Friday, September 30, 2011

TOP TEN LIVEABLE CITIES

World's Most Liveable Cities
The Economist's World's Most Liveable Cities 2011 (Top 10)[7]

CityCountryRating
1Melbourne Australia97.5
2Vienna Austria97.4
3Vancouver Canada97.3
4Toronto Canada97.2
5Calgary Canada96.6
6Sydney Australia96.1
7Helsinki Finland96.0
8Perth Australia95.9
9Adelaide Australia95.9
10Auckland New Zealand95.7
The city of Melbourne in Australia was ranked as the world's most livable city in 2011[8]

The Economist Intelligence Unit's livability also uses data from the Mercer consulting group and shows cities in Canada, Australia, Austria, Finland and New Zealand as the ideal destinations thanks to a widespread availability of goods and services, low personal risk and an effective infrastructure. It does not take into account the cost of living as a factor in 'livability'. The Economist Intelligence Unit has been criticized by the New York Times for being overly anglocentric, stating that "The Economist clearly equates livability with speaking English."[9]
The August 2011 report placed Melbourne, Australia as the most livable city in the world, with Vienna, Austria taking second place followed by Vancouver, Canada. [10]
Other Canadian cities also ranked highly in the survey, with Toronto and Calgary holding the 4th and 5th positions respectively. Three other Australian cities (Sydney at 6th and Perth and Adelaide tied at 8th) claimed positions in the top ten.
Harare, Zimbabwe was rated the worst city in the world to call home. African and South Asian cities were generally the worst performing in the EIU's rankings.
Honolulu at 26th tops American cities in the list just ahead of Pittsburgh, ranked 29th, and Los Angeles (which rose to) 44th and New York (which held onto) 56th place.
London moved up one place to 53rd while Paris came in at number 16.
The top Asian city was the Japanese city of Osaka at number 12, tying with Geneva, and beating the Japanese capital of Tokyo, which was placed 18th.[11]

[edit] Quality of living survey

Mercer 2010 Quality of Living Survey[12]

CityCountryRating
1Vienna Austria108.6
2Zurich Switzerland108
3Geneva Switzerland107.9
4Auckland New Zealand107.4
Vancouver Canada107.4
6Düsseldorf Germany107.2
7Frankfurt Germany107
Munich Germany107
9Bern Switzerland106.5
10Sydney Australia106.3
The Mercer Quality of Living Survey is released annually, comparing 221 cities based on 39 criteria. New York is given a baseline score of 100 and other cities are rated in comparison. Important criteria are safety, education, hygiene, health care, culture, environment, recreation, political-economic stability and public transportation.[13]
The list helps multi-national companies decide where to open offices or plants, and how much to pay employees.
In the 2010 list of cities, the top of the list is dominated by Europe, Canada, Australia and New Zealand; and Switzerland and Germany both have 3 cities in the top 10. The first entries from other countries are Singapore at 22, the USA at 31, and Japan at 37. Baghdad was at the bottom of the list. Of the 25 cities at the bottom, 15 are in Africa. Compared to lists for previous years, cities in South Asia (mainly India), East Asia (mainly China), the Middle East and Eastern Europe are clearly on the rise.
Mercer also has a 'Personal Safety' list, which is also dominated by EU and Swiss cities: the top five are Luxembourg, Bern, Geneva, Helsinki and Zurich.
2010 year’s ranking also identifies the cities with the best eco-ranking based on water availability and drinkability, waste removal, quality of sewage systems, air pollution and traffic congestion. Calgary is at the top of this index (score 145.7), followed by Honolulu in second place (score 145.1) and Ottawa and Helsinki in joint third (score 139.9). Wellington in New Zealand (5), Minneapolis (6), Adelaide (7) and Copenhagen fill the next four slots, while Kobe, Oslo and Stockholm share ninth place. Port-au-Prince in Haiti ranks at the bottom of this table with a score of only 27.8.[14]

[edit] Most Liveable Cities Index

Monocle's Most Livable Cities Index 2010

CityCountry2009
1Munich Germany(04)
2Copenhagen Denmark(02)
3Zurich Switzerland(01)
4Tokyo Japan(03)
5Helsinki Finland(05)
6Stockholm Sweden(06)
7Paris France(08)
8Vienna Austria(07)
9Melbourne Australia(09)
10Madrid Spain(12)

Since 2007 the lifestyle magazine Monocle publishes an annual list of liveable cities. The list in 2009 was named "The Most Liveable Cities Index" and presented 25 top locations for quality of life. The winning city in 2008 was Copenhagen, Denmark and the 2009 winner was Zurich, Switzerland.
Important criteria in this survey are safety/crime, international connectivity, climate/sunshine, quality of architecture, public transportation, tolerance, environmental issues and access to nature, urban design, business conditions, pro-active policy developments and medical care.
The 2010 rankings continued thus: Berlin (11), Sydney (12), Honolulu (13), Fukuoka (14), Geneva (15), Vancouver (16), Barcelona (17), Oslo (18), Montreal (19), Auckland (20), Singapore (21), Portland (22), Kyoto (23), Hamburg (24) and Lisbon (25)

Thursday, September 29, 2011

TOP TEN U.S. HALLOWEEN STAND




                                            TOP TEN U.S. HALLOWEEN STAND


Keene Pumpkin Festival

Keene, New Hampshire

Each Halloween, Keene's picturesque streets are aglow with towers of jack-o'-lanterns. The festival was a longtime Guinness World Record holder with over 28,000 pumpkins lining the streets. Boston has since beat the record, but it can't match the small-town atmosphere: Keene has 24,000 inhabitants. Citizens are encouraged to create their own pumpkins in a celebration of community spirit.

Texas Chainsaw Maze

Houston, Texas

This free Houston attraction is based on the B movie classic and stars Leatherface, the Old Man, the Hitchhiker, and other terrifying personalities. If you have any screams left after navigating the maze you can visit paid haunted houses here, including the Sanitarium, the Castle of Doom, and the Haunted Woods.

Central Park Pumpkin Festival

New York, New York

This New York City celebration is chock-a-block with absolutely free events, including the Circus Berzerkus Haunted House, a scarecrow competition, hayrides, puppet shows, and arts and crafts. You can even score a free pumpkin from the Central Park patch.

West Hollywood Halloween Carnival

West Hollywood, California

Halloween in West Hollywood must be seen to be believed. Among L.A.'s annual events the carnival is second in size only to the Rose Parade—but that's pretty much where the similarities between the two end. Santa Monica Boulevard fills with half a million or so costumed revelers after the kids have (hopefully) gone to bed.

New Orleans

New Orleans, Louisiana

The city of Anne Rice and her vampires can't be caught short of spooky activities, and rest assured it isn't. Free events on and around Halloween include the Krewe of Halloween Parade and Jim Monaghan's Halloween Parade, as well as costumed revelry in the French Quarter. On the day after, All Saints Day, the city's ancient cemeteries fill with visitors who clean and decorate tombs.

Festival of the Dead

Salem, Massachusetts

Witches have made a comeback in Salem, Massachusetts, and the Festival of the Dead their time to shine. On the town common, the Salem Witches Magic Circle celebrates the witches' holiday of Samhain, during which the line between this world and the next is blurred.

Chicagoween

Chicago, Illinois

Chicago's Halloween celebration reaches its peak during the last week of October when the city's famed Daley Plaza becomes “Franken Plaza.” Free attractions there include the tame-but-tasty Farmers Market and the high-flying excitement of the Midnight Circus.

Little Five Points Halloween Festival and Parade

Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta's eclectic Little Five Points area packs 'em in to celebrate the year's spookiest holiday with a music-fueled street bash that draws up to 35,000 revelers. The highlight is a parade of crazy and creative costumes—and hearses, of course.

Zombie Walk Detroit

Detroit, Wisconsin

The downtown zombie walk is “wholly dedicated to scaring up zombie adventure at any given moment.” It doesn't get much better than that—until you discover that World Zombie Day is also dedicated to fighting hunger by collecting food and donations for a local food bank.

Anoka Halloween

Anoka, Minnesota

This Minnesota town, which bills itself as the Halloween Capital of the World, launched official celebrations as early as 1920. They were meant to deter pranksters from freeing cows and turning over outhouses. Ninety years later the more wholesome events on and around Halloween here include pumpkin carving, bonfires, house decorating contests, and one of the state's oldest and largest parades.


TEN WORLD BEST BEACH

                                                                       TOP TEN BEACH
  1. Seychelles


One of the most photographed beaches in the world, the pale pink sands of Anse Source d’Argent unfurls across the island of La Digue, one of the 115 components of this archipelago in the Indian Ocean. The sands sparkle against a backdrop of towering granite boulders, worn by time and weather. The turquoise water is relatively shallow and protected from the ocean’s waves by a reef.

  1. Maldives


Whether your dream beach trip consists of spending a few pampered nights in a four-star resort or swimming among tropical fish some 80 feet (24 meters) underwater, the Maldives are the sort of islands where either—or both—can come true. Straddling the equator southwest of Sri Lanka, the 1,102 islands that make up the Maldives form 26 atolls. The soft air enveloping the archipelago blends into a beautiful palm-fringed haze.

  1. Bora Bora, Tahiti


This is one of the magical islands that make up French Polynesia in the South Pacific. Just 18 miles (29 kilometers) long, this lush little slip of land lies in a protected lagoon edged by white sandy shores, the best being at Matira Point. Bora Bora boasts the nickname the “Romantic Island,” a moniker easy to appreciate with its isolated beaches, intimate hotels, and quiet atmosphere.

  1. The Hamptons, New York


One of the hip spots for the air-kissing, well-heeled set, the Hamptons boast some of the prettiest beaches on Long Island. The unspoiled shoreline begins around Southampton and runs east to the end of the island at Montauk. Windswept dunes and waving grasses border the Atlantic Ocean.

  1. Lanikai Beach, Hawaii


Half a mile of sparkling sand, palm trees swaying over a white beach, lush tropical plants, and endless sunshine make Lanikai one of Hawaii’s most scenic beaches. The shore is protected by a nearby coral reef, which keeps the surf relatively calm. The water is always deep green and postcard-perfect.

6.Nantucket Island, Massachusetts


The most popular beaches on this island in the North Atlantic are Surfside and Children’s. The waters here are relatively calm, and there’s plenty of sand to use for sunbathing or castle-building. Madaket Beach is known for its rougher surf and not-to-be-missed sunsets. Quidnet Beach provides great views of Sankaty Head lighthouse.

7.Fraser Island, Australia


Perched on the sunny Queensland coast 161 miles (259 kilometers) northeast of Brisbane, Fraser Island is the world’s largest sand island and home to a wonderful beach. This World Heritage Site is an ecologist’s dream, with 640 square miles (1,664 square kilometers) of unspoiled natural paradise. Rain forests with 1,000-year-old trees sprout from the sand. Lodgings here accommodate a wide range of tourists, from the backpacking ecology lover to pampered resort fans.

8.St. Bart's


One of many islands in the Caribbean Sea, St. Bart’s stands out with its blend of French chic and island relaxation. With beautiful secluded beaches, fine French cuisine, and gracious hotels, this tropical playground is popular with the Jet Set. The 8-mile-long (13-kilometer-long) island is edged by 20 beaches and small coves for swimmers and sunbathers, with sparkling water and white sand.

9.Langkawi, Malaysia


The name “Langkawi” translates into “the land of one’s wishes,” a welcoming concept that somewhat belies the island’s historic origins as a reputed refuge for pirates. Langkawi has since become a modern hideaway for the traveler seeking an escape. If your vacation wishes extend from uncrowded white sands and clear waters to lush green forests, you will find yourself content here. Datai Bay, located on Pulau Langkawi, is a heavenly retreat on the Andaman Sea.

10.Kauna'oa Bay, Hawaii

Located on the Kohala Coast of the Aloha State’s Big Island, Kauna’oa Bay is the quintessential Hawaiian spot. The 0.25-mile-long (0.4-kilometer-long), crescent-shaped beach has plenty of white sand, palm trees, and calm, clear, blue water. In addition to swimming and sunbathing, beachgoers here can snorkel or ride boogie boards. (Be careful swimming, however, because there are no lifeguards on this public beach.) At night, nestle into the sands and peer out into the water to see if you can catch a glimpse of manta rays swimming.

top ten hill station in india


TEN BEST HILL STATION IN INDIA





Hill Stations

  
ll Stations
With the highest mountain ranges in the world, the Himalayas, running north to east, Aravalli and Vindhya ranges across western and central India, and Western ghats in western and southern parts, India is full of hill stations and offers some of the most spectacular landscapes in the world.

Indian hill stations are a traveler's paradise, gifted with snowy peaks, deep gorges, green valleys, misty woods, frothing rivers, azure lakes and flower-filled meadows. These misty, mystical and serene hill stations of India are a perfect holiday option.

Here's a list of top 10 hill stations of India.
Shimla
Make the best of the ice-skating rink at Shimla


Ooty
Enthralls tourists with its vibrant flowers


Darjeeling and Gangtok
Infinite slopes of captivating tea gardens


Mussoorie
Gorgeous view of the snow-covered Himalayas


Kodaikanal
Instills vigor and recharges ones senses with its beauty


Dehradun
Recreational place for adventure lovers


Kullu and Manali
Beautiful valleys with mesmerizing effect


Srinagar
Land of lakes and houseboats


Mount Abu
Thronged by pilgrims and tourists alike


Shillong
Offers an uncontaminated atmosphere and serenity

                                                                                    SHIMLA

Shimla the capital of the glorious state of Himachal Pradesh is a fabulous hill-station surrounded by dense forests that comprises of oak, deodar, pine and rhododendron forests. Shimla has abundance of natural beauty and the locals are privileged to live in such panoramic locations. This place can enamor anyone with its beauty.

Shimla has a lot of variety to offer. Shimla is an ideal place for fishing, golfing, skiing, trekking etc. Adventuring here which definitely make you enthusiastic and spirited. For more energetic entertainment, hit the indoor roller-skating rink in Lakkar Bazaar or go open-air ice-skating above the Rivoli Bus stand. There are always amazing things to be explored in its surrounding countryside. Fagu, Kulfri and Naldhera are some of the well- known places for adventuring and camping too.

Long walks in the deep green woods will give you a scintillating feeling. The Shimla Ridge gives you a magnificent view of the sunset which is indescribable. Tour to Shimla will captivate you with its natural charm and enable you to get closer to nature. One of the attractions of this hill-station are its apple trees. The sight of a cluster of apple trees with leave you dumbstruck.

Situated at an altitude of 2159 m Shimla is engulfed by snow-covered mountains, green pastures dense forests and wholesome climate. These overall conditions draw tourist to this hill station. The toy train ride from Kalka station to Shimla takes you through a picturesque route, which will keep you spellbound and memories of which you will relish forever.



Shimla the capital of the glorious state of Himachal Pradesh is a fabulous hill-station surrounded by dense forests that comprises of oak, deodar, pine and rhododendron forests. Shimla has abundance of natural beauty and the locals are privileged to live in such panoramic locations. This place can enamor anyone with its beauty.

Shimla has a lot of variety to offer. Shimla is an ideal place for fishing, golfing, skiing, trekking etc. Adventuring here which definitely make you enthusiastic and spirited. For more energetic entertainment, hit the indoor roller-skating rink in Lakkar Bazaar or go open-air ice-skating above the Rivoli Bus stand. There are always amazing things to be explored in its surrounding countryside. Fagu, Kulfri and Naldhera are some of the well- known places for adventuring and camping too.

Long walks in the deep green woods will give you a scintillating feeling. The Shimla Ridge gives you a magnificent view of the sunset which is indescribable. Tour to Shimla will captivate you with its natural charm and enable you to get closer to nature. One of the attractions of this hill-station are its apple trees. The sight of a cluster of apple trees with leave you dumbstruck.

Situated at an altitude of 2159 m Shimla is engulfed by snow-covered mountains, green pastures dense forests and wholesome climate. These overall conditions draw tourist to this hill station. The toy train ride from Kalka station to Shimla takes you through a picturesque route, which will keep you spellbound and memories of which you will relish forever.
 


Shimla the capital of the glorious state of Himachal Pradesh is a fabulous hill-station surrounded by dense forests that comprises of oak, deodar, pine and rhododendron forests. Shimla has abundance of natural beauty and the locals are privileged to live in such panoramic locations. This place can enamor anyone with its beauty.

Shimla has a lot of variety to offer. Shimla is an ideal place for fishing, golfing, skiing, trekking etc. Adventuring here which definitely make you enthusiastic and spirited. For more energetic entertainment, hit the indoor roller-skating rink in Lakkar Bazaar or go open-air ice-skating above the Rivoli Bus stand. There are always amazing things to be explored in its surrounding countryside. Fagu, Kulfri and Naldhera are some of the well- known places for adventuring and camping too.

Long walks in the deep green woods will give you a scintillating feeling. The Shimla Ridge gives you a magnificent view of the sunset which is indescribable. Tour to Shimla will captivate you with its natural charm and enable you to get closer to nature. One of the attractions of this hill-station are its apple trees. The sight of a cluster of apple trees with leave you dumbstruck.

Situated at an altitude of 2159 m Shimla is engulfed by snow-covered mountains, green pastures dense forests and wholesome climate. These overall conditions draw tourist to this hill station. The toy train ride from Kalka station to Shimla takes you through a picturesque route, which will keep you spellbound and memories of which you will relish forever.


                                                                          
                            OOTY                                          








This green and pictorial Queen of Hill Stations located in South India in the state of Tamil Station is at an altitude of 2240 m. Conifers, pine and eucalyptus trees grow abundantly in this region and make the environment fresh, clean and pleasant. The funnel-shaped lavender- blue flowers bring in radiance to the sloping mountains.

To truly experience the charm of this hill station in the Nilgiri Mountains, take the little Blue Mountain train to Ooty from Mettupalayam. Once there, settle into a relaxed routine of picnics, pony rides and angling; spend a morning at the lovely Botanical Gardens, drop in at Ooty club with its Raj-era ambience. A delightful day trip is to Pykara where you can see rolling grassland and the unique concial huts of the Toda tribe.

Ooty is huddled in an arena that is generated by four royal hills - Elk Hill, Snowdon, Doddabetta and Club Hill. These majestic hills are fractions of the regal Nilgiri range which forms a congregation for the Western and Eastern Ghats.

Dense forests, lofty mountains, extensive tea and coffee plantation and sprawling grasslands characterize Ooty. Ooty provides ecstasy for trekkers. Trekking here is filled with excitement and pleasure. One can watch nature in its best form and splendor while trekking in Ooty. Ooty has many trek routes to offer. However, they differ in distance, stature and topography. Hand gliding and Angling are other activities that one could participate in.

This eco-friendly land with lush greenery, radiant flowers, deep forest, lakes and waterfall offer a fantastic sight and make your stay in Ooty laudable.





Darjeeling and Gangtok are a wonderful combination of tranquility, verdant hills, panoramic views and above all the mesmerizing beauty of the mighty Kanchanjunga. These hill stations are famous for ambience of desolation and they offer magnificent view of the vast plains lying below. Both Darjeeling and Gangtok are famous for beautiful serene monasteries, tea plantations and orchard.

One of the attractions of Darjeeling is its toy train. Built in the late 19th century, the world heritage Darjeeling Himalayan railway is a technological marvel. Its tracks rise from sea level to an altitude of over 7,500 ft in just about 70 km. Zigzag, reverses and loops were devised to overcome these gradients, the most famous being the Batasia Loop, where the train does a complete figure of eight. It covers about 83 km in six or seven hours, so sit back and enjoy the mountains and the fresh air.

Darjeeling derives its name from the Tibetan word ‘Dorje’which means a precious stone or the thunderbolt and ‘ling’ meaning place; hence Darjeeling is the land of thunderbolt. The Ghoom Monastery and tiger hills in Darjeeling must be visited at least once.

Gangtok is the capital of the state of Sikkim. The beautiful Enchey Monastery and Rumtek monastery in Gangtok are very popular among tourists. A journey by the ropeway or cable car in Gangtok should be made mandatory in your itinerary. This 20 minute journey will enable you to view the spectacular valley of Gangtok.

Abundant growth of flowers with more than 500 variety of orchid makes this place exotic. Gangtok is an ideal place to buy shawls, blankets, carpets, hand-made paper, painted masks etc. Gangtok is haven for adventure sports. This hill-station has numerous interesting treks to offer tourists.

The beauty of both these hill stations is marked by azure skies, brilliant sunshine, scarlet rhododendrons and the white fragrant magnolias which bloom in profusion, the sloping tea gardens, forests of silver fir and more. Darjeeling and Gangtok boasts a number of charming spots.



Mussoorie was originally a popular hill station frequented by the British. This picturesque town with its verdant hills and with a variety of floral life and animals inhabiting the region the place is really fascinating. Hemmed in by snowy mountain peaks to the northeast and glittering view of the beautiful Doon valley and Shivalik ranges in the south, the town presents a fairyland ambience to the tourists.

Mussoorie is hailed as the queen. It is one of the most beautiful hill stations. The climate of this resort is just wonderful and this is the reason that people enjoy visiting this hill station a lot. It presents a pretty picture during summer.

Mussorrie has really attractive views of the mighty, snow-clad Himalayan peaks. The breathtaking Kempty falls, 11 km away from the town, attracts horde of tourists daily. Depot Hill, which is another interesting place, is point with highest elevation in Mussoorie and all majestic Himalayan peaks are clearly visible from here on clear days.

Camel’s back road, offers a gorgeous view of the sunset and the place resembles a sitting camel. One can also enjoy long walks and horse riding here. Camel’s back hill is accessible and you can go there with the help of electric trolley. The view from the top is exceptionally beautiful. Gun hill, which is the second most elevated peak here, is also a wonderful place to visit.

Surrounded by the thick oak and blue pine forests, the town is utterly devoid of the hustle and bustle of modern day life. It is ideal for those people who want to enjoy nature in its unlimited glory.






Kodaikanal is a beautiful hill station of South India quietly ensconced amidst the green Palani Hills. Kodaikanal has a breathtaking scenic beauty. Its wooded slopes, enhancing waterfalls, mighty rocks and beautiful lakes can captivate any visitor.

Kodaikanal has an excellent climate and it charm attracts tourists all through the year. Bird watchers love this place, as do the people who enjoy solitude. No doubt, Kodaikanal still has its virgin, pristine charm.

Situated at an altitude of 2,133 m, the fruits and plums of Kodaikanal are famous for its taste and freshness. This town possesses many orchards where fruits like banana, plums and lychees are grown in plenty. The Kurinji-flower, which is better known as the pride of Kodiakanal blooms once in a decade. With the blooming of this flower the mountainous slopes gets magically transformed to a bluish-purplish shade.

Kodaikanal provides ample opportunities for trekkers. Trekkers can choose between the 17 routes that are of different lengths.

Magnificent waterfalls, amazing valleys and picture postcard surroundings Kodaikanal offers you the delight of heaven on earth. The undulating hills slopes of Kodaikanal are infested with conifers and eucalyptus trees. The vibrant wild flowers and the exotic orchid give Kodaikanal a natural paradisiacal atmosphere.

The scenic beauty of Kodiakanal has a subtle ambience – a mental and sensorThis picture perfect hill station is the capital of the state of Uttaranchal. It is located at an altitude of 2,200 ft. and is surrounded by two sacred rivers - the Ganga and the Yamuna. Dehradun is embedded in the lap of the beautiful Doon valley and is surrounded by the Shivalik ranges. Its pleasant weather conditions throughout the year make it an ideal place for vacationing.

Dehradun’s spectacular natural assets like floristic varieties, astounding valleys, breathing panorama, tea plantation and leech gardens have transformed this town into a paradise. Its natural environment has a soothing effect on the minds of visitors. It is a perfect retreat for people of different desires and needs.

Dehradun houses several famous schools, esteemed forest research institutes and well-known academic institutes as well, thus making Dehradun a distinct hill-station. It also offers various forms of recreations for adventure lovers, of which trekking and jeep safari is popular.

Dehradun being a combination of a hill-station, a pilgrimage centre, educational institution and its commercial importance due to its abundant cultivation of various producers it attracts people from every walk of life.

This hill station has some good hotels, recreation clubs and restaurants to cater to the needs of the tourists.

Dehradun is heavenly during the monsoons as well. For some wet and wacky experience, yield to the magic of the monsoon in the mist-laden hills. Monsoons here leaves behind a view that is so overwhelming and sparkling that anyone would come here again and again to experience exhilaration. y quietude rarely experienced elsewhere. So come and visit Kodaikanal and tantalize your senses with its scenic beauty. Its vast expanse of greenery is bound to st

Kullu Manali is an extremely popular tourist’s destination. Both these hill stations are a delight to those who desire to spend some time in the lap of nature. The intricate web of beautiful valleys brings gleam to ones eyes. Whether it is under the radiant rays of the sun or under the spell of hazy mist, the valley looks brilliant.

The awesome Kullu valley spreads its charm on both the sides of River Beas. The flower-filled meadows, exciting glens surrounded by the gushing streams and meandering rivulets is enough to make the tourists ecstatic. Kullu provides ample scope for trekkers, mountaineers, artists and others who wish to enjoy the variegated spectacle of the scenic mountains. Just inhaling the pristine air of the majestic Himalayas will help to invigorate.

The hand woven colorful caps and shawls of Kullu are very famous among the locals as well as among tourists.

Manali which is about 40 km from Kullu is a sleepy little valley in the foothills of the Himalayas surrounded by pine and deodar forests. The landscape of Manali is incredible. The snow covered peaks, sparkling and curving brooks, green fields and verdant fruit orchards will make your holiday a joyous one.

There are fun things to do and see here – horse riding, trekking, hot air ballooning and more. The mountaineering institute at Manali is famous among trekkers and mountaineers.

Kullu Manali has plenty to offer trekking enthusiast as well as for those looking for easy hikes and scenic drives. The beauty of the mountains capes, rivers, temples and pastures can be captured while trekking.

The abundant growth of flowers and vegetables, the apple trees bowing down low with the weight of their fruit, the great sweep of the mountains and the glow that gildes over them by the blazing sun, the clouds gathering over the tallest of the peaks and the calmness that surrounds this valley is what Kullu Manali is all about. ir all visitors.

SRINAGAR



Luxurious houseboats, sprawling Mughal Gardens and magnificent golf courses is what sets apart Srinagar from the rest of the hill stations. Srinagar is the capital of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. This town is full of fascinating alleyways and buildings. Just wandering in this intriguing city for a few hours leaves you rejuvenated. Its natural splendor makes Srinagar the most magnificent hill station of India.

Houseboats and Srinagar are synonyms of each other, as is the famed Dal Lake. The lakes of Nagin, Anchar and Dal and the river Jhelum flowing through different parts of the city add distinctiveness and charm to it.

The lakes of Srinagar are not just a stretch of water but are as good a stretch of land, since shops, houses, tapered water cannels, vegetables gardens are found on the lakes. One can book a shikara for a whole day for sightseeing and picnicking simultaneously. A ride in the shikara is perhaps the best part of vacationing. House boats were first built by the British as a way of getting round the maharaja’s ruling that they couldn’t own land here. Today, they are an integral part of the traveler’s experience.

The Royal Springs Golf Course at Srinagar with the Zabarwan hills as the backdrop and the Dal Lake in front is every golfer’s dream come true. This magnificent Golf course has been voted India’s best golf course.

Srinagar gives you a spectacular view of the tall, snow-covered peaks, wild flowers carpeting the meadows, rose gardens and imposing valley, the beauty of which is bound to leave you awestruck.



Mount Abu is an oasis in the barren desert land of Rajasthan. The cool climate of Mount Abu is due to its extravagant flora which consists of flowering shrubs and coniferous trees.

The massive rocks makes the approach road to Mount Abu curvaceous. Most Abu is the only hill station of in the state of Rajasthan. The golden tinge that smears over the hills of Mount Abu during sunset makes it a spectacular sight. The grassy plains and deep valleys makes Mount Abu look fabulous especially during dusk.

Mount Abu is situated 1,720 m above sea level. The highest and the most beautiful peak of Mount Abu is the Guru Shikhar. A certain level of tranquility surrounds the temple which is built on a summit. This peak offers a spectacular view of the entire town.

Mount Abu is not only a hill-station but also a pilgrimage centre for the Jains and houses some of the best architectural splendor of India. The Dilwara temple of Jains is one such example.

Although Mount Abu can be visited throughout the year, February to June and September to December are considered ideal for visiting.

Charming forest hills set up wonderfully by the coniferous trees act as the backdrop for your holiday. Cool, inherent innocence and beauty of Mount Abu is sure to refresh and rejuvenate you. Its lake, temples and landscape will definitely lift your spirits.



Shillong the capital of Meghalaya is a very attractive hill station. Its sparkling lakes and dazzling waterfalls spring from lush green mountains and pine tree forest. This hill station provides a clean and unpolluted environment to its tourists.

Sitting pretty in the East Khasi hills of Meghalaya, Shillong has a host of attractions- English style cottages, pine forests, waterfalls and even an 18-hole golf course. For a glimpse of the Khasi tribe’s matriarchal culture, visit Bara Bazaar, run entirely by efficient, enterprising women, selling everything from piglets to betel nut.

Cherrapunjee, a very scenic 120 km drive from Shillong was once famous as the wettest place on earth – it once recorded 2,629 cm of rainfall on a single day! That title now belongs to the neighboring hamlet of Mawsynram.

Ward’s lake, butterfly museum, botanical garden, lady Hydari Park, Tadlskein Lake, Sweet falls, Elephant falls, Sohpetbneng peak and beadon falls are some of the tourists attractions of Shillong. The boat races held in Umgot River are popular among locals and tourist alike.

This land of forests, hills, waterfalls, lakes, caves and cottages is full of Mother Nature’s benevolence. The woods of Shillong are lovely dark and deep streams rush down the hillsides, the climate is pleasant and countryside here echo’s with tribal songs that sound pleasant to the ears. When you explore its enchanting places, you will realize that your search for eternity and serenity has reached its terminus. Truly, if you are looking to relax and enjoy Mother Nature’s bounty, Shillong is the place to visit.