Badrinath Hill Station - India

THE HINDU PILGRIMAGE
Cradled in the mountain ranges of the Nar-Narayan, with the spendid Neelkanth peak as the enchanting backdrop, is located the holiest of all the Hindu pilgrimages, Badrinath. Along the left bank of river Alaknanda, the place is called badrinath as it was once carpeted with 'badris' or wild berries

When River Ganges was requested to descend to earth to help the suffering humanity, the earth was too feeblw to bear the force of tis descent. Hence the mighty river was split into twelve channels, one of them being Alaknanda, which later became the abode of Lord Vishnu or Badrinath. The present temple was built about two centuries ago by the kings of Garhwal. The principal idol in the temple is of black stone and represents Vishnu seated in a meditative pose, and flanked by Nara-Narayan. Badrinath is also known as Vishal Badri and is one of the Panch Badris.

Attractions

Badri Kedar Festival The Badri-Kedar festival, held at the sacred shrines of Badrinath and Kedarnath is held in the month of June.

Mata Murti Mela On the day of Mata Murti Ka Mela, the mother of Shri Badrinathji is worshipped, and a large fair held at the Badrinath Temple in the month of September

Main Attraction Badrinath Temple, Tapt Kund.

Best TimeMay To October.

Travel Information:

• By Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun.
• By Rail: Nearest railheads are at Rishikesh and Kotdwara.
• By Road: Badrinath is connected by good motorable roads with Rishikesh, Dehradun, Kotdwara and other hill stations of Garhwal and Kumaon region.
  

Munnar Hill Station - India

This beautiful hill station is popular for its cool climate and tea plantation. This quiet little town boasts of many colonial bungalows,tea factories,wildlife sanctuaries and many lakes. Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams namely Mudrapuzha,Nallathanni and Kundala. This hill station,located at an altitude of 1600 m above sea level,was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British government in South India. Sprawling tea plantations,picture book towns,winding lanes and holiday facilities make this a popular hill station in south india.Munnar,also known as the Kashmir of South India.Dense forests,wildlife sanctuaries and major cash crop plantations cover most of the region.

Attractions:

Potheamedu (6km from Munnar): Pothamedu offers an excellent view of the tea,coffee and cardamom plantations in Munnar. The rolling hills,the cool mountain and the breathtaking scenery here is ideal for trekking and long mountain walks.
Devikulam (7km from Munnar) This small hill station with its velvet lawns,exotic flora and fauna and the cool mountain air . It is a beautiful place with lot of tea plantations. The Sta Devi Lake with its mineral waters and picturesque surroundings is a good picnic spot. The lake is also ideal for trout fishing.
Pallivasal (8km from Munnar) This is the venue of the first Hydro Electric project in Kerala. It is place of immense scenic beauty. On working days it is possible to visit Hydro Electric project.
Attukal (9km from Munnar) A panorama of waterfalls and rolling hills,Attukal,located between Munnar and Pallivasal,is a feast for the eyes. The place is also ideal for long treks.
Nayamakad (10km from Munnar): Located beween Munnar and Rajamala,Nyayamakad is a land of scintillating waterfalls. The waters cascade down a hill from a height of about 1600 meters. The enchanting surroundings makes an excellent picnic spot and ideal trekking point.
Mattupetty Driving through the Kodaikanal Rd,Mauttupetty just 13km from Munnar situated at a height of 1700m. Mattupetty is known for its highly specialised dairy farm. -The Indo Livestock Project. Over 100 varieties of high yielding cattle can be seen here. Mattupetty has a beautiful rose garden. Visitors are allowed into three of the 11 cattle sheds at the farm. Visit time 9 to 11 hrs and 1400-1530hrs. The Mattupetty lake and dam is just a shot distance from the farm,is a very beautiful picnic sport. The sprawling tea plantations and the Kundala lake are other attractions in the vicinity. DTPC Idukki provides boating facilities in the Mattupetty dam. Speed launch,slow speed boat and motor boats are available for hire. The famous Eco point is very near and this scenic place gets its name from the natural echo phenomenon here.
Chithirapuram (10km from Munnar) A small village with sleepy little cottages,bungalows,old playgrounds and courts. Chithiripuram still reminds us of an old world charm. Home of the Pallyvasal hydel power project,this hill town is also famous for its picturesque tea plantations.
Lock Heart Gap (13km from Munnar) This is an ideal place for adventure tourism and trekking. The fresh mountain air,the mist clad hills and panoramic view make it worthy of a visit.

Travel Information:

• By Air: Near by airports are at Kochi (130 kms) and Madurai (142 kms)
• By Rail: Nearest railway stations are at Kochi and Kottayam.
• By Road: The place is well connected by a well developed network of road transport.

Manali Hill Station - India

Manali,located at an altitude of 2050 m,is situated along the banks of the Beas,close to the Rohtang Pass and Solang Valley. The river with the wild flowers,hamlets and fruit-laden orchards present the gifts of the sight,sound and smell.

Hadimba Temple:

Hadimba or Dhungiri temple in Manali is one of the most important temples in the region. This four-story wooden temple is located in the middle of a forest called the Dhungiri Van Vihar. Winding paths through forests and glades of whispering Deodars form the setting for the majestic wooden temple of Hidimba Devi in Manali. The motorable road is shaded by Chestnuts,Chinars and tall deciduous Deodars. This forested backdrop enthral one's spirit and refresh one's mind all along the uphill path.

Vashist Springs (1,982m):
At about half an hour's brisk walking distance from town,there are sulphur springs-gush,hot and medicinal - emerging out of the mountains at Vashisht. Here,in a bath complex with a restaurant and a beautiful view,couples can soak in the privacy of their own sunken bath,warming all kinds of ailments out of their systems.
Jagatsukh (6-kms):
It is one of the biggest villages in Kullu district. About 6-km from Manali,Jagatsukh is famous for its Shiva temple that is built in "shikhara" style and nearby is the old and interesting Devi Sharvati temple.
Arjun Gufa (5-kms):
On the left bank of the Beas,5-km from Manali near the village of Prini,is the 'Arjun Gufa' or the cave of Arjuna. In here Arjuna practised austerities to get Pashupata Ashtra or weapon from Lord Indra.
Beas Kund: Further ahead is the Beas Kund. The tiny roundish igloo like stone hut shelters the Beas Kund,the very source of the holy river Beas. Water flows at the source of the river likfe a spring,so clear and icy cold that it almost numbs the fingers. All around is the rocky terrain with very little vegetation. A few mules graze around while all and sundry try to brave the wind on a clear sunny day.


Rohtang Pass (13-kms): Situated about 50-km from Manali town,at an altitude of 4,111m on the highway to Keylong,is the Rohtang Pass. There is a beautiful Dasohar Lake left of the Pass. The Pass,which provides the only access to the Lahaul Valley,is open from June to November each year. Snowfall is,however,unpredictable and blizzards can close the Pass even during this period. Here one sees the majesty of the mountains at its height and splendour. A few km away from the pass is the Sonapani glacier and,slightly to the left are the twin peaks of Gaypan-jagged pyramid of rock,snow streaked and snow crowned.

Best Time to Visit:&nbspMay To October.
Travel Information:

• By Air:The nearest airport to Manali is that of Bhuntar,which is 52-km from Manali. From Bhuntar one can take a taxi or a bus to Manali.
• By Rail:The nearest railhead is that of Joginder Nagar and this narrow gauze railway station is 95-km from Kullu.
• By Road: The road to Manali passes through the picturesque valley of Kullu. The motorable roads to Manali connect the town with other major tourist places in Himachal as well as in the nearby states.

Ladakh Hill Station - India

Popuraly known as 'Hermit Kingdom',Ladakh is a land of snow carved peaks,translucent Lakes,barren terrain and mystic culture. It is also known as little Tibet and has a great Buddhist tradition. Visit the various mosteries out of which Shey,Thikse,Hemise,Lamayuri,and Likir are the most important ones. Every year in the month of June Hemis Festival is held which is a unique experience.This is the highest inhabited region in India and the River Indus with its tributaries,slice their way through the ranges.

The hill resort of Ladakh is surrounded by the Karakoram Range in the north. The Himalayas border Ladakh in the south. The Indus River flows through Ladakh and divides it into Leh,Nubra,Zanskar,lower Ladakh and Rupshu. Geographically speaking the landscape of Ladakh comprises of uplands,craggy,barren cliffs and plateaus.

Attractions:
Buddhism in Ladakh:

A religion that has bestowed mankind with the spirit of humanity is Buddhism. This revered compassion of mankind indeed is one of the greatest discoveries in the world of spirituality. Purity echoes the mantra of peace and ardent adoration for mankind and a deep anchored desire to serve human race

Hemis monastery

Hemis in Ladakh,is situated at a distance of 40 km southeast of Leh. Famous for spectacular scenic beauty,exotic wildlife,varied cultural influences and the historic Hemis Monastery. Noteworthy amongst the many treasures housed within the monastery,is the exquisite Buddha Shakyamuni,which is studded with precious gems. The serene-faced colossus sits in the Cho-khang chamber at the far end of the courtyard,along with some richly inlaid,silver Chortens. In 2004,the monastery is where the antique Thangka is going to be displayed to the public after a span of twelve years.

Then there is the Thikse monastery whose architecture will not fail to sweep you off your feet. In the Shey monastery you must see the huge gold-plated copper statue of the Buddha. Amongst the other old gompas worth visiting in Ladakh are 1,000-year-old Alchi,11th century- Likir and Lamayuru. Coming back to nature it is noteworthy that Ladakh is rich in flora and fauna. You may feast your eyes on the exotic flowers like iris and larkspurs in Ladakh. Moving on to fauna you will be able to spot Yak easily in Ladakh. The local people of Ladakh use the meat,horns,hooves,hide,hair and even the tail of Yak. Though you may use the animal for a ride. While in Ladakh you will come across the hybrid between the yaks and cow namely Dzo. Dzo can only be seen in Ladakh. Ladakh is home to several wool-producing animals like sheep,goats and yak.

KARGIL

Kargil,the second town of Ladakh,is situated on the Suru River just short of its confluence with the Dras-shingo. Almost equidistant,at a little over 200-km from Leh,Srinagar,Padum in Zanskar and Skardu,the capital of Baltistan,it was in the old days the centre of a network of routes joining these places. Since Partition,Skardu has been lost to Ladakh,but Kargil remains the main staging-point between Srinagar and Leh,and the Gateway to the Suru valley and Zanskar.

Trekking in Ladakh:
When Ladakh was first thrown open to tourism an average itinerary encompassed visits to Leh and its environs with some treks into nearb valleys. The most popular of these were the 8-day Markha valley trek,the 11-day Lamayuru-Padum route and the Stok Khangri round trek. Now with growing interest in adventure tourism the focus has shifted to the mysterious valleys of Suru and Zanskar with their spectacular scenery.

Travel Information:

• By Air: Leh is the main airport for this area. Direct flights link it to Delhi,Chandigarh,Srinagar and Jammu. Kargil,Suru and Zanskar valleys - Srinagar and Leh airports are both convenient.
• By Road: Leh - Srinagar-Leh road is the main route with an over night halt at Kargil. The road is open between mid June and November. Ordinary and deluxe buses of the J&K state road transport corporation regularly ply on this route.

Kodaikanal Hill Station - India

Kodaikanal located amidst the folds of the verdant Pali hills is one of the most popular serene hill stations in India, which mesmerises any visitor. With her wooded slopes,mighty rocks,enhancing waterfalls and a beautiful lake,Kodaikanal is a charming hill station. Kodai is situated at an altitude of about 2,133-m high and covers an area of 21.45-sq-km. The hill town is renowned for its educational institutions of international repute. The pride of Kodaikanal is the 'Kurinji-flower',which blossoms once in 12 years. The hill-plantain fruits and plums are known for their freshness and taste.

Attractions:

Berijam Lake: Berijam Lake is one of the beautiful picnic spots in Kodai,located 21-km away from the bus stand. This lake supplies drinking water to Periakalam town. The scenery around here is delightful.

Bryant Park: Bryant Park situated on the eastern side of the lake,is noted for flowers,hybrids and rafts. Varieties of flowers can be seen in a glasshouse. The annual horticultural show is held here in May.

Shenbaganur Museum: Shenbaganur Museum is located about 5-Km from the lake. The Sacred Heart College maintains this museum. One of the best orchidoriums in the country with more than 300 species of orchids and wide-ranging collection of birds are found here.

Coaker's Walk: Coaker's Walk derives the name from Lt. Coaker,who prepared the map of Kodai and it is about a kilometre from the lake,which runs along a steep slope on the southern side of the Kodai. Some of the best views of the plains can be seen from here.

Kodaikanal Lake: Kodaikanal Lake is a magnificent man-made lake,which spreads out in a star shape over sixty acres is a main attraction as it is set among the greenery. The boat club here offers several pleasure and racing trips.

Pillar Rocks:Within the city limits one can see three boulders standing shoulder - to - shoulder vertically measuring to a height of about 122 metres providing a panoramic view.

Travel Information:

• By Air: The nearest airport is at Madurai (120 km from Kodaikanal).
• By Rail: The nearest railway stations are the Kodai Road Railway Station (80-km) and the Palani Railway Station (64-km).
• By Road: Kodaikanal is connected by road with Chennai (520-km),Ooty (264-km),Trichy (197-km),Coimbatore (175-km),Kumili (160-km),and Madurai(120-km). Regular bus services are available from Madurai,Palani,Kodaikanal Road,Theni,Dindigul,Tiruchirapalli,Kumuli (Thekkady) and Coimbatore.

Srinagar Hill Station - India

Srinagar is the capital city of Jammu & Kashmir. It is situated at an altitude of 1,730 m.In the heart of the Kashmir valley,Srinagar spreads out on both sides of the Jhelum river. The valley's beauty has enticed visitors from distant lands. Srinagar bears the hallmark of the Mughals. It's a city full of intriguing alleyways and curious buildings. Srinagar offers the spectacular sights of the lovely lakes and the houseboats on them. The dry fruits and the traditional Kashmiri handicrafts are the other major attractions of the hill resort. If there is a heaven on earth,it's here,it's here,it's here in Srinagar.

Attractions:

Hari Parbat Fort: To the west of Dal Lake and on top of Sharika hill is the fort,which was built during reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar. Most of the present construction dates from 18th century. It is now occupied by Army. To enter the fort,permission from the Archaeological Department in Lal Mandi is required. On the western slope of the hill is a Parvati temple and on the southern face is the muslim shrine of Khwaja Makhdoom Sahib and the mosque of the scholar Akhund Mullah Shah .

Chatti Padshahi: It is an historic sikh Gurudwara,which commemorates the visit of Guru Hargobind to Kashmir.
Tomb of Zain-ul-Abidin: This tomb of King Zain-ul-Abidin situated between the Zaina Kadal and Ali Kadal bridges,shows a clear Persian influence in it's domed construction and glazed tiles.

Shankaracharya Hill: This hill was once known as Takht-i-Sulaiman,the throne of Solomon. A temple is a said to have first built here by Ashoka's son around 200 BC,but the present Hindu temple dates from Jehangir's time. From the top,one can have a fine view of Dal Lake. The Srinagar TV tower is also here.

Pandrethan Temple: This small Siva temple dates from 900 AD and is in military cantonment area on the Jammu road out of Srinagar.

Shah-i-Hamdan Mosque: The original mosque which was built in 1395,was destroyed by a fire in 1479 and again in 1731. The present mosque is situated on one bank of the Jhelum,shaped like a cube with a pyramidal roof rising to a spire. Access to non-muslims and women is limited.

Pather Masjid: Situated on opposite bank of Jhelum river is the unused Pather Masjid. It was built by Nur Jahan,wife of emperor Jahangir,in 1623.

Razabal Tomb: It is believed to be the grave of Yuz Asaf or Jesus Christ who,according to legend,is supposed to have survived the cross and come to Kashmir,identified as the home of the lost tribe of Israel.

Jama Masjid: This is one of the largest mosques in Kashmir. This wooden mosque has 300 plus pillars supporting the roof and each of them made from a single deodar trunk. It had to be rebuilt time and again due to destruction caused by fire at different point of times.

Shri Pratap Singh Museum: Museum situated just south of Jhelum river in Lal Mandi has an good collection of exhibits relevant to state's Buddhist and Hindu past as well as 200-year old textiles and carpets. It's open everyday from 10.30 am to 4 pm,except on Monday and on Friday it's open between 1 and 2.30 pm. Entry is free. The museum is closed on Wednesdays.

Hazratbal Mosque: This mosque is situated on the north-west shore of Dal Lake and enshrines a hair of the prophet. The mosque is set very beautifully on shores of the lake with snowcapped peaks as backdrop.

Razabal Tomb: It is believed to be the grave of Yuz Asaf or Jesus Christ who,according to legend,is supposed to have survived the cross and come to Kashmir,identified as the home of the lost tribe of Israel.

Shri Pratap Singh Museum: Museum situated just south of Jhelum river in Lal Mandi has an good collection of exhibits relevant to state's Budhist and Hindu past as well as 200-year old textiles and carpets. It's open everyday from 10.30 am to 4 pm,except on Monday and on Friday it's open between 1 and 2.30 pm. Entry is free. The museum is closed on Wednesdays.

Chasma Shahi (Royal Spring): smallest of mughal gardens at Srinagar,it is situated above the Nehru Memorial Park. The gardens were laid out in 1632 but have been recently extended. These are the only gardens with an admission charge.

Nishat Bagh (Garden of Gladness): These gardens offers superb views of Pir Panjal mountains. Designed in 1633 by Nur Jahan's brother,these are the largest of Mughals Gardens. The gardens on either side of the water course are planted with tall chinar trees,which are at its best in autumn.

Shalimar Bagh: These gardens were built for Nur Jahan by her husband,the emperor Jahangir in 1616. These are 15 km away from Srinagar. This garden is most secluded,reached by a tree-lined canal. The central black marble pavilion in the "Zenana" or ladies' garden is surrounded by water and looks out in four directions. Be;ow,in the "Diwan-i-Am",the Hall of Public Audience,the emperor used to sit on a black marble throne above the water. Every evening from May to October there is a Sound & Light show which describes Jahangir's court. As the nearest taxi stand is five kms away it's best to keep a waiting taxi.

Nasim Bagh: Situated 8 km from Srinagar,these gardens were built by Akbar in 1586 and are the oldest of Kashmir's Mughals Gardens.

Shikara Rides: Shikaras are long boats which crowd the Srinagar lakes. They are used for getting back and forth from the houseboats or for longer tours. It is worth to take a pleasure ride around the lake in shikara.

Dal Lake: The lake is 6.4 km long and 4 km wide and is divided into 3 parts by manmade causeways. Within the lake,are two islands which are popular picnic spots. Around the edges of lake are groves of chinar,poplar and willow.

Nagin Lake: There are a number of houseboats on this quieter,cleaner lake.

Best time to visit: Between May and September.

Travel Information:

• By Air: Civil airport Humhama is 15 km from the city centre. Flights connects Srinagar with Jammu,Delhi,and Leh.
• By Rail: The nearest rail head is Jammu Tawi.
• By Road: Srinagar is situated on National Highway-1A,which connects to all parts of the country. Buses of Jammu & Kashmir Road State Road Transport Corporation (J&KSRTC) and STRCs of Punjab,Haryana,Delhi and Himachal Pradesh run to Jammu from major northern cities like Delhi,Chandigarh and Amritsar. Some continue to Srinagar,while there are many connections from Jammu.
  

Ooty Hill Station - India, Tamil Nadu

Ooty also known as Udhagamandalam ,the capital of Nilgiri district,is popularly known as the "Queen of hill stations' among the tourist places in india. The height of the hills in the Nilgiri range varies between 2280 and 2290 metres,the highest peak being Doddabetta at a height of 2623 metres. This hill station has splendid green downs and lofty hills of extraordinary scenic beauty and is endowed with a salubrious climate similar to the English summer.The name Ooty or Ootacamund derives its name from the local Toda word Udhamandalam meaning village of huts. The Tamil 'Whotai' a species of dwarf bamboo that grows in the forests,'kai' meaning a fruit or green stuff in the middle and the Toda 'mund' meaning a village clapped at the end. Ooty,however,got its name during the British rule,by calling 'WOTYKAMUND' in the Madras gazette.Ooty nestles in an amphitheater created by four majestic hills-Doddabetta,Snowdon,Elk Hill and Club Hill. These hills are part of the Nilgiri ranges that are really the meeting point for the Western and the Eastern Ghats.

Ooty has become more of a 'honeymooner's paradise' and a de-facto filming location. Apart from coffee and tea plantations, trees like conifers,pine and wattle dot the hillside of Oooty and its environs. While visiting you will also come across many eucalyptus trenches . The fresh smell of eucalyptus trees in a trendy and clement breeze will make you psychedelic for sure. The funnel-shaped blossoms covering the hills in floral profusion and the lavender-blue flowers spread over the mountains will pack you with memories for a lifetime.

Attractions:

Botanical Gardens
Botanical gardens are a major tourist attraction for those who visit Ooty,one of the most popular hill stations of India. They sprawl over 50-acre and lie on the lower slopes of Doddabetta peak,which is the highest point in Ooty. Marquis of Tweeddale established these gardens in the year 1848.

The gardens are formally laid out with lily ponds,and there are clipped bushes in the form of elephants,with raised trunks. One can find a thousand different species of plants including some thirty types of eucalyptus in these gardens. There is also a fossilised tree trunk, which is said to be 20 million years old. Towards the eastern part of the garden there is a wooden house made of logs known as "Toda Mund", which provides an excellent view.

Ooty Lake
About 1-km distance there is an artificial lake with a charming look, which was formed in 1824 by Mr. John Sullivan,the then Collector of Coimbatore.

St Stephens Church
Situated in the hilly area on Club Road,St Stephens Church is said to be the oldest in the Nilgiris. The church was built in 1829 and consecrated in 1830. The beam of the church was taken from the palace of Tipu Sultan at Srirangapatnam. The cemetery close by houses the grave of John Sullivan,the founder of Ooty.

Mini Garden
Mini garden is also situated on the way to the boathouse where the children amusement park is housed. A snack bar is also available. Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation Limited maintains these gardens.

Rose Garden
Rose Garden is situated about 3 to 4-km away from Charring Cross. They are spread over an area of 10 acres of land with 2000 variety of roses. Rose Gardens lie on the way to the boathouse.

Government Museum
The government museum,Mysore Road,Ooty has items of tribal objects, district's ecological details and representative sculptural arts and crafts of Tamil Nadu. It was set up in 1989,with a view to provide education benefits to the residing and visiting population of Nilgiris district.

Deer Park
At a distance of 1-km from the Lake there is a Deer Park,which is worth visiting.

Doddabetta
Doddabetta is the highest peak (2623 meters) in the Nilgiris,which is about 10-km from Ooty. It is a beautiful place lying between the junction of the Western and Eastern Ghats and offers a beautiful view of the Nilgiri hill ranges. It is surrounded by dense Sholas.

Hindustan Photo Films
The Hindustan Photo Films,one of the major industrial units of the district,is located about 5-km away from Ooty railway station over a sprawling area of over 300 acres,near the Ooty golf-links on the Ooty- Mysore road.

Travel Information:

• By Air: Coimbatore,105 km from Ooty,is the nearest airport.
• By Rail:Ooty is on the narrow gauge railway,connected to Mettupalayam (47 km),which is directly connected to Coimbatore and Chennai. The famous toy train connects Ooty with Mettupalayam and Coonoor.
• By Road: A good network of roads and national highways connect Ooty with all major towns and cities. There are regular bus services to and from Coimbatore,Trichy,Bangalore,Madurai,Kanyakumari,Mysore,Palghat,Calicut,Tirupati and other important destinations in South India. Ooty is also well connected with major cities of Kerala and Karnataka.

Niligiri Hill Stations - India

Nilgiris- The Blue Mountains The word Nilgiri stands for "Blue Mountains". The entire area of the Blue Mountains constitutes the present district of Nilgiri. There are numerous mountain peaks in the belt whose height vary between 2,280 and 2,290 metres. Doddabetta,with its height of 2,623 metres is the highest of all.

Nestled amidst serene setting,Nilgiris carries a charm that is unique and provides a real treat to eyes. Steep hills,narrow valleys,numerous rivers and rivulets,fine waterfalls,green landscape,sky touching trees,varied flora,cool air; this is nutshell what one can find in Nilgri. The temperate and most equable climate further heightens the attractiveness of the place. The major tea growing areas in the South are the Nilgiris and these tea gardens are beautiful to watch.

Hill Stations In The Nilgiri Hills
Ooty ( Udhagamandalam ) Udhagamandalam (Ooty),the headquarters of Nilgiri district,is popularly known as the "Queen of hill stations' among the tourist circuits. It is situated at a distance of 105 kilometres away from Coimbatore. The Botanical Gardens and the Doddabetta peak (the highest peak in the Nilgiris,located 10-km from Ooty) are the major attractions.
Kotagiri Kotagiri is located 16-km away from Ooty and it is the oldest hill station of the Nilgiris. Kotagiri is situated at an altitude of 1,950m,which was once a British hill resort,that dates back to 1819 and is quieter than Ooty. Elk falls,Kodanad viewpoint and Catherine falls are a few places to visit.
Coonoor Coonoor is situated on the eastern side of the southern extremity of the Doddabetta range,at an altitude of 1,858 metres above the sea level. It is the second largest hill station in the Nilgiris. Coonoor is located 19-km away from Ooty and is essentially a small tea garden town where the weather remains pleasantly cool throughout the year.

Attractions:

• Botanical Garden
  Botanical gardens are a major tourist attraction for those who visit Ooty. They sprawl over 50-acres and lie on the lower slopes of Dodabetta peak,which is the highest point in Ooty. Marquis of Tweeddale established these gardens in the year 1848.
• Ooty Lake
  An artificial lake constructed in 1824 by Mr. Sullivan. The lake garden is an added attraction.
• Doddabetta
  niligiri-hills Doddabetta is the highest peak (2,623 mts.) in the Nilgiris and offers beautiful vistas of the hill ranges,plateaus and plains around. It is 10-km from Ooty. There is a good motorable road to reach the peak.
• Dolphin's Nose
  Dolphin's Nose is about 12-km from Coonoor. The Nose is unique rock of tremendous proportions,jutting out of the face of the hillside in formation in which its name suggests. It exposes a vast panorama,which encompasses Catherine falls.
• Pykara
  Pykara is situated about 21-km from Ooty. Some of the tourist attractions of this place are well-protected fenced sholas,Toda settlements,undisturbed grassy meadows and also a good wildlife habitat. The Pykara Dam,Pykara falls and the reservoir attracts many tourists. A boathouse with restaurant and a rest house are available at Pykara.
• The Mukkurthi Peak and National Park
  About 40-km from Ooty there is a beautiful peak called "Mukkurthi". The Mukkurthi National Park is located on the Southern corner of the Nilgiri Plateau. The Kollaribetta and Nilgiris Peak are other major peaks around. A number of little perennial streams flow between these peaks,which fall into Bhavani Puzha. Silent Valley is located on the Western side in the Western Ghat,which is a feast to the visitor's eye.
• Kodanad Viewpoint
  Kodanad Viewpoint located at a distance of 16-km from Kotagiri commands a panoramic view of the plains and the eastern slopes of the Nilgiris.
• Laws Falls
  Laws falls are a beautiful picnic spot,named after Lt. Colonel Law, who traced and mainly constructed the Coonoor Ghat. They are about 5-km below Coonoor on Mettupalayam road. The height of the falls is about 180 feet. There are vast stretches of undisturbed sholas and it is a paradise for naturalists.

Fair & Festival in Nilgiri Hills
Tea And Tourism Festival

The Department of Tourism,Government of Tamil Nadu and Ministry of Tourism,Government of India,jointly celebrate the annual Tea and Tourism Festival during the months of January-February in the Nilgiris. The festival is held for 3 days. Varieties of tea are on display. Visitors can also taste and select from the wide varieties of tea available.

Summer Festival There are several beautiful hill stations in Tamil Nadu. With the Summer Festivals,the hills are even hospitable to welcome the visitors. The summer festival is held in the 'Queen of Hill Stations',the evergreen Ooty; the exquisite Kodaikanal and the salubrious heights of Yercaud - where boat races,flower and fruit shows are specially organized.

Travel Information:

• By Air: Coimbatore,105-km from Ooty,is the nearest airport. It has daily flights to and from Chennai,Bangalore,Cochin and Trivandrum.
• By Rail:Ooty is on the narrow gauge railway connected to Mettupalayam (47-km),which is directly connected to Coimbatore and Chennai. The famous toy train connects Ooty with Mettupalayam and Coonoor.
• By Road: A good network of roads and national highways connect Ooty with all major towns and cities. There are regular bus services to and from Coimbatore,Trichy, Bangalore,Madurai,Kanyakumari,Mysore,Palghat,Calicut,Tirupati and other important destinations in South India. Ooty is also well connected with major cities of Kerala and Karnataka.

PatniTop - Hill Stations in India

With all its beauty at a hill station,it is a charming plateau at 2,024m. The meadow is surrounded by dense woods and lush greenery of Pines. Tracks lead to pockets where time stands still and calm prevails. Picturesquely situated at a high altitude,there are good bridle paths passing through wooded lanes and fascinating scenery link Patnitop with Kud and Batote. There are three,gushing,icecold freshwater springs in the area,which are said to have medicinal properties. The complete tourist circuit covers Jammu-Katra-Vaishno Deviji,Kud-Sanasar,Patnitop-Gourikund,Sudmahadev,Mantali,extending upto Latti-Dhuna.

Trekking in PatniTop Picturesquely situated at a high altitude,there are many pleasant walks around this popular hill station. Patnitop is a good starting place for many short or longer treks into the nearby mountains. An attractive one-day walk is to Shiva Garh,about 11-km from Patnitop at an altitude of almost 3,500 metres.

Darjeeling - Hill Station in India

Darjeeling is a famous hill resort offering a breathtaking sight of the numerous peaks of the majestic Himalayas. The view of Kanchenjunga and Mount Everest are particularly awe inspiring. The luxuriant vegetation is a plant lover's paradise. The finest blend of tea comes from various tea gardens of this region. The Buddhist Monasteries and the Hindu temples found here are of architectural and cultural importance. The lofty mountainous terrain and cascading rivers,offer adventure sports like trekking,mountaineering and river rafting.

The name Darjeeling is a composition of 'dorje' meaning 'thunderbolt' and 'ling' meaning 'place' ... 'the Land of Thunderbolt'. It is perched at 2134 m directly opposite the massif of Kanchenjunga. At 8586 metres,this is the world's third highest mountain and India's highest and is surrounded by tea plantations on all sides.

Jawhar Parbat (formerly Birds Hill): It was planted by a former British Governor and is behind the Raj Bhavan (Governor's residence),northwest of the town square. From here you will get a magnificent view of Mount Kanchenjunga and Singla Valleys.
Batasia Loop:This railway loop is an interesting example of engineering. At this loop the toy train takes a very unique turn. This loop is just five kilometer from the main town of Darjeeling.
Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park: Located adjacent to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. It is a high altitude wild life park and a new home for the Siberian Tiger,Himalayan Black Deer,Deer Panda,Llama and birds. It is open from 8 am to 4 pm.
Bhutia Busty Gompa:With the back drop of the Kanchenjunga range stands a monastery called the Bhutia Busty Gompa. This monastery was shifted from the observatory hills to the present place. The Gompa is a branch of the Nyingmapa sect's Phodang Monastery in Sikkim. The monastery is not far from the chowrasta and is very tastefully decorated. It also has a library which has a copy of the Tibetan Book of the Dead. Lloyds Botanical Garden: It is a colourful garden situated just below the market motor stand. It contains a representative collection of Himalayan plants,flowers,orchids,etc. The hot houses are well worth a visit. Timings: 6 am to 5 pm.
Dhirdam Temple: Situated just below the railway station,it is built on the style of the famous "Pasupatinath" temple of Kathmandu(Nepal).
Kanchenjunga View:From Darjeeling one can have the best,uninterrupted view of the worlds third highest peak. Bhan Bhakta Sarani provides one of the enthralling views of these snow capped peaks. The Chowrasta also gives you a good sight to the Kanchenjunga peak.

Passenger Ropeway Another tourist attraction in Darjeeling has been the ropeway. This was the first ropeway in India. It connects the North point (7000 ft) to the Singla Bazaar (800 ft). The rope covers a distance of 8 kms in 45 minutes. The seats in the rope way is limited and it is better to get the tickets in advance. The ropeway is exciting and unique for any one visiting Darjeeling.


The Mall: This is an important meeting point for all tourists. Restaurants,Cafeterias,and shops full of woollen goods and curios are the main attraction. The view of Kanchenjunga is marvellous from here.

Travel Information:

• By Air: The nearest airport is at Bagdogra,90 km away from Darjeeling. Bagdogra is connected to important cities of the country by domestic airlines.
• By Rail: A number of express trains also provide direct connections with new Jalpaiguri and Siliguri from Delhi and Kolkata.
• By Road: There are bus connections to Darjeeling from Siliguri,Bagdogra,Gangtok,Kurseong and Kathmandu.