SHILLONG

GANGTOK

DALHOUSIE

DARJEELING

CHAUKORI

CHAIL

BOMDILA

BHALUKPONG

BINSAR

ALMORA

SHILLONG

Get a birds' eye view of Shillong from the sky…a lively city that paints a pretty picture…A vision of snug wooden cottages and red tiled roofs rubbing shoulders with each other, nudging at terraced hills. Shillong, the capital of the eastern state of Meghalaya lies on a 1520 m high plateau. The Diengiei Hills and the Assam Valley peaks loom up in the distance, hemming in the Umiam gorge and the Umiam River. The view from Shillong Peak is amazing; this is the highest point in the city, from where you can glimpse the entire city veiled in clouds. Shillong by night will take your breath away, with its millions of lights glimmering like a galaxy.

Within Shillong city is the flower bedecked Ward's Lake encircled by whispering pine groves. This is a pleasant place to go boating or to feed the colourful fish while standing on the bridge across the lake.You'll love the walks in this city although it does get a little crowded with cars in the afternoon. Lady Hydari Park doubles up as a miniature zoo and is a short distance away from Ward's Lake. A visit to the St Mary's Christian Cathedral at Dhankheti is a must - it has beautiful stained glass windows and the grotto is carved out of a single rock. The bells of the cathedral resonate across the city at dawn, in the afternoon and at dusk.

Shillong is a city of waterfalls - feel the spray from the Crinoline Falls, from the two Gunner's Falls, Spread Eagle, Elephant Gait and Elephant Falls, Beadon and the Sweet Falls. Quite the most spectacular falls, however, are at Cherrapunjee, 56 km away, a town that was once billed as the wettest place on earth.

Shillong is a throbbing city, full of vibrant energy and one that enjoys keeping abreast of development. Yet it has a serenity and beauty that add to its unassuming simplicity. This, combined with the comfortable climate, makes Shillong a great holiday getaway from the Kolkata fast lane.

Getting to Shillong
Shillong is 1181 km from Kolkata. The quickest route to get here from Kolkata is via Guwahati in Assam, 128 km away. Guwahati has the nearest airport, Borjhar and the closest rail junction. From here, buses and taxis take about 4 hours to get to Shillong.

Best time to visit Shillong
Shillong is a year round destination that is particularly beautiful in the monsoons (June to September), if you are willing to put up with the heavy showers. The temperatures range from 10ºC to 30ºC. Carry light woollens and an umbrella, no matter what season it is.

Accommodation in Shillong
There are a number of hotels around the Police Bazaar area. Facilities vary greatly and so do the tariffs.

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GANGTOK

Mesmerising, picturesque, colourful - Gangtok is the exuberant capital of Sikkim that lures you for an unforgettable vacation. Cool breezes blow over the lush mountainside and the air is fragrant with the profusion of wild orchids and rhododendrons. Gangtok's bazaars bustle with the animation of trendy youngsters, elderly matrons in their traditional bakus and lamas in colourful maroon and mustard robes. Prayer flags flutter in front of pretty Buddhist shrines and pagoda-style houses that cling to the hillside. At about 1,770 mt, Gangtok offers panoramic views of the Himalayas, especially from Tashi Viewpoint.

Though you will be charmed by Gangtok's serenity, for energetic moments make a trip to the famous Pemayangtse Monastery to see its priceless antiques and idols, and to the nearby ruins of Rabdantse, the 17th century capital of Sikkim. The Institute of Tibetology, the Enchey Monastery, and the Rumtek Monastery are other interesting places in Gangtok. The Do-Drul Chorten is a splendid temple capped by a golden tower, with 108 prayer wheels. The sacred Changu Lake at 3,780 mt, 40 km east of Gangtok remains frozen through the year and comes alive during summer when rhododendrons, irises, primulas and poppies burst into bloom on its banks and on the adjoining hill slopes.

Getting to Gangtok
Gangtok is 721 km from Kolkata, 589 km from Guwahati and 584 km from Patna. The airport closest to Gangtok is at Bagdogra, 124 km and the nearest railhead is New Jalpaiguri (125 km), with connections to all the major cities of India. You can drive to Gangtok from either of these West Bengal cities in 5 hours or from Siliguri 114 km away or Darjeeling, 139 km from Gangtok. The drive to Gangtok is facilitated by numerous taxis, shared jeeps and hired cars with chauffeurs.

Best time to visit Gangtok
The best time to visit Gangtok is between October and mid-December when clear views of the Himalayan peaks are guaranteed or again between March and May when the flowers are in bloom. January and February means snow in the higher altitudes and visits to many of the tourist spots are not possible. June to September brings heavy rains causing landslides that often disrupt communication. Carry light woollens for summer and heavy woollens for winter. Rainwear is a must in any season.

Accommodation in Gangtok
There is a wide variety of hotel accommodation available at Gangtok, ranging from luxury and deluxe to standard and economy, depending on your budget. Prices are in the vicinity of Rs 2,500 for luxury, Rs 1,300 for mid-rung and Rs 500 for basic accommodation.
 

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DALHOUSIE

The hill resort of Dalhousie lies in the Chamba Valley of Himachal Pradesh, spread out on the crests of five hills. Named after the British Governor-General of Punjab, Dalhousie is a quiet and idyllic little hilltown replete with colonial buildings and an atmosphere of immense charm. Dense forests of pine, rhododendron and oak surround Dalhousie, the river Ravi flows nearby, and cool breezes soothe. Quiet and unassuming, Dalhousie's magic works on you as you wander around Subhash Chowk and stroll down the inevitable Mall, with its shops and restaurants. Venture along the mountain paths which branch off from the Mall - many of them adorned with Buddhist rock paintings.
 

Walk on to the nearby waterfalls of Satdhara, the waters of which have a high mica content and are reputed to cure a number of ailments. Further on from Satdhara is Panchpula literally, `five bridges.' Another scenic walk from Dalhousie takes you to the mountain spring of Subhash Baoli, near which is the old Chamba palace known as Jhandri Ghat and the Bhuri Singh Museum. Wander across Dalhousie through Raj-era churches, go for quiet walks through pine forests, or take a bus to the nearby town of Chamba. Go trekking, shopping, bird-watching. Or just sit back and relax. Let Dalhousie work its quiet, unhurried charm on you.
 

Getting to Dalhousie
The railway station closest to Dalhousie is at Pathankot, 78 km down in the plains, and with convenient links to Delhi and other major cities in the north. From Pathankot, a national highway links to Dalhousie, with regular state roadways and private buses plying on the route. Buses also come in to Dalhousie from Chamba, Dharamshala and Shimla.

Best time to visit Dalhousie
The best time to visit Dalhousie is between March and June, before the onset of the monsoons. Winters in Dalhousie are slack season, when many hotels offer hefty discounts. It really is quite pretty in winter as well, so if you like the quiet and the cold, take advantage of this time.

Accommodation in Dalhousie
Most of the good hotels in Dalhousie are along the Mall and near the Bus Stand. These are standard quality hotels - reasonably comfortable and clean. You aren't really looking for deluxe luxury here! Himachal Tourism runs a good hotel along with a restaurant. The old palace of the Chamba rulers, 2 kms from the centre of Dalhousie town, has been converted into a hotel too.

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DARJEELING

At 2,134m, Darjeeling is quite the picture-perfect hill station with its fantastic mountain views, trekking trails, Buddhist monasteries and balmy climate. Darjeeling has that rarefied mountain air and a lofty beauty, amplified by the world's highest mountains looming in the distance.Staggering above the clouds, the majestic Kanchenjunga and her entourage of lesser peaks are clearly visible from Tiger Hill, the highest vantage point in Darjeeling. Even the elusive Everest puts in an appearance when the skies are clear. On cloudy days, the mist-shrouded peaks make an awe-inspiring backdrop to Darjeeling's own beauty. The Senchal Lake at a height of 2,448m is a charming picnic spot nearby.
 

Darjeeling became a favourite haunt of Kolkata-wallahs during the days of the Raj. Being a border town, the influence of its neighbours, Bhutan, Tibet and Nepal is palpable - it is here that you can feast on momos and kebabs, have a typical English tea with cake and crumpets, shop for ethnic bric-a-brac or simply hang around the main market at Chowrasta.

Hindu and Buddhist cultures rub shoulders all over town. The Dhirdham Temple is the most prominent Hindu temple here, but Darjeeling's Buddhist monasteries stand out with their prayer wheels and colourful pennants fluttering in the breeze. The Bhutia Busty Gompa, stands out with the majestic Kanchenjunga as a backdrop. Its library holds the original copy of the Tibetan Book of the Dead. Shrouded under a cloud of mist is the Yogachoeling Gompa popularly called Ghoom, which enshrines an image of the Maitreya Buddha. This is one of the best-known monasteries in Darjeeling, 8 kms out of town. The other monasteries in Darjeeling are the Samdenchoeling, Sakyachoeling, Phin Sotholing, Aloobari, Thupten Sangachoeling and Sonada Gompas.

Getting to Darjeeling
Darjeeling is 651 km from Kolkata and 51 km from Kalimpong by road. Bagdogra, 96 km away, is the nearest airport, connected to Kolkata, Delhi, and Guwahati. From here a bus or private taxi can get you to Darjeeling in 3 hours. New Jalpaiguri is the nearest railhead with connections to major cities in the country. The Toy Train to Darjeeling takes a picturesque 7-hour route via New Jalpaiguri. Within Darjeeling, jeeps and Land Rovers are available on hire.

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CHAUKORI

The charming little town of Chaukori is unlike any other hill station you have seen. Chaukori is a somnolent, peaceful hamlet, untouched by development, free from the clutches of tourism. Chaukori, in Pithoragarh district of the Kumaon Hills of Uttaranchal, is in the heart of the Himalayas. The benign peaks of Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot and the famous five of Panchuli are a constant presence. Chaukori village is a simple, one-horse road free from the maddening clamour of trinket vendors and travel guides trying to lure tourists to the "hotspots" - perhaps because there are no hotspots! In Chaukori, you are free to discover the joys of this laidback village on your own. There is little to do here besides basking in the blissful sunshine, breathing in the invigorating mountain air and feasting your eyes on the breathtaking scenery.

One of the most magnificent aspects of a holiday in Chaukori is the fabulous sunrise and sunset that you are treated to. The night sky is studded with a million stars that simply take your breath away.

The forests around Chaukori are thick with pine, oak and rhododendron and soggy moss that squishes underfoot. The hill slopes are redolent with tea blossoms and you can walk through the fruit orchards and cornfields beyond the village.
 

Check out Chaukori for your next mountain holiday. This resort is guaranteed to give the others in Kumaon a run for their money!

Getting to Chaukori
Chaukori is 480 km from Delhi and 183 km from Chaukori. The railhead closest to Chaukori is at Kathgodam, 214 km, from where buses and tourist taxis are available. Naini Saini at Pithoragarh, 114 km, is the nearest airstrip. The most convenient way to get here is to drive from Delhi, via Nainital.

Best time to visit Chaukori
March to June and mid-September to November are the best months to be here, though Chaukori has a bracing climate throughout the year. Light woollens are fine for summer, but carry heavy clothing if visiting in the winter months.

Accommodation in Chaukori
The KMVN Tourist Bungalow is the only accommodation available at Chaukori

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CHAIL

Just 43 kms from the maddening pace of Shimla is Chail, happily isolated from the rest of Himachal and occupying prime position on three hills. The flamboyant Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala built Chail as his 'summer capital' when he was banned from Shimla after a clash with the British in 1891. Never one to be left behind, the Maharaja conjured up his very own Xanadu, the Chail Palace, a magnificent mansion in surroundings that overshadowed any resort the British commanded. Chail is built on three hills - the palace on Rajgarh Hill, the British Residency on Pandhewa Hill and Sadh Tiba is the third hill.
 

Sadh Tiba was originally the site of the palace but the Maharaja halted construction there and built a temple, Sidh Baba ka Mandir, following a dream. Today the Chail Palace is a luxury hotel that seems to hang from the clouds, perched on the hilltop and surrounded by pine and deodar forests.

The drive to Chail is scenic, winding around the gorgeous valleys of Kandaghat, past forests thick with foliage and fruit laden orchards. Along the entire journey, you are aware that Chail stands apart from other Himachal hill stations in its majesty and location. When you finally reach Chail, you are rewarded with a spectacular view of the Himalayas. The twinkling lights of Shimla and Kasauli are clearly visible and Chail overlooks the Satluj Valley.

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BOMDILA

Breathtakingly beautiful Bomdila, 3,500 metres high in the Himalayas, is the headquarters of the west Kameng district in Arunachal Pradesh. This lofty paradise is snow clad for a major part of the year and makes a delightful destination to get away to in summer.

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BHALUKPONG

Arunachal Pradesh has a number of remote towns and villages in the mountains that make exciting holiday getaways. One of these is the village of Bhalukpong in the foothills - a wonderful place for wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers, hikers, rafters and anglers. The little town of Bhalukpong is on the Kameng river and lies along the dense forests that form the periphery of the Pakhui Game Sanctuary. Bhalukpong is a gateway to popular destinations like Tawang and Bomdila, but it has its own special charm too. Strategically placed near the border to Assam, Bhalukpong lies close to the region where the Kameng enters Assam. Here the Kameng and other rivers team up with the mighty Brahmaputra as it rages down the Himalayas to flood Assam If you are driving in via Guwahati, the Kaziranga National Park - the sanctuary of the one-horned rhinoceros is en route.From Kaziranga there is another diversion as the road crosses over the Brahmaputra to enter Arunachal. Placed thus on the crossroads between Arunachal and Assam, between the Kameng and the Brahmaputra rivers, the Pakhui Sanctuary and the Kaziranga National Park, Bhalukpong has evolved as a happy blend of cultures and environments. It seems to have absorbed the best of all worlds and maintains its own relaxed pace.
 

While in Bhalukpong, you simply must spend some time in the Pakhui Game Sanctuary. This 826 square kilometres of luxurious forest is home to the Bengal tiger, the great pied hornbill and a few other endangered species of birds. There are a host of other birds, both resident and migratory, including the white winged wood duck which is considered one of the most gravely endangered bird species in India. Pakhui also shelters herds of elephants, gaurs, leopards and barking deer.
 

Another wonderful attraction at Bhalukpong is rafting downriver using an inflatable rubber dinghy and angling for mahseer in the Kameng. Angling season begins in early October right up to April. Though you can fish here throughout the year, the river is in full spate during the monsoons; this is also the spawning season for fish and you would do yourself and the fish a favour by avoiding angling during the monsoons. Rafting as an adventure sport is becoming increasingly popular in the area.
 

Spend some time visiting the Tipi Orchidarium, 7 km from Bhalukpong. This is a wonderful greenhouse with an amazing range of over 500 orchid species and hybrids.Part of the attraction of holidaying in Bhalukpong is its easy accessibility from Tezpur, 52 km away. This, combined with the town's natural beauty and the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors, make Bhalukpong the treasured retreat that it is.
 

Getting to Bhalukpong
From Kolkata, the simplest way to get to Bhalukpong is to first reach Tezpur (1100 km) in Assam, by air or rail. Bhalukpong is 52 km from Tezpur and can be easily accessed by road.

Best time to visit Bhalukpong
The Nyethidow festival in March is celebrated with pomp in Bhalukpong and this is a good time to be here. Weather-wise, Bhalukpong is splendid between October and April. The summers are mild and the winters are cool.

Accommodation in Bhalukpong
Besides some small middle rung and economy hotels, you can stay at the Forest Rest House and the Inspection Bungalow with permits, or at the Assam Tourist Lodge in Bhalukpong. It is also possible to stay at Tezpur in the Circuit House, the Dak Bungalow or the Tourist Lodge.

Note:
Indian tourists visiting Arunachal Pradesh require an Inner Line Permit, which takes approximately three weeks to be issued. Contact The Liaison Officer, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, 4B Chowringhee Place, Kolkata: 700013; Tel: 91-33-2486500 or The Liaison Officer, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, Chanakyapuri, Kautalya Marg, New Delhi: Tel: 91-11-23013915/56

Foreign tourists intending to visit Arunachal need clearance from the Home Ministry and a Restricted Area Permit, which takes approximately three weeks to be issued. The Permit is valid for 10 days. A minimum of four and a maximum of fourteen tourists must travel together on a tour arranged through an approved travel agent.

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BINSAR

Searching for peace and solitude? Looking for invigorating air and glorious mountain views? Longing for lovely walks, for the feel of brown leaves crunching underfoot? Hoping to spot a leopard? Or a black bear or two? Then come to Binsar, a tranquil forest resort tucked away in the Kumaon Hills far, far away from the madding crowd. Binsar is perched on top of the Jhandi Dhar hills and completely surrounded by dense forests. Oak, rhododendron, pine and deodar grow in amazing abundance. The mantle of green hangs all around - rocks covered with unusual moss and ferns, flowers and shrubs - foliage sprouting out of every conceivable nook and cranny of the hillside. The entire area around Binsar is now a sanctuary.

Binsar was the ancient capital of the Chand Raj kings who ruled in the 7th and 8th centuries. Here, King Kalyan built the temple of Shiva, also known as Bineswar. The temple holds much significance for the devout. Outside Binsar, the temple complex of Jageshwar (34 km from Almora), nestles in a beautiful valley, crested by majestic deodars. This important pilgrimage is considered one of the 12 Jyotirlingas.

Panoramic vistas of the snow capped Himalayas are visible from Binsar. You can see the peaks of Nanda Devi, Kedarnath, Chaukhamba, Trishul, Panchchuli and Nanda Kot. The view is so beautiful that you almost feel it is a cliché, insignificant little you within touching distance of the awe inspiring mountains.

Time just stands still at Binsar. You will keep discovering new walking trails up the mountains and down the valleys, new lookout points for another spectacular sunset. This intimate little hill retreat makes you feel that nothing can ever come between you and nature.

Getting to Binsar
Binsar is 380 km from Delhi. The airport closest to Binsar is at Pantnagar, 127 km and the nearest railhead is at Kathgodam, 85 km. From here you can take a tourist bus, taxi or drive up via Almora, 30 km from Binsar.

Best time to visit Binsar
You can come to Binsar at any time of the year, but avoid the monsoons completely. Binsar is lovely around October-November. Travel with two layers of woollens, walking shoes and an umbrella, as hill weather is unpredictable. Carry a torch, candles and camera.

Accommodation in Binsar
Accommodation in Binsar is restricted to a few luxury estates, small hotels and the KMVN tourist bungalow. Advance bookings are essential if you're comign to Binsar, especially during the peak season.

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ALMORA

Ask any mithai-loving Kumaoni about the best sweet in the Uttaranchal hills, and chances are you'll hear a litany in praise of Almora's baal mithai, that deliciously chewy, chocolate-brown sweet coated with teensy-weensy globules of sugar. Baal mithai is reason enough to visit Almora- but so is the ancient Nanda Devi Temple, the cool pine forests, and the quiet, quaint town itself. Refreshingly unspoilt, Almora is a peaceful little town where the evenings are cool, the views panoramic and the ambience perfect for a quiet break from big-city bustle.There's plenty to do in Almora- wander past lovely old houses and churches, such as the Budden Memorial Church- which stand, reminders of British days, all across town.
 

Make your way along Almora's main street, the Mall; visit the ancient stone Temple of Nanda Devi, dedicated to the presiding deity of Kumaon; or trudge up to the hilltop Shrine of Kasara Devi, 8 km from Almora. Pay your respects at Almora's Chetai Temple, much revered by the local people; get a gorgeous view of the sun setting beyond the mountains from Bright End Corner, or discover the intricacies of pahari folk art at Almora's Govind Vallabh Pant Public Museum. Take a picnic lunch to Simtola, or wander further afield from Almora to idyllic Binsar.

Feast your eyes on mile upon mile of the most stupendous mountain ranges in this part of the world. Go trekking and mountain-climbing. Shop for warm shawls and rustic copper utensils- and don't forget Almora's famous baal mithai.

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