Hill Station

Shimla

State
Himachal Pradesh

Shimla, first discovered by the British Captain Charles Kennedy in the early 19th century, is a popular hill station built over several hills and connecting ridges. After independence, Shimla became the capital of Punjab and in 1966 it came under the state of Himachal Pradesh and became its capital. The town of Shimla is built over several hills and connecting ridges and was the Summer Capital of India during the British rulling era and they called Shimla "the queen of hill stations". It combines the luxury of being a hill station as well as a city.

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History

The History of Shimla dates back to the year 1819. Before that Shimla was under the rule of the Gurkhas. It was after the Gurkha War that the British soldiers founded a dense forest near the temple of Goddess Shyamala and gave it the name Shimla.

But some historians contradict it saying that Shimla is derived from the word “Shyamalaya” meaning the blue house based on a house built by blue slate by a fakir.

The Story of Shimla would not have been there if the Britishers had not discovered it. It was only in 1819, that the then Assistant Political Agent of Hill States, Lt. Ross built the first British residence- a wooden one. Later Lt.

Charles Patt Kennedy followed him by building a two storey pucca house named “Kennedy House”. After 1830, Shimla became the hot spot among the Britishers. For men it was the favorite hangout to rejuvenate after the Gurkha War while for the women it was a relief from the hot and humid climate as well as mosquito-invaded plains.

An account of Shimla History would be incomplete without the different names such as “Viceroy's Shooting Box, Abode of the Little Tin Gods and Mount Olympus” given to it by the Britishers. But the most famous of all was “the Queen of all Hills”.

It was due to this fascination of the Britishers for Shimla that it was made the “summer capital” in 1864.

After the Independence, Shimla was made the capital of Punjab, but in 1966 it was named as the capital of Himachal Pradesh.

Accessibility

Air: Shimla’s Jubbarhatti Airport is nearly 23 km away from the heart of the city. Taxi is available from airport to City and fare is about Rs 450. the airport is connected to Delhi airport by daily flights. Delhi International airport is the nearest major airport. Delhi airport is connected to all major cities in India and many cities abroad. The distance of Shimla to Delhi is about 357 km. A/C taxi services are available from Delhi to Shimla, costing about Rs 7500.

Rail: Shimla has a meter gauge railway station. It connects to the nearest broad gauge station at Kalka, which is at a distance of 80 km from Shilmla. Taxi services are available from Kalka to Shimla and charge is about Rs 1750. Kalka is well connected to all major cities in India by rail.

Road: HRTC buses offer bus connectivity from all cities in Himachal Pradesh to Shimla. Frequent ordinary and deluxe bus services are available from Delhi to Shimla. Deluxe buses charge about Rs 1300 from Delhi to Shimla.

Getaways
Chail
Kufri
Naldehra
Shopping

The main shopping areas are along the Mall, the Subzi Mandi and the Lakkar Bazaar. The Himachal Emporium of the state government is on The Mall. It sells handicrafts items from all over the state, including woollen garments, embroidered handicrafts, carpets and jewellery. Lakkar Bazaar is famous for its wood crafts, while the Tibetan market near Kusumpti, about 6 kms from the centre sells traditional Tibetan wares.

Other popular items for shopping in Shimla are woolen shawls and caps. Weavers in the Kullu Manali region weave colorful caps on their looms, which are highly favorite with the tourists visiting this region.

In fact Shimla, to much extent specializes in woolen garments. Try to pick up Kinnauri mufflers, scarves, embroidered handkerchiefs, hand-knitted socks and gloves while shopping in Shimla.

You would also find lots of Tibetan handicrafts for shopping in Shimla, which make their way to Shimla. Buddhist style curios, antiques, Feng-Shui elements are also available in abundance. You may also include carpets, rugs, leather craft and silver jewellery in your shopping list in Shimla.

The Mall is the best place foe shopping in Shimla. Numerous shopping joints literally dot the area. Alongside the government run emporia, several other private outlets offer great shopping in Shimla.

Lakkar Bazaar: Adjoining the Ridge, lakkar Bazaar is a marketplace which offers wooden articles targeted mainly towards tourists. The handcrafted wooden items are truly worth the money and sell like hot cakes. Tourists take them back as a souvenir of their trip. Lakkar Bazaar is also famous for its dry fruits and natural herbs.

Apart from the usual shops the market also has a roller skating rink and the state hospital known as Indira Gandhi Medical College and hospital. Many hotels such as Hotel White and Diplomat Hotel are famous of lakkar Bazaar.

Lower Bazaar:

Accommodation

Shimla hotels are of various types like luxury hotels, deluxe hotels, budget hotels, resorts and cottages. Moreover, many hotels here offer honeymoon packages to tourists, since Shimla is a popular honeymoon destination too. Mall Road and Kufri-Chail Road have some of the reputed hotels here.

Premium Hotels in Shimla

Wild Flower Hall
Woodville Palace Resorts
Springfields

Budgeted Hotels in Shimla

Quality Inn Himdev
Ashiana Regency
Hotel Honeymoon Inn

Attractions

Summer Festival
The Summer Festival is celebrated every year to herald the coming of summer to the region. It is held every year from 2-6 June and is a popular vent attracting many visitors. As part of the Festival, food fests, painting competitions, flowere shows and cultural shows are held.

Things to do

Ice Skating

A popular winter sport, Ice Skating in Shimla usually starts in early December and continues till late February. During these months two skating sessions are organized per day, in the morning hours and in the evening. But, if the skies are clear and temperatures are low, several uninterrupted sessions can be organized here. Every year large number of adventure enthusiasts visit the town of Shimla to undertake the sport.

In Shimla, the ice-skating club has a huge rink with an open area covered with naturally frozen ice. This rink is situated at a distance of just 10 minutes from the Mall and is the oldest natural open ice skating rink in Asia. For this skating rink, memberships are available for the whole season as well as for shorter duration and you can even gain membership for a single session. Skates are also available at the rink, so you don't need to carry the skating gears on your own.

At the Shimla Ice-Skating rink, you can enjoy the variety of skating like figure skating, speed skating etc. Besides, every season, various fancy-dress carnivals, ice-hockey and dances enliven the atmosphere of Shimla.

District
Shimla
STD Code
0177
Topic
Hill Station
Popular
Termperature
Summer 14-20°C, Winter -7-10°C
Best time to visit
March-June and September-November

Manali

State
Himachal Pradesh

Manali, once called the "end of the habitable world," is an important hill station of northern India spread along the banks of the river Beas. The place derived its name from Manavalaya meaning the abode of Manu or "Home of Manu" and here, the temples are treated as pilgrimages. anali is also famous for adventure sports like skiing, hiking, mountaineering, para gliding, rafting, trekking, kayaking, and mountain biking.

History

According to the Hindu mythology, Manali was the home of the lawgiver Manu (after whom the town is named). Legend has it that when a flood deluged the earth, Manu and the gods were towed to dry ground by a giant fish, which was the seventh `avatar'' of the god Vishnu.

Manali has a pre-historic legend behind its name. Vaivasvata, the seventh incarnation of Manu, the first creation according to Hindu mythology, found a tiny fish in his bathing water. The fish told him to look after it with devotion, for one day it would do him a great service. The seventh Manu cared for the fish until it grew so huge that he released it into the sea. Before departing, the fish warned Manu of an impending deluge when the entire world would be submerged and bade him to build a seaworthy ark. When the flood came, Matsya (fish), the first avatar of Lord Vishnu, towed Vaivasvata and the Seven Sages to safety. As the waters subsided, the seventh Manu's ark came to rest on a hillside and the place was named Manali after him.

Accessibility

Air: Bhuntar, which is 52 km away from Manali, is the nearest airport. Taxi services are available from Bhuntar to Manali, which costs about Rs 1000. Bhuntar is connected to Delhi by air. Delhi is the major nearest airport, which is about 565 km away from Manali. Delhi airport is well connected with all major cities in India and many cities abroad.

Rail: Joginder Nagar is the nearest railway station to Manali, which is nearly 50 km away. Joginder Nagar is well connected to all other Indian cities via Chandigarh. Taxi fare from Joginder Nagar to Manali is about Rs 1000.

Road: Manali is well connected to other tourist destinations near by in Himachal by private deluxe bus services. State owned services are also available connecting Manali to other cities.

Getaways
Kullu
Shopping

The Mall is the main shopping area, selling local Kullu and Kinnauri shawls, rugs, caps and footwear, imported goods, besides a range of Tibetan handicraft items. It is more of a busy commercial street with modern concrete blocks of hotels that spill over with tourists in the peak season. Other shopping zones in the Mall include- Hong Kong Market, Thai Market, Tibetan Market, Dragon Shopping Complex, Lama Underground, Shangri La Shopping Complex, New NAC Market and Snow Lion Underground Market. The Himachal Handicrafts Emporium and Bhuttico weavers’ co-operative (+91 1902 260 079) in the main Manali Mall are good for local handicrafts. Handcrafted shawls and rugs are the major and the most popular buys here. The Tibetan Bazaar and Tibetan Carpet centre run by the refugee community sells thangkas, rugs, local tweeds, Buddhist paintings, bamboo souvenirs, Chinese goods (electronics, shoes, clothes etc), silver and turquoise jewellery and prayers wheels amongst other things. The place is overcrowded with tpurists in the summers. If you are interested in buying more hippie and junky stuff, then
the Old Manali market is a must visit. You could even pick up fresh fruit jams, jellies and pickles from the market and take them back as souvenirs. All the shops are open from 10 am to 7 pm. Bargaining is a must here as most shops tend to quote a higher price.

Apart from a popular hill resort, Manali is also a paradise for shoppers. Manali is the perfect destination for those who love handicrafts and traditional items. Of the variety of items available in Manali markets, the locally made woollen products are a must buy for you. Check out the famous Kullu cap and Kullu Shawals with delicate, bright borders.

After buying the woollen items, head towards the local Manali market to shop for some exotic handicrafts and hand-woven goods. Local specialties are Himalayan handicrafts, which extensively assort Tibetan curios such as prayer wheels, amulets, dorjes, masks, musical instruments and thangkas. You can definitely opt a few items from the Manali markets to keep as souvenir of the visit to this charming destination.

For a discerning shopper, it is impossible to return from a tour without shopping in Manali.
The region has a rich tradition of handicrafts and handlooms, which make for pleasant shopping in Manali.

Like all hill regions in India, Manali too has a vast forestland, which produces huge timber. Wood has traditionally remained a favorite item for handicrafts. A variety of utilities and objets d'art would catch your eyes while shopping in Manali.

Another popular item for shopping in Manali is heavily embroidered woolen shawls. Woolen garments are widely available in Manali. You may choose to pick up pullovers, local tweeds and rugs while shopping in Manali.

Tibetan handicrafts find their way in the markets in Manali. Check out curios, antiques and knickknacks for your home interior, gifts or souvenirs. Some firans and inlaid silver jewellery in turquoise and coral may also feature in your shopping cart in Manali.

The mall Road is the best place for shopping joints in Manali. There are numerous private outlets alongside the government run emporia. Hang out here to engage in a pleasant shopping spree in Manali.

Accommodation

Plenty of accommodation options are available in Manali that range from five-star luxury hotels to cheap hotels. Hotels are located within the walking distance from the Manali bus terminal.

5 Star Hotels : Span Resorts.

4 Star Hotels : Timber Trail, Vacred Manali Resorts, Hotel Manali Ashok, Piccadily Hotel, Ambassador Resort, Sagar Resort, Snowcreast Manor and Holiday Inn Manali.

3 Star Hotels : Shingar Regency, The Manali Inn, Banon Resorts, Kanishka Hotel, Hotel Chandramukhi, Ram Regency Honeymoon Inn, The Confier Hotel, Glacier Resorts, Manali Resorts, Out Town Hotel, Hotel Regent Centre Point, Deluxe Luxury Cottages, D’Chalet, Manali Heights and Hotel Snow Princess.

Attractions

Hadimba Devi Festival
The Hadimba Devi Festival is also a big colourful affair in Manali and people come in from the neighbouring places to be a part of the fair which is organised by the temple complex. This fair is held every year in the month of May.

Things to do

River Rafting: Snow-fed riverbed of the enchanting River Bias put forward incredible chances for the demanding activity of rafting. The thrilling sport of River Rafting in the untamed Bias River offers a magical feeling of intense and unbounded pleasure. Bias River proffers one among the best rafting fields in the entire Himalayan brooks and with its much staircase rapids it dares the mind and carcass of the rafter.

This river cuts against the wobbly caches, collide into rocks, fissures and flouting into white water rapids, fluffing, swirling, and declining in a deafening ruckus presents a delightful rafting bed to the water enthusiasts. The vast expansion of 20 km stretch of the river has exhilarating and great whitewater rapids. Besides a perfect rafting bed, Bias River is ideal for kayaking and canoeing too. The rafting from the Jhiri to Manaki in Bias river is the most popular rafting area wherein so many sporting events are conducted.

Jeep Safari in Manali : If you want to enjoy and experience the ‘wonders’ of Manali and the areas around, Jeep Safari is one of the finest ways for you. Of the various jeep safari routes in Himachal Pradesh, Jeep Safari from Manali to Leh is one of the most popular route with both the Indians as well as foreign tourists.

The 475 kms route will take you via Rohtang Pass (3,980 m) - Lahaul valley - Keylong - Darcha - Baralacha la (4,890 m) - Sarchu - Lachalang la (5,065 m) - Tangalng la (5,360 m) to Leh (3,505 m). Jeep Safari route from Manali to Leh remains open only for three months, from June to September every year.

You can also extend you trip to Nubra Valley across Khardungla pass, the highest motorable road in the world or to Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) after passing Zojila pass. Another option is also available, you can drive to Leh via Tsokar and Tsomoriri Lake. You can complete the Manali to Leh drive in two days with a overnight stay at Sarchu or Darcha.

During your Manali - Leh Jeep Safari trip you will cross the varied terrains. The terrains will surprisingly change their colour and nature, from lush green and foggy to the rugged brown, naked desert to the sprawling plain. In addition to these, you also get a good chance to observe the charming landscape, splendid valleys dotted with villages and beautiful monasteries from your jeep. Moreover, a lifetime's experience, Jeep Safari across Manali - Leh provides you a wonderful opportunity to meet and interact with the loving people of this beautiful land.

Mountaineering in Manali : Being the biggest range of mountains on earth, the Great Indian Himalayas has always lured the mountaineers across the world. Himachal’s charming town, Manali makes an ideal base to undertake the adventure sport of mountaineering. The Himalayas in and around Manali offer a range of mountaineering options, from a short and easy climb to long challenges of the snowy peaks.

While mountaineering in Manali, you get to experience the magnificent views of the snow-clad lofty peaks, the lush meadows, green woodland and also exhilarating fragrance of orchards. In fact, Manali Himalayas’ pristine beauty, vastness and a number of hidden jewells have an everlasting appeal for mountaineers, who explore the region by mountaineering.

Snow Skiing in Manali : The beautiful state of Himachal Pradesh lies amidst the Himalayan ranges of Shivalik, Pirpanjal and Dhauladhar. Most of its higher reaches remain snow-covered for a lrge part of the year. The Manali region in Himachal Pradesh is bestowed with some very fine slopes. From professionals to novices, Manali offers excellent opportunities for everyone to enjoy the winter sport of snow skiing. Thus, you can undertake the adventure sport of snow-skiing in Manali at any time to any altitude.
In Manali, training courses and facilities for snow skiing are offered by the Directorate of Mountaineering and Allied Sports. You can hire skiing equipments from HPTDC office at a very reasonable cost. You must be physically and mentally fit to take up skiing, trained guides are always there to help you out during any difficulty. You must remember that snow covered areas are very much accident prone, so you should make a complete enquiry before taking the sport. Close to Manali, Solang is one such place where skiing courses are conducted and it also organizes annual skiing competition.

District
Kullu District
STD Code
01902
Topic
Hill Station
Popular
Popular Hill Station
Termperature
Summer 14 to 20°C, Winter -7 to 10°C
Best time to visit
May To October

Morni

State
Haryana

Morni, nestled in the lower Shivaliks, also called Bhoj Jabial is the only hill station in Haryana blessed with beautiful rivers, streams, hot springs, waterfalls, forests etc. The cool climate and beautiful scenery attract many holiday makers from the nearby state capital of Chandigarh. According to local folklore the place was once ruled by a queen called Morni, and that is how it got its name.

District
Ambala District
STD Code
01733
Topic
Hill Station
Upcoming
Best time to visit
September to March
Famous For
The only hill station in Haryana

Tura

State
Meghalaya

Tura, is a large town present in a valley and it is surrounded by hills, with a picturesque relatively untouched landscape of hills against a backdrop of low lying plains, with the mighty river Brahmaputra making sweeping curves as it flows towards Bangladesh. It is truly a paradise for nature lovers for capturing the mesmerizing beauty of nature. It is a gateway to some places such as Nokrek, Balpakram and Siju Caves.

Accessibility

By Air: Guwahati is the nearest airport.

By Rail: Guwahati is the nearest railhead and is well-connected to the rest of the country.

By Road: Both Deluxe and ordinary bus services are available. Meghalaya Road Transport also run regular bus services in Meghalaya.

Accommodation

There are few tourist lodges available at Tura. One can also stay at Shillong, which provides a good line of accommodation facility.

District
West Garo Hills
STD Code
03651
Topic
Hill Station
Upcoming
Termperature
Summer 22-30°C, Winter 10-22°C
Best time to visit
Throughout the year
Famous For
Tura in Meghalaya is famous for its picture postcard beauty

Shillong

State
Meghalaya

Shillong, often referred to as the "Scotland of the East" due to its striking similarity with the Scottish highlands, is one of the important tourist destinations in the northeast. The city derives its name from "Leishyllong"-the Superpower or God who is believed to reside on the Shillong peak, overlooking the city. It is lying in the cradle of the tall pine conifers and pineapple shrubs.

History

It was the capital of the erstwhile British provincial state of Assam, and remained so even after independence. When Meghalaya attained Statehood, Shillong remained the capital. Situated at an altitude of 1,496 meters above sea level, Shillong is perhaps the only hill station with motorable roads leading to every corner. Shillong derives its name from the peak of the same name and there are many legends surrounding this name. One says that it came from a handsome youth called ‘Shyllong’, who was born in mysterious circumstances to a virgin human mother in Bisi, a village near Shillong. It is believed that he was the Shillong deity and the phrase, “Kot Shillong”, which means “To bring peace in time of catastrophe, danger or personal misfortune” originated in the legend.

Shillong was a small village until 1864, when it became the new civil station of the Khasi and Jaintia hills. It remained the summer capital of Eastern Bengal and Assam for many years. In 1874, on the formation of Assam as a Chief Commissioner's Province, it was chosen as the capital of the new administration. An earthquake destroyed the city in 1897, necessitating its complete rebuilding. In January 1972, Shillong became the capital of the newly formed state of Meghalaya.

Accessibility

By Air: Shillong airport at Umroi connects to only Kolkata. Guwahati is the nearest major airport, which is nearly 100 km away from Shillong.

By Rail: Nearest railhead to Shillong is Guwahati which is well connected with all the major railheads of India.

By Road: The State Road Transport Public buses and the private tourist bus providers operate bus services from Shillong to the many cities in Meghalaya and the neighboring state. The bus stand is located in the heart of Shillong.

Shopping

Good buys in Shillong include mounted butterflies, hand-woven shawls, orange honey, black mushrooms, Khasi-style jewelry and handcrafted bamboo objects.

Bara Bazaar (Iewduh Market): The Iewduh market or the Bara Bazar, as many old timers still prefer to term it, is one huge colourful jamboree. Generally recommended to every newcomer as the first place to be visited upon arrival the Lewduh market sees an influx of peddlers across Meghalaya advertising and trading their wares. The market becomes the hub of a million activities on the Iewduh (the very first day of the Khasi week) when populace from the entire spectrum from Meghalaya arrives in vibrant bunches and enhances the festive atmosphere. The vendors offer some of the best Meghalay products for the most reasonable prices. A quick bargain purchase of some of the handwoven goods and natural resources can be one of the best clinched deals of your life.

Accommodation

Shillong being the capital city of Meghalaya has a good line of accommodation facility in and around itself. You may not too luxurious category of accommodation in Shillong. But, the accommodations available are good enough to provide you a perfect comfort.

Hotel Polo Towers , Royal Heritage Tripura Castle , Lake View Inn , Hotel Alpine Continental , Shillong Club , Orchid Hotel , Orchid Lake Resort , Pinewood Hotel , Hotel Centre Point , Rosaville Heritage, Bo-Ville Homestay.

Things to do

Water Sports
One the other hand, if one is into water sports, the Umiam Lake resort serves up motorboats, water scooters, skiing and sailing facilities backed by the comforts of the Orchid Lake resort. Angling is another activity that one can delve into here, but Ranikhor is truly the angler's dream come true! For the less adventurous, Ward's Lake right in the heart of Shillong, has row boats and paddle boats a-plenty.

A Golfer's Paradise
For those seeking to combine their holiday with a dash of sport, there is the golf club and the 18-hole golf course. It is the third oldest course in the country, termed "the Gleneagle of the East" by the United States Golf Association Library and Museum. The club is a throwback to the old world charms reminiscent of the British.

Teer - The Local Sport
If it is local sport, one is looking for, try "Teer". The ancient martial art of Archery has now been allowed to develop into the addictive Teer or legalized betting. Betters go on waging their money on how many arrows the archers will shoot at the end of the day. And those who hit the bulls-eye go home richer.

Trekking
Shillong has very recently joined the Adventure Tourism bandwagon. The Project Division of Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation has identified two trekking Trails and backed them up with exclusive photographs, maps, trekking equipments and tents; all available at the MTDC Office at Polo Road.

The five-days part-trek and part-bus trip to Cherrapunjee and the seven days trek to Umlyng (extendable to ten days if one wants to press on upto Mawlyndep) exposes the trekker to dense pine and mixed forests, bamboo groves and interesting rock formations, exotic ferns and tree creepers, a pride of wild orchids and wild flowers.

District
East Khasi Hills district
STD Code
0364
Topic
Hill Station
Popular
Popular Hill Station
Termperature
Summer 12°C - 20°C, Winter 3°C - 14°C
Best time to visit
Throughout the year
Famous For
Capital Of Meghalaya famous for its magnificent natural scenery

Ooty

State
Tamil Nadu

Ooty, short for Ootacamund (an anglicized name for Udhagamandalam), is a popular hill resort in the state of Tamil Nadu in Southern India.

Ooty or Udhagamandalam was aptly called the "Queen of Hill Stations" by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. This beautiful hill station sprawls over an area of 36 sq km and is situated at an altitude of 2,240 meters above sea level. Its year long pleasant weather makes it a very popular holiday destination.

The name ‘Udhagamandalam’ is derived from the Tamil word ‘Ottakkalmandu’, meaning ’a village of a single stone’, perhaps referring to the sacred stone revered by the local tribe, Todas.

History

History of Ooty is significant and praise worthy. It grabs the visitor’s attention. Vishnu Vardhana, the Hoysala King, from 1104 to 1141 AD, lines the earliest history of Ooty. Ooty came under the rule of the British East India Company and later after several years. John Sullivan, the district collector of Coimbatore started the formation of the hill station-Ooty and promoted it as an ideal summer retreat. In the year of 1812, the Assistant Revenue Surveyor, Mr. Keys and Mc Mahon, were the district collectors of Coimbatore. In the year of 1818, J.C Whish and N.W. Kinderseley visited this place and in 1819 the route to Ooty was laid as an important tourist destination. In the year of 1821, the earliest route to Nilgiri from Coimbatore was laid.

Accessibility

By Air: Coimbatore airport is the nearest airport about 105 km away from Ooty.

By Rail: Mettupalayam, which is 47 km away from Ooty, is the nearest major railway station. There are regular train services from Coimbatore and Chennai to Mettupalayam.

By Road: Ooty is well connected with all most all south Indian cities by bus. There are regular bus services from Mysore, Bangalore, Madurai, and Kanyakumari and also from many cities in Kerala.

Shopping

Ooty and Nilgiris are well known for a variety of local products like tea, eucalyptus oil, chocolates, spices and gourmet cheese. There are a lot of shops that deal these products though you have to be careful you get an authentic product.

Shopping in Ooty would be a nice experience for the passionate shopper. Although the region does not have any specialty handicraft of its own, there are many other things for shopping in Ooty.

On the slopes of the great Nilgiri range, the region grows some of the best qualities of coffee and tea in India. The sprawling plantations and the heady smell are feast to senses. You may choose to buy some coffee or tea while shopping in Ooty.

Hand made chocolates are also popular items for shopping in Ooty. Also pick up aromatic oils and spices while shopping in Ooty.

Besides, there is the wide variety of handicrafts of Tamil Nadu. The ace craftsmen of Tamil Nadu are skilled in making fantastic Jewelry, painting, pottery, and stone crafts. Look for such artifacts as you go on shopping in Ooty. You may also come across some tribal crafts in the shops. The local bazaars are replete with private shops and Government run emporia, where you can shop till you drop. Many hotels have shopping arcades where of course the price would be a bit on higher side.

Main Bazaar: Main bazaar is the central hub and the best shopping junction of the place. All the things which are produced in the city along with all small groceries and cutlery are sold here under a single umbrella. The chief thing produced in this area is tea and all variety of tea is available for tasting as well as purchase.

Handicraft and specific paintings made by the local residents is appreciated and highly liked by several people all across the country. Special goodies for the festival are made available and clothes are available in specific local variety which has the essence of the prevalent culture of the place.

Accommodation

The picturesque hill station of Ooty in Tamil Nadu is a tremendously popular destination in South India. Since long, Ooty has been a favourite haunt for the hill-lovers.

There are a large number of hotels in Ooty.
From top-end luxury and heritage properties to rather economy class ones - plenty of hotels are available in Ooty.

On the green-carpeted slopes of the Nilgiri hills, hotels in Ooty promise you a tranquil retreat. Colonial influence has blended into a perfect elegance with the local culture to create a unique character in Ooty. A stay in the hotels in Ooty would offer you charming glimpses of that culture.

Here are some selected hotels in Ooty:

Luxury Hotels in Ooty
Savoy Hotel
Fortune Hotel Sullivan Court
Holiday Inn Gem Park Ooty
Budget Hotels in Ooty
Welcom Heritage Regency Villas
Nalapad Residency
Hotel Lakeview
Quite a few large Indian chains have their hotels in Ooty. Most of these hotels in Ooty fall in the luxury segment of course. Beautiful architecture, rooms with sleek décor, plush lobby, multi-cuisine restaurants, heath club, entertainment center would ensure that you spend a good time at the luxury hotels in Ooty.

Things to do

Boating
One of the leading tourist attractions in the city, the Ooty Lake is immensely popular with tourists for boating. The lake and boat houses have emerged as key tourist hangouts in the hill station. The boat house is at the far end of the Lake. Boat pageantry and boat races are held in summers in the lake when it is crowded with visitors. Fishing is also allowed in the Ooty Lake but prior permission should be sought from the authorities. The entire lake is delimited with a footpath and you can also walk alongside it.

Hand-Gliding & Angling
Ooty offers a range of adventure sports to tourists for a thrilling experience. Hand-gliding will give tourists the joy of flying high like a bird in the vast expanse of the open sky. Trained and professional hand-gliders should be guiding you when you try hand-gliding. Angling is another prominent adventure sport to experience in Ooty. There is an ample scope for fishing in the clean streams and swift flowing rivers of the Ooty hills.

Nature Walk
Ooty is an ideal destination for those who are seeking the companionship of nature. Rich in Natural splendor and adorned with phenomenally beautiful environs, Ooty has some spectacular gardens like the Rose garden for nature lovers. It is a perfect choice for those who want to absorb the sublime freshness of nature and soothe their nerves in a calm environment to beat the city stress on a vacation.

Trekking
Trekking is, undoubtedly, the best way to explore the exotic mountain ranges of Ooty and the picturesque landscape that makes it a thriving natural wonder and one of the most popular hill stations in India. The rugged mountainous terrain of Nilgiris hills can be trekked to view the real beauty that Ooty is celebrated for. Professional guidance should be sought by the amateur trekkers. One of the most adventurous sports, trekking the highest peaks of Nilgiris will be a thrilling experience for the trekkers.
Visiting the Church
Ooty has a lot of ancient religious places to see and the tourists are going to really enjoy this light walk into the religious history of Ooty. One of the first colonial structures of the hill station discovered by the British, St. Stevens Church is one of the heritage attractions of Ooty. The cemetery of the church has the graves of some of the famous names of Ooty. Tourist can visit two the Union and Holy Trinity churches in Ooty to see the stained glass windows.

District
Nilgiri
STD Code
0423
Topic
Hill Station
Popular
WGW_Bangalore
Popular Hill Station
Termperature
Summer 10-21°C, Winter 5-21°C
Best time to visit
November to March
Famous For
Hill Resort

Kodaikanal

State
Tamil Nadu

Kodaikanal, meaning “gift of the forest”, is one of the beautiful hill station located in the Palani Hills in the Western Ghats. The picturesque town is spread around the man made Kodai Lake. It is a popular honeymoon destination, is rich with deep green valleys, waterfalls and trekking trails. It also has the distinction of being the only hill station in India to be established by Americans.

History

Historically, the Kodaikanal area was inhabited by various prehistoric tribes and proof of this is said to be visible with various artifacts - primarily dolmens homes made of of large stone slabs. Starting in the 14th century, various tribes including the Paliyans and Pulyans and villagers from the Palani Hills area started to colonise the Kodaikanal area as they escaped from various oppressive rulers including Tippu Sultan.

The first European visitors to Kodaikanal came in the 1820s. The first surveyor of the region was Lt. B.S. Ward who had his headquarters in Vellagavi village. Subsequently KodaiKanal, with its wonderful climate and easy accessibility from Madurai, became a popular hill station for British living in South India who sought to escape from the oppressive summer heat of Tamilnadu. American missionaries also began to frequent Kodaikanal and established numerous churches in the region.

Accessibility

By Air: Nearest airport to Kodaikanal is Madurai, at a distance of 120 km and Coimbatore at a distance of about 180 km from Kodaikanal.

By Rail: The nearest Railway station is Kodai road, which is about 80 km away from Kodaikanal. Coimbatore junction is the major rail head which is well connected to all cities in India.

By Road: Tourist bus services are plenty to reach Kodaikanal from Madurai, Coimbatore, Bangalore, Kochi and Chennai.

Shopping

Kodaikanal is a hill resort famous for its mesmerizing beauty. Although not particularly a shopping destination, you can buy some souvenirs and curios from this hill resort.

While shopping in Kodaikanal, you will be fascinated by the homemade chocolates, marshmallows and cheese that you find in the bakeshops in the town. If you are interested in aromatherapy, you can also choose from a range of oils and herbs in shops exclusively selling natural products. Eucalyptus oils found here are quite popular.

In Kodaikanal, you can also shop for handicrafts and handlooms, which you can buy at Khadi Emporium, Handloom Co-operative Stores and Government Sales Emporium. You can also pick up gifts and curios from the craft shop run by a volunteer group called Corsack. Kodaikanal also has a number of general stores, which stack everything from matchsticks to sweaters.

Accommodation

Kodaikanal offers good accommodation facilities to the tourists. Hotels in Kodaikanal give a picturesque view of the hills around. This coupled with the salubrious climate and delectable range of cuisine, makes your stay in Kodaikanal a memorable one.

Some of the prominent hotels in Kodaikanal are:

The Carlton, Kodaikanal
Hotel Kodai International
Paradise Inn, Kodaikanal
Valley View Inn, Kodaikanal

Things to do

Trekking
The Pillar rocks are three granite boulders which are seen standing vertically shoulder to shoulder and it is now a very famous tourist spot for many visitors. These rocks are measuring a height of about 400 feet from the ground and the chambers that are seen between the two pillars are known as Devil's Kitchen. The Pillar Rocks have gained popularity as the years have passed by and during the peak season there is a huge rush of visitors to this place. The shady woods that are in the vicinity of these huge boulders are a perfect spot to enjoy a picnic.

District
Dindigul
STD Code
04542
Topic
Hill Station
Popular
Termperature
Summer 20-11°C, Winter 8-20°C
Best time to visit
April To June And September To October

Mount Abu

State
Rajasthan

Mount Abu, literally ‘Hill of Wisdom’, is referred to as 'an oasis in the desert', as its heights are home to rivers, lakes, waterfalls and evergreen forests. The ancient name of Mount Abu is "Arbudaanchal". It was the summer resort for the Maharajas and the princes to escape the sweltering desert. The gigantic blocks of rock, towering along the crest of the hill, the lush green trees and the colourful birds and animals make the place as one of the most beautiful hill stations in India. Mount Abu is also a major Rajput and Jain pilgrimage centre.

History

The history of Mount Abu is wrapped up in legends. According to one, Mount Abu derives its name from Mount Arbud when the youngest son of Himalaya, along with the assistance of a snake called Arbud flooded the gorge in the area with water to save Shiva's revered bull.

On a more contemporary note, the history of Mount Abu indicates that it was once under the rule of the Chauhan dynasty and later served as summer retreat for the royalty. The British too favored this region and made it their impromptu getaway from the heat and dust of Rajasthan.

Accessibility

Air: The nearest airport to Mount Abu is the Dabok airport in Udaipur, which is 210 km away from Mount Abu. The airport is connected to other airports such as Delhi (760 km), Jaipur (505 km) and Mumbai (765 km). The taxi fare from airport to Mount Abu is about Rs 2000.

Rail: The nearest railhead is the Abu Road Station that is located on the main line between Delhi and Mumbai. The station well connected to all major railheads in India via Delhi and Mumbai.

Road: The tourist buses ply from Jaipur (505 km), Udaipur (185 km), Delhi (760 km) and Jaisalmer (620 km) to Mount Abu. The tariff per seat varies between Rs 3 to Rs 4 per km and the frequency varies from every day to twice a week. State owned buses connects Mount Abu with neighbouring cities

Shopping

Mount Abu is an enchanting hill resort in Rajasthan.Shopping in Mount Abu is going to be an enthralling experience as the markets of Mount Abu are stacked with a variety of handicrafts from Rajasthan and the neighboring state of Gujarat. Textiles, jewellery, curios in wood, metal and marble, you name it and they have it all in Mount Abu.

Most of the shops in Mount Abu are located around the beautiful Nakki Lake, which makes your shopping in Mount Abu a pleasurable experience. Rajasthani paintings, leather articles and stone crafts make good souvenirs. If you have a fascination for textiles and fabrics, then you should check out the Kota saris, linen with Sanganeri prints or even the lightweight Jaipury quilt.

For Rajasthan Handicrafts like metal, stone and wooden curios, you can shop at the Government Handicrafts Emporium, Khadi Bhandar, Kashmir Cottage emporium and a host of other shops in the town.

Accommodation

If you want to get some spiritual solace amidst the peace and quiet of a desert, then what better idea than to check into a hotel in Mount Abu. A hill station and a pilgrimage center at once, Mount Abu is an enchanting destination.

Hotels in Mount Abu epitomize the traditional hospitality coupled with modern amenities. The delectable range of authentic cuisine will overwhelm you.

Some of the prominent hotels in Mount Abu are:

Three Star Hotels

Hotel Hilltone
Four Star Hotel
Hotel Hillock

Heritage Hotel

Cama Rajputana Club Resort
Hotel Connaught House
Hotel Palanpur Palace
Hotel Rising Sun Retreat

Budget Hotel

Hotel Shikhar

Attractions

Summer Festival
The Summer Festival is held at the lone hill Station of the Rajasthan, Mount Abu. The festival is organized every year in the month of June. The scenic town of Mt. Abu with its rocky terrain, serene lakes, arresting locations and the pleasant climate constitutes the perfect venue for the Rajasthan Summer Festival. The festival goes on for three-day and showcases the traditions, culture and the tribal life of Rajasthan. Folk and classical music is the high point of the Summer Festival.

Beginning of the Summer Festival of Mount Abu, Rajasthan is marked by the singing of a ballad. Following thereafter, are the folk dancers of Rajasthan, entertaining the spectators with their performance. There are also some sports events organized in the festival like a boat race on the Nakki Lake. Other attractions of the Summer Festival include Sham-e-Qawwali, a musical extravaganza. In this program known qawwals from all over the country perform and delight the audience. The festival reaches its end with a splendid and enthralling display of impressive fireworks.

District
Sirohi
STD Code
02974
Topic
Hill Station
Popular
WGW_Ahmedabad
Popular Hill Station
Termperature
Summer 32-45°C, Winter 5-28°C
Best time to visit
Feb to June and Sept to December

Srinagar

State
Jammu & Kashmir

Srinagar, also known as "Paradise on Earth", is located in the heart of the Kashmir valley and lies on the banks of the Jhelum River (a tributary of the Indus) and is famous for its lakes and houseboats. It is also known for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts and dry fruits. The city is famous for its surrounding natural beauty, interspersed with greenery, lakes and hillocks: Hari Parbat and the Shankar Acharya hills lie on either side of the city.

Srinagar is also the venue for trekking and hiking. The most popular trekking route from Srinagar is to the sacred Amarnath cave.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lenchik/249084507/in/set-72157604258525689
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lenchik/249083977/in/set-72157604258525689

History

Srinagar got its name from the two Sanskrit words, ‘sri’ meaning wealth and abundance and ‘nagar’ meaning place. Legend has it that a Hindu sage, Kashyapa, drained the water in the lake to make the Kashmir valley.
According to documented history, in the 3rd century BC, the Kashmir valley was part of the Mauryan Empire. Later on it came under the rule of the Kushans, around 1st century AD, and then in the 6th century, it became part of the kingdom of Vikramaditya, the ruler of Ujjain and stayed under the Hindu rule until the 14th century. Later it was invaded by the Mughals and stayed as part of their empire until it was taken over by the Pathans. In 1814, Ranjit Singh of the Sikh empire, defeated the Pathans, and was later defeated by the British. The British appointed Gulab Singh as the independent ruler of Kashmir. In 1948, Hari Singh, the great grandson of Gulab Singh, merged the state of Kashmir with India.

Accessibility

Air: Srinagar domestic airport is connected with many airports in major cities in India. Regular flights are operated between Srinagar and Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh and Shimla. International travelers get the connecting flights from Delhi International airport, which is at a distance of 876 km from Srinagar.

Rail: Jammu is the nearest railway station to Srinagar, which is at a distance of 290 km. Jammu railway station is well connected to all major cities in India by rail. Direct train services are available from Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore and Trivandrum. Taxi services are available from Jammu to Srinagar and the fare is about Rs 6000.

Road: National Highway 1-A, connecting Srinagar with Jammu, is a good, all weather road, with several sharp inclines and hairpin bends. It is maintained by the Border Roads Organization (BRO), which clears the road of any obstructions. The famous Jawahar Tunnel that connects Jammu with the Kashmir Valley across the Pir Panjal range. Super deluxe, A-class, B-class busses are operated by J&K SRTC as well as other transport agencies. It is also possible to travel by taxi from Jammu to Srinagar. For those wishing to travel to Srinagar by a private car from Jammu, there are several places en route which have been developed for the convenience of the motorist all having tourist bungalows and provisions for meals, snacks, petrol pumps and repairs.

Shopping

If you are in Srinagar and you don't shop for the Kashmir handicrafts it seems as bizarre as visiting Agra and not seeing Taj. In Srinagar you can shop for Kashmir art at any place from the famous handicraft showrooms to the street vendors around Boulevard Road and there are also Shikarawallas who sell the handicraft items. The Pashmina shawls, woolen blankets, silken carpets, embroidered suits and saris, zari embroidered traditional Kashmir pherans, shawls and suits and wood craft and paper machie items are the most looked for items in the city. The other things that are famous of Kashmir are dried fruits, honey and saffron. This paradise is waiting for you, come and enjoy the fruits of heaven and shop for the handicrafts in Kashmir and it will be the best souvenir you will take to your home.

Srinagar is known for rich tradition of handicrafts and handlooms. While shopping in Srinagar some of the must buy include hand-woven silk fabric, carpets, and Kashmiri shawls with intricate embroidery work. Other famous items are Brass and Silverware, willow baskets, artifacts made of papier-mâché and woolen garments, traditional crafts that include cane and bamboo work, metal-crafts etc. Lal Chowk, Badshah Chowk and Polo View area are popular markets of Srinagar. There are a number of Government Handicraft Emporiums scattered around the Srinagar city, but the main one is housed in the fine old British Residency building by the Bund. The flashiest shops are located along the Boulevard by Dal Lake. Bund also has some big shops including 'Suffering Moses' with high quality goods.

Accommodation

In Srinagar you have two type of accommodation options. You can either stay in a hotel or in a houseboat. Srinagar has around 1,000 houseboats of different categories and the charges include meals and crossings to and from the nearest jetty. J & K Tourism Department has categorized the houseboats according to the facilities offered. The highest category is Deluxe and the lowest category is D grade. Each grade has fixed charges that includes all three meals. Hotels of Srinagar also provide comfortable and pleasant stay to guests, some of the famous hotels are :

Heritage Hotels : Grand Palace Inter-Continental (Gupkar Road)

Deluxe Hotels : Hotel Broadway (Maulana Azad Road), Shah Abbas Hotel (Boulevard), Ahdoos Hotel and Hotel Imperial Lake View.

Standard Hotels : Hotel Zabarvan, Hotel Welcome, Lake Side Hotel and Hotel Akbar.

Attractions

Shikaras : Shikaras are the long boats which crowd most of the lakes in Srinagar. They are used for getting back and forth from the houseboats or for longer tours. Officially there is a standard fare for every trip around the lakes and the charges are predominantly posted at the main landings (ghats). Shikara ride is once in a lifetime experience and it is very popular among the tourists. While you are on shikara ride, try paddling the shikara yourself sometime, it is nowhere near as easy as it look. You will spend lots of time going round in circles.

Things to do

Canoeing & Water Skiing: Kashmir has many lakes - Dal, Nagin, Mansbal and Wular. These are excellent spots for canoeing - whether it is a Shikara or a racing skull. No OIIC has tried canoe-ing in these lakes so far. These lakes are inter-connected as also the river Jhelum which flows through the entire length of the valley and connects with all the lakes. An interesting sport is what is locally called 'Water Trekking'. One can have a three to four day trip along the river to various lakes in a Shikara with all the camping gear. There are lovely spots to camp for the night. The lakes are also famous for water skiing.

Shikara Ride: If you like to have some fun and adventure while touring Srinagar, opt for a Shikara ride. Srinagar attracts many tourists with one important reason, the renowned Shikara rides, especially in enchanting Dal Lake. This is marvelous, enjoyable and unforgettable.

Many Shikara circuits are available which suit any tourist. Don't forget to capture the superb beauty around the Lake by taking relaxed holidays on a Shikara in one of the circuit from Nehru Park past Hazratbal, Nagin, Rainawari and back.

The cost is reasonable, a ride to Char Minar and back on Dal Lake costs about Rs 300/- for four people.

District
Srinagar District
STD Code
0194
Topic
Hill Station
Popular
Popular Hill Station
Best time to visit
March to October

Sonmarg

State
Jammu & Kashmir

Sonmarg, literally means 'Meadow of Gold', is a place of enthralling beauty surrounded by breathtaking glaciers and serene lakes in the majestic Himalayan mountain region. It is also the take off station for the drive to Ladakh across the Zojila, a major pass in the Great Himalayan Range, through which the Srinagar-Leh Road passes. The place is also renowned for trekking and hiking trails. The snow clad peaks in the Himalaya and the undulated hilly mountainous regions are perfectly suitable for all types of trekking expeditions.

Image Credit:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/free-rider/532994913/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cajie/6028461131/in/photostream
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cajie/6028464279/in/photostream

History

Sonamarg, like the rest of Kashmir, owes a considerable measure of its natural beauty and stunning landscapes to the tectonic activity that took place millions of years ago. These subterranean forces carved out the valleys and mountains that in later years were draped with forests, wild flowers and grasses. Some of that age-old turmoil has only added to today’s chocolate-box picture with distant glaciers and jagged peaks covered with snow. Sonamarg, per se, does not have history that is replete with the ruins of an ancient civilization. Yet, this has been a place of significance on the route to Ladakh and as an alternative route to the cave of Amarnath. The fertile pasture ground has fed the flocks of the nomadic Gujjar people since ages. Sonamarg was a part of the erstwhile princely state of Jammu and Kashmir and was a popular place for trekkers, bird-watchers and ‘shikaris’ during the years of British rule in India.

Accessibility

Air: The nearest airport to Sonamarg is located at Srinagar, at a distance of 70 kms away. Srinagar is air connected to Delhi with regular flights. Taxis are available from airport to Sonamarg for a fare of about Rs 1000.

Rail: The nearest major railhead is at Srinagar, which is 70 kms away. One can reach Sonamarg from railway station by taxis or buses. Taxi fare is about Rs. 1000.

Road: Sonamarg is situated at a distance of 84 kms from Srinagar, on the Srinagar-Ladakh Road. . J&K SRTC operates regular buses as well as sightseeing buses during the season. The route passes through the picturesque town of Ganderbal (21 kms), Kangan (40 kms) and Gund of the Sindh Valley, before reaching the resort. Spectacular views of the Harmukh range dominate the horizon all along the route.

Shopping

The range of possible shopping is somewhat limited in Sonamarg. The goods and handicrafts available include warm tunics ‘pherans’, shawls, wicker-work and scatter-rugs ‘namdahs’.

District
Srinagar District
Topic
Hill Station
Popular
Best time to visit
May To September, November To February
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