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A GREAT DESTINATION
ETERNAL
INDIA
encyclopedia
Deolo and Durbindara Hills to its north and south respectively.
On the way to Kalimpong is the “View Point” from where the
view of the mountains from the summit of Durbindara is excel-
lent. Drive upto Kalimpong through the majestic Testor valley -
hills on one side and the Testor river flowing alongside is a
memorable experience.
Places of interest
: Dr. Graham’s Home, Durbindara Hills &
Padong.
Access
:
Air
- nearest airport in Bagdogra;
Rail
- Siliguri is
nearest rail-head;
Road
- connected to Darjeeling (30 km)
34)
GANGTOK (Alt)
1,574 m/5,162 ft.
Best time
: April-June:
Sikkim’s new capital, Gangtok is neat, clean and pretty as a
picture. Literally the “lofty hill” set amidst the clouds and
mists of the splendrous Himalayas. Every foot of its surround-
ings is charming, and to top it all, there is the sublime Kanch-
enjunga.
Places of interest
: Ex-Chogyal's palace, Gompha (Monas-
tery), Chorten (stupa), Deer park, Orchid Sanctuary, Tsukla-
khang & Enchey Monastery
Access
:
Air -
Bagdogra is the nearest airport;
Rail
- nearest
railway stations are Siliguri (114km) and New Jalpaiguri (125
km);
Road
- connected to Siliguri, Ramtek, Bagdogra, Kalim-
pong and Darjeeling.
MEGHALAYA
35)
SHILLONG (Alt)
1,500 m/4,920 ft.
Best time
: March-June
& Oct.-Nov. : Capital of the state of Meghalaya, Shillong is a
beautiful hill resort, more like those on the lowlands of Scotland;
situated in the Khasi and Jaintia Hills. The name is derived from
the presiding deity Shyllong; a land of pines and firs.
Places of interest
: Ward Lake, Shillong peak, Shillong Golf
Course, Cherrapunji, Mawphlang, Jakrem, Jowai, Manas Game
Sanctuary and Kaziranga Game Sanctuary.
Access
:
Air -
nearest airport is Gauhati;
Rail
- nearest rail-
head is Gauhati;
Road
- linked with Gauhati and Silchar.
SOUTH
ANDHRA PRADESH
36)
HORSLEY HILLS (Alt)
385 m/1,265 ft.
Best time
: April-
June 151 km from Tirupati and 165 km from Bangalore, a lovely
place shaded by teak, red sandalwood, eucalyptus, gulmohar,
mangoes.
Access
:
Road -
Tirupati, Bangalore and Madras.
KARNATAKA
37)
KEMMANGUNDI (Alt)
914 m-l,828m/3,000 ft-6,000 ft).
Best time
:April-June. It has a salubrious climate, magnificent
natural scenery of the western ghats and is easily accessible.
While nature has endowed a magnificent natural backdrop to
the hill station, carefully designed landscape gardening has
added a considerable charm to it. An interesting feature here is
transportation of the mined iron ore to Bhadravati by 5km long
aerial steel ropeway.
Places of interest
: Hebbe falls, Jagar Valley Game Sanctu-
ary, Bababudangiri peak, Mullayyana Giri Peak, Kalhatti Falls
& Bhadravati Iron & Steel Works.
Access
:
Road
- Chikmagalur.
38)
NANDI HILLS (Alt)
l,748m/4,847 ft.
Best time :
Through-
out the year(except July-Oct.): A popular hill resort near Ban-
galore, named after the bull of Lord Shiva. A good picnic spot
with a healthy climate and beautiful natural surroundings.
Places of interest
: Tippu’s Lodge, Amrita Sarovar, Cuppage
Orchard, Nellikayi Basavanna, Tippu’s Drop, Arkavati source,
Tippu’s Zenana & Nandi Town.
Access
:
Air -
Bangalore;
Rail
- Bangalore;
Road
- Chickabal-
lapur (68 kms).
39)
MERCARA
: Perched on the green top of the Western ghats
and surrounded all sides by lovely mountainous terrain lies pic-
turesque Mercara.
Places of interest
: Talakaveri, Omkareswara, Coffee and
Oranges of Coorg, Bhagamandala Apiary & Nagarhole Game
Sanctuary.
Access
:
Air
- Bangalore;
Rail
- Mysore;
Road
- Mysore.
TAMIL NADU
40)
KOTAGIRI (Alt)
1,981
m/6,500
ft.
Best time :
April-June
& Sept.-Oct. : It is the oldest and the quietest of the three hill
stations of the Nilgiris.
Places of interest
: Kodanand viewpoint, St.Catherine falls,
Rangaswamy Pillar and Peak
Access
:
Air -
Coimbatore;
Rail
- Coonor;
Road
- Coonor,
Ooty.
41)
OOTACAMUND (Alt)
286 m/7,498 ft.
Best time
: April-
June: Known as the “Queen of Hill Stations”; situated on the
Nilgiris. Has a bracing and equable climate with a magnificent
natural scenery. Its hill ravines, woods and grassy downs
appeal to one’s aesthetic sense.