Top 10 Enchanting Hill Stations Of India

Going for a long vacation does not need a reason. Keep your mind aside from daily grind and allow yourself to fly in a place where you can be yourself. Give yourself a boost of refreshing holiday by dwelling in the bracing places of fun and pleasure. Treat yourself with leisure holidays in the awe-inspiring top 10 holiday spots of India.

1) Darjeeling: The paradise of East was once a small village surrounded by tea gardens and lush greenery all over. Thanks to the British who unveiled the fascinating land and opened a host of tourist attractions for travelers all around the world. The foothills of Himalayas and spectacular vista of the rocky hilly region are the big draws of travel lovers across the world. Take a joy ride of the 'toy train' while passing through the mountains and valleys of Darjeeling. Click the beautiful sights in your mind to cherish the vitality of the place. The bewitching tea estate gardens and the marvelous view of Kanchenjunga beckon all to dwell in the dreamland of Darjeeling. The natural surroundings freshen up the stressed minds, giving a sense of rejuvenation and exhilaration. Titillate your senses with the captivating views of numerous sightseeing. Plunge in the adventurous sport activities such as hiking and rafting. Sip a cup of Darjeeling tea while strolling around the tea gardens is a heavenly experience.

2) Shillong: Bask in the 'Scotland Of The East'-- Shillong. The tropical region with enchanting hills enclosing the renowned hill station draws your mind to spend some days in the exotic chilly spot. Hear the gush of water carving through the rocks and falling with all its force on the ground in the Elephant falls and Spread Eagle falls. Feel the existence of British colonialism in the form of splendid cathedral catholic church. The pine trees around the hills make the Shillong a must-visit hill station. Dive in the spirit of holidays by boating in the lakes. Revive the history of the hilly region by having glimpses of various historical pictures and statues exhibited in the museum. The focal point of tourists' interest is a Shillong's golf course which has received an international recognition. Visit yourself to experience the novelty of the place. Plan your getaway to the most-loved spot of tourists in Shillong.

3) Mahabaleshwar: One of the noted holiday spots of Sahyadri range is the hill station of Mahabaleshwar. The catchy lookout points of Mahabaleshwar allure the travelers to rest their minds in the soothing spot of hilly areas. If you have plans to unwind few days in the land of Maharashtra, then fly off to the favorite destination of Mahabaleshwar. Catch a glimpse of the enthralling holiday zone of the beautiful location. The charming landscapes of the place are sure to enthrall you with all its beauty. One of the preferred hill stations of the West zone provides its holiday lovers with bountiful of sightseeing. Have a pleasure boat ride in various lakes of the hilly region. Give a twist to your stay by fishing and horse riding. How about tasting strawberries plucked from the fields? Yes! Mahabaleshwar is known for the mouthwatering strawberries. Frame up in your mind the ravishing views of the five rivers. With churches, forts and waterfalls to enliven your holiday spirits, book the tickets of this hill station now.

4) Matheran: Pack your bags and get ready to please your mind in the hygienic hill station of Matheran. Revive your childhood toy train memories once again by having a fun-loving toy train journey that commences from Neral to Matheran. The mountain cliffs of Matheran covered with greenery all over fascinate the quench of holiday pleasures among the travel lovers. As the toy train makes its routes through the hills, you can catch a glimpse of stunning scenic landscapes, hills and valleys. Accommodate yourself in the classy resorts and give your taste buds a yummy taste of lip-smacking foods of the region. From sunrise to sunset point, bask in the glory of the hill station. If walking on foot makes you exhausted, then you should have a leisure sightseeing on the horse back. Get the exquisite spectacles of nearby 35 look-out points situated in the Western Ghats of the hilly area. The Louisa Point, One Tree Hill Point, Rambagh Point and others offer you a crystal clear sight and the beauty of the place.

5) Coonoor: Ever visited the hill stations of southern parts? If not, then get the holiday tickets of Coonoor now. Let lose yourself in the Nilgiri hills of Coonoor. The eye-catching locations of the region are all set to give a relaxing touch to mind. Indulge your senses in the charming sites which comprise of Laws' falls, Dolphin's nose, Guernsey Tea Factory, the 'hidden valley' and sundry appealing spots of nature's delightful place in Coonoor. Take a holiday to one of the alluring hill stations of Tamil Nadu. Put on your trekking shoes and gear up to have a trek on the slopes of mountains of Coonoor. Boost your health in the natural ambience and delight in the flavors of aromatic teas. Festivals are its prime attractions that keep the hill station active throughout the year. The botanical gardens and the birds of various species play a vital role in entertaining tourists to a great extent.

6) Kodaikanal: Take delight in the ecstatic pleasure of the Kodaikanal hills nestled in the South zone. Travel lovers flock around the hill station for various reasons. One of them is that Kodaikanal is reckoned as the princess of all the hills. The dense wood, pleasant weather and the pleasing sights of the hills mesmerize tourists all the year through. Plunge in the waterfalls, row far end of the lake and have a cycle ride nearby the hills. Get in the diversified flavors of the place by tasting in the delightful aromas of coffees and herbal teas. Give a savory taste by gorging in the spicy delicacies. Take pride in witnessing the missionaries set up in the British rule. A tinge of British colonialism can be explored in the place. The pastoral lands and the endless greenery make Kodaikanal a tourist destination. Recline amidst colorful fresh flowers in Chettiar Park. The steep valleys of Kodaikanal are truly adventurous sites.

7)Ooty: What makes Ooty the queen of hills? The subtropical climate of one of the popular hill stations of the Southern zone in India welcomes the travel enthusiasts any time of the year. The eucalyptus trees, fog-covered sky and the chills experienced in the hill station are the major attractions. Ooty's botanical gardens are a must visit spot in your vacation days. Do you wish to click some outstanding sceneries of Ooty? Head on to Doddabetta Park and take incredible snaps of the place. Spend some time around the blooming roses in Ooty Rose Gardens. Do not leave the hill station without having a leisure boat ride at Pykara. Be any season, Ooty welcomes all to dive in the charms of the place. Make the most of your vacation in the tranquil hill station of Ooty. Owing to its cultural activities, festivals and the striking picturesque vistas, Ooty is one of the crowd-pulling getaways.

8) Nainital: People visit their favorite destinations for countless reasons. Some like to take adventure in the forest. Some like to engross in the views of mesmerizing hills. Some take pleasures in the blue waters of exotic beaches. On the other hand, some delight in the beauty of lakes. If you are one of them who are fond of lakes, then Nainital is the place to make a perfect getaway. Make a holiday tour in the 'Lake District Of India'. Revivify your senses in the hills of Nainital. The crowd-pleasing hill station has made its abode in the Kumaon region of North zone. The spectacular lakes of Nainital are the beauty spots of the hill station. Get wrapped up in the ecstatic feelings of nature unleashing her magnetic charm in the form of awe-inspiring places. Nainital serves as a pride of Uttaranchal Pradesh for its mythological reasons. The Nainital zoo and other showplaces of the hills are worth watching.

9) Mussoorie: You must have visited numerous hill stations for excursions, family vacations and so on. Have you ever set your foot at the foothills of Himalayan ranges for your long holidays? If not, then plan your next trip to Mussorie. The deep valleys, tall trees, majestic hills entice all to make a visit in the sought-after holiday destination. The distinguished Doon valley fascinates domestic and foreign tourists to engross in the lap of paradise. Do you wish to view the captivating place from the highest peak? Seek an adventurous journey of the ropeway and have a memorable view of Mussorie. The snow-clad hills will entice you to spend the best moments of your life in a place covered with snow. Have a leisure horse ride to view the marvelous sceneries that fall from the Kurli Bazaar to Library Point. Trek at the Lal Tibba to catch a glimpse of the breathtaking sight of snow-capped hills.

10) Shimla: Preserve the beautiful memories in your upcoming holiday vacation at the most-loved place of all age is Shimla. When listing of holiday spots come to mind, the first name you strike up is Shimla. The renowned hill station of the North zone is widely acclaimed for its various facilities. The capital city of Himachal Pradesh caters its best to cater all the amenities and pleasures to its visitors. The impressive tourist places of the mountainous regions make Shimla one of the cherished and amiable tourist destinations. Tourists throng in the place mostly during winter and summer. The hills covered with snows pull tourists to make a long vacation in this well-known tourist spot. From majestic temple to Catholic Church, museums to academic institutes, Shimla offers its visitors to dwell in the pleasures of all sorts. Dive in the romantic ambience of the aesthetic countryside views. Derive the natural resource of Shimla in the best possible ways. Give a pause to your overflowing schedule and calm your senses in the adored holiday spots of India.

Writer: Aparna Mukherjee

Make Your Getaway Memorable With An Online Travel Agent

Holidays are round the corner and people are in the high spirits to make the best of their long vacations. Whether you set your mind to explore the panoramic landscapes of the hills or plunge in the blue water of the beaches, recreation should be at the forefront of your travel. Travelling to a long distance place can be toilsome. Your prime reason to hit the nature's paradise is to infuse the fresh air and to witness the captivating scenic spots. Before you set on a journey to enjoy a splendid sight of nature, run your eyes through some pivotal travel tips mentioned in this article. By now, you must have chosen your holiday destination. What next?

1) Research Online: Before you head on a leisure travel, research thoroughly on the place you are about to indulge in. Locate the places of interest, adventurous water sports, hiking and other fun activities, shopping and cuisine delights of the place. Take a printout of the information on the journey to make your stay convenient.

2) Contact Your Travel Agent: Get in touch with your travel agent for the travel tickets at least three weeks prior the date of journey. To avoid the peak hour rush, ensure to get hold of the ticket from the agent by logging in their travel website. Make sure you get the travel ticket and the hotel accommodation booked in advance from your travel agent.

3) Checklist: Prepare a checklist of packing stuff ahead of time, so that you do not miss out any essentials at the eleventh hour.

4) Expiry Date Of Passport: If your journey is by air, make a check of the expiration date in the passport. Get it renewed before the validity period gets over.

5) Take Sufficient Cash: It is better to carry a wad of notes to tackle the emergency moments. What would you do if you meet a situation where ATM centers are out of your reach? Having a wallet of cash is a wise decision for such exigencies.

6) Ascertain The Currency Rates: Before you plan a trip to another country, familiarize with the currency rates of the place to have a cost-effective leisure travel. Do not let the country's currency rate put a halt to your shopping spirit. Make the best of your holiday memories. At times, it happens that after you take a day off from your workplace, you still feel lethargic and inactive. The sluggish mind and body signals you to switch off your cell and pack your travel bags to revive the lost energy in a breathtaking place. Time was when you had to make prior appointments with your travel agent and do the travel bookings ahead of time. With the advent of computer and internet, your travel agents are just a click away.

On one hand, you get a vast pool of information on travel agencies at your finger tip. On the other hand, you come across with rogue travel agencies that may drain the pleasures of your wanderlust. How will you know you are signing up to an authentic online travel agent? Glance through the article to get a reliable online travel agent. Online travel agents are on a rage in the present days. When you run short on time to talk in-person with your travel agent, you click the one-stop way of making your travel reservation online. Your travel agent vouches for a top-notch tour package to make your leisure days pleasurable. Read further to be in the safe hands of an authentic travel service.

1) Have a thorough online research about your travel agent. Authentic travel agents are bound to enlist their names of their companies with a well-reputed travel organization which gives the benefits of filing and sorting out any complaints regarding the travel service.

2) A genuine travel agent will offer to make the travel payments through credit cards. Beware of the travel company who demands to pay in cash during or before the travel procedures.

3) A loyal travel company will hand over the travel brochures which contain a list of itineraries, sightseeing, hotel fares, travel fares and travel dates, terms and conditions of the travel process.

4) Before making the payment online to your travel agent, verify the link of an authentic travel company. An authorized travel agency will share the web address that starts with 'https://'. Make a note of 's', as it stands out for security.

5) Always opt for a safe and sound payment site for electronic banking transactions while paying the amount to your travel agent. Have a safe trip!

Writer: Aparna Mukherjee

Katmandu: The Land Of Glaciers And Peaks

Upon hearing of 'travel destinations', the mind wanders off to breathtaking scenic places and inspires us to explore the majestic mountains, enchanting lands, splendor of seas and snow-white wonderlands. The mere visions of hotspots excite strong feelings of desire to travel even in the mind of the busiest person. The nation's rich cultural heritage and Asia's top destination spot beckons all tourists to capture the nature's spectacular beauty in the capital city of Nepal, 'Katmandu'. Situated in the bowl shaped Katmandu valley, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, is a gateway to the country's most splendid exotic landscape.

Know More: Designed like a Khukri knife, Katmandu is encircled with an awe-inspiring scenic view of the snow-capped Himalayan mountains. The city covers an area of 29.124 sq km and situated at an altitude of 1,350 metres above sea level. The place being the apt place for trekkers, most of the trekking expeditions set off from Katmandu. Kathmandu is not just a display of the historic and artistic achievements, but it is a Cultural World Heritage site listed by UNESCO. Katmandu is a thriving cosmopolitan city and a land of color and culture where the country's ethnicities and smiles appear to have come in concert.

History: The history of the place goes back to the Kiratis around the 7th century BC. The history of this land dates back to around 723 AD, founded by king Gun Kamdev. Initially, Katmandu was named as Kantipur, which was later invaded and renamed by king Prithvi Narayan Shah  in the 18th century. The city thrived during the Malla dynasty, and it was during this era when the majestic temples, buildings and other monuments came to light. The succeeding Shah dynasty uniformed Nepal and made Katmandu its new capital.

Places Of Interest: The must-visit places of Katmandu begin from the Pashupatinath Temple. Not only hindus, but also tourists who step in this shrine revere this temple as an abode of Lord Shiva. The wood-carvings adorned in the temple are the essence of art. Equally pious and magnificient is the Buddhist Pagoda of Boudhnath. The monastery is the biggest in Nepal and famed across the globe. Owing to its prominence, the monastery draws a lot of devotees every year. Aside from shrines and religious places, the city is also known for the Durbar Square, which is indeed one of the tourist spots. The area has many small but eye-catching stone-carved monuments with historical importance. Close to the Durbar's Square is the stunning old palace of Nepal's monarch.

Although entry to this palace is prohibited for tourists, but one can appreciate its beauty from outside.  Places Of Indulgence: If you are looking for fun-time, then drop by casinos of Katmandu. The place caters an array of exciting and action- acked hours of fun and games to make your night life rocking.

The sun never sets in the casinos of Katmandu, as they are open round the clock to give you unlimited pleasure of fun activities. For trekkers, join the adventure and delight in the panoramic views of Everest from Gokyo Ri and Kala Pattar, along with countless peaks and glaciers for which the region is world renowned.

 Shopping and Dining: Ever tasted Nepali dishes? Katmandu leaves one with ample options for eateries and shopping. Food courts cater to a wide range of lipsmacking Nepali delectables. Also, bring home back the mini Katmandu in the form of handicraft items, embroidered attires, leather goods to give a face-lift to your lifestyle.

Fact File: 

A) Best time to visit- From October to March.
B) Must watch- Pashupatinath Temple, Darbar Square. Tourist attractions- Trekking and buzzing casinos. The innate beauty of the land is set to leave an indelible imprint on the mind of every tourist. Let your eyes witness the excellence of the place and your mind sense the aesthetic ecstasy of a captivating land of Katmandu.
Author - Aparna Mukherjee.