Gangtok is knocking

View of Gangtok

Mt Kangchendzonga

Gangtok is situated at 5,047ft, in the Eastern Himalaya in the little state of Sikkim. It is 97km from Darjeeling, 114km from Siliguri. Gangtok offers much to do, there are many sightseeing spots like Ganesh Tok, Hanuman Tok, Tashi View Point but to truly enjoy the town, walk a lot. Take a walk from the main bazaar to the Ridge, stroll on the Ridge itself, or walk up from there towards Enchay Monastery. On a good day after the monsoons, one can see Mt Kangchendzonga and the rest of the range in all its majestic glory. The peaks change colour through the day. For the best views of Mt kangchendzonga in Gangtak, visit after monsoon, in the month of October.

The Ridge :- Just above the main town, and a few minutes walk up from the main bazaar is the Ridge, a small but delightful stretch of flat road lined with trees. Everyone, either local or tourist comes here for a stroll.On the end of the Ridge are the chief minister’s official recidence and the White Hall. Near the White Hall is the Flower Exhibition centre where there is a display of variety of orchids.

Enchey Monastery :- This Monastery is located a 10-minutes walk above the Ridge. In the morning here listening to the hypnotic chants of the monks during morning prayers.

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology :- Every tourist must visit this place where there is museum that exhibits a rare collection of ancient manuscripts, statues, ritual objects and thangkas.

Himalayan Zoological Park :-This open zoo sprawls across an area of 205 hectares in mountainous terrain and is a delightful place for long undisturbed walking as well as spotting some rare animals. Asnow leopard, Tibetan wolves, red pandas, Himalayan palm civets, leopard cats and many colourful Himalayan pheasants are the main attraction of the park.

Rumtek Monastery :- It is the largest monastery of Sikkim which is located 24km from Gangtok on a picturesque road across the Rangeet River.

Getting There:-

Bagdogra  is thenearest airport which is connected to Delhi, Kolkata and Guwahati by daily flight. Taxi to Gangtok is around Rs 1,500.

New Jalpaiguri is the nearest Rail station which is connected to Kolkata by Darjeeling Mail, Kanchankanya Express, Kanchanjunga express and Delhi by Guwahati rajdhani express. Taxi to Gangtok costs about Rs 1,500.

Accommodation :-

1.The Royal Plaza (Tel: 281571,280032; Tariff; Rs 6,500-20,000).

2.Hotel Tashi-Delek (Tel: 202991; Tariff; Rs 3,375-5,750).

3. Hotel Chumbi Residency (Tel: 226618-19; Tariff; Rs 2,950-3,450).

4. Hotel Sonam Delek (Tel: 202566; Tariff; Rs 1,000-3,000).

Besides these there are many hotels in Gangtok.

Shantiniketan --- Heritage hangout

Chatimtala

Prayer Hall

Black House

Sculpture

Shantiniketan is a small town near Bolpur in the Birbhum district of West Bengal. It is approximately 200 km from Kolkata. In the middle of the 19th century  Maharshi Devendranath Tagore purchased 20 bighas of land from the zamindars of Raipur. In1863 he constructed a house named, Shantiniketan Griha, the name later came to denote the surrounding locality. Later Rabindranath Tagore started here Patha Bhavan school which was his dream project because he believed studying in the natural atmosphere in open air is much enjoyable and fruitful. In 1921 this school expanded in a university and in 1953 it had been conferred as one of India's  best central universities. Many world famous teachers came to teach here. Indira Gandhi, Gayatri Debi, Satyajit Ray, Amartya Sen and many other famous students of Shantiniketan  have spreaded in various parts of the world.

Kalabhavan is the art college of Shantiniketan. It is one of the best art college in the world. Besides this there are various departmet of education and culture.

Upasana Griha or the prayer hall is another attraction of Shantiniketan. The four side of this hall is made of various coloured  Belgium glass with marble step. In the evening it gives a beautiful look  in the candle light. On Wednesday prayer are held here.

Uttarayana complex  associated a group of building such as Udayana, Shyamali, Punascha, Konark, Udichi where Rabindranath lived and worked in various time.

Chatimtala is famous and it was used for meditation by Rabindranth Tagore's Father Maharshi Devendranath Tagore.

The central library of Viswa Bharati is a paradise for book lovers.

The most popular  festival of  Shantiniketan is Poush mela, held in December  from 23th to 25th and Basanta utsab, held in Holi. Millions of people gather in this festivals from around the globe.

Getting There:

The trains are available from Kolkata to Bolpur.

Buses are available from Esplanade to Bolpur.

Nearest airport is at Kolkata.

Accommodation:

1.Santiniketan Tourist Lodge (a unit of WBTDC Ltd)

Rate : Rs 700/- - Rs 900/- (Non AC) ; Rs 1900/- - Rs 2400/- (AC)

Phone : 03463-252398 Mobile : 09732100920

Booking at : Tourism Centre (Kolkata), Shantiniketan Tourist Lodge, All units of WBTDC Ltd

Online booking at: www.westbengaltourism.gov.in 

Email: tourismcentre.kol@westbengaltourism.gov.in

2.Hotel Camellia

Tariff:Rs950-2500
Address:Prantik, Shantiniketan, Bolpur, Birbhum, West Bengal
Tel:91-03463-54778/55044/55043
Fax:91-03463-55044 
Email: chhuti@cal.vsnl.net.in

3.Ranga Mati Tourist Lodge

Rate:Rs.310-Rs.750 
Address:Bolpur Road
Telephone: 03463-252305

Kaziranga National Park

In Kaziranga National Park

Elephant safari in Kaziranga

A group of  Elephant in Kaziranga

 One  horn Rhinoceros 

Kaziranga in Central Assam is the state’s premier wildlife habitat and stretches east to west along the south bank of the Brahmaputra, which marks its northern boundary and the Karbi hills run along its southern boundary.  It spreads across two districts, Nagaon and Golaghat. The best tourist season is from November to early April.

Kaziranga is internationally acknowledged as one of the last undisturbed habitats of the Great Indian one-horned rhinoceros. There are over 1,500 rhinos n Kaziranga. It is also home to over 70 percent of the world’s wild buffalo population. The rare swamp deer is also found in plenty here. Kaziranga National Park is demarcated into three main tourist ranges---Kohora,Baghori and Agaratoli. Kohora is the central range, and most tourist facilities and park entry formalities are based here.

There are three tourist routes that you can choose for inside Kaziranga, and you can go either for a jeep or an elephant safari.The jeep and elephant safaris are must-dos’ if you have  go to Kaziranga. In the right season, you can spot many animals in just two days.

Kohora is the longest tourist routes, a 3-to 4-hr safari in this range offers almost a complete sense of Kaziranga and its wildlife. You may see rhinos, elephant and wild buffaloes. The large water bodies here offer different sights in different seasons. Catching elephants at play in these water-bodies is about the most rewarding experience there can be in Kaziranga.

Baghori is in the western end of the park. This circuit is known for guaranteeing sighting and its strategic watchtower. An evening trip on this route is almost always a gift for the wildlife tourist. Head to the watchtower before sunset to take in the view of the large clearing beyond the water, bathed in a golden light.

Agaratoli is the easternmost of the three routes and is 21 km from the Kohora base. This range is more wooded than the other two and animal sightings are slightly less frequent. Birds are abundant along this route.

A lesser-known fact about Kaziranga is that it is also a birdwatcher’s paradise. There are over 450 species of birds here, with the usual wetland resident and migratory birds. The endangered Bengal florican, the pied hornbill, raptor and owl species are found here.

Non-wildlife options could include a visit to a nearby tea plantation and factory and a trip to a local Karbi or Mising village where you can spend a day with the locals and see some of their craft and weaving. It is also possible to take a boat cruise on the Brahmaputra River.

GettingThere

:

The nearest airport is Jorhat which is connected to Kolkata. Guwahati is the option, convenient for visitors from Delhi and Mumbai. Car hire to Kaziranga is Rs 3,500 for a drop.

The nearest rail station is Jorhat.

  

Accommodation:

1. Aranya Tourist Lodge(Tel-03776-262429)

Tariff-Rs.600-2300

2. Wild Grass Lodge(Tel-262085; Tariff: Rs 850-1,650)

3.Hotel Bonhabi (Tel-262710, 262575; Tariff- Rs.1,000-1,650)

4. Soil inspection Bungalow (Tel-262409, Tariff- Rs.450-500)

Jungle safari-----------Corbett National Park

Jeep Safari

A group of Elephant

Tigers territory

Good luck

Corbett National park is located in the Ramnagar Valley near the Himalayan foothills. It is 19km from Ramnagar and 263km from Delhi. The ideal tourist season is between mid-November and April. The park closes for the monsoon season, from mid-June to mid-November.

Most people come to Corbett for the tigers---- of which there were, at the last estimation, approximately 140. The best time of year for tiger-spotting is April to mid-June. If birding is more your thing, mid-December to end March is when most migratory birds appear. But whatever time of year you come, there will always be deer, elephants, crocodiles, and a whole host of other animals including wild boars, otters, mongoose and snakes to see and hear, as well as the year round ever-changing natural beauty of the scenery to enjoy.

Corbett was the first sanctuary to come under Project Tiger. The territory is hilly, consisting of mixed deciduous forests of sal and sheesham trees and open grassy pastures. The park is bisected by the Ramnagar River, the Kosi River and their main tributaries. Corbett National Park has two main tourist zones. To the south-east, nearest to Ramnagar, is the smaller portion called the Bijrani  Range.  The other, much larger range  is referred to as Dhikala. Visitors are allowed to take in their own vehicles, but must be accompanied by an official guide or you can hire a jeep at the gate. Walking is strictly prohibited in the park, which closes at sunset. Conducted bus tours are available at Bijrani for 4-5 hours, and at Dhikala for a full day.

Getting There:

The nearest rail station is Ramnagar. Corbett National Park is easily connected from Delhi by the overnight Ranikhet Express, which depart from Old Delhi Railway Station.Taxi charges about Rs 450 from Ramnagar, Fares will vary depending on your place of stay .

Accommodation:

1. Corbett Riverside Resort (Tel: 284125; Mobile: 09719244451; Tariff: Rs 6,700-10,300).

2.The Corbett Hideaway (Tel: 05947-284132/34 ; Tariff: Rs 6,750-11,000).

3. The Forest Department runs Forest Rest Houses inside the park. Corbett’s main camp, Dhikala Forest Lodge (Tel: 251489; Tariff: Rs 800-1,300).

Website:corbettnationalpark.in

Camping at Sattal

Adventure time

View of the Himalayas

Camps inside the forest

Sattal lake

A holiday in Sattal--- a group of seven lakes set against a backdrop of oak and pine trees beyond which tower the Himalayas is about  bonding with your family combined with the grand taste of a wildlife escapade. To get the full flavour of Sattal, get adventurous.

The seven lakes that comprise Sattal are at around 4,000 ft in Nainital District. It is 12 km from Bhimtal ,23 km from Nainital and 330 km from Delhi.

Sattal is a trekker's paradise. With thick forest cover, there are both explored and unexplored paths for you to follow. Mountain climbing, rappelling, river crossing, rambling, fishing and mountain biking are some of your other options. And then of course, there are campfires and barbecues in the cool or hilly natural outdoors to add to the fun.

Sattal is located at a little above 4,000 ft, has an equable weather more or less throughout the year, except in peak winter, and is ideal for a camping holiday.

Getting There:

The nearest railstation is Kathgodam. Taxi charge Rs 450-850.

Delhi Transport Corporation runs buses to Kathgodam from ISBT Anand Vihar.

Accommodation:

1. Gateway Jungle Camp(Delhi Tel: 011-26013897; Tariff: Rs 1,875 per person , with meals).

2.Sat-tal Camp (Delhi Tel: 011-29531036-37; Tariff: Rs 1,300 per person with meals).

3. KMVN Tourist Rest House (Tel:05942-247047; Tariff: Rs 1,040-2,000).

Website: kmvn.org

Rafting in Shivpuri

Camps beside the river

Laxmanjhula at Rishikesh

Adventure all the way

Rafting on the Ganga

Shivpuri is the base for rafting trips on the Ganga River Above Rishikesh. It is 16 km from Rishikesh and 240 km from Delhi. During the monsoon months between June and August  rafting on the Ganga pauses and the camps close during this time. The rest of the year, be sure to book in advance, specially on weekend and holidays.

The landscape the Ganga has carved above Rishikesh is a perfect arena for adventure. The low, forested hills are made for an introduction to hiking, rappelling and rock climbing. The river below, descending in a series of rapids, is a playful companion on your first taste of real adventure sport----water rafting. Whether sailing over the gentle bubbling pools around on challenging stretches where she rages as she leaves her beloved mountains, the Ganga offers a ride you will never forget. Spend a weekend rediscovering the child within you, with your family on a raft on Indias most beloved river.

Shibpuri village, the epicentre of the Rishikesh  rafting experience, is no more than a marker falling in the middle of most camp, which are strung  along the Badrinath Highway, north of Rishikesh. Rafters set off downstream from one of these upriver camps and descend to journey's end --- the holy town below. Some of the camps take rafters further upriver by road to Kaudiyala, and this makes for a longer rafting sortie to Rishikesh.

Getting there :

The nearest airport  Dehra Dun's Jolly Grant is connected by flight from Delhi. Taxi fare to Shivpuri is approx Rs 1,000.

The nearest railstation is Haridwar. Taxi fare is Rs 1,100; camps arrange transfers.

The train is the most convenient option for weekend rafting trips.

Accommodation:

1. Leopard Beach Tented Camp (Delhi Tel: 011-26122775, 26891473; Tariff: Rs 4,400)

2. Camp Panther (delhi Tel: 26852602; Tariff: Rs 5,300)

3. Himalayan River Runners Camp (Delhi Tel: 26852602/4643; Tariff: Rs 4,400)

4.Garwal Mandal Vikas Nigam's Camp (Dehra Dun Tel: 0135-2431793/83; Tariff 1,150).

Website: gmvnl.com

Skiing in Auli

skiing in Auli

snow desert

view of Himalaya from Auli

The slopes of Auli lie between 9,500 and 10,500 ft in the Great Himalayan Range, near the border of Nanda Devi in Upper Garhwal. Auli is surrounded by many snow peaks such as Nanda Devi, Trishul, Kamet, Neelkanth etc. It is 16 km South-East of Joshimath, 286 km North-East of Rishikesh, 492 km North-east of Delhi. The ideal time for skiing in Auli is between December and March, when Auli is covered with snow and temperature can fall below zero.

Auli is not large,the entire skiing area is about 5-7 km, but it has its advantages. It commands  excellent views of the surrounding peaks. The air is cold,fresh and scented with pine, the skies are blue. A cable car ropeway traverses 4km up the hill from Joshimath ,transporting you over the tops of oak and fir trees  to Auli.  When you swoop down the slopes, don’t have to worry about the trudge back up, the baby slopes have a 1,600 foot high ski lift, and the advanced slopes have a 2,620 foot high chair lift to haul you to the top.

There are other magical moments like watching the dawn break behind Nanda Devi, watching the sky open up its bounty at night and the snowflakes floating gently , soundlessly to earth.

Getting there:

The nearest rail station is Haridwar. Taxi to Joshimath costs Rs 4000 approx. During  snowfall, the ropeway from Joshimath to Auli is the only option pay Rs 500, in other seasons the 16 km stretch to Auli should be done only by a 4-wheel drive.

Accommodation:

1. GMVN Skiing and Tourist Resort (Tel: 223208, 223305; Tariff: Rs 1,500-2,000).

2. Hotel Kamet (Tel: 01389-222155; Tariff Rs 700-1,150).

3. Hotel Snow Crest  (Mobile: 09012226130, 09917581346; Tariff: Rs 1,750-2,520).

4. Hotel Dronagiri (Tel: 222221/54; Tariff: Rs 800-4,000). 

Raichak on Ganga river

view of Ganga Kutir

Night view of the resort

Beauty of the river

A panoramic view of the resort

GANGA KUTIR  is located right by  the Ganga  River at Raichak in 24 Parganas district.  It is 50 km from Kolkata. The weather in Raichak is pleasant throughout the year.This  resort’s best features are its ambience and setting, two things produced by intelligence and taste. The distance of this resort from Kolkata makes it an ideal weekend retreat for the busy couple looking for some private time together or one or two night family outing. The resort is a good base sorties extreme south  to the Sundarbans including  Bakkhali, Henry island and Jambudwipa.

The rooms are spacious and comfortable. Big bay windows with day-beds, or balconies with deckchairs, overlook the Ganga from every room. Walk by the river at night and count the stars with the aid of a glass, and you are in heaven.

Getting to Ganga Kutir:

Ganga Kutir resort arranges pick-ups from Dum Dum  Airport at Kolkata. For pick-up charges call the resort.

Sealdah Railway station is the nearest rail station.

Accommodation:

15 rooms: 10 deluxe and 5 premium; 1 suite.

Tariff Rs 12,000 (deluxe), Rs 15,000(premium), Rs 18,000(suite).

Contact:

Raichak on Ganges

Post Bag 1, Sarisa

South 24 Parganas, West Bengal

Tel: 03174-275632-33

Website: gangakutir.com

Royal retreat

Room in the fort

Night view of the fort 

Sunrise

Panoromic view

Neemrana Fort-Palace is located on a small hill in the Aravallis, midway between Delhi and Jaipur. It is a15th century fort, 2hours drive from Delhi. Lovely terrace, courtyards and poolside. Spread across a hill, it requires some walking and climbing. The Neemrana Fort-Palace began its life in 1464, built by the famous Rajput  warrior-king  Prithviraj  Chauhan. Restoration began in 1986, and in 1991  it became a heritage hotel.There’s an open air amphitheatre where concert or plays are held. You can climb up the rooftop to soak in the starlight and marvel at the views of the surrounding countryside.

There are some beautiful activities such the 2-hour Zipline Package involves 20-minutes walkup from the fort, a bit of training and safety instruction, and the actual zipping for a distance of up to 400m.

The other activities include a 1-km walk to an 18^th-century stepwell that descends nine storeys below the ground. You can also do the trip in a camel cart. There is a gym (free of cost) and a spa that offers  Ayurvedic massages and therapies like reflexology.

Winter is the best season when you can soak in the sun. During the monsoon, the countryside becomes lush green. Summers are very hot.

Getting there:

The  resort charges Rs 3,913 for pick-up/drop from  Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi and from New Delhi Railway Station.

Accommodation:

9 deluxe  suites, 7 suites, 7 grand rooms and 32 rooms.

Tariff: Rs 2,500-21,500; off-season (May 1 to August 31) discount of 20 percent on AC rooms, 40 percent on others.

Contact:

The Neemrana Fort-Palace

Village Neemrana, Dist Alwar, Rajasthan,Tel: 01494-246006-08

Mobile: 09414050068, 09414050044

Website: neemranahotels.com

Delhi Reservation: A-20, Froze Gandhi Marg, Lajpat Nagar-II,Cntact for booking

New Delhi, Tel: 011-46661666

The Golden Mile

Kovalam beach - view from lighthouse

Kovalam beach

Sunrise

Panoramic view of the beach

Kovalam is close to the capital of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, at the southern extremity of the Kerala coast. Once you are there, you can’t remain unmoved by the magic that is Kovalam. It’s in the evening that Kovalam is at its vibrant best. As shadows engulf the beach, only the circling beam of light from a nearby lighthouse signals the end of the sky.On the other hand, in kovalam  you can also spend blissful hours doing absolutely nothing in a deckchair by the sea.Kovalam is spread along three crescent beaches separated by rocky promontories. From north to south, these are the Samudra Beach, the Hawah Beach and the Lighthouse Beach.Samudra Beach is the quietest of kovalam’s  three beaches.The bustling Hawah and Lighthouse beaches are more or less a continuous stretch lined with eateries, hotels and shops. The Lighthouse Beach has a lighthouse, perched atop the Kurumkkal rock on the southern tip of the beach.It offers a spectacular view of the sea and the Vizhinzam Harbour.

Ayurveda is a craze in Kerala, and in Kovalam it is ubiquitous with every hotel and resort  offering a variety  of Ayurveda  packages  as an added attraction.

Getting There :

Air: The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport. Taxi fare to Kovalam Rs 400-650.

Rail: The nearest rail station is Thiruvananthapuram Central. Taxi charges Rs.400-650 to Kovalam.

Accomodation :

1.The Leela Kempinski Resort (Tel: 0471-2480101; Tariff: Rs 11,000-1,20,000)

2. Hotel Samudra (Tel: 2480089; Tariff: Rs 3,900-9,900)

3. Swagath Holiday Resort ( Tel: 2481148-49; Tariff  Rs 1,400-6,500)

4. Seaface (Tel: 2481835-36; Tariff : Rs 3,750-8000)

Misty Tales

Kempty Falls

Sunset in Mussoorie

Mysterious Mussoorie

Panoramic view of Mussoorie

Mussoorie  is a long, narrow stretch of ridge on a hill at an altitude of 6,580 ft , at the head of the Doon Valley in north-west Uttarakhand. It is 34 km N of Dehra Dun, 269 km NE of Delhi. The entire ridge is about 19 km long ; however, the shopping-eating-strolling stretch of Mall Road is about 3 km long. Landour is a steep, almost 1000 ft higher level than the Mall. The mall is the very heart of the town,and crossing it once twice every day is inevitable. There are many benches by the road so you can sit and rest and people-watch, admire the pine tree, poplars and chinars which only grow high up at this altitude. The view of the setting sun from the Mall is excellent. As dusk descends, the lights in the Doon Valley  start twinkling, as if in a fairyland.

There are a pretty  Victorian-style Library at the end of Library Bazar which was built in the mid-19th century. Gun Hill is the next big attraction on the Mall, situated about 400 ft above it. It can be reached by a path or via a ropeway ride, which gives you a great  view of the Doon Valley. Kulri Bazar, at the eastern end of the Mall, is the place where you can have lots of fun. There are many hotels and also the usual restsurents. The Cambridge  Bookstore offers a lot of Ruskin Bond’s books. Ruskin Bond meets his readers and signs books at this shop every Saturday between 4 and 6 pm.

Landour is a silent, beautiful cantonment area that’s a 10-min drive  up from Kurli Bazar. Building regulations are strict here, so there aren’t any hotels and shops to disturb the natural beauty of the place.

The central point is called Char Duknan because there are four dhaba-com-provision shops here. A pleasant stroll away  is Sisters’ Bazar, named for the sisters who looked after those British soldiers.It has old cottages, a few shops and retains its silent beauty. Lal Tibba represents the highest point in Mossoorie.There is a creaky old telescope, and they charge Rs 20 for a quick sight of the snow-clad  Garhwal peaks from here. Jharipani Falls is located a short distance downhill from mussoorie and can be reached by road. The 40-foot perennial Kempty Falls is the highest of five  cascades that branch from a mountain stream, cutting its way through boulders  and down rock faces.

Mussoorie is at its best from March to June and in October-November.December-January is cold.

Getting There :

Air : The nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehra Dun which is connected to Delhi. Taxi costs Rs 1000.

Rail : Nearest rail station is Dehra doon.Taxi charges Rs 450 for a drop.

Accomodation : There are more than a hundred hotels in Mussoorie, ranging across all budgets

1.Jaypee Residency Manor (Tel: 2631800, Tariff: Rs 11,000-22,000)

2.Country Inn (Tel: 2631190, Tariff: Rs 4,00-5,000)

3.Hotel Padmini Niwas (Tel: 2631093; Tariff: Rs 1,300-6,500)

4.Hotel Nand Residency (Tel:2631442; Tariff: Rs 1,500-4,200)

Mountain Masala

Mall road

Shimla mall in winter

Christchurch

Shimla in winter

The seven picturesque hills of Shimla are in southern Himachal, in the Shivalik Range, at an altitude of 6,890 ft. It is 115 km NE of Chandigarh, 342 km N of Delhi. Shimla is built on a longish mountain ridge, along which seven small peaks just out into the sky. The easternmost is the Elysium Hill near Lakkar Bazar. Jakhoo Hill, the highest point in Shimla, rears behind The Ridge and is famous  for its Hanuman temple. On the other side of the Ridge, Bantony Hill is better known for the Kali Bari Temple. After about a km comes the Inveram Hill which hosts the state museum. Nearby, the Viceregal lodge occupies Observatory Hill. Then comes Summer Hill, with the HP University. The Westernmost Prospect Hill is crowned by the Kamana Devi Temple.

Shimla is India's only hill station that combines the beauty of the Himalayas, the slow charms of an Indian hill station, and the energy of a city, making it very good at accommodating the diverse tastes of a family. Shimla's unique personality, temperament and place in history owe much to its position as the British Raj's summer capital in the 19th century. The mall meanders its way for almost 4 km along. The Ridge, between old and even older buildings. The smallish area just above The Mall, between the Christ Church and the imposing Municipality building is called The Ridge. The Mall is also one of the longest stretches of pedestrian open air strolling and shopping possible. The best tourist season is from March to June, for those who love snow, winter is the time to be here.

Getting there :

Air : Shimla's Jubbarhatti Airport is connected to Delhi by Kingfisher Red. Taxi into Shimla costs Rs 1,200.

Rail : Nearest metre gauge railhead:Shimla.Even though the Kalka Shimla train seems very slow, it's a journey your family will enjoy and never forget. The Shivalik Express offers a comfortable journey, and serves food on board. Plan and book in advance. The nearest broad gauge railhead Kalka , well connected to Delhi by the Kalka Shatabdi and Himachal Queen, to kolkata by the Howrah-Delhi-Kalka mail.Taxi from Kalka costs approx Rs 1,500 -2,000 .

Accomodation :

Shimla offers plenty of hotels across all budgets.

1.Woodville Palace (Tel: 0177-2622516,2624038), Tariff Rs 4700-11000.

2.Hotel Springfields (Tel:2621297-98), Tariff Rs 4000-6500

3.Hotel White (Tel:2656136) Tariff Rs 1000-2200

4.Hotel Le Royale (Tel:2651002-03) Tariff Rs 1,700-3,700