There’s nothing like the Hills in India, any part, be it the North-East or the extreme north, especially the Himachal. The Hills have something majestic for every traveller to go back with a lifetime of memories. But enticing as they are, there are certain things a non-hilly person needs to understand to make it enjoyable and beautiful. Here’s a quick guide
Walk– As simple as it may sound, there’s an absolute tranquil when you take a walk in the Indian pines. The woods have a striking beauty in all its shades of brown and no four wheelers can give you that experience. Avoid hiring a car and hit the road instead. Most hill stations in India are small and have places to visit, especially the famous ones in the vicinity.
In fact, every hill station has a Mall road which is the main market and it’s easily accessible to the natives because in India, people, who live in the hills, walk the most. Also, more cars only create more traffic on the narrow hilly roads, wasting everyone’s time.
When you walk the hills, you will see many more things that you otherwise miss in a car. The local markets, handicrafts and especially the famous product of the station are all rightly priced at the local market and easily available rather than the tourist spot. So, the next time you take a trip to the altitude, walk!
Start early – wind up early- The hills have an early Sunrise and an early sunset thus making the routine of the station for its local people accordingly. The local markets open early and so does the local transport. Try getting up early to the places you want to visit and if possible, walk to the place via the popular route.
Shop wisely– Keep shopping for the second half so that you don’t have to carry the shopping bags the whole day long. Also, hills offer their traditional ware best in the local markets and at the best prices too. Avoid shopping at a tourist spot which has limited variety and escalated prices rather hit the local main markets and splurge in some handicrafts!
Food Smart-Food is a major part of any holiday. Make sure you eat a good breakfast before stepping out. If you have already planned a breakfast away from the place you are staying then make sure you have at least something before you head out; walking on hills empty stomach results in a displaced solar plexus, which results in endless pain, indigestion and vomiting. Also, make sure to eat at a restaurant which is crowded, you might have to wait but at least heavy traffic ensure fresh food.
If you plan to buy fresh fruits, buy them in the afternoon because the people who pluck hem in the morning get to reach the market place by early noon. So you get a fresh pluck then.
Finally, be vigilant and avoid taking directions from other travellers. Ask the local people instead and always take more than one opinion while doing your finding. The usual police number is 100, which will promptly help you, anywhere in India.
