14 July,2011 07:35 AM IST | | The Trip Team
Ensconed within hills and usually not easily accessible stand some of India's most gorgeous views in the form of valleys. Now that the rains have made a million flowers bloom in most of them, it's the perfect time to head out into the hills
Valley of flowers, Uttarkhand
Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand
There is much romanticism attached to this valley. And with good reason. Nestled in Uttarakhand, high in the Western Himalayas, this fairyland lay unknown to the world for centuries, thanks to an inaccessible approach.
That until a British mountaineer named Frank S Smythe stumbled upon it. Today, it has metamorphosised into a much-loved haunt for botanists, mountaineers and amateur trekkers. The valley is home to celebrated flowers including the Brahmakamal (blooms on only one night a year), the Blue Poppy and the Cobra Lily. The colours in the valley change with every season, going from a carpet of pink to red and even blue. best time to visit is July to August.
Araku valley, Andhra Pradesh
Blessed with enchanting streams, waterfalls, a lush landscape and gorgeous weather, this valley stands at 3,100 feet in the hills of Anatagiri, a scenic hill station near Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. The magic starts with the journey here itself, taking you through picturesque woods and coffee plantations truncated by 46 bridges and tunnels. Inhabited by 17 tribal communities, Araku attracts environmentalists, nature lovers and tourists.
Do catch a Dhimsa dance performance marked by colourful costumes.
Dzukou valley, Nagaland
Nagaland's very own Valley of Flowers, the Dzukou Valley, is tucked away at 2,438 metres above sea level, behind the Japfu Range. During the monsoon, the valley turns into a riot of colours. It remains untainted by tourist hoardes, having retained its pristine beauty. The 'valley of celestial charm', as it is also known, is dappled with mountains, rocks and natural caves. The Indian Elephant (elephas maximus), Leopard (panthers parous), Asiatic Blackbear (ursus thibetanus) and Tragopan (tragopan blythii) are a few of the endangered species that find refuge here.
Despite the unfriendly terrain and scarce facilities, the valley offers among the best trekking experiences in a lifetime.
