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THE CITY OF LAKES AND PALACES

Often referred to as the ‘Venice of the East’, the city of lakes Udaipur is located around azure water lakes and is hemmed in by lush green hills of Aravallis. The famous Lake Palace, located in the middle of Lake Pichola is one of the most beautiful sights of Udaipur. It is also home to Jaisamand Lake, claimed to be the second largest man-made sweet water lake in Asia. The beautiful City Palace and Sajjangarh (Monsoon Palace) add to the architectural beauty and grandeur of the city. The city is also known for its profusion of zinc and marble. Solar observatory in Lake Fateh Sagar is the only observatory in India located on an island and has been made on the pattern of Big Bear Lake in Southern California. The ten-day Shilpgram Festival which starts from 21 Dec to 30 Dec pulls in a large number of people interested in arts and crafts.

Udaipur was founded in 1553 by Maharana Udai Singh II as the new capital of Mewar Kingdom. It is located in the fertile, circular Girwa Valley to the southwest of Nagda, which was the first capital of Mewar.

ATTRACTIONS & PLACES TO VISIT AND EXPLORE IN UDAIPUR

UDAIPUR CITY PALACE

The City Palace towers over Lake Pichola. The balconies, cupolas, and towers of the palace give a wonderful view of the lake and the surrounding city. This complex actually consists of four major and several minor palaces that collectively form the magnificent City Palace. The main part of the palace is now preserved as a museum displaying artifacts.

LAKE PALACE

Now a hotel but was originally called Jagniwas and served as a summer palace. Built between 1743 and 1746 on the island near Jagmandir in Lake Pichola, the palace, which faces east, is a wondrous sight to behold. The walls made of black and white marbles are adorned with semi-precious stones and ornamented niches. Gardens, fountains, pillared terraces, and columns line its courtyards.

JAG MANDIR

Jagmandir is a palace built on an island on the Lake Pichola. Also called the ‘Lake Garden Palace’, the construction for this began in 1620 and was completed around 1652. The royal family used the palace as its summer resort and for hosting parties. Interestingly, Prince Khurram – later Emperor Shah Jahan – was given shelter here when he rebelled against his father Emperor Jahangir. The Palace had such an impact on Emperor Shah Jahan that it went on to become the inspiration for one of the most magnificent Wonders of the World, The Taj Mahal.

MONSOON PALACE

Situated just outside Udaipur, this 19th-century palace is built on top of Bansdara hills. Used as a monsoon palace and hunting lodge, its builder, Maharana Sajjan Singh, originally planned to make it an astronomical center. The plan was cancelled with Maharana Sajjan Singh’s premature death. It is still an awe-inspiring sight on the Udaipur skyline and offers spectacular views of the city and the areas around.

AHAR MUSEUM

Ahar Museum is in close proximity to an impressive cluster of cenotaphs of the Maharanas of Mewar. The museum has a small, but rare collection of earthen pottery. You can also browse through sculptures and archaeological finds, a few dating back to 1700 BC. A 10th century metal figure of Buddha is a special attraction here.

JAGDISH TEMPLE

An example of the Indo-Aryan style of architecture, Jagdish Temple was built in 1651 and continues to be one of the most famous temples in and around Udaipur. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the structure is an architectural marvel with carved pillars, graceful ceilings and painted walls. This three-storied temple was built by Maharana Jagat Singh I.

FATEH SAGAR LAKE

This delightful lake, bordered by hills and woodlands, lies to the north of Lake Pichola. This artificial lake is connected to Lake Pichola by a canal. The lake houses the beautiful Nehru Island as well as an islet on which stands the Udaipur Solar Observatory. It was inaugurated by the Duke of Connaught and was initially called Connaught Bundh.

LAKE PICHOLA

Picholi was the name of a village that lent its name to the lake. The islands of Jagniwas and Jagmandir are housed in this lake. Along the eastern banks of the lake lies the City Palace. A boat ride in the lake around sunset offers a breathtaking view of the Lake and City Palace.

SAHELIYON KI BARI

Built by Maharana Sangram Singh II as a garden for women, Saheliyon-ki-Bari or the Garden of the Maidens is a popular tourist destination. Along with a small museum, it has several attractions such as marble elephants, fountains, kiosks and a lotus pool.

GULAB BAGH AND ZOO

Gulab Bagh (Sajjan Niwas Garden) is the largest garden in Udaipur. Spread over 100 acres, the garden proudly displays innumerable species of roses, from which it also gets its name.

SUKHADIA CIRCLE

Sukhadia Circle lies to the north of Udaipur. It comprises a small pond that also houses a 21 foot tall, three-tiered marble fountain. Decorated with beautifully carved motifs, the fountain looks spectacular at night when it is lit up. The fountain is surrounded by gardens, creating a perfect oasis in a city bustling with tourists.

BHARATIYA LOK KALA MANDAL

Dedicated to the study of folk art, culture, songs and festivals of Rajasthan, Gujrat and Madhya Pradesh, Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal is a cultural institution in Udaipur. Besides propagating folk culture, it also houses a museum that exhibits various artefacts of Rajasthani culture.

BAGORE KI HAVELI

Bagore-ki-Haveli is located by Lake Pichola, at Gangaur Ghat. Amar Chand Badwa, the Prime Minister of Mewar, built it in the 18th century. The massive palace has over a hundred rooms that display costumes and modern art. The glass and mirrors in the interiors are structured in classical haveli style.

SHILPGRAM

Situated 7 kms west of Udaipur near Lake Fateh Sagar is the Centre’s Shilpgram – the Rural Arts and Crafts Complex. Spread over 70 acres, and surrounded by the Aravallis, the Rural Arts and Crafts Complex has been conceived as a living museum to depict the lifestyles of the folk and tribal people of the west zone.

UDAI SAGAR LAKE

Udai Sagar Lake is one of the five striking lakes situated in Udaipur. Located about 13 kilometres to the east of Udaipur, the construction of this lake was started in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh. The lake is actually a result of a dam being built on the river Berach to supply adequate water to the Maharana’s kingdom. Udai Sagar Lake is 4 kms in length, 2.5 kilometres in width and about 9 meters at its deepest.

HALDIGHATI

Haldighati is a famed mountain pass in the hills of the Aravalli Range. The pass, about 40 kilometres from Udaipur, connects the districts of Rajsamand and Pali. The pass gets its name from the yellow-coloured soil of the region (turmeric is called haldi in Hindi).

DOODH TALAI LAKE

The road that takes visitors to Pichola Lake has another popular destination – the Doodh Talai Lake. The lake is nestled between several small hillocks which themselves are tourist attractions. The Deen Dayal Upadhyay Park and the Manikya Lal Verma Garden are part of the Doodh Talai Lake Garden.

JAISAMAND LAKE

Jaisamand Lake is known for being the second largest man-made sweet water lake in Asia. It is popular among the locals as a weekend picnic destination. Locals say that the lake was constructed to halt the waters of Ruparel River. This lake boasts of a large island, which is home to various species of birds, at its centre.

NAVALAKHA MAHAL (GULAB BAGH)

Navalakha Mahal is situated in the heart of a Gulab Bag which was originally laid out in the nineteenth century in the historical city of Udaipur. Maharishi Dayanand who arrived in Udaipur on 10 August 1882 on the invitation of His Highness Maharana Sajjan Singh, the 72nd ruler of the Kingdom of Mewar, remained here for almost six and a half months and stayed in Navalakha Mahal. It was in Navalakha Mahal Maharishi Dayanand completed the writing of his best work, the immortal Satyarth Prakash.

WAX MUSEUM

The Hollywood Wax Museum is an exciting interactive visitor attraction located on Sajjangarh road. The Museum has been designed to deliver an interactive experience taking you on a journey through wax effigy. the exceptional life-like wax work characters you can expect at the celebrity wax museum .The Museum is the ultimate entertainment experience for all . The wax museum also offers 9 D Action cinema ,Gaming Zone, Mirror Image & Horror Show .

UDAIPUR BIOLOGICAL PARK

The Udaipur Biological Park, also known as the Sajjangarh Biological Park is located just beneath the Monsoon Palace, and is around 8 km from the city center. The Sajjangarh Biological Park was built with an aim to conserve the threatened flora and fauna within the area. Upon its inauguration, the park received more than 46 thousand visitors in a month, which is a feat in itself. Open all around the year, the best time to visit this park is during the monsoon season, which lasts from July to September. During the monsoons, the area becomes lush green and quite aesthetic, if we may add. The biological park is home to a number of varieties of animals and birds. At present, it has 60 animals from 21 species, including the Himalayan black bear, panthers, Indian porcupine, chital, ghariyal, marsh crocodile, white tiger, Asiatic lion etc., making it a haven for those who love to see wildlife up close.

Udaipur Fish Aquarium

The Under the Sun Fish Aquarium at Fateh Sagar Pal in Udaipur has managed to mark its distinct position on the map as India’s first Hi-Tech virtual fish aquarium. In the first phase, the Under the Sun aquarium is playing host to 156 varieties of sea fish and fresh water fish, which have been procured from 16 countries around the world. In the long run, this number will go up to 1500 varieties! The 125 meter long gallery features specially built tanks that let the visitors feel as if they are deep within the ocean. The fish at this aquarium vary, with the smallest one being hardly a centimeter long, and the largest fish, Aropama, being 9 feet long.The aquarium features a touch pool to let the kids play with the fish,along with and LED screen for everyfish tank to know more about the fishes within the aquarium. This is one aquarium that you’d love to visit for true interactive fun!

Vintage Car Collection

The collection within the grounds of the Garden Hotel comprises a variety of vintage and classic vehicles like Cadillac, Chevrolet, Morris etc owned by the Maharanas of Udaipur. They used these automobiles as their luxurious modes of transport.

The Crystal Gallery

The Udaipur Collection of crystal is one of the largest and most complete collections of Osler cut glass in existence. In both diversity of objects and in the quality and grandeur of the included pieces, it holds a unique place in the decorative art world. Most of this collection was commissioned by Maharana Sajjan Singh in 1878, with the larger commissions of the furniture pieces being given to Osler in 1881. The exquisite crystal items in the gallery range from dining table, table, sofa set, washing bowl, goblet, tray, decanter, to perfume bottles, candle stands, crockery and even beds. The highlight of the gallery is a jewel studded carpet, embodying peerless class. The gallery even exhibits a Royal punkah (manually operated fan) in crystal and soft red satin material with the Mewar emblem of the Sun embroidered on it. The Crystal Gallery exhibits artefacts primarily created by F. & C. Osler, the foremost manufacturers of monumental cut glass luxury objects in the Victorian era and thereafter. Established in Birmingham in 1807, Osler revolutionised the cut glass industry by exploring the material’s structural possibilities, conceiving for the first time a monumental form of crystal, of which the Udaipur Collection is a fine example. F. & C. Osler traded very successfully through much of the 19th century both in Britain and in India.

Nagda

Nagda is 22kms from Udaipur, an ancient site located at the foothills of the Aravali range and has traces of 6th century A.D. Today it is renowned more for the intricately carved Sahastrabahu temple popularly known as Sas-Bahu temples that date back to the 9th – 10th century A.D. The interesting architecture and elaborate carving can also be seen in the magnificent toran or archway. Also of interest is the splendid Jain temple of Adhbudji located there.

Badi Lake

Badi Lake is an artificial lake that was built by Maharana Raj Singh to help the city counterbalance the devastating effects of drought. He named the lake Jiyan Sagar after his mother Jana Devi. During the drought of 1973, the lake proved to be a blessing for the people of Udaipur. And today, the lake has become a popular attraction in the city, for both locals and tourists. Surrounded by three chhatris, the Badi Lake is one of the finest fresh water lakes in the country, and is counted among the major tourist attractions in Udaipur. Located about 12 km from the city, the ambiance of the lake is calm and tranquil, and offers a scenic respite from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Sajjangarh Biological Park

Located just outside the Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary, at the foot hills of Bans-Dahara hills is the Sajjangarh Biological Park spread over 36 hectares of land. In this park one can see the Carnivores and Herbivores animals moving around in their natural habitat. One can visit the Park on foot or by Golf car on payment basis.

Sahastra Bahu Temple

Located about 22 km from Udaipur, in Nagda village on NH-8, stands the Sahastra Bahu Temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and the name means ‘one with a million arms’, which is one of the forms of Vishnu. The site of the temple borders green marshlands, and is home to numerous date palms which give the temple a unique oasis-like ambiance. The temple is a 10 th century complex and is featured on the Archaeological Survey of India’s list of heritage monuments. The temple is adorned with numerous beautiful carvings, based on Ramayana. Open from sunrise till the sunsets, the temple is a magnificent structure that offers exquisite sculptures, making it a site that’s every bit worth the visit.

Menar

Well-known as the City of Lakes, Udaipur is home to a number of beautiful lakes. Menar is a village known as house of number of species of Migratory Birds during winters. There are two ponds namely Brahm Talab and Dand Talab which hosts migratory birds. This village is a hidden tourist destination, can be one of the most favoured spots amongst birders. Located at a distance of approx 48 kms from Udaipur on Udaipur Chittorgarh Road, the best time to visit Menar is during the winters when the ponds plays host to a number of migratory birds. Some of the species that you can catch a glimpse of when here include the Greater Flamingo, White Tailed Lapwing, Marsh Harrier, Black Kite, Jungle Quail, Crow Pheasant, etc. Free from tourists, the ponds offer a peaceful countryside atmosphere for you to relax in.

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The state of Jammu and Kashmir is declared a ‘paradise on earth’ because of its marvellous natural beauty. Majestic Himalayas, snowy valleys, plenty of pilgrims and stunning lakes form the identity of this ‘crown of India’. J&K’s hill stations make you experience the outstanding heights and engaging climate. A few destinations offer tranquil peace in cool natural surroundings, while some are known for various adventure sports. Kashmir hills and valleys have a number of beautiful lakes, flower gardens and steep mountains to explore, and Jammu has plenty of lakes and steep hills. Ladakh region is highly influenced by Buddhism, therefore you can find countless monasteries surrounded by snow clad high mountains and snow deserts.

The natural beauty of the hills of Jammu and Kashmir is out of this world, simply incredible. Trying out the challenging wild sports in the mild surroundings is the most crazy thing to do for adventure enthusiasts. Feel privileged in the divine natural beauty of J&K !!

Aru

Far from the stress, dust and pollution of he urban life, Aru welcomes you to the tranquil and serene meadow, approximately 107 km from Srinagar. Located at a height of around 2408 meters, Aru is famous for the Lidder River, Lidderwat meadow, Kolahoi Glacier, conifer spread mountains and trekking opportunities. The dense woods is home to various birds and wild animals. The best period for blooming of nature during summer is considered between May To September, while in winter it is November To February. The melodious chirp of birds, the cool breeze, open blue skies, green-golden grass, crystal clear waters and misty mountains all around make Aru one of the best hill stations in the Kashmir region.

Dah And Hanu

Enjoying sheer isolation, Dah and Hanu are beautiful hilly villages in the Ladakh Region. The places witness the maximum tourists between the months of October To June. They provide you with an opportunity to visit the gigantic Hindukush mountains and the great Indus River. Dah Hanu is basically the main village of the Dards. The landscapes are full of apricot ans apple trees. The villges offer an enchanting and romantic view of the sunrise and sunset from the hills.

Kishtwar

The upland valley of Kishtwar, comprising Kishtwar National Park as well, is a major hill station in Jammu region. The area boasts of The Pir Panjal range, Great Himalayan Ranges, and the Chenab river that not only form a unique ecosystem and bio-geographical pattern but also draws lakhs of tourists every season. The hills are ideal for trekking and mountaineering, while the lands are perfect for growing saffron. The wooded hills are provided contrast with beautiful waterfalls. These wooded hills and the Kishtwar National Park are rich in wildlife like snow-deer, leopard, Neel Gai and musk-deer. Although a small region, Kishtwar is rich in all such attractions as well as pilgrims.

Patnitop

This beautiful serene hill station has all the attractions that an ideal hilly tourist destination should have. The place is rich in dense pines, snow clad peaks, waterways, freshwater springs, adventure sports and a unique climate. At an altitude of 2024 metres, you will find a huge golf course too. Sudh Mahadev is another sacred spot situated close to Patnitop. May-June in summer and September-October in autumn is the best time to visit Patnitop to explore nature at its best. If seeking snowboard joys, December to March is the time to be here.

Sonmarg

Known as the ‘Meadow of Gold’, Sonmarg is an ideal place for camping. Countless colourful flowers and the holy Sindh river form a perfect gateway to Ladakh. Nature lovers can spot dense forests of alpine flowers, silver birch, fir and pine, and various lakes. Most importantly, this hill station serves as a base camp for the holy Amarnath yatra, which is organized in July-August every year. People also visit the nearby Nilagrad river, which is pure red in colour and is believed to have curative powers for skin ailments.

Srinagar

The summer capital of Kashmir is situated on the banks of the Jhelum river. Srinagar is considered the most beautiful and most visited city of the state of J&K, the year round. The famous Dal Lake and Nagin Lake are the assets and identity of Srinagar. These lakes are visited for an enchanting view of Mughal gardens and unique houseboats and shikara rides. The Dal Lake gets frozen in winter and offers an opportunity for various adventure sports. The city is a leading player in handicrafts too. Srinagar, undoubtedly the best hill station in J&K, gives you a totally different experience.

Gulmarg

Spreading the sweet fragrance and aroma in Baramula district, the meadow of flowers- Gulmarg is quite close to Srinagar. This hill station is popular for its grassy slopes of flowers and the highest golf course in the world. The name of the city was coined by Sultan Yusuf Shah in the 16th century because of countless Bluebells, Daisies, Forget Me Not and Buttercups. These flowers blossom in the months of December to April. Apart from this, adventure seekers can enjoy various activities from skiing and horse riding to trekking. The Khilanmarg valley of countless colourful flowers is the most refreshing and peaceful area of the city.

The state of Jammu and Kashmir offers wonderful hill stations at an altitude of thousands of metres above sea level. A place that offers you snowy Himalayas, majestic rivers, stunning lakes, vast green-golden landscapes, hundreds of pilgrims, numerous adventure activities and enticing flora and fauna, is certainly the best tourist destination.

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Visit the water bodies in the lower Shiwalik Himalayas, Kashmir valley and the high mountains of the Kashmir Himalayas for a complex and vibrant ecosystem. The center of life for the inhabitants of the state, these lakes are credited for the emergence of a unique culture of the state of J&K. One can almost see the whole city travelling through these lakes. These tranquil and snowy lakes have been a major attraction of this paradise on earth. Surrounded and protected by the Himalayan Mountains on all sides, these natural treasures offer a unique experience of living on water in the specially designed houseboats. Several scenic lakes with multi-faceted eco-system and grandeur, which epitomize the state of Jammu and Kashmir are-

Dal Lake

Popular as the jewel in the crown of Kashmir, the Dal Lake is the most famous and most visited lake in the state. Lined with Mughal-era gardens, the lake is rich in lotus, water lillies and water chestnuts. It is among those major destinations that let you free to enjoy life on water in the houseboats. One can have the pleasure of Shikara rides, kayaking, canoeing and other water activities in the Dal. Surrounded by mountains on three sides, the lake gives a paradisiacal view when frozen in winter.

Nagin Lake

Located east of Kashmir, the lake lies on the foothills of the mountain Zabarwan. A number of willow and poplar trees lining the lake, Shankaracharya hill on the south and Hari Parbat on the west provide a charming view to the surroundings. Along with several water activities and Shikara rides, one can also hire boats, a romantic experience. Several salesmen can also be seen selling fruit, nuts, fresh flowers, baked goods, woolen shawls, silk carpets, leather goods and other materials on their boats.

Wullar Lake

With a width and length of approximately 10 and 24 km respectively, Wullar Lake is one of the largest fresh water lakes in Asia. The lake gives about 60 percent of the fish yield of the region. Its perfect location between the cities of Sopore and Bandipore provides a marvellous view of the majestic hills on one side and steep valleys on the other. Wullar Lake, which draws water from the northern river Jhelum, lies at a distance of 60 km from Srinagar. Moreover, a renowned bird watcher’s paradise, Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary is also situated near the Lake.

Surinsar Lake

With wooded hills all around, thick forests in the backdrop and countless lotus flowers on the surface, the beautiful Surinsar lake is a great picturesque tourist spot situated about 42 km from Jammu. The lake appears like a lotus garden in summers. The lake is a much sought after by nature lovers. According to Hindu mythology, the lake originated when Arjuna, the hero of the epic Mahabharata, shot an arrow to the land.

Mansar Lake

Popular for the food and crafts festival, the Mansar lake draws thousands of tourists every year around Baisakhi. Apart from the scenic beauty and landscapes, the lake has several religious values too. Situated about 40 km south of Udhampur, the Mansar lake is surrounded by dense forests and hills. The lake is counted among major tourists destinations because of boating facilities and its religious values owing to Sheeshnag shrine. Newly wed couples perform three ‘Parikramas’ (circumambulations) around the lake to seek the blessings of the lord of serpents. Flickering of seasonal birds, tortoise and fish of different species can be observed while boating in the calm Mansar lake.

Pangong Lake

Located in an isolated area at a 5 hr drive (160 km) from Leh, this 134 km long lake extends from India to China. Tourists mostly visit this lake during May to September with a special permit. The Pangong lake boasts of being the world’s highest brackish lake at a height of about 4,250 m (13,900 ft) from sea level. Villagers can be seen with their large herds of Pashmina sheep and long-tailed yaks. Despite being a salt water lake, it surprisingly gets frozen in winter. With such a wonderful location and a scarcity of oxygen, the Pangong Lake is a geologist’s domain too.

Tso Moriri Lake

Providing a majestic natural view of Ladakh in the north, Tibet in the east and Zanskar in the west, Tso Moriri lake is mostly visited in summer. Changthang plateau, with snow peaks, provides the source of water for the Lake. The lake is popular for being the largest of the High Altitude Lakes in the Trans-himalayan region, entirely within India. It was earlier a salty lake whose salt was extracted by the end of 1959 for the consumption by the local people. Tourists flock to the lake to visit the Korzok Monastery, situated on the western bank of the lake, believed to be about 400 years old.

While on a tour to the lakes of Jammu and Kashmir, you may also visit the Tsokar Lake and the Gangasagar Lake. Tsokar Lake is popularly called the “White lake” because of the salt content in it. Situated approximately 45 km northwest of the Tsomoriri Lake at a height of 4,485 m, the Tsokar lake covers an area of about 10 sq km. The whitish surface of this lake is the main element that makes it so charming and attractive. The local people extract salt content from the lake .The Gangasagar lake is an artificial lake, which is believed to have been constructed during the time of Sivaji’s coronation with the holy water of river Ganges. The lake provides an enchanting view of the Raigad Fort and the snow clad peaks forming the backdrop.

These waterways, surrounded by majestic mountainous ranges, form the uniqueness of the state of Jammu and Kashmir with their charming houseboats, blossoming gardens, and water sports activities. All these specialties are ideal to make your holiday memorable for a lifetime.

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The state of Jammu and Kashmir has became a great tourist destination because it has developed and taken care of its uniqueness in a perfect manner. Houseboats in J&K serve as the best meduim to fulfill your dream of staying as close to nature as possible. They have made people’s fantasy of living on the water come true. Facing the majestic Himalayas and offering the pleasant sounds of rolling waters, these houseboats are the greatest attraction in Kashmir.

One can experience the stunning beauty of these houseboats and the natural surroundings on Dal Lake, Nagin Lake and Jhelum River. Houseboats as old as 50 years can also be seen in Kashmir. Earlier used by the people of fishing communities only, these boats today are not merely a tourist attraction rather a place where the use of unique Kashmiri handirafts can be seen (in furniture, carpets etc.). They are completely made of wood and provide guests with homely environment, quiet surroundings and enchanting views outside. Quite similar to a fully furnished house, they offer you proper living rooms, drawing and dining rooms, carved wooden furnitures, and beautifully decorated interiors.

Generally you will find two or more bedrooms with attached bathroom, common eating-place and a balcony. The interiors are decorated in typical Kashmiri style with vibrant colors and art. A few boats may have a separate cook boat attached to the main houseboat that serves a variety in Chinese, Continental and authentic Kashmiri dishes. You can find a wide variety of houseboats and you can easily find the one that suits your requirements.

Firdous: These houseboats are very grand and huge in their looks as well as construction. The royal Firdous has three double bedrooms with attached bathrooms, hot and cold water, living room. There are proper facilities for electricity and cooking. The balcony space is big enough to seat a group of friends. The interiors are decorated with Kashmiri handicrafts. The silent atmosphere, breathtaking natural beauty and the homely comfort is capable of providing freshness to any exhausted traveller.

Kushal: Khushal is comparatively smaller than Firdous. It has two double bedrooms and all other desired comforts similar to a three or four star hotel room. The design of the rooms and furniture is unique. It is perfect for family holidays.

Nishat: Nishat is the favorite houseboat for honeymooners. It comprises of one double bedroom and offers all the comforts of privacy, facing the lake.

Kushdil: Kushdil is again the favorite of newly wed couples or honeymooners, and it too has one double bedroom. It has all modern facilities for its guests.

Gulshan: It is a two double bedroom boat with a verandah in front. Meant for family vacations, this houseboat provides outstanding view of the snow clad peaks from the verandah.

Clermont Too: Another two double bedroom boat, the Clermont Too offers vacations with ultimate cozy atmosphere and privacy. It is perfect for those who love to spend their holidays on waters in solitude.

The credit for initiating the trend of living in a houseboat in Kashmir goes to the British residents who were prohibited to own land by the Maharaja of Kashmir. As a result, they built their residences on water. Today, it is more than just a house on the lake. Almost all the major rivers and lakes in Kashmir offer houseboat cruises to the tourists. These houseboats can also be used for shikara rides (simply wandering in the lake), or sunbathing on the top-deck.

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Located in the heart of Shimla is the famous tourist attraction known as The Ridge. The Ridge is the hub of all cultural activities of Shimla. It is situated along the Mall Road, which is the famous shopping center of Shimla. Most major places of Shimla like Lakkar Bazaar, Mall, Scandal Point, Jakhoo hill, etc. are connected through the Ridge. Read on more about the famous Shimla ridge in the following lines.

The main water supply of Shimla comes from the huge water reservoir that is located in the Ridge. The Ridge is famous for the various government functions and fairs that are held here. It is usually the venue for all such celebrations and events. The most famous festival that is held at the Ridge is the Summer Festival. This famous festival is held during the months of April or May and the whole of Shimla comes alive with colors and a riot of activities.

The most famous landmark of the Ridge is the Christ Church. This beautiful building is constructed in Neo-Gothic style of architecture. It is a famous tourist attraction of Shimla and should be visited when you come to Shimla.

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Situated near the Himalayan range, Kufri is a picturesque hill station situated 20 km from Shimla in Himachal Pradesh. Founded in 1819 by the British, the popularity of the hill station as a tourist spot grew only in the last few decades. Kufri derives its name from ‘Kufr’ which means lake. Especially popular among trekkers, Kufri is the starting point of treks to Manali, Shimla, Rewalsar and Fagu among others. Kufri, Shimla and Chail form the Golden Triangle of Himachal Pradesh. The cool and pleasant climate, along with stunning natural beauty, makes Kufri a perfect summer getaway.
Kufri is also the venue for annual winter sports festival held in February. Organized by the travel and tourism department of Himachal Pradesh, the festival is a major attraction with tourists. The skiing competition is the main event at the festival. It is also renowned for other adventures activities like tobogganing (sliding downhill on a sled). Kufri has the oldest skiing slopes in Himachal Pradesh. You can get your share of adrenaline rush by taking fast cuts and turns in the go-Karting circuit in Kufri.

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The top of the hill is 2 km away from the Ridge. Pranks of monkeys and panorama of Shimla town are added attractions besides the old temple of Lord Hanuman recently renovated. Known for Dussehra Day celebrations.
Jakhoo Temple, Shimla Jakhoo Hill is 2 km from the Ridge, at a height of 2500m. Jakhu Hill is the highest peak in Shimla and offers a beautiful view of the town and of the Himalayas. At the top of the Jakhu Hill, is an old temple of Hanuman, which is also the home of countless playful monkeys. The Hanuman Mandir at the top of Jakhu hill is the highest point in town. This Hanuman Mandir is one of the most favoured spots for tourists and pilgrims. The monkeys around the temple surprisingly do attack people; they however look for food from tourist and pilgrims. It is a steep 45 minute walk to the top of the hill, however for those who are not familiar with hill or mountain climbing it will take more than an hour. On the way to the top of the hill, there are beautiful views of hills, surrounding valleys, huge trees and of course the playful monkeys jumping from one tree to another.

The Jakhu Hanuman Mandir is believed to be in existence from the times of Ramayana. The Hanuman Mandir is said to be formed when Hanuman visited Jakhu Hill. According to the local legends, Hanuman visited this place during the famous Rama – Ravana fight. Lakshmana, the younger brother of Rama, was critically injured during the fight with Indrajit, the mighty son of Ravana. Only medicinal (Sanjivi) herb can save Lakshmana’s life. Jambavan requested Hanuman to fetch the herb. The herb is only available in the Himalayan range. Hanuman came to Himalayas to search for the herb, but got confused, so as to which was the particular herb. Out of desperation, he uprooted the whole mountain, which contained the herbs and flew to Lanka, where injured Lakshmana with Rama, Sugriva, Vibhishana, Jambavan and
others warriors were waiting for him. With just the smell of the herb, Lakshmana and the other warriors became conscious.
Jakhu temple on Jakhu Hill, ShimlaThe Jakhu Hanuman Mandir is believed to be in existence from the times of Ramayana. The Hanuman Mandir is said to be formed when Hanuman visited Jakhu Hill. According to the local legends, Hanuman visited this place during the famous Rama – Ravana fight. Lakshmana, the younger brother of Rama, was critically injured during the fight with Indrajit, son of Ravana. Only medicinal (Sanjivani Buti) herb can save Lakshmana’s life. Jambavan requested Hanuman to fetch the herb. The herb is only available in the Himalayan range. Hanuman came to Himalayas to search for the herb, but got confused, so as to which was the particular herb. Out of desperation, he uprooted the whole mountain, which contained the herbs and flew to Lanka, where injured Lakshmana with Rama, Sugriva, Vibhishana, Jambavan and others warriors were waiting for him. With just the smell of the herb, Lakshmana and the other warriors became conscious. On his way back, Hanuman rested on the Jakhu Hills, and the top of the hill got flat by his and mountain’s weight. The place where he sat has been converted into a small temple, where his footprints are preserved till today. The Jakhu Temple has since been highly revered by the locals. The entrance of Hanuman Mandir at Jakhu Hill, inside the temple there are several beautiful painting of various scenes from the Ramayana. Shimla is a must visit hill station while in India. Although there are several places to visit in Shimla, no visit to Shimla will be complete without hiking the Jakhu Hill and a visit to the Hanuman Mandir.

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Chail is the ultimate place for setting up summer camps in a snow-clad town. It is a small hill slope in Shimla that was built solely for the purpose of helping people escape from summer heats. And eventually, the place turned out to be one of the best places to visit in Shimla.

In fact, it’s a resort that offers people exposure to the spectacular deodar forests scattered all around the hilly slope. While deodar is the common tree found in this region, you can also find pine and fir forests complementing the majestic beauty of forests in the hilly region.

Location: Chailhas located 45 KM away from Shimla, at the foothills of Himalayan ranges.

Highlights: Nature lovers and peace seekers can find this place ideal for escaping from the hustle and bustle of city life. Besides enjoying the nature closely, you can also walk on the highest cricket ground in the world

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This magnificent building was built in 1888 as the residence of the British Viceroy Lord Dufferin. It is located at the observatory Hills and is surrounded by well-maintained gardens and lawns, ringed by beautiful pine trees & rose plants. The Viceregal Lodge, also known as “Rashtrapati Niwas” is now converted into Indian Institute of Advanced Study and students come here for higher studies. The building has an English Renaissance style of architecture, where the color of limestone is grey. Since it is located at a good height, the views from this place are enthralling and cannot be described in words.

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The literal meaning of the Tattapani is Hot Water. Tattapani is famous for the hot water sulphur springs which are located along the banks of the Sutlej River. The hot water contains a high percentage of sulphur which is mixed up with the other rare elements and is excellent cure for the skin. One amazing fact is that the water of river which flows nearby is very cold whereas the springs have the hot and boiling water. Tattapani Village has become a popular tourist attraction, which is just 50 km away from Shimla. It is located in the high attitude of the 655 meters above the sea level. Today, this village is very well known for its hot sulphur springs, which draws lot of tourists each year.
There are many hot springs which are situated along the cool waters of the Sutlej River. The sulphur springs have the medicinal value, which covers the area of 1 square kilometer. Most of the people believe that the hot sulphurous water have the power of cure which provides the relief from various ailments.
These ailments include the medical problems such as the skin diseases, constant fatigue and the joint pains. There are many people who visit this village regularly to take a dip in the hot springs. The water in the springs is pure. The temperature of the water varies and depends upon the water level of the Sutlej River.
Along the banks of the Sutlej River, there are some unique rock formations, which are transformed into the natural bathtubs due to the natural springs. Some people, who visit this place also dig and make big holes in sand and give them the shape of the bathtub. Here, the new hot and boiling water arises from the underground and blend with the ice cold water of the river. It makes the water lukewarm and ideal for a long bath.
Tattapani also have many temples, which have religious significance for the local Hindus people. The people, who enjoy adventurous sports, can enjoy the trout fishing and river rafting in the Sutlej River. For the people, who like wandering and trekking in the forests, there are many protected forests around the Tattapani village. The tourists can visit these forests along with the nature guide. Some of the protected forests are Nalawan, Kiriya, Seri, Mahasha, Sunhi and Mandhor etc. these forests are declared protected by the govt. authorities. Also, there is an intermittent stream which completely dries up in the dry season.

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