October 3, 2013

7 Best Trails In The Northern Hills Of India

If you are a mountain lover like me, you are reading the right stuff! Ever since my childhood, I have had a connection with the Northern hills of India. I used to think as a child that if there are mountains, they are here in Northern India! I was completely oblivious about the fact that the whole country has diverse natural treasures – mountains, forests, hills and dales.

For some reason, I find the mountains of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh my own! There is some warmth that I share with them. So I thought to mention seven best trails from seven different hill stations of North India. Here they are –

Rajgarh

I am not sure if many people are aware of this not-so-popular, yet beautiful hill station of Himachal Pradesh. Tucked around 40 km away from Solan district, Rajgarh is particularly ideal for trekking and camping. So you don’t have to follow any particular trail here. You can make your own path and go wherever your heart tells you to!

With its untainted natural treasures, Rajgarh is a place to unburden your city soul and enjoy the harmony of river flowing by your side, chirping birds and an absolute quiet of nature. I experienced the joy of plucking peaches and apples from the orchards and dipping my feet into the river water. Hiking was such an exhilarating experience – we would hike up to a height and then roll down from a slope. It would rain briefly and then stop. It was my best rendezvous with nature!

(Unfortunately, I do not have any pictures from this trip. But I hope to visit it again sometime in the future.)

Beautiful views on the way – Shimla

Shimla

One of the trails of Shimla that I liked can be started from the Mall Road and finished at the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies, also known as Vice Regal Lodge. There are so many beautiful glimpses to catch on the way – British era buildings, helipad, hotels, schools, forests and the Himalayas.

Shimla is mostly touristy, but if you can just discover a fantastic trail, there are many surprises to unfold!

Also read my earlier posts – Shimla – A sojourn to remember & Classic Shimla – A Photo Essay

Peaceful trails in Chail

Chail

Chail is a quiet little town near Shimla. It is an ideal haven for hikers with many peaceful, traffic-free trails in the midst of trees. There are touristy trails that lead you to temples, farming areas and a cricket ground – which has world’s highest cricket pitch. And then there are some isolated trails too, which are unspoiled and verdant. So be spontaneous and lap up as much as you can!

Also read: Chail – Best Bet For Family Holidays

Get soaked in nature – Manali

Manali

Manali is just like a paradise for nature lovers. Just get a little away from the main city and you will discover many trails on your own. It’s wonderful to see the local village women engaged in their daily tasks like plowing the fields – they seem to be so unaffected by the world around them. It’s their simplicity that adds to the joy of exploring a place like Manali.

Also read: Manali – An Escape To Countryside

Pine trees are waiting to lead you – Kasauli

Kasauli

Kasauli is a laid-back hill station in Himachal Pradesh. The trails in Kasauli are quite straight-forward – walk amidst the pine trees, enjoy distant views of the Blue Himalayas and learn about the olden times architecture from the locals. It’s pretty simple – nothing too complicated or surprising.

There are many beautiful residential spaces, backyards and lawns – so it’s not at all touristy. It’s just like exploring a new town on foot, observing the everyday lives, feeling disconnected from our hectic world and enjoying the ‘ignorance’ for a while.

Also read: Kasauli – A Quiet Vacation

Company Garden – Mussoorie

Mussoorie

There are many beautiful trails in Mussoorie – one of them is the path to Landour, which is a small cantonment town. The sights along the way turn more scenic when it has just rained and the atmosphere is misty.

But I would like to highlight the trail to Company Garden, also known as Municipal Garden – it’s a picnic spot around 4 km away from the Library. Tourists enjoy a rickshaw ride to reach there, but walking is a better option! You can stop wherever you want, for as long as you want, take rest, enjoy the views and soak in the hilly breezes.

Also read: Mussoorie – Always Magical

Trail leading to the Naina Peak – Nainital

Nainital

Nainital has quite a few trails to appease a hiker. People hike up to the Naina Peak to catch an overview of Nainital from atop. There is a Snow View point and also Tiffin Top – both are excellent spots for panoramic views of the hill station. But to make the most of it, brush aside the cable cars or ponies and simply walk!

So, that was my list!

Also read: Nainital – Lucerne Of India

Do you know of any mountain trail that you enjoyed in Northern India or anywhere else?

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