Snow, hilly treks, adventure sports, misty cloudy weather and many close interactions with nature can be done in wonderful hill towns and cities. They are a respite from the tropical heat. This fact gets emphatic when you are travelling to India. A must-visit in summers of India, they are escape from hottest of weathers here. If you haven’t planned your itinerary yet, you can include the top hill stations in your list for the trip to India.
These hill stations are dotted in the whole landscape of the sub-continent in different mountain ranges. The prominent ones could be found in ranges like Himalayan, Aravali, Vindhya, Purvanchal, Eastern and Western Ghats, Nilgiri, Dundwa, Sahyadri Satpura, Velikonda and few more. You can categorize the popular hill stations as:
1. Nainital
If you want to see what popularity does to a place, come to this land of Kumaon that has lures varying in colours. In the state of Uttarakhand, this small hill town receives millions of tourists every year. There are valleys, lakes, lush greeneries, snowy mountains and much more to relax troubled urban souls. The main attractions are listed as follows:
Naini Lake: This Lake is one of the major attractions of the hill station. Boating in the lake, picnic with friends and family around it, capturing the view of seven mountains that shadows it are the things that you would love doing. People who have seen the view by themselves believe that the lake is in the shape of eye that gives it its name. Divided into Tallital and Mallital, this is loved by all the visitors.
Naini Peak: Also know by the name of Naina or China Peak. It is the highest peak of the town where trekkers enjoy their love for trekking revelling in the beauty of nature and enjoy a view of town.
Snow View: A trip in cable car to the altitude of 2270 m height and you are in for a fantastic panorama of the town and the sights it is famed for. The threesome mountains, viz. Nanda Devi, Trishul and Nanda Kot can make spectacular memory that could be revisited again and again.
Other places of importance include Governor’s House, Tiffin Top, Naina Devi Temple, Sariyatal, Gurney House, and many more places to enjoy the trip to Nainital hill station.
2. Manali
If it is a minor pilgrimage you are looking for, nothing can compete Manali. At the height of 2050 m, the town is cold and snow covered for most of the time. This is one of the few hill stations that have made a special place in the hearts of honeymooners. They love to be under the blessings of God and nature and developing the cove of their own. Located in Himachal Pradesh, if flaunts following main attractions for the visitors:
Hidimba Temple: Nobody who was familiar with the character of hidimba in Mahabharata would have imagined that even that can have a temple to be revered. Cedar forest around the temple only increases its natural beauty by manifold.
Vashisht Hot Water Spring: This is the source of sulphurous water that people have claimed to have helped them heal many skin problems. Vashisht was believed to be a saint who used to reside here near the bank of river Beas many years back. The village is known by his name till date. Bathe either in the modern bath houses or in the temple area with no or little privacy.
Rozy and Rahala Waterfalls: The two waterfalls add to the attraction of the place. On your way to Rohtang Pass, both of them can be found and enjoyed.
Other attractions can include a visit to Solang valley for those with flair of adventure. Do Skiing or paragliding here and satiate your hunger for adrenaline rush. Apart from that there are monasteries, orchards, Manaligarh fort, Gauri Shankar Temple and Maa Sharvari Temple. Explore Manali on India hill stations tour!
3. Darjeeling
Located in the state of intellects, West Bengal, Darjeeling is famed for its tea plantations, toy train and misty romantic surroundings. Listed under world heritage sites, Darjeeling Himalaya railways, has its own share of lovers. It makes ride in the toy train memorable becoming a reason to return to the Darjeeling hill station once again. The major places to visit when in here are:
Himalayan Zoo: Also known as Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park, the zoo is a nice place to know and learn about various animal and species that are found in the Himalayan region. Paying a minimal amount you can take the chance to increase knowledge on the subject and have a look in the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute museum as well.
Tiger Hill: The place to witness golden dawn and Kanchenjunga in the first rays of the sun. Catch the magic in your lens to take away with you.
Nightingale Park: Also addressed as Srubbery Park, it is best to be seen in evening. That makes it cosy and special. People can enjoy entertainment programs that are included in the scheduled in peak seasons for tourists.
Other places of importance in the area include Observatory Hill, Rock garden, Batashiya Loop, Japanese Peace Pagoda, Buddhist Monasteries, Singalila National Park and some other spots of tourist interests.
4. Mahabaleshwar
If you have been to Maharashtra and feel that you have seen everything worthwhile then recount your trips. Maybe you have missed on Mahabaleshwar hill station. If you really have, no time could be better than the vacation you are going to plan this time. A part of district Satara, the hill town is renowned for is evergreen forests. Its average elevation is not much, that is, 1353 mt but it does exude in beauty. Favourite of the local urban crowd, the place is deemed heaven for the sanctuary it offers to its visitors. You can visit:
Mahabaleshwar Temple: The old temple of lord Shiva is one of the prime attractions of this hill station that makes it a place of pilgrimage as well. It is believed to be source of five rivers including the River Krishna, Venna, Koyana, Savitri and Gayatri. Divided into inner and outer prayer rooms, the temple holds great importance for the followers of the Mahabali (another name for lord Shiva).
View Points: The hill station is also popular for its view-points are great for getting panoramic views of the place. Photographers find their paradise in these specific spots and their names are all the more fun to know. These are in total 14 and some of the more popular include Arthur’s seat, Lodwick Point, Babington point, Wilson Point, Bombay Point, Parsi point, Sydney Point and some others.
Lingamala Falls: This is a waterfall that could be captured in lens nicely behind the Surya resorts. A height of 600 ft makes the falls really spectacular.
Other attractions include the rest of the unmentioned points like along with Needle Hole Point and Kate’s Point. Then, there are tapola, Panchgani (another hill station nearby), Pratapgarh, etc.
5. Munnar
Kerala is one of the most popular southern states and the hill station that marks its presence here is Munnar. The tea plantation area also makes a honeymooners’ special place, the credit of which goes to its unparalleled beauty. The places that make Munnar hill station so enjoyable are:
Atukkad Waterfalls: The falls are located near the prominent tourist town, about 2 km away from it. The place is never crowded to the extent of intrusion.
Hydel Park: The Park is also known by the name of Blossom Park and just as the name suggests, the park is colourful for most of the time in the year. Just 3 Km away from the main town, its location is made idyllic by the banks of the Rivers Muthirappuzha. Gardens, beautiful landscapes, boating, birding, artificial waterfalls will make your time special.
Eravikulam (Rajamalai) National Park: This one is a little farther from the town but worth a visit if you have made it to Munnar. Known especially for endangered species of a mountain goat, the preserve works hard to keep their population thriving. Other than that, you can also spot atlas Moth, tigers, macaque and other animals. He place is also popular for a rare flower names Neelakurinji that blossoms every 12 year.
After going to these places you can decide upon Naimakkadu Water Falls, Kundala Lake, Echo Point, Mattupetti Dam, Lakkam Water Falls, mathikettan national park, Salim Ali (Thattekkad) Bird Sanctuarya and some other popular tourist places.
Visit these hill stations of India and you will always complain that there is so less of time to tour this vast penninsula!
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