Bhandardara

Bhandardara is an offbeat hill destination on the Western Ghat of India. Bhandardara is located in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra at a height of 750 metre from sea level. The main attraction of this hill station is the serenity, lush greenery and the unparalleled beauty of nature. During rains when the clouds descend from the sky, the sight is truly spectacular and mesmerizing. Mt. Kalsubai, the highest peak of Sahyadri range is visible from Bhandardara. Other attractions of Bhandardara include Wilson Dam built on Pravara River, Arthur Lake, Ratangarh Fort, Umbrella Falls etc.

Arthur Lake

How to Reach

The nearest rail station from Bhandardara is Igatpuri which lies on the Howrah-Mumbai Main Line. Bhandardara is 42 km from Igatpuri. One can also reach Bhandardara from Mumbai by car.

Hotels

MTDC Holiday Resort. Tariff - Rs. 1100-3700.

Manali

Manali is a popular hill station in the northern end of Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh. Situated on the banks of Beas river it is a great attraction for tourists from all over India. This hill resort is sandwiched between the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar peaks. Besides the splendor of natural vista, this picturesque hill station offers a lot of interesting activities such as trekking, skiing, white-water rafting and mountaineering. The prime attractions of Manali are Hidimba Devi Temple, Nature Park, Manu Temple and Vashisht Hot Water Springs and Temple..Other attractions include Rahala Waterfalls, Nehru Kund, Folk Museum etc. You can also visit the Rohtang Pass, 51 km from Manali and Solang Valley, 13 km from Manali.

Scenic Beauty of Manali

Hidimba Devi Temple

How to Reach

The nearest airport is located at Bhuntar. Bhuntar is connected to Delhi by air. You can also reach Delhi which is well connected to other cities in India and abroad and then get to Manali by bus or hired car.

Hotels

Hamda Hat. Tariff - Rs. 2300-2500. Tel: (01902) 253225.

Hadimba Cottage. Tariff - Rs. 3000. Tel: (01902) 252334.

Hotel Beas. Tariff - Rs. 1400-3000. Tel: (01902) 022832.

Rohtang Manalsu. Tariff - Rs. 1300-2700. Tel: (01902) 232332.

Srinagar

Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir is perfectly placed in the center of Kashmir Valley. Srinagar literally means the 'city of wealth and abundance' in Sanskrit. Situated on the banks of river Jhelum, the town is surrounded by large and beautiful lakes. The vibrant and colourful houseboats sailing along the Dal Lake, the majestic snow clad mountains and the beautiful gardens make Srinagar a really unforgettable experience for the tourists. The most popular attractions of Srinagar include Mughal Gardens, Shankaracharya Temple, Nasim Bagh, Nagin Lake, Hazratbal Mosque, Sri Pratap Singh Museum and Wular Lake.

Dal Lake

How to Reach

The nearest railway station from Srinagar is Jammu Tawai. Jammu Tawai is well connected to major cities of India by rail. Buses, cars and shared jeeps are plying from Jammu to Srinagar. The domestic airport at Srinagar is connected to some of the major cities of the country.

Hotels

Hotel Kashmir Residency. Tariff - Rs. 750-2250. Booking: (0194) 2457927
Hotel Alpine. Tariff - Rs. 4500-6000. Booking: (0194) 2457927
Hotel Victoria Palace. Tariff - Rs. 1200-1600.
Hotel Sunshine. Tariff - Rs. 1900.
Hotel New Park. Tariff - Rs. 2500-4000.

Gangtok

Gangtok is the capital city of Sikkim. It is a tourist's paradise. Situated at an altitude of 6000 ft above sea level, Gangtok is also called 'Switzerland of the East.' The roads of Gangtok are extremely neat and clean. One can get a spectacular view of the snow covered peak of Mt. Khanchendzonga from here. There are a number of local sightseeing points in Gangtok. Enchey Monastery, Research Institute of Tibetology, Do Drul Chorten Stupa, Tashi View Point, Ganesh Tok, Hanuman Tok, Bakthang Waterfalls, Himalayan Zoological Park, Rumtek Monastery are the prime attractions of Gangtok. You can also visit Nathula Pass, Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir from here by conducted tours. Another excursion from Gangtok is Yumthang Valley and Gurudongmar Lake.

Gangtok

Do Drul Chorten Stupa

How to Reach

Bagdogra Airport is the nearest airport from the city of Gangtok. Regular taxi services are available from Bagdogra to Gangtok. The railway station nearest to Gangtok is New Jalpaiguri. New Jalpaiguri is well connected to other cities of India by train. Jeeps and car are available in sharing basis from Siliguri or New Jalpaiguri to reach Gangtok. Sikkim Nationalized Transport buses are also plying from SNT Bus Terminus in Siliguri to Gangtok.

Hotels

Hotel Mount Jopuno (Sikkim Tourism). Tariff - Double Bed Rs. 1200-1800. Tel: (03592) 24860583
Hotel Millennium Inn. Tariff - Double Bed Rs. 800-1200. Tel: 9831068887
Hotel Tashi Delek. Tariff - Double Bed Rs. 3500-5500. Tel: (03592) 202991
Sai Residency. Tariff - Double Bed Rs. 2400-4000. Tel: 9933020037
Hotel Paradise. Tariff - Double bed Rs. 800. Tel: 9832036610
Hotel Woodland. Tariff - Double bed Rs. 1000. Tel: (03592) 203414
Hotel Himalayas. Tariff - Double bed Rs. 1500. Tel: (03592) 202842

Darjeeling

Darjeeling is a popular hill station in the state of West Bengal. It is also known as the 'Queen of Hill Stations'. Situated at a height of 2050 m above sea level, Darjeeling is well known for its scenic beauty, snow clad mountain peaks and lush green tea gardens spread over acres. The place provides tourists a magnificent view of the mighty Himalayas especially Mt. Kanchenjunga. The must see attraction of Darjeeling is the view of sunrise from Tiger Hill located 11 km from the heart of the city. Other major tourist spots of Darjeeling are Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Lalkuthi, Alubari Gumpha, Natural History Museum and Happy Valley Tea Estate. You can also visit the Abha Art Gallery, Rock Garden, Rangit Valley Ropeway and Lloyd Botanical Garden. But your journey to Darjeeling will remain incomplete if you don't go for the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) Joy Ride. In this ride, the toy train will take you from Darjeeling to Ghum via Batasia Loop.

Darjeeling Toy Train at Batasia Loop

Sunrise at Tiger Hill

How to Reach

The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri. New Jalpaiguri is well connected to Kolkata by train and bus service. Cars and shared jeeps are available from New Jalpaiguri to reach Darjeeling. You can also take auto rickshaw or rickshaw to go to Tenzing Norgey Bus Terminus. From here buses and shared cars ply to Darjeeling.

Hotels

WBTDC Tourist Lodge. Tariff - Rs. 2000-2500. Booking: (033) 44012086
Darjeeling Tourist Lodge. Tariff - Rs. 900-1400. Booking: (033) 44012082.
Hotel Himalaya (run by Benfish). Tariff - Rs. 450-550. Booking : (033) 23554931
Hotel Ananda Palace. Tariff - Rs. 4100. Booking: (0354) 2253336
Hotel Sunflower. Tariff - Rs. 3000-4000. Booking: (0354) 2253358
Hotel Sonar Bangla. Tariff - Rs. 1800-3500 (Food charges included). Booking: (033) 40060787