The mystical hills...
Misty, mystical, serene, sensual - hill stations in India are a perfect vacation option for those who want to shoo-away their big city blues.Situated at heights ranging from 600 m above the sea level to 3500 m above the sea level, most of the hill stations or resorts of India are certainly heads and shoulders over other tourist centers. What is most unique about these hill stations in India is the fact that their existence is confined to India - a contribution of colonial India. Popularly known as Hill Stations in India, these resorts provide welcome break from the daily chores of life and take us closer to the nature.
Ideal holiday spots...
Not only do these hill stations offer relief from the heat and dust of the plains, but their beautiful green surroundings, solitude, salubrious weather and spectacular views also make them ideal holiday spots offering quick relief from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The seven principal mountain ranges...
And with seven principal mountain ranges all over the country available to them they had the opportunity to explore each one of them and create their retreat towns, many of which are well maintained and retain their old-world charm.
» In the North, the Himalayan ranges stretch 2500kms across the breadth of the subcontinent, and house some of India's oldest and most charming hill stations.
» The most popular of these is Shimla in Himachal Pradesh, which was the erstwhile summer capital of British India. Also popular are Kasauli - a cantonment town also developed by the British,Nainital - famous for its beautiful lake, and Mussoorie, popularly known as the queen of the hills.
»Towards the East, in the lower Himalayan ranges, are hill stations which produce the world's finest tea - the most famous of them being Darjeeling. Also well known are Shillong, Kurseong and Kalimpong.
» A little further south of the Himalayas are one of the world's oldest mountain ranges - the Aravall is that stretch along theWest of the country from Delhi to Gujarat. The most popular hill resort in these ranges is Mount Abu.
» In Central India, the Vindhyas separate the wide Northern plains from the South. Though the ranges aren't very high, a few small hill stations dot them offering retreat from the heat. The Satpuraranges, which run parallel along to the Vindhyas, have quaint and charming hill resorts like Pachmarhi.
» Along the West coast the Sahyadri ranges havemany pretty hill stations - many of them near Mumbai like Mahabaleshwar and Matheran.
» In the South, the Nilgiris have beautiful hill-towns such as Ootacamund, commonly known as Ooty. Further south are the hill stations of Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu and Munnar in Kerala.
Take a break in any of India's hill stations and you will always come back for more of their idyllic beauty and quaint charm.
» Location - 34 kmsFrom Dehradun, Garhwal Hills, Uttaranchal
» Altitude - 2,500 meters
» Main Attractions - Lal Tibba, Gun Hill, KemptyFall
Popularly known as the queen of hills, this charming hill station, 34 kms.From Dehradun is situated at an altitude of 2,500 mts. Above sea-level.Enchanting view of pine covered hill slopes and snow capped mountains leave an indelible impression on one's mind.The modern bungalows, malls and welllaid gardens which are located on the small hills around the area are enoughto attract any tourist.
Mussoorie is an excellent respite for tourists and people who want relief from the hot sultry conditions of the plains. Nature has gifted Musoorie everything which makes a place beautiful. With the onset of summers tourists start coming here.
Places of Interest in Mussoorie :
» Lal Tibba - This place is highest point in Musoorie. Lal Tibba is located in Landour area which is the oldest inhabited place in Mussorie.
» Gun Hill - Gunhill is second highest point in Mussoorie. From Gunhill Mussoorie appears to be changing colours every other minute. Each moment a different scene appears before your eyes. There are many shops on the hill top so one can have a small little picnic here.
» Municipal Gardens - The municipal or the Company gardens was previously (before independence) was also known as Botanical gardens of Mussoorie. These gardens were laid by famous geologist Dr. H.Fackner in the last century.
» Kempty Falls - Kempty Falls are located 13 kms from Mussoorie. This place was developed as a tourist destination by John Mekinan after 1835.
Nearby Attractions from Mussoorie :» Dehradun - Located 29 Kms. from Mussoorie,Dehradun is a must visit place.
» Rishikesh - Rishikesh is known as the Tapo Bhumior the place for meditation of the Gods. Rishikesh is one of the popula rpilgrimage for the Hindus. At this place the Ganges leaves the mountains and prepares herself to begin a long journey through the plains.
» Haridwar - Gateway to the four pilgrimages in theUttrakhand region, is located on the foot hills of Shivaliks.
» Nag Tibba - 55 kms from Mussoorie is very good place for trekking. Nag Tibba, as it is called, is the highest place around Mussoorie. It is surrounded by thick dense forests. The actual trekking for Nag Tibba starts some 21 kms away from the place. The 34 kms journey from Mussoorie is done on Taxi or Bus and the rest is covered on foot. This trek has its own charm and fun. The trek starts at Thathyud. 7 kms from here there is the forest departments rest house. To stay in the rest house reservations have to be done with Divisional Forest officer, Mussoorie.
