Port Blair is the capital of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. This string of more than 300 almost virgin islands lies quietly in the Andaman Sea, east of the Bay of Bengal, hardly touched by modern …
Uttaranchal
From being a fairly isolated hill station famous only for the Indian equivalent to Eton, the Doon School, Dehra Dun has grown into a busy state capital with half a dozen schools, an army training institute and the wonderfully informative Forest Research Institute. It is best however, to enjoy Dehra Dun from the quiet of the hills that surround it, and the home-stay of Shaheen Bagh offers just that.
But the state is most famous for its sacred cities of Rishikesh and Haridwar. Colourful bazaars sell the flowers, powders and material required for the elaborate evening ceremonies that are performed in both cities. These cities were the focus for all those interested in Oriental philosophy and religion in the glory days of the 70’s and even today they continue to weave their particular tantric magic on visitors.
Located in the hills above Dehra Dun, Mussoorie attracted the British for its salubrious climate. Mussoorie’s restorative powers may have faded just that little bit but there are still charming corners to be found in the Tibetan settlement of Happy Valley and along the mist shrouded paths of Landour.
The other favourite hill station of the British Raj, Nainital also features many colonial buildings and Gothic churches. Nainital’s famous lake is said to be the emerald green eye of goddess Sati, wife of Shiva. Today however, it’s better known for it horse-riding and boating activities than its mythical importance.
Ramgarh and its surrounding areas are famous for their fruit orchards. Fruit grown here includes plums, peaches, pears and apples. Many writers and thinkers have been drawn to the beauty of Ramgarh and some of India’s leading industrial families continue to own sprawling orchards.
Corbett National Park protects part of the wooded forests bordering the Shivalik Mountains in the south. It is home to over 100 tigers, 600 odd species of birds, wild elephants and a variety of deer. The varying vegetation and clear water rivulets of the park help to make Corbett is one of the most beautiful wildlife reserves in India.
