Hill stations were mostly developed around a central mall and used by the colonialists to get away from the oppressive summer heat. Many of them had picturesque lake as their focal point where people could feel like they were at home back in England. History apart, going for a visit to hill station is not only a best measure to escape heat but also to experience adventure and fun. It helps you to completely change your dull and prosaic life and makes you to relax your mind and feel fresh. In other words, you will not be short of any activities and get to explore the various places famous in the particular hill station. The following lists some of the popular hill stations which can help to relieve your stress and will make you visit them again :
10. MUSSORIE
It is located in the Garhwal hills which is an hour drive from Dehradun in Uttarakhand. Due to immense natural beauty, Mussorie is known as the Queen of Hill stations which attracts lots of tourists every year and keeeping that in mind many facilities have also been developed. The name Mussorie find its origin from a native plant of the same name found in abundance here by Captain Young who had his residence here. After its discovery, this place became a centre of education, tourism, beauty and business. You can take a cable car ride to the Gun Hill, horse ride to Lal Tibba, walk to Camel’s Back Road and many more and thus, can get a view of the Himalayas.
9. MAHABALESHWAR
Situated in Sahyadri hills in Satara district of Maharastra, it is one of the best and the most famous hill stations which once was the summer capital of Bombay during colonial rule. The name Mahabaleshwar was derived from a Lord Shiva temple meaning mighty of God but according to many people this has a very mythological past. Some of the tourist places to visit near Mahabaleshwar are Arthur’s seat, Wilson point, Sunset point, Lingamala falls, Table land, Parsi point and the list continues. It even has one of the few evergreen forests in the world and is famous for the production of strawberries and honey. The Venna Lake is said to be the one of the many major tourist attraction which is surrounded by trees on all side. You can enjoy a boat ride over the lake or a horse ride next to the lake. Mahabaleshwar is famous for its points where one can view the entire panorama
8. MUNNAR
Located in the Western Ghats of Kerala, Munnar is named after the three rivers that flow through it. It is considered to be famous because of its lush tea plantation and the striking mountains. The most tourist attracting places are Blossom park, Echo point, Tata tea museum, Attukad waterfalls etc. You can enjoy the landscape through boat rides of Mattupetty which is known for its masonry dam and beautiful lake and for a more panoramic view you should visit the highest point of Munnar-the Kodaikanal road.
7. KODAIKANAL
Situated in Palani hills of Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal refers to “Gift of the Forest” in Tamil where varieties of flora and fauna is found. It is referred as the Princess of Hill Stations boasting a long history as a retreat of tourist destinations.The main attraction of tourists is the artificially built Kodaikanal Lake. You can get view of the plains by walking through Coaker’s Walk and enjoy boating in the lake and picnic near the waterfalls. Green Valley, Pillar rocks, Silver Cascade, Bear Shola Falls along with more provide plenty to see here. Herbs for aromatherapy and eucalyptus oils are popular things to buy from Kodaikanal. Thus, it has got several scenic attractions which are enjoyed by the tourists and in May, you can enjoy the Horticultural festival showcased at the Botanical Bryant Park every year.
6. NAINITAL
One of the finest example of perfect beauty can be given is that of Nainital hill station. The main feature of this place is the serene emerald coloured Naini Lake where you can relax yourself by boat riding either on peddle boats, small yachts or row boats. For Snow view, you can take the cable car from Mallital or even ride a horse till there. The town of Nainital is made up of two areas: Tallital and Mallital which are on the either end of the lake surrounded by the hills and connected with the Mall which is lined with restaurants, shops and hotels. Naina Devi Mandir is the most famous temple of this place where lots of people come to take blessings and pray every year. Thus, nature walk, trekking, horse riding, rock climbing are some of the activities popular in Nainital.
5. OOTY
Located in the Nilgiri hills of Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu, Ooty is considered to be a soothing place to beat the summer. Surrounded by lofty mountains, dense forests, beautiful lakes, eucalyptus trees and tea gardens make it worth seeing.The panoramic view from Doddabetta peak at the junction of Western and Eastern Ghats, Pykara falls, Kamraj Sagar lake, Ketty Valley etc. are truly awe inspiring. To reach Ooty, you should travel in the toy train from Metupalaiyam. Today, this hill station’s economy is based on tourism and agriculture along with photographic film and manufacture of medicines.
4. SRINAGAR
Although being the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, it is the cool city which attracts the tourists with its beautiful lakes and lovely relaxing houseboats. Srinagar is said to be the Land of Lakes and Gardens due to presence of abundances of lakes and gardens which were mostly influenced by the Mughals. Nishat Bagh, Shankracharya Mandir, Nehru Garden etc. are some of the most lovely places to visit. The highlight of every year is The Tulip Festival where millions of tulips are bloomed in the biggest tulip garden of Asia along with various cultural events. Snow skiing in winter months and golfing are the most popular activities of Srinagar.
3. DARJEELING
Known as Visitor’s Paradise or Queen of Hill Stations it is surrounded by peaks of Himalayas and Buddhist monasteries located in state of West Bengal. Darjeeling is famous for its lush tea gardens along with the toy train. The highest peak of Darjeeling-The Tiger Hills gives you an awe aspiring view of the world third largest peak Mt. Kanchenjunga as well as Mt Everest. Trekking destination Singalila National Park, Himalayan Zoo, botanical gardens etc. are some of the popular attractions of tourists. Thus, to explore the clean fresh mountain air and natural splendor, Darjeeling is the best place to relax your mind.
2. MANALI
Considered to be the most popular destination of India, this hill station is located at Northen end of Kullu Valley in Himachal Pradesh. With a soothing backdrop of snow capped Himalayas it offers a blend of adventure and tranquillity and is bordered by cool pine forests and the raging Beas river providing it a special power. The Nagar Fort, Rahla Waterfalls, Rohtang Pass, Solang Valley and Manikaran hot water are a must to visit while in Manali. People who love rafting can enjoy it in the Kullu river nearby. It is believed that the tourism in Manali boosted after the militancy in Kashmir in late 1980’s.
1.SHIMLA
Once the summer capital of British India, is now the state capital of Himachal Pradesh. Shimla is the top most travelling destination for tourists in India due to its climate and accessibility. It is quite famous because of its historical style railway and buildings along The Mall. This cool and charming town is surrounded by mountain ridge covered with oak, pine and rhododendron trees. Christ Church and St.Micheal Cathedral are its important landmarks whereas Jakhoo temple, Kamna Devi, Kali Bari draws a lot of Hindus to pray and seek blessings. Other tourist attractions in this place are Lakkar Bazaar, Chandwick falls, Prospect hill, Lower Bazaar and lots more. You can even enjoy mesmerizing views from Scandal point and the Viceregal Lodge on Observatory hills before sunset or sunrise. So, to take advantage of adventure you should not miss the chance to visit this wonderful valley of mountains.
For those people who want to explore the beautiful mountains and hills has the best of the hill stations to visit during the month of summer but those who love to enjoy the snow fall can also have fun visiting these hill stations during the winter month. It will not only be a serene and exciting adventure at the same time, but will make you cherish the happy moments spent with the entire family or friends.
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