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               Commonly known as the ‘Lake District of India’, Nainital is one of the most beautiful hill stations in North India. Nainital is surrounded by mountains on three sides.

               Situated at an altitude of 2,084 metres above sea level, Nainital is set in a valley containing a pear-shaped lake, surrounded by mountains.

               Nainital used to be the summer capital of the United Provinces during the British era, and remained so for many years even after independence. The British were the first to ‘discover’ Nainital as a holiday resort in 1841. Today, it has grown into a highly popular tourist destination. Packed around a wide, lush volcanic lake, Nainital is Kumaon’s biggest town, and favourite hill retreat. Many hotels are set in the hills around the lake. There is a bustling market and hillside viewpoints facing the distant Himalayan peaks.

               Nainital, in the Kumaon hills, maintains pleasant weather throughout the year. Some of the other places of tourist interest are the Mall, now known as the Govind Ballabh Pant Marg.

               Lonavala, a popular hill station, is a part of the Sahyadri slopes between Pune and Mumbai. Tourism peaks during the monsoon season. With lots of waterfalls, lakes and hills around, Lonavala is frequented by all sorts of people, especially hikers and trekkers.

               This tourist destination has many attractions to its name like the Bhaja caves, Bushi dam, Karla caves, and Rajmachi fort, Ryewood Park, among others. The host of caves like Bhaja, Bedsa and Karla, are believed to be the reason why Lonavala derives its name from the Sanskrit word lonavli, which means caves.

               The hilly landscape makes it an ideal destination for adventure sports such as trekking, fishing, and camping. Lord Elphinstone, the Governor of Bombay Presidency in 1871, is credited with the discovery of Lonavala.

               Another place of interest is the Tungi Fort; one of the forts captured by Malik Ahmad nears the village of Karjat, known for its natural strength. Several forts including Lohagad, and Tikona were important battle stations during Shivaji’s reign, and fell into Mughal hands under the ‘Treaty of Purandar’.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pictures credit: google

               Auli is one of the less explored hill stations in India, located in the northern state of Uttarakhand. Auli is towards the north of the state, and forms a part of the Garhwal mountain range. It is at a distance of 16 km from Joshimath, on the Badrinath route.

               The slopes, which are as high as 3050 metres above sea level, are covered with dense deodar and oak forests, and this often reduces the velocity of the chilly winds to the minimum. The slopes offer a panoramic view of many a famous Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi, Kamet, Mana Parvat and Dunagiri.

               Auli is known for its enthralling ski retreats and beautiful surroundings. Some of the well-known attractions surrounding the vicinity are Auli Artificial Lake, Joshimath, Winter Ski Resort, Trishul Peak and much more. The slopes are intended for both professional skiers and novices. The Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Limited, a state government agency, which takes care of this resort, and the Uttarakhand Tourism Department conduct winter sport competitions at Auli to encourage skiing in India.

               Situated off the coast of Kerala, Lakshadweep is spread over 36 islands and surrounded by 4,200 sq km of lagoon rich in marine wealth and is one of the most spectacular tropical island systems.

               The ten inhabited islands are Agatti, Amini, Andrott, Bitra, Chetlat, Kadmat, Kalpeni, Kavaratti, Kiltan and Minicoy. The precious heritage of ecology and culture is supported by an extremely fragile eco-system. Most of the islands are endowed with the beauty of coral reefs, sandy beaches, unpolluted and clear water and hospitable settings. Due to its isolation and scenic appeal, Lakshadweep was already known as a tourist attraction.

               Water sport activities such as scuba diving, wind surfing, snorkeling, surfing, kayaking, canoeing; water skiing, yachting and night sea voyages are popular activities among tourists. Tourists flock to these islands throughout the year, except during the south-west monsoon months, when the seas are extremely rough.

               Gulmarg is a town, a hill station, and a popular skiing destination in Jammu and Kashmir. The beauty of Gulmarg and its proximity to Srinagar makes it one of the most popular hill stations in India. Originally called Gaurimarg, Gulmarg got its current name from Sultan Yusuf Shah in the 16th century.

               The town of Gulmarg is not just a mountain resort which boasts of exceptional beauty, but it also has other claims to fame like the highest golf course in the world, and India’s premier ski resort which has earned it the title of the ‘heartland of winter sports in India’.

               The picturesque landscape offers myriad options for sight-seeing in Gulmarg. It’s not so much a town as a twisting 4 km long loop of road ringing the undulating ‘meadow of flowers’ for which it’s named.

               There are many tourist attractions in Gulmarg like Gondola Lift, Gulmarg Ski Area, Golf Course, Apharwat Peak, Khilanmarg, Tangmarg, Verinag, Alpather Lake, Ferozpore Nallah, and much more.

               Known for its pleasant climate and natural beauty, Dalhousie is one of the most famous hill stations in Himachal Pradesh. Dalhousie is located in the district of Chamba at an elevation of around 2,000 metres.

               Dalhousie was established in 1854 by the British Empire’s government as a summer retreat for its officials. It was acquired from the Raja of Chamba by the British, and was named after its founder, Lord Dalhousie, the British Governor-General in India. The fragrant pines, rhododendron and oaks, along with several other types of trees, cover the slopes of the mountains. This scenic hill station is framed by the River Ravi flowing at the base of the town. Dalhousie is one of the most visited hill stations in the country.

               There are several amazing places to visit in this hill station like Kalatop, Dainkund and Panch Pula. Subhash Baoli and Lohali village are other popular tourist attractions.

               Situated along the Konkan coast, Goa is the smallest state in India in terms of its area, and the fourth smallest by population.

               Goa has only two districts - North Goa and South Goa. The boundaries of Goa are defined in the north by the Terekhol River which separates it from Maharashtra, and in the east and south by Karnataka, and in the west by the Arabian Sea. Goa was under Portuguese rule for about 450 years until it was annexed by India in 1961.

               Panaji is the capital of Goa, and is the third largest city after Vasco and Margao. Goa is one of India’s most popular holiday destinations, with its idyllic beaches, lush paddy fields, coconut plantations, and villages dotted with pretty whitewashed churches and grand mansions.

              Goa has rich flora and fauna, owing to its location on the Western Ghats range, a biodiversity hotspot.

               Beaches like Baga and Calangute offer jet-skiing, parasailing, banana boat rides, water scooter rides, and more.

               Goa is visited by large numbers of tourists.

               Manali is located at an altitude of about 2050 metres above mean sea level and is one of the main tourist towns of Kullu Valley. Only forty kilometres away from Kullu to the north, Manali is situated near the end of the valley, on the national highway.

               Manali is the most beautiful destination in Himachal Pradesh. It serves as the gateway to Lahaul and the Spiti district, as well as Leh.

               The town has a reputation of a popular tourist hub that attracts thousands of visitors every year. Manali has spectacular views of snowcapped peaks and wooded slopes. The River Beas rushes along its rocky course amid grassy meadows carpeted with wild flowers, and wagtails hop along from stone to stone along the stream’s edge.

               Manali, with its mountaineering institute, is a popular base for trekking in summer and skiing in winter. There are plenty of tourist attractions surrounding the town like the Rohtang Pass, Solang Valley, Beas Kund, Chandrakhani Pass, Pandoh Dam in Kullu, and much more.

Picture credit : google

               Roopkund Lake is one of the most mysterious places in India. This frozen lake which glorifies the beauty of the Himalayas, has a mystery story to it. The Roopkund Lake has a lot of traditional myths attached to it.

               Roopkund has attracted attention because of the human skeletal remains that are visible at its bottom when the snow melts. Scientists have concluded that the skeletons of about 200 people discovered near the frozen lake belonged to the people of a 9th century Indian tribe who died due to a hailstorm. The skeletons were first found by a British forest guard in 1942. Initially, it was believed that the skeletons were those of Japanese soldiers who had died while crossing that route during World War II.

               Alpine forests, green meadows, and snow-capped mountains are the specialities of the region.

               The Valley of Flowers national park is located near Badrinath in the Chamoli district of the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand state. It is about 300 km from Haridwar, and 500 km from New Delhi. This national park is famous for its meadows of alpine flowers and outstanding natural beauty.

               The valley of flowers was discovered in 1931. This lush region is also home to some rare and endangered animal species, like the Asiatic black deer, snow leopard, musk deer, red fox, brown bear and blue sheep. Birds found in the park include the Himalayan monal pheasant, and other high altitude birds. This reserve is in the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves since 2004.

               While for the most part the valley remains covered with snow, during the summer months, it comes alive with a riot of colours, which makes it one of the most beautiful places in India.

               Havelock Island is one of the most pristine and scenic islands of the Andaman and Nicobar group. Its sparkling white sand beaches, transparent sea water, plush greenery, and serene surroundings are tempting and fascinating. It is one of the populated islands in the Andaman group, with an area of 113 sq km. It is located 39 km of north-east of Port Blair. It belongs to the South Andaman administrative district.

               Havelock Island is the largest of the islands that comprise a chain of islands to the east of Great Andaman in the Andaman Islands.

               From scuba diving to parasailing, and elephant rides on the beach to game fishing, the list has it all to cater to all kinds of travellers. Havelock Island offers one of Asia’s best beaches, famous for its swimming elephants and unbeatable reefs. Although there are coral reefs, it’s the marine life here - dolphins, turtles and very large fish - that make it so interesting.

               Radhanagar Beach on the western coast, also known as Number 7 Beach, is one of the most popular beaches on Havelock, and was named “Best Beach in Asia” by Time Magazine in 2004.

            Known as the ‘Valley of Gods’, Kullu is a cluster of beautiful valleys in Himachal Pradesh. Located between the majestic Himalayas and the River Beas, Kullu is situated at an altitude of 1278 metres.

            With its developed and tourist-oriented economy, this beautiful place is considered as the backbone of the state. The valley is famous for its temples, beauty, and its majestic hills covered with pine and deodar forest and sprawling apple orchards. Kullu was earlier known as Kulanthpitha, meaning ‘the ending point of inhabitable world’.

            Kullu is a hotspot for adventure sports. Trekking, river rafting, mountaineering, paragliding, angling, and hiking over the Himalayan glaciers are some of the activities that Kullu offers.

            Kullu valley is sandwiched between the Pir Panjal, Lower Himalayan and Great Himalayan Ranges. The valley has varied biodiversity. It has some of the rarest of animals like the Himalayan tahr, Western tragopan, monal and the Himalayan brown bear.

               Ladakh, often known as ‘the land of high passes’ is an extraordinary tourist destination in Jammu and Kashmir that extends from the Kunlun mountain range to the main Great Himalayas to the south. Ladakh is renowned for its remote mountain beauty and culture. It is a sparsely populated region.

               Leh is the erstwhile capital of the kingdom of Ladakh. It is one of the coldest deserts in the world, located at a distance of 434 km from Srinagar, and 474 km from Manali in Himachal Pradesh. Leh is also famous for the Leh Palace, the former mansion of the royal family of Ladakh.

               Buddhist monasteries dominate the Ladakh landscape. Colourfully clad with flags and wheels, they have become popular tourist attractions.

               The scenic beauty, the rugged terrain and the majestic mountains wrap this enchanting place. The road access requires crossing tortuous high passes, which close altogether from around October to May. Tourism is the main source of livelihood for Ladakhis. The Indian Army maintains a strong presence in Ladakh, due to its strategic location.

picture credit: google

               The Dal Lake is an enticing spot in the lap of Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir. The lake is also dubbed as the ‘Jewel of Srinagar’.

               The Dal Lake is part of a natural wetland that covers an area of about 21 sq km, which includes the floating gardens. The floating gardens are known for the lotus flowers that blossom during the months of July and August.

               The Dal Lake is lined by gardens and parks. The best views of the lake can be seen from the Shalimar Garden and Nishat Garden. There are many houseboats floating around in the lake carrying tourists. The lake is also an important source for commercial operations in fishing and water plant harvesting.

Picture credit: google

               Do you fancy a wonderful abode in the Himalayas for your holidays? Then you should visit the exotic destination of Shimla. At a distance of 348 km from New Delhi, Shimla is one of the most popular hill stations in India. It is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, and is popularly referred as the ‘queen of hills’.

               Covering an area of 18 sq km at a height of 2206 metres, Shimla is surrounded by pine, deodar and oak forests. The colonial architecture and the famous skiing facilities mostly attract tourists to Shimla. Besides being the ultimate summer retreat, it remains an ideal spot for adventure sports. The city also has the largest natural ice skating rink in south East Asia.

               Shimla is one of India’s renowned tourist spots. It is full of reverberations of its former role as the summer capital of British India. The Kali Bari Temple, Annandale, Vice Regal Lodge, Christ Church, The Ridge and Jakhu Temple are the top Shimla tourist places in Shimla.

               The Kalka-Shimla Railway, a mountain railway, was built in 1898, and its toy trains still ply between the two stations, passing through many tunnels.