SHIMLA --- The Hill-Station with Rich Colonial History

Shimla is the capital Himachal Pradesh in India and a popular hill-station among Indian families and honeymooners. Situated at the height of 2200m, Shimla was the summer capital of British India. Shimla still retains its old-world charm with beautiful colonial architecture, pedestrian-friendly Mall Road and the ridge lined up with multiple shops, cafes and restaurants.

The weather is pleasant for most of the months with tourists flocking especially during the summer months. The winters are cold with some days of snow from mid-December till February end.

Shimla is well connected with many cities and is just 4 hours from the nearby city of Chandigarh. The city has an airport as well; however, there aren't many daily flights from here. The railway station connects Shimla with the plans and is famous for the Kalka-Shimla train route; a UNESCO listed World Heritage site.

Shimla is often covered with nearby towns of Kufri, a hill-station almost always covered by snow and Chail, famous for a huge palace and the highest cricket ground in the world. Tourists also visit the famous Jakhu Temple and engage in sightseeing at various viewpoints during their trip to Shimla.

ASSAM --- The Gateway Of North-East India

Assam, a treasure trove of natural beauty and diverse history, is one of the least explored regions in the country, lending it an immaculate, untouched aura that is sure to allure you. A land of wild forests, mighty rivers, and acres and acres of tea plantations, Assam, located in North East India, has a breath-taking landscape and is known to be one of the top biodiversity hotspots in the entire world. A veritable paradise, Assam shares international borders with both Bangladesh and Bhutan and boasts of its vibrant culture and scenic beauty, as well as its historical significance. One of the most beautiful states of India, Assam is the gateway to the enchanting and unexploited northeastern part of the country. With the majestic Brahmaputra river, magnificent hills, its rich flora and fauna, the state is every tourist's paradise. 

Spread over an area of 1250 kilometres, Majuli is the largest river island of Asia and is famous for its traditions and its vibrant culture. Home to the 'Mising' or 'Mishing' tribe, Majuli is a great place to sit back and take in the beauty of the village which is surrounded by water. The Misings have a unique lifestyle, and they celebrate various festivals with a lot of pomp and show. Dibrugarh, a city in Assam,  is known as the Tea City of India. 

Hajo, an extremely ancient pilgrimage centre for not one or two, but three different religions, stands as a beautiful example of the secular diversity that exists in India. The area is dotted with numerous temples, mosques and churches, as well as other religious and sacred artefacts. Haflong, Assam?s only hill station, is a stunningly beautiful place, marked with rolling mountains and lush green valleys. It is also known as 'The Land of the Blue Hills'.

COORG – Walk Amidst The Coffee Plantations

COORG simply cannot be skipped from the list of best and safe places to visit in India. A quick get away for many from Bangalore, this mesmerizing hill station in Karnataka is breathtakingly beautiful. It’s one of the top 10 places to visit in India and a visit here sure would heal you and energize you!

Best time to visit: October to March
How to reach

• By air: The nearest domestic airport is in Mangalore, 156 km away. The nearest international airport is the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, 285 kilometres away.
• By rail: Mysore Junction, 106 km away, is the nearest rail head.
• By road: The 238 km long road trip from Bangalore (Bengaluru) takes 5 hours 30 minutes.

Attractions: Abbey Falls, Nalknad Palace, Barapole River, Brahmagiri Peak, Iruppu Falls, Namdroling Monastery, Nagarhole National Park, Microlight flight at Chelavara, ziplining, and angling in River Kaveri

RISHIKESH -- Yoga Capital Of The World

"Rishikesh Tourism"

Located in the foothills of the Himalayas along the convergence of Ganga and Chandrabhaga River, Rishikesh is a small town in the Dehradun district, located close to Haridwar in Uttarakhand. Rishikesh (also called as Hrishikesh) is known for its adventure activities, ancient temples, popular cafes and as the "Yoga Capital of the World". Gateway to Garhwal Himalayas, Rishikesh is also a pilgrimage town and one of the holiest places for Hindus.

Rishikesh became known worldwide in the 1960s after The Beatles visited the ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi here. Today, the place is popular as The Beatles Ashram which beckons tourists globally. The tranquil town has long been a spiritual centre but is equally popular for the whitewater rafting, bungee jumping, mountain biking and camping along the fast-flowing Holy Ganges. It also serves as the gateway to many Himalayan treks.

As it lies on the holy banks of river Ganga, Rishikesh has been a hub of Sadhus (saints) with numerous ashrams teaching spirituality, yoga, meditation and Ayurveda springing up. Since it is a religious town, non-vegetarian food and alcohol are strictly prohibited here. Rishikesh sees the most beautiful evening aarti on the banks of the river Ganga, which is not too crowded unlike its contemporaries in Varanasi, and Haridwar. The International Yoga Festival is organised here in the first week of March which sees yoga enthusiasts from all over the globe.

Rishikesh is divided into two main areas - the downtown area known as Rishikesh town which is where the popular Triveni Ghat is situated. 2 km upstream from the popular Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula is the other side of Rishikesh where most of the popular ashrams, cafes, accommodation and tourists can be found. Haridwar and Rishikesh are the first Indian cities to be given the title of "twin national heritage cities".

SIKKIM -- Home To The Kanchenjunga

Sikkim, located in the north-eastern region of India, is a small state with a big heart. Travelling across this Himalayan state is particularly highlighted by the dramatic contouring of the scenery from thick woodlands to colourful meadows to few barren patches to the panoramic views of the snowcapped mountains. Occupied by warm-hearted people offering some of the best hospitality and boasting of magnificent treks, snow activities and scenic views, Sikkim is truly a destination people fall in love with!

The third highest peak in the world and jewel of the state, Kanchenjunga is visible from almost anywhere you stand. Characterised by freezing winters and cool summers, the state plays host to a large number of tourists all year round.

Accessible mainly via road from the neighbouring states, the newly inaugurated Pakyong airport near the capital city of Gangtok highlights government efforts towards better connectivity.

Until 1975, when it was merged with India, Sikkim functioned as an autonomous kingdom with its own monarchy. Since then, it has become an integral part of India with a distinctive culture which has evolved into a multifaceted one. Influenced by the peaceful coexistence of the dominant Nepalese community with the native Bhutias and the immigrant Lepchas, one will find many monasteries and Hindu shrines close to each other.

Ideal Duration - 3 - 7 days

Best time to visit - March to June, September to December

Sikkim Tour Packages from Rs 6000 onwards.

MUSSOORIE -- The Queen Of Hill Stations

Mussoorie is one of the most popular hill stations located at a distance of 290 km from Delhi in Dehradun district of Uttarakhand. With a backdrop of Shivalik range of Himalayas and doon valley, Mussoorie, also known as Queen of The Hills, stands at an altitude of 7000 feet above sea level and has a cool, pleasant climate throughout the year. Once the British summer capital, Mussoorie is a popular getaway for honeymooners and families.

The fact that it was a popular holiday destination during the British era can be seen from British remnants in the city, such as the archaic architecture of the hotels and churches. One of the most popular tourist attractions in Mussoorie is The Mall (also known as the Mall Road), which is a slightly steep boulevard with eateries and other shops lining its entire stretch. From the little houses spread around the area to the architecture of even the lamp posts, The Mall gives off a distinct colonial vibe.

Another major highlight of Mussoorie is the Ropeway to Gun Hill. Gun Hill is the second highest peak in Mussoorie, and tourists can avail of the cable car ropeway ride to Gun Hill, which offers an enchanting view of the entire city as well as the surrounding Himalayan mountains.

The adjoining little hill station of Landour, along with Mussoorie, Barlowganj and Jharipani together form the greater Mussoorie. Affording a mind-stirring view of the snow-dusted Himalayas, Mussoorie beckons trekkers, climbers and adventure sports enthusiasts.

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