As the summer holidays approach, mountains become all the more enticing. Escaping the heat in the plains, even if it is for a few days, works as an elixir. True to its diversity, India has hill stations worth exploring all across the country. Check out some popular destinations with Ranjita Biswas
Munnar: Of spices & tea
Situated in the Idukki district of Kerala, Munnar literally means the confluence of three streams Mudrapuzha, Nallathani and Kundala. It was once the summer resort of the British in South India. This is also where the blue flower Neelakurinji blooms every 12 years. As you approach Munnar, hills interspersed with tea bushes greet you. The British started tea plantation here in 1878. There are also acres of cardamom and coffee plantations; it’s a major export point for spices.
The picturesque ride to Eravikulam National Park at Rajamala (15 km) displays bare hills with streaks of white, which are actually mountain streams. The park is home to the Nilgiri tahr, an endangered mountain goat. The tahrs are rather shy. A binocular helps to look at them closely. Don’t miss the lovely drive down to the Muttupetty dam and the Kundala lake.
Mount Abu: Oasis in the desert
Ensconced amid the Aravalli range, Mt Abu is Rajasthan’s only hill station. Lush greens in contrast to the arid landscape, myths and legends, and intricately carved temples make this hill abode a unique experience. Guru Shikhar is the highest point here. One of the wonders is the Dilwara temple complex built by the Jains in the 11th-12th centuries. The pure white marble carvings take your breath away. Adhar Devi temple, built in a natural cleft of a rock offers a spectacular view. It’s said that the image of the goddess was originally hanging in midair, and hence the moniker ‘Adhar Devi’. Natural rock formations that imitate animals and birds often surprise you in Mt. Abu. In the centre of the town is the Nakki Lake one of the first man-made lakes in India where boating is a popular pastime. Enjoy nature’s bounty at the Sunset Point when the setting sun paints the sky a rich gold over the Aravalli range.
Shillong: Abode of clouds
Nestling amid the hills of Meghalaya, Shillong was the seat of British administration in the North-East during the colonial days. It was often called ‘Scotland of the East’ with its rolling hills, salubrious climate and numerous waterfalls. The Polo Ground-Golf Links complex, Beadon-Bishop and Elephanta Falls, whispering pine trees, orchards of orange and pineapple, butterflies and orchids make up the Shillong backdrop. At the centre of town is man-made Wards Lake. Boating and feeding golden fish in the lake are its highlights.
The Shillong Peak, at 1,965 metres above the sea level, is the highest point of the town. From the view-point you can see the valley and the town spread across like a painter’s canvas.
A day trip to Cherrapunjee (Sohra), long known as the world’s wettest place, until nearby Mawsynram put a claim, introduces you to a new vista. The 1,035-ft-high Mawsmai Falls, the fourth highest in India, is nearby. The Mawsmai cave complex with huge halls and galleys is a hotspot for cave explorers. Also on the way, with a little diversion, is Mawlynnong, which has earned the sobriquet of the ‘cleanest village in Asia’.The pretty village also has the unique ‘Living Rootsbridge’ made of twisting roots of rubber trees.
Gangtok: Temple to a soldier in the land of orchids
The misty hills, exquisite orchids, waterfalls, Buddhist monasteries, on the backdrop of the majestic Kanchendzonga attract visitors by thousands to Gangtok, capital of eco-friendly Sikkim (plastic bags are banned here).
A must-visit is the Namgyal Research Institute of Tibetology, a treasure trove of artefacts, tankhas and manuscripts.
A day trip to Tsongo or Changulake at the height of 12,470 ft is very popular. The road leads to Nathu la at the international border with China. The Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial Temple lies in between. According to legend, Sepoy Harbhajan Singh of the 23rd Punjab Regiment went missing while on duty. His body was found three days later but many soldiers reported that they dreamt of him often; apparently Singh instructed them to build a shrine there. Pilgrims believe he still makes rounds every night and protects the people. Every year he even goes on an annual leave to Kapurthala; a berth is reserved in his name and two escorts travel too!
Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre, 24 km from Gangtok, is the seat of the Karmapa sect of Buddhism. Monks and students in maroon robes greet cheerfully as visitors explore the beautiful Golden Stupa which contains the relics of His Holiness the Sixteenth Karmapa.
The Nehru Botanical Garden on way to Rumtek has many exotic plants, including orchids. With more than 500 indigenous varieties, Sikkim is known as the land of the orchids, and is also a bio- diversity hotspot. It is prohibited by law to take back orchids from the Alpine region. Adventure sports lovers can have their fill with hang-gliding, hiking, river rafting, yak riding, in Sikkim.
Mussoorie: At the Himalayan foothills
Driving up from the overcrowded Dehradun, as you reach Mussoorie with the serene Doon Valley spread below, you breathe in relief. Cascading falls like, the Kempty Falls, Jharipari Falls, Bhatta Falls and Mossy Falls add to Mussoorie’s appeal. Go boating at the Mussoorie Lake. Pack a picnic basket to stay a little longer to enjoy the view.
Mussoorie also has many temples like the Nag Devta Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, Jwala Devi Temple dedicated to Goddess Durga located at an altitude of 2240 m. Built in 1836 in Gothic style, the Christ Church is believed to be the oldest church in Himalayan region.
A visit to the Happy Valley is good for the soul with pretty points like the Cloud's End and Hathipaon Park Estate. The IAS Academy, Tibetan Temple and Municipal Garden are woven around the Valley. After walking around the whole day, make it a point to sit and relax at The Mall that iconic British legacy you come across in many hill stations they developed.
Darjeeling: Romancing the rails
At an altitude of 2,134 m, Darjeeling has been ‘queening’ it over from 1835 when it had become a British sanatorium.
Darjeeling also became important for the British as the climate and terrain proved just right for growing tea (orthodox) .As you drive up from the plains the rolling tea plantations will take your breath away. Another option to reach Darjeeling is by the famous Toy Train, a Unesco recognised World Heritage. Completed in 1881, it is eulogised as the most romantic railroad in the world. (Remember the song “Mere Sapno ki Rani” in Aradhana?)
Walking around the mall or Chowrasta, in the heart of Darjeeling, is de rigour. It has featured in many movies, Bengali and Hindi. Even sitting in one of the benches to enjoy the world go by while the mountains keep vigil is a wonderful experience.
Mt Kanchendzonga, the third highest peak in the world, dominates Darjeeling landscape. Wake up in the wee hours of the morning but do visit Tiger Hills to enjoy the spectacular beauty of sunrise lighting up the Himalayan horizon. Spoiler alert: Pray that it’s a clear sky; sometimes clouds hide this amazing sight. The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) is associated with names like Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary. Mountaineering paraphernalia are on display at the attached museum. Near is the Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park, the largest high altitude zoo in India, housing India’s only Siberian tiger. It’s also a breeding centre for snow leopards and red pandas.
from The Tribune http://bit.ly/2vsNIGo
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