Top 10 Hill Stations in IndiaJuly 13, 2011
Move over Manali and Shimla – the new and upcoming hill stations in India are taking over. Here is a list of the top 10 hill holiday destinations in India, many of them undiscovered and hidden, but all of them promise to delight, set as they are, amidst pine scented forests and picturesque surroundings. So come and breathe in the freshest, cleanest air you can. Choose from lovely little hamlets and towns up in the hills.
Araku Valley
Tucked away in Andhra Pradesh, at a height of 3200 ft and just 115kms from the busy city of Vizag lies the Araku Valley – a veritable refuge for people looking to get far from the madding crowds. As the name suggests, Araku lies in a valley surrounded by thick sal forests and coffee plantations. At Araku you will be charmed by the local tribal culture that still flourishes and the high point of your visit would be the Borra Caves with it natural stalagmite formations that will enthrall you.
Peaceful and serene Araku Valley beckons.
Chopta
If you are looking for clean fresh mountain air, untold natural beauty and a sweeping vistas of the Himalayan ranges, head for Chopta. Still not run over by hordes of tourists, Chopta is an indescribably beautiful little hill station sitting at 2600 mts above sea level on the Ukimath – Gopeshwar road in the higher reaches of Uttarkhand. The panoramic view of the Himalayas, the rolling Alpine meadows filled with rhododendrons, invigorating treks into the surrounding forests all go towards making Chopta an up and coming hill destination.
Come discover.
Kurseong
There’s a new kid on the block where hill stations are concerned in east India - Kurseong. Lying 30 kms away from Darjeeling, Kurseong perched at 1458mts, is a charming little hill station coming into its own. As you enter Kurseong you will be assaulted by the sweet smelling fragrance of the white orchids that this hill town is known for. Take long leisurely walks, picnic on the lovely meadows or go for treks in the neighbouring forests.
Kurseong will never fail to please!
Lansdowne
If serenity and romance are top of your holiday wish list, then head to Lansdowne, set amidst towering pine forests in the Pauri district of Uttarakhand. Lansdowne is a charming cantonment town that was settled by the British and is situated at 1500mts, has a salubrious climate and loads of trails that branch off into the woods nearby.
A quaint little hill station, Lansdowne is the perfect place to unwind and be rejuvenated.
Lavasa
A first of its kind, manmade hill station Lavasa is located just 65 kms off Pune and 300 kms from Mumbai. A perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of big city life, Lavasa is spread over seven hills and interspersed with calm water bodies. Catch a game of golf on a world class golf course, go boating on the serene lake, have a relaxing spa treatment or take a long leisurely walk into the surrounding hills.
Lavasa has something for everyone!
Mashobra
Much smaller than its neighbor Shimla, Mashobra just a 45 minute drive away is a charming little hill station surrounded by pine forests and cedar trees. Set at 2500mts, Mashobra is a place where scenic beauty is outstanding and there is plenty of opportunity to go trekking into the sylvan surroundings.
Mashobra promises much and delivers more!
Mirik
It’s easy to give Mirik a miss – but don’t! Because if you do, you will miss out on the most stunning views this side of the Himalayas. Mirik is located just 49kms from Darjeeling and is surrounded by verdant tea gardens, sweet smelling spice plantations and fruit laden orange groves. Mirik, unspoilt and undiscovered affords hundreds of trekking trails in to the nearby woods and fabulous views of the Kanchenjunga.
So don’t miss out on Mirik!
Munnar
The aroma of spice lingers in the air in Munnar, the terraced tea plantations and colonial bungalows are reminiscent of the days of the British, the forests around have umpteen trekking trails for the outdoor enthusiast. Munnar is set at 1600mts and is one of the most scenic hill stations in southern India.
Idyllic surroundings, peaceful and tranquil – Munnar is all that and more.
Theog
Located just 32 kms away from the hustle and bustle of Shimla, Theog is a lovely little hamlet where you can relax and go for long walks, breathe in the fresh clean air and light a bonfire and warm in the evenings. Theog spells tranquility and is undiscovered by hordes of tourists yet.
So come and enjoy Theog!
Yercaud
In the far reaches of Tamil Nadu lies a place of untold beauty: Yercaud. With pleasant weather all year round Yercaud is known for its orange groves and coffee plantations. The picturesque setting of Yercaud besides a lake and the hills in the back ground make it a wonderful place to relax and enjoy yourself.
Whether you choose to go boating, trekking or just plan to chill out, Yercaud is the place to go to!
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