Autumn is approaching and you obviously need a break. Rise above the cliched and frequently visited spots as your holiday destinations, and decide for few infrequent cool spots in India. You will fall in love with them.
With the mercury going a little friendly on us, and as we gear up to welcome Autumn in our lives, everyone looks out for small escapes from busy monotonous routines, to come back with revitalized energies.
Although, plains do offer some exotic spots to check-out for a brief vacation, the hilly destinations however act as soothers for the tranquil picturesque beauty they hold.
Also, there is a certain calmness about the mountains which revives mind, body and soul.
For that much needed rejuvenation and to gear up for the coming busy festive season, let us be off for a while to these pleasant, yet less frequented spots for an Autumn Break.
And guess what, you won’t find them much populated these days, which makes for an absolutely peaceful holiday for you.
Here you go:
CHAIL
Nestled cozily at a distance of 43Kms away from Shimla, one will find this spectacularly beautiful albeit a small hill station that is enclosed by three hills, endowed with the forests of oak, gigantic deodar and chir pine. In effect, it is believed that the irresistible aroma stemming from these woods have attracted Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala to convert Chail into his summer capital. Reach:
From Chail, the closest Airport is at Chandigarh which is 112 km away. From Chandigarh, you can have a taxi or bus, which is continuously available in service. Another Domestic Airport is Jubbarhati Airport located in Shimla, which is 45 km away from Chail. The nearest Railway Station is Kalka, which has a toy train running to the destination and passes through a spectacular journey of mountains and tunnels.
Must See:
The Wildlife Sanctuary accumulates the red deer, the Indian hare, barking deer, leopard, the Kashmiri squirrel, porcupines and many other species.
The majestic Chail Palace prostrated on 75 acres has turned into a luxury hotel having several deluxe rooms and suites, abounding with antique furniture.
Highest Cricket Ground is famous as one of the world’s highest pitches located at an altitude of 7,500 ft. It is used for playing both polo and cricket tournaments.
Kandaghat homesthe holy shrines ofShiva and Mulla of Baba Thadda. Kali Ka Tibba (temple of Goddess Kali) located on the hilltop is worth a visit to get the view of the entire valley up to Solan.
Sadhupul can be your ideal place for picnic. Angling lovers go fishing at the Gaura River. There is also an excellent chance of trekking to Kandaghat and Rajgarh.
COORG
Perched at an altitude of 3500ft above sea level onWestern Ghats, Coorg is appositely called the ‘Scotland of India’ and ‘Kashmir of the South India’.
Reach:
For air travelersthe nearest domestic airport is the Mangalore International Airport, about 160 kilometres away. For a train journey the nearest railway station is in Mysore, which is about 95 kilometres away from Coorg. If you wish to travel by bus, there are K.S.R.T.C deluxe buses, which run daily from Bengaluru, Mysore and Mangalore. Also, a self drive to Coorg is an experience in itself. The journey from Bengaluru to Coorg is a smooth drive that takes about four and a half hours.
Must See:
Abbey Falls located near Madikeri, call for a visit. The Kaveri River descends into a waterfall and takes a 70mtrs plunge down. Sited 80Kms away fromMadikeri, the spectacular Iruppu Waterfall, is another attraction.
Nisargadhama wildlife sanctuary, with a peaceful and enchanting beauty housespeacocks, deer, leopard and elephants. Interconnected by a rope bridge, it is an island in the hub of the river Kaveri. Equally serene is the Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary placed at the northern part of Coorg with a shola grassland habitat. Kumara Parvat peak lies within it; thus trekkers can enjoy an exciting stay here.
Madikeri Fort was originally built as a mud fort by Mudduraja in 17th century and re-built in granite by Tipu Sultan. He named it as Jaffarabad. Besides a private palace, the fort comprises a prison, a temple, a chapel, a small museum and assorted government offices.
Elephant Training Camp at Dubare region trains the wild elephants with the help of local tribes Kurabas. One can ride, try bathing and feeding these gentle giants.
Nalknad Palace is the treasure-trove of titillating ancient paintings and marvelous historical architecture especially the intricate wood carvings. Kodava kings used to use it as their hunting lodge.
Trekkers should test their mettle in treks of Tadiandamol and Brahmagiri. Even golfers can have a great time at its three golf courses; ‘Mercara Downs’, ‘Coorg Golf Links’ and one in Pollibetta.
KHAJJIAR
WelcometoKhajjiar, a place with a small glacier lake within dense deodar forests in Himachal Pradesh. It has earned the moniker “Mini Switzerland”. Hovering at an altitude of 1,960 metres, Khajjiar is a must visit peaceful destination.
Reach:
Khajjiar is well connected with most of the cities of the state with well developed and sophisticated roads. It Is hardly about one and a half hours drive from Dalhousie and Chamba. Himachal Road Transport Corporation operates bus services, connecting Khajjiar with the major cities in and around the state. Nearest Railway Station for Khajjiar is Pathankot. It is the nearest rail head for traveling to Khajjiar and Dalhousie, which is situated at a distance of 80Kms from the main hill resort. Almost all the main stations of India are connected with this Railway Station. Buses and Taxis can be boarded to reach Khajjiar from Pathankot. Chandigarh and Delhi are two big cities near Khajjiar. You can also start your journey from these places. Nearest airport is Gaggal which is situated in Kangra and the other one is in Pathankot in Punjab, situated at a distance of 180Kms and 80kms respectively.
Must See:
Khajjiar Lake is fed by small streams and surrounded by cedar forests and hills. The first thing you will gaze at is the ‘growth’ of some weeds called as Vacha.
Myth says that Khajji Nag, the Lord of the serpents won a fierce battle and was destined to live in this place. Apart from, its excellent architecture, the Khaji Nag Temple is famous for its golden dome. Inside the temple, the images of the Pandavas along with the defeated Kauravas hang from the roof. There are idols of Lord Shiva besides that of Goddess Hadimba.
Kalatop Sanctuary literally meaning black cap! Other than a picturesque beauty, this dense woods houses black bear, mountain goat and barking deer.
One can also head to the nine-hole golf course. Surrounded by dense deodar forest of Khajjiar, situated many small villages like Rota, Ladi, and the like. They are famous for their apple orchards. Aside from horse riding, one can enjoy zorbing on the gradients of Khajjiar meadows.
Gear up and head for a break. Keep aside the regular chilly destinations including Kashmir, Shimla or Darjeeling; chalk out a plan for these alternates instead and enjoy your Autumn!
