Off to the hills
- POSTED ON: 30 Apr, 2024
- TOTAL VIEWS: 473 Views
- POSTED BY: Bhavya Venkatesh | Text: Nimi Kurian
- ARTICLE POINTS: 150 Points
In these pristine hill stations of India, the mountains whisper tales of enchantment and the valleys beckon with serenity. Read about them and try your hand at the interactive task at the end.
Chatpal, Jammu and Kashmir
The road to Chatpal is lined with farms and orchards and you can see horses grazing in the fields. The first sight of Chatpal will leave you amazed: green, with silent mountains and gurgling streams. You might spot small huts in which are housed flour mills, powered with the flowing water. The alpine forests offer innumerable paths that take you to places where you can commune with nature in solitude. The streams are shallow and icy so beware of dipping your feet in. They may go numb.
Jawhar, Maharashtra
A perfect break for the summer, Jawhar enjoys a pleasant climate all year round. The serene atmosphere and placid lakes make it an ideal location to go wandering. If you climb high enough, you will get a panoramic view of the valley. Several trails lead you up the hills and into the forests. Dense forests and swift flowing streams make it an ideal picnic spot. It is also known as the Mahabaleshwar of Palghar district.
Peermedu, Kerala
With an abundance of green cover, beautiful rolling hills, meandering streams and roaring waterfalls, this hill station will capture your heart at first sight. With sprawling estates of coffee, tea, pepper, cardamom and rubber, it is situated at an altitude of 915 m above sea level. Trekking trails take you to sights unseen. The climate is ideal for long walks and hikes. The Thrissanku Hills are just four km from Peermedu; catch either the sunrise or the sunset. Another should-not-be-missed experience is the trek to Madammakkulam.
Pabbar Valley, Himachal Pradesh
A hidden, untouched wonder of Himachal Pradesh, it is defined by the deodar and oak trees, apple orchards, and the Pabbar river, whose crystal clear waters cut through the Chanshal mountain range. Exciting trails in densely covered slopes and fishing for trout and mahseer are among the must-dos. The valley experiences beautiful summers with mild temperatures, ideal for spending long hours outdoors. Most treks begin at the base camp from the little town of Rohru.
Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
Start in Bomdila by exploring the serene Bomdila Monastery and take in the breathtaking view from Bomdila View Point. From here trek up to the majestic Tawang Monastery, Urgelling Gompa and the Tawang War Memorial that honours the bravery of Indian soldiers. Move on to Dirang, where you can visit the historic Dirang Dzong and be rejuvenated in the therapeutic waters of the hot water spring. This is just not a walk away from the normal but a journey of exploration — personally and spiritually.
Pelling, Sikkim
This beautiful town in the west district of Sikkim offers a breathtaking sight of the Khangchendzonga and the neighbouring peaks. At a height of 6800 ft, it once had a thick forest cover, which was home to many animals. The Pemayangste monastery is less than a kilometre from here. Interestingly, this ridge is situated between two old Buddhist monasteries — Pemayangtse and Sangacholing. There are numerous sites for mountain biking, rock climbing, village tours, meditations, apart from serving as a base for a number of treks in the region.
Lambasingi, Andhra Pradesh
Popularly known as the ‘Kashmir of Andhra Pradesh’, this tiny village is situated at an altitude of 1025 m in the beautiful and lushly forested Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh. Known for its majestic hills, quaint valleys, and chilling temperatures, its USP is that it is the only place in south India that experiences snowfall as the temperatures drop significantly. The climate and terrain make it a trekker’s delight. Lambasingi is also known as Korra Bayalu, which means ‘if you stay outside you could freeze’. The area is known for its tea and coffee plantations, apple and strawberry orchards, and flora and fauna.
Yercaud, Tamil Nadu
Nestled in the Shevaroy Hills, Yercaud translates to yeri (lake) and kaadu (forest). The landscape is charming, inviting you to explore. Ideal for trekkers and hikers, you can find trails that lead to Lady’s Seat, Shevaroy Temple, Bears Cave, Pagoda Point, Kiliyur Falls and Arthur Seat. You can discover paths that will take you through plantations and orchards. Take a walk around the Orchidarium at the Botanical Survey of India. You will be dazzled by the number of orchid species on display. The walk around the lake is also pleasant and calming.
Now that you have read about these locations, can you place them on the map correctly?
Photos: Wikimedia Commons, Flickr, Pexels | Map not drawn to scale