Leh !!!!

                       LEH

Leh, a high-forsake city in the Himalayas, is the capital of the Leh district in northern India's Jammu and Kashmir state. Initially a stop for exchanging bands, Leh is currently known for its Buddhist destinations and adjacent trekking. Enormous seventeenth century Leh Palace, displayed on the Dalai Lama's previous home (Tibet's Potala Palace), disregards the old town's bazaar and mazelike paths. Mountains command the scene around the Leh as it is at a height of 3,500m. The essential access streets incorporate the 434 km Srinagar-Leh thruway which interfaces Leh with Srinagar and the 473 km Leh-Manali Highway which associates Manali with Leh. Both streets are open just on an occasional basis. Although the frontage roads from Srinagar and Manali are regularly hindered by snow in winter, the neighborhood streets in the Indus Valley as a rule stay open because of the low level of precipitation and snowfall. Leh has a chilly betray atmosphere with long, brutal winters from October to early March, with least temperatures well beneath solidifying for the greater part of the winter. The city gets incidental snowfall amid winter. The climate in the remaining months is by and large fine and warm amid the day. Normal yearly precipitation is just 102 mm (4.02 inches). The temperature can extend from −42 °C (- 43.6 °F) in winter to 33 °C (91.4 °F) in summer .In 2010 the city experienced glimmer surges which slaughtered more than 100 people.

Leh is associated with whatever is left of India by two high-height streets both of which are liable to avalanches and neither of which are tolerable in winter when secured by profound snows. The National Highway 1D from Srinagar by means of Kargil is for the most part open longer. The Leh-Manali Highway can be troublesome because of high passes and levels, and the lower yet avalanche inclined Rohtang Pass close Manali. The overland way to deal with Ladakh from the Kashmir valley by means of the 434-km. Srinagar-Leh street ordinarily stays open for activity from June to October/November. The most emotional piece of this street trip is the rising up the 3,505 m (11,500 ft.) high Zoji-la, a convoluted go in the Great Himalayan Wall. The Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation (JKSRTC) works consistent Deluxe and Ordinary transport administrations amongst Srinagar and Leh on this course with an overnight end at Kargil. Taxis (autos and jeeps) are likewise accessible at Srinagar for the voyage.

Since 1989, the 473-km Manali-Leh street has been serving as the second land way to deal with Ladakh. Open for activity from June to late October, this more ethical route navigates the upland desert plateaux of Rupsho whose elevation ranges from 3,660 m to 4,570 m. There are various high passes in transit among which the most noteworthy one, known as Tanglang La, is now and again (yet erroneously) guaranteed to be the world's second most astounding motorable go at an elevation of 5,325 m. (17,469 feet). See the article on Khardung La for an exchange of the world's most noteworthy motorable passes.

Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport has flights to Delhi at any rate every day on Jet Airways and/or Indian Airlines and/or Air India which likewise gives twice week after week administrations to Jammu and a week by week flight to Srinagar. Interface in Delhi for different destinations. Go Air works Delhi to Leh every day flights amid top time.

Places to Visit:

Shanti Stupa ,Leh Palace, Hemis gompha, Ladakh Marathon Leh   TrekkingTrails, War Museum, Chamba Temple, Jama Masjid, Gurdwara Pathar, Sahib Cho, Khang Gompa, Namgyal Tsemo Gompa, Sankar Gompa, Stok Palace,The Victory Tower, Zorawar Fort, Magnetic slope, Pangong Lake, Tsomoriri Lake ,Khardungla ,Hunder Valley, Alchi Monastery ,Sand Dunes Nubra ,Siachen Glacier .

 

Shimla !!!!!

.

          ­     SHIMLA

 

Shimla, also known as Simla, is the capital and also the largest city of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, located in northern India. Shimla is bounded by Mandi and Kullu in the north, Kinnaur in the east, the state of Uttarakhand in the south-east, and Solan and Sirmaur. In 1864, Shimla was declared as the summer capital of British India, succeeding Murree, northeast of Rawalpindi. After independence, the city became the capital of Punjab and was later named the capital of Himachal Pradesh. It is the principal commercial, cultural and educational centre of the hilly regions of the state. As of 2011, the city had 171,817 residents, and was one of the least populous capital cities in India.

The earliest inhabitants of the area date back to the start of the 19th century. The area fell under the British Raj in the year 1817. The climatic conditions attracted the British to establish the city in the dense forests of Himalayas. As the summer capital, Shimla hosted many important political meetings including the Simla Accord of 1914 and the Simla Conference of 1945. After independence, the state of Himachal Pradesh came into being in 1948 as a result of integration of 28 princely states. Even after independence, the city remained an important political centre, hosting the Simla Agreementof 1972. After the reorganisation, the Mahasu district and its major portion were merged with Shimla. Its name is derived from the goddess Shyamala Devi, an incarnation of the Hindu goddess Kali^[update]

• The Mall is the main shopping street of Shimla. It also has many restaurants, clubs, banks, bars, post offices and tourist offices. The Gaiety Theatre is also situated there.
• Christ Church: Situated on the Ridge, Christ Church is the second oldest church in Northern India. It has a very majestic appearance and inside there are stained glass windows which represent faith, hope, charity, fortitude, patience and humility.
• Jakhu Hill: 2 km from Shimla, at a height of 8,000 ft, Jakhu Hill is the highest peak an offers a beautiful view of the town and of the snow-covered Himalayas. At the top of the hill, is an old temple of Lord Hanuman, which is also the home of countless playful monkeys waiting to be fed by all visitors. A 108 feet (33 metre) statue of Lord Hanuman, a Hindu deity, at 8,500 feet (2,591 metres) above sea level, is single statue to stand at the highest altitude among several other master pieces in the world, overtaking the Christ Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
• Jutogh: Located just 8 km away from the city centre, this army cantonment is near Totu, an important suburb of Shimla city.
• Shimla State Museum: The museum, which was opened in 1974, has tried to protect hill-out and the cultural wealth of the state. There is a collection of miniature Pahari paintings, sculptures, bronzes wood-carvings and also costumes, textiles and jewellery of the region.
• Indian Institute of Advanced Study: This institute is housed at the former Viceregal Lodge, built in 1884-88.
• Summer Hill: Situated at a distance of 5 km from the Ridge is the lovely township of Summer Hill, at a height of 6,500 ft on the Shimla-Kalka railway line. Mahatma Gandhi lived in these quiet surroundings during his visits to Shimla. Himachal Pradesh University is situated here.
• Annandale: Developed as the racecourse of Shimla, Annandale is 2–4 km from the Ridge at a height of 6,117 ft. It is a very big beautiful ground, now used by the Indian Army.
• Tara Devi: 11 km from the Shimla bus-stand. Tara Devi Hill has a temple dedicated to the goddess of stars on top of the hill. There is a military Dairy Town here as well as the headquarters of Bharat Scouts and Guides.
• Sankat Mochan: A very famous Lord Hanuman temple is located here.
• Junga: Junga is near Tehsi, 26 km from Shimla. Its original name (with diacritics) is Jūnga and is a former royal retreat of the princely state of Keonthal. It is also known as the Keonthal Estate.
• Anand Vilas: Midway between Shimla and Junga. "Sarva Dharma Mandir", Temple of all faiths, is a spiritual group dedicated to Mother Nature. Thousands of visitors and devotees come here every year. There is an "Art is Values" school with pupils from all over India. Classes are provided free of cost.
• Totu: A major developing suburb of Shimla on NH-88. Houses Jutogh railway station & HimFed under Govt. of Himachal Pradesh.
• Mashobra: 13 km from Shimla, site of the annual Sipi fair in June.
• Kufri: 16 km from Shimla at a height of 8,600 ft, Kufri is the local winter sports centre, and it also has a small zoo.
• Chharabra: 13 km from Shimla on route to Kufri.
• Naldehra: 22 km from Shimla, with a nine-hole Naldehra Golf Club. The annual Sipi fair in June is held in Naldehra.
• Chail: Chail was built as summer retreat by the Maharaja of Patiala during the British Raj, it is known for its cricket pitch, the highest in the world.

 

 

 

Mcleodganj !!!!!

                                  McLeodganj

                                      

Initially home of the semi-roaming Gaddi tribe, McLeodganj is today the home of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. This mid nineteenth century spot was created as a British Garrison. The spot was produced as an important authoritative point for the entire Kangra valley. Today the spot has created as home office of the banished Tibetan Government. The great cloister has overwhelming size pictures of Buddha, Padmasambhava and Avaloketeshwara.


Nearby Attractions:

The Shrine of Bhagsunath

Only 300m from the inn is the old sanctuary of Bhagsunath. The Temple complex includes the Shiva sanctuary, new water springs, a swimming pool and a waterfall. The waterfall and in addition the sublime Dhauladhar extents and Glacial tops are noticeable from the lodging room itself.

Triund

Triund is 9km from the spot. Triund is a well known  spot at a stature of 2827 m. The region is on the foothills of Dhauladhar range and is 17-kms from Dharamshala. The snow line begins at Ilaqua, which is 5-kms from Triund. The amazing perspectives of the mountains and the valleys makes Triund a perfect cookout spot and trekking spot.

St. John's Church

A standout amongst the most wonderful recollections of the British Raj is the congregation of St. John, arranged in the wild. This charmingly dressed stone church is found only 1-km from Mcleodgunj. Under the shade of Deodar branches, a dedication has been made over the body of the British Viceroy, Lord Elgin who kicked the bucket at Dharamshala in 1863.

Kangra Art Museum

This love trove of the Kangra valley's specialties, artworks, and rich past, presentations ancient rarities that go back to the fifth century. The exhibition hall additionally incorporates a display of Kangra's popular small works of art and a delegate gathering of figures, earthenware, and anthropological things.

War Memorial

Set in the midst of the pine forests is a war remembrance, based on the section purpose of to Dharamshala to honor the post autonomy war saints of Himachal Pradesh. A web of thin ways and finished gardens lead towards this landmark.

Dal Lake

Encompassed by high and green Deodar trees is the lake, which fills a mountain dish. Arranged 03-kms far from the town, this lake is effortlessly congenial by street and makes a captivating and peaceful outing spot.

Tatwani and Machhrial

There are hot springs arranged at Tatwani, 25-km from Dharamshala however in transit, at Machhrial, is a waterfall twice as large as the one close to the Bhagsunath sanctuary.  

Chinmaya Tapovan

Tapovan is 22km from the lodging is the peaceful ashram complex set up by the immense type of the Gita- - Swami Chinmayananda. Arranged on the banks of Bindu Saras, the ashram incorporates a 9m high picture of Hanuman, a Ram sanctuary, a contemplation lobby, a school and a wellbeing and diversion focus.

Masrur

Fifteen luxuriously cut solid rock sanctuaries etched in the wonderful style of the Kailash sanctuary at Ellora and going back to the eighth century are to be found at Masrur, only 15 km south of Kangra. Pictures of Ram Sita and Lakhsman can be found in the sanctum of the principle sanctuary.

Kareri

Set in the midst of a sylvan encompassing is a rest house, situated in the cool profundities of the pine woods. Encompassed by green open glades and backwoods of tall oak and pine at a stature of 3250m is arranged the pleasant Kareri Lake, which is only 13-km from the rest house and 22-kms from Dharamshala.

Trilokpur

In transit from Pathankot, 41-km from Dharamshala are the one of a kind hollow sanctuaries with a stalactite and stalagmites committed to Lord Shiva.

Sujanpur Tira

This spot is celebrated for the divider works of art and the sanctuaries. Sujanpur Tira likewise has post, which merits going to. It is 80-km from Dharamshala and specifically the celebration of Holi is a noteworthy occasion here and draws in numerous guests to this territory.

Jawalamukhi

Committed to the "Goddess of Light", the sanctuary is a standout amongst the most well known Hindu sanctuaries in northern India.The sanctuary is topped by a brilliant tower, a blessing from the Emperor Akbar. The well known sanctuary of Jwalamukhi is 30-km. from Kangra and 56-km from Dharamshala.

Chamunda Devi

Not so distant from the town is the renowned sanctuary with the superb Dhaulandhars as a background. It is a charming spot with eminent perspectives of the mountains, the Baner Khud, Pathiar and Lahala woods.

Nurpur

Named after Nurjehan the consort of the Mughal Emperor Jehangir, it has an old fortress and a perfectly cut Krishna sanctuary. Nurpur is likewise well known for its fine Pashmina shawls and materials

Switzerland !!!!

                                       SWITZERLAND

Switzerland is a rugged Central European nation, home to various lakes, towns and the high tops of the Alps. Old Towns inside its urban areas contain medieval milestones like capital Bern's Zytglogge clock tower and Cathedral of Bern. The nation is additionally a destination for its ski resorts and climbing trails. Saving money and account are key commercial ventures, and Swiss watches and chocolate are famous. In the event that you anticipate going around Switzerland, it's not hard to visit a large number of Switzerland's top locales amid your Swiss occasion. Since Switzerland is a little nation, its attractions are close to each other and can be come to effortlessly. There is likewise an effective Swiss transport framework – from trains to ships to link autos – that can without much of a stretch take you to a large portion of the top locales in Switzerland. Mountain resorts, lakes, woods, manors, historical centers, and old and cutting edge design make this government Swiss republic an astounding visitor destination.

Must See Places in Switzerland:

1) The Jungfrau Region

The Jungfrau Region offers tremendous landscape to beguile the eye. The white tops of three towering mountains – the Jungfrau, Monch, and Eiger – appear differently in relation to the green valleys and glades in this Alpine wonderland. Appreciate the crisp mountain air while going to this spot .

2) Chateau de Chillon, Montreux

The town of Montreux is situated in the heart of the Swiss Riviera on the shores of Lake Geneva. Stroll by the lakeside and investigate the Chillon Castle, or take a voyage through the tower, yards, prisons, and rooms of this eleventh century palace. It's the most as often as possible went to recorded working in Switzerland, where its various rooms house weaponry, frescoes, and furniture. The mansion can be come to by strolling along the lakefront or taking the train or trolley transport.

3) Swiss National Park, Zernez

The Swiss Natural Park is 169 square kilometers of mountains and forest. It is home to an assortment of untamed life, for example, vast red deer, chamois, ibexes, and marmots. Stroll around its trails and respect its amazing perspectives.

4) Fasnacht Spring Carnival, Basel

Make sure to visit Basel, Switzerland's second biggest city for the Fasnacht Spring jamboree. Its reality acclaimed three-day festival highlights members in brilliant ensembles and veils parading in the lanes. The festival begins on the Monday after Ash Wednesday, and bistros and bars are open throughout the night as confetti, desserts, and blooms are tossed to the group.

5) Mt. Pilatus

Close to the lakeside city of Lucerne stands Mt. Pilatus, a 2,120-meter-tall mountain. Voyagers can take a link auto to achieve its top and appreciate the exciting perspective. It is additionally an awesome venue for strolling with various trails, and guests here can witness the fabulous view of the Swiss Alps.

6) The Rhine Falls

Arranged close to the town of Schaffhausen, Europe's biggest waterfall is a heavenly characteristic marvel. Close to the falls is the medieval stronghold, Schoss Laufen, which houses an eatery, an adolescent inn, and shops. On Swiss National Day, 1 August, the Rhine Falls is host to fabulous presentation of firecrackers which pulls in a huge number of visitors.

 7) The Matterhorn, Zermatt

The most celebrated crest in the Alps, the Matterhorn in Zermatt, stands 4,478 meters high. Mountain climbers run to this town to overcome this in fact troublesome crest, and Zermatt likewise offers skiing and wonderful perspectives. There are likewise non-skiing exercises, great eateries and loads of enthusiastic nightlife for guests to appreciate.

 

Manikaran Sahib !!!!

                        Manikaran Sahib

 

 

 

Manikaran Sahib is situated in the Parvati Valley on waterway Parvati, upper east of Bhuntar in the Kullu District of Himachal Pradesh. It is at a height of 1760 m and is situated around 35 km from Kullu. This residential community draws in travelers going by Manali and Kullu to its hot springs and explorer focuses. A trial geothermal vitality plant has additionally been set up here. Manikaran is a journey community for Hindus and Sikhs. The Hindus trust that Manu reproduced human life in Manikaran after the surge, making it a holy range. It has numerous sanctuaries and a gurudwara. There are sanctuaries of the Hindu divinities Rama, Krishna, and Vishnu.The zone is surely understood for its hot spring and its wonderful scene.

As indicated by legend, when the Hindu God Shiva and his consort Parvati were strolling in the valley, Parvati dropped one of her hoops. The gem was seized by Shesha, the serpent god, who then vanished into the earth with it. Shesha just surrendered the gem when Shiva performed the inestimable move, the Tandava and shot the gem up through the water. Clearly, gems kept on being hurled in the waters at Manikaran until the quake of 1905.

Conventional sustaining of guests at Sikh gurdwara at Manikaran, Himachal Pradesh, in 2004 As per the Sikhs, amid third Udasi, the author of Sikhism Guru Nanak resulted in these present circumstances place in 15 Asu 1574 Bikrami with his devotee Bhai Mardana. Mardana felt hungry and they had no sustenance. Master Nanak sent Mardana to gather sustenance for the langar (the Community Kitchen). Numerous individuals gave atta (flour) to make Roti(bread). The one issue was that there was no flame to cook the food.Guru Nanak requested that Mardana lift a stone and he went along and a hot spring showed up. As coordinated by Guru Nanak, Mardana put the moved chapatis in the spring to his misery the chapatis sank.Guru Nanak then instructed him to petition God saying that if his chapatis drift in those days he would give one chapati in His name. When he supplicated every one of the chapatis began drifting properly baked.Guru Nanak said that any individual who gives for the sake of God, his suffocated things skim back.
The legend of Manikaran states that while meandering around, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, once risked upon a spot that was encompassed by mountains and was lavish green. Captivated by the magnificence of the spot, they chose to invest some energy there. It is trusted that they really put in eleven hundred years here.
Amid their stay here, Goddess Parvati lost her mani (valuable stones in the waters of a stream) Steamed at the misfortune, she requested that Shiva recover it. Ruler Shiva told his orderly to discover the mani for Parvati. In any case, when they fizzled, he was to a great degree irate. He opened his third eye, a hugely ominous occasion which prompted aggravations in the universe. A request was made before the serpent god, Sheshnag, to mollify Lord Shiva. Sheshnag murmured along these lines offering ascend to a stream of bubbling water. The water spread over the whole zone bringing about the rise of valuable stones of the sort Goddess Parvati had lost. Master Shiva and Goddess Parvati were glad at the result.

The name Manikaran is gotten from this legend. The water is still hot and is considered greatly propitious. A journey to this spot is considered as complete. It is likewise trusted that there is no compelling reason to visit Kashi in the wake of going by this spot. The water of the spring is additionally expected to have remedial forces. The water is hot to the point that rice can be cooked in it.

Magnificent Manali !!!!

                           MANALI

                              

 

Encompassed by high tops in the excellent green valley of the Beas River, with mountain undertakings coaxing from all bearings, Manali is a year-round magnet. Hikers come to hang out in the flower child towns around the primary town; globe-trotters want trekking, climbing, mountain biking, canyoning, paragliding, rafting and skiing; and Indian families and honeymooners seek the cool mountain air and an essence of snow on a day outing to the Rohtang La. Manali is additionally the principle bouncing off point (amongst June and October) for Ladakh and Spiti. It bodes well to loosen up and encourage up here for a couple days while sorting out your outing into the mountains.

So famous has Manali gotten to be among Indian sightseers this once rural withdraw now has an expected 800 to 1000 inns and guesthouses in the town and edges, and from mid-April to mid-July, mid-September to mid-October, and over Christmas–New Year it gets really well invade, with desperate automobile overloads along its thin paths and the principle streets drawing closer town. Most voyagers stay in the towns of Vashisht or Old Manali, which have a laid-back vibe and a lot of administrations, however semi-close for winter from about November to April.

 

                                        Spots to Visit in Manali

Hidimba Devi Temple-

The Hidimba Devi sanctuary is worked around a hollow where Hidimba performed contemplation. Hidimba should have lived there with her sibling Hidimb, and very little is thought about their folks. Naturally introduced to a Rakshas family, Hidimba promised to wed one who might crush her sibling Hidimb, who should be extremely overcome and bold. Amid the Pandava's outcast, when they went to Manali; Bhima, one of the five Pandavas, executed Hidimb. From that point, Hidimba wedded Bhima and brought forth their child Ghatotkach.

 

Manu Temple:

The sanctuary is committed to the Indian sage Manu who is said to be the maker of the world and the author of Manusmriti. This sanctuary is considered as just Manu sanctuary on earth and the greater part of the nonnatives come to see this temple.For Everyone Visiting Manali , this sanctuary is must go place and different spots can be missed, yet this can't be.

 

Solang Valley :

Solang Nala (Valley) drives its name from mix of words Solang (Nearby town) and Nullah (water stream). It is a side valley at the highest point of the Kullu Valley in Himachal Pradesh, India 14 km northwest of the resort town Manali while in transit to Rohtang Pass, and is known for its mid year and winter sport conditions. The games most usually offered are parachuting, paragliding, skating and zorbing. Monster slants of garden contain Solang Valley and give its notoriety for being a prevalent ski resort. A couple ski organizations offering courses and gear dwell here and work just amid winters.

Snow dissolves amid the late spring months beginning May and skiing is then supplanted by zorbing (a monster ball with space for 2 individuals which is moved down a 200 meter slope), paragliding, parachuting and stallion riding.

 

Rohtang Pass:

Rohtang Pass (rise 3,978 m (13,050 ft)), is a high mountain go on the eastern Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas around 51 km (32 mi) from Manali. It associates the Kullu Valley with the Lahaul and Spiti Valleys of Himachal Pradesh, India.

The pass gives a characteristic separation between the moist Kullu Valley with a fundamentally Hindu society (in the south), and the bone-dry high-elevation Lahaul and Spiti valleys with a Buddhist society (in the north). The pass lies on the watershed between the Chenab and Beas bowls. On the southern side of this pass, the Beas River rises up out of underground and streams southward and on its northern side, the Chandra River (streams from the eastern Himalayas), a source stream of the waterway Chenab, streams westbound.

 

Van Vihar:

Van Vihar National Park is a standout amongst the most frequented attractions in Manali. Found positively on the Mall Road, this park is populated with numerous deodar trees that give shade to the entire territory. For the accommodation of guests, the recreation center is given concrete and additionally wooden seats. It is a perfect spot for appreciating picnics and going through snippets of rest with your friends and family. Its well-laid ways are ideal for a long and invigorating walk around rich greenery. Notwithstanding these, guests can enjoy vessel rides in the recreation center's little lake. Set in the midst of green environs, the lovely Van Vihar National Park is a most loved home base spot for both local people and visitors. Click real to life photographs of your family and companions getting a charge out of various exercises. Likewise, catch the tranquil environment swarm with characteristic magnificence.

Summer Delights!!!

10 PLACES THAT WILL GIVE YOU A SENSE OF

REJUVENATION THIS SUMMER NEAR DELHI:

Delhi, the capital state of India, although being a remarkable tourist destination, is sadly one of the busiest cities in the country. Most of the people, who live in or nearby the country’s capital, are often plagued by the hustle and bustle of the traffic laden roads and dense population dispersion. Totally exhausted by the busy lifestyle, all a man needs is a getaway where he can escape to a serene place rich with natural beauty , there can be no other place other than a hill station for one to find a calm and soothing environment where he/she can become one with nature and find some peace. I have prepared a list of 15 hill stations suitable for a quick getaway from the concrete jungle to a natural one.

 

 

1. Nahan(Distance from Delhi – 261 kms approx.)

Situated on a hill top in the Shiwalik hill range, Nahan is the headquarters of the Sirmaur District. The town lies on an altitude of 932 meters above sea level, it is a well laid picturesque town, with places to visit such as Renuka Lake, Paonta Sahib, Trilokpur temple and the Suketi Fossil Park. The town roads and streets are well planned which keep the traffic easy and most of the pedestrians travel through the narrow fields in order to avoid traffic enabling quick travel. With its pleasant climate all year round and picturesque landscapes, Nahan is a brilliant place for a quick weekend getaway as its one of the nearest hill stations from Delhi.

2. Lansdowne(Distance from Delhi – 270 kms approx.)

Lansdowne is a cantonment town in the Pauri Garhawl district of Uttarakhand and is one of the. It is situated at an altitude of 1,700 meters above sea level and is surrounded by thick oak and blue pine forests. The weather here is pleasant and will leave a lasting impact on your mind as its perfect for meditation. Adventure activities like, trekking, bird watching, boating, paddling etc. can be done while a visit to Lansdowne. The places you must visit when in Lansdowne are Tip n Top Viewing (offers excellent views of surrounding shivaliks), Santoshi Mata Temple, Regimental Museum (also called the Darwan Singh Sanghralaya), Bhulla Taal, St. Mary’s Church, Lover’s lane, Tarkeshwar Mahadev temple, Bhairav Garhi temple, Bhim pakora (a stone which vibrates if touched).The Annual ‘Sharadotsav’ (Festival of Autumn) is also organized during the autumn season.

3. Nainital(Distance from Delhi – 276 kms approx.)

Set in a valley containing a pear shaped lake, Nainital is located at an altitude of 2,084 meters above sea level at the Kumaon foothills in Uttrakhand. The maximum temperatures never exceed 27 degrees Celsius in summers; Nainital enjoys a cool pleasant weather almost all year round. The places of prime attraction in Nainital include Nainital Lake, Naina Devi Temple, St. John in the Wilderness, Governor’s House, Snow View, Naini Peak also known as China or Cheena Peak or Naina Peak, Tiffin Top also known as Dorothy’s Seat, Pt. G.B. Pant High Altitude Zoo, Gurney House, the former residence, of Jim Corbett and Eco Cave Gardens. Nainital is a popular hill station and the headquarters of the Nainital District.

4. Ranikhet(Distance from Delhi – 279 kms approx.)

This picturesque cantonment town is situated 1,869 meters above sea level in the Almora district in Uttrakhand. The climate here gets very cold in winters and stays moderate in summers; the best time to visit Ranikhet is between March till October. The forests surrounding Ranikhet are home to a varied mix of wildlife which includes leopard, leopard cat, mountain goat, barking deer, sambar, pine marten, Indian hare, red-faced monkey, jackal, langur, red fox, and porcupine. The places to visit in Ranikhet are Army Museum, Jhula Devi temple, Rama Mandir (temple) and Chaubatia Gardens.

5. Kanatal(Distance from Delhi – 300 kms approx.)

At an altitude of 2,590 meters above sea level, Kanatal is located 78 kilometres away from Dehradun in Uttrakhand; the hill station offers a spectacular view of the Himalayas. Relatively unknown to the outside world, Kanatal is the perfect retreat for the people seeking refuge from the busy city life; the climate here mostly stays pleasant throughout the year. The highest point in Kanatal – the Surkunda Devi Temple offers a majestic 360 degrees view of the Himalayas. The places that can be visited in Kanatal include Tehri Dam, Kodia Jungle, Mussoorie, Chamba, Dhanaulti and Shivpuri.

 

6. Mukteshwar(Distance from Delhi – 330 kms approx.)

Mukteshwar is situated at an altitude of 2,286 meters above sea level, in the Nainital district of Uttrakhand. Mukteshwar was known for its numerous temples until in 1893, when the government decided to relocate the Imperial Bacteriological Laboratory from Pune to this place, since then the town has been governed by the Indian Veterinary Research institute (IVRI). The famous attractions include orchards of Central Institutes of Temperate Horticulture-Regional Station, 16 mile x 14 mile wide deodar forest, 22 pristine snow-peak views, and the adventure of living among wildlife like tigers and bears. But the real charm of this place lies in its serene, lush green environment which makes the visitors feel one with nature.

 

7. Chail(Distance from Delhi – 350 kms approx.)

Located in Himachal Pradesh, chail is a hill station 49 kilometres away from Shimla. A marvellous retreat from the busy and bustling life of Shimla, chail is considered to be a hiker’s paradise. Situated at an altitude of 2,250 meters above sea level, it’s moderate in summers and cold in winters. The places one can visit in chail are Chail Sanctuary in Sadhupul, Cricket Ground (highest cricket ground in the world), Chail military School and the Chail Gurudwara.

8. Kufri(Distance from Delhi – 380 kms approx.)

Kufri is a hill station located in Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh; it lies at an altitude of 2,743 meters above sea level. Kufri has a Himalayan Wild Life Zoo which hosts rare Antelopes, Felines and Birds including the Himalayan Monal, the state bird of Himachal Pradesh. During winter a meandering path through the potato plantations turns into a popular Ski track. One can indulge in various activities on his/her trip to Kufri like yak riding and trekking on the Mahasu peak. The places that can be visited in Kufri are Mahasu peak, Indira Tourist Park, Chini Bunglow and the Kufri fun world.

9. Palampur(Distance from Delhi – 494 kms approx.)

Palampur is a hill station situated at an altitude of 1,472 meters above sea level in Kangra Valley in Himachal Pradesh. It is surrounded from all sides by thick pine forests and tea plantations, thus naming it as the ‘tea capital the northwest India’, there are various streams of water flowing from the mountains to the plains of Palampur. A lush green surrounding offers a picturesque and breathtaking view to this relatively unknown hill station. The prime attractions in Palampur include Neugal Cafe, Sourabh Van Vihar, The village of Andretta, Devi Latti Jakhni’s temple and Mata Bandla Devi’s temple.

10. Auli(Distance from Delhi – 500 kms approx.)

Auli is a hill station and a prime ski destination in Uttrakhand, located at an altitude of 3,049 meters above sea level. It boasts Asia’s longest cable car which covers a distance of 4 kilometres and also has a chair lift and ski lift. The best time to visit to enjoy skiing is from the last week of January to the first week of March as the weather is highly unpredictable. The popular attractions apart from skiing in Auli include Artificial Lake (the world’s highest manmade lake), the 270 degrees view of the Himalayas, Trekking and the Training facility of Indo Tibetan Border Police.