If we start analyzing Himalayas and its attractions
we will definitely run short of space because there is so much to write
that it is not possible to capture it in few words. It attracts people
because of various reasons. For some it the abode of God, for some it is
a spiritual center, for some it is just a vacation and for some it is a
trekking paradise. With such varied topography, Himalayas showcases
nature's beauty at its peak. It has immense opportunity for tourism as
it provides travel attraction for everyone. Like wildlife, adventure,
nature, and pilgrimage tourism. There is opportunity for every kind.
Some of famous hill stations of the Himalayas, which are major tourist
attractions through out the year, are:
Shimla
It is just impossible to describe Shimla in words. The valley is
blessed with nature's beauty. The hilly town is surrounded by snow
capped peaks and green pastures on all side. The touch of colonial era
in its architecture gives a different dimension from the other hill
stations.
How To Go:
You can avail both air and road. There are flights available between
Shimla and Delhi and between Shimla and Kullu. By road Shimla is 370 km
away from Delhi. You can go by bus or by your private car.
For staying you can go for hotels, guesthouses and holiday homes
depending on your budget.
Among the major tourist attractions in Shimla are the Potter Hill, the
Ridge, Christ Church, Kufri, Narkanda, Himachal State Museum and the
Mall. For shopping you can try out a varied range of handicrafts, metal
and woodwork, woolens, handmade shoes available at the Mall and at the
Lakkar Bazaar.
Darjeeling
Ninety kilometers from Siliguri, West Bengal lays Darjeeling-the queen
of India's hill stations-at an altitude of 2,200m. With its incomparable
beauty it is one of Himalayas major tourist attractions.
How to Go:
You can go to Darjeeling by air, rail and road. The most nearest
airport to Darjeeling is Bagdogra, 100 km south. If you want to avail
the train then you can go by the toy train that runs to Siliguri and New
Jalpaiguri. By road also you can go to Darjeeling. Buses and minibuses
run at an interval of every thirty minutes or so to Siliguri from the
bus stand at the bazaar. You can also go by buses to Mirik, Gangtok and
Kalimpong.
The main attraction of Darjeeling is its Toy Train, which is world
famous. Then there is Tea gardens and the Malls.
Manali
Manali is famous for its proximity to the snowline. It is a popular
honeymoon destination. Majestic peaks on every side surround the valley.
It has a flourishing orchard industry and it is well known for trekking.
Offering pictorial view of great countryside ideal for adventure sport
lovers.
How to Go:
You can visit Manali by air, rail and road. Air: The nearest airport to
Manali is Bhuntar, which is a distance of 52 km from Manali. From
Bhuntar you can avail a taxi or a bus. The nearest railhead is the
narrow gauze railway station, which is 95 km from Kullu. It is better to
go by a taxi or bus to Manali from Kullu so that you can experience the
scenic beauty of Kullu while going to Manali.
The main attractions of Manali are Vashisth Hot Sulphur Spring, Rohtang
Pass, Hadimba Temple to name a few.
Among the other major Himalayan attractions are Gulmarg, Nainital
and Kathmandu. And the major pilgrimage centers are Kedarnath,
Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri, which
together form the Chardham. Then there is Amarnath and
Kailash Mansarovar.
