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SHIMALA |
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FACTS & FIGURES |
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Location |
90 Kms From Kalka, Himachal Pradesh |
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Altitude |
2,159 m |
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Main Attractions |
The Mall, Christ Church, Kufri, Narkanda |
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Best Time To Visit |
April - August, December - January |
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Shimla (also spelt as 'Simla') derives its name from goddess 'Shayamla Devi', which
is another manifestation of Goddess Kali. Shimla has been blessed with all the natural
bounties, one can think of. Dwelling on a panoramic location, the hilly town is
surrounded by green pastures and snow-capped peaks. The spectacular cool hills accompanied
by the structures made during the colonial era create an aura, which is very different
from other hill stations.
Shimla's Seven Hill Attractions
The seven hills of Shimla are - Prospect Hill in Western Shimla, which has the temple
of Kamna Devi; Summer Hill in Western Shimla, which has the campus of the Himachal
Pradesh University; Observatory Hill in Western Shimla, which holds the estate of
the Indian Institute of Advanced Study; Invererarm in Western Shimla, whose top
has the State Museum; Bantony in central Shimla, which has the Grand Hotel; Jakhoo
in central Shimla, which is crowned by the temple indicated to Lord Hanuman, and
Elysium in north-western Shimla, which holds Auckland House and Longwood and reaches
out towards the Bharari spur.
Prime Attractions of Shimla
Annandale
Annandale, just 2-km below the Ridge in Shimla, offers a picturesque piece of ground,
charmingly adapted for recreation in the days of the Raj.
Chadwick Falls
-km beyond the Summer Hill and 7-km west of the ridge from Shimla are the Chadwick
Falls, which was once the site of a 67-m aquatic spectacle.
Chapslee
Containing the comfortable elegance of an English country manor, Chapslee was originally
built in 1835.
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Christ Church And St Michael'S Cathedral
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The most prominent building on the Mall is the yellow Christ Church, reputed to
be the second oldest church in northern India. The silhouette of this can be seen
on the skyline for miles around. It was designed by Colonel JT Boileau in 1844,
but consecrated only after 1857. The clock was donated by Colonel Dumbleton in 1860,
and the porch added in 1873.
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Hatkoti
Some 105-km east of Shimla, in Jubbal Tehsil on the banks of the river Pabbar, lays
the mysterious valley of stone temples Hatkoti. Close by stands a small village
by the name of Parhaat.
Tattapani
On the right banks of the river Satluj, is Tattapani famous for its hot sulphur
springs. The place also has religious importance. These natural sulphur springs
are invigorating and have curative values.
How To Get There - Shimla
By Air: The Jubbarhatti airport is 23-km from Shimla and major domestic airlines
cater their services from here to Shimla. One can catch direct flights from Delhi.
By Road: Roads connect the capital city of Himachal with other places in
the state as well as other major towns and cities. There is regular bus service
from Delhi and Chandigarh as well as ordinary; semi deluxe, deluxe and AC coaches
for Shimla are available too.
By Rail: Shimla has a narrow gauge railway line on which toy train runs from
Kalka to Shimla. The train cruises its way through valleys and beautiful landscapes
at a very slow pace making the journey very pleasant. From Kalka one can take trains
to other parts of the country. The Toy train from Shimla is of two types - one is
the normal multi coach train and the other is the single car train, which has a
glass roof giving an enthralling experience during the journey.
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MANALI |
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FACTS & FIGURES |
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Location |
40 Kms From Kullu, Himachal Pradesh |
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Altitude |
2,050 m |
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Main Attractions |
Vashisth Hot Sulphur Spring, Rohtang Pass, Hadimba Temple |
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Best Time To Visit |
April - June, September - October |
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The Kullu valley has an ancient town in its lap called Manali. Surrounded by towering
peaks at an arm length, Manali's major asset is its proximity to the snowline. It
is a flourishing orchard industry, a popular honeymoon destination and trailhead
for numerous treks as well as a great countryside ideal for adventure sport lovers.
Some people consider the Kulu Valley the most beautiful on earth. The RiverBeas,
rising near the Rohtang Pass, which separates Kulu from Lahaul to the north, flow
south toward Mandi, through the Kangra Valley and across northern Punjab to join
the Indus in Pakistan.
Manali, with its mountaineering institute, is a popular base for trekking and mountaineering
in summer and skiing in winter. Interesting routes into the surrounding valleys,
over the high passes, are provided with tourist huts and rest houses for trekkign
enthusiasts.
Excursions from Manali
Rohtang Pass (50Km.)
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Rohtang Pass is the highest point, 4,112m, on the Manali-Keylong road, 51-km from
Manali town. It provides a wide panoramic view of mountains rising far above clouds,
which is a sight truly breath-taking.
Arjun Gufa (5Km.)
On the left bank of the Beas, 5-km from Manali near the village of Prini, is
the 'Arjun Gufa' or the cave of Arjuna. In here Arjuna practised austerities to
get Pashupata Ashtra or weapon from Lord Indra.
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Beas Kund (50Km.)
It is the source of river Beas, at the Rohtang Pass and is easily accessible. The
great sage, Vyas performed `Tapa' here during the Mahabharat times. The place is
still hallowed by the celestial light. It was because of this that the river got
the present name of Beas.
Jagatsukh Temple (6Km.)
It is one of the biggest villages in Kullu district. About 6-km from Manali, Jagatsukh
is famous for its Shiva temple that is built in "shikhara" style and nearby is the
old and interesting Devi Sharvati temple.
Solang Nullah (14Km.)
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14-km northwest of Manali in the Solang Valley, this place offers Himachal Pradesh's
best ski slopes. The Mountaineering and Allied Sports Institute operates a 300m
high ski lift and the month of February is the best month to ski over here. HPTDC
runs seven-day package for ski courses with accommodation in the Hotel Rohtang Manaslu
in Manali. Courses are also offered by the Mountaineering and Allied Sports Institute
and the North Face Ski School.
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Vashisth Hot Sulphur Springs (3Km.)
This small village near Manali is famous for its scenic
beauty. The village has
a temple dedicated to Lord Rama and Vashisth Muni. The village has some hot water
springs, which are said to carry medicinal properties. It is a picturesque little
place, 3-km out of Manali but on foot the distance is a bit shorter.
How to get there
By Air The nearest airport to Manali is that of Bhuntar, which is 52-km from
Manali. From Bhuntar one can take a taxi or a bus to Manali.
By Rail The nearest railhead is that of Joginder Nagar and this narrow gauze
railway station is 95-km from Kullu. The scenic beauty of Kullu while going to Manali
can best be enjoyed on a bus or a taxi. It is better to take a taxi, which one can
stop and enjoy the nature at will.
By Road The road to Manali passes through the picturesque valley of Kullu.
The motorable roads to Manali connect the town with other major tourist places in
Himachal as well as in the nearby states. At the Manali bus stand there are two
booths, which do computerised reservation for buses. The reservations can be made
one month in advance. Both private and state government buses are in service over
here.
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DALHOUSIE |
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FACTS & FIGURES |
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Location |
92 Kms From Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh |
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Discovered |
1854 |
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Main Attractions |
Lord James Ramsay, Marquis Of Delhousie, Khajjiar |
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Best Time To Visit |
Mid May To Mid October |
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Dalhousie is a quiet town, with a sense of enchantment. This hill station spreads
over five low-level hills at the western edge of the Dhauladhar range, just east
of the Ravi River. The picturesque town is interspersed with the colonial-era buildings,
low roofed stalls and hotels. The pine-covered slopes around it are intersected
with paths and treks, which are ideal for short undemanding walks.
The British governor-general Lord Dalhousie established the gateway to the Chamba
Valley, this colonial town in 1854. Covering an area of 14 sq.-km and surrounded
by alpine vegetation, Dalhausie has charming architecture and panoramic views of
both plains and the white capped views of the mountainous ranges.
Prime Attractions of Dalhousie
Jandhri Ghat
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Around half a kilometre away from the Subhash Baoli, Jandhri Ghat enfolds an elegant
palace in the midst of tall pine trees. Chamba's erstwhile rulers governed from
here till the advent of Lord Dalhousie. The palace houses a number of shikhar trophies.
Beside the palace, Jandhri Ghat offers heavenly spots for picnicking-gushing streamlets
in the midst of fragrant pine-scented breezes. Bakrota Hills and the 'Round' (2085m):
Less than 5 km from the town centre, the Bakrota Hills frame a breathtaking view
of the further snow-clad peaks. The 'round' is a walling circuit around the hill,
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Satdhara
On the way to Panjpulla, at an altitude of 2,036m. (6,678 ft.), these seven springs
are reputed to have great therapeutic value as they contain mica with medicinal
properties.
The Catholic Church Of St. Francis
Dalhousie is another hill station with a number of old churches. The Church near
the G.P.O looks untouched by time. The Catholic Church of St.Francis, built in 1894
Excursions from Dalhousie
Bara Pathar (4Km.)
Set amidst thick forest is the small temple of Bhulwani Mata, in the village of
Ahla, on the way to Kalatope. A fair is celebrated in July to venerate the goddess.
It is 4 km away from the town.
Dainkund (10Km.)
At an altitude of 2,745 m and 10 km from the town, this tall peak outside town affords
a bird's-eye view on a clear day, of the hills, valleys and the river Beas, Ravi
and the Chenab threading their silvery way down to the plains.
Panjpulla (2Km.)
Just 2 km away from the town lies the 'five bridges' memorial, built in memory of
Ajit Singh, one of India's well-loved freedom fighters. A natural tank and creams
give the spot a fitting serenity.
How to get there
Air: The nearest airport is at Gaggal, Kangra, 140-km from Dalhousie.
Rail: The nearest railhead is Pathankot, which is well connected to Amritsar,
Jammu, Delhi and Jalandhar.
Road: Onward journey from Pathankot to Chamba and Dalhausie is by road. Punjab
and Himachal Roadways run services, as do private operators.
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OOTY |
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FACTS & FIGURES |
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Location |
Nilgiri District, Tamilnadu |
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Altitude |
2,623 metres |
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Languages |
Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, English |
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Best Time To Visit |
September, October To December |
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Udhagamandalam (Ooty), the capital of Nilgiri district, is popularly known as the
"Queen of hill stations' among the tourist circuits. It is situated at a distance
of 105 km away from Coimbatore. The height of the hills in the Nilgiri range varies
between 2280 and 2290 metres, the highest peak being Doddabetta at a height of 2623
metres
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The Tea
The establishment of numerous tea estates made Ooty famous. Lofty mountains, dense
forest, sprawling grasslands and miles and miles of tea gardens greet the passengers
on most routes. The annual Tea and Tourism Festival attracts crowds in huge numbers.
Visit Ooty during this festival, when tea lovers from all over the world converge.
An occasion not to be missed!
Prime Attractions of Udagamandalam
Botanical Garden
Botanical gardens are a major tourist attraction for those who visit Ooty, one of
the most popular hill stations of India. They sprawl over 50-acres and lie on the
lower slopes of Dodabetta peak, which is the highest point in Ooty.
Government Museum - Ooty
The Government Museum At Ooty The government museum, Mysore Road, Ooty has items
of tribal objects, district's ecological details and representative sculptural arts
and crafts of Tamil Nadu. It was set up in 1989, with a view to provide education
benefits to the residing and visiting population of Nilgiris district. Tourist Information
Admission: Free Timings: 10.00 am to 1.00 pm and 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm Closed On: Fridays,
Second Saturdays and National Holidays Ooty The nearest airport is at Coimbatore
(100-km). Ooty on the narrow gauge railway is connected to Mettupalayam, which is
directly connected to Coimbatore and Chennai on the broad gauge. There are regular
bus services connecting Ooty to Coimbatore, Trichy, Bangalore, Madurai, Kanyakumari,
Mysore, Calicut, Tirupati etc.
Hills and Views
Udhagamandalam (Ooty), the capital of Nilgiri district, is popularly known as the
"Queen of hill stations" among the tourist circuits. It is situated at a distance
of 105 kilometres from Coimbatore.
Kalhatty Falls
The Kalhatty falls are located on the Kalhatty slopes at about 13-km from Udhagamandalam
on the Udhagamandalam - Mysore Kalhatty ghat road. Also known as the "Kalahasti
Falls", the water here cascades down a height of 122m.
Kandal Cross Shrine
Kandal cross, a Roman Catholic Shrine considered, as the Jerusalem of the East is
located in Udhagamandalam in Tamil Nadu. The Nilgiri Catholics consider it as the
"Calvary of Tamil Nadu".
Mini Garden and Rose Garden
The Rose Garden is situated about 3 to 4-km away from Charring Cross. Mini garden
is also situated on the way to the boathouse where the children amusement park is
housed.
Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park
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The Mudumalai wildlife sanctuary is located where the Nilgiri Hills, the offshoot
of the Western Ghats meet the Eastern Ghats. The Mysore - Ooty highway runs through
the sanctuary, following the course of the Mayyar River, which separates Mudumalai
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Ooty Lake
The beautiful Ooty Lake is a favourite haunt of tourists. It was constructed in
the year 1825, through the initiatives of Mr. John Sullivan, the then Collector
of Coimbatore. This lake was built in order to provide an irrigation tank to the
people.
Summer Festival
There is several beautiful hill stations in Tamil Nadu. With the Summer Festivals,
the hills are even hospitable to welcome the visitors. The summer festival is held
in the 'Queen of Hill Stations'
Tea and Tourism Festival
Akin to the nectar of the Gods is the Camellia Sinensia, which is a bush that gives
fragrant amber ambrosia-a refresher and stimulizer. In other words, TEA.
How To Get There - Udhagamandalam
By Air Coimbatore, 105 km from Ooty, is the nearest airport
By Rail Ooty is on the narrow gauge railway, connected to Mettupalayam (47
km), which is directly connected to Coimbatore and Chennai. The famous toy train
connects Ooty with Mettupalayam and Coonoor.
By Road A good network of roads and national highways connect Ooty with all
major towns and cities. There are regular bus services to and from Coimbatore, Trichy,
Bangalore, Madurai, Kanyakumari, Mysore, Palghat, Calicut, Tirupati and other important
destinations in South India. Ooty is also well connected with major cities of Kerala
and Karnataka.
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NAINITAL |
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FACTS & FIGURES |
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Location |
67 - Kms From Almors, Kumaon Hills, Uttaranchal |
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Altitude |
1, 938 metres |
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Attractions |
Bhimtal, Naukuchiya Tal, Satta |
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Best Time To Visit |
September, October To December |
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A small town in the hills of Kumaon, Nainital is a lovely hill station surrounded
by mountains on three sides. Once this area had many lakes and it was called the
City of 60 lakes or 'Chakta'.
Most of the lakes in the region have disappeared and whatever remains is just a
glimpse of what they might have been in the past. Today the life of Nainital revolves
around the lake of Naini. But there are few other lakes around Nainital which are
equally beautiful and attractive as the Naini Lake.
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Although one can reach Darjeeling after-hour drive up a steep and winding road from
Siliguri, the most exciting and nostalgic form of transportation is the Toy Train.
This ' marvel of engineering' was inaugurated in 1881 and is the world's highest
track railway. The miniature steam train huffs, puffs and toots as it wrestles its
way up a vertical track of blind curves and loops in nine hours.
Tea gardens blanket the lower slopes. To the world's tea fanciers, Darjeeling is
a name synonymous with prized perfection. Introduction in the 1840s, there are now
84 gardens of which Happy Valley and Lopchu are instantly recognisable to the connoisseur
for their special fragrance. As the train nears Kurseong, the mid-point of the journey,
it parallels the road, which is lined with tiny shop-houses, and tea stalls. Most,
leach-infested forests of Oak, Ilex and Magnolia trees, dripping moss and brilliantly
hued Orchids, encroach at every turn.
Place of interest in Darjeeling
Entering Darjeeling is like travelling back in time to the days of the British Raj,
a vertical Victorian London - like town populated with oriental faces. Church spires
and brick chimneys dominate the skyline.
The Mall:
The Mall is Darjeeling's popular commercial street. It is lined with Tibetans selling
hand-knitted sweaters and souvenir shops chock-full of Himalayan artifacts and both
real and imitation antiques. Photo shops carry turn-of-the-century photos as well
as specialising in hand-painted black and white prints with glowing oil colours.
The Mall leads to Chaurasta, a square, which doubles as a bandstand, a pony riding
arena for children and a haven for lovers.
Chowrasta:
The Chowrasta, meaning crossroad, is a hive of commercial activity. The Mall Road
originates and culminates at the Chowrasta. This is the heart of Victorian Darjeeling.
Here hotels, restaurants and shops brush against each other. The shops and stalls
are a veritable paradise for souvenir collectors. The Bhutanese sellers display
their wares. Woollen garments, tribal ornaments, Thankas, rosaries, brass statuettes
and Gorkha daggers are kept on display for sale. Foreign goods are also available
in some shops. Local handicrafts are much in demand.
Obeservatory Hill:
The oldest site in Darjeeling is Observatory Hill, known locally as "Makal-Babu-Ko-Thaan".
According to legend, a Red Hat Buddhist Monastery called Dorje Ling, or 'place of
the Thunderbolt', stood at this very spot. The Nepalis destroyed it in the 19th
century. The Shivas and Buddhists share the temple that stands there today.
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute:
A spot not to be missed is the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute created by the
late Tenzing Norgay, the Sherpa who conquered Mt Everest with Sir Edmund Hillary
on 29 May 1953. A display of equipment used on the climb is one of the highlights.
A zoological garden nearby has an assortment of wildlife such as yaks, Siberian
tigers and red pandas who call the region their home.
Darjeeling Rangeet Valley Passenger Ropeway:
At North Point about 3-km from the town, this is the first passenger ropeway in
India. For reservation of ropeway seats please contact - Officer in-charge, Darjeeling
Rangeet Valley Ropeway Station, North Point, Darjeeling. Regular share taxi service
is available from Market Motor and Taxi Stand is to the Ropeway Station.
How To Get There
Air: The nearest airport to Darjeeling in Bagdogra, 100-km south. ADGHC bus
leaves the tourist lodge and club side around 8 am each day to connect with flights;
tickets for the bus can be booked at the tourist bureau.
Rail: The toy train runs to Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri, weather and landslides
permitting, but takes an angst-inducing nine hours. Railway reservations for selected
mainline trains out of NJP can be made at Darjeeling's station a couple of days
before departure. They have tourist quotas for trains to Delhi, Kolkataa, Bangalore,
Cochin and Thiruvananthapuram.
Road: Buses and minibuses run every thirty minutes or so to Siliguri from
the bus stand at the bazaar. Buses leave for Mirik every thirty minutes. Two minibuses
run each day run to Gangtok and one minibus leaves every day for Kalimpong. Although
it's possible to buy bus tickets for Kathmandu, tourists still have to change buses
at Siliguri.
Local Transport: Jeeps run to Gangtok, Siliguri, Mirik, Kalimpong and Jorethang,
and are the most efficient and comfortable way to travel. Book in advance or just
turn up at the jeep stand. The Gangtok service runs frequently between 7.00 am and
2.00 pm. Private Taxis and Landrovers are also available for local sightseeing purposes
in and around Darjeeling.
DISTANCE FROM MAJOR CITIES
Kalimpong: 51-km
Siliguri-90-km
Mirik: 45-km
Gangtok-115-km
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DARJEELING |
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FACTS & FIGURES |
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Location |
90 - Kms From Siliguri, West Bengal |
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Altitude |
2, 200 metres |
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Attractions |
Toy Train, Tea Gardens, The Mall |
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Best Time To Visit |
April To June , October To November |
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Darjeeling is the Queen of India's hill stations. Its setting is one of incomparable
beauty. A Victorian town of old world charm 'discovered' by the British, it is almost
completely surrounded by fragrant tea gardens which seem to flow over the layered
slopes like emerald swells on a rough sea. These are in turn interspersed by untamed
jungle of Fern and Bamboo, groves of sweet smelling Coniferous trees and hamlets
lost and which may be the finest this earth has to offer, It hits one like Darjeeling's
true name, "Dorje Ling", or 'Place of the Thunderbolt'
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Although one can reach Darjeeling after-hour drive up a steep and winding road from
Siliguri, the most exciting and nostalgic form of transportation is the Toy Train.
This ' marvel of engineering' was inaugurated in 1881 and is the world's highest
track railway. The miniature steam train huffs, puffs and toots as it wrestles its
way up a vertical track of blind curves and loops in nine hours.
Tea gardens blanket the lower slopes. To the world's tea fanciers, Darjeeling is
a name synonymous with prized perfection. Introduction in the 1840s, there are now
84 gardens of which Happy Valley and Lopchu are instantly recognisable to the connoisseur
for their special fragrance. As the train nears Kurseong, the mid-point of the journey,
it parallels the road, which is lined with tiny shop-houses, and tea stalls. Most,
leach-infested forests of Oak, Ilex and Magnolia trees, dripping moss and brilliantly
hued Orchids, encroach at every turn.
Place of interest in Darjeeling
Entering Darjeeling is like travelling back in time to the days of the British Raj,
a vertical Victorian London - like town populated with oriental faces. Church spires
and brick chimneys dominate the skyline.
The Mall:
The Mall is Darjeeling's popular commercial street. It is lined with Tibetans selling
hand-knitted sweaters and souvenir shops chock-full of Himalayan artifacts and both
real and imitation antiques. Photo shops carry turn-of-the-century photos as well
as specialising in hand-painted black and white prints with glowing oil colours.
The Mall leads to Chaurasta, a square, which doubles as a bandstand, a pony riding
arena for children and a haven for lovers.
Chowrasta:
The Chowrasta, meaning crossroad, is a hive of commercial activity. The Mall Road
originates and culminates at the Chowrasta. This is the heart of Victorian Darjeeling.
Here hotels, restaurants and shops brush against each other. The shops and stalls
are a veritable paradise for souvenir collectors. The Bhutanese sellers display
their wares. Woollen garments, tribal ornaments, Thankas, rosaries, brass statuettes
and Gorkha daggers are kept on display for sale. Foreign goods are also available
in some shops. Local handicrafts are much in demand.
Obeservatory Hill:
The oldest site in Darjeeling is Observatory Hill, known locally as "Makal-Babu-Ko-Thaan".
According to legend, a Red Hat Buddhist Monastery called Dorje Ling, or 'place of
the Thunderbolt', stood at this very spot. The Nepalis destroyed it in the 19th
century. The Shivas and Buddhists share the temple that stands there today.
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute:
A spot not to be missed is the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute created by the
late Tenzing Norgay, the Sherpa who conquered Mt Everest with Sir Edmund Hillary
on 29 May 1953. A display of equipment used on the climb is one of the highlights.
A zoological garden nearby has an assortment of wildlife such as yaks, Siberian
tigers and red pandas who call the region their home.
Darjeeling Rangeet Valley Passenger Ropeway:
At North Point about 3-km from the town, this is the first passenger ropeway in
India. For reservation of ropeway seats please contact - Officer in-charge, Darjeeling
Rangeet Valley Ropeway Station, North Point, Darjeeling. Regular share taxi service
is available from Market Motor and Taxi Stand is to the Ropeway Station.
How To Get There
Air: The nearest airport to Darjeeling in Bagdogra, 100-km south. ADGHC bus
leaves the tourist lodge and club side around 8 am each day to connect with flights;
tickets for the bus can be booked at the tourist bureau.
Rail: The toy train runs to Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri, weather and landslides
permitting, but takes an angst-inducing nine hours. Railway reservations for selected
mainline trains out of NJP can be made at Darjeeling's station a couple of days
before departure. They have tourist quotas for trains to Delhi, Kolkataa, Bangalore,
Cochin and Thiruvananthapuram.
Road: Buses and minibuses run every thirty minutes or so to Siliguri from
the bus stand at the bazaar. Buses leave for Mirik every thirty minutes. Two minibuses
run each day run to Gangtok and one minibus leaves every day for Kalimpong. Although
it's possible to buy bus tickets for Kathmandu, tourists still have to change buses
at Siliguri.
Local Transport: Jeeps run to Gangtok, Siliguri, Mirik, Kalimpong and Jorethang,
and are the most efficient and comfortable way to travel. Book in advance or just
turn up at the jeep stand. The Gangtok service runs frequently between 7.00 am and
2.00 pm. Private Taxis and Landrovers are also available for local sightseeing purposes
in and around Darjeeling.
DISTANCE FROM MAJOR CITIES
Kalimpong: 51-km
Siliguri-90-km
Mirik: 45-km
Gangtok-115-km
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DHARAMSALA |
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FACTS & FIGURES |
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Location |
185 - Kms From Shimla, Himachal Pradesh |
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Established Between |
1852 |
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Attractions |
Kangra Art Museum, St. John's Church, McLeodganj |
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Best Time To Visit |
Mid May To Mid October |
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Dharamsala over looks the plains and is surrounded by dense pine trees and Deodar
forests. A nearby snowline with numerous streams and cool healthy atmosphere makes
the surroundings very attractive. A busy bazaar town, Dharamsala has established
itself as the travellers base camp, who come to explore the nearby mountains. The
Kotwali Bazaar provides the entire colour and characteristic of a small town, which
is mixed with the simple life style.
The colourful temple and Gompas, which reflect the culture of Tibet, adds attraction
for the visitor. The Kangra museum gives an overview of the rich past of the region
and on the other hand there are institutes that have been established to preserve
the Tibetan art, cultures and traditions.
Trekking & Rock Climbing:
Dharamsala is one of the most popular starting points for treks and Rock climbing
over the ridges of the Dhauladhar range. There are tailor-made treks in the Kangra
valley around Dharamsala and adjoining places. The trekking season starts from May
and goes on to October. The most frequented route from Dharamsala to the Chamba
valley, over the Indradhar Pass (4,350m), is arduous trek but the most novice trekkers
can manage to complete it within five days.
Places of Interest in Dharamsala
Kangra Art Museum:
This treasure trove of the Kangra valley's arts, crafts, and rich past, displays
artifacts that date back to the 5th century. The museum also includes a gallery
of Kangra's famous miniature paintings and a representative collection of sculptures,
pottery, and anthropological items.
War Memorial:
Set amidst the pine groves is a war memorial, built on the entry point of the to
Dharamsala to commemorate the post independence war heroes of Himachal Pradesh.
A web of narrow paths and landscaped lawns lead towards this monument.
St. John's Church:
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One of the most poignant memories of the British Raj is the church of St. John,
situated in the wilderness. This charmingly dressed stone church is located just
8-kms from Dharamsala on the way to McLeod Ganj. Under the shade of Doedar branches,
a memorial has been made over the body of the British Viceroy, Lord Elgin who died
at Dharamsala in 1863.
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Norbulinka Institute:
Just 4-kms from Dharamsala, Norbulinka was established to preserve and teach the
ancient Tibetan arts. The shady paths, wooden bridges, small streams tiny water
falls make this place look like heaven. Here one can watch the wooden carvings and
the tangka paintings, golsithing and embroidery being done. The nunnery close to
the institute is a place where women are taught the advanced levels of Buddhist
philosophy.
How To Get There
Air: Dharamshala can be approached by air from Delhi and the nearest Airport
is at Gaggla, just 13-km away from the town.
Rail: Pathankot is 85-km and is the nearest railhead for Dharamshala. Trains
from all over the country make a stop over at Pathankot and from here it is a three-hour
journey to Dharamsala.
Road: From Manali too bus services are available to this place. One can drive
from Delhi via Chandigarh, Kiratpur, Bilaspur and it's an 8-hours journey. From
Delhi and Shimla, luxury buses ply to Dharamshala.
DISTANCE FROM MAJOR CITIES
Dalhousie: 92-km
Mandi: 115-km
Kullu: 183-km
Shimla; 185-km
Manali: 223-km
Chandigarh: 225-km
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LADAKH |
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FACTS & FIGURES |
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Location |
Jammu & Kashmir |
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Altitude |
2500 To 4500 m |
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Attractions |
Trekking, Mountaineering, Camping, Water Rafting, Buddhist Monastaries |
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Best Time To Visit |
June To End September |
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Trans Himalayan Regions |
Ladakh, Leh, Zanskar, Lahaul & Spiti |
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Ladakh is a land like no other. Bounded by two of the world's mightiest mountain
ranges, the Great Himalayas and the Karakoram, it lies athwart two other, the Ladakh
range and the Zanskar range. This is the highest inhabited region in India and the
River Indus with its tributaries, slice their way through the ranges.
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Ladakh has never been totally isolated. Over the centuries the trade route from
India to central Asia passed through this area undeterred by its high passes and
desert landscape. Caravans carrying spices, brocades, pearls, carpets and more mundane
merchandise like salt and tea took just two months to cover the distance from Amritsar
in the Punjab to the central Asian towns of Varkand and Khotan! Leh and Kargil on
this ancient route developed then into centres of trade.
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KUFRI |
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FACTS & FIGURES |
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Location |
92 km From Dharamshala , Himachal Pradesh |
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Altitude |
2150 m |
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Attractions |
Lord James Ramsay, Marquis of Dalhousie, Khajjiar |
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Best Time To Visit |
Mid May - Mid October |
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Kufri is a tiny hill station located 19-kms from Shimla on the National Highway
No.22. It has a Himalayan Nature park and close by is the Indira Tourist Park with
HPTDC's Cafe Lalit. Indira Park provides some great views of the nearby places.
Here one can enjoy a Pony or a Yak Ride.
The region around Shimla including Kufri was once a part of the Kingdom of Nepal.
This region remained obscure from the rest of the world until the British 'discovered'
it in 1819. The British made Shimla their summer capital in 1864 and it remained
so until 1939. As Shimla gained importance, Kufri also began to be recognized as
an important place to visit near Shimla.
Skiing
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Kufri, near Shimla is one of the oldest places in India to be associated with skiing
and the slopes are still in use during winter. Above Kufri, the Mahasu ridge also
has some good slopes. There is a range of slopes, including a beginner's run, an
advanced slope and slalom run. Himachal Tourism offers ski courses, instruction
and has equipment on hire at Kufri. The Skiing season spreads between November to
February and the tourist inflow is at its peak during winters.
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Excursions from Kufri
Shimla
The capital city of the state of Himachal Pradesh is only 19-km from Kufri and an
important destination on the tourist map of India. The British developed Shimla
as an important hill station and the summer capital of India to escape from the
heat of Delhi. This sprawling hill station set amongst the picturesque Shivalik
range and Shimla hills has a number of tourist spots and important temples, apart from its beautiful natural surroundings.
Fagu:
From Kufri, a fascinating drive leads on to Chail. 6 kms from Kufri, along the Hindustan-Tibet
road, is Fagu. It presents breathtaking scenery.
How To Get There
Road: Kufri does not have an airport or a railway station. However, regular
buses ply from Shimla, Narkanda, and Rampur to Kufri. Travelers can also hire taxis
from Shimla to reach Kufri. The area around Kufri can be explored on horseback.
DISTANCE FROM MAJOR CITIES
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