Whether you’re chasing angels or fleeing demons, head to the hills and vales. A destination where garland of prodigiously stunning summits rise into and above the cluster of clouds in azure skies, where morning showers bathe the forest canopy in a constant drizzle and mists settle after a rosy glow of the sun, where the ballads of birds mingle with the gurgling sound of rolling rivers and enter into your alpine lodge, and where lights of a hamlet glitter like a handful of scattered gems. Is that tempting enough to make you think “I want to go there”?
To those who are vertically inclined, nothing is as rejuvenating as the indescribable grandeur of mountains. From the precipitous terrain of the Himalayas to the pristine woodlands of the Nilgiris, let’s behold the most beautiful valleys in India.
Nubra Valley, Jammu & Kashmir
Oblivious to the cares and chores of our trivial world, lies a far-flung and austerely beautiful land of high passes called Ladakh where naked mountains stand solemnly as sentinels of wisdom. The turquoise ribbon of the Nubra River comes dashing along the giant Maitreya-Buddha statue in Diskit – where the Shyok River meets Nubra. The two-humped camels walk the sand dunes of Hunder and the apricot fields bloom in Turtuk – where the Siachen Glacier begins.
Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana
Famous for coffee plantations and the setting of several Tollywood films, this mesmerising valley in the Eastern Ghats is roughly 112 kilometres from Visakhapatnam (Vizag). Major tourist draws around here are: Borra Caves, Katiki Waterfalls, Ananthagiri Hills, Tribal Museum and Padmapuram Botanical Gardens. Forests such as Anantagiri and Sunkarimetta along with peaks such as Galikonda, Sunkarimetta and Jindhagada make it a paradise for trekkers. Late monsoon or late winter is an ideal season to visit Araku Valley.
Kangra Valley, Himachal Pradesh
So beautiful, that His Holiness the Dalai Lama stays here. Kangra, Dharamshala, McLeodGanj and Baijnath are popular travel destinations in the valley. It predominantly covers the western Himachal Pradesh where every sunset is a spectacle. Don’t forget to board the UNESCO-recognised Kangra Valley Railway and visit the Masroor Rock Cut Temple.
Yumthang Valley, Sikkim
Deep within the less-explored regions of northern Sikkim, it is a popular skiing destination. This insanely gorgeous valley is dotted with Buddhist monasteries and pastoral communities. The Zero Point offers a peek into China and an end-of-the-world feeling to travellers. While the town of Lachung is the nearest inhabited centre, the state capital Gangtok lies about 150 km south. Visit in springtime (April or May) to catch the first bloom of the rhododendrons.
Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand
Ever wished to see the Garden of Eden in its floral glory or walk on a real flowery carpet? With its evergreen slopes and rolling meadows, this valley features more than 500 species of plants and rare animals. Getting here requires a trek that begins from Govindghat near Joshimath. Monsoon months of July and August are ideal to visit this valley which is burrowed in the Garhwal Himalayas.
Silent Valley, Kerala
Nestled amidst the Nilgiri Hills, it is one of the last unmolested tracts of the Western Ghats. Declared as a national park in 1980, it lies in the Palakkad district. Soak up the sights and sounds of wildlife and nature’s solace will flow into your soul like sunshine through leaves.
Lidder Valley, Jammu & Kashmir
Embellished with a string of emerald-green Deodar trees, the valley is formed by the 73-km-long Lidder River. The town of Pahalgam, which is the base camp for the Amarnath Yatra, is the centrepiece of this valley. Kolahoi Glacier, Zaser Lake and Sheshnag Lake are must-see places in this vibrant mosaic.
Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Buddhist monasteries, scattered villages and ancient silk route are the highlights of this desert valley. It is separated by the soaring Kunzum Pass at 15,059 feet (4,590 m) from fertile Lahaul Valley. The Rohtang Pass, at 13,054 feet (3,979 m), cuts off Lahul and Spiti from the Kullu Valley. In some ways, Spiti is perhaps more saw-toothed than Ladakh, but it is connected throughout the year.
Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh
The verdant Ziro Valley lies within Arunachal’s prettiest mountain-scape like an ancient kingdom. It is dotted with well-manicured rice fields and picture-postcard villages of the native Apatani tribe. For four days in September, the town of Ziro – 115 km from the state capital Itanagar – gets invaded by music lovers to attend the Ziro Music Festival.
Sharavathi Valley, Karnataka
A world of stunning contrasts, this valley is blessed with high waterfalls and dramatic gorges. The Sharavathi River forms the famous 830-feet-tall Jog Falls. Its tranquil wildlife sanctuary in the Shimoga district is among the top destinations for trekking in Karnataka. Watch the afterglow of sunset clinging to the mountain tops and enliven your man with the fresh breeze.
The Kashmir Valley, Doon Valley, Zanskar Valley, Kas Plateau Valley, and Dibang Valley are other famous valleys in India you should visit often to wash your spirit clean.
Image Source : http://www.freepressjournal.in/into-the-heart-of-ziro-valley/627537