Chail

A Georgian mansion with spectacular views, Chail Palace which is now a hotel was built as a summer retreat by the flamboyant Maharaja of Patiala in the late 19th century. Stroll through thick cedar forests including the game sanctuary which has a variety of deer and pheasants. At 2444m check out the world’s highest cricket pitch and polo ground.

43 k.m. from Shimla and with a lush green setting, this was the former ‘summer capital’ of the Patiala state. At 2250 metres it has the world’s highest cricket pitch and a polo ground, the old palace.

Dalhousie

Dalhousie Standing at the foot of the spectacular Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas, is the popular hill station of Dalhousie, that covers an area of around 14 sq.km, and is sprawled over five hills Kathlog, Portreyn, Moti Tibba (formerly known as Tehra), Bakrota and Balun. A resort that still exudes an old worldly charm, Dalhousie has retained much of the British Raj style.

The views that the resort has to offer are alone, worth a visit – to the north, one can gaze at the majestic mountains of the Dhauladhar range, that culminate in the Pir Panjal mountains of Kashmir, to the south, the plains of Punjab are discernible. Far below, the beautiful river Ravi can be sighted meandering its way through the plains.

Darjeeling

Darjeeling conjures visions of serenity, of vibrant green hills steeped in splendour, a land of breathtaking beauty crowned by the majestic Himalayas.

Darjeeling is one of the most magnificent hill resorts in the world. This heavenly retreat is bathed in hues of every shade. The flaming red rhododendrons, the sparkling white magnolias, the miles of undulating hillsides covered with emerald green tea bushes, the exotic forests of silver fir – all under the blanket of a brilliant azure sky dappled with specks of clouds, compellingly confounds Darjeeling as the QUEEN OF HILL STATIONS.

Gulmarg

Gulmarg is surrounded by dense forests of tall conifers ,Gulmarg is known for unparalled beauty nad is rated as one of the matchless tourist spots of the world.It is famous for Golf hikes and boasts of a beautiful highland golf course. It is a premier resort for winter sports in the country.The meadow of Flowers is a world famous tourist spot in the Baramulla Distt of Kashmir. The altitude of Gulmarg is 2730 meters.

How to Reach Gulmarg: Gulmarg is in Baramula Distt and is 57Kms from Srinagar District .The nearest Airport in Badgam Distt. This Airport is connected with major cities of country. The nearest Rail Head is at Jammu . The journey from Srinagar to Gulmarg takes approx. 2 hours in bus and may take short time by chartered conveyance. The road to gulmarg is very beautiful and is lined with poplar trees all through. All sorts of transport is available to Gulmarg from Srinagar bus stand at Batmallo and from various tour and travel opeartors at the prices fixed.

Kufri

At a height of 2501 ms, girded by awesome pinncles, Kufri is a scenic hill resort 16 kms from Shimla. From December to March it wears its white winter garb, with snow trimmings on its undulating slopes are fashioned by nature to exhilarate lovers of winter sports. Skiing facilities and training for beginners are available during the best part of winter.

How to Reach Kufri
Special conducted bus tours can be hired from Kufri to Shimla. Regular buses and taxis are also available from Shimla. But to fully savour the scenic views between Shimla and Kufri nothing could be better than trekking the 16 kms way.

Ladakh

Ladakh is a land like no other. Bounded by two of the world’s mightiest mountain ranges, the Great Himalaya and the Karakoram, it lies athwart two other, the Ladakh range and the Zanskar range.

Dras, Zanskar and the Suru Valley on the Himalaya’s northern flank receive heavy snow in winter; this feeds the glaciers whose meltwater, carried down by streams, irrigates the fields in summer. For the rest of the region, the snow on the peaks is virutally the only source of water. As the crops grow, the villagers pray not for rain, but for sun to melt the glaciers and liberate their water. Usually their prayers are answered, for the skies are clear and the sun shines for over 300 days in the year.

Manali

One day Varvasvata, the seventh incarnation of Manu found a tiny fish in his bathing water. The fish told him to look after it with devotion for one day, it would do him a great service. The seventh Manu cared for the fish till dayy and it grew so huge that he released it into the sea. Before departing, the fish warned Manu of an impending deluge when the entire world would be submerged and bade him to build a sea worthy ark. When the flood came, Varvasvata and seven sages were towed to safety by Matsya. The fish is regarded as first avatara of Lord Vishnu. As the water subsided the seventh Manu’s ark came to the rest of a hillside and the place was named Manali (2050m) after him.

As the earth slowly dried, here across a place of breath taking natural beauty which was only appropriate for it was at Manali that life began again. Today this legendary cradle of all human kind is a prime holiday destination. There are high mountain surrounded by silent snows and deep boulder strew gorges. There are thick forest full of cool breezes and bird songs. There are fields of wild flowers small picturesque and fruit laden orchards.

Mussoorie

Mussoorie, the queen of hill stations, is famous for its scenic beauty, gay social life and entertainment. The excellent climate makes it an attractive holiday resort. Thronged by holidayers, it vibrates with gaiety and merry making during the summer season. There are no steep inclines and the more adventurous can undertake enjoyable excursions to various beauty spots in the vicinity. Mussoorie affords glorious views of the mights Himalayan peaks. Kempty falls which are about 11 kms. from the town attract hundreds of people every day. The Bhatta falls are also famous for scenic beauty.

Nainital

Nainital is a glittering jewel in the Himalyan necklace, blessed with scenic natural spledour and varied natural resources . Dotted with lakes , Nainital has earned the epithet of ‘Lake District’ of India . The most prominent of the lakes is Naini lake ringed by hills . Nainital has a varied topography . Some of the important places in the district are Nainital , Haldwani , Kaladhungi , Ramnagar , Bhowali , Ramgarh , Mukteshwar , Bhimtal , Sattal and Naukuchiatal . Nainital’s unending expense of scenic beauty is nothing short of a romance with awe-inspiring and pristine Mother nature.

Patnitop

Patnitop is enveloped by thickly wooded forests,Patnitop offers beautiful picnic spots, peaceful walks and breathtaking views of the mountainscape of the Chenab basin. In winter, the resort is generally covered with a thick mantle of snow thus providing opportunities for various snow games includingskiing. It is the best developed tourist spot of Jammu and is second to none in its natural charm, climate, pine forests and lush green cover.

Shimla

Shimla is the State Capital of Himachal Pradesh, with its population around 1.6 lacs (Shimla town). It was the Summer Capital of India under the British rule. Shimla has witnessed many important historical events, such as the famous Shimla Pact between India & Pakistan, which was signed here. The place is also famous for its natural beauty, architectural buildings, wooden crafts and apples.

Placed in the lower ranges of the Himalaya mountains, it is surrounded by pine,deodar, oak and rhododendrom forest. Towards the north lie the now-covered high ranges while the valleys breathe whispering streams and swaying fields. Within the town are host of splendid colonial edifices quaint cottages and charming and walks. Shimla holds a variety of shopping ,sport and entertainment.

Srinagar

Srinagar district is situated in the centre of Kashmir Valley, is surrounded by five districts.In the north, it is flanked by Kargil,in the South by Pulwama,in the north-west by Budgam. The capital city of Srinagar,is located 1730 metres above sea level.The district with a population of around 9,00,000 souls(1991- census), is spread over an area of 2228 Sq.Kms.It comprises three tehsils/ towns viz Srinagar, Ganderbal and Kangan, four blocks (Srinagar, Ganderbal, Kangan and Leh), besides 175 villages.The population density in the district Srinagar is 401 per Square Kilometer which is highest in the state. The literacy rate of the district was 33.80%in 1981.