Now it’s time to take a break from your hectic day
to day schedule and go for a long weekend getaway. Find peace, happiness and rejuvenate
yourself while you explore new places. HumRaahii lists some Indian destinations
for a long weekend getaway.
SHIMLA:
Shimla at the height of 2226m is the capital and the largest city of the
Indian state of Himachal Pradesh and among most popular hill stations of India.
Before Independence, it was summer capital of British. It is well connected by
Air/Rail/Road. You can easily reach Shimla from Delhi by hiring
a reliable Delhi to Shimla taxi service. Nearest Airport is Jubbarhatti,
23 kilometres from the city while the nearest major airport is Chandigarh
airport about 116 km away. Shimla is rail head of scenic Kalka
–Shimla track a narrow gauge track listed in the Guinness Book of
Records with heritage property status. Shimla is well connected by fast
track roads to Kalka(90 km), Chandigarh(120km), Delhi(380 km), Amritsar(342km)
and all other major cities of India. A perfect
place to wander, Shimla showcases some of the best colonial-era architecture,
including the Viceregal Lodge, Town Hall. Other
tourist spots in and around Shimla are: Ridge,The Mall, Christchurch,
Summer Hill, Badi Ka dar, Joku Ropeway, Naridhera, Golf Club, Sankat
Mochan,Tara Devi, Mashorba(13km), Kufri(16km), Chharabra(13 Km) Naldehra(22km)
,Chail(45 km)etc. The appeal of the Queen of
Hills increases manifold when the winter sets in – the entire city gets
enveloped in snow, a sight to remember!
MANALI:
Manali is the most popular picturesque
resort town of Himachal Pradesh nestled at the height of 2050m at the end
of the Kullu Valley on the Beas River. It is about 270 km from
Shimla, 309 km from Chandigarh and 544 km from Delhi. The nearest airport Bhuntar Airport (50km). Popular places of tourist interest in and
around Manali are Beas Kund, Hidimba Temple, Nehru Kund, Maa Sharavari
temple, Kalathand Vashisth hot water springs, Jogini, Jana and Rahala
water falls, Manali Gompa, Rohtang Pass Kothi , Solang valley(paragliding)etc.
Rohtang Pass connects with the Lahul and Spiti Valley situated at 3,978 m and
also to Leh.
DALHOUSIE:
Nestled at an elevation of 1,970 metres Dalhousie is a quiet hill station, best
suited for people who want to de-stress at a quiet, serene atmosphere. It’s
ideal for honeymooners. Dalhousie, ideal for long walks, picnics and treks,
exudes an old-world charm and it almost appears like it hasn't quite
caught up with the rest of the world. Well connected by Road/ Rail(PathanKot(3
hr drive) and by Air(Jammu 180km )Dalhousie is brimming with mountains, cascading waterfalls, lakes and lush pine and
oak trees; adventure enthusiasts love to come to Dalhousie to partake in
outdoor activities, like trekking, river rafting, canoeing, kayaking and
camping. From Dalhousie you must visit Khajjiar, a stunning valley with a spring in the middle Khajjiar lake this
place is known as the 'Mini Switzerland of India' for the meadow
scenery, Yet another close by is the
exotic wildlife at the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary. While in
Dalhousie you should not forget to visit Chamba located
on the confluence of Sai and Ravi Rivera, it is an ancient town in Himachal
Pradesh known for its great historical, cultural and comeliness. Bounded by the
mighty Himalayas from all sides and verdant forests, the weather in this hill
station is pleasant throughout the year with all exclusive in their
exquisiteness and experience making it a popular hill destination among
tourists.
DHARMSHALA:
Dharmshala at an elevation of 1457 m, a hill station on the upper hilly stretch of Kullu district
of Himachal Pradesh is well connected both by road(Delhi, Pathankot,
Chandigarh, Shimla) and Air(Gaggal Airport 12 kms) Placed
against the picturesque Dhauladhar ranges Dharamshala
enjoys one of the best climates in Himachal. Surrounded by snow-laden peaks of
Dhauladhar mountains and lush pine and deodar forests, the town is brimming
with cultural and architectural attractions.
Being a Tibetan hub, Dharamshala is considered to be one of the best places to
learn and explore Buddhism and Tibetan Culture. Dharamshala
is bathed in the glory of mother nature and Buddhist culture. Your
holidays in Dharamshala is incomplete if you don't visit Mcleodganj,
a beautiful village located in the vicinity a hill station though small
yet stunning with views of the magnificent Dhauladhar range .From Dharmashala
you can also visit famous temples of Jwala Devi, Kangra Devi and Chittpurni
Devi.You can also travel to nearby Pragpur in
the lap of the Dhauladhar Range, which is India’s first heritage valley.
MOUNT ABU:
Mount Abu
is a popular hill station in the Aravalli Range in Rajasthan, bordering Gujrat
province in western India. The nearest domestic airport to Mount Abu is
Udaipur (210 km) while the nearest train station is Abu Road( 28 km away) . Its
cool atmosphere and lush green surroundings make it a major tourist spot both
for the people of Rajasthan and Gujrat besides the tourist from all over India.
The most important attraction, however, are undoubtedly the DILWARA TEMPLES,
which are one of the most stunning piece of architecture in the country. The
exceptionally intricate architecture of the Dilwara temples is unique and one
can easily spend hours wondering how these temples were built almost a 1000
years back. The temples were specifically made so that they are plain from the
outside to avoid attraction of plunderers, and have withstood the test of time
extremely well. Besides this unique architectural marvel there are various
lakes and viewpoints such as the Honeymoon Point, Sunset Point, etc. Tourists enjoy
calm and relaxed boating in Nakki Lake. Near the lake is The Toad Rock. The
highest peak of the Aravali Range also is in Mt. Abu at Guru Shikhar at 1,722 m
(5,650 ft) above sea level which receives snow fall in extreme winter. A top
this hill is the temple of Guru Dattatreya a focal point of attraction.
Besides this temple there are Adhar Devi Temple (also known as Arbuda Devi
Temple), carved out of solid rock; the Shri Raghunathji Temple. In Mount Abu,
the faith community of Brahma Kumaris has its spiritual headquarters. Nearby Mt
Abu is Achalgarh Fort , built in the 14th century by Rana Kumbha of
Mewar. Close to the fort is the Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple .The
Durga Ambika Mata Temple lies in a cleft of rock in Jagat, just outside
Mount Abu town. Mt Abu is truly referred to as “an oasis in the desert”.
MUNNAR:
At the
elevation of 1532m Munnar is another beautiful and popular hill station in
God’s Own Country Kerala. Munnar is believed to mean "three
rivers", referring to its location at the confluence of the Mudhirapuzha,
Nallathanni and Kundaly rivers. Munnar is about 130 km by road from
Cochin, which is well connected by both Air and Rail Situated in the
Western Ghats, Munnar has captured the hearts of travellers from across the world
with its salubrious weather, peaceful atmosphere, fresh air and abundant
natural beauty. For Wild life Tourist, attractions are a plenty. In and
around are Kurinjimala sanctuary, Chinar Wild life Santuary, Amaravati reserve
forest of Indira Gandhi Wildlife Santuary, the Eravikulam National Park,
Anamudi Shola National Park, Pampadum Shola National Park, Palani Hills
National Park. Besides these parks Munnar has Subramanya Temple, Rose Garden,
Sigmal view point, Oldly hill view point, Lock hart Gap view point, Pothmedu
view point , Anamudi Peak(2,695 m) offering unbeatable views of the rolling
hills and valleys. Periyakanal ,Cheeyapara , Lakkan waterfall on three
different sides of Munnar. Then there are Mattupetty ,Kundla and
Anayirangal(Boating) Dams on different locations . One must visit Tea Parks and
Tea Museums in and around Munnar besides visiting Marayur Sandle forest and
Thankaiah caves. At any time of the year, this hill station is a great
place to explore with plethora of recreational activities in and around
the area, including trekking, parasailing, camping, boating and rock
climbing.
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