devi’ , another form of Goddess Kali. Shimla has been blessed with natural beauty and is surrounded by green pastures and snow-capped peaks. Its green valleys, the beauty of its trees, pine, oak and deodar and its beautiful weather attract the tourists throughout the year. The spectacular cool hills accompanied by the structures made during the colonial era create an atmosphere, which has given Shimla Hill Station the title of ” Queen of Hills “. Though Shimla has a regular flow of tourists throughout the year, maximum tourists come in May and October. In December, tourists flock to Shimla to enjoy the pleasant snowfall.

Shimla retains its colonial heritage, with grand old buildings, charming iron lampposts and Anglo-Saxon names. Besides the old Tudor and Georgian cottage-pattern houses erected by the British, new edifices have also been constructed in Shimla. Shimla is also famous for its flowers like lily, rhododendron and many undiscovered and anonymous beauties.

Apart from its natural attractions, Shimla is also famous for its architectural buildings, wooden crafts and apples. The Mall, The Gaiety Theatre, Himalayan Bird Park, Kufri, Chail, Nalderao, Fagu, Viceregal lodge, Himachal State Museum, Sanjauli, Temples and Daranghati Sanctuary are just some of the famous tourist spots of the hill station. Shimla is also famous for its adventure sports, which include trekking to the Kullu valley and trout fishing at the Pabbar River . The more adventurous can also opt for skiing at the Narkanda and Kufri . The nine-hole golf course at Naldehra is also a major draw for the tourists.