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Briefly: May 29
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A God Gifted land, India is full of natural wonders and hill stations are one of them. All over the country, in fact, every region namely south, west, north and east is home to one to many hill stations. Most of the hill stations of India were developed by the British East India company and draw millions of tourists round the year from across the globe. The Great India Himalayas, running across the entire length of the country from north to east. Besides, the western and eastern ghat ranges in South and West India are also home to many beautiful hill stations.
Situated thousands of feet above the sea level, with lush greenery all around the hill stations of India take you close to mother nature. Far from the hustle and bustle of cities, the hill station takes provide a soothing respite to visitors. However, visiting all the hill stations at one stretch is not possible. Hence, for the nature lovers who wish to spend a memorable hill holiday, I am suggesting top ten hill station of India.
Darjeeling (East India) : One of the most popular hill stations of India, Darjeeling is situated in the state of West Bengal. Darjeeling is famous world over for its thrilling trek routes and sightseeing. Darjeeling-Sandakphu – Phalut trek is the famous trek route which passes through low areas and very high ridges. From Darjeeling you can have the excellent, uninterrupted view of the worlds third highest peak – Kanchenjunga peak.
Attractions in and around Darjeeling include Batasia Loop,Bhutia Busty Gompa, Botanical Gardens, Chowrasta, Dhoom Gompa, Happy Valley Estate, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute & Museums, Natural History Museum, Observatory Hills, Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Center and Passenger Ropeway.
Best way to visit Darjeeling is boarding the toy train from New Jalpaiguri. In fact, the real fun of the hill station lies in the toy train journey between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling. The 82 kms long journey takes six to seven hours and it provides you enough time to appreciate the nature. The toy train passes through the lush forests, tea gardens, waterfalls, deep valleys and through the mountains and tunnels.
Manali (North India) : Manali is an ancient town of Himachal Pradesh, situated in the Kullu Valley. A famous honeymoon destination, Manail is bestowed with a great countryside which make an ideal base for adventure seekers. Literally meaning the ‘Home of Manu’, Manali is supposed to have survived when the world was drowned in flood. Hence, besides a tourist destination, Manali is a sacred place for Hindus.
Popular attractions in and around Manali are Hidimba Devi Temple, Gadhan Thekchoking Gompa, Gulaba Camp, Malana valley, Manali Sanctuary, Mountaineering Institute, Naggar, Manu Temple, Tibetan Temple, Vashisth Village,Vashisth Hot Sulphur Springs (3Km), Old Manali (3Km), Arjun Gufa (5Km),Jagatsukh Temple (6Km), Solang Nullah (14Km), Rahalla Falls (16Km),Rohtang Pass (50Km) and Beas Kund (50Km). For adventure enthusiasts Manali offers the option of Heli Skiing and Mountaineering. Winter Carnival organized yearly in the month of February is not be missed event.
Shimla (North India) : Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh is one of the most popular hill stations of north India. Discovered in 1918 by the British, Shimla abounds with colonial era buildings. Even today, you can see the colonial buildings across the town and experience the bygone era. Annandale, Chadwick Falls, Chapslee, Christ Church And St Michael’S Cathedral, Churdhar Sanctuary, Gurkha Castles, Jakhu Temple, Karyali Lake, Kotesvara Temple, Shirigul Temple, Mahatma Gandhi’s Retreat: Gorgian Mansion, Viceregal Lodge, War memorial and Tattapani are some of thr attractions in Shimla.
Other attractions close to Shimla include Mashobra & Craignano (11Km), Kasauli (12Km), White Flower Hall (13Km), Kufri (19Km),Sarol (23Km),Chail (43Km), Sarahan (44Km), Renuka Lake (45Km), Solan (48Km), Narkanda (110Km), Rampur (140Km) and Sirmour (142Km).
Gulmarg (North India) : Gulmarg literally meaning the ‘Meadow of Flowers’, lies 56 km south-west of Srinagar the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. A huge cup shaped meadow, with lush and green slopes, Gulmarg looks like a paradise on earth. Set at a height of 2,730 mts, Gulmar valley spreads over an area of 3 sq kms and surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Besides it beauty, Gulmarg is famous all over the world for adventure sports of skiing and heli-skiing. Gulmar has also one the world’s highest green golf courses. Gondola lift is a new attraction of Gulmarg, don’t forget to take a fun-filled ride.
Nainital (North India) : Nainital, also called the city of lake is situated in Uttaranchal state of North India. A beautiful hill station, Nainital is surrounded by mountains on three sides. In fact, the life in Nainital revolves around the Naini lake and main markets are located close to this lake. One can enjoy boating across the Naini lake at nominal charges. You can also go for shopping in the Bhotia market or in shops on the Mall road or the Bada Bazaar. Condola ride, land’s end, caves garden, Nainital zoo are some of the attractions of Nainital. Don’t miss the horse riding in Nainital as you need it to reach the snow view point, tiffin top and kilburi.
Ooty (South India) : Also called Udhagamandalam, Ooty is the district headquarters of Nilgiri district. Situated 105 km from Coimbatore, Ooty is often referred to as the ‘Queen of hill station.’The altitude of the hills in the Nilgiri range varied between 2,280 mts and 2,290 mts, Doddabetta is the highest peak having the height of 2,623 mts. A beautiful hill station, Ooty is bestowed with lofty mountains, dense forest, sprawling grasslands and miles and miles of tea gardens.
Ooty is famous for its lush green tea estates covering most of the hill station. A not be missed event, the annual Tea and Tourism festival visitors from all over the world. Some of the popular attractions of Ooty include Botanical Garden, Government Museum, Kalhatty Falls, Rose Garden, Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Ooty Lake and the Summer Festival.
Kodaikanal (South India) : One of most famous serene hill stations of India, Kodaikanal lies 120 kms from Madurai in Tamil Nadu. A charming hill station Kodaikanal is bestowed with wooded slopes, mighty rocks, shimmering waterfalls and a picturesque lake. Set at an elevation of about 2,133 metre, Kodaikanal covers an area of 21.45 sq. kms. Apart from a hill town, Kodaikanal is known for housing educational institutions of international repute. ‘Kurinji flower’ which blossoms once in 12 years is the pride of Kodaikanal. The hill station also makes a perfect base for short and long trekking. The Summer Festival held every year is another attraction of Kodaikanal. One can enjoy golf at the Gold club, or go for boating and enjoy angling facilities at the Kodaikanal lake.
Munnar (South India) : Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams namely Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. One of the famous hill stations of South India, Munnar lies at an altitude of 1,600 m above sea level. Munnar has the highest peak in south India, Anamudi, towering over 2695 metre. Once the summer resort of the British government, Munnar is dotted with lush tea gardens, criss-crossed by winding lanes. Munnar is home to exotic variety of flora including the ‘Neelakurinji’ flower, blooms once in twelve years. Prime attractions of Munnar include Kuthumkal Waterfalls and Observatory Hills.
Mount Abu (North- Central India) : Mount Abu the only hill station of Rajasthan, provides a welcome break to the people of desert state. A 1,220 m high hill, Mount Abu is situated at the far south-western end of the Aravalli hills around a lake. Besides a hill resort, Mount Abu is also famous for Dilwara Jain temple and other archaeological remains. Gaumukh temple, Government museum, Nakki Lake, Mandakini kund and Summer festival are some of the important attractions of Mount Abu.
Mahabaleshwar (West India) : An important hill station of West India, Mahabaleshwar is situated in Stara district of Maharashtra at an elevation of 1,372 m. Set in the heart of Sahyafri hill, the hill station has a legendary past and the name ‘Mahabaleshwar’ is derived from a temple of Lord Mahadev. Discovered in 1824 by the British government, Mahabaleshwar is known for its scenic beauty and the splendid views of the valleys and the sea. Mahabaleshwar is an excellent hill station for the adventure seekers and the people who love boating and horse riding.
Myself, a Delhi based writer, use to write on various topics. Whenever I got leisure time I use to some new destinations in India. Usually I express my personal experiences through words, that I will share with you all here. For more information about India and its tourist destination you can visit the site ITOPC
Known by many names such as Islenzki Hesturinn, Icelandic Toelter Horse, Iceland Tцlter, and its own country’s name, Islandpferde, the Icelandic Horse has lived in Iceland since the Nordic pioneers arrived in 865 A.D. and it has been purebred since the 10th century. Since the horse is sacred in Norse mythology, this horse is the only breed in Iceland because of an ancient Viking law disallowing any other horses into the country, and that law is still upheld today. Once an Icelandic Horse has been taken out of Iceland it can never return. Additionally, only unused horse equipment may be brought into the country. This is to prevent an outbreak of equine disease which could decimate the population on the tiny island. Diseases are almost unknown among Icelandic horses that may not be able to fend off something new. But it is this isolation which has led to the breed’s purity. Outside Iceland, the genetic purity of the horses is carefully maintained through national registries in each country to track the breed according to strict regulations of the Icelandic government.
Comparisons between the Icelandic horse at the time of the settlement of Iceland, and the ancient Norwegian and German horses show them to have similar bone structures, and it is possible that there was a separate species of horse, Equus scandianavicus, found in those areas. These Scandinavian horses were later crossed with other European breeds, but not in Iceland, and so the breed remained pure on the island. During the time that the Vikings took the horses to Iceland, the easy gaits were common throughout horse breeds in Europe, but the Icelandic Horse genotype is very different from other European horse populations, so theories of them having Shetland blood, Highland or Eriskay blood are not likely to be true.
The Icelandic is classified as a horse, not as a pony. This is because it is the only equine in Iceland and there is not a word for “pony” in the language, therefore it’s called a horse. But of the 27 characteristics that apply to all pony breeds, all of them apply to Icelandic Horses. So, if someone calls it an Icelandic Pony, they are biologically correct.
In the early 1900’s the Icelandic horse was used extensively for transportation and as a work horse to clear fields and herd livestock. The first breed societies for the Icelandic Horse were formed in 1904 with the first registry being formed in 1923. Then in the early 20th century, automobiles came to Iceland and because the horses were considered obsolete, much of the breed was slaughtered en masse until the 1940’s and 1950’s. Fortunately, rescue organizations worked to protect the Icelandic breed and exported many horses to new homes outside of the country while establishing legal protections for the equines within Iceland. Forty years ago, there were no Icelandic Horses in continental Europe, but now there are 100,000. Only about 3,000 are in the United States but it is a growing breed with more being imported all the time. Around 80,000 Icelandic horses remain in Iceland.
The Icelandic Horse has been rediscovered in its native country and is recognized as a unique family and sport horse in modern Iceland where they are now highly prized and used for recreational riding much more than for fieldwork. Despite its small size, averaging 12.2 to 14.2 hands tall, this Viking Horse is tough enough to carry a 300-pound man and can bear 1.6 times its own weight. The Icelandic Horse can be used in various activities from riding, jumping, dressage and driving. Traditional Icelandic tack (which resembles English tack) is recommended since this style fits the breed physically and allows the horse to move correctly although they are able to perform well under other types of equipment.
Although breeding for show and riding is the main objective, breeding for meat production is also occurring. Horse meat was once a very valuable product, but due to increased competition and decreased popularity much of the meat is now exported to Japan.
Icelandic Horses love to swim and this is a prime example of its gentleness and strength. It is a nice break on a hot summer day and the horse will gently carry its passenger as it swims swiftly and easily through the water with its powerful legs, through a calm lake, a river, or even an ocean. In winter, Icelandic Horses are shod with studs on their shoes. In areas where it is cold enough to ride a horse across frozen lakes, the Icelandic is able to perform all five gaits on sheer ice.
Ponying is the practice of riding one horse while leading others to exercise them or to allow the rider to switch horses when the ridden horse gets tired. The rider is usually in the center with horses being led on either side. Most breeds demand personal space and won’t cooperate well with this closeness, but Icelandic horses naturally bond and travel in communities so they allow this joyful exercise.
Because Iceland has no predators, but instead has quicksand, rock slides, volcanoes, etc, the ability to assess a situation intelligently rather than run away from it appears to have been central to the horse’s survival. Since they have no fear of living things, they seek strong attachments to people and are quite nurturing and affectionate.
Icelandics cannot be ridden until age 5; stop growing at age 7, and perform best when in their twenties. Broodmares often produce foals well into their late 20’s. Even though they mature later, they live longer than most breeds, with 35-40 years being common. The oldest living horse, Thulla, was an Icelandic who died at age 57 when she stopped eating after her elderly owner passed away. This dramatically attests to the phenomenal bonding capabilities of the Icelandic Horse.
Some of the desirable conformation points of an Icelandic horse are a long neck and a full, thick mane, forelock and tail. Their manes and tails are so full and the hair is so coarse that it rarely tangles. The Icelandic coat is sleek in the summer and fuzzy like a teddy bear in the winter, but the abundant flowing mane and tail are kept year round. Over 42 different color patterns and combinations, including white and pinto are acceptable for the Icelandic horse, with only the Appaloosa markings missing from the mix.
Icelandic horses are five-gaited and their greatest asset is the extra surefootedness added by the horse’s ability to move its feet in any order which allows them to maneuver safely through all kinds of terrain. In addition to the Walk, Trot and Canter, the Icelandic horse has two unique gaits and is one of the few horses known to be ridden and driven in all five basic gaits. The Tцlt, or single-foot, is an amazingly smooth gait where all four feet move in the same independent pattern as in the walk but with higher action and more speed; like an accelerated high stepping running walk that is smooth and flowing that some equestrians compare to racking. Tцlting is often performed carrying full beer mugs without spilling a drop and is a trademark of the breed.
The Flying Pace, known variously as Skeith, skeio or skold, is a lateral gait where the front and hind legs on the same side move forward and back at the same time with such speed that there is a brief period in which all four feet are off the ground as if flying. The Icelandic Horse is the only breed that performs this gait. Like the pace of the American Standardbred, the Icelandic has been clocked at 35 miles per hour, but unlike the Standardbred, the Icelandic’s gait is comfortable to sit, therefore Icelandic Horses are raced at Flying Pace under saddle, not pulling a sulky. Not every Icelandic Horse displays this gait, because it requires careful development in the horse and must not be rushed before the muscles necessary for this powerful gait are fully developed. Training by any artificial methods is strictly forbidden.
All breed standards, registrations and competition activities are strictly regulated by the Fцderation Europдischer Islandpferde Freunde (FEIF or International Federation of Friends of the Icelandic Horse) that was formed in 1969 to regulate the uniformity of the Icelandic breed world-wide. Currently there are 18 member countries in the FEIF. The United States Icelandic Horse Congress (USIHC) maintains the Registry of purebred Icelandic Horses in the U.S. in accordance with FEIF rules. Other Icelandic Horse organizations within a country are allowed, but only as social or promotional entities.
Crystal is a writer for www.HorseClicks.com, classifieds of Icelandic Horses for sale in Iceland, California, etc.
Garrett, Lickley keep top spots
GOODING — Valene Lickley of Jerome and Garrett Webb of Wendellentered the District V rodeo finals holding the top spots in thetheir respective all-around standings. Friday night, Lickley didn’tlose any ground on the girls side to Darby Fox of King Hill, butthe competition between Webb and second-place Kolton Hubert ofDietrich tightened as a result of a two-win night by Hubert.
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