Question

Name a few hill stations in the Middle Himalayas.

Answer 1

Gulmarg and Sonamarg

The location of Gulmarg is 56 km from Srinagar and Sonamarg is 84 km from Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. The main attraction here is trekking and river rafting. Gulmarg is one of India's premier hill stations. It is famous world wide for its highest green golf course and ski resort in winter. The hill station offers some breathtaking views like the ridges and forests that lead to the snow slopes of Khilanmarg and the majestic Nanga Parbat peak over 100 km away. On the other hand Sonamarg, which is about 84 km from Srinagar lies at the head of the Sindh valley. It showcases a spectacular facet of the countryside. The place is totally surrounded by mountains and pine forests. It also serves the base for the Amarnath Yatra from the Baltal route. It is also famous for trekking to Thajiwas, a small valley at the foot of the Sonamarg glacier.

Srinagar

Srinagar is the picturesque capital city of Jammu and Kashmir. It is known world wide for its houseboats, canals, Mughal Gardens, the most popular being Shalimar and Nishat. The city mainly looks like any other Indian city but it has a charm of its own. Among the lakes Dal Lake is the most famous. The Dal Lake is divided in four parts by causeways - Lokut Dal, Bod Dal, Gagribal Dal and Nagin. The lake is the lifeline of Srinagar, with a variety of marine life such as fish, lotus, roots and floating gardens, thriving on it. Among the other famous places to visit are Shankaracharya Hill, Hazaratbal Mosque, Hari Parbat Fort, etc. Srinagar is regarded as the crown of all hill stations in the Himalayan region.

Ladakh

Ladakh is considered to be the land of poetry. The vastness and sternness of this region makes you understand the power of nature. It is located at an altitude of 2,500 to 4,500m. This place is famous for trekking, mountaineering, camping, water rafting, and Buddhist monasteries. Ladakh straddles four main ranges the Zanskar, Ladakh, great Himalayan, and the Karakoram. This is the highest inhabited region in India and the River Indus with its tributaries, cut their way through the ranges.

Shimla

The beauty of Shimla is really difficult to describe in words. It is one of God's gifted lands, which is blessed with the nature's gift, one can imagine. The hill station is known for its panoramic beauty. The green pastures surround the town and snow-capped mountain peaks. It is located 90 km from Kalka, Himachal Pradesh. It is situated at an altitude of 2, 159m. It is one of the most popular hill stations in northern India. The main places of attractions here are the Mall, Christ church, Kufri, Narkanda, etc.

Kullu

Earlier Kullu was known by the name of Kulanthpitha, meaning the end of the habitable world. It is situated on the banks of river Beas and beyond the beautiful valley of Kullu is the mighty Greater Himalayas. Some of the places to visit in Kullu are the Kali Bari temple dedicated to goddess Shayamla, Raghunath temple, which is dedicated to Lord Ram and is the seat of the valley's presiding deity and then there is Bijli Mahadev temple. It is also famous for shopping, where in Akhara Bazar you can pick up locally made woolens. Then there is Bhutti Weavers Colony.

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.

Dharamsala

Dharamsala is 185 km from Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. It is known world wide for its picturesque beauty. Dense pine trees and deodar forests surround it. It reflects the mix culture of India and Tibet. The colorful temples and Gompas is the main attraction of the place. Some of the places of interest are

Kangra Art Museum: this museum in Dharamsala showcases kangra valley miniatures, pottery, sculptures and old carved doors.

War Memorial: this memorial in Dharamshala commemorates the sacrifice of Himachali war heroes.

St John's Church: Nestled amidst a stretch of woods, this church in Mcleodganj is dedicated to the memory of Lord Elgin who passed away in Dharamshala in 1863. There are other places also to visit also.

Dalhousie

It is located 92 km from Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh. This hill station spread over five hills at the western edge of the Dhauladhar range, east of the river Ravi. The town has a colonial touch in its buildings. The architecture of the place reflects the colonial era. The slopes are covered with pine forest. The British governor-general Lord Dalhousie established the colonial town of Dalhousie in 1854. It covers an area of 14 sq km, which is surrounded by alpine vegetation.