RingChen

Some of the hill stations extraordinaire that are very dear to my heart; in no order of preference.

Prayer flags & the mountains

Prayer flags: Traditionally, they are used to promote peace, compassion, strength, and wisdom with the belief that the prayers and matras will be blown upward as offerings to their deities and will bring benefits (such as happiness and good health) to all who hang them, as well as their families, loved ones, neighbors, and all people throughout the world including even enemies.

1. Darjeeling

Land of Thunderbolt. As history goes, Darjeeling was once a part of Sikkim which was gifted by the Chogyal (King) of Sikkim to the Britishers long before Independance. The best thing I like about this place is walking around the misty roads, with the cold breeze blowing refreshing your soul. One of my most favourite places on earth, for its misty mountians looking as resplendant as ever, my fascination for Darjeeling stands to this day.

2. Ooty

I’ve been to this pleasant hill station so many times during my four-year stay in Calicut mostly for the reason that it remnded me of home. A grand botanical garden housing all kinds of fauna, including one stunted, nearly-fossilized tree that’s still vivid in my memory. What amazing tea gardens… I liked Ooty!

I’ve been here!

3. Wayanad

More than remembering this place as a picnic spot where I visited back in college, I think of this place in association with the nice film, Mr & Mrs Iyer where Rahul Bose says he’s been to WAY - NAD… If only he had learnt the proper pronounciation of the place before shooting that film…

4. Gangtok

I suppose one never actually gets tired of one’s hometown. I will never get bored of going for a long drive up Gangtok’s lovely mountains.

Gangtok town as seen from Ganesh Tok

5. Kalimpong

In between Darjeeling & Gangtok, lies another hill station - Kalimpong which is as beautiful as ever. I recall vsiting this place a lot with my family when I was small. We used to love travelling all the way up to this awesome place which seemed not very different to home, yet stunningly beautiful.

6. Shimla

Another beautiful place that just takes my breath away. I had a great time travelling all over Shimla & Kasauli that I have promised to go back there some day and enjoy the place all over again. I especially liked the horse ride all the way to Kufri - some experience that was! Indeed Shimla - Queen of the Hills.

Note: Any other hill station I havent mentioned is because I havent had the good fortune to visit it yet. But will do so sooner than later.