With the mercury soaring high, a relief is required from the scorching heat of the summer. And what can be better than a holiday in the hills?
Srinagar, Gulmarg and Pahalgam are the three places that are often visited and offer natural beauty in abundance. It sits 5000 ft above sea level, and is aptly called heaven on earth. It is a land that thrives on the fragrance of varieties of blossoms, coloring up your mind with so many breathtaking images of beauty at its best.
Kashmir is ideal for honeymoons and family holidays. Skiing during December to early March is preferable—however, the Valley remains covered in snow then, so tourism does slow down. March to October is the best time to visit the valley of Kashmir. This covers spring, summer and autumn in Kashmir, which is the best time to be here.
How to get there: Srinagar airport is the closest (14 km from the city). There are regular flights from Mumbai, New Delhi, and from Jammu to Srinagar. Jammu Tawi is the closest railway station (approximately 305 km away). There are trains from cities like Kolkata, Pune, Mumbai and New Delhi. Additional trains also operate on this route during the holiday season.
Attractions: Nishant Gardens, Shalimar Gardens, Chasma Shai, Pari Mahal, Dal Lake, floating vegetable market, nagin lake, Shankaracharya Temple, Shikara rides, gondola rides and the Mughal Gardens are some of the many tourist attractions in Kashmir.
Momentos: The markets of Srinagar offer a vast variety of the most refined crafts – from pashmina shawls, as light and soft as the breeze that blows across the Dal, to intricately handwoven carpets, delicately carved woodwork and glittering copperware.
Nainital blessed with scenic natural spledour and varied natural resources has earned the epithet of ' Lake District ' of India . The most prominent of the lakes is Naini lake ringed by hills. Nainital is the perfect holiday spot for those looking for some natural beauty and tranquillity. Although Nainital can be visited round the year, it is best to visit between March and June.
How to get there: For travelling by air, Pantnagar (65 km away) is the closest airport. Only personal chartered flights are operational to and from Pantnagar. Delhi is the second closest airport (290 km away). Kathgodham is the closest railway station (34 km) and it enjoys decent connectivity to places like Howrah, Delhi (daily trains) and Lucknow. Several buses operate from Delhi to Nainital, and this is considered the best way to reach Nainital. It is easily accessible by road too, and can be reached by car from Delhi (6-7 hour drive).
Attractions: Naina Lake, Mall Road, Sattal, Land’s End, Naina Peak, Hanumangarhi and Naina Devi temple are few of the tourist attractions in Nainital. Nainital offers lush green valleys and some lip-smacking local cuisine food.
Momentos:The Mall Road is a great place to walk around and explore shops selling everything from textiles and handicrafts to gift items such as key chains, books, candles and artificial jewellery. Bara Bazaar is an old and popular marketplace in Nainital. Tibetean Market situated along the banks of the beautiful Naini Lake, Tibetan Market is a popular shopping venue that attracts a number of tourists.
Visit Ladakh, popularly known as ‘Little Tibet’, for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It is serene, calm and an experience that you will never be able to forget. Best time is summer, between May to September, because winters are extreme. With breathtaking landscapes, snow-capped mountains, beautiful monasteries and emerald lakes like Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri and Tso Kar, Ladakh is popularly referred to as the desert in the sky. Motorcycle road trips are very popular in Ladakh.
How to get there: You can reach Ladakh by air (Leh airport). Regular flights operate from New Delhi, Srinagar and Jammu. For a few months, the roads are also open (when the snow has melted). Bus, taxi and jeep services are also available.
Attractions: Leh Palace, Stok Palace, Pangong Tso Lake, Tso Kar Lake, Tiger Hill, Drass War Memorial. Momentos: You can enjoy shopping for curios and souvenirs in the bazaars and markets of Leh, while on your tour of Ladakh. Popular items with tourists are Pashmina shawls, stoles and other Pashmina wool garments. Tibetan handicraft items including prayer wheels, Buddhist masks and Thangka paintings can be purchased in Ladakh. Apricots that grow abundantly in Ladakh are another popular gift that you can take back as a delicious souvenir of your trip to Ladakh.
In western Himachal Pradesh, the hill station of Dalhousie is full of old world charm and holds lingering echos of the Raj era. The town is surrounded by varied vegetation - pines, deodars, oaks and flowering rhododendron. Dalhousie has charming colonial architecture, including some beautiful churches. Its location presents panoramic views of the plains and like a long silver line, the river Ravi twists and turns below Dalhousie. The spectacular snow-covered Dhauladhar mountains are also visible form this enchanting town. A year-round destination, but attracts most of its tourists during the summer.
How to get there: The closest airport is Pathankot (75 kms from Dalhousie), but it is only connected to New Delhi. Gaggal airport (Kangra district) is 140 km away. This airport is well connected to other cities within the country and internationally too. You can hire a bus from Kangra to reach Dalhousie. Train is the most cost-effective way of reaching Dalhousie. Pathankot’s Chakki Bank railhead is the nearest station. Many overnight trains to other cities are also available. You can also take a cab or bus and travel by road.
Attractions:
CHURCHES : There are four beautiful churches in Dalhousie. These are St. Andrew's Church and St. Patrick's Church at Balun, St. Francis church at Subhash Chowk and St.John's Church at Gandhi Chowk.
SUBHASH BAOLI : It was at this enchanting spot surrounded by majestic trees, that Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose spent time in 1937, contemplating and meditating.
PANCHPULA: This is a picturesque spot where a stream feed a series of pools. A monument has been built here in memory of the freedom fighter, Sardar Ajit Singh.
KALATOP: This wild life sanctuary is a home to the 'ghoral' and Himalayan black bear.
Momentos: Tibetan handicrafts including pullovers and carpets at Dalhousie. Chamba Slippers, 'Rumals' and Shawls at Chamba town.
In western Himachal Pradesh, the hill station of Dalhousie is full of old world charm and holds lingering echos of the Raj era. The town is surrounded by varied vegetation - pines, deodars, oaks and flowering rhododendron. Dalhousie has charming colonial architecture, including some beautiful churches. Its location presents panoramic views of the plains and like a long silver line, the river Ravi twists and turns below Dalhousie. The spectacular snow-covered Dhauladhar mountains are also visible form this enchanting town. A year-round destination, but attracts most of its tourists during the summer.
How to get there: Manali is well connected by air, train and road. The nearest airport is Bhuntar (50 km from Manali). It is very well connected via road to New Delhi, Leh, Shimla, Kullu and Dharamshala by state-run and private buses. Manali is 550 kms away from New Delhi. You can also drive up to Manali and enjoy the breathtaking views on the way.
Attractions:Manali offers splendid views, water streams, mountain adventures, paragliding, zorbing, trekking, water rafting, and the opportunity to visit the Rohtang Pass. Hadimba temple, manu temple, Solang valley. Manali is often the last stop or base camp before the Himalayas. Go for a road trip to Leh from Manali.
Momentos: : You can shop for Kinnauri and Kulu shawls, handicrafts, Tibetan art and culture collection
One of the most famous tourist destinations of India, Shimla located in Himachal Pradesh is a beautiful hill station. Also known as Simla, your travel to this place will be one event of your life that you shall never forget. This lovely hill station was 'discovered' by the British who immediately fell in love with this place. Infact, they went to the extent of declaring Shimla as their summer capital. Read about Shimla tourism and know more about Simla travel.
Shimla abounds in natural bounty and looks picture perfect. The small hill station amidst the lofty snow-clad Himalayan ranges, surrounded by lakes and lush green pastures look as though an artist has painted them. The unique thing about Shimla is that it still retains its colonial charm and this creates an ambience that is not found anywhere else in India. Shimla is one tourist destination that can be visited any time during the year. Summers are warm with cool and pleasant evenings while winters are bone chilling and the temperatures can fall below zero. But this difference is what makes Shimla all the more special! So pack your bags, catch the next flight and come to Shimla - A place where dreams come true!
How to reach Shimla: By air, train, and road.
Attractions:Shimla is full of tourist attractions that are worth visiting. They may intrigue some with their rich historical legacy and for some, they are the perfect places to indulge in some good photography. Shimla is a photographer's paradise and you will find some of the most picture perfect shots over here. Mall Road, Annandale, Shimla Ridge, Kufri.
Momentos: : Kullu and Kinnauri shawls, mufflers and scarves, Pashmina shawls and the Tibetan carpets are some of the must-buys from Shimla.
