Yes, a long weekend is ahead of us from the 28th April to 1st May 2018. Have you planned your weekend getaway yet? If not, fret not, we’re bringing you some pristine hill stations that you can’t miss! Yes, these are the perfect destinations to beat the summer heat and take a relaxing break before you return to your routine.
Go on. Find out where you want to spend your long weekend.
Hill Stations from Delhi:
Go Camping in Lansdowne and Enjoy a Boat Ride in Bhullar Lake
Break free from the conventional idea of holidaying and go for overnight camping and outdoor activities in this pretty hill station. Lansdowne or Lansdown is a hill town located in the Garhwal region of Himalayas in Uttarakhand. Camping is the best among the many things to do in this small snow-famed cantonment. This hill town is known for mountaineering and trekking. Explore the wilderness of this place by taking a jungle safari. Among the neighbours of Lansdowne is Bhullar lake or Bhullar Taal known best for its boat tour. Bring out the photographer in you and get ready to click some lazy ducks in the lake and the fleet-footed rabbits hopping around. Get closer to the nature by spending the night in its lap with firewood by your side!
Distance from Delhi: 240 km
Bask in the Serenity of Parwanoo
Get away from the city hustle and enjoy the charm of Parwanoo. Situated on the border of Haryana and Himachal Pradesh, this hill town is surrounded by beautiful apple orchards, and pine and fir trees. Nature lovers will love a trek or a hike here. Don’t miss the mesmerizing lakes, beautiful temples and gardens. You could take a ride on a cable car at the Timber Trail. And if history is something that fascinats you then visit the Gorkha Fort located on the hill of Subathu.
Distance from Delhi: 284 km
Hill Stations from Mumbai:
A Visit to Randha and Umbrella Waterfall
Located near Bhandardara, is Randha fall and Umbrella fall which is sure to give goose bumps when the water hit the rocks under you. This place is surrounded by lush greenery, pristine waterfalls and beautiful mountains. Visit the Wilson Dam, and the Arthur Lake. You must experience the majestic Kalsubai Peak, the highest peak of the Sahyadri Ranges. Also, visit Ratanwadi, a village near Bhandardara that houses the famous Ratangad Fort and Amruteshwar, the popular Shiva temple.
Distance from Mumbai: 185 km
Explore the Unexplored in Malshej Ghat
Malshej Ghat is a mountain pass in the Thane-Pune district of Maharashtra. Nestled in the lofty rugged hills of the Western Ghats, this place is well-known for its Malshej Falls. Walking through the gushing water here is a lifetime experience. Trek up to the Harishchandragad Fort, because without it the visit is incomplete. Also explore the Pimpalgaon Joga Dam, a beautiful attraction in Malshej Ghat. Then head to Harishchandragad, a 6th century fort situated at an elevation of 1424 meters. Trekking enthusiasts will enjoy treks at the Nane Ghat, Ajoba Hill Fort, the Darkoba Peak, and Jivdhan Chawand Fort.
Distance from Mumbai: 127 km
Hill Stations from Bangalore
Embrace Tranquillity, Visit Yelagiri Hills
A lesser known hill station in Bangalore, Yelagiri Hills is located in the Vellore district of Tamil Nadu, about 1,410 meters above sea level. Nestled between four mountains and set in the backdrop of rose-gardens, orchards, and green valleys, this village is absolutely enthralling. A beautiful long, winding road through the hillside leads to Athanur, the main town. Soak in the beauty of this scenic hill station and enjoy recreational boating at the Punganoor Lake. If you love an adrenaline rush, hike up the hillocks of Javadu Hills and Palamathi Hills. You could then head to Swami Malai, the highest peak in the region. Visit the hamlet called Mangalam at its base. Also visit the mesmerizing Jalagamparai Falls that flows through the beautiful hills.
Distance from Bangalore: 158km
Located near the south western border of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, this hill station is a natural marvel. Situated at an astonishing height of 4312 meters, the hill station is known for its beautiful landscape and rich biodiversity. It is also home to the largest Banyan trees in the world and the oldest Eucalyptus. You can find as many as 113 species of birds here. Adventure sports and activities such as trampoline, bow and arrow, wall climbing, shooting, water walking, rappelling is also available here. You can also enjoy elephant rides, rope sliding, and zorbing. And if a relaxing weekend is what you seek, then too Horsley Hills will not disappoint you.
Distance from Bangalore: 157 km
Hill stations from Kolkata:
A Calm Weekend in Mirik
This scenic destination is nestled in the serene hills of Darjeeling in West Bengal. Known for its climate and natural beauty, this hill station is a true beauty. The Sumendu Lake is surrounded by a garden named Savitri Pushpaudyan on one side and pine trees on the other, and an arching footbridge linking the two called Indreni Pool. The lake is encircled by a 3.5-km-long road with a marvellous view of Kangchenjunga on the far horizon. You could go boating on the quaint shikaras or go horse riding. Also visit the lovely Roman Catholic church – the Don Bosco Church. The amazing architecture of this church and brilliant structural design is something you can’t miss. Also visit the Bokar Monastery, a quaint little structure. The view of Mirik from here will leave you spell bound. With the gilded statue of the Buddha in its heart, the monastery is among the most sought-after Buddhist monasteries in India. You could also visit the Tingling View Point to get a panoramic view of the tea gardens, and the lake. And most importantly do not miss the Orange Orchards.
Distance from Kolkata: 593 km
Adventure Lovers Head to Ajodhya Hills
Ajodhya Hills is a hill located in the Purulia district of West Bengal. It is a part of the Dalma Hills and extended part of Eastern Ghats range. It is located at an elevation of 855 meters above sea level and has lush green surroundings. The highest peak of Ajodhya Hills is the Chemtaburu. Mountaineers will love this weekend getaway for they could learn the basic course in rock climbing here. You could also visit the Forest Rest House here. Adventure lovers will enjoy trekking in the deep forests. Witness wildlife, bird-watching and experience the local tribal culture. The town is also known for its Hindu deity of Lord Rama and Sita during their exile which is marked by the Sita Kunda.
Distance from Kolkata: 245 km
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and drive away to these exotic hill stations this long weekend! #NeverStopLiving
