Himachal Pradesh, a state in the North West of India is a beautiful and scenic mountain region. Most of the most popular hill stations in India are situated in this state. Pleasant climate all year round and natural beauty are some of the things that draw tourists to Himachal Pradesh all year round. Abundant woodlands, waterfalls, rivers and valleys are some things to be experienced in this marvellous state. Himachal is made up of twelve districts some of the famous ones being Shimla, Manali, and Hamirpur etc. The capital state of Himachal Pradesh is Shimla. It is also known as the summer capital of India owing to the cool and charming climate even in the summer months. Shimla was developed during the British Rule and still exhibits traces of the English style architecture. British era buildings, The Ridge and the Jakhoo Waterfalls are some attractions in Shimla.
Himachal Pradesh is flocked with Buddhist monasteries. Bir is a town, constituting a large Tibetan community and having large number of Buddhist monasteries. Another Tibetan majority town is Dharamsala, which is also home to the Dalai Lama. Dharamsala is India’s major Buddhist centre. Dalhousie is another world famous hill station. It was developed by the British and was named after the British Governor General, Lord Dalhousie. It boasts of beautiful churches and colonial style architecture. Kullu valley is one of the major tourist destinations in Himachal. It is known as the valley of god’s. Situated on the banks of the Beas River, this valley is surrounded by natural beauty and charm. The best features of Kullu include the temples, artic raft works, woollen works, festivals and apple orchards. Manali which is adjacent to Kullu is another major tourist destination. The Himalaya Mountaineering Institute is situated there and trains mountaineers all year round. There are many areas for trekking and adventure sports along the Kullu-Manali belt. Some of the attractions include White Water Rafting, Rock Climbing, River Crossing and Rappelling etc. around 2-3 hours from Kullu is the famous Rohtang Pass, which is covered with snow all year round. It is closed during the winter months due to blizzards and avalanches. A tour of Himalaya is most picturesque and panoramic hill station for travelers and truly worth for money spender traveller for their marvellous holidays. Visitors can find lots of budget hotels and resorts. Himachal Pradesh is located in North part of India, widely spread over 56019sq. km area, and Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh. Shimla is located in North West India. It’s a perfect destination point for adventure lovers and honeymooner. The main attraction of this Naldehra, which is situated at an altitude of 2044 meters. Located at distance of 22 kms from Shimla. Naldehra is known as “Heaven Hill station”, it’s a oldest 9 hole golf course in the country. This world famous golf course is suggested by Lord Curzon. He gave ‘Naldehra name to his daughter Alexandra as her second name. Naldehra also famous for Nag Temple. Famous Places Dalhousie, Panchpula, Mcleod Ganj, Bhagsunag Fall, Chitkul, Kullu valley, Spiti Valley, Kangra Valley, Lahaul Valley, Naggar, Sarahan, Dharamshala, Manikaran Mandi, Chail, Khajjiar, Parwanoo, Kasauli, Ponta sahib, Barog, Chamba, Chitkul etc. Famous Wildlife Destination Simbalbara Sanctuary, Renuka Sanctuary, Pin Valley National Park, Chail Wildlife Sanctuary, Pong Lake Sanctuary, Manali Sanctuary, Govind sagar Sanctuary, Daranghati Sanctuary, Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary etc. How to Reach By Air: Bhuntar Airport (near Kullu and Manali) Gaggal Airport (Near Dharamshala) Jubbarhatti Airport (Near Shima) Several international and domestic flights operate to and from the state of different parts of the country. There are regular flights from Delhi to Kullu. By Train: The railway station at Shimla, Jammu, and Palampur are popular stations and receive trains from all part of the country. The state has railway station in all major cities. Major Railway heads in surrounding states Kiratpur, Jagadhir, Dehradun, Pathankot. But no direct train to Himachal from Mumbai, Kolkata or other important cities of the country. One need to change train at New Delhi. Train names are: Kalka Shatabdi, Chandigarh Janshatabdi, and Howrah Delhi Kalka Mall. By Road: This beautiful state is well connected via some major cities of the country. It is 343 kms from Delhi via Chandigarh (Chandigarh distance is 117 kms), 151 kms from Ambala, 240 kms from Dehradun, 117 kms from Chandigarh. By Taxi/Bus: From major cities you can take the taxis or buses from Anand Vihar or Maharana Pratap interstate terminal to Shimla and other major cities. Most of traveller prefers own vehicle to reach Himachal Pradesh. Shopping Places Himachal Pradesh is famous for its Handicraft, wood, shawls, Tibetan Carpet and Handicrafts, Kullu shawls, semi-precious stone, metalwork etc. Chamba and Kangara famous for Painting and you can pick up woodcraft from walnut, chestnut. Best Time to Visit Himachal Pradesh May- June (summer season): it is the peak season but tourists are visiting during this time as well. July – August (after Monsoon): This season is very risky, due to lacks of landslide heavy rain. November – December: it’s festival time for tourist, when temperature is pleasant. November- February (winter season): in this time Himachal Pradesh caped with snow. Kufri is famous for popular sport ‘Skiing’. The height of winter time is January – February. Mostly tourist visit in winter time, it’s a time of Carnival at Manali and the celebration of the Tibetan New Year at Mcleodganj in February. Lots of tourists are attend good time during these months. What to See Rohtang pass, Kothi, Solang Valley, Rahala Waterfalls, Nehru Kund, Tibetan Monasteries, Club house, Hadimba Temple etc.
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Located amidst the Shivalik Hills on the lower range of the Himalayas, Darjeeling is one of the some places in India that compel you to fall in love with nature’s true bliss. This hill station is beautifully tucked away in the state of West Bengal and was used as the summer retreat for the British in the colonial era. Therefore, you can still find fine traces of British era within its periphery. The rolling hills near Darjeeling and verdant tea plantations and green sparkle have made Darjeeling famous around the world. In fact, the ‘Muscatel Tea’ grown here is exported to various countries of the world. With verdant greenery, exotic flora and fauna, undulating slopes, blooming orchids and spectacular scenery, Darjeeling never fails to impress you in any manner! If you are planning a visit to this wonderful hill resort, then read on to this article and know more about it.
Ghoom Ghoom is the name given to a small hummock in Darjeeling, which rises to an altitude of about 2,400 meters above the sea level. The significance of the hill arises from the fact that it has one of the most famous monasteries of the hill resort, Ghoom Gompa (or Yogachoeling Gompa), apart from being homeland to Sakya Choling Gompa, Samten Choeling Gompa and Phin Sotholing Gompa. Tiger Hill A trip to Darjeeling is incomplete without taking glimpses of the sunrise or sunset from the Tiger Hill. Edged at a height of around 2590 meters above the sea level, the view point on top of the Tiger Hill never fails to simply mesmerize the visitors. The sight of golden sunrays falling over the snow-capped peaks and sparkling their surface makes you feel as if you are witnessing a heavenly bliss. If you get lucky then, might be on a clear day you can get views of the massive Mt Everest from Tiger Hill. Verdant Tea Gardens Darjeeling is known worldwide for its flourishing tea gardens, which are credited for producing some of the best tea in the world. You can take a walk around the tea gardens, amidst lush greenery and enjoy the exotic aroma of tea plants, which is an ideal way to relax and forget all your stress. You can also visit several tea factories to know how the tea leaves are processed into the tea. Observatory Hill Known to be the oldest site in Darjeeling, Observatory Hill used to house an ancient Buddhist monastery – ‘Dorje Ling’. But it was ruined by Nepalis in the 19th century. However, today, this same site stands adorned a temple, which is visited by both Hindus as well as Buddhists. Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park Darjeeling has a small yet amazing zoological park, ‘Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park’, which is a delight for all nature lovers. This park was established in the year 1958. It is a beautiful park to explore the rich wildlife of the Himalayas. During your trip, you can spot various exotic animals that are only found here such as Tibetan Wolf, Siberian Tiger, Red Panda and other rare birds. Apart from these, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Batasia Loop, Peace Pagoda, Chowrasta, Mirik, Bhutoa Busty Monastery, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) and Museums are some of the other popular attractions of Darjeeling. When one thinks of forts and palaces it is Rajasthan that comes to mind. However, its neighbor Gujarat too does not lack in palaces. Take a trip to Gujarat and visit its legacy of royalty spread from Kutch to the South of Gujarat. Here is a list of the major highlights of Gujarat Tourism. Baroda Laxmi Vilas Palace There is no better place to start palace Tour of Gujarat than at Baroda. Fly in, arrive by train or by bus and begin your journey with a visit to the Laxmi Vilas Palace, one of the most beautiful heritage palaces in the country. It is built along the lines of the Buckingham Palace sometime around 1890 by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. IT is four times the size of Buckingham Palace and you will stare in wonder at the magnificence of the Durbar Hall, the Venetian mosaic floor, stained glass windows and the collection of sculptures and armory. The Palace is spread over 700 acres of beautifully landscaped land and will kick start your palace trip in Gujarat. Baroda has other palaces too such as the Nazarbagh Palace, which is in a smaller scale. From here proceed to Makarpura Palace built by Maharaja Khende Rao in 1870 and then the Pratap Vilas Palace built in 1914 AD during the reign of His Royal Highness Jam Ranjitsinhji of Jamnagar. Kusum Vilas Palace, Chhota Udaipur Next, hire a car from a car rental agency in Gujarat and proceed to Chhota Udaipur, home to Kusum Vilas Palace, a five storeyed structure built in the early 1920s mimicking 12th century architecture. It has beautiful ceiling, mirrors, French furniture, Italian statues and a marble fountain in the courtyard. The Prem Bhavan Palace is next, just next to the Kusum Vilas Palace and it is now a heritage hotel. It is worth walking through it to marvel at its architectural splendor. Digvir Nivas Palace, Vansda, SuratDrive on to Vansda near Surat to visit the Digvir Nivas Palace built in the early 20th in the town founded by Maharaval Virsinhji in 1781. It is a grand structure with the highlights being the octagonal “chhatris” or umbrellas at the entrance. It is a fine example of European castle architecture transplanted into India. Drop your car here and take a train to Ahmedabad. Spend the day exploring some wonderful period style houses in the narrow lanes or pols of the city, in striking contrast to the magnificence of vast palaces but with a charm of their own. Then stay the night and hire a car for your next foray into Saurashtra. Wadhwan-Surendranagar Raj Mahal Wadhwan, the twin city of Surendranagar, less than 100 km from Ahmedabad is the first stop where you visit the Raj Mahal, built in the 19th century by His Highness Bal Sinhji. The Palace is located on a spread of 14 acres with the highlight being the Darbar hall with beautiful portraits, throne and painted ceiling. Saunter off to view the collection of vintage cars and explore the library on automobile books before proceeding to Hawa Mahal, a half completed projected but which is still admirable for its carvings. Wankaner - Rajkot Ranjit Vilas Palace Enjoy typical kathiawadi meals at a roadside restaurant and drive on to Wankaner for a visit to the Ranjit Vilas Palace built in 1907 by Maharaja Amarsinhji and named after Jam Ranjitsinhji of Jamnagar. Sitting prettily on a spread of 225 acres, the palace has beautiful facades front and rear with a clock tower in the centre. There is much to see by way of collection of swords and armory, vintage cars, stained glass galleries, period furniture, horse drawn carriages and live kathiawadi horses in the stable not to speak of Italian fountains in the grounds. Gondal Orchard Palace Drive on to Gondal, another princely city that is home to the Art deco Palace built between 1931 and 1944 according to European style architecture with the noteworthy point being that the interiors of granite are modeled on the lines of the London Underground Stations. The bedrooms are beautifully decorated with erotic paintings. Proceed to the Orchard Palace is next and it is a heritage hotel these days but one can still view the magnificence and get a glimpse into the days gone by. From here you go on to the Riverside Palace built in the 1800s by the crown prince of Gondal. This too is a heritage hotel but the architecture is worth a look as are the insides.
You can go on to Bhavnagar, home to Vijay Vilas Palace at Palitana across Mandvi or proceed to Bhuj and visit the Aina Mahal and then the Prag Mahal but make it a point to stop at Morbi for a visit to the Darbargadh Palace. The palace tour will be one to remember, a pointer to glorious grandeur of Gujarat in the past. |
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