Archive for the ‘Hill Stations Of India’ Category
January 16th, 2008 | 
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Gangtok, the “Lofty Hill” or the “Hill made flat to build the Gangtok monastery in 1716″. Gangtok is a city, which, till one sees it, one would believe exists only in picture-story books. In the mystery-laden mists prayer flags whip in the breeze; wheels spin in the hands of Lamas mumbling invocations to God, in the distance are the snows, on the streets amidst brightly painted pagoda roofed houses, lined with friendly smiling people are silver, silk and spice and jewellery to gladden an maiden’s heart, from across the seven seas are gadget and goods to delight the collector of “imported goods’, while directly overlooking the city is the hill Lukshyma, the ‘Mother of Pearl’ citadel of the magic mountain, Khang-Chen-Dzod-Nga.
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Kurseong is located at an altitude of 2458 Mts.(4864 ft), 51 kms away from Siliguri and 30 kms away from Darjeeling.The peace, serenity and the healthy climate of Kurseong attracts the tourist to this place.Guru Rabindra Nath Tagore and the great composer Atul Prasad Sen has been inspired by the beauty of the place. Sister Nivedita, the great disciple of Swami Vivekananda also resided here.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit the place in during summers commence from mid April to June.As the maximum temperature etends to 29 degree celsius.In winter it last from mid September to December.
One of the famous trekking route taken by the trekkers is that of the Darjeeling-Sandakphu / Phalut trek. This trekking route is best during the months of April, May, October and November. As during these seasons the visibility is clear and the weather is also hospitable. For trekking on this route one does not have to carry much luggage as the Gorkha Hill Council has provided trekkers hut and other facilities all along the route. But it is advisable to carry your own sleeping bags. On this route the trekker must be prepared for all kinds of weather and high altitude mountain sickness. The trek passes through low areas and very high ridges so temperature varies a lot be prepared for all types of weather. There surroundings may be very attractive but there are some areas which have long stretches without any water, so carry water with yourself. Regular meals are available. Guides and porters can also be arranged. Phalut is also called the view point of the Himalayas and is one of the most important & famous treks in the region. The trek starts with a small bus trip to Manaybhanjang. From here the trek passes through the mountains to Sandakphu. From here you can proceed further up or you can return via Rimbik then to Darjeeling by Bus. One can also take a short cut and not go to Ohalut. From Sandakphu backtrek to Bikhay Bhanjang and cut across to Rimbik. But keep in mind that this trek is a difficult one with no water or food in between.
Dilwara Temple
The Dilwara Jain temples were dedicated to the Jain tirthankars and also served as storehouses of illustrated manuscripts and treatises. The temples at Mount Abu were constructed between 800 AD and 1200 AD.
The Dilwara temples have been described as a dream in marble. According to the inscription, Mount Abu was basically a seat of Saivism and Jainism made its appearance only in 11th century. The first Jain temple of Dilwara, the Vimala Vasahi was built in 1032 A D by Vimala Shah.
Vimala Vashi Temple
The Vimal Vashi temple is the earliest and most important temple among various temples situated here. The Vimal Vashi temple was built in 1032 AD and is dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankara, Adinath. The temple was constructed by Vimal Shah, minister of a local Rajput ruler, Raja Bim Deo. It stands in an open courtyard surrounded by 58 cells or kulikas, which contain small icons of the image in the main shrine. In the main shrine is the gold-brass caste image of Adinath placed in the Gudh Mandap. The main shrine and the front of the cells are surrounded by elaborate columns. The temple is carved out of white marble. The ceiling is decorated with engraved designs of lotus-buds, petals, flowers and scenes from Jain and Hindu mythology.
Nakki Lake
The Nakki Lake is a major attraction of Mount Abu. It is a pretty lake which is surrounded by the wooded hills. Nakki Lake is the focal point of the town of Mount Abu. Nakki means Fingernails. According to legend, this lake was clawed out of the earth by the fingernails of the Gods. Boating is a popular pastime here, and a walk along the bank is quite pleasant.
Todd’s Rock
From Nakki Lake one can see the strange rock formation called “Todd’s Rock”. This rock formation is sculpted by the forces of nature.
Sunset Point
There are many view points around the town. The most famous view point is the Sunset Point. Sunset point is situated on the banks of the Nakki Lake in the southwestern part. From here one can view the sunset spectacularly between two rocky peaks with the lovely view of the surrounding hills. There is a spectacular sight at the time of sunset when all the hills shine with the golden glow. Sunset point is the right place to view the spectacular sunset
Hotel Hilltone Ltd
Address: Post Box-18, Mount Abu 307501
Phone: 02974- 32391- 94 ,Fax: 38395
Specialities:
Chinese, French, 24 hr Coffee shops
Hotel Hillock Mount Abu:
This is an eminent eco friendly hotel located at a distance of 185 km.The hotel has an outstretched scenic view facing the Nakki Lake.
The hotel has a marvelous arrangement of lodging like it possesses 29 deluxe rooms, 9 standard rooms, 3 super deluxe rooms and a single suite.
Room amenities include well furnished AC rooms with attached bath. All rooms have a panoramic view of the surrounding mountain & landscaped gardens. The rooms have a mini bar, 21`colour flat screen TV, running hot & cold water in showers.
The exquisite Restaurant serves Multicuisine food items thus impressing the visitors to the fullest and attracts them to come back over and over again.
Connaught House
Connaught house is a charming English cottage set in shady gardens within walking distance of the town of Mount Abu and famous Nakki Lake. This property was the official summer residence of the chief minister of the princely state of Marwar.
There are comfortable rooms in the charming old building as well as charming new wing of airy rooms. It is an ideal place to just relax and enjoy.
AMENITIES :
Restaurant serving Continental, Indian, Regional cuisines, 24 hours room service, Major credit cards are accepted.
General Information
Mt. Abu is Rajasthan’s only hill station. It is around 180 km away from Jodhpur, the second biggest city of Rajasthan, and 509 km away from Jaipur, the state capital. It is also one of the major pilgrimage sites of India for both Hindu as well as Jain religions. Besides the temples and sites of historical importance, Mt. Abu is also rich in natural scenic beauties.
Mt. Abu is the highest point between the Nilgiris in the south and the Himalayas in the north.
Mount Abu has market having variety of shops with variety of rajasthani and gujrati articles from handicrafts of different categories, textile, Jewellery articles, wooden, marble and metal, Rajasthani paintings, Leather articles and stone crafts etc.
Mt. Abu is a green oasis in the barren desertscape that’s Rajasthan. Accomodation in mount Abu will never be a problem as it is very popular as a hill station in India and holds excellent capacity to hold its tourists with all the glory.
Climate
The climate in Manali is very pleasant all through the year except during the winter when night temperatures may drop below zero degree Celsius. Springtime, beginning in March and lasting through April, brings to the valley blossoms, flowers and butterflies – offering a completely rejuvenating experience.
The summers beginning in the month of May, normally lasts through the month of June. It is a time when every body wishes to be in Manali. The maximum temperature during the summer barely touches 26 degrees centigrade towards the end of June. Manali is lush green and vibrant during the monsoons, beginning in July, and usually continues till the end of August. It is a time when the valley bustles with a variety of global tourists and trekkers.
Monsoons can be romantic with the mist flowing into your rooms. You can enjoy the gentle tapping of rain drops on the roof and get drenched in the rains. Another fine time to be in Manali is during September/October and November with autumn colors in the air. This is the time for the colorful Kullu Dusshera in which 365 gods and goddesses of the valley assemble at Dhalpur.