Nine hillstations to visit this Summer season

The sun is starting to scorch Delhi and the summer holidays are about to start. Most of Delhi is soon going to be making a beeline for hill stations. We bring you the bucket list that you should fill you up.

1. Kasol

Main agenda behind a visit to Kasol is to just relax as the town does not have much to offer in terms of sightseeing or monuments, but just the natural beauty all around. Make sure you visit cafes and the local market here in Kasol. The Malana Trek will consume a full day, so if you want to do that, you will have to extend your stay for another day or so. Walking is the best way to commute in Kasol as the town is very small. However, if you wish to go to Manikaran or to Malana, then you might need to take a local taxi or a state bus to go there.

2. Rohtang

Located at an altitude of 13,000 feet, Rohtang pass serves as the gateway to Lahaul and Spiti valley in Himachal Pradesh. About 50Kms from Manali, the place surely makes to our off beat tourist destination because of its scenic beauty and strategic importance for India. The best time to visit Rohtang is from May to October. Besides sightseeing, tourists can also indulge in sledge rides and skiing. Closest accommodation point is Manali and due to scarcity of food stalls in Rohtang, we advise you to carry your own food while visiting Rohtang.

3. Chail

The former summer capital of the princely state of Patiala, Chail is a beautiful hill station located 63 km from Shimla in the Shivalik region of Himachal Pradesh. Chail was founded in 1893 by Maharaja of Patiala who was banished from entering Shimla. Maharaja made sure that his new found love should have an exact resemblance of Shimla in every way. Majestic snow-capped Shivalik peaks, beautiful orchards and Sylvan pine valleys cast a spell on everyone. Chail Palace, Chail Cricket ground and Chail Military School are one of the popular highlights of this hill station.

4. Kasauli

Kasauli is a cantonment and town, located in the district of Solan. Located 65 kms from Shimla and 77 Kms from Chandigarh, it lies at an altitude of 6,000 feet above the sea level. Kasauli Club has been established by civilians and service personnels offers an amazing view of Chandigarh from Kasauli. Other popular destinations are Nahri temple, Kasauli brewery and Gurudwara Shri Guru Nanak Ji.

5. Mashobra

Situated in Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh, the hill station of Mashobra is known for its scenic locales, flora, fauna and pilgrimages. Mashobra’s claim to fame is the fact that it is one of the retreats of the President of India. It is visited by the President of India every year during which his main office shifts to the Presidents Retreat. The retreat consists of 16 rooms and it stands on a 300 acre forest compound. The President occupies it only for two weeks in a year during summer and is mostly used by the Government of India to house foreign VIPs visiting Shimla.

6. Solan

Solan derives its name from Goddess Shoolini Devi, the patron deity of the region. The hill station is visited by tourists who love solitude and peace. Known as the ‘Mushroom capital of India’, Solan is situated 50 km from Shimla. The hill station primarily serves as a gateway to other popular hill stations like Kasauli, Shimla and Chail. Solan is also called the ‘city of red gold’, because of the bulk production of tomatoes in the area.

7. Naldhera

Nestled between the beautiful lofty ranges of the Himalayas, lies the Naldehra hill station. The most famous attraction of Naldehra hill station is the 18 – hole golf course that is considered to be the most challenging golf course. This is because it is situated at an altitude of 2044 meters! The golf course is one of the most gorgeous stretches of land in Naldehra.

8. Munnar, Kerala

Come breathe in the sweet scent of teas and spices. Way back since the British Raj, Munnar is the summer resort of Kerala. Sprawling tea plantations away from the sounds of boisterous traffic, Munnar is all about budding tea saplings, coffee, cardamom and spice plantations. Enjoy your stay at the luxurious resorts and savour home styled malayali sea food while you watch and listen to the songs of birds and feel the cool breeze rustling your hair. Discover the tea estates and learn about the orthodox method of making tea. You couldn’t be more thankful to the solitude it bestows upon.

9. Ladakh

But if you are on for a little bit more adventurous, you can try a Ladakh tour. One of the highest points to visit as a tourist, Ladakh will draw you in with pristine colours of the mountains. The Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley and monasteries of the Buddhist culture there will make your mind at peace.

So if you are planning a trip this summer holiday, then you can visit to one of these hill stations and let us know about your experience.

Featured Image Credits: en.wikipedia.org