Hill Station
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Mussoorie (Uttarakhand)
Perched on a ridge 2km high, the 'Queen of Hill Stations' favourite holiday destination . When the mist clears, views of the green Doon Valley and the distant white-capped Himalayan peaks are superb, and in the hot months the cooler temperatures and fresh mountain air make a welcome break from the plains below. Established by the British in 1823, Mussoorie became hugely popular with the Raj set. Central Mussoorie consists of two developed areas: Gandhi Chowk (also called Library Bazaar) at the western end, and the livelier Kulri Bazaar and Picture Palace at the eastern end, linked by the (almost) traffic-free 2km Mall.
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Nainital (Uttarakhand)
Nainital is a glittering jewel in the Himalayan necklace, blessed with scenic natural splendour and varied natural resources. Dotted with lakes, Nainital has earned the epithet of ' Lake District ' of India . The most prominent of the lakes is Naini Lake ringed by hills. Nainital has a varied topography. Nainital's unending expense of scenic beauty is nothing short of a romance with awe-inspiring and pristine Mother Nature. Kathgodam(35 Kms.) away is the last terminus of broad gauge line of North East Railways connecting Nainital with Delhi,Dehradun & Howarah . Haldwani(40 Kms.) & Lalkuwan(56 Kms.) are other railway terminals.
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Shimla (Himachal Pradesh)
The British Empire may have ceased to exist, but its echo lingers on in Shimla (2205m). As the Summer Capital of the British in India, Shimla was the country's focus for the better part of every year and now, is the state capital of Himachal Pradesh. Today, it has well developed facilities, easy accessibility and numerous attractions making it one of India's most popular hill resorts. Situated in the lower ranges of the Himalayan Mountains, it is surrounded by pine deodar, oak and rhododendron forests. Towards the north lie the snow-covered high-ranges, while the valleys breathe whispering streams and swaying fields. Within the town are host of splendid colonial edifices, quaint cottages and charming walks. Shimla offers a variety of shopping, sport and entertainment activities
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Dharamshala (Himachal Pradesh)
This is a hill station lying on the spur of the Dhauladhar range about 17 kms north- east of Kangra town. This hill station is wooded with oak and conifer trees and snow capped mountains enfold three sides of the town while the valley stretches in front. The snowline is perhaps more easily accessible at Dharamshala than at any other hill resort and it is possible to make a day's trek to a snow-point after an early morning's start. Dharamshala is also the headquarter of the Kangra district. Since 1960, when it became a temporary headquarter of His Holiness. The Dalai Lama, Dharamshala has risen to international fame as "The Little Lhasa in India". Mcleodganj is 9 km from Dharamshala.
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Manali (Himachal Pradesh)
Manali landscape is breath taking. One sees well-defined snow capped peaks, the Beas River with its clear water meanders through the town. On the other side are deodar and pine trees, tiny fields and fruit orchards. It is an excellent place for a holiday, a favourite resort for trekkers to Lahaul, Spiti, Bara Bhangal (Kangra), and Zanskar ranges. From temples to antiquity, to picturesque sight-seeing spots and adventure activities, Manali is a popular resort for all seasons and for all travellers.
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Gulmarg (Jammu & Kashmir)
While Gulmarg is an all-weather resort with refreshing summer meadows and pastoral scenes to keep the camera busy, the main reason to come here, at least in winter, is the off-piste, deep-powder, long-run skiing and snowboarding. Gulmarg is not merely a mountain resort of exceptional beauty- it also has the highest green golf course in the world, at an altitude of 2,650 m, and is the country's premier ski resort in the winter. Head here for the world's highest gondola ski lift and eye-popping views. The valley of Gulmarg, a large meadow about 3-sq-kms in area, stands at 2,730 metres, 56-km south west of Srinagar.
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Pahalgam (Jammu & Kashmir)
The Valley Of Shepherds Situated at the confluence of the streams flowing from Sheshnag Lake and the Lidderriver, Pahalgam (2,130 m) was once a humble shepherd's village with breathtaking views. Now it is Kashmir's premier resort, cool even during the height of summer when the maximum temperature does not exceed 25C. Pahalgam is accessible from road, if you are driving from Jammu; you can reach Pahalgam some 45 kms before Srinagar (at Khanabal).
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Mount Abu
(Rajasthan )
Mount Abu is a beautiful hill station in Rajasthan . The tourists and the natives alike head here to take a break from the smouldering summer blaze. This veritable Eden served as the Chauhan Rajputs' summer resort. Mount Abu is probably one of the few places in the state endowed with lush foliage and a variety of flora and fauna. Besides being a summer getaway, Mount Abu is a sacred pilgrimage spot, revered sacred by the Hindus and the Jains. The mystifying and beautiful city is known by many names such as "Hill Of Wisdom", "Saint's Pinnacle" and "Olympus of Rajasthan". Best time to visit is between February and June or any time after the rain between September & December
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Mahabaleshwar (Maharashtra)
Soaring peaks, breathtaking valleys. Lush flora. Cool, crisp mountain air. This is Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra's most popular hill station, and once the summer capital of the Bombay Presidency during the British Raj. Mahabaleshwar means 'God of Great Power' in Sanskrit. Indeed, the place is great and bountiful, rewarding the visitor with a mix of old-world charm, natural beauty and modernity. Mahableshwar is a great holiday destination throughout the year, except for the monsoon months.
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Darjeeling (West Bengal)
Nestled among the rolling mountains with the glistening Mt Kanchenjunga towering over the azure sky, Darjeeling fondly called "Queen of the Hills", provides a perfect gateway for those seeking to be in harmony with nature. This is the land of the muscatel flavoured Darjeeling tea revered by connoisseurs across the globe. This is the land of the world heritage Darjeeling Himalayan Railway where the century old miniature steam engine still chugs uphill vying for space with the fast disappearing Land Rovers. It is certainly that Darjeeling in the post modern era comprises of six T's -Tea, Teak, Tourism, Toy Train, Tiger Hill and Trekkers' paradise. Best time to visit is during March to mid June & October to December.
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Gangtok (Sikkim)
Wreathed in clouds, Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim is located on a ridge at a height of 5500 feet. With a spectacular view of the Khangchendzonga, the town provides the perfect base for travel through the state. Once an important transit point for traders travelling between Tibet and India, it is today a busy administrative and business centre and presents an interesting mix of cultures and communities. MG Marg, the main street of Gangtok town is a great place to chill out. The country's first litter and spit free zone, no vehicular traffic is allowed into the marg. You can sit at the Titanic Park or at the various benches stretched across the mall and take in the carnival like atmosphere, especially during the tourist season. The Mall is lined with shops on both sides of the road so shopping becomes an added pleasure. Gangtok enjoys a gentle, moderate climate all year through. The best time to visit the place is from September to June.
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Munnar (Kerala)
Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. 1,600 m above sea level, this hill station was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India. Sprawling tea plantations, picture-book towns, winding lanes and holiday facilities make this a popular resort town. Unending expanse of tea plantations - pristine valleys and mountains- exotic species of flora and fauna in its wild sanctuaries and forests - aroma of spice scented cool air - yes! Munnar has all these and more. Best time to visit is from August to May. Nearest Airport is Cochin which is 108 Km away.
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Ooty (Tamil Nadu)
Ooty also known as Udhagamandalam is the "Queen of hill stations" and the capital of Nilgiris district. It is one of the most popular tourist resorts in India. Nilgiris means "Blue Mountains". It is a land of picturesque picnic spots, used to be popular summer and weekend getaway for the Britishers during the colonial days. It is situated at an altitude of 2,240 meters above sea level. An added attraction for the tourists to Ooty is the mountain train journey on a ratchet and pinion track which commences from Kallar, near Mettupalayam and wends its way through many hair-raising curves and fearful tunnels and chugs along beside deep ravines full of verdant vegetation, gurgling streams and Tea gardens. Lofty mountains, dense forest, sprawling grasslands and miles and miles of tea gardens greet the passengers on most routes. Good time to visit is from April to June & from September to November.
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Kodaikanal (Tamil Nadu)
Kodaikanal is one of the very popular and most sought after Honeymoon and holiday destination hill resorts in South India. This hill station stands 7200 feet above sea level and situated in upper palani hills of the westernghats near Madurai in Tamil Nadu. Kodaikanal is also popularly known as the "Princess of Hill Stations". The cool and misty weather, the scenic beauty of the rolling hills and the wooded forest of Kodaikanal and its surroundings will mesmerize any visitor throughout the year. Walk through the wooded forests, row in the lake, and bath in one of the splashing waterfalls, go for horse riding and cycling around the lake or simply admire the views.
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