The hill station is a uniquely Indian notion; a term that conjures up visions of stunning mountain sides, gurgling hill brooks, stunning waterfalls, walking among the clouds and most importantly an escape from the mundane heat and dust of the plains. And we in India are lucky to have hill stations within easy reach, no matter what part of the country we happen to be: the north, west, east or south. Not just that; there are hill stations to match every mood as well! Here’s a primer to help you decide:
There are many hill stations that form base camps for beginners and advanced treks. For instance Lonavala, which is close to Mumbai and Pune, has emerged as one of the most popular weekend getaway for people who are interested in some wonderful short and long trekking trails. Trekking enthusiasts can have a base at select Lonavala hotels and enjoy breathtaking treks that pass through some wild rain-forest, small rivulets, hidden waterfalls and green meadows.
Hill stations tend to be a favourite for couples looking for some quality time together or honeymoon couples and many hotels cater to this requirement. Special couple’s packages or honeymoon packages could be on offer. And don’t forget the east of India has Darjeeling Hotels (A charming narrow gauge right up in the hills may be great too!) or some hotels in Sikkim’s Gangtok to checkout, plus there is the entire North East to explore.
If you want some real rest and relaxation away from the madding crowds, choose a hill station off the beaten track. As importantly, pick an off season time for travel. More people travel during the winter holidays and summer holidays. If possible, travel in February/March or the during the monsoon season and you may find that the hotels in Manali – one of the most picturesque of hill stations – that would otherwise be full up, have many vacancies and offer great discounts too. Hotels in Mount Abu would suit the requirements of people in Gujarat and Rajasthan, while a range of Mahabaleshwar Hotels would be ideal for Mumbaiites, people from Pune and so on.
Adventure sports such as white water rafting, hang-gliding and skiing are bound to satisfy that thirst for adventure. Head to Auli in Himachal or Gulmarg in Kashmir for skiing. Many hill stations such as Manali, Solang Valley and Rishikesh offer white water rafting, zorbing and hang-gliding as well. Many Hotels in Mussoorie will also fit the bill for those who seek adventure in the hills.
Most hill stations do offer some of the most stunningly beautiful scenery and a restful ambience; the sort of vistas that you can simply and wordlessly enjoy. However, it can sometimes help to pick a hotel a bit far from the center of town. For instance, there are literally hundreds of hotels in Nainital; however those who wish to commune with nature may do better if they choose to stay at Kausani, Ranikhet and other smaller locations.
You can enjoy some high end pampering at hill spa destinations in the North as well as in the South: spa treatments, therapeutic massage and some beauty treatments as well. Kodaikanal hotels and spa resorts and many spa resorts in Kerala may just fit the bill here for you!
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