Hill Resorts

After the independence, most of the colonists left their properties - mostly cottages and villas built in the colonial styles or sold them to native Indians. Now these hill stations are scene of heavy tourist rush during the summer months. During the winters, high altitude adventure sports keep tourists attracted to these sylvan hill stations in India. Some of the major hill stations in India are Shimla, Manali, Mussoorie, Ooty, Munnar, Dharamsala, Kodaikanal, Dalhousie, and Darjeeling

Shimla
Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, lies about 343 km from Delhi at an altitude of 2,213 metres above sea level. Before the British discovered it in 1819, Shimla was a small village that was part of the Nepalese kingdom. In 1830, the local Raja was persuaded to part with the land by the British and the settlement became the subcontinent's most fashionable summer resort. Shimla was declared the summer capital of India in 1864. After India's independence, Shimla became the capital of Punjab till 1966, when it came under Himachal Pradesh.

Darjeeling
Every year at the beginning of the monsoon the viceroys of India and after 1911, the lieutenant -governors of Bengal would move lock stock and barrel to Darjeeling, situated at an altitude of 2134 m. The British rapidly developed Darjeeling into a pleasant holiday resort. It was in the early nineteenth century that the ta plantation was introduced in te area. Since the 1840's Darjeeling tea is famous the world over and among is the most expensive. It is a town surrounded by tea plantations and coniferous forests. The mighty Kanchenjunga peak overlooks the town and on a clear day can be seen in the background on a clear day. Darjeeling derives it's name from Darje Ling which menas the Abode of Dorja, who was a mystic. It was a name given to a Buddhist monastery in the centre of the town.

Mussoorie
At a height of 2000 metres is Mussoorie, 35 kms beyond DehraDun. It is a hill resort with a distinct British flavour and has a number of residential schools. Mussoorie is a place which provides walks amidst dense forests. Places to see include Gun hill which can be reached by a cable car. Atop of Gun hill one can view Mussoorie, Dehra Dun and the Himalayan peaks of Bandarpoonch, Sri Kantha and Pathwara group. The Hill top can also be reached on foot along a winding road in 20 -30 minutes. The Tibetan temple in the happy valley is located amidst the Tibetan settlement. The mall is the promenade of Mussoorie. Camel's back road starts from Kulri bazaar near The Rink Hall and ends at liberary bazaar having a total distance of about three kilometres. The main charm of this road is horse riding and walking. Kempty fall, Lal Tibba and Municipal gardens are the other attractions here.

Manali
Forty kilometres away from Kullu, Mamali is situated in a valley. One sees welll defined snow capped peaks, the beas with its clear water meandering through the town on other side which are deodar and Pine trees tiny levelled fields and fruit orchards. It is an excellent place for a holiday and a favourite starting point for trekkers. Manali is considered to be the Queen of the resorts as it holds the prospects of a peaceful stay amidst lush green meadows and foress, brooks and waterfalls as well as joy of hike, climbs sunbathing ans fishing for the youthful spirits. Manali provides a cool retreat for anyone who exults in just being amidst unspoilt nature. The town has comfortable amenities such a tourist bunglows, log huts, cottages and good eating places.

Ooty
Udhagamandalam is the name by which the popular hill resort in the region, Ootacamund, or simply Ooty is known today Ooty is truly the Queen of the hill stations where the eastern Ghats and the Western Ghats meet. At an altitude of 2240 metres. It is a resort for all seasons. The best thing about Ooty is that it combines the peace and tranquillity of a hill station with the comforts of urban life. Ooty colonial legacy extends to every nook and corner and nowhere is it more apparent than in "The Ooty Club" For a sight of the best preserved artefacts of the british Raj the ooty club is beyond compare. The blue mountain of Nilgirs were originally inhabited by the Todas, a tribal group who still live in the area. About 3000 of them still remain and thus this area is an anthropologists dream come true.

Nainital
Set around a tal or lake, this small town with cottage-like houses and steep mountains covered with green forests is one of the most sought-after summer destinations of India. This charming hill station of Uttaranchal (former Uttar Pradesh), situated at an altitude of 1,938 metres, has many villas, bungalows, and a number of other sites of tourist importance. Many legends are associated with how the town came to be called Nainital. It is said that the name of the place has been derived from the Naini Lake that lies just in the middle of the town. Legend also has it that after Sati, Lord Shiva's consort, committed suicide at the yajna of Daksha Prajapati, Lord Shiva roamed across the universe carrying her dead body. During that period, Sati's eye fell near the lake, where the Naina Devi temple now stands. The waters of the lake are therefore considered sacred and the Naina Devi temple is the venue of an annual autumn fair.

Chail
The summer seat of the Princely principality of Patiala. Chail is an elegantr mountain resort, a dignified retreat in the hills with its quaint bazaars and its beautiful mountain views. Because of it's commanding height and location, on clear nights, the twinkling lights of Shimla and the Kasauli look like flashing jewels on a velvet tray. Chail is reputed to have the highest Cricket pitch in the world.

Almora
It is the cultural Capital of Kumaon region of the UttarPradesh. At an altitude of 1.646m. the Town is said to have been founded by Raja Kalyan of the Chand dynasty in 1560 AD. Almora has remnants of the Old Chand fort, wooden houses with the Carves Facdes, homes with the traditional murals. It is the place where whee Udai Shankar, the renowned musician who mingled Indian and western classical dance forms established his cultural centre. Almora's artisans are famous for their creativity and Skill with copper and brass as also with handlooms.