Hill Resorts

Srinagar , Jammu & Kashmir

The exquisitely beautiful summer capital of the state of Jammu and Kashmir , is famous for its lakes (Dal, Nagin and Wular) and the charming houseboats ( shikaras ) floating on them. Srinagar used to be India 's most popular hill resort, and its Mughal Gardens (Chashme Shahi - Royal Spring, Nishat Bagh - Pleasure Garden , Shalimar Bagh - The Abode of Love) were a favourite locale for shooting Hindi films.
 

Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir

The snow-clad slopes of Gulmarg, backdrop for many a movie, offer Asia 's best skiing and heli-skiing. Gulmarg also has an 18 hole golf course (the highest green golf course in the world) and spectacular views of the towering mountains including Nanga Parbat (26624 ft.).

Shimla , Himachal Pradesh

Once the summer capital of India (during the British Raj), and currently the capital of the state of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla is a place where The Raj still lingers. Set at an altitude of 2,130 metres above sea level, Shimla is one of the best places to try out ice skating (in fact, it hosts a sports festival every winter). Ride one of India's the hill trains - the Kalka Shimla toy train - to get there and marvel at the scenery and the 19 th century civil engineering that made it possible.

Manali , Himachal Pradesh

Situated at the Northern end of the Kullu valley, at an altitude of 2050 metres above sea level, picturesque Manali, situated along the banks of the river Beas, is a popular honeymoon destination. It also provides an enormous variety of heli-ski runs. Visit Arjun Gufa (the cave where Arjuna, one of the Pandava brothers, is believed to have performed penance), t he hot sulphur springs of Vashist and T he Rohtang Pass, which once served as a crucial trade route to Central Asia.

Kullu Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Kullu was once known as Kulanthapitha - the end of the habitable world. Filled with apple orchards, lush meadows and wooden temples, with the snow-capped Himalayas as a backdrop and the sparkling Beas River running through it, Kullu is o ne of the loveliest spots in the Himalayas . Located nearby are the Vaishno Devi temple and the Manikarna sulphur springs, famous for their curative powers. Kullu is the site of the famous Kullu Dassehra festival.

Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh

Often called Little Tibet, the hill resort of Dharamsala has been home to the 14 th Dalai Lama and the base of his Tibetan Government in Exile since 1959. S ituated at a height of 1250 metres above sea level, it has dense pine and deodar forests, numerous streams, cool healthy air, and a spectacular backdrop. The charming church of St. John in the Wilderness, the final resting place of Lord Elgin, a British Viceroy, is situated here, as are numerous ancient temples. Mcleod Ganj, a bustling Tibetan settlement, now a major centre of Tibetan culture, is near by. The snow line is perhaps more easily accessible at Dharamsala than at any other hill resort - it is possible to trek to snow point after an early morning's start.

Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh

This tiny hill resort, situated at an altitude of 1,927 metres above sea level, is a quaint little town that seems to live in a time warp. The British developed Kasauli as a cantonment-sanatorium over 20 years after they had based themselves in Shimla. Its' colonial ambience is reinforced by cobbled paths, tiny shops, gabled houses and neat gardens. Nearby are the Lawrence School at Sanawar, a popular public school, and Nalagarh, seat of the former princely state of Hindur. Kasauli is one of the quietest hill resorts in India and the closest to the plains.

Chail, Himachal Pradesh

This tiny Hill Resort was developed as the summer capital of the Patiala maharajas. It's cricket pitch is said to be the highest in the world.

Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh

Originally conceived as a sanatorium rather than fashionable summer retreat, the sprawling hill resort of Dalhousie was founded by Lord Dalhousie and is named after him. S pread over five hills - Kathlog, Portreyn, Moti Tibba (formerly known as Tehra), Bakrota and Balun - i t has some superb trekking routes. Dalhousie retains a Raj-era ambience and is is an excellent place to shop for woollen shawls and Tibetan carpets.

Dehradun, Uttaranchal

Nestled in the Himalayan foothills, Dehradun lies in the fertile Doon Valley, with the river Ganga in the east and river Yamuna in the west. It is home to some of the country's best public schools, including Doon School and Welhams. The Indian Military Academy , The Forest Research Institute, ONGC and many more offices of the Central and State Governments are also situated here. Close to Dehradun is the hill resort of Mussoorie.

Nainital, Uttaranchal

This pretty Hill Resort in the Kumaon Hills is named after the emerald green eyes of Parvati, Shiva's consort. Dotted with lakes (Naini Tal, Bhim Tal, Naukuchiya Tal, Sat Tal), Nainital has earned the sobriquet of ' Lake District ' of India . Nainital has some beautiful walking trails and the public school, Sherwood College .

Mussoorie, Uttaranchal

One of the Raj's most popular summer retreats, Mussoorie was once the home of Sir George Everest, the legendary Surveyor-General who mapped Mount Everest . The area is rich in medicinal plants.

Almora, Uttaranchal

This scenic hill district is in the central Kumaon region. It has a cave where Swami Vivekananda is said to have meditated and found enlightenment. Almora was captured by the British from the Gorkhas, who have left their mark on this town.

Kalimpong , Sikkim

Until the 18 th century, the little hill resort of Kalimpong belonged to the Rajas of Sikkim. Located at an altitude of 1,250 metres above sea level, Kalimpong is best known for its Buddhist monasteries, flowers (especially orchids), exotic plants, colourful bazaars, and superb views of the Kanchenjunga . The mountains in the region have several interesting treks and adventure sports enthusiasts can even go river rafting on the Teesta river.