Hill Stations
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Hidden Hill Stations In South India That Are Summer Goals

As the summer gets hotter and hotter in India, people are escaping to the north in search for cool winds and some chill. Little do they know that the hills of the Western and Eastern Ghats provide a cloak of pleasant weather throughout the year (excluding a few monsoon months).

So, if you have been planning your summer vacations and are dead tired of considering the same old towns on the Himalayan foothills, then give these hill stations in south India a shot this time.

Nelliyampathy

Where: Palakkad, Kerala


The Nelliyampathy hill range that stretches across the Palakkad district of Kerala is a gem of the Western Ghats that you can visit from the town of Nenmara. The hills of Nelliyampathy go as high as 5,000ft, and the best places to view its expanses are the Pothundy Dam and any of the several viewpoints on the Ghat Road. You can go boating at the lake formed by the Pothundy Dam or make your way to the vast tea estates and orange plantations that Palakkad is famous for. Just 8km from Nelliyampathy is Seetharkundu, where you can trek to a 100m high waterfall of the same name.

How to reach: The nearest airport to Nelliyampathy is Coimbatore International Airport (55km away) and the nearest railway station is in Palakkad (56km away). If you are driving, then take the road from Nenmara towards Pothundy Dam.

Lakkidi

Where: Wayanad, Kerala



Home to the mighty Thamarassery Ghat Pass, Lakkidi is considered the gateway to Wayanad and one of the highest spots in the Western Ghats. Other than visiting the nearest town of Vythiri, which is just 5km from Lakkidi, you can also check out Pookot Lake, a freshwater lake spread across 15 acres. Lakkidi is also renowned for its proximity to the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can spot endangered and rare animal species such as lion-tailed macaque and Indian shag. There is a popular legend of the chain-bound ficus tree, which is said to hold the spirit of a tribal youth named Karinthandan, who was killed by a British officer after he unveiled the hidden trails of Western Ghats to him.

How to reach: The nearest airport to Lakkidi is Calicut International Airport (70km away) and the nearest railway station is in Kozhikode (40km away). If you are driving, then take the Thamarassery to Lakkidi Ghat road, which is part of NH 212.

Lambasingi

Where: Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh



Lambasingni is a small hidden village in Visakhapatnam, which is lovingly called the 'Kashmir of Andhra Pradesh', as in winter it can go as low as 0° Celsius here. Because of the elevation and the dense green forests around Lambasingni, the village never gets too hot and is therefore a habitat for several rare plants and flower species. Other than being the coldest place in Andhra Pradesh, Lambasingni is renowned for its coffee around the country! Definitely visit the coffee plantations if you are here. Just 27km from the town are the majestic Kothapally Waterfalls, which you will have to hike to reach.

How to reach: The nearest airport to Lambasingni is Visakhapatnam International Airport (107km away) and the nearest railway station is in Chintapalle (19km away). If you are driving, then take the NH5 from Vizag.

Vagamon

 Travancore, Kerala


Located along the Kottayam-Idukki border of Kerala, Vagamon is a small plantation town in Travancore, which is still hidden from widespread mainstream attention. Other than having breathtaking ravines and rivulets spread across undulating green hills, Vagamon is also a great paragliding destination. The meadows of Vagamon provide an ideal location for paragliding and Kerala Tourism even organised an International Paragliding Festival here, which welcomed glider pilots from all around the world in 2016. If gliding is not your thing, then trek to any of the three hills in the area: Thangal Hill, Murugan Hill and Kurisumala Hill.

How to reach: The nearest airport to Vagamon is Cochin International Airport (75km away) and the nearest railway station is in Kottayam (64km away). If you are driving from Cochin, then take the SH14 to Vagamon, which will take you around 3 hours to reach.

Araku

Where: Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh



Nestled between the mountains of Galikonda and Chitamogondi, the Araku Valley is a hidden hill station in Visakhapatnam. The area is home to tribal farmers who were the first harvesters of coffee in India, you find out more about the tribal history of Araku at the Araku Tribal Museum. Araku Valley is also surrounded by the stunning waterfalls of the Eastern Ghats. Just 30km away from the main town, you can visit the Chaaparai Waterfalls in Paderu, and if you have more time then also head to the Talimada or Anantagiri Waterfalls that are near the Anantagiri village.

How to reach: The nearest airport to Araku is Visakhapatnam International Airport (109km away) and the nearest railway station is in Araku (3km away). If you are driving from Visakhapatnam then it will take you around 3 hours via the Visakhapatnam-Araku Road.

 Kotagiri

Where: Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu


Tucked between Ooty and Coonoor is a quiet hill station of Tamil Nadu, Kotagiri. Speckled with tea plantations and picturesque misty mountains, Kotagiri is primarily visited by people for the various trekking routes it offers. Some of the most loved trails in Kotagiri are Catherine Falls, towards Kodanad and Longwood Shola. The Kodanad Point offers a great spot for photographing a panoramic view of the Western Ghats. Other popular attractions in the area are Elk Falls, Doddabetta Range and the Rangaswami Pillar.

How to reach: The nearest airport to Kotagiri is Coimbatore International Airport (76km away) and the nearest railway station is in Coimbatore (21km away). If you are driving from Mysuru then it will take you around 4 hours via the Mysuru-Ooty Road.

 Ponmudi

Where: Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala


Situated in the Western Ghats of Kerala, Ponmudi is a famous yet quiet hill station in the Thiruvananthapuram district. The route from Trivandrum to Ponmudi has approximately 22 hairpin bends, making it just the perfect destination for an exciting road trip. Other than being an ideal road trip destination, Ponmudi is also known for its trekking and hiking spots. Agasthyarkoodam, one of the highest peaks in the Western Ghats, is also found in this region. You can also visit the Meenmutty Falls (3km from Kallar Main Road) and the Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary.

How to reach: The nearest airport to Ponmudi is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (60km away) and the nearest railway station is in Thiruvananthapuram (57km away). If you are driving from Trivandrum then it will take you around 2 hours via the Thiruvananthapuram- Ponmudi Road.

Kemmannugundi

Where: Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka


The hamlet of Kemmanagundi was once the royal summer retreat of King Krishnaraja Wodeyar. This hill station in south India is blessed with natural wonders of Karnataka and is a haven for trekking enthusiasts. Kemmanagundi is home to the tallest, as well as the second tallest peaks of Karnataka. While Mullayanagiri, the tallest peak of Karnataka, is a destination in itself; Baba Budangiri is revered as an auspicious place and has a temple at its summit. The duo of Kallathi and Kalahasthi Falls falls just 10km from the town of Kemmanagundi. The water here cascades down 122 meters and the temple near it dates back to Vijayanagar empire.

How to reach: The nearest airport to Kemmanagundi is in Mangalore (150km away) and the nearest railway station is in Tarikere (35km away). If you are driving from Bangalore then it will take you around 6 hours via the Bangalore-Shimoga Road.

Top 10 Karnataka Peaks You Must Trek

The best way to engulf oneself in the myriad mysteries of nature is to trek through the lush green mystery of the forests, over mesmerizing hills, across mountains, and feel nature, and enhance oneself in its essence! Given the dynamic presence of Western Ghats in the state, Karnataka though much underrated, has the best mountain peaks ideal for trekking. Here are 10 highest peaks in Karnataka that’s worth a visit.



1. Kudremukh


Kudremukh in the Kannada language means ‘horse face’ and it is so appropriately named because one side of the mountain peak, which is among the highest peaks of Karnataka, is almost shaped such that it resembles the face of a horse! Situated in the Chikmangalur district, the starting point of the trek is Samse from where the picturesque pathway leads to Lobo mane, a point just 3-4 hours from the Kudremukh Peak. Trekkers undertake another very beautiful route which starts at Kaikamba. Located within the Kudremukh National Peak, camping is not quite convenient in the area, given the conservation measures of the rare flora and fauna in the park.


Kudremukh attributes its popularity to the diverse and interesting wildlife found en route. Wrapped in dense green forest, the trek to Kudremukh almost puts one’s trekking ability to test, given the slippery ground, while the breathtaking waterfalls in the vicinity leaves one spellbound!

2. Mullayanagiri


Mullayanagiri is the highest peak in Karnataka, located in the Chandra Drona Hill Ranges of the Western Ghats of the Chikmagalur Taluk. With a height of 1,930 meters, Mullayanagiri is one of the best trekking destinations in South India. The trek route is quite enthralling, across the beautiful deep forest, to reach atop two breathtaking waterfalls, and is a paradise for any trekking enthusiast.


The starting point of the trek is at Sarpadhari, which as in its native meaning has a path shaped like that of a snake. The whole trek distance is around 3 kilometers to Mullayandri but it can be further extended to Bababudangiri. Camping is forbidden in the area. It takes about 6-8 hours to trek to the highest point of the peak which is at an altitude of 6333 ft.

3. Kumara Parvata


Known as the ‘trekker’s paradise’, Kumara Parvata is one of the most popular and highest peaks of Karnataka ideal for trekking, and it is the treacherous route that which makes it all the more alluring, adding to the challenge; and nonetheless the efforts are paid off given the end result, to reach a place wrapped in beauty and enveloped in calmness! The Kumara Parvata peak is located at a height of about 1712 meters.


The journey to Kumara Parvata starts at the small town called Subramanya, famous for the Kukke Subramanya temple of the snake deity which is a sacred pilgrimage spot for the Hindus. The pathway is flat, surrounded by the lush green forest of the Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary and is the perfect to go, get lost in nature!

4. Pushpagiri Hills


The Pushpagiri Hills located in the Western Ghats is also a wildlife sanctuary with rich flora and fauna. It is also known as the Subramanya Hills, which with an altitude of 5626 ft is the second highest peak in Coorg, Karnataka. Beautiful forests, valleys and hills make it one of the most ideal places for trekking expeditions. There is the Kukke Subramanya Temple in the vicinity.


The Trekking starts from the forest checkpoint at the base of the Pushpagiri Hills. 3-4 hours route across dense forest, wet grasslands, over rocky terrain. There is a small temple located at the peak dedicated to Kumara Swamy. Mostly trekkers exit through the nearby Kumara Parvatha, and camp at Girigadde.

5. Kodachadri


Located on the Shimoga District of Karnataka, the Kodachadri Peak stands out for the aesthetic view of the sunset across the Arabian Sea. Embedded in a spiritual essence, with the legends encircling the mountain, the Kodachadri Peak is one of the highest peaks of Karnataka.


There are several routes to the trek, one of which starts from the Nagodi Village, another route is from Kollur which reaches Nagara in Shimoga, though it is especially used by devotees visiting the divine Mookambika Temple situated in the vicinity. Kodachadri is graced by many waterfalls, whilst, the Hidlumane waterfalls is the most thrilling. There are also the Arasinagundi Falls. The old Nagara Fort, located nearby adds an old world touch to the area, while the backwaters of the Linganamakki dam on the Saravathi River, makes up the background. The place is best for amateur trekkers.

6. Madhugiri


A town in the Tumkur district of Karnataka, Madhugiri is famous for a hill which has the second largest monolithic rock hill in the Asian continent. With an altitude of 3,930 feet, the hill in Madhugiri has become a popular destination for trekkers. On the hill slopes, there is the Madhugiri fort, named aptly so because of the honey bee colonies abundant back in the day, while a ruined temple is located at the top.


The trek starts at Tumkur and deviates into two, one of which is Koratagere and another via Siddara Betta, both of lead to Madhugiri.

7. Agumbe


Agumbe is very popular destination for trekking expeditions, with its rich flora and fauna, which makes up for a beautiful route. Known as the ‘Cherrapunjee of the South’, Agumbe receives the heaviest rainfall in the region. Agumbe attracts adrenaline junkies, nature lovers and photography enthusiasts, all in their own right!


Well connected by road, rail and air, Agumbe has two wildlife sanctuaries, the Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary and the Kudremukh National Park. Agumbe offers a fascinating sight of the setting sun paint a beautiful picture across the Arabian Sea at the sunset point. There are many waterfalls located in and around Agumbe like the Barkana Falls, Onaki Abbi Falls, Jogigundi Falls, all making up picturesque picnic spots. The Varahi River forms the Kunchikal Falls which is the second highest in the country. The Gopalakrishna temple, with its intricate and magnificent architecture, adds to the beauty of the place.

8. Brahmagiri Hills


A mountain range in the Western Ghats, the Brahmagiri Hills is in the borderline of the Karnataka state in the north and Kerala in the south. Located at a height of 1608 meters, Brahmagiri along with being one of the highest peaks of Karnataka is also a scenic tourist destination, wrapped in dense forest and interesting wildlife. There is an ancient temple with giant pillars, the Thirunelli Temple, situated in the Kerala side of the Brahmagiri Range, which is much revered by the Hindus.


Pakshipathalam located at an altitude of 1740 meters at the Brahmagiri Hills, also is good for trekking and even has the Munikal cave that adds some dynamic essence. The beautiful Iruppu Falls formed by the Lakshmana Tirtha River is located in the vicinity. Mythological tales encircle this mountain range which offers quite a few vibrant trekking options.

9. Tadiandamol


One of the highest peaks in Karnataka, Tadiandamol literally means the highest point in the Kodava language and is actually the highest point in Kodagu. Located at a distance of more than 250 kilometers from Bangalore, Tadiandamol is one of the most challenging treks, given its topography.


The trek begins at Virajpete; en route there are the remains of an old palace, popularly known as ‘Nalku Naadu Aramane’, where there is a stopover place known as the Aramane stop, while the peak is at a distance of 6 kilometers from there. The best time to visit the peak is at winter when the hill slopes are enveloped in hanging clouds, adding a mysterious allure to the trek route. There are many mountain streams forming small waterfalls through hill nooks, which add an aura of beauty to the place.

10. Kalavaarahalli Betta


Just a few kilometers from Bangalore, located off the road from Bellary, the Kalavarahalli Betta is situated at a much lesser altitude. It is situated quite close to the Nandi hills and the Chikkaballapura and derives its name from the village of the same name where it is located. The place is sought after by trekkers because the peak offers a spectacular night trek, after which trekkers can watch the sunrise at dawn.


Furthermore, the fort of the dynamic Tipu Sultan is a major tourist attraction, which exits even today. There are two caves located in the vicinity and at the end of the cave; there is a temple, revered by the local people. With the clouds lingering over, hanging on to peak, blanketing it in white beauty, the Kalavarahalli is indeed a heaven on earth!

10 must visit places in India, before you die.!

o travel is to unleash, and if you’re lucky enough to be born in India, one of the biggest country in this world having history of thousands of years, with diverse culture, different type of communities, religions, languages and tastes. It has some of the Coldest places- to the highest rainfall in world- to the driest places on the Earth- to the Thar Desert- to the beaches-to the snow capped Himalayan ranges and much more. Here are the 10 destinations one must never miss on-

1: LADAKH - The Land of the Mystic Lamas


State: Jammu and Kashmir.

Best known for: The Great Himalayan and Karakoram mountain ranges, the upper Indus River Valley and the culture that has kept it's Buddhist heritage alive.

Also know as: Little tibet or moon land.

Population: Dards, Indo-Aryan, and mix of Tibetan origin.

Religion: Buddhism in majority.

Festival: September, every year which displays the traditional Polo match, the Village archery, the monastic dance in the monasteries including exhibitions.

Food: Thukpa- noodle soup, Skyu- heavy pasta dish, Momos- steamed dumplings stuffed with vegetables or meat, Chhaang- an alcoholic beverage, Butter tea- churning tea with salt and yak butter.

Climate: Remains chilly and cold for most time of the year.

POI's: Monasteries, Lakes and Vistas.

Best time to visit: May - October ( check on weather and highways before starting )

Preferable: Any day by road.

Tags: #roadies #adventure #trek #solace #camping

Value for money: 10/10

Getaways: Manali- 478 kms, Kashmir- 420 kms.

**Do not miss on: The pangong lake ( spend a night ), Khardung La.

**Snippets: A perfect place to learn more about Buddhist and Tibetan culture. If possible try exploring the Nubra, Suru & Zanskar Valley.

2: MEGHALAYA - The abode of clouds


State: Is a state in north-east India.

Best known for: Forest, lakes, waterfalls, caves.

Also known as: The wet land.

Population: The Khasis, the Garos and the Jaintias (Tribal people make up the majority of Meghalaya's population)

Religion: Christianity and Hinduism ( Dominant ).

Festival: Wangala - an offering of thanksgiving to the sun god of fertility. Nongkrem Dance, held in October or November.

Food: Meghalaya is home to three Mongoloid tribes so it has a unique cuisine dominating rice, meat and fish. The famous food are: Jadoh- red rice which is cooked with pieces of pork. Dohkhlieh- salad made up of pork, onion and chilly. Pumaloi- type of rice which are “Steamed”.

Climate: Pleasant summers, chilled winters and wet during most time of the year.

POI's: Shillong, Cherrapunji, Tura, Mawsynram.

Best time to visit: December - August.

Preferable: By road again.

Tags: #backpacking #tribal #forest

Value for money: 9/10

Getaways: Nagaland- 271kms, West Bengal- 326 kms.

**Do not miss on: Double Decker Living Root Bridge - Cherrapunjee, Umium Lake - Shillong, Elephant Falls - Shillong.

**Snippets: Highly known for it's rich Flora and Fauna and surrounded by many sacred Forests, one is advised to carry a tent to spend a night or two in the forest, if you dare to.

3: KERELA - God's own country


State: Is an Indian state in South India on the Malabar coast.

Best known for: Lagoons, Lakes, Houseboats and Ayurveda treatments.

Also known as: The literate capital of India.

Population: Consist of Malayali ethnicity. Most of the Malayalam and English speaking Keralites derive their ancestry from Dravidian and Aryan.

Religion: Hinduism and Islam ( Dominant ).

Festival: Onam- (August-September), Vishu- (April-May)

Food: Sadhya- served in a plain banana leaf, contains almost 24 items with some desserts, Thalassery Biriyani, Puttu and Kadalakkari- steamed rice cake, with black chickpeas.

Climate: The mountain regions predominantly have cool climate, which is very refreshing. On the other hand, the coastal plains of western lowlands generally remain hot and humid for most part of the year.

POI's: Munnar, Kochi, Alapuuzha.

Best time to visit: September - February.

Preferable: Air/Rail/Road.

Tags: #nature #honeymoon_destination

Value for money: 8/10

Getaways: Kodaikanal – 411 Kms, Coimbatore– 380 Kms, Lakshadweep- 428 kms, COORG – 540

**Do not miss on: Varkala beach, Alleppey Backwaters and a stay in the houseboat.

**Snippets: Kerala has played a vital role in keeping the magic of Ayurveda alive so if you need some then visit Athreya Ayurvedic Resort.

4: GOA - The Hippies' Paradise


State: A state in Southwest India.

Best known for: Beaches, Parties, Casino, Sea food, Feni and Water sport.

Also known as: The party destination of India.

Population: Goan's and Konkani's.

Religion: Hinduism and Christianity ( Dominant ).

Festival: Goa carnival, Sunburn.

Food: Fish Recheado, Prawn Balchao, Prawn Balchao, Bebinca- a delicious Goan dessert.

Climate: Hot and Humid most time of the year.

POI's: Calangute, Panaji, Candolim, Palolem Beach.

Best time to visit: September - March

Preferable: By road.

Tags: #hipsters #food_drinks_beaches

Value for money: 10/10

Getaways: Dandeli- 145kms, Gokarna- 132kms.

**Do not miss on: Sunburn festival-December, A night or two in Palolem beach, A visit to sweet water lake- Arambol and stay on the beach shacks, The non-decomposing body of St. Francis Xavier which was brought to Goa in 1553.

**Snippets: Goa is India’s most forested state, with 33 percent of the state covered with forest, so you don't really have to hang in the bars all time.

5: GUJRAT - The Jewel of west India


State: Is a state in Western India.

Best known for: Textiles, Food, Handicraft and Garba.

Also known as: The white desert.

Population: Gujrati's, Rajputs and Marwaris.

Religion: Hinduism ( Dominant )

Festival: Internation kite festival, Navratri, Rann Utsav.

Food: Khandvi, Undhiyu, Aam Shrikhand, Dhokla, Methi ka Thepla, Dal Dhokli, Handvo, Fafda-Jalebi, Khichu.

Climate: Pleasant Summers and Dry winters.

POI's: Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, Rajkot.

Best time to visit: October - June

Preferable: Rail/Road/Air

Tags: #culture #heritage #Colourful

Value for money: 7/10

Getaways: Malshejghat- 223kms, Udaipur- 260kms, Mount Abu-230kms, Shirdi- 232kms.

**Do not miss on: Great Rann of Kutch ( stay in the tents during the rann ustav ), Gir Wildlife Sanctuary, Mandvi beach, Dwarka, The garba nights during navratri.

**Snippets: If you are sick partying and are annoyed with your drinking habit, try this place for a break- The dry state!

6: VARANASI - The spiritual capital on India


State: Is a city in the Uttar pradesh state in northern India.

Best known for: The ghats, Banarasi sari, Festivals, Marijuna, the Literature.

Also known as: Banaras, the oldest city in India.

Population: Hindus and Muslims.

Religion: Hinduism and Islam ( Dominant ).

Festival: Ganga Mahotsav, Dev Diwali, Ramlila, Chhath pooja.

Food: Varanasi is highly appreciated for its street food like the Kachori Sabji, Tamaatar Chaat, Litti-Chokha, Bhang Thandai, Aaloo-Tikki, Paan.

Climate: Humid summers and an intense winter.

POI's: Dasaswamedh Ghat, Sarnath, Assi Ghat, Harishchandra Ghat.

Best time to visit: October - March

Preferable: Rail

Tags: #spiritual #ancient #history #soul_detox

Value for money: 9/10

Getaways: Bodhgaya- 255kms, Allahabad- 120kms, Ayodhya- 215kms.

**Do not miss on: The boat ride, The maha Ganga Aarti, The street food, A dialogue with the saadhu babas.

**Snippets: People given up on anything positive happening should once visit Varanasi as this city is called the city of hope. It adds a new dimension to your perceptive about life . Varanasi – The place where life and death meets.

7: HIMACHAL PRADESH - Mini Switzerland of India


State: Is a northern Indian state in the Himalayas.

Best known for: Home to scenic mountain towns, host to the Dalai Lama, Himalayan landscapes, popular hill-stations, rock climbing, mountain biking, paragliding, trekking, climbing, ice-skating, and heli-skiing and strong Tibetan presence.

Also known as: Mini Switzerland on India.

Population: Pahari, Kannets, Rathis and Kolis. There are also tribal population in the state which mainly comprise Gaddis, Kinnars, Gujjars, Pangawals and Lahaulis.

Religion: Hinduism ( Dominant )

Festival: Halda in Lahaul district- January, Dussehra in Kullu – October, Phulaich Kinnaur – September, Baisakhi in Mandi – April, Poltu in Sirmaur Region, Winter Carnival in Manali – January, Shimla Summer Festival in Shimla – Ice Skating Carnival in Shimla and Dalhousie.

Food: Dham- red kidney beans (rajma), green lentils (moong daal) and rice in curd, Sidu- distinct bread with ghee/ butter/ mutton/ daal, Chha Gosht- A lamb meat, Kullu Trout- fish marinated and shallow fried in mustard oil, Bhey- A unique dish made from the lotus stems, it is truly a scrumptious.

Climate: A pleasant Climate through out and snow fall during the winters.

POI's: Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala, Dalhousie, Rohtang pass.

Best time to visit: March- November

Preferable: By road

Tags: #mountain #trek #adventure #honeymoon #camping

Value for money: 10/10

Getaways: Dalhousie- 325kms, Kalpa- 260kms, Nahan- 300 kms, Manali- 257 kms, Kinnaur- 235kms, Kufri- 260 kms, McLeod Ganj- 245kms, Palampur- 210kms.

**Do not miss on: A visit to Rohtang Pass, Solang Valley, Spiti valley, Chamba, Kasauli, Dharamshala, Chandratal Lake. Trek to Saru Tal and do try Paragliding, River rafting in Manali.

**Snippets: If you want to get the best of this place travel by road, rent a bike, meet the locals and explore the rural ( as people here are very friendly and the culture is worth exploring ), ditch the hotels and go camping.

8: UTTARAKHAND - Land of the Gods - Devbhumi


State: A state in northern India crossed by the Himalayas.

Best known for: Hindu pilgrimage sites, yoga study, shelters for Bengal tigers and other native wildlife, hill stations and Valley of flowers.

Also known as: Land of the Gods- Devbhumi.

Population: Uttarakhandi, Garhwali, Kumaoni,Rajputs and Brahmins.

Religion: Hinduism ( Dominant )

Festival: Kumbh Mela- takes place four times every twelve years, Bhitauli, Phool Dei- March, Hilljatra, Kandali- when the Kandali flower blooms once in every twelve years, in the months of August and October.

Food: Gahat ke Paranthe, Bhang Ki Chutney, Kafuli- Made from spinach and fenugreek leafs, Phaanu- mixture of different lentils, Baadi, Chainsoo, Thhatwani-lentils’ stock and rice paste.

Climate: Chilling summers and freezing winters.

POI's: Nainital, Rishikesh, Dehradun, Mussoorie, Jim corbett Nation park.

Best time to visit: Through out the year.

Preferable: Rail/Road.

Tags: #honeymoon #trek #backpacking #hillstation #spiritual

Value for money: 10/10

Getaways: Nainital- 300kms, Lansdowne- 170kms, Shimla- 230kms, Nag tibba- 100kms, New theri- 130 kms, Almora- 228kms, Nahan- 370kms, Parwanoo- 400kms.

**Do not miss on: A visit to the Char Dham Yatra, Haridwar-Rishikesh Tour, Dhanaulti- on Mussoorie-Chamba road at 2250 m above sea level, Auli** ( much known for skiing ), Chopta, Bhimtal lake, Jim Corbett National Park, Almora, Nainital- Lake Tour, Mussoorie- Queen of Hills and Valley of flowers.

**Snippets: To explore the wilds of the Himalayas jungle safari is highly recommended followed by River Rafting, Bungee Jumping, Flying Fox, Giant Swing. Uttarakhand being covered with seasonal snow become an ideal place for skiing.

9: KARNATAKA - One state many worlds


State: Is a state in southwest India with Arabian Sea coastlines.

Best known for: Mysore silk, Channapatna Toys, Waterfalls, Ancient Temples and heritage.

Also known as: The ancient gem of south india.

Population: Bengaluru, Hubballi-Dharwad, Mysuru, Belagavi, Kalburgi, Mangaluru, Davanagere and Shivamogga. This state has one of the largest populations of Anglo-Indians in India.

Religion: Hinduism ( Dominant )

Festivals: Hampi Festival- January, Kambala Festival- November-March, Chalukya Dance Festival- January, Mahamastakabhisheka- In very 12 years.

Food: Udipi sambar-idli-vada, Mysore masala dosa, Mysore bonda, Bisi bele bath, Neer dosa, Ragi dosa, Rice rava upma, Potato sagu, Banana rasayana.

Climate: It is a region of heavy rainfall experiencing dry summers, lovely monsoons and chilled winters.

POI's: Bengaluru, Mysore, Mangalore, Jog falls, Madikeri, Abbey falls, Hebbe falls, Kodachari, Bidar, Gulbarga, Yana.

Best time to visit: March- Feb

Preferable: By road, rail, air.

Tags: #adventure #heritage #backpacking #mountains #nature #hippe

Value for money: 9/10

Getaways: Murudeshwar- 480kms, Maravanthe- 470kms, Munnar- 476kms, Kodaikanal- 460kms, Kabini National Park- 220kms, Bandipur Tiger Reserve- 220kms, Kodanad- 320kms, Chickmagalur- 250kms, Honnemardu- 379kms, Ooty- 280km,

**Do not miss on: Coorg, Gokarna, Dandeli, Hampi, Wine Tours in Ramanagara, Nandi Hills – Muddenahalli, Sigandhur and Jog Falls, Chikmagalur, Badami and The Coral Ride in Tunga River.

**Snippets: If you are a history lover you are viewing the right destination. Missing on Dandeli, Coorg, Gokarna and Hampi is a big NO NO. These places are paradise for every solo traveller, puff in some grass, go hippy, explore the history, meet the strangers, exchange stories and later become one.

10: ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR ISLANDS - Maldives of India


State: Is one of the seven union territories of India.

Best known for: These roughly 572 islands are known for their palm-lined, white-sand beaches, mangroves, tropical rainforests, undulating mountains, ancient tribes, and sea food.

Also known as: The Emerald Isles / Happy land of Butterflies.

Population: The Andamanese, Onge, Jarawa and Sentinalese, Local Borns, Aboriginal Tribes, Nicobarese, Moppilas, Burmese & Karen, Chotanagpur Tribals (The tribes inhabiting these islands don’t interact with outsiders ).

Religion: Hinduism and Christianity ( Dominant )

Festivals: Island Tourism Festival- December- January, Beach Festival- April.

Food: Andaman & Nicobar Islands were, and still are inhabited by indigenous tribes. They had very little contact with the outside world, and so raw fish and fruits were their staple diet for a long time resulting in no special cuisines but everything and anything in Sea food like crabs, prawns, lobsters, fish.

Climate: Being surrounded by sea, the islands of Andaman and Nicobar experience a moderate temperature throughout the year.

POI's: Port Blair, Andaman Islands, Havelock Islands, Neil Island, Little Andaman, Car Nicobar, Barren Island, Great Nicobar Island, Rutland Island, Clique Islands, Smith and Ross Islands.

Best time to visit: March- February.

Preferable: By air.

Tags: #honeymoon #beach #isolation #tribal #watersport

Value for money: 9/10

Getaways: Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea ( kidding :P )

**Do not miss on: Neil Island, The underwater walk at North Bay Island and Havelock Island, Coral Reefs ( Cinque Island ), A visit to kaala paani ( Cellular Jail ), Water Activities ( Swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving, banana boat rides, parasailing, underwater walking, jet skiing ), Little Andaman Island, Mayabunder.

**Snippets: Try visiting the Barren Island, situated 135 km away from Port Blair, is where you can see this live volcano. Yes, Live!

Did you know The 20 rupee note depicts a scene from Andaman & Nicobar islands ?
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