Nov 22, 2002 04:21 PM
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(Updated Nov 22, 2002 04:37 PM)
Apart from the well-known hill stations like Manali, Darjeeling etc, India has some spectacular hill stations that are less known to the tourists but well worth a visit. These places do not have the usual tourist attractions but what they offer is perhaps what we city dwelling people crave for. The attraction in their case lies mainly in the beautiful natural surroundings. More importantly they stand for silence, serenity and solitude that acts as a tonic to rejuvenate the tired high flying souls of the big time cities.
Rishop at 8500 ft. is a spectacular hamlet offering some unforgettable sights. It can be reached by a 9-km jeepable road from Lava, another lovely little place. I personally prefer a 3-km trek from Lava enjoying the sights and sounds. Rishop offers some splendid 360-degree views of snow clad peaks(Mt. Kanchenjunga) & passes(Nathula, Jelepa). It is a pitch of a place for tired eyes and souls.
Situated at an altitude of 3000’ above sea level Jampui in Tripura is one of my favourite places in India. A pleasant climate, charming landscape, green thick forests, soothing sunrise and sunsets, countless types of orchids of sparkling colors, flowers in every shape, size and color is in store for you. The best time to visit this place during March to May when the place looks like as if it is blessed by the flowers. The only thing to do in Jampui though is to sit back and enjoy Mother Nature or go out for aimless walks in the surrounding forests. If you do so, be prepared for a surprise. The birds. They are spectacular and seem to be enjoying total bliss as they fly around and make a hell lot of noise that echoes round the forest.
The beauty spot of Sikkim, the crowning glory of the North East, Pelling, situated 2, 085m above sea level offers a visitor with views of the glaciers and peaks of Kanchenjunga. It is like walking in the clouds and a heavenly experience. Only 2-km beyond Pemayangtse, Pelling is the place to be in the summer. A visit to the small monastery of Sanga Choling, one of the oldest gompas in Sikkim is a must for everyone. The 4 km road from Pelling to Sanga Choling is breathtaking.
Shared jeeps travel regularly until mid or late afternoon between Pelling and Ghezing; twice daily for Gangtok, and once a day for Siliguri. A single bus leaves Ghezing daily for Khecheopalri Lake and passes through Pelling, and two leave Pelling for Ghezing.
Chaukori in the hills of Kumaon is unlike any other hill station you have seen. This is a pristine small village unspoiled by development, free from the clutches of tourism. Chaukori situated at the heart of the Pithoragarh district is truly the heart of the Himalayas. The towering peaks of Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot and the famous five of Panchuli will esc*rt anywhere you go in this charming little hamlet.
This is one place where you would not find a single vendor, guides to harass you round the clock. There is little else other than being soaked by the sunshine, breathe the fresh mountain air and get engulfed by the scenery. The thick forest around Chaukori offers you some exciting treks. Do visit the endangered musk deer breeding farm. The place is well connected by motorable roads from Almora and Nainital.
Lansdowne is small, hill station in the north Indian State of Uttaranchal. It is situated 45 km from Kotdwar en route Kotdwar–Pauri road in the Pauri Garhwal district. The temperature is pleasant here in the summer months.
Surrounded by thick oak and blue pine forests, the hill station of Lansdowne is a place devoid of the hustle and bustle of the other popular hill stations.
The best way to explore Lansdowne is to go for a walk(aimless would be most welcome). Nature has provided Lansdowne with every gift that we could possibly ask for. Someone looking for nature trails can have all their demands fulfilled.
The nearest railhead for Lansdowne is Kotdwar(2 hours), which is well connected by buses. Lansdowne is also linked by a motorable road to almost all the important cities in Uttaranchal. Lansdowne is 295 km from Delhi, 95 km from Haridwar and 150 km from Dehradun.
