Kotagiri

Kotagiri is one of the three hill stations located in The Nilgiri Hills. Although Kotagiri is the most ancient of all the hill stations of Nilgiris, but it has still not gained much popularity among tourists. Situated at an altitude of 1792 m, Kotagiri is surrounded by eye-soothing greenery. The lush green tea gardens, peaceful environment and undulating hills surely promise a mind blowing vacation for everyone. The nearby attractions are Catherine Falls (8 km) and Kodanad Viewpoint (17 km). Other attractions include Rangaswami Peak, Rangaswami Pillar and Elke Falls. You can also visit Ooty, a popular hill station which is just 29 km from Kotagiri.

Kotagiri

How to Reach

Kotagiri is easily accessible from Coimbatore and Mettupalayam by hired cars. Coimbatore is well connected to Chennai and other cities of India by rail.

Hotels

Twin Tree. Tariff - Rs. 2500-3000. Tel: (04266) 275777
Hotel Hope Park. Tariff - Rs. 1600-2200. Tel: (04266) 271229.
Hotel Ramesh Vihar. Tariff - Rs. 800-1600.
Heavenly Estate. Tariff - Rs. 850-1500. Tel: 9830133511.

Coorg

Coorg is the most affluent hill station of Karnataka. Nestled in lush greeneries and exotic scenic environment, Coorg offers a luxurious vacation to the tourists. Situated at a height of 3500 m Coorg is also known as 'Kashmir of the South' due to its majestic beauty and cool ambience. The best time to visit Coorg is summer though many tourists visit this hill station during monsoon to enjoy the wild beauty. Dense teak wooded forests, lush green valleys, breathtaking coffee plantations and undulated challenging mountain ranges make Coorg an exquisite location for nature loving tourists. The nearby attractions are Chelavera Falls, Nainad Palace, Madikeri Fort and Museum, Abbi Falls, Raja's Seat, Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary and Elephant Training Camp.

Raja's Seat

How to Reach

The nearest airport is situated in Mangalore, 160 km from Coorg. The nearest international airport is at Bengaluru which has links to major cities of India as well as foreign destinations. Mysore is the nearest railway station from Coorg. Many trains are running from other parts of country to Mysore.

Hotels

Hotel Coorg International. Tariff - Double Bed Rs. 4500-7500. Tel: (08272) 229390.
Coorg River View Resort. Tariff - Double Bed Rs. 3000-4000 (Breakfast included). Tel: 9845101428.
Coorg Gourinivas. Tariff - Double Bed Rs. 3800 (Breakfast included). Tel: (08272) 228597.
Coffee County Homestay. Tariff - Rs. 1500 per head (Food included). Tel: 9448031310.

Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal is a charming hill station in Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu. Nestled in the southern crest of the Palani Hills, this hill station experiences cool climate all round the year. The place is very popular among tourists. The local sightseeing attractions of Kodaikanal are Kodaikanal Lake, Bryant Park, Coakers Walk, Bear Shola Falla, Suicide Point, Solar Observatory Centre, Pillar Rocks etc. Other nearby attractions are Dolmen Circle (18 km) and Dindigul Fort (125 km). Munnar, another picturesque hill station is just 50 km from Kodaikanal.

Kodaikanal Lake

How to Reach

The nearest railway station from Kodaikanal is Kodaikanal Road. Kodaikanal Road is well connected to major cities of India by rail.

Hotels

Hotel Tamil Nadu. Tariff - Rs. 800-3000. Tel: (04542) 241336.
Kodai Resort. Tariff - Rs. 5000-10000. Tel: (04542) 240632.
Hotel Mount View. Tariff - Rs. 1500-4000. Tel: (04542) 241978.
Hotel Palace. Tariff - Rs. 600-1000. Tel: (04542) 240411.

Rishop

Situated at an altitude of 8500 ft, Rishop is a Himalayan hamlet mostly inhabited by the Lepchas. The name Rishop came from two words - Ri means mountain peak and Shop means ancient tree. From Rishop one can get delightful views of the Kanchenjunga mountain. Other peaks which can be seen from here are Mt. Kharg, Kokthang, Kabroo, Siniolchu and many more. You can trek through the jungle to get to Tifindara Viewpoint, 1.5 km from Rishop. Tifindara is the second highest point in West Bengal. You can watch sunrise and sunset from here which is much more beautiful than that seen from Tiger Hill in Darjeeling. From Rishop you can also visit Lava (11 km) or Kalimpong (25 km).

View of mountain peaks from Rishop

How to Reach

New Jalpaiguri is the nearest railway station from Rishop. New Jalpaiguri is well connected to Kolkata and some other cities of the country by rail. You can reach Rishop from New Jalpaiguri, Siliguri or Darjeeling by car. Otherwise you can reach Lava by bus or shared jeep. From Lava you have to hire a car in order to reach Rishop.

Hotels

Kanchanview Tourist Lodge. Tel: 9830322591. Tariff - Rs. 1000-1200.
Rishop Inn. Tel: 9674900101. Tariff - Rs. 1500.
Suntek Village Resort. Tel: 9836087652. Tariff - Rs. 1000-1200.
Paradise Villa. Tel: 9831578900. Tariff - Rs. 800-1200.
Hotel Mist. Tel: 9474594446. Tariff - Rs. 1200-2000

Nainital

Nainital is a beautiful hill station situated at a height of 6360 ft above sea level. It is located in the Himalayan belt amongst the Kumaon hills and is a paradise for nature lovers. The picturesque surroundings offered by the serene lakes and snow-capped mountains of Nainital makes it the best getaway from the busy and crowded cities. The place is calm and quiet with an unpolluted environment. It gives the tourists a truly exhilarating experience of the nature's wonders. The prime attractions of Nainital are the Naini Lake, Bhim Tal and Sat Tal. Other attractions include Naina Devi Temple, Governor's House, St. John's Church and Eco Park Cave Garden. Snow View Point can be accessed by cable car. Naina Peak at a height of 2611 m is also worth a visit.

Naini Lake

How to Reach

The nearest airport to Nainital is Pantnagar Airport situated at a distance of 71 km from Nainital. Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi is the nearest International Airport from Nainital. Kathgodam is the nearest railway station. It is well connected to major cities of the country by rail.

Hotels

Hotel Lake Side Inn. Tel: 235777. Tariff - Rs. 2250-5000.
Alka The Lake Side Hotel. Tel: 235220. Tariff - Rs 2500-9000.
Hotel Himalaya. Tel: 235258. Tariff - Rs 1500-2000.
Hotel Ambassador. Tel: 235642. Tariff - Rs 900-1000.
Hotel Pratap Regency. Tel: 235865. Tariff - Rs. 1200-2200.

Pelling

Pelling is a picturesque hill station in South-West Sikkim. Situated at an altitude of 6800 ft, Pelling offers spectacular views of Mt. Kanchenjunga and other snow capped peaks. There are a number of attractions in Pelling. These are Rimbi Waterfalls, Khechioperi Lake, Khechioperi Falls, Khangchendzonga Waterfalls, Pemayangtse Monastery, Sangachoeling Monastery, Change Falls, Tung Tung Donga, Rabdanse Ruins and Sewaro Rock Garden. Apart from this you can go on a one day tour and see Tashiding Monastery, Fairong Waterfalls and Singing Stone.

View of Kanchenjunga range from Pelling

How to Reach

The nearest railway station from Pelling is New Jalpaiguri which is well connected to Kolkata and some other cities of the country. Cars are available from New Jalpaiguri to get to Pelling. Otherwise you can reach Pelling from Siliguri by bus.

Hotels

Hotel Parazong. Tel: 9051609992. Tariff - Rs. 800-1500.
The Holiday Inn. Tel: 9734943804. Tariff - Rs. 1500-2000.
Hotel Sun. Tel: 9674369099. Tariff - Rs. 1200.
Tashi Delek Residency. Tel: 9051543652. Tariff - Rs. 1600-2500.

Munnar

Munnar is a beautiful hill station in Idukki district of Kerala. Situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Kundala, Mudrapuzha and Nallathanni, Munnar was once the summer resort of the British in South India. At a height of 1600 m above sea level, this hill station is surrounded by nature and greenery. The main attractions of Munnar are Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam and Kundala Lake. Some of the other sightseeings include Top Station, Devikulam, Tea Museum and Anayirangal Dam. The sprawling tea plantations around the town of Munnar are an added attraction.

Munnar

How to Reach

You can easily reach Ernakulam or Coimbatore from other cities of India by rail. Buses and cars are available from there to get to Munnar.

Hotels

Kerala Tourism Hotel Tea Country. Tariff - Rs. 6800-12000. Tel: (04865) 230460/969.
Windermere Estate. Tariff - Rs. 7000-15500. Tel: (04865) 230512.
Poopada Resort. Tariff - Rs. 1600-2900. Tel: (04865) 230223.

Shillong

Shillong is the capital city of the north eastern state of Meghalaya. It's name is derived from the deity shyllong or Lei Shyllong. This town is also called the Scotland of the East because it is believed that the British were reminded of Scotland by the waterfalls and hills surrounding the town. Shillong has different things to offer to everyone. Majestic waterfalls, mystic mountain peaks, crystal clear water lakes and amazingly beautiful golf courses are sure to take away your mind. The major attractions of Shillong are the Shillong Peak, Elephant Falls and the Golf Course. Other tourist spots include Words Lake-Botanical Garden, Catholic Cathedral, State Museum and Lady Hydari Park.

Shillong Golf Club

How to Reach

Shillong Airport at Umroi is connected to Kolkata only. Guwahati is the nearest major airport and railway station which is 100 km from Shillong. Taxi services are available from Guwahati to Shillong. Guwahati is well connected to other cities of India by rail and air.

Hotels

Hotel Pinewood. Tariff - Rs. 2400-8000. Tel: (0364) 2223116.
Tripura Castle. Tariff - Rs. 4600-7000. Tel: (0364) 2501111.
Hotel Orchid. Tariff - Rs. 800-2200. Tel: (0364) 2224935.
Stay In Guesthouse. Tariff - Rs. 900-1500. Tel: (0364) 2223965.
Hotel Grace. Tariff - Rs. 850-2500. Tel: (0364) 2506353.
Hotel G K International. Tariff - Rs. 950-3200. Tel: (0364) 2501588

Saputara

Saputara, the abode of the serpants is the only hill station in Gujarat. Situated at a height of 1000 m above sea level Saputara is a picturesque hill station. The cool climate, scenic views and lush greenery attracts lots of tourists. Saputara is an ideal place for watching sunrise and sunset. Boating facilities are available in the lake. The best time to visit Saputara is between the months of March and November.

Saputara Lake

How to Reach

Saputara has good connectivity with cities like Surat and Mumbai. Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai is the nearest airport from Saputara. The nearest railway station situated 50 km away from Saputara is Waghai. Train services are available from Waghai to Mumbai, Surat and other cities. Regular bus services are also available from Surat, Mumbai and Pune to Saputara.

Hotels

Shilpi Hill Resort. Rs. 3000 onwards.
Vaity Ropeway Resort. Rs. 1800 onwards.
Hotel Chitrakoot. Rs. 1500 onwards.
Toran Hill Resort. Rs. 500 onwards.
Patang Hotel. Rs. 2000 onwards.