Showing posts with label Hill Stations. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hill Stations. Show all posts
Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim with a population of approximately 50,000 has emerged into the mainstream of the Tourism Industry, with more and more tourist visiting this little Himalayan state every year. Gangtok has developed into a cosmopolitan flavour where old-world charm and hospitality exist along with the Internet Age.
With different cultures and religion existing in perfect harmony, Gangtok has shown that "Unity in Diversity" exists in Sikkim. Sikkimese have strong bonding with their age-old traditions and customs. However, a quick survey of Gangtok shows that the bubble of modernization has burst with a bang in the town. The capital is definitely not behind the rest of the world in terms of urbanization - Broad roads, flyovers, posh markets, state-of-art hospital, educational institutes, fast food outlets, discothèques, and all other modern amenities that the heart can desire for. One imposing manmade landmark of the town is the 200 ft-high TV tower which overlooks the town and is situated near the Enchey Monastry below Ganesh Tok. A stroll along the Mahatma Gandhi Marg is shopper's delight- Hotels, restaurants, curios, footwear and almost everything is available. Be here to experience the magic.
HistoryLike the rest of Sikkim, not much is known about the early history of Gangtok. The earliest records date from the construction of the hermitic Gangtok monastery in 1716. Gangtok remained a small hamlet until the construction of the Enchey Monastery in 1840 made it a pilgrimage center. After the defeat of the Tibetans by the British, Gangtok became a major stopover in the trade between Tibet and British India at the end of the 19th century. Most of the roads and the telegraph in the area were built during this time.
In 1894, Thutob Namgyal, the Sikkimese monarch under British rule, shifted the capital from Tumlong to Gangtok, increasing its importance. A new grand palace along with other state buildings was built in the new capital. Following India's independence in 1947, Sikkim became a nation-state with Gangtok as its capital. Sikkim became a suzerain of India, with the condition that it would retain its independence, by the treaty signed between the Chogyal and the then Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Trade between India and Tibet continued to flourish through the Nathula and Jelepla passes, offshoots of the ancient Silk Road near Gangtok. These border passes were sealed after the Sino-Indian War in 1962, which deprived Gangtok of its trading business. In 1975, the monarchy was abrogated and Sikkim became India's twenty-second state, with Gangtok as its capital. Gangtok has witnessed annual landslides, resulting in damage to life and properties. The largest disaster occurred in June 1997, when 38 were killed and hundreds of buildings were destroyed.
Transport
Taxis are the most widely available public transport within Gangtok. Most of the residents stay within a few kilometres of the town centre and many have their own vehicles such as two-wheelers and cars.The share of personal vehicles and taxis combined is 98% of Gangtok's total vehicles, a high percentage when compared to other Indian cities. City buses comprise less than one percent of vehicles. Those travelling longer distances generally make use of share-jeeps, a kind of public taxis. Four wheel drives are used to easily navigate the steep slopes of the roads. The 1 km (0.6 mi) long cable car with three stops connects lower Gangtok suburbs with Sikkim Legislative assembly in central Gangtok and the upper suburbs.
Gangtok is connected to the rest of India by an all-weather metalled highway, National Highway 31A, which links Gangtok to Siliguri, located 114 km (71 mi) away in the neighbouring state of West Bengal. The highway also provides a link to the neighbouring hill station towns of Darjeeling and Kalimpong, which are the nearest urban areas. Regular jeep, van, and bus services link these towns to Gangtok. Gangtok is a linear city that has developed along the arterial roads, especially National Highway 31A. Most of the road length in Gangtok, is of two lane undivided carriageway with footpath on one side of the road and drain on the other. The steep gradient of the different road stretches coupled with a spiral road configuration constrain the smooth flow of vehicular as well as pedestrian traffic. The nearest railhead connected to the rest of India is the station of New Jalpaiguri, a suburb of Siliguri, situated 124 km (77 mi) away from Gangtok. The closest airport is Bagdogra Airport, 16 km (10 mi) from Siliguri. Although Gangtok does not have an airport, it is linked to Bagdogra airport via a daily helicopter service.
Only sixteen kms from Mahabaleshwar, the hillstation of Panchgani is lesser known to tourists but no less inviting. Swoops around bends with abandon, offering heart stopping views of the river krishna on one side & the coastal plains on the other. Once strongly recommended for consumptive Britishers, the air here is rich in oxygen content and the water is said to contain traces of hemoglobin boosting iron.Panchgani is the quintessential hill station, with the Raj stamped indelibly all over it. It can be seen in the old architecture of the old British buildings, the parsi houses, & the boarding schools that have been for a century or more. A key geographical feature is the table topped plateau (panch = five, gani=plateaus) shaped by flattened volcanic rock.
In the evenings it turns into a makeshift fair with ferris wheels, pony rides and a variety of food stalls.Panchgani is often referred to as the 'Mecca of Maharashtra' If you want to enjoy the beauty of the hill Station Panchgani you may go for a pony ride. The ride through the hamlets, farms and ravines with the gorgeous greens and the ravishing river Krishna of Panchgani will surely enchant you.
Location
The hills of Panchgani is about sixteen km from another popular hill station of Maharashtra namely, Mahabaleshwar. Situated in the Western Ghats Panchgani is close to important cities like Mumbai and Pune.
Places to See
In Panchgani there are so many old British buildings and Parsi houses though the most famous are the educational institutes. There are as many as twenty boarding schools in Panchgani.
Panchgani with its pristine natural beauty and rejuvenating oxygen levels boats of a TB Sanatorium. Patients are known to get better faster at Panchgani owing to the pure environs offered at Panchgani.
Weather
Panchgani is a pleasant hill resort that does not experience major temperature variations. Though the monsoons are rather heavy. The temperature ranges between sixteen and thirty-five degrees throughout the year. The months from September to May are the best time to visit Panchgani
How to Reach There
By Air: The airport at Pune is nearest to Panchgani at a distance of 98km.
Road & Rail: Pune is a popular railway station for tourists to Panchgani at a distance of 98 km from Panchgani. Though the railway station nearest to happens to be at Wathar. Panchgani is well linked with Mumbai and Pune through road.
Accommodation
Accommodation is available in the hill station of Panchgani. Hotel run by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation is one of the many better accommodation options at Panchgani
Coonoor is a fabulous hill station in the Nilgiri hills about 19 km from Ooty. Coonoor, located at an altitude of 1,856 metres, is the second largestCoonoor Hill Station,Coonoor hill station tours hill station in the Nilgiri hills.The Sim's Park with all its natural beauty was constructed in 1874 has unique trees and plants. Facinating and unforgetable view points for tourist are Lamb's Rock, Dolphin's Nose, Lady Canning's Seat to name a few.Tourist can avail of the Toy train facility to get a detailed view of this place.
Visiting Time
Though Coonoor has a beautiful weather but even then it is best to visit this place between the months of October and March.
HISTORY
Britishers developed Ooty as a very popular hill station for them to avoid the devastating Indian summer. But,soon Ooty became a popular tourist spot and lost its charm by the high traffic of visitors visiting the place.Soon a need was felt to have another eqally beatiful hill station.This gave birth to Coonoor.The grassy meadows, lovely sunflowers, marigolds and rhododendrons became a benchmark for this beautiful hill station.
The Toda tribes belong to this region.
Tourist Spots
Sim's Park - This is a beautiful park famous for vivid varieties of fruits.Thus, it is a very important site for the tourists.
Lamb's Rock - It is a splendid landscape having beautiful carvings imposed on it.It is on the way to the dolphine nose.
Dolphine Nose - This is a dolphine shaped unbelievable rock which should undoubtedely visited by tourists. From this point the tourists can view almost the whole expansion of the beautiful Nilgiri hills. Catherine Falls can be viewed from here.This famous point is about 10 km away from Coonoor.
Kotagiri - This place is about 21 kms from Coonoor.It is famous for Coffee plantations, Elk Falls, Rangaswamy Pillar and Peak, Kodanand view point.
Other places important places near Coonoor are Lady Canning's seat, the Pomological Station and the Ralliah Dam.
Coonoor’s has many hillocks which are perfect for trekking.This place attracts tourists for birdwatching as an extensive variety of birds can be spotted at the Nilgiris. Various species of vultures, eagles and owls, song birds like bulbuls, thrushes, babblers, larks, cuckoos, robins and several others act as melodious music for the visitors who are accustomed to the huzzle and buzzzle of city sound pollution.Coonoor has a number of perfect picnic spots.
Festival
Tea Coffee festival during the winters and fruits & vegetable festival arranged during the month of May are quite fasinating for the tourists.
Communication
By Air: Coimbatore airport is nearest to Coonoor, it has daily flights to and from Madras, Bangalore, Cochin and Trivandrum.
By Rail: Toy train route between Mettupalayam and Ooty has Coonoor in its route.Another alternative is from Coimbatore, it takes around 3 hrs to Coonoor.
By Road: Regular bus services from Coimbatore,Ooty and Kotagiri makes Coonoor well connected.
History
Manali has a pre-historic legend behind its name. Vaivasvata, the seventh incarnation of Manu, the first creation according to Hindu mythology, found a tiny fish in his bathing water. The fish told him to look after it with devotion, for one day it would do him a great service. The seventh Manu cared for the fish until it grew so huge that he released it into the sea. Before departing, the fish warned Manu of an impending deluge when the entire world would be submerged and bade him to build a seaworthy ark. When the flood came, Matsya (fish), the first avatar of Lord Vishnu, towed Vaivasvata and the Seven Sages to safety. As the waters subsided, the seventh Manu's ark came to rest on a hillside and the place was named Manali after him.
Introduction
Manali is an important hill station of northern India and is the destination of thousands of tourists every year.Manali derived its name from Manavalaya meaning the abode of Manu or "Home of Manu" and here, the temples are treated as pilgrimages. Its cool atmosphere provides a perfect haven for the ones afflicted by the hot Indian summers. Manali is also famous for adventure sports like skiing, hiking, mountaineering, para gliding, rafting, trekking, kayaking, and mountain biking.
Location
Manali is situated in the central parts of Himachal Pradesh, Manali is 32 km from Kullu valley, 280 km north of the state capital Shimla and 108 km from Mandi. Manali is located at an altitude of 2050 meters above sea level and is spread along the banks of the river Beas.
Weather
In winters, the temperature can drop below freezing point when heavy woolens are required. Summer temperatures are mild and light woolens/cottons are recommended. In Manali, one can find high mountains shrouded by silent snows and deep boulder strewn gorges. There are thick forests, filled with cool breezes and bird song.
Places to see
Arjun Gufa
On the left bank of the river Beas, near Prini village, is the "Arjun Gufa" or the cave of Arjuna. It is believed that Arjuna practiced austerities to get Pashupata Ashtra or weapon from Lord Indra.
Hadimba Temple
Built in 1553, this four-story wooden Hadimba or Dhungiri temple is famous for its exquisitely caved doorway. It is located in the middle of a forest called the Dhungiri Van Vihar.
Jagatsuhk
About 6 kms. from Manali is the famous Shiva Temple in "shikara" style. It houses temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Sandhya Gayatri.
Kothi
This is a quiet but picturesque spot, at the foot of the Rohtang pass, 12 kms. away from Manali town. It offers a magnificent view of the snow-capped peaks and glaciers.
Manu Temple
Manali is named after the sage Manu who was the creator of human race on the earth and it is believed that he meditated here. This is supposed to be the only temple of Manu in India.
Monasteries
Manali is known for its shiny gompas or Buddhist monasteries. It is maintained by donations from the local community and by sale of hand-woven carpets in the temple workshop.
Rahala waterfalls
About 16 km from Manali at the start of the climb to the Rohtang Pass, are the beautiful Rahalla Falls at an altitude of 2,501 m.
Rohtang Pass
(3979 m)Rohtang Pass is the highest point on the Manali-Keylong road. It provides a wide panoramic view of mountains rising far above clouds, which is truly a breath taking sight.
Solang Valley
Solang valley offers the view of glaciers and snow capped mountains and peaks. It has fine ski slopes. The Mountaineering Institute has installed a ski lift for training purpose. The 12-km hike up the western banks of the Beas to the Solang Valley is noteworthy.
Vashist Hot Water Springs and Temple
(3 kms)Across the Beas river is Vashist, a small village with natural sulphur springs. Modern bathhouses, with Turkish-style showers, have the hot water piped into them for the convenience of the visitors who come here to benefit from the medicinal properties. There is a pyramidal stone temple dedicated to Vashist Muni and another Temple of Lord Ram.
Darjeeling district with a geographical area of 3,149 sq.kms., is an irregular triangle in shape. The Northern boundary commences on the west at the peak of Phalut nearly 3657.6 meters high,the junction of the boundaries of Nepal and Sikkim. This boundary runs east from Phalut along a ridge descending to the Ramam river. From there , the boundary follows the course of that river until it joins the Rangit and then follows the great Rangit until it reaches the Tista.Proceeding east of that junction, the boundary follows the Tista upstream until its junction with the Rangpochu,thence it proceeds first up the Rongpochu and then up the Rushattchu, thence the Rushattachu and Sikkim and Bhutan boundary as marked by pillars to the Nechu to its junction with the Dochu or Jaldhaka, thence in that river southward until the Jalpaiguri district is reached in the Khumani forest.
Darjeeling district presents a great variation of climate. As the district consists of two distinct tracts, the ridges and deep valley of lower Himalayas and the altitude varies between 300 m - 3,600 m. In the Tista valley, the climate is subtropical while in the hills, it is temperate. The bulk of the forest areas witness temperate climate although considerable local changes in the configuration and aspects influence climatic condition which often varies through a wider range. The winter in Darjeeling is extermely cold and extends from December to March. The Summer spreads from April to mid June and during this period Darjeeling is delightfully cool. The rainy months are June to September when most of the rainfall occur with appreciable amounts in May and October as well.
Climate
Due to tremendous narration of altitude,differences in aspects the climate within the hill areas vary greatly. In general the hill areas enjoy pleasant summer, heavy rain in rainy season due to strong monsoonal winds and cold winter after added with snowfall in higher altitudinal areas. In Darjeeling hill areas, April,May and Sept - October form the peak tourist seasons due to pleasant climatic conditions. Darjeeling receives about 3000mm of rainfall. The mean maximum temperature is approximately 11.1degree celsius and minimum temperature is 1.7 degree celsius.
Places to see
- DHIRDAM TEMPLE
- TIGER HILL
- BATASIA LOOP AND WAR MEMORIAL
- BARBOTEY ROCK GARDEN
- HAPPY VALLEY TEA ESTATE
- MIRIK LAKE
BY AIR - Well connected by Air from all parts of the country to Bagdogra(Siliguri),which is the nearest Airport and is a mere 2 hour drive from Darjeeling.
BY TRAIN - The famous Darjeeling Mail from Sealdah (Calcutta) besides other express trains from all over the country operate on daily basis to the nearest railhead at New Jalpaiguri(NJP/Siliguri).Change over at New Jalpaiguri to the world reknowned Toy Train which winds its way up the hills to Darjeeling.
BY ROAD - Very well connected to Siliguri which is a terminal city.A fleet of luxury State/Private buses run overnight to Siliguri from Calcutta.From Siliguri,a 2 hour scenic drive through tea gardens and forsets either by taxi or luxury bus which operate throughout the day,takes you to Darjeeling.
Darjeeling district presents a great variation of climate. As the district consists of two distinct tracts, the ridges and deep valley of lower Himalayas and the altitude varies between 300 m - 3,600 m. In the Tista valley, the climate is subtropical while in the hills, it is temperate. The bulk of the forest areas witness temperate climate although considerable local changes in the configuration and aspects influence climatic condition which often varies through a wider range. The winter in Darjeeling is extermely cold and extends from December to March. The Summer spreads from April to mid June and during this period Darjeeling is delightfully cool. The rainy months are June to September when most of the rainfall occur with appreciable amounts in May and October as well.
Climate
Due to tremendous narration of altitude,differences in aspects the climate within the hill areas vary greatly. In general the hill areas enjoy pleasant summer, heavy rain in rainy season due to strong monsoonal winds and cold winter after added with snowfall in higher altitudinal areas. In Darjeeling hill areas, April,May and Sept - October form the peak tourist seasons due to pleasant climatic conditions. Darjeeling receives about 3000mm of rainfall. The mean maximum temperature is approximately 11.1degree celsius and minimum temperature is 1.7 degree celsius.
Places to see
- DHIRDAM TEMPLE
- TIGER HILL
- BATASIA LOOP AND WAR MEMORIAL
- BARBOTEY ROCK GARDEN
- HAPPY VALLEY TEA ESTATE
- MIRIK LAKE
BY AIR - Well connected by Air from all parts of the country to Bagdogra(Siliguri),which is the nearest Airport and is a mere 2 hour drive from Darjeeling.
BY TRAIN - The famous Darjeeling Mail from Sealdah (Calcutta) besides other express trains from all over the country operate on daily basis to the nearest railhead at New Jalpaiguri(NJP/Siliguri).Change over at New Jalpaiguri to the world reknowned Toy Train which winds its way up the hills to Darjeeling.
BY ROAD - Very well connected to Siliguri which is a terminal city.A fleet of luxury State/Private buses run overnight to Siliguri from Calcutta.From Siliguri,a 2 hour scenic drive through tea gardens and forsets either by taxi or luxury bus which operate throughout the day,takes you to Darjeeling.
Kodaikanal located amidst the folds of the verdant Pali hills is one of the most popular serene hill stations in India, which mesmerises any visitor. With her wooded slopes, mighty rocks, enhancing waterfalls and a beautiful lake, Kodaikanal is a charming hill station.
Kodai is situated at an altitude of about 2,133-m high and covers an area of 21.45-sq-km. The hill town is renowned for its educational institutions of international repute. The pride of Kodaikanal is the 'Kurinji-flower', which blossoms once in 12 years. The hill-plantain fruits and plums are known for their freshness and taste
Berijam Lake
Berijam Lake located at a distance of 21-km from Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu is one among the beautiful lakes of South India. Spread over an area of 24 hectares, the lake is star shaped and is known for its pure water.
Kodaikanal Trekking
Head for Kodaikanal in the Palani Hills for small-time trekking. You can take short treks and hikes to tourist spots close by as well to local viewpoints. Overnight treks are also possible here where one can spend a night at a local village.
How To Get There - Kodaikanal
By Road
Kodaikanal is connected by road with Chennai (520-km), Ooty (264-km), Trichy (197-km), Coimbatore (175-km), Kumili (160-km), and Madurai(120-km). Regular bus services are available from Madurai, Palani, Kodaikanal Road, Theni, Dindigul, Tiruchirapalli, Kumuli (Thekkady) and Coimbatore. Additional buses ply during the season. Taxis and vans are available for local transportation. There are no auto-rickshaws in Kodaikanal.
By Air
The nearest airport is at Madurai (120 km from Kodaikanal).
By Rail
The nearest railway stations are the Kodai Road Railway Station (80-km) and the Palani Railway Station (64-km). Places To Stay - Kodaikanal Kodaikanal offers good accommodation facilities to the tourists. The TTDC run Hotel Tamil Nadu on Fern Hill Road is one example where comfortable accommodation is provided to tourists.
Climate - Kodaikanal The climate of Kodaikanal is pleasant throughout the year, but the best time to visit Kodaikanal is from April to June and from September to October.
Udhagamandalam
(Ooty) 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.
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!
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.
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.
Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park
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 from Bandipur.
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.
Significance - Udhagamandalam
Historical
It is believed that the name Nila, has been in use for over 800 years since, the King of the Hoysalas Vishnu Vardhana, who ruled from 1104 to 1141 AD seized the Nilgiris Plateau. His general Ponisia recorded this fact in 1117 AD with mention of Todas. The name Nilgiri was due to the blue haze, which envelops the range with most distant hills of considerable size.
This Nilgiri territory came into possession of the East India Company as part of the ceded lands, held by Tipu Sultan, by the treaty of Srirangapatnam in 1799. Rev. Jacome Forico, a priest was the first European who visited Nilgiris in 1603 and released his notes about the place and people of Nilgiris. In 1812 surveyor William Keys and Macmohan visited the top of the plateau.
In 1818, Wishand Kindersley, Assistant and Second Assistant to Collector of Coimbatore visited this spot and submitted their experience report to the Collector of Coimbatore Mr. John Sullivan. Settlement in Udhagamandalam began in 1822 with the construction of the Stone House by John Sullivan, the then Collector of Coimbatore. The bungalow, which is locally called "Kal Bangla", is one of the landmarks of Udhagamandalam and is now the Chamber of the Principal of the Government Arts College.
How To Get There - Udhagamandalam
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.
Local Transport
Taxis, tourist cabs, auto rickshaws are available in plenty. There are no standard rates except tourist cabs. Town buses are also available to all important places. Conducted sight seeing tours are arranged by the private operators and the Government Tourism Development Corporation. By Air Coimbatore, 105 km from Ooty, is the nearest airport.
Places To Stay - Udhagamandalam
Accommodation is available at the luxurious and economy class hotels, lodges, and resorts in Ooty. Both Indian and Western style accommodation and food are available. Prior booking is advisable, especially during the summer months.
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