Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Hill side story


NORTH EAST INDIA is a corner of this vast and wonderful country that is India. It is relatively unexplored, with lush forests, exotic wildlife and people that are esoteric.

Darjeeling - is the dreamland of the East. It (2134m) has been a popular hill station since the days of the British Raj. Surrounded by lofty mountains, it is a fascinating place rich in natural beauty and surrounded by Buddhist monasteries. To reach there, you can take the famous toy train - now a Unesco World Heritage Property - a meter gauge train operating over some breathtaking scenery.
Gangtok - (1780 m) is a city that could be out of a fantasy tale. The mighty Kanchenjunga peak (8500m) provides a stunning backdrop to this quaint town. In the mystery-laden mists, prayer flags whip in the breeze and wheels spin in the hands of lamas mumbling invocations to God. In the distance are the snows; on the streets, amidst brightly painted pagoda roofed houses, are friendly, smiling people. The Tsomgo Lake lies on the outskirts of Gangtok, and is considered holy by the locals. It is surrounded by snow-clad peaks and is frozen for a large part of the year. Not too far away is the Nathula (or 'whistling') pass. It lies on the border between India and China and is famed for its dramatic scenery.
Shillong - (1496 m) the capital of Meghalaya was planned by the British as a hill resort and a summer retreat. The beautifully kept golf course and several English country cottages testify to another influence besides the local. Beautiful lakes and falls, hillside cottages, a large university, and the popular Bara Bazar are quaint aspects of this town. The place, the people and the climate all combine to create an atmosphere to make Shillong an ideal holiday resort throughout the year. Cherrapunjee, the wettest place on earth, is only 56 kms away from Shillong.

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