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Vashi2Panvel.Com: Navi Mumbai: June 16: Most of them derive their names from the gods and goddesses or a mythological character. They’ve an air of colonial era around them-the buildings, the structures and the ambience. They were discovered by either a lord or a viceroy for a pleasant respite from the burning Indian heat. The Indian hill stations are not only the right place to escape the summers but also narrate the stories of the past, the survival and the myths…

Dalhousie

A quiet town with a sense of enchantment, that’s how I would describe Dalhousie. This scenic locale is archaic and dates back to the colonial era. You would find several colonial-era buildings, low roofed stalls and hotels here. The pine-covered slopes around it are intersected with paths and treks, which are ideal for short undemanding walks. Dalhousie is known for its alpine growth, charming vegetation and panoramic views. The white capped mountainous ranges and the large expanse of green plains makes you fall in love with the place again and again.

Darjeeling

The toy train being its USP, this is one hill station that attracts elders and children equally. The six to seven hours journey in the toy train makes the journey quite exciting giving you enough time to cherish and appreciate the bounties of the nature as it passes through the forests, waterfalls, over deep valleys and through the mountains and tunnels. The best thing to do once is Darjeeling is trekking, the famous trekking route being Sandakphu/phalut trek. April, May, October and November are just the right season to do it. And worry not about the luggage for the Gorkha Hill Council provides trekkers hut and other facilities all along the route. Also forget worrying about guides, porters and meals. But where there are highs, there are lows too. Be prepared for all kinds of weather and high altitude mountain sickness. The trek passes through low areas and very high ridges so temperature varies a lot too. So, if you’re an adventurous daring person then go for the trekking or just romance with the air around…

Mahabaleshwar

The queen of all hill stations, Mahabaleshwar located in Satara district of Maharashtra is famous for its picturesque magnificence and the splendid views of the valleys and the sea. Pony rides on the lanes of Mahabaleshwar, the continuous whistling of young school-days boys, and the incessant insistence of the pony owners to take a ride uphill are quite thrilling. Several hill resorts reminiscent of the colonial era nestle in these mountains. Many of them still retain some of the Old World charm and make an ideal holiday destination. So, if you’re in Maharashtra don’t skip Mahabaleshwar as it’s the best holiday spot here for climate, excursions, sports and many other activities. It is, after all, the "Queen of all Hill Stations".

Manali

A very renowned honeymoon spot, Kullu manali makes for an ideal holiday destination. Manali’s major asset is its proximity to the snowline, the flourishing orchard industry and a one-stop for numerous treks. Manali literarlly means ‘Home of Manu’. Manu, a mythological character is supposed to have survived when the entire world drowned in the floods. Hence, it’s also a sacrosanct place for many a Hindus who come here for its numerous temples. So, whether you’re a honeymooning couple or an adventure sports lover or even a pilgrim Manali would quench the thirst of all!

Shimla

The capital of Himachal Pradesh, this hilly town is different from most of the other hill stations in more ways than one. Shimla also pronounced as Simla is surrounded by green pastures and snow capped peaks. The snow capped hills accompanied by the structures of yore make for a panoramic view. Shimla retains in colonial heritage with grand old buildings, among them are the stately Viceregal Lodge, charming iron lamp posts and Anglo-Saxon names. Mostly tourists visit the Scandal Point, associated with the former Maharaja of Patiala's escapades as it offers a clear view of the distant white hills.


Mussoorie

Located in the Garhwal hills at a height of 2,500 meters in the green Himalayan range, Mussoorie is also known as the queen of hill stations. Besides flourishing with immense beauty, this hill station gradually is also a center of education, business, and tourism. Considered as the best hill station of the North India, Mussoorie boasts of nmodern bungalows, malls and well laid gardens which are located on the hillocks to attract tourists. The climate here is a pleasant respite for those who want a relief from the sultry or humid climate elsewhere. It becomes the most happening place with the onset of summers as it attracts more tourists during that time.

Nainital

This hilly town 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'. But today the life of Nainital revolves around the lake of Naini. The few other lakes around Nainital are equally enticing. The weather, the milieu and its mesmerizing beauty is enough to make more than one visits.

Mount Abu

The only hill station in Rajasthan, Mount Abu is built around a lake and is surrounded by forested hills. The scenic landscapes include gigantic blocks of rocks in weird shapes, coniferous trees, flowering shrubs, gorgeous lakes and of course, the climate. It boasts of all the features of an ideal hill station and is also well known for the famous Dilwara temples and many more archaeological remains. Besides the charming hill resorts Mount Abu attracts people of all kinds for its interesting treks and picnic spots and romantic royal retreats.

Udhagamandalam(Ooty)

Udhagamandalam (Ooty), the capital of Nilgiri district, is one of the most celebrated hill stations among the tourist circuits. It is situated at a distance of 105 km away from Coimbatore. Lofty mountains, dense forests, sprawling grasslands and unending tea-gardens give a warm welcome to the passengers on most routes. The annual Tea and Tourism Festival attracts crowds from all over the world. The tea-lovers converge and make it a must visit in your itinery. An occasion not to be missed!


Srinagar

The capital of Jammu and Kashmir and the largest city in the state, Srinagar was founded by the Buddhist emperor Ashoka. The city is also very different from the other cities of India. Srinagar, famous for its canals, houseboats and Mughal gardens is a city full of intriguing alleyways and curious buildings. One can easily while away time around the old cities here simply wandering. The city has long been a centre of the arts and learning - it has had a university or for hundreds of years and is a centre of Sanskrit study.

Swati Pandey
India News Feature Service