Most of the
hill stations in India were developed by the British, around a central mall, to
get respite from the oppressive summer heat. Many have picturesque lakes as
their focal point, making them excellent places for boating activities. One
thing is for sure, you won't be short of things to do at any of the hill
stations in India. And to add to the adventure, it's possible to take a toy
train ride up to some of the hill stations. You'll find hill stations all over
India. This guide lists 10 of the most popular ones.
1. Shimla
used to be the summer
capital of the British Raj when they ruled India. Now it's the state capital of Himachal Pradesh. This wonderfully cool and
charming town sprawls along a mountain ridge, enveloped in oak, pine and
rhododendron forests. It's quite famous for its colonial style buildings and
historic railway.
The old Christ Church, with its beautiful stained glass windows,
is one of Shimla's most prominent landmarks. Also to be enjoyed are the
mesmerizing views from Scandal Point, and the Viceregal Lodge (try to be there
for the sunrise or sunset) on Observatory Hill. There are plenty of adventure
sports and short hikes on offer in the vicinity as well.
2. Manali
Manali, with its soothing
backdrop of the Himalayas, offers a blend of tranquility and adventure that
makes it one of northern India's most popular destinations. You can do as
little or as much as you want there. Located in the Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh, it's a magical place
bordered by cool pine forest and the raging Beas River, which give it a special
energy.
3. Munnar
If you like tea, a visit to Munnar, in Kerala, is a must! The surrounding region is
renowned for its sprawling tea plantations. The Kundale Tea Plantations,
which surrounds a picturesque lake, offers the best opportunity to see the tea
being picked and processed, and to try fresh tea straight from the gardens. The
area is blessed with the natural beauty of winding lanes, misty hills, and
forests full of exotic plants and wildlife. Adventure enthusiasts can trek to
Anamudi, the highest peak in south India, explore Eravikulam
National Park, or go rock climbing and para gliding. If you want to
relax away from it all, try a homestay at one of the many plantation bungalows.
Mahindra Homestays have a couple of excellent homestays in Munnar.
4. Darjeeling
Darjeeling, in West
Bengal, is also famous for its lush tea gardens. In addition, it's blessed with a
stunning view of Mount Kanchenjunga, the world's third highest peak. Some of
Darjeeling's most popular attractions include monasteries, botanical gardens, a
zoo, and the Darjeeling-Rangeet Valley Passenger Ropeway cable car (the longest
cable car in Asia). Darjeeling is a wonderful place to walk around, and explore
the tea estates, villages, and markets. Don't visit during themonsoon season though -- the region is
one of the wettest places in India!
5. Ooty
Established in the early
19th century by the British as the summer headquarters of the Chennai
government, Ooty is now a soothing place to escape the summer heat in Tamil Nadu. If you travel there during the
peak season in April and May, do be prepared for it to be crowded though!
Ooty's most popular attractions include the 22 hectare
Government Botanical Gardens (a flower show is held there every May as part of
the Summer Festival), boating on Ooty Lake, and climbing Dodabetta Peak for an
excellent view of the Nilgiri hills. To get to Ooty, take the scenic toy train
from Metupalaiyam.
6. Nainital
The hill station of
Nainital, in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, was a popular summer retreat for
the British during the time they ruled India. It features the serene, emerald
colored Naini Lake and action filled strip called The Mall, lined with
restaurants, shops, hotels, and markets. Enjoy one of the many forest walks,
explore the surrounding area on horse back, or relax on a boat in the lake.
7. Kodaikanal
Secluded Kodaikanal is nestled 120 kilometers from Madurai in
the Palani Hills of Tamil Nadu. Its name means "Gift of the
Forest", and you'll find many varieties of flora and fauna there. Orchards
of pear trees, and charming buildings with gabled roofs, will greet you as you
enter the town. There's an annual horticultural show at the landscaped
botanical Bryant Park in May, waterfalls where you can enjoy a picnic beside,
boating on the lake, and plenty of walking trails. Herbs and aromatherapy oils are
some of the more interesting things to buy in Kodaikanal, with the eucalyptus
oils being particularly popular.
8. Matheran
The closest hill station
to Mumbai in Maharastra, Matheran offers plenty of walking
trails and lookouts. The most unique thing about it and what makes it so
special, is that all vehicles are banned there -- even bicycles. It's a
soothing place to relax away from any noise and pollution. Get there by taking
the scenic toy train and then ride a horse around.
9. Mussoorie
Mussoorie, located around an hour from Derahdun in Uttarakhand, is a popular weekend destination
for north Indians, as well as honeymooners. One of the reasons for Mussoorie's
popularity is that it has a lot of facilities developed especially for
tourists. Take a cable car to Gun Hill, enjoy a beautiful nature walk along
Camel's Back Road, have a picnic at Kempty Falls, or ride a horse up to Lal
Tibba (the highest peak in Mussoorie). Mussoorie also offers a superb view of the
Himalayas.
10. Srinagar
Srinagar, the
summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, delights visitors with its lovely lakes
and relaxing houseboats. In fact, lakes and gardens are in such abundance there
that Srinagar is often referred to as the "Land of Lakes and
Gardens". The gardens have a distinctly Mughal influence, as many of them
were cultivated by Mughal emperors. You'll find Asia's largest tulip garden in
Srinagar, with a tulip festival held every April. Srinagar
is a great place to come if you're a golf enthusiast, as there are a number of
courses there. In the winter, adventure lovers flock to Srinagar for snow
skiing.
