Himachal’s charming and unexplored hills!

So beautiful, Shimla’s often referred to as the ‘Queen of Hills’ for its breathtaking attractions and exquisite views of the snow capped Himalayas, a destination that’s known to attract tourists from far and wide. But is it really the right destination or are some  unexplored but just as exquisite destinations near Shimla, which promise to take your breath away the real ones? Ready to explore beauty beyond Shimla?…Then read up!

If adventure sports is something that excites you, then Kufri might just be the ideal destination for you! From exciting trekking to great skiing slopes, Kufri located at barely 16 km from Shilma is a destination one can enjoy with Mother Nature at its best! Also attracting tourists to this place is the National Snow Statue competition held during the month of January and the Annual Winter Festival held in February with great gusto and gaiety. Also home to many a wild animal and Himalayan bird, some exotic species found here include the ibex, musk deer, black and brown bears and more!

Once the capital of Baghal, one can explore some magnificent monuments in Arki in the district of Solan. From the majestic palace of Raja Kishan Chand amidst chir pines and deodars trees, that looks like a scene out of a story book to the Jhakoli temple or the Sair fair celebrated here during the months of July and September, or the cave temple of Lutru Mahadev; here’s a destination that will keep you occupied with its marvelous interests!

If Golf is your game, then can this destination not be on your itinerary? Not only is the Golf course at Naldehra the oldest golf course in India, but also one of the most beautiful and challenging golf courses in the world!  A pet project of Lord Curzon, the viceroy of the erstwhile British Raj, this beautiful course surrounded by tall deodar trees is a delightful holiday destination.

Founded in 1100AD by the Chandella Rajputs, Nalagarh is most known for its Nalagarh Fort that is located at the foothills of the majestic Himalayas. From stunning views of the Shivalik Hills to enjoyable nature walks or angling  at the banks of the Gobind Sagar Lake, Nalagarh proves to be an interesting getaway!

Shimla Sumer Hills is the perfect place to enjoy some memorable nature walks amidst  peace and quiet. From unforgettable sights of the snow covered mountains to the age old Georgian House of Raj Kumari Amrit Kaur, the Summer Hill of Shimla is known for its spectacular beauty and has over the years developed into a major tourist attraction.

A walk through Kausali makes you wonder if the time machines aren’t just in movies! A walk through its lanes takes you back to the 19^th century, a tiny town it is known for its share of old mansions, splendid vistas, scenic view points and some exquisite and endangered flora found only in the Himalayan belt.

A place of exceptional beauty, Mashobra makes the ideal picnic spot with colorful  daffodils, hyacinths, asphodels and celandines scattered all around.  Adding to the beauty are some old British structures and the Goddess Durga temple, a place of immense religious importance not just for people of the state but tourists too.

From silvery streams to walking through its jungles or exploring its exquisite palace, Chail is another charming destination. Adding to the beauty are its magnificent view points where one can enjoy some breathtaking views of adjoining hills. Wildlife found here  include the  Red Deer, Barking Deer, Leopard Red jungle Fowl, Himalayan Black Bear & more.

Another tiny town known for its uncountable varieties of wild flowers and medicinal herbs is Saraha. Try it for its fairytale like surroundings, Bhimakali Temple Complex, a fusion of Hindu and Buddhist architecture, and Bird Park.

One of Himachal’s most attractive destinations, Chindi set amidst apple orchards and thick pines and deodar trees is a perfect getaway.Though small its lush greenery and temples provides a welcome break for those touring the areas.

While Palampur is  referred to as ‘Tea Capital of North India’ and is a perfect destination for paragliding and trekking, this beautiful locale which lies in the valley of Kangra, has interesting attractions like the 500 year old temples found in Bunslamata, Buddhist monasteries at Bir or aerosports at Billing.

Tattapani is another great getaway known for its hot water sulfur springs that provide relief for patients suffering from aches and pains.  A major Hindu pilgrim site, also attracting tourists are the Shiv Goofa (Shiva Caves) here. One can also enjoy angling  here.

Once the capital of Bushahr Empire, Rampur is an important business center today, known for its numerous temples and shrines, and the Lavi fair that is held in November or the Faag mela celebrated in March with much gaiety.

Considered to be a very holy place by Hindus, Buddhists and Sikhs,  it is from Rewalsar that Tibet’s spiritual teacher Padmasabhava began his journey of Tibet; this place is known for its monasteries, temples, zoo and crystal clear lake.

Surrounded by thick pine and deodar trees, not only is Narkanda a perfect destination to enjoy some breathtaking views of  beautiful snow clad mountains around but also a perfect place for skiing and trekking.

A place known for its religious significance, while Baijnath is a beautiful destination with snow clad mountains and green valleys,it is most known for its Baijnath Temple, the seat of Baidyanath Shiva and is the most important among the twelve Jyotirilingas in India.

Manikaran, a famous pilgrimage site for Hindus and Sikhs, is also known for its hot springs (part of theParvati river) that’s rich in Uranium and is known to heal many skin diseases. Apart from the waters from the Vishnu Kund at Manikaran, other must visit religious attractions include the Sri Ramchandra temple, Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurudwara, Kulant Pith and more.

While Mandi is also referred to as the ‘Varanasi of the Hills’ apart from the 81 ancient stone curved temples, found here, the ancient palaces here add to the glory of the place.

A place considered holy by Sikhs, Paonta Sahib being the domicile of the tenth guru of the Sikhs Gobind Singh is known for its many temples and gurudwaras.

Other smaller yet just as beautiful hill stations here include the Kaza – yet another spectacular hill stationknown for its famous Ki Monastery built in the 14th Century, Tabo known for its Tabo, a treasure trove of wonderful paintings, scriptures and more.

With many more such beautiful destinations scattered around the state waiting to be explored, Himachal Pradesh is truly one of India’s most exquisite states, a paradise for any backpacker or trekker!

Dehradun, a delight in the Doon Valley!

Now that summer is here, who isn’t on the lookout for that perfect getaway? Set amidst the Himalayas, Shivaliks, Ganges and Yamuna, and charming one and all who visit, is the dream destination, Dehradun.

Within this district lies the ‘Queen of hills’ Mussoorie, the town of ‘rishis’, sages and the white water rafting destination…Rishikesh, a part of the Rajaji National Park, and the renowned sulphur springs at Sahastradhara. One of India’s most developed cities; Dehra Dun is also the entry point for campers, mountaineers and trekkers heading to towards the Garhwal Himalayas.

Ready to add a bit of adventure, spiritualism and tranquility to your holiday?… Then read up about some of the amazing attractions Dehradun has to offer!

Named after Guru Dronacharya, a great teacher in Mahabharat epic, Dehradun is an exhilarating experience for many, one of India’s hottest destinations especially during summers, offering some of nature’s most scenic attractions.

Rejuvenating body, soul and mind is Sahastradhara, a destination that literally translates to ‘thousand fold spring’, a place of immense beauty, attracting tourists from far and wide. The waters from the sulfur springs here being of very low temperatures, are known for their remarkable medicinal value.

Apart from scenic beauty, Dehradun is home to some interesting temples. Here are some of its must visits:

The Chandrabani temple is one such temple with a deep religious significance. Set in the midst of the Shivalik hills, according to ancient mythology, the place around the temple was believed to be the residence of Maharishi Gautam, his mate and daughter Anjani. Pilgrims believe that Chandrabani is the spot where ‘Maa Ganga’, the daughter of the heaven, manifested herself. Popularly known as the Gautam Kund, every year thousands of devotees come here to take a dip in the holy Kund (pool). Not only is it significant for religious purposes, but also known for its amazing and breath taking views of the stunning countryside.

The Dehradun Tapkeshwar Temple set on the bank of a seasonal river in a damp cave is a significant  cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva . The constant dripping of water from the ceiling on a Shiv Linga, gives this temple its name. The water drops over the shrine then vanishes underground only to reappear after a few yards in the form of stream. Cool sulphur springs around the temple make this place an excellent bathing spot for pilgrims visiting the temple.

A 2km trek which is an unforgettable experience will take you to one of India’s most famous shrines. Santhla Devi is a symbol of faith to the people in and around Dehradun. According to an interesting myth, Santhla Devi and her brother, on realizing that they were not be able to cope up with the Mughal Army, abandoned their weapons and started to pray. Moments later a light flashed and they were turned into stone images.

Lying in the middle of thick forests, the Laxman Sidh Temple, the cremation site of the Saint-Swami Laxman Sidh, is a place noted for its solitude, where one can find nothing but virgin nature.
Taking you back, as early as the fifth century A.D., is the Lakha Mandal, a site rich with ancient remains of temples, sculptures and inscriptions. It is situated on a hill slope along the bank of the Yamuna in the district of Dehradun.

A wonderful example of Indian secular fabric, the Sai Darbar Temple is open to all kinds of devotees irrespective of caste, creed and religion. Known for the serene atmosphere around it, it is a perfect background for devotees to conduct their spiritual requirements

Also known as ‘Devbhumi’, Harkidun ‘The Valley of the Gods’ was believed to be the ultimate destination of the great sages who came here to meditate. A photographer’s delight for its lush greenery, wonderful views of the glistening snow clad Swargarohini Mountains, views of pine forests, deodar and conifer forests and beautiful meadows, not only is this a favorite amongst trekkers, but also with research botanists, nature lovers, and bird watchers for the exotic Himalayan wildlife found here.

One of the oldest Gurudwaras and a popular pilgrimage centre in Dehradun here, is the Ram Rai Gurudwara, established by the 7th Sikh Guru, ‘Ram Rai’, after he settled down here for being cast away for becoming a Sikh. It was built in the olden days with the active support of the then ruler of Dehradun.

A great spot for picnics also known for its breathtaking trekking trails and absolute silence all over, is the Robber’s Cave, also known as Guchhipani or Guchu Pani situated only 8 km away from the Dehradun Bus Stand.

Another interesting picnic spot is the Asan Barrage or Dhalipur Lake, famous for its water sports resort by the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam. A fun place meant for the entire family this water resort has all type of facilities and services.

Built before independence, the Clock Tower is the most aesthetic structure in the city and can be seen from a distance. A unique structure of its kind, it is the largest non-chiming six faced clock today.

Wildlife enthusiasts, try the Malsi Deer Park approximately 10km from Dehradun for its wide varities of deer. This beautifully developed mini-zoological park that lies at the foothills of the Shivalik range is a delight for both adults and children, and is an ideal sight-seeing cum picnic spot.

Another must visit for its exotic wildlife; that includes the Himalayan yellow throated martin, the Elephant Leopard, Indian langur, King cobra, Jungle cat, Tiger,Monitor lizard and many more is the Rajaji National Park – a park formed by combining three sanctuaries of Dehradun namely Rajaji, Motichur and Chillaand. This sanctuary is said to be home to around 23 species of mammals, and over 400 species of birds.

Other attractions here include the Botanical Survey of India, an important center for research in plant systematic and taxonomy in North India, and The Zoological Survey of India an important research center, keeping track of the faunal resources of the country.

The Karuna Vihar or the ‘Garden of Compassion’ is another institute worth visiting. An institute that renders services specifically to children and young adults with disabilities, it firmly believes that education is a child’s birth right. Children with disabilities are taught under the able guidance of trained, creative and caring teachers.

From mountaineering to trekking, river rafting in the boisterous Ganges or para gliding and para sailing… Dehradun is an ideal spot where one can enjoy all these adventure sports and more! Just the perfect spot recommended for tourists this summer, if they are longing for serenity and tranquility and an experience to remember for a lifetime!