I was on my way to Mumbai, sleeping peacefully in an odd hour trying to avoid participation in conversation with a group of people sitting in the lower berth.
One of the family was visiting Mumbai for the first time, hence was curious about the city. ‘ So what are the places to see in Mumbai?’ asked one of the members of the family. It made me excited, but I refrain myself from participating.
People we’re giving them ideas and opinions to that family about Mumbai, which we’re pretty good. The city has got nothing other than the local trains and Dabbawalas, it’s all concrete jungles’ said one old man sitting on the side berth.
This forced me to participate in this group discussion. I woke up and went down pretending to take out some stuff from my bag.
To my luck, the discussion was continuing. ‘Have you ever been to Mumbai’ I asked the old man while taking my seat in the lower berth.
‘Yes, I have been here several times’; the old man replied looking at me.
The attention of all the person was now onto me. So I asked, ‘How can you say then, that Mumbai has nothing other than concrete jungles?’‘Have you seen the art in CST station or sat by the Marine Drive?’
‘Yes, I have’ replied the old man. ‘Yes, these are ordinary things, it has got nothing’.
Me being foolish continued to argue with the old man. Later I asked. ‘ Have you seen Sanjay Gandhi National park? Have you seen the Kanheri caves?’
‘Yes’ said the old man. But with his tone I can understand that he was lying, he just doesn’t want to lose the argument.
Then came lunch, and the entire point of discussion got shifted to the railway’s lunch.
I couldn’t speak much about Kanheri cave that day, but I hope I can give some overview of this magnificent beauty.
Location of the Kanheri Caves
Kanheri Caves, situated in Sanjay Gandhi national park near Borivali. The cave’s Entrance is five kilometres inside the main entrance of Sanjay Gandhi National Park. From the entrance of Sanjay Gandhi national park, one can walk, rent a bicycle, share a cab or take a bus to reach the Kanheri caves.
Reaching the Caves
Sanjay Gandhi National park is on Western Express Highway, It is easily accessible by road from all parts of the city. The nearest railway station is Borivali railway station. You can take a train from Churchgate station and get down at Borivali railway station. You can take auto-rickshaw or bus to reach Borivali National Park bus stop.
Only one bus of BEST with the number 188LTD goes from Borivali station to Kanheri Caves. Else on reaching the national park you can rent a cycle or take a shared ride in a car to reach the base of the Kanheri caves. Suttle buses are also available, from the entrance.
There is a parking space available for private vehicle owners, so you can easily park your ride on the base of Kanheri Cave.
Other than Mumbai’s local trains, there is also an option to take a bus. You can easily get a bus from most of the important part of the city to reach Borivali station.
If you are coming from Thane or Navi Mumbai, you can easily get a bus. There are many Many ST, TMT, BEST bus services available from Vashi and Thane.
However, the local train remains the quickest and the most reliable option.
About the Kanheri Caves
The word ‘Kanheri’ is derived from the Hindi word Kanha-Giri or Krishnagiri which means black mountain. These caves have been named so because they have been formed of black basalt rock.
The caves were temporary home to Buddhist monk till it was abandoned in the 11th century AD. Later the caves were re-discovered by Japanese monks.
There are about 109 caves, inside the caves, one can find prayer hall, known as Vihara, stupas, Buddhist carvings and paintings.
The cave also had a water system, there are huge tanks on top of the hill which were used to collect rainwater and the water is then channelled to the caves using small man-made canals.
Even today, during monsoon, you can experience the beauty of the flowing water through the channel all across the caves.
Inside Kanheri CavePath to CaveView of Borivali from Kanheri Caves
Conclusion
Kanheri caves have a lot of history associated with itself, but you don’t have to be a history lover to visit the Kanheri cave. The place is a perfect spot for Mumbaikars to take a break during the weekend. It is better to come here during morning hours so that you can enjoy the cave and the park.
When it’s winter, it snows—we often hear this from our friends living in Europe or America. But thanks to the mighty Himalayas, India also has several high-altitude hill stations where we can experience snow.
As winter sets in, temperatures start to drop across most parts of the country. In the Himalayan regions, it often falls below freezing point.
Snowfall begins in many hill stations of the Himalayan region during this time, gradually covering the hills and towns in a cold, white blanket.
Well, India has plenty of hill stations where you can enjoy the magic of snowfall. So, here are some of the most popular ones you can plan to visit this winter with your family and friends.
Hill station to experience Snow in India
Manali
The town of Manali in Himachal Pradesh is one of the most loved destinations for honeymooners and snow enthusiasts. Surrounded by the stunning Himalayan mountains and picturesque valleys, Manali turns into a winter wonderland from December to January, making it the perfect time to experience snowfall. You can enjoy thrilling activities like skiing, sledding, and snowmobiling during this season.
Travelers often pair a visit to Manali with a trip to the iconic Rohtang Pass, where they are guaranteed to see snow almost year-round.
The nearest airport to Manali is Bhuntar Airport, also known as Kullu Manali Airport, located about 50 km away. It is well-connected with flights from Delhi.
Manali is also easily accessible by road, with regular Semi luxury, luxury, Volvo bus services operating between Delhi and Manali, ensuring a comfortable journey.
The only downside—and perhaps the biggest drawback—of Manali is tied to its accessibility and popularity. Since it’s easily reachable by road, you can often expect heavy traffic jams, especially while entering the town. Additionally, hotel prices tend to surge during the Christmas holidays as large crowds of visitors flock to enjoy the festive season and snowfall.
Auli
Image by Jignesh Makwana from Pixabay
Auli, located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, has recently gained fame as a top hiking and skiing destination. It has quickly become a favorite spot for snow lovers in India.
Auli, known as one of India’s premier skiing destinations, offers the best skiing experience between late November and March.
Perched at an altitude of around 9,200 feet above sea level, Auli is surrounded by dense oak forests that provide breathtaking views of majestic mountain peaks like Nanda Devi and Mana Parvat.
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, approximately 250 km away, while the closest railway station is in Rishikesh.
Shimla
Image by shalender kumar from Pixabay
Shimla, one of the most popular hill stations in India, attracts visitors year-round, but it’s especially ideal during the winter to experience snow. The capital of Himachal Pradesh, situated at an altitude of 7,467 ft, was once the summer capital of British India. Its colonial charm is still reflected in buildings like Christ Church and the Indian Institute of Advanced Study.
The best time to witness snowfall in Shimla is during January and February.
In addition to the snowfall and the impressive British-era architecture, the Kalka–Shimla Railway line, built by the British, is another major tourist attraction that offers a unique travel experience.
Jubbarhatti Airport iserves Shimla, located 23 kilometers (14 miles) from the city, with regular flights to Delhi. Chandigarh Airport, located about 116 km away, is the nearest major airport.
Shimla is well-connected by road, making it easily accessible from all major cities in North India.
Just like Manali, one of the main cons of Shimla in winter is the heavy tourist influx, leading to crowded areas and traffic jams.
Gulmarg, a town in the Kashmir Valley situated in a cup-shaped valley of the Pir Panjal range, is a popular skiing destination. It is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and lush greenery.
Situated at an altitude of 8,690 feet, this hill station offers a lot to explore.
The winter season begins at the end of October, and by December through February, you can expect ample snowfall.
One of the popular activities is the Gulmarg Gondola, one of the highest cable cars in the world. The ropeway ferries about 600 people per hour between Gulmarg and a shoulder of the nearby Apharwat Peak.
The nearest airport is Srinagar Airport, located 60 km from Gulmarg.
Srinagar is the closest air junction to Gulmarg, and cabs are available from there to reach Tangmarg, the base of the hill station.
Gulmarg tends to get much colder during winter, with temperatures often dropping well below freezing. As a result, the winter season lasts until early March, and the heavy snowfall can make travel and outdoor activities more challenging at times.
Leh, a cold desert town in Ladakh on the Tibetan plateau, is a popular destination for adventure seekers. A Leh-Ladakh trip often includes visits to Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake, two of the most famous spots in the region.
In winter, you can only reach Leh by air, as heavy snowfall closes all the roads.
Leh has an airport that connects well to Delhi, with additional flights from Chandigarh, Jammu, and Srinagar.
However, one of the cons of visiting Leh in winter is the extreme cold, with temperatures often plunging below freezing, making outdoor activities challenging. Additionally, the high altitude can cause altitude sickness, especially for those who aren’t acclimatized.
Nainital
Nainital, located in Uttarakhand, is one of the best destinations to experience snowfall in India. The city, overlooking the serene Nainital Lake, offers many scenic viewpoints and attractions.
Kathgodam, located 35 km from Nainital, is the nearest railway station. Pantnagar Airport is the closest airport, which is about a 2-hour drive away, but flight options are limited. The road network connects the city well, providing easy access from major cities like Delhi and Dehradun.
One drawback of visiting Nainital in winter is the large number of visitors, which can result in congested attractions and a lack of privacy. Additionally, the snowy roads can make driving tricky, leading to delays and potential travel hassles.
Khajjar
Image Source: Wikipedia( Photograph by User:SriniG )
Khajjiar, often called the Mini Switzerland of India, is an ideal winter destination for snow lovers.
In winter, temperatures often drop below zero, covering the area in snow.
Khajjiar is easily accessible by road from all major cities in North India. The nearest airport is Dharmshala, which is 120 km away, and Pathankot, located 120 km from the town, is the nearest railway station.
Just like every other popular hill station, you can expect heavy crowds during the peak winter season in Khajjiar. This can lead to overcrowded attractions and longer wait times at key spots. Additionally, the cold temperatures and snow-covered roads can make travel challenging for some visitors.
Tawang
Image by Rohan Chowdhury on Pexels
Tawang, situated at an altitude of 8,700 feet in Arunachal Pradesh, is one of the lesser-explored destinations in India.
The winters in Tawang can be particularly harsh, so it is advisable to travel only after the end of January. The main tourist attraction is the 400-year-old monastery, while other popular destinations include the Indo-China Border and the War Memorial.
The town is well-connected by road to the main cities of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. The nearest airport is Tezpur Airport, located around 400 km from the city, and the nearest railway station is Rangapara Railway Station, also about 400 km away.
Munsiyari
Gori Ganga mountain river at sunrise surrounded with dense forest at Munsiyari, Uttarakhand, India. Photo by Roop_Dey from Getty Images
As the locals say, “Munsiyari” translates to a “place with snow.” This charming hill station in Uttarakhand, located on the banks of the Goriganga River, has become a favored destination for mountain enthusiasts. Located at an altitude of 7,200 feet, Munsiyari is one of the best places in India to experience snowfall.
Munsiyari is the starting point for some popular high-altitude treks and offers a stunning view of the Panchchuli range, a group of five snow-capped peaks.
Dehradun is the nearest major airport, located 215 km from the hill station, while Kathgodam is the nearest railway station, 275 km away. Munsiyari is easily accessible by road, linking it to all major destinations in Uttarakhand.
Lachen
On Way to Lachen, Photo by OJO from Getty Images
Lachen is a hill town in North Sikkim, situated at an elevation of 2,750 metres. The name Lachen means ‘Big Pass.’
The town also serves as a base for Chopta Valley and Gurudongmar Lake. Given the town’s altitude, you can easily expect snowfall during the winter.
Winter in Lachen is the best time to experience snow, with the winter season lasting from October to March.
This beautiful hill station is located far from the hustle and bustle of big cities.
It is about 200 km away from Bagdogra Airport and approximately 190 km from New Jalpaiguri Railway Station. A new airport has recently opened near Gangtok (Pakyong Airport), which is about 135 km from Lachen. However, Pakyong experiences unpredictable weather, with low visibility most of the time, leading to temporary flight cancellations.
The roads to Lachen from Gangtok can be a bit bumpy, and it takes about 5 hours to drive from Gangtok. You need to obtain a permit to visit Lachen, and you can acquire it in Gangtok.
Pahalgam
Photo by Amit Jain on Unsplash
Situated at an elevation of 8,990 feet above sea level, Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir is, therefore, one of the popular tourist destinations in India to visit during winter to experience snow, particularly between December and February.
Located by the Liddar River and surrounded by pine forests, Pahalgam offers many trekking options.
Srinagar is the nearest airport, located 90 km away from the town. Jammu Tawi, located about 250 km from Pahalgam, serves as the nearest major railway station and connects to all major cities in India.
Concluding Note
This list is just the tip of the iceberg, as India boasts numerous other hidden gems where you can experience the magic of snowfall. From the scenic beauty of the Himalayas to the lesser-known spots tucked away in various states, there’s something for everyone. Words can hardly do justice to the breathtaking charm of these hill stations; it’s a beauty you need to experience firsthand.
Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a nature lover, or someone simply looking to unwind, the snow-covered landscapes offer a unique and tranquil escape. I hope this guide sparks your wanderlust and helps you plan the perfect winter getaway, so you can immerse yourself in the serene snowfall and create memories to cherish forever.
The new decade has rung hard at the very start of the month; everyone is busy making a New Year resolution! This year make a list of places you’d like to visit, and starting from top to bottom, India is as majestic as can be when it’s about natural beauty. From the Himalayas to Kanyakumari, you’ll need to dedicate a lifetime to explore this country. And, if you’re more of a hilly person, you’ve stumbled upon the right blog! Gear up your bike; gather your family and friends or just go solo, here are 8 top Hill Station in India to visit in 2020.
Almora, Uttarakhand
Image by Ankit Gupta on Unsplash
The most popular hill station to visit, Almora of Uttrakhand is located amidst the southern part of the Kumaon Hills. The place is best for shopping the famous traditional Panchmarchi Shawls, driftwood statues, decorative candles, and indigenous handicrafts.
Moreover, for activities, you can check out the Govind Vallabh Pant Public Museum, Nanda Devi Temple, Almora Fort, and Bright End Corner. Further, if you’re into trekking as a major activity, Almora serves as the starting point for many treks like Ranikhet, Binsar, Mornaula, and much for. Also, to ease your hungry stomach, their local cuisine will definitely make you drool!
Nainital, Uttarakhand
Image by Jignesh326 on Pixabay
Yet, another scenic hill station in India and home to foothills of Himalayas. The town is widespread around the grand Naini Lake and covered by mountains. If you’re booking a package trip, make sure to include sightseeing the Nainital Lake, Naina Peak, Naina Devi Temple, Zoo, and Bhimtal.
You can go boating and yachting here in one of the most beautiful hill stations in north India. Moreover, you can also do some horse riding, go staking, play golf or do some rock climbing as exciting activities for the weekend.
Darjeeling, West Bengal
No matter what, as children, if there was that one hill station to visit with family and friends during summer vacation, that’s Darjeeling. This piece of charming land is located under the nose of Shivalik hills of its parent Mountain the Himalayas. The first thing you need to do is, wake up before dawn, and get on the Tiger Hill and watch the snow-coated Himalayas peaks shimmer in magnificence!
Now, after that, make sure to joy ride the toy train, go on plucking some tea leaves. Moreover, in Darjeeling hill station, you can check out the National Park, Bengal Natural History Museum. Also, for peace, you may visit the Ghoom Monastery and do some meditation or just sit there for some time.
Gangtok, Sikkim
Image by Pralay Pal from Pixabay
The capital and another hill station in India, Gangtok, also called the mountainous place located in Sikkim, is the most captivating and mesmerizing place to visit. The town presents an overall scenic view of Mount Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world.
When it comes to exploring or finding the places to visit in Gangtok, be blown away by visiting monasteries. They are basically located in the middle of the Himalayan range. Moreover, you can dive into the way of Buddhist life. The main street of Gangtok is your go-to shopping spree on way stop! And venture the annual Gangtok Food and Culture festival. Other than that, the place is most popular for trekking and hiking. So don’t miss out on these activities.
Manali, Himachal Pradesh
It has made it to the list of the most scenic hill stations in Himachal Pradesh. This is because Manali is the most often visited hill station in India, especially during winters when snowfall happens. Every other weekend, Manali is your go-to getaway, especially in north India.
When it comes to places to visit in Manali, you can check out Naggar Castle, Hidimbi Devi Temple, and Rohtang Pass — and if you’re in it for a thrill, you can go skiing, hiking, paragliding, kayaking, mountain biking, and ziplining. Also, you can also explore Solang Valley and visit Shiv temple after trekking to a height. You will find a natural Shivlinga made during snowfall, which is a place to rekindle.
You can also visit Vashisht Temple and go for river rafting as well. Currently, there have been made Igloo houses for tourist stays and they are warm from the inside. Moreover, you can have a good time staying there in nature.
Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh
A fancy scenic hill station in India and the most popular tourist spot. The place will awestruck and take you back in time with Scottish and Victorian architecture, the bungalows and churches in the town ring the bells of the beauty of the past. There’s a bunch of activities for adventure lovers. Apart from the activities, the ideal places for trekking involve Jhandri ghat, Garam Sadak, Moti tibba, and Such pass.
For nature lovers, in Dalhousie hill station, you can check out Bakrota Hills, Satdhara Falls, Dainkund Peak, and much more. And if you wish to be part of their two famous festivals, check out their Minjar fair and summer carnival.
Pelling, Sikkim
Photo by Sahil Pandita on Unsplash
A beautiful hill station in India to visit any time! Dig deep into the past — the historical sites and monasteries. For major activities, trekking and setting up camps is quite an expedition. Apart from that, Pelling’s biggest festival offers kayaking, white water rafting, trekking, mountain biking, bird watching, flower exhibitions, and more traditional sports.
Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir
Photo by Digjot Singh on Unsplash
The epitome of hill stations and the best hill station in India, which has towns covered in a blanket of snow. Ski your way to Gulmarg to explore the city has the highest gondola in the world! Go snowboarding and skiing — do make sure to explore their famous Pashmina shawls, jewellery and must hog on to some of the delicious dishes from their cuisine.
During the fantasy urge to explore famous hill station in India, you must start with north where the top hill stations in India are located. The list rightfully justifies each place and for what they are famous for! Perhaps the cold weather may not be a cup of tea for everyone, but to explore — there is no stopping!
Kolkata is a city with amazing diversity and when it comes to destinations you will be able to get numerous getaway spots to enjoy in the monsoon. Even if you are completely new to the city you did not worried because today we are going to talk about some of the best getaways for the monsoon that is close to Kolkata so that you can have a surreal Experience by visiting each of these places. Now without beating around the bush let’s sneak a peek at these destinations.
Mukutmanipur
This is one of the most exclusive destinations
that is placed near Kolkata and it comprises of a magnanimous blue water body
which is income passed by forest as well as beautiful landscapes. It is the
amalgamation of two rivers namely Kumari and Kangsabati and it is in Bankura district
of West Bengal which is mostly visited by picnic enthusiasts. It has a dam
which is 11 kilometres long and you will also be able to spot some of the birds
and spotted deer as well. If you love trekking then you will also be able to
visit the Parshwanath Hill.
Mandarmani
We know that it is a very common destination
but try visiting it during the monsoon season and you will love this place even
more. It is not a very crowded place and it is a beautiful beach located in
West Bengal. It is recommended that you visit this place when the rainfall is
slightly on the lighter side and here you can find the number of resources us
to spend luxurious leisure time. The water body and the launch of the resort
will give you the experience that you have been craving for.
Maithon
It is located in the cold belt of India and it
is located on the banks of the Barakar river close to Kolkata. It is also
rendered as the Kashmir of Koyelanchal and it has a reserve and Dam which is
the largest one built by Damodar Valley Corporation of India. It is mostly
known for its beauty and serenity and it is an absolute treat for the eyes
during the monsoon season. From here you will be able to go to the nearby
attractions which include the Chammach Pahad or the spoon Island, and also the
Kalyaneshwari temple and Deer Park.
Jhargram
If you really want to know about the beauty of
the forest areas during the monsoon season then this is the perfect place that
you could ever go for. It is located in the plains of West Bengal and it is a
collaboration of the cultures of Jharkhand as well as West Bengal. It is very
close to the city of Calcutta and here the monsoon show diversity as well as
marvellous scenic beauty. Here you will be able to witness the change of
colours in the forest area and the blooming flowers from the beautiful hill
ranges of Belpahari and Kankrajhor. You can also see the beauty of it ki Falls
because it is at its prime during the rainy season.
Diamond Harbour
It is located on the banks of the Hugli river and it is a part of West Bengal where the Hooghly river meets the Bay of Bengal. It is an exclusive picnic spot and many of the tourists visit this place during the monsoon season to visualise the scenic beauty of the place. Here you can spend hours watching the sunset and the sunrise and there are a number of historical evidence for you to explore as well if you are bored. Try visiting this place with your partner and we are sure that you will never be disappointed.
Bakkhali
This is a tiny beach town which is situated on
the south of West Bengal and is not a crowded place which is why you would love
the composure. It has a beautiful serene atmosphere and is one of the best
weekend getaways during the monsoon season from Kolkata. Here you will be able
to see the crabs moving Away on the beach and also explore the forest areas. If
you love boating, then you can also indulge in the same but make sure that it
is during the lighter rainy season. it is a place with images of natural beauty
and you would love to spend some time over here with your family during the
rainy season.
Bakreswar
If you want to visit a place with absolute peace and serendipity then you would definitely like to visit Bakreshwar at least for once because it is located very close to the city of joy. It has all the beautiful elements that you would ask for including the little Hills valleys as well as the forests. You can even explore and find hot springs which are absolutely therapeutic in nature along with the Shiva temple that is a very popular place of visit. If you feel like you can also visit Shantiniketan as it is very close to Bakreswar
Now that you know about some of the best places that you could visit during the monsoon season it is high time that you started planning with your friends and family. Try visiting any one of these spots and you will not get back disappointed. The monsoon season is something to look forward to especially when you have plans of visiting such amazing mind-boggling places
Shout out loud that
monsoon is here. You all must be about to chalk out a hustle free trip. But
hang on for a second, if you are not able to decide where you should go. The
darling of all-season has already made its mark. How about wandering in the
company of beaches and refreshing beauty of nature? Goa is so your kind of
place for this monsoon. We are mentioning down 7 reasons why Goa is monsoon is
simply best for all travelling freaks. Explore it now-
1. Rain all around
No one would like to miss
the elegant transformation of Goa after the first rain. This place carries an
incredible charm of winning your soul again and again. You can witness the
smiling allure of this town during monsoon. Give a blow to your excessive
fatigue and just relax in the lap of mother nature. Don’t forget to gaze at the
sky with the sparkling eyes while spending your lovely moments this monsoon in
Goa.
2. Witness a unique picture of monsoon
Goa holds the splendid
personification of monsoon. Slow droplets of rain falling from little leaves
manage to win the heart of every visitor. Fabricate your monsoon beyond life
and make sure that you are going to be a part of this ravishing city. You can also get the opportunity to feed
ducks and birds out there. The superlative fact about visiting Goa is that you
would achieve a big dose of photos for your Instagram or facebook. Be there and
experience a phenomenal phase of
monsoon.
3. Whereabouts of wildlife
Believe it or not but Goa
becomes the hub of animals in the monsoon. This is the reason why you can count
it as the next factor for Goa in the rainy season. Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary
pulls the major attraction of all visitors. So, follow the path of Bengal
tigers, Bisons, and Sloth beers this time. Plan to make a check on Mahavir
National Sanctuary and Mollem National Park as well. Schedule the dates for
your Goa trip right away.
4. The decency of Dudhsagar Falls
This one is for all waterfall admirers out there, Goa is
the most breathtaking destination for you. At the period of monsoon, Dudhsagar
falls compose the magnificence of Goa. This waterfall gets settle In the
epitome of the earth straight from the height of approx 900 ft. Include this
fascinating point in your Goa list now. You won’t be able to find such immortal
peace anywhere else. Reconcile the ecstasy of your monsoon in this mind-blowing
space.
5. When it’s about nightlife it’s about Goa in monsoon
Everyone knows that Goa
enjoys a universal worth on the parts of nightlife. Guess what? The nightlife
of Goa tends to be by far more vibrations in monsoon. Goa never takes even a
slow nap during nights. It changes into a bright spot for living out your
nights in the most interesting manner.
Night Flea Market and Party cruise stay ahead in the brook of options
for Goa’s nightlife in monsoon. Gather the squad of your loved ones and just
head towards this mesmerising place in this season.
6. Seashores are serene enough
Despite the fact that it’s not completely safe to swim in the sea of Goa, shores of sea save a lot of your craze for this terrific city. Breathe out with peace while staring at the soulful sights of sea and sunsets is a huge must for you. Make your Goa trip a perfect blockbuster and blend all the colours of nature in the most stunning manner. Goa is calling to you to gift a never-dying feel of monsoon.
7. Forts are simply fabulous
Wanna reload your affection for architecture? Now imagine the implausible grace of forts when they get fully drenched with rain. Yes, that’s what Goa offers you in the monsoon. If you’re not knowing then let us tell you that Goa takes into account the establishment of precious Portuguese style forts. Among them Aguada Fort, Chapora Fort and Reis Magos Fort are prominent.
When it comes to planning a vacation, we all want to visit an untouched place. We all try to search for an undiscovered place which seems like a perfect destination to run away from the hustle and bustle of regular routine. To your amazement, such 10 Offbeat Places in Himachal Pradesh exist in the lap of the Himalayas where tourists are least found.
Moreover,
these highly soothing spots in Himachal Pradesh will not only bring you a step
closer to nature but will also detoxify and rejuvenate your soul. So without
further ado, let’s dive into these 10 offbeat destinations in Himachal Pradesh
right away:
As the name suggests, this secluded valley named Tirthan Valley lies 1600 meters from the Tirthan River. Away from the polluted and noisy city, you may witness the sound of bone-chilling water cascading down brown rocky brooks. The place is ideal for travellers who are more interested in a less trodden path. Thus, it makes it a perfect place for trekking.
Apart
from trekking, this place is also known for trout fishing and overnight camping
including many adventurous activities. Interestingly, you may get a chance to
witness rainbows which are hardly seen now due to pollution in cities.
Adding
more excitement, rappelling, river crossing, mountain biking, rock climbing,
archery, and kayaking may form a part of your adventurous trip. Overall, a
visit to the Tirthan Valley may lead to a promising journey which will create a
bond between you and nature.
2. Chitkul
Photo by Rishabh Shukla on Unsplash
Chitkul, a small settlement lies in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. Settled at a height of 3450 meters, it is the last inhabited village situated near Indo-Tibet border. Interestingly, it is the last location in India that can be travelled without a permit.
This
place is best known for the snow-capped peaks, variety of apple orchards and
mustard fields has harsh, unpredictable cold weather. People usually stay at
Sangla and leave for a day’s trip to Chitkul where river Baspa will be your
constant companion.
Besides the scenic beauty, this place is believed to be a homage to the Goddess Chitkul. The deity, who is believed to reside in a 500 years old temple, is a must-visit by the Parikrama pilgrims.
3. Thanedar
When
in search of an enchanting treat to your eyes one must visit Thanedar, a place
popular for its apple and cherry orchards. The place becomes alive due to
myriad trees in the orchards and gives you an opportunity of staying close to
nature. The nearby place, Hattu Peak may provide you a mesmerizing,
breath-taking view of snow-capped ranges.
Other
nearby worth visiting places includes the very famous ‘Nag Devta’ temple and
‘St. Mary’s Church’, which is one of the oldest churches in India.
Barot,
a beautiful place in Himachal Pradesh invites you for a wide range of outdoor
adventurous activities. Lying near the river Uhl, this valley has evergreen
forest which is home to various species of trees and animals. The river Uhl is
home to the life of inhabitants, foliage and wildlife and also serves for the
fishes.
Popular
for hiking and trekking, this place adds positivity in the environment with the
temple of local rain deity, Dev Pashakot.
Lying
in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, Kalpa is one of the biggest
villages. With the vast historical background of ancient temples, it is mostly
known for Buddhist monasteries, sacred Shivling on the Kailash Mountain and
sculpture of Goddess Chandrika Devi in gold.
Along with this, beautiful green pine, nut forests and bright apple orchards add colour to the palette of nature. A must visit the place, indeed.
6. Gushaini
Located
near Tirthan River, it is nicknamed as Trout Country as it has trout in
abundance, making it a perfect place for trout fishing. This place offers a
perfect escape for those who prefer camping in portable dome tents on the banks
of the river, enjoying the music of flowing water and meeting your inner self.
Besides
this, a walk in the Great Himalayan National Park will be a treat to your eyes
where you can find a great variety of flora and fauna.
To
reach this one of the most alluring offbeat places, you will need to take a
four hours long trek from Barsaini. Apart from the scenic beauty, what attracts
most is its hot spring. This spectacular spring is believed to contain some
healing properties.
On
a religious note, it is believed that Lord Shiva had meditated in this area for
thousands of years.
Surrounded
by silvery mountains and magnificent vegetation, the Rakcham valley is another
in the list of unexplored places. At an altitude of 2900 meters, this valley
lies between Sangla and Chitkul. This picturesque valley is a combination of
Hindu and Buddhist ideologies with an abundance of green carpets of vegetation.
The fauna here includes blue sheep, Himalayan black bear, musk deer, and brown
trout.
Another
exquisite offbeat place is Shoja, lying in the Seraj valley. Shoja is well
known for the Serolsar Lake and soothing yet energetic sunset. It is one of the
best places to walk around or wander in the meadows. A short walk may take you
to the waterfall here, where you can enjoy bathing in chilled water or just
soak under the sun.
No doubt, Shoja is a stunning place to open your arms, breathe in the fresh air and feel the tranquillity of the surroundings.
The last place on our list is a place connecting Shimla to Rampur. The natural slopes of impeccable Shivalik ranges are popular for skiing and ideal place to spend some quality time to refresh your body and soul. The unblemished picture and comfortable weather of Narkanda make this place a viable and desirable tourist destination.
Undoubtedly, these 10 Offbeat Places in Himachal Pradesh are worth visiting to heal your soul, relax and make your trip memorable in fresh air and surroundings. Plan a visit now!
