Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh and former summer capital of British India, is the state's most important centre. It is named after its patron goddess, Shamla Devi, a manifestation of Kali. Shimla located at an altitude of 7,267 feet, is inhabited around a crescent - shaped ridge, which is blessed with perennially cool air. It provides superb panoramic sights of the valleys, and the lofty peaks of the great himalayan range, on both sides. To the north, the awesome snow ranges race across the horizon. The cool breeze wafts across the country side, flows through the oak and rhododendron forests. Shimla's salubrious climate, easy accessibility and numerous attractions have made it one of the most popular hill stations in northern India.» Airway: Shimla has an airport, 22 km away, from the main city with regular flights to Delhi. Chandigarh airport, 120 km away on the plains, has flights at more regular intervals. The flights to Shimla may be called off, during the winter months of December, January and February, so you will need to check them up in advance.
» Railway: Broad-gauge trains run till Kalka, from all the parts of the country. From Kalka onwards, a rail car on narrow gauge takes you to Shimla which offers some fantastic sights. You can also take a bus from Kalka to Shimla.
» Roadway: Shimla is connected by road to Chandigarh, Delhi, Dehradun, Kalka, and to many other places as well.
Shillong was a small village until 1864, when it became the new civil station of the Khasi and Jaintia hills. It remained the summer capital of Eastern Bengal and Assam for many years. In 1874, on the formation of Assam as a Chief Commissioner's Province, it was chosen as the capital of the new administration. An earthquake destroyed the city in 1897, necessitating its complete rebuilding. In January 1972, Shillong became the capital of the newly formed state of Meghalaya.
Ooty, is not less than a paradise remained unknown to the great southern dynasties and it took the British to discover it in the early 1800s. Before that time, the area was inhabited by Todas. These tribal people still inhabit the area. The 19th century creation of the British acted as the summer head quarters of the Madras government. Standing high at 7,349 feet above sea level in the Nilgiris, Ooty is the uncrowned Queen of southern hill resorts of India. Udhagamandalam or Ooty offers an amazing array of tourist destinations.
It is one of the oldest Hill Station in India, set up by the Britishers. It has also the oldest Pasteur Institute that produces anti- rabies vaccine.
Nainital is a beautiful hill district situated in the Central Himalayas. Situated in the Kumaon hills, Nainital is popularly known as 'chatka' or a city of 60 lakes. Nainital is known as India's 'Lake District' because numerous lakes are spread across it's boundaries. It is situated at an altitude of 1,938 m. and it is spread over an area of 11.73 sq km. The plush greenary and the majestic mountains enhance the beauty of the hill resort. An English traveller discovered this alluring hill resort in 1839. Encircled by seven hills, this resort was the erstwhile summer capital of the Uttar Pradesh government. Nature's delightful beauty and the charm of the exotic locales besides the cool weather make Nainital the ideal place to be in during the summers.
Situated at a distance of 70 km from Idukki is Munnar is the God's Own Contry Kerala. Perched at 1600 meter above the sea level, this hill resort of Kerala India is lovely hideout with sprawling tea plantations, picture-postcard towns, winding lanes and holidaying facilities. This salubrious destination of Kerala is lies at the meeting point of the three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala.
At an altitude of 2000 meters and 34 km beyond Dehradun, Mussoorie came into existence in the 1820s when the families of British colonials reached out to the hills in order to escape the scorching heat of the plains. It was 'discovered' in 1823 by Captain Young and since then it has been a popular hill station Mussoorie's name is derieved from the Mansur shrub (Cororiana nepalensis), common in the himalayan foothills.
Mt. Abu lies on a plateau 1200 mts high in the state of Rajasthan is a welcome relief in an otherwise desert landscape. A pleasant retreat set amidst the lush forested hills, Mt. Abu is a green oasis in the barren desertscape thats Rajasthan. Its stunning array of exquisite Dilwara Jain Temples, dating back 11th- 13th centuries, make it a popular pilgrimage centre. 'Abu' according to a legend stands for the son of Himalayan, deriving its name from Arbuada,the powerful serpent who rescued Nandi, the sacred bull of Lord Shiva, from a chasm. The location and weather of Mount Abu has given this charming little hill station a wide variety of vegetation. On the drive up to Mount Abu, the flowering trees and shrubs make it seem like a huge garden. A meandering stream nearby and tall pine trees make for excellent natural scenery and gives the place an almost ethereal aura.
86 kms north of Silchar, is the tiny town called Haflong. Filled woth oranges, peaches, pera and pineapple Haflong is a part of the North Chachhar Hills.
Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim has emerged as one of the most preferred tourist destinations in India. Each year more and more tourist visits this little Himalayan state for its numerous places of tourist's interest and pleasant climate. Today, Gangtok has developed into a cosmopolitan flavour where old-world charm and hospitality exist along with the Internet Age.
Named after Lord Dalhousie who was the British Viceroy of India in 1854, it was a summer retreat for the British Troops. It goes back to the time when Punjab was annexed to British after 2nd World War. Lt. Col Napier who was enchanted with the beauty of the place in Chamba State, thought of giving it a true identity. And thus in the Dain Kund Range , at the western edge of Dauladhar range of Himalayas, a new town was built. Sir Donald McLeod suggested that it be given the name of Lord Dalhousie who was then the Viceroy of India.
Gifted to Britishers in the 1817, it was a hill station for the Britishers to escape the heat of summers. Also known as the Queen of Hill Stations, Darjeeling is a Hill Station of West Bengal. Earlier it was in the hands of Kings Of Sikkim. Whereupon two Brititsh Officers surveyed the town found its easefullness for a route to Nepal and Bhutan. British Government according to the terms of the treaty signed at Titalya on February 10th,1817. Lt. Gen. C.A. Llyod and Mr. J.W. Grant, I.C.S., the Commercial Resident at Maldah, were deputed to settle the internal factions between the Nepal and the Sikkim States. Thus Darjeeling was formed. Darjeeling remained as an inseparable part of West Bengal even after independence.
Andaman & Nicobar group of islands are like sparkling jewels, floating in isolation amidst the azure blue water of Bay of Bengal. The gorgeous green surroundings, captivating corals reefs, soft sands, bright sun, smooth water, gently swaying coconut trees, rich forests and smooth sea waves all around, makes for a heavenly ambience.
Anjuna is 18 kms from Panaji, the capital of Goa, popularly known as the freak capital of the world, Anjuna is just the right place for lazing holidaymakers. Besides the calm waters of the Arabian Sea lapping softly on the Indian shore, Anjuna comes live with its ever-famous full-moon parties and the Wednesday flea market to take one on to a trance trip
Manali, in Himachal Pradesh is located at an altitude of 2050 m, is situated along the banks of the Beas, close to the Rohtang Pass and Solang Valley. Manali derieved its name from Manavalaya that means home of Manu. According to mythology, Manu is a significant character that survived when the world was drowned in a flood, he recreated human life in Manali. Thus the place is considered sacred for pilgrimage and has many temples.
The Red Fort stands as the result of the decision of Shahjahan in 1639, to shift his capital to 
Mysore Palace or the Maharajah's Palace located in the heart of the city at Mirza Road, about one km from the bus Stand, about 3 kms from city railway station. It is the most attractive monument in 
The grandeur and magnificence of Hawa Mahal can captivate any onlooker who passes by the main streets of 
Located In Maharashtra, 100 kilometers from the city of Aurangabad. The Ajanta Caves were discovered accidentally by a British Captain, John Smith in 1819, while on a hunting expedition. Aurangabad can be reached by flight or train, or even by motored down to from Manmad , the nearest railhead being 55 km north at Jalgaon city of Maharashtra, India.
The Umaid Bhavan Palace is situated in the royal city of 
The Qutab Minar is the pride of 
Sariska can be defined as a place of ruggedly beautiful contrasts and untamed wildernesses. It is situated in the state of Rajasthan in the backdrop of the Aravali Hills. Earlier Sariska was the hunting reserve of the royal family of Alwar. The topography of Sariska supports scrub-thorn arid forests, dry deciduous forests, rocks and grasses. Besides its rich flora nad fauna this wildlife sanctuary boasts of some exotic temples belonging to the medieval time. One can spot the ruins of the temples of the Hindu God Shiva and Garh-Rajor. A 17th-century castle on a sharp hilltop at Kanakwari provides an excellent view of Sariska's avian inhabitants in full flight.
Ranthambore National Park is one of India's frequently visited wildlife reserves. The park is spread over a massive area of 392 sq km in the town of Sawai Madhopur, in the state of Rajasthan. The prime assets of the park are the extinct tigers that are slowly diminishing. Getting back into time, these forests formed the the private hunting grounds of the Maharajas of 
Situated within the confines of the Western Ghats in the southern Indian state of 
The largest wildlife sanctuary in Asia, Kanha National Park, which is one of the most well known tiger reserves worldwide, is located among the Banjar and Halon valleys in the Mandla / Balaghat districts of the state of Madhya Pradesh. It is believed that this park formed the basis and gave the inspiration to Rudyard Kipling for his famous Jungle Book. The park is the abode to the uncrowned king of the Kanha jungle: The Royal Bengal Tiger.
The Gir National Park is a globally famous wildlife reserve that attracts a substantial number of visitors. The topography of the park consists of steep rocky hillsides which are covered in mixed deciduous forests. The vegetation comprises of of Teak, Acacia, Jamun, Tendu and Dhak trees. The conservation drive at Gir has increased the number of lions. The Forest Department organizes lion shows every Sunday, where the visitors can watch prides of lions on the hunt.There are guided trips available, to watch these magnificent animals from a very close range.
The fascinating temples of Khajuraho, India's unique gift of love to the world, in the state of Madhya Pradesh, were built between 950 and 1050 A.D. Khajuraho derives its name from the Khajur tree (the date palm tree) which can be found in abundance in the area. Khajuraho is a well visited tourist center. This village houses several temples built in the Indo Aryan Nagara style of architecture. Temples of Khajuraho have captivate the attention of a visitor with their marvelous art.
This majestic land offers the highest mountain trails, roads and bridges for the adventurer; highest wildlife reserves which abound with the most exotic birds, animals, flowers and herbs for the naturalist; age old temples, exquisite villages, traditional architecture still in its pristine beauty and the tribal lifestyles of its inhabitants.
Jawaharlal Nehru was born on November 14, 1889 in Allahabad, central India. His father Motilal Nehru was a prominent advocate and early leader of the Indian independence movement. He returned from education in England at Harrow School and Cambridge University to practise law before following his father into politics.
