Manish

7 Major Mountain Ranges in India that are worth seeing

Posted on by Manish

Every time I go to the mountains, I feel like I discover something new about them that I had never experienced before. There is never a moment of repetition or boredom upon travelling to the mountains. The enigma and aura keep pulling me in, showing me something new and fresh that instantly captures my heart.

Mountains to me are a promise of an adventure, a soothing touch for my aching bones and an ever-changing mystery that will keep me glued forever. Mountains have so many layers of beauty that I always feel like staying on wherever I am at a particular time. Our country is blessed with 7 magnificent mountain ranges which are worth seeing in a lifetime for sure!

Reason to Travel to these Mountain Ranges

From the Himalayan Mountains to the lush Western Ghats and the Aravalli range to the Eastern Ghats, India is surrounded by majestic mountain ranges on all sides. Each of these ranges have distinctly different scenic beauty, climates and atmospheres and thus they have very unique surprises in store for visitors.

Each of these mountain ranges have a multitude of famous hill stations that people flock to from all over the world like Kashmir, Nainital, Sikkim, Shimla, Dalhousie in the Himalayan range, Ooty in the Western Ghats, Mount Abu and Udaipur in the Aravallis and Vishakhapatnam in the Eastern Ghats. However, for those who do not enjoy travelling to crowded tourist spots, there are several other off-beat locations strewn all over the mountains that have raw appeal of their own.

List of 7 Major Mountain Ranges in India

  1. Himalayan Mountain Ranges
  2. Aravalli Range
  3. Western Ghats
  4. Eastern Ghats
  5. Satpura and Vindhya
  6. Purvanchal
  7. Karakoram and Pir Panjal

In order to enjoy the best of each mountain range it is important to know its speciality and the amazing things that can be experienced there. You might be very confused and in a dilemma about your vacation plans. Therefore this detailed guide of the list of major mountain ranges in India is a good way to figure out where you should plan your next trip.

1. Himalayan Mountain Ranges

himalaya ranges

The youngest mountain range in India still packs a powerful punch, covering most of the north and with popular locations such as Kulu, Manali, Dehradun and lots more. The gorgeous view of Mt. Kanchenjunga, the highest peak of Himalaya in India is a major draw as are the plethora of trekking, rafting and mountaineering opportunities for seasoned adventure junkies.

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2. Aravalli Range

Aravalli

India’s oldest mountain range is majorly concentrated in Rajasthan and offers a brilliant landscape that is a photographer’s dream! The Aravallis are home to several birds and animals and add to the exotic flavour of Rajasthan.

3. Western Ghats

Think some of the loveliest waterfalls and rivers. Think lush natural greenery and a whiff of romance. The Western Ghats is pleasant and soothing round the year with beautiful valleys, peaks and tropical rainforests in its fold. It is truly a sight for sore eyes.

4. Eastern Ghats

Green fields, coffee plantations, high peaks, caves and waterfalls make for a pretty sight strewn across the Eastern Ghats. This is traversed by the rivers Kaveri, Mahanadi, Godavari and Krishna among others and also offers ample scope for adventure sports. The famous Araku Valley in Vishakhapatnam is a part of this mountain range.

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5. Satpura and Vindhya

Satpura and Vindhya

Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra are dotted with these mountain ranges along with parts of Central India and other surrounding States. The beautiful landscapes are a major attraction with some popular locations being Panchmarhi, the Kanha National Park and Amarkantak.

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6. Purvanchal

An extension of the Himalayas to many, the Purvanchal range encompasses the Jaintia, Garo and Khasi Hills, traversing throughout north-east India. This range is covered by forests, valleys and charming tea gardens, making for a spectacular sight.

7. Karakoram and Pir Panjal

Karakoram

Imposing and hard to traverse, these ranges boast of the world’s second highest peak, K2. The climate is tough with barren terrain. The Biafo and Siachen glaciers are a part of these mountain ranges while rivers such as Jhelum, Ravi and Chenab flow through them. Extreme trekking and mountaineering are the key attractions here.

Experience the best that Nature has to offer

Due to several efforts made by the Government and local authorities, most of these ranges can be accessed quite easily by cars and thus travelling is not an issue at all. Although some roads might be more daunting than the others, yet the exquisite views and scenic beauty are worth all the pain.

It is best to travel to these ranges in the months of October to April since the weather is mostly comfortable and the skies are clear, enabling travellers to view mountain ranges quite clearly. As I always say to myself, proper planning is a must for visiting any mountain range along with making adequate preparations for trekking alongside. And of course, a trip to the mountains is incomplete without lovely strolls, views of floating clouds and delectable local cuisine!

5 Places in Shoja for the wanderer in you

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Himachal Pradesh has always been on my bucket-list and I finally decided to do something about it. I thought of doing some research and finding a place that is quiet and undisturbed which is a luxury in our hectic lives. I eventually came across Shoja which seemed beautiful and boy did it turn out magical when I was there!

Summer was suggested as the best time to visit Shoja since the weather is ideal for camping or simply strolling about. I simply fell in love with the place just after seeing the pictures and the actual place itself did not fail to mesmerize me!

Some Required Technicalities While Visiting Shoja

I learnt that for aspiring travelers, there are several ways to reach Shoja in Himachal Pradesh. I had the option of driving from Manali or Chandigarh or reaching the nearest airport of Bhuntar at Kullu-Manali which is 56 km away from Shoja. I could also reach Chandigarh and then hire/rent a cab to access this destination.

Train rides were also an option with the nearest railway station being located at Shimla. Shoja is well connected by several roads and while the village in itself is small, there are several key roads that help you access the nearest airport and railway station. I decided to indulge in a romantic train ride to Shimla from where I hired a cab to reach Shoja.

Even though I prefer winter, I chose summer to experience the new place with less hindrances and crowds. Also, for accommodation, I had a choice between renting rooms at the guest house nearby or simply camping out here. There were no high-end restaurants although the local dhabas prepared some really lip-smacking dishes.

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Shoja – A Hidden Gem

It felt like I stepped into one of my favorite books with meadows and colorful wild flowers blooming and peeping from every nook and cranny. I actually thought of doing my own Bollywood song and dance sequence here! Call me crazy but I was head over heels for the place! Being a small village, the list of things to do in Shoja is limited to just trekking around, camping and clicking pictures or checking out the exotic flora and fauna or just breathing and being (which is why I chose this place – to relax and be myself again, even if it is for a few days).

The mild weather actually helped me see and live in the beauty of this quaint place and to check out the Places to Visit in Shoja. As I said, it is a really small village and part of the Great Himalayan National Park which means that there is ample scope for a stroll to see the beautiful musk deer or brown bear. Some beautiful birds like monal, Indian Blue Robin and the white throated tit can be sighted too. I heard that those who go higher can also spot snow leopards at times!

5 Offbeat Places To Explore In Shoja

  1. Waterfall Point
  2. Jalori Pass
  3. Serolsar Lake
  4. Tirthan Valley
  5. Raghupur Fort

1. Waterfall Point

It is just a kilometer from Shoja although I felt that miles have passed. The rushing sound of water as it traverses the steep and rocky surface of the mountain is a sight that never failed to enthrall me. One of the reasons mountains always have a hold on me is because of the waterfalls. There is just something magical about this especially early in the morning. With a cold breeze hitting me gently and the sound of water playing a guide during the trek, the whole experience is beautiful.

2. Jalori Pass

Jalori pass

It is just 5 kms away from the Shoja hamlet and trust me, the trek is worth every bit of sweat. Want more help to understand? Well, Naina and Kabir did share a few heartfelt moments here while trekking. Naina and Kabir!? Yeh Jawani Hai Diwani! Now it rings a bell. But, this trek is not to be taken by someone who cannot tolerate some steep walking and carrying backpacks.

3. Serolsar Lake

Serolsar Lake

This place should be next on the list. Upon reaching the Jalori Pass, another 5 km leads to the lake and I loved relaxing beside the crystal clear water. I was told to not miss the Budhi Nagin Temple by the locals at the nearby dhaba where I stopped to refuel. Little did I know that the lake was itself the temple and I spent an hour looking for the latter. But thanks to another local I learnt the truth. Legend says that budhi nagin is the mother of all snakes and her abode is at the bottom of the lake and the lake is very deep and cannot be charted accurately.

4. Tirthan Valley

Tirthan Valley

This one is for the people who love wildlife (ME!) and this is where the National Park resides.

5. Raghupur Fort

This completes the historic part of Shoja. While there is nothing much left to see of the fort except some walls and barriers, the trek to the fort is the best part. 3 km from Jalori Pass is where the Mandi rulers built this historic fort and as I trekked along the path, it became steeper. However, I loved the oaks and rhododendrons for company alongside. I also lost myself in the amazing view of the inner Himalayas on top.

Gear up and go

The list of Places to Visit in Shoja might be few but the thrill these few places offer is worth the travel. However, what makes this trip be more precious is the silence, the view and the comfy smell. It makes you want to reconnect with your inner self and just be. The hectic urban life takes a toll on us and our inner creativity takes a long nap as a result.

Being creative is so essential to live. To be who you are, you need to take a break from what you are doing at present and find offbeat and quaint places like Shoja to go on some soul searching. After all, being a wanderer is what makes life beautiful.

Memorable trip to Konark Sun Temple & Puri City

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I was fortunate enough to have convinced my boss about a mid-week leave from Wednesday to Friday for a short trip (yes we’re frank with him about going on trips and all) after a successful presentation. So I called up some of my buddies and we decided to fly to Bhubaneswar post which we would take a cab to Puri, the popular seaside town that promises loads of fun! We were all extremely relaxed what with the amazing mid-week trip that none of us expected and an entire weekend to relax after getting back (that’s also an incentive at times!).

If you haven’t been to the Konark Sun Temple yet, you’ve definitely missed one of life’s greatest pleasures truly! On the day we reached, all we could do was hit Puri Beach and we enjoyed to the hilt, frolicking in the waves and downing some lip-smacking fried fish at night with cool beverages. The next day, we set out for the Konark Temple which literally blew our minds!

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Enjoying the visit to the Konark Temple

The Sun Temple in Konark is truly an architectural wonder and also a scientific storehouse of innovation. It holds several secrets as we learnt. The Konark sun temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site and we were stunned to know from our guide that the original Vimana or Deula was 228 feet tall. The sculptures proved to be a historical and aesthetic delight and so were all the mysteries.

The sun idol here used to be suspended in mid-air since magnets were used for construction. However, the mystery was unravelled one day after several years and the idol was removed since it was believed that the creation of this magnetic field impacted those sailors using compasses to navigate the waters. The main chamber has now been sealed but we loved the craftsmanship all around, the figures, the dining hall and open air dance hall. We also got our photograph taken by a local photographer and trust us, the vintage feel was worth it!

5 Most Places to Visit in Puri

  1. Jagannath Temple
  2. Gundicha Temple
  3. Balighai Beach
  4. Sudarshan Craft Museum
  5. Chilika Lake

Apart from the fascinating Puri Beach itself, which will give you the fun of romping about in the clean waters and also a serene ambience, there are several other places to visit in Puri. Here are some which we liked:

1. Jagannath Temple-

A visit to Puri without a visit to the iconic Jagannath Temple is inconceivable. We were awestruck by this highly revered site which draws huge crowds of worshippers throughout the day. The temple has some really good carvings and you will love glancing at the Nila Chakra on the top of the temple. There are four chambers inside, namely the Jagamohana, Nata-mandir and also the Bhogmandir along with the Deul/sanctum. Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra and Lord Balabhadra are worshipped here. There is a Lakshmi Temple inside the complex as well along with a Vimala Temple.

2. Gundicha Temple

Another famous landmark worth visiting, you will love the Gundicha Temple which is one of the most revered Hindu temples built by Gundicha Maharani, the Queen of the King Indradyumna who founded the main Jagannath Temple. This temple is located adjacent to the same and is called the aunt’s house since during Rath Yatra, the Lord is shifted here for a period of 7 days.

3. Balighai Beach

puri Beach

We wanted to go to a beach that was less crowded and more pristine and hence Balighai Beach. This is a lovely beach that is relatively untapped by crowds and the sunset here was mind-blowing to say the least. We missed out on the Olive Ridley Turtles who come to this beach only in the winter months for laying eggs, strengthening our resolve to come back another time.

4. Sudarshan Craft Museum

This museum was founded by Sudarshan Sahoo in the year 1977 and showcases a fabulous collection of artwork from him including stone and wood carvings, fibre glass products, paintings and other handicrafts. There is a Buddhist temple inside along with a workshop and library. It was a fascinating visit since I personally love art.

5. Chilika Lake

Chilika Lake

The biggest coastal lagoon in the country beckoned us on the second day of our trip and we gave in! The lake is breath-taking with multiple smaller islands and the charmingly named Honeymoon and Breakfast If you’re lucky, you will spot several migratory and rare birds here. Being overwhelmed by the beauty on offer, we went click-click for a very long time indeed! One of my friends was lucky enough to spot the Irrawaddy dolphin as well! Talk about good luck!

All in all, we enjoyed our Puri trip and of course, the Sun Temple at Konark was a major attraction for us as well. The remainder of the trip was made memorable by the cool breeze, the splashing waves, the jolly locals and of course, the delicious local cuisine!

Famous 8 places to visit in Trivandrum

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Fancy a historically and culturally uplifting vacation in the lap of nature? Trivandrum is where you may finally find the solace that you were seeking from life’s worries and complications.

There is no dearth of places to visit in Trivandrum but then, that’s not its only specialty. While you will have a lot of places to visit near Trivandrum, it is the city’s standing as the capital of Kerala, its cultural and aesthetic mores and of course, its splendid natural beauty that lend it a special charm of its own.

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8 Most Famous Places To See In Trivandrum

  1. Padmanabha Swamy Temple
  2. Agasthyakoodam
  3. Kuthiramalika Palace Museum
  4. Padmanabhapuram Palace
  5. Veli Tourist
  6. Ponmudi
  7. Napier Museum
  8. Kerala Legislature Complex

If you’re going Trivandrum sightseeing, there are several landmarks worth taking in. Here’s looking at some of the top places that you must not miss during your trip.

1. Padmanabha Swamy Temple

Now this temple is a treat for architecture lovers and for the spiritually inclined as well. The temple worships Lord Vishnu and fuses amazing Dravidian and Kerala architectural styles. It is present within the East Fort and the deity will arrest your attention with its depiction of Lord Vishnu in a reclining pose on the Serpent Anantha. The temple has several interesting stone carvings and murals as well.

2. Agasthyakoodam

Agasthyakoodam

This is Kerala’s second highest peak and you will love the fresh air and the Sahyadri range which dots the entire place at 1890 m high. The forests here are home to several medicinal plants and herbs along with rows of orchids. Bird watchers will love it here and the mountain can be traversed from Kotoor by foot which is near the Neyyar Dam. You can also go from Bonacaud. The peak is also within the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve.

3. Kuthiramalika Palace Museum

Kuthiramalika (Puthenmalika) Palace Museum

Think regal air and a whiff of splendid history wafting all about. Well, that is precisely what the Kuthiramalika Palace Museum is! This museum showcases Travancore architectural styles and craftsmanship and was built by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Balarama Varma who was once the King of Travancore. There are several priceless artefacts showcased here along with paintings.

4. Padmanabhapuram Palace

Padmanabhapuram Palace

Let your royal odyssey continue with the magnificent palace which lies at Thuckalai en route Kanyakumari. This wooden palace is an architectural marvel with its imposing murals, granite floor and carvings. Crafted from teak and rose wood, the palace is now maintained and owned by the Kerala Government. It is located approximately 50 km away from Trivandrum and 20 km away from Nagercoil.

5. Veli Tourist Village

Veli Tourist Village

A major picnic spot for relaxing with your loved ones, this is the place where the Arabian Sea plays its interlude with the Veli Lake, making for a pretty sight. You can paddle through this lagoon in a boat at your leisure or hire a speedboat for a quick dekko. There are several sculptures here and the overall ambience is really charming to say the least. What makes things even better is that this landmark is just 6 km away from the Trivandrum International Airport.

6. Ponmudi

Ponmudi-Famous 8 places to visit in trivandrum (1)

This is a perfect hill station for a small break with its lush greenery, quaint paths and a height of 915 m. Ponmudi will be a photographer’s delight with its wild flowers, rivulets, butterflies, the deer park and the lovely springs. There are quite a few trekking routes that pass through here since Ponmudi is a part of the Western Ghats. The journey to Ponmudi is itself a thrilling one with hairpin bends and turns!

7. Napier Museum

Napier Museum

This museum is a must visit for art and history lovers. The Sri Chitra Art Gallery will leave you spellbound with its painting collection from different schools like Tanjore, Mughal and Rajput among others. Raja Ravi Varma’s paintings are also specially displayed here. The Zoological Gardens is a major attraction along with the Botanical Garden and Observatory which is the highest point in the city. There are several other artefacts that will draw your attention here.

8. Kerala Legislature Complex

Kerala Legislature Complex

The Kerala Legislature Complex is a charming yet magnificently designed building which will bowl you over with its impeccable galleries, teak panelling and the dome. Get a sneak peek into how the lawmakers function here along with marvelling at the sheer grandeur of this landmark.

A visit to Trivandrum will give you a complete vacation right from getting up close and personal with history and culture to wandering in the misty mountains to even splashing about in the sea. Book your tickets now and gear up for one of the most relaxing experiences you will ever have in a lifetime!

Araku Valley- Hill Station in the Eastern Ghats

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Picture an Eastern Ghats Valley resplendent with greenery, mist, mountains, winding pathways and a horde of natural attractions that draw innumerable tourists round the year. There you have it! It is none other than Araku Valley, one of Andhra Pradesh’s biggest attractions by all means. I checked out places to visit in Araku Valley when planning for a trip as part of my vacation in Vizag or Vishakhapatnam whichever you call it. I was hooked right from the outset and eventually, while on vacation, we had our hotel hire us a car and drove straight to this natural paradise.

Araku Valley was a balm for my soul with all hectic schedules of the past simply melting away into the fresh mountain air which I tried taking in to the best of my ability (think big mouthfuls!). As I later learnt, Araku is roughly 112 km away from Vizag which makes it easily accessible by road.

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Best Time To Visit Araku Valley

Araku Valley- Hill Station in the Eastern Ghats (2)

I visited this paradise in the month of October which is actually perfect for visiting. The peak tourist season here is between September and May which is also the best time to go since winter seasons ensure comfortable sight-seeing. For those who are into activities like caving and trekking, stick to winter. Trust me, it is more comfortable than you think!

Top 5 Places To Visit In Araku Valley

Araku Valley- Hill Station in the Eastern Ghats (3)

I was overjoyed on hearing that Araku Valley stands at 2990 ft. high with the majestic Eastern Ghats mountain range creating a spectacular ambience all around. Here are some of the places to visit in Araku that you must not miss.

1. Chaparai Waterfalls

This was loved by my entire family including my kids for the sheer ambience. The Chaparai or Dumbriguda Falls is one of the biggest attractions here and is surrounded by thick forest cover. It is situated approximately 5 km away from Araku Valley and makes for a great day outing. Of course, I loved the selfies I took here in large numbers!

2. Ananthagiri Hills

Araku Valley- Hill Station in the Eastern Ghats (5)

26 km away from the Valley is this quaint and tiny hill station which is positioned between Vizag and Araku. This is filled with charming coffee plantations and also waterfalls. The sight of the hill station is something that will fill any photographer’s heart with joy, like it did mine.

3. Araku Tribal Museum

I made sure that my family got a taste of Araku Valley’s traditions, cultural history and lifestyles through the visit to the Araku Tribal Museum which I had planned well in advance. Boy were they thanking me later! This museum is the best place to learn more about the people of the Valley and their rich history.

3. Borra Caves

Probably the primary attraction in Araku Valley, the Borra Caves go back all the way to 1807 and are the biggest in the country, positioned at 705 m high. The caves are created from karstic limestone as I learnt which lend them a surreal aura. Exploring these caves is a fun experience that I will never forget!

4. Padmapuram Botanical Garden

Araku Valley- Hill Station in the Eastern Ghats (4)

After all that excitement, we were ready to relax and recharge our batteries. Our guide suggested the Padmapuram Botanical Garden which turned out to be a magical place with the lovely trees, huts, plants and more. I was thrilled to learn that during the Second World War, this garden supplied vegetables to soldiers.

Landmark hopping done for the day, we feasted on some local Bongulo Chicken which is the prime delicacy here. This Araku Valley dish is famous for its novel method of cooking and also its unparalleled taste! I distinctly remember the taste even today! The Bamboo Chicken made here is top notch and so is the Teepi Avakaya and Madugula Halwa.

Araku Valley is not just a natural, cultural and gastronomic wonder as I found out. It is also the best place to really let your hair down and relax with your loved ones just like I did. The trip to the Valley is itself so beautiful and we had a thrilling ride back down in the evening as well. All in all, a complete experience for every traveller.