Hill Stations in India

Why is India an esteemed tourist destination?
India's natural wealth is one of its many enticements. When it comes to scenic beauty and magnificent landscapes, India seems to be a piece of Paradise. Cool salubrious air, rolling hills, verdant meadows, spellbinding sights and above all, the serene ambience of its far-famed hill stations can move even the sternest heart. The country today boasts of some of the finest hill stations in the world. Much of the credit goes to the British for developing most of the country's hill stations. It was done to escape the searing heat of the long Indian summer.

Which are the famous hill stations?
The idyllic hill stations of India are prized all over for their scenic surroundings and calm ambience. There are too many to take you away from your hum-drum sort of existence, making it all an experience of a lifetime. Darjeeling in the foothills of the Himalayas in eastern India has a lot to uplift one's mind and spirit. The valley of Gulmarg in the state of Jammu and Kashmir in northern India is an above-the-world sight in winters. It is one of the finest skiing grounds in the world. The rugged region of Ladakh has been attracting travellers and filmmakers from all across the globe. Manali in the state of Himachal Pradesh is one of the best options for adventure activities like rock-climbing, skiing, white-water rafting, canoeing, kayaking etc. Shimla in Himachal Pradesh provides with excellent trekking options. Mussoorie and Nainital in the newly formed state of Uttaranchal are home to numerous lakes, temples, adventure-sites, picnic spots etc, attracting a large number of tourists from far and near. Srinagar, located in the heart of the Kashmir Valley, has such famous attractions as the Dal Lake, the Nagin Lake, the Shalimar Bagh, the Nishat Bagh and the luxurious Shikaras.

What does the 'Cool List' say?

	Darjeeling
	The bewitching town of Darjeeling is located in the state of West Bengal in eastern India. It lies in the foothills of the Himalayas at an elevation of 2,134 m above sea level.

	Dharamshala
	Dharamsala (185 km from Shimla) is located in the state of Himachal Pradesh in northern India. It lies in the Kangra Valley in the Dhauladhar mountains.

	Gulmarg
	The valley of Gulmarg, about 3 sq km in area, is located at a distance of 56 km southwest of Srinagar in the state of Jammu and Kashmir in North India. It lies at an elevation of 2,730 m.

	Kodaikanal
	Kodaikanal, spreading over an area of 21.45 sq km, is located in the Palani Hills near Madurai in the state of Tamil Nadu in the southern part of the Indian subcontinent.

	Leh/ Ladakh
	The district of Ladakh is located in the state of Jammu and Kashmir in North India. It is the largest district of the state, with Leh being its capital. It is internationally known for its mountain beauty and Tibetan Buddhist culture.

	Manali
	Manali (274 km from Shimla) is located at the confluence of the Beas and the Manalsu rivers in the northern end of the Kullu Valley in the state of Himachal Pradesh. It lies at an elevation of 6,726 ft above sea level. .

	Mount Abu
	Mount Abu is the highest peak in the Aravalli ranges of the state of Rajasthan in western India. It lies in the Sirohi district of the state. It has been a famous retreat from the heat of Rajasthan for years.

	Munnar
	The small but beautiful forested town of Munnar is located in the state of Kerala in South India. The hill station (5,250 ft above sea-level) lies in the Idukki district, at the confluence of mountain streams Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala.

	Thekkady
	Thekkady (140 km from Madurai), a major tourist attraction, is located in the Idukki district in the state of Kerala. Thiruvanathapuram is located at a distance of 271 km from Thekkady.

	Mussoorie
	Mussoorie is located in the foothills of the Himalayan ranges in the state of Uttaranchal in North India. It lies in the Garhwal region at an elevation of 6,578 ft on a ridge 34 km north of Dehradun. With majestic mountains, verdant plains and varied flora and fauna, Mussoorie is a fascinating hill resort.

	Nainital
	Nainital is located in the foothills of the Himalayan ranges in the state of Uttaranchal in North India. It is situated in the Kumaon region at an elevation of 6,350 ft.

	Ooty
	Ooty or Udhagamandalam(105 km from Coimbatore), the capital of the Nilgiri district, is located in the state of Tamil Nadu in Southern India. It is perched at an elevation of 2,268 m in the Nilgirimountain ranges.

	Shimla
	Shimla, the state capital, is located in the state of Himachal Pradesh in North India. It lies at an elevation of 2,159 m. The beautiful hill station was established by the British to escape the heat of the plains.

	Srinagar
	Srinagar is located in the heart of the Kashmir Valley in the northern Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is the capital of the state and stands on the banks of river Jhelum.