View points in Matheran

There are different places to visit in Matheran. 28 view points which give exciting view around the valley, 2 lakes, 2 parks and places of worship. All these places can be visited on a horseback in one day. But if one wants to get the better view and best scenic experience, one have to visit all these places only by foot as one will not get time to spend in the different points. There are different walking paths too one can take.
The different points to see in Matheran are:

Alexander Pt.Rambag Pt
Little Chowk Pt
Chowk PtOne Tree Hill Pt
Belvedere Pt
Olympia Race Course
Lords Pt
Charlotte Lake
Cecil Pt (Actually a water fall mouth)
Echo Pt.
Porcupine Pt (Sun Set Pt)
Panorama Point (Sun Rise Pt)
Khandala Pt
Madhavji Garden & Point
Matheran Railway Station
Louisa Point
Mayor Pt

Matheran a scenic hill station in Maharashtra at a distance of 108 kms from Mumbai is an eco friendly place with no vehicle allowed making the whole place pollution free. The place is discovered by British and converted into summer retreat. Located quite close to the Industrial Capital of India - Mumbai, surprising enough this place being at a height of 800m above the sea level is one of the best trekking destinations too. Matheran is declared eco-sensitive region declared by the Ministry of Environment and Forest, Government of India.

Matheran means Forest on the head. Ma tha ren in Marathi. Being a no vehicle zone, this hill station itself is a Health Sanitorium and is a great week end retreat for people in Mumbai and Pune. With lots of medicinal and herbal plants all around, one can breathe a special air while they are in Matheran. Within Matharen horses and hand pulled rickshaws are the only mode of transportation. One can drive up to Dasturi Point and from there can reach matharen either by walk or by Pony. Apart from the road route, there is one narrow gauge rail route connecting Matheran and Neral.

There are a lot of view points in Matheran and enroute and on clear nights the lights of Mumbai are visible. Matheran is famous for its dense forest and honey is gathered from the forest bees. One can see a lot of monkeys also in this area. Though one can visit and see the entire area in just a day, to enjoy the scenic beauty and get the fullest benefit of the nature and surroundings one can stay for more than 2 days. The Charlotte lake is the main source of water to Matheran. Best time to visit is during the monsoon season.






View points in Matheran
How to reach Matheran
Matheran Toy Train

Regent Hillside Resort Yercaud

A colonial cottage turned into a homestay is the Regent Hill Side Resort Home stay. Inside a coffee plantation of the Shervaroy hill range, , the stay at Hill Side Resort is a perfect holiday stay place. The current owner Mr. Vishnu have purchased it from one Miss. Kinipel, have maintained the house with high roofed colonial ceiling and colonial decor. The whole place is surrounded by bonsai trees.
The host Mr. Vishnu arranges for pickup and drop facilities on prior notice. The house is fully wi-fi enabled, and so one can relax and surf any where any time. A small well stocked library is maintained and the visitors can make use of it. Doctors are arranged on call. Fire warmth can be arranged as there are fire places in all the rooms.

The host arranges for treks and picnics arround Yercaud. On request a sumptuous picnic meal is arranged. There are many indoor games for both kids and adults. Sight seeing trips`
The house is established in 1860 and famous people like Charles Dickens, Sir Robert Clive, Nizam of Hyderabad have stayed here.

Conoor - The Tea Garden City

Next to Ooty, the second largest hill station in the Nilgiris is Coonor. Between Mettupalayam and Ooty, Coonoor offers lots of tourist attractions which includes bird watching. Located at about 1800 m above sea level, Coonoor is famous for its tea plantations and activities like trekking and hiking. There are large number trekking and hiking trails around Coonor. One can get to see a panaromic view of the beautiful Nilgiris from Coonoor. One can reach Coonoor both through road and also through Toy Train. The entire journey in both the routes are breath taking and those who love nature are sure to fall in love with it. 

      Coonoor is famous for its Residential schools. Brindavan Public School, Holy Innocent High School-Wellington, St. Joseph's Boys Hr. Sec School, St. Joseph's Convent for Girls, Mountain Home School, Stanes Hr. Sec. School, Arignar Anna Hr. Sec. School. There are two colleges in Coonoor; Providence College for Women, Riga College for Hotel Management.

Though majority of people depend on Tea for their trade and commerce, one can get to see a lot of Ayurvedic products and forest products too. Coonoor is famous for itsSericulture (Government runs a silk farm with a large research facility). Floriculture andstrawberry collection also are quite famous in here. 

Attractions in and around Coonoor:

Sims Park:

Located to the north of Coonoor Railway Station, this park have a large number of individual tree specimens and different kinds of animals and bird species. The park have winding footpaths all over the higher slopes which is naturally made and that gives a distinctive look to the park. 

Pasteur Institute:      

Established in 1907, this institute's research laborotary manufactures Polio Vaccines and also does research on Rabbies. 

Pomological Station:      

The Horticultural Department maintains this and the other 2 fruit gardens in Burliar and Kallar which are experimental fruit gardens. Fruit trees like Apples, Plums, Peaches, Persinments, Lemns, Apricots and Pomegranates are grown here for research purposes. Public can get to taste the fruit based Jams prepared here along with Surplus fruits that are sold in the counter.

Silk Rearing Station:    

 Sericulture of Coonoor is done in this institute which is close to the Pasteur Institute. 

Laws Falls:      

A beautiful picnic spot where one can enjoy a water fall from about 180 ft. The surrounding areas are Bird Watchers and Nature Lovers' paradise.

Dolphin's Nose:      

An enormous rock structure which resembles like a Dolphin is located at a distance of 10kms from the Town. The rock gives an unique view point of the town. 

Lamb's Rock:      

Enroute to Dolphin's nose is this Lamb's Rock and it gives a great view point towards the plains region of the Coimbatore district.

Lady Canninng's Seat:      

A tourist spot that gives views of the tea estates and plains below.

The Droog:      

Tippu Sultan used this place as an outpost and this place is now a picnic spot. Located at a distance of 15kms from Coonoor, this place is a trekking spot and one have to trek for about 3 kms to reach this.

Masinagudi:    

Going through over 35 hairpin bends, one can reach Masinagudi from Coonoor which is at a distance of 18 kms. Masinagudi is an elephant's paradise and one can see few here and there. The entire route is a scenic beauty. 

Some of the places to stay in Coonoor:

Green Acre's Resort

Great Grand Father's Holiday Home stay

Spring Sany Cottage

Fair Stay Holiday Resorts

Kuruva Island - Eco Tourist Paradise, Kerala

Kuruva Island or Kuruva Dweep is a group of seven islands on the banks of river Kabini and is one of the famous place in Wayanad Kerala. Kuruva Island is a vast island of green forest and is a peace and calm locality away from the busy city life. Kuruva Island is the largest island in India which is the best place for forest tour. Kuruva Island is also famous for eco-tourism and the visitors to this island can go for a nature walk. It is located at a distance of 45kms from Kalpetta and the entry fee into this island is Rs. 10 per person.

The total 950 acres of land mass definitely relaxes and rejenuvates the tourist. The local population in this island is very minimal and they become the local guide to take the visitors through the entire land mass. Rare species of plants and animals are preserved in their natural inhabitation in this island. River Rafting in Kuruva Island:

Though picnicing is banned in this island, one can enjoy the river rafting sport in Kuruva Island. Special bamboo made boats are available for the tourists to raft through the river kabini and the tourist authority of Kuruva island have to be contacted for this activity. Rs. 300 per head is charged for 3 hours and about 10 people can go in one rafting boat. Forest Trekking in Kuruva Island:     Those who are interested in trekking especially in forests can opt for forest trekking which costs about Rs. 800 for 5 people and Rs. 100 is charged additional for every additional person. The forest department arranges for a guide who takes the group along and they charge Rs. 100 for the guides.

The forest department also rents tree top hut within the island for the tourists and a maximum of 3 people can stay in those for a cost of Rs. 750 per night.

Ooty - The Queen of Hills

The Queen of hills is always a place of tourism interest for many

especially for people of Tamilnadu during the summer. The Ooty - capital of Nilgiris district is 105 kms away from Coimbatore. It is at an altitude of 2240 mtrs above the sea level. Nilgiris - is known as Blue Mountains and this place have lots of picnic places to visit. It is a scenic beauty to see the tea plantations lined up on the slopes along with houses built in the slopes.

One have to go through lots of almost 14 hair pin bends, from Kallar to Coonor in the ghat road. To reach this place, one have to reach Coimbatore either through train or through plane and from there travel either through the ghat road or take the toy train that chugs through the hills.

There are lots of tourist places to be seen in Ooty

Botanical Garden which covers a vast area of over 55 acres. The entire area is green with well maintained lawns and have many rare species of trees too. The garden is maintained by the Horticulture Department of Tamilnadu. Every Summer especially during the month of May, the Summer Festivals are held and the plants and trees and the beautiful roses are great attractions to the tourists.

Ooty Lake
The Ooty lake stretches from the Main Bus stand to about 2 kms. Tourists enjoy going on boat rides in this lake. The boat house is located on the far end and the tourists can rent out any kind of boat.

During summer boat race takes place. A small area near the boat house is converted into children's park with a toy train and it have become a great hit. The deer park which is just near the children's park is also a major attraction. Ponies are also found outside the boat house to go on for a ride.

This Ooty lake is not a natural lake but an artificial one which was formed in the year 1823 to dam the mountain stream water during the rainy season.

Dhoddabetta
The tallest peak in the Nilgiri hills hae always been a great attraction to tourists. The natural beauty in the surrounding is unbeleivable and stunning.There is a telescope house from which people see all around the hills. Tourists never forget to take a snap of themselves in this area.

Government Museum
This museum hosts a lots of tribal objects.

Pykara Falls
On the road from Ooty to Banglore, the Pykara falls is situated. This is quite close to Mudumalai also. There is a dam built on the river and the falls have formed a lake where it falls from the mountain. There is a forest rest house and the dam is protected with fence. Just near the dam is the Toda settlements, and wild life habitats. There is a boat house and it also have an restaurant attached to it.

Trekking is a major sports attraction in Ooty. From the base cap at Parsons Valley, one can start their trekking.

Ooty is a shopping paradise too. One can get almost anything in Ooty. Fresh vegetables are available all through the year. The Tibet market is also a famous place in Ooty for a great shopping experience. One should definitely have the art of bargaining to shop in this market.

Shopping never ends without getting the different flavours of Tea and the Eucalyptus Oil.

Kothagiri - Natural destination to improve your health

Kotagiri or Kothagiri is the place which is one of the places suitable for stay during the summer. Kotagiri - The name means the lines of houses of Kotas. Though the Kotas have been moved to a settlement the place still retains the name. The Kotas are artisans who are expert in pottery and terracota arts. the Kotagiri is about 30 kms east of Ooty and 23 kms from Coonooor and 33 kms from Mettupalayam. Kotagiri is one of the places which is protected by the Doddabetta range from the south west monsoon. This makes the place warmer than Ooty and so Kotagiri is a great health resort. Kotagiri is full of tea estates and thick Shola forests.

Tea Estate Kothagiri

Kotagiri is a great place for hiking. The entire Nilgiri slope offers best hiking opportunities and there are lots of trails in and around which are used by hikers for a long time.

How to Reach Kotagiri:
Air: The nearest airport is in Coimbatore. There are daily flights from Chennai, Banglore and Trivandrum. From Coimbatore, it can be reached by bus.

Catherine falls Kotagiri

Rail: Ooty is connected by toy train with Mettupalayam. There are trains from Chennai to Mettupalayam.

Road: Ooty is connected with lot more places by road and there are regular bus services from all the major towns of South India.

Auli - The skiing Destination of India

Auli is an emerging Skiing destination of India. It is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand state at an altitude of 2500 to 3050 m above the sea level. The small town is becoming a central of attraction of Uttrakhand due to skiing. Auli is on the way to Badrinath. The entire town of Auli is one of the best tourist destinations of India with lots of attractions. Auli have a training centre for Indo-Tibetian border police which is equipped with the best medical facilities and chopper facilities to help the needy tourists.

The Nanda Devi peak is the tallest amongst the snowy peaks visible from the slopes of Auli. The town of Auli is covered by Hathigauri, Neelkanth, Comet and Eravath mountains. It is believed that Hanuman rested in Auli on his way to pick up the Sanjeevani in the Himalayas.

How to reach Auli:

By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun which is 273km from Joshimath and 17km from Rishikesh.
By Train: The nearest railway station is at Haridwar. But it is better to reach Dehradun by Shadabti Express

By Road: Auli is of 13km drive from Joshimath. Lots of busses ply between Joshimath and Rishikesh regularly.

Skiing   Just because of the skiing, Auli have started to emerge as a tourist destination. Skii enthusiasts say that Auli is one of the finest skiing resorts. Auli provides the best skiing experience for both novice and experienced skiers. But experienced skiiers will find it a bit difficult to ski in these slopes which descend from 3049 to 2915 m. A 500 m long ski lift and 800 m long chair lift link the upper and lower slopes. There is an excellent opportunity for cross country, salom and down hill skiing.
During the month of Feb Skiing events and competitions are held. The slopes of the Himalayan Hills are considered to be the best in the entire Asia. Though skiing is not a big sport in India, it is definitely catching up. The entire slopes of Auli is highly perfect for skiing which is lined up on both the sides by oak and pine trees giving it the feel. Best season to visit Auli is from November to March.

Asia's longest Cable Car

   Gondala or cable car helps in moving along the slopes of the snow caped mountains. Auli boasts the Asia's longest, 4Km long Gondala. The rope way connects Auli with Joshimath and the entire travel distance is 15-20 minutes. There are totally 10 towers supporting the rope and the cost is Rs. 400 per head. The view is exciting enchanting. To move from the lower slope to upper slope one can use the chair lift which is controlled by hydraulic and pneumatic braking system. The car is attached with a strom warning device. Both the cable car and chair lift gives an unique experience for the tourists.

Artificial Lake:
    Auli have the world's highest artifical lake close to a private hotel named Clifftop Club. The water from this artificial lake is used to create the new ski slopes when there is low snow fall so that the ski season can be extended.

Trekking:
There are lots of trekking routes from Auli. The trekking trail is normally completed in one day. A few of the famous trekking trails are Auli-Gorson; Gorson-Tali; Tali-Kuari Pass; Kuari Pass-Khulara; Khulara-Tapovan

The best season to visit Auli is from End of December to March.

Accessories needed for Tourists:
Woolen Clothings
Cap
Socks
Dark Glasses
Gloves
Mufflers
Pull Overs
Wind proof Jacket
Gum/Snow boots
Torch light.

The temperature is relatively low at -8 degree C during the monsoons.

Pachmarhi - only hill station in Central India

Pachmarhi in Madhya Pradesh is one and only hill station in central India. It is regarded as a walker's paradise. Pachmarhi is located in the Satpura ranges and is about 200 kms from Bhopal. The whole of Pachmarhi is a saucer shaped valley which was discovered by James Forsyth in 1857 and it had been a contonment of British and so one can find a lot of monuments and Churches from the British era.

How to Reach Pachmarhi
The nearest airport is at Bhopal and is 210 kms away. Pipariya is the nearest railway station which is 47kms away. Pachmarhi is connected with Nagpur, Bhopal and Pipariya via road.

Best time to visit
Best time to visit Pachmarhi is from April to July and almost all through the year except during rainy season.

Things to do when at Pachmarhi
Take long walks
Walk to Jata Shanker cave
Walk to Churagarh
Trek in the woods in the Satpura range.

Munnar located in the high ranges of Western Ghats in the Idukki District of Kerala is one of the popular tourist places in Kerala. It is surrounded by Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala mountain streams. As the three rivers circle through this region, it got the name Moonu - 3 aar - river.

Munnar was the summer resort of the British Government of South India. Famous for its tea estates and hairpin bends, Munnar have become a holiday place and trekking locality. Almost all the tea plantations have been taken by Tata Tea Company. The Neelakurinji flower which blossoms once in every 12 years is another attraction of Munnar. The highest peak of South India Anamudi is located in Munnar and this place is ideal for camping for the trekkers.

Munnar can be regarded as the premium hill station of Kerala and can go there for picnic, holidaying, trekking. It have also become one of the best honey moon places too. It is easy to Munnar through the Kochi-Munnar route. The nearest airport is Nedumbassery Airport and the nearest railway station is Aluva Railway station.

Important places to visit in Munnar are:
Eravikulam National Park
Anamudi Peak
Thekkadi Bird Sanctuary.