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General Abbreviations

General Abbreviations in daily Use

A
AM--------------------Art Master

AF--------------------Air Force

ATD------------------Art Teacher Diploma

A.M. ----------------Anti Meridian

AI--------------------Air India

AC-------------------Air Condition/ Alternating Current

AIR------------------All India Radio

B
B.Sc. ---------------Bachelor of Science

B.C. ----------------Before Christ

BCS----------------- Bachelor of Computer Science

BA------------------- Bachelor of Arts

BP ------------------Blood Pressure/ Boiling Point

BAMS---------------Bachelor of Ayurveda

B.B.C-----------------British Broadcast Corporation

B.Ed------------------Bachelor of Education

BE--------------------Bachelor of Engineering

BP.Ed----------------Bachelor of Physical Education

BCom------------- ---Bachelor of Commerce

C
CO-----------------Chief Officer

C.I.A--------------Central Intelligence Agency

CID---------------Criminal Investigation Department

CM ---------------Chief Minister

CA----------------Chartered Accountant

D
D.Ed.-------------Diploma in Education

DHO------------- District Health Officer

DEE--------------Diploma in Electric Engineering

DCE-------------Diploma in Civil Engineering

DM----------------District Magistrate/ Driving Master

DSP---------------District Superintendent of Police

DC-----------------Discharge Certificate/District Collector

D.Litt.--------------Doctor of Literature

DME---------------Diploma in Mechanical Engineering

DA-----------------Defense Academy

DD-----------------Doordarshan/ Demand Draft

E
EO-----------------Education Ofiicer

ECG---------------Electrocardiogram

EBC---------------Economical Backward Class

E.S.R.O-----------Europian Space Research Organisation

ESI---------------Employed State Insurance

ENT--------------Ear, Nose, Throat

F
FCI--------------Flood Corpration Of India

FM--------------Field Marshal

FSI-------------Floor Space Index

G
GCD------------Government Commercial Diploma

GPF-------------General Provident Fund

GATE----------- Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering

GK-------------- General Knowledge

GPO------------- General Post Office

GM--------------- General Manager

G.A.T.T----------- General Agreement on Tariff and Trade

H
HO------------ Head Office

HPC------------ Hindustan Petroleum Corporation

HMT----------- Hindustan Machine Tools

HSSC----------- Higher Secondary School Certificate

HQ-------------- Head Quarter

HM------------- Head Master

HP-------------- Horse Power

HMV----------- His Master Voice

HAL------------ Hindustan Antibiotics Limited

HDFC ----------Housing Development Finance Corporation

I
ISD-------------International Subscriber Dialing

I.A.F.----------- Indian Air Force

i.e. --------------That is

ITI --------------Indian Training Institute

I.S.R.O. ---------Indian Space Research Organization

ICS -------------Indian Civil Services

I.O.C. -----------Indian Oil Corporation

ISI --------------Indian Standard Institute

IPS------------- Indian Police Services

ICU------------ Intensive Care Unit

IIT -------------Indian Institute of Technology

INTERPOL ----International Police

IAS------------- Indian Administrative Services

IGP -------------Inspector General of Police

IPC ------------Indian Pinal Code

I.Q.------------ Intelligent Quotient

J
JP --------------Justice of Peace

JNU----------- Jawaharlal Nehru University

K
KG------------ Kinder Garden

KW----------- Kilo Watt

KM----------- Kilo Meter

KG----------- Kilo Gram

L
LLB---------- Bachelor of Law

l.b.w. ---------Leg Before wicket

LLM---------- Master of Law

LIC----------- Life Insurance Corporation of India

M
MA------------ Master of Arts

MBA-------------- Master of Business Administration

MCC----------------- Maharashtra Cadet Core

MES-------------- Military Engineering Services

MIDC ------------Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation

MEd. -------------Master of Education

MBBS ------------Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery

MD --------------Managing Director

MH -------------Military Hospital

MLA ---------------Member of legislative Assembly

MLC ------------Member of legislative council

MO -------------Money Order/ Medical Officer

MPSC ---------Maharashtra Public Service Commission

MSW ------------Master of Social Work

MP --------------Member of Parliament

MSEB -----------Maharashtra State Electricity Board

MS --------------Mater of Surgery

MTDC ----------Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation

N
NDA --------------National Defense Academy

NCERT ------------National Council of Education and Research Training

N.A.S.A. -----------National Aeronautics and Space Administration

NCL --------------National Chemical Laboratory

NA ---------------Non Agriculture

NP ---------------National Permit/ Notary Public

NOC ------------No Objection Certificate

NCC ------------National Cadet Core

NH -------------National Highway

NTS ------------National Talent Search

O
OS -------------Office Superintendent

OBC ------------Other Backward Class

ONGC --------Oil and National Gas Commission

O.P.E.C. ---------Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries

OK --------------All Correct

P
Ph.D --------------Doctorate of Philosophy

PO -------------Post Office

PHC -----------Primary Health Center

PSI ------------Police Sub Inspector

PCO ------------Public Call Office

PF ---------------Provident Fund

PC ---------------Personal Computer

PMG ------------Post Master General

PRO ------------Public Relation Officer

PI ---------------Police Inspector

PTO ------------Please Turn Over

PM ---------------Prime Minister

PWD ------------Public Work Department

PA --------------Personal Assistant

PTI -------------Press Trust of India

PIN ------------Postal Index Number

PPF ------------Public Provident Fund

PBX -----------Private Branch Exchange

PTS ------------Police Training School

Q
QM ------------Quarter Master

QMG -----------Quarter Master General

R
RTO------------ Road Transfort Office

RBI-------------- Reserve Bank of India

RCC------------ Rain ford Cement Concrete

S
SCC ------------Secondary School Certificate

STD-------------- Subscriber Trunk Dialing

SC-------------- Scheduled Caste

SP-------------- Superintendent of Police

ST---------------- State Transport

SNDT------------- Shreemati Nathibai Damodar Thakarsi

SBI-------------- State Bank of India

SRP--------------- State Reserve Police Force

T
TA-------------- Travel Allowance

TB-------------- Tuberculosis

TELEX----------- Tele Printer Exchange

TC --------------Transfer Certificate/ Ticket Collector

TELCO------------ Tata Engineering Locomotive Company

TV------------------- Television

U
UNO -------------United Nations Organization

U.G.C. ------------University Grade Commission

UTI --------------Unit Trust of India

UNI -------------United News f India

UPSC------------- Union Public Service Commission

USA-------------- United State of America

V
VC--------------- Vice Chancellor

VCP------------- Video Cassette Player

VIP---------------- Very Important Person

VCD--------------- Video Compact Dick

VCR---------------- Video Cassette Recorder

VPP ----------------Value Payable Post

W
WHO---------------- World Health Organization

WWW--------------- World Wide Web

WTO---------------- World Trade Organization

X
X’mas -------------Christmas

X’rox --------------Xerox

Y
Yd ---------------Yard

Y.W.C.A.-------- Young Women Christian Association

Y. M.C.A --------Young Man Christian Association

Z
ZPG -------------Zero Population Growth

ZP ---------------Zillha Perished

ZBB------------- Zero Base Budget

ZIP--------------- Zonal Improvement Plan

Nobel Prize Winners india

The Nobel Prize won by the India till date in different fields

The Nobel Prize

The award was established by Swedish chemist and inventor Alfred Nobel in 1895. This is a Sweden-based international monetary prize. This was first awarded in Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, Literature, and Peace in 1901. This associated prize. The Nobel Prizes is the specific disciplines (physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, and literature) and the Prize in Economics. This award is widely regarded as the most prestigious award one can receive in those fields. Each prize consists of personal diploma, a cash award of a medal.

The Nobel Prize won by the India till date in different fields:

1.Venkatraman Ramakrishnan, Chemistry, 2009

2.Amartya Sen, Economics, 1998

3.Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar, Physics, 1983

4.Mother Teresa, born in then Ottoman Empire, now Macedonia, Peace, 1979

5.Har Gobind Khorana, Medicine, 1968

6.C. V. Raman, Physics, 1930

7.Rabindranath Tagore, Literature, 1913

8.Rudyard Kipling, Literature,1907

9.Ronald Ross, Physiology or Medicine, 1902

The Noble Prize Other countries:

United States Of America is on 1st rank which owned 320 Nobel Prizes in different fields till date. 

United Kingdom is on 2nd rank which has won 116 Nobel Prizes in different fields till date.

Germany is on 3rd rank having 103 Nobel Prizes in different fields till date.

Top 10 most expensive houses in India

Top 10 most expensive houses in India

1.)Antilia

             Known as billion dollar mansion worldwide, Antilia is home to the Reliance Industries chairman Mr. Mukesh Ambani. Its not only the most expensive Indian house, its the most expensive house of the world costing somewhat about $1 billion. Having a total are of 400,000 sq. foot Antilia stands 27 floor tall but having a height of somewhat 40 floors. The house have a large number of things like health spa, many swimming pools, helipads(3 omg), ballroom, 50 seat movie theatre and much much more.

2.)Ratan Tata Mansion 

                 Well another house in the list belonging to a prominent C.E.O. of India, Mr. RatanTata. The house is situated in the beautiful sea facing part of Mumbai, i.e. Colaba. Having all the luxuries including sun deck, gym, lounge, swimming pool, etc. the house is one of the greatest places to live in. The main fact about the house is that two levels are included in every level and hence house is 3 storied but have seven levels.

3.)JK House

               JK house is even larger than the Antila, the house at our top list. The mansion is 30-storied. The house belongs to Mr. Gautam Singhania, the proud owner of the Raymond Group. The house is located at Candy in South Mumbai. The luxury list includes car parking facility at six levels, spa, gym, helipad, private swimming pool, a museam floor and much more.

4.)Anil Ambani’s Abode

                    Anil Ambani is constructing this beautiful Adobe in the Pali Hills, Mumbai. Once completed its worth will be more than the Atilia. Its total price of completion is somewhat ranged about Rs. 5000 crores. As the building is still under construction it is not at the top spot but it is present in the list for its current value.

5.)White House in the sky

              Belonging to Mr. Vijay Malya the abode is as beautiful as its name. The abode is at UB sity in Banglore. The Penthouse have luxuries like gym, indoor heated pool, spa, outdoor infinity pool, etc. A helipad is also there. Well a thing belonging to Mr. Mallya is always going to be great and expensive. Once the construction is completed the house is bound to move up in the list.

6.)Bunglaw Gulistan

              Belonging to the Mr. Anand Mahindra Bunglaw Gulistan is a 3 storey bunglaw. Mahindra’s real estate division have brought this beautiful property for him. The bunglaw was firstly rented by his grandfather about a decade ago and his family is residing there by then. He purchased the bunglaw for a whooping amount of 250 crore.

7.)Mannat

         After so many businessmen here now its time for The King Khan, SRK. His Bunglaw Mannat have a castle like look and faces sea. The interior decoration and luxuries of the house are extraordinary. These includes library, pool, gym, private cinema, etc scattered over six floors. The house holds a value of more than 100 crores

8.)Naveen Jindal Heritage Bunglaw

               Naveen Jindal, a industrialist turned politician is the owner of a Bunglaw which he brought at the cost of Rs. 150 crore. This bunglaw is situalted in Lutyen’s Bunglaw heritage zone. He have already sought delisting of this house from the Heritage List. The house was popularly known as Patni House before.

9.) NCPA Apartments 

              Nobody would have thought that an apartment would make up to in this list but here are the NCPA Apartments. Sometimes the rates of the flats are as high as Rs. 34 crore or Rs. 30 crore which generally costs about Rs. 1 lakh per sq. feet. The view of sea is great from these apartments.

10.)Lakshmi Narayan Mittal alias Lakshmi Niwas Mittal's Delhi Mansion

Known as the Steel Tycoon world wide Mr. Lakshmi Narayan Mittal is one of the richest men in the world. He is owner of this mansion located on Aurangzeb road. He owns a total of 8 houses out of which this one is cheapest but then also it is present in our list. Moreover Mr. Mittal is proud owner of London’s most expensive house.

Top 10 Dangerous Animals

Top 10 Dangerous Animals

10. The Bear

Bear danger is the risk encountered by humans and their pets or livestock when interacting with bears.

Although most bears are alpha predators in their own habitat, most do not, under normal circumstances, hunt and feed on humans. Polar bears are most likely to view humans as prey because their environment is so nutrient poor. Most bear attacks occur when the animal is defending itself against anything they perceive as a threat to themselves or their territory. For instance, bear sows can become extremely aggressive if they feel their cubs are threatened. Any solitary bear is also likely to become agitated if surprised or cornered, especially while eating.[1] Some species are more aggressive than others; sloth bears, Asiatic black bears, and brown bears are more likely to injure people than other species, and the American black bear is comparatively timid.

9. The Shark

Shark are dangerous because they are probably the most efficient predators on earth. Besides, the human capabilities on water are very limited compared with the abilities of sharks in their natural habitat. Sharks are aggressive and the smallest provocation will lead to an attack.

8. The Jellyfish

Another in the “most dangerous animals” series, the Jellyfish fits nicely in this category.

Jellyfish are not usually deadly to humans although some kinds are, however they do produce a sting that is excruciatingly painful.

7. The Hippopotamus

If there is one thing you hear when you go to Africa it’s: “Never get between a hippo and the water!” An angry or threatened hippo is a pretty intimidating adversary, weighing between 1.5 and 3 tons and able to run at up to 30 mph – that’s three times faster than most of us). If hippos are threatened on land, they’ll run for water… and believe me you don’t want to be in the way!  It’s no wonder that the most deaths by wild animals in Africa are caused by hippos.

6. The Elephant

Elephants are the largest land mammals on earth. They are brown to dark gray and have coarse long hairs sparsely covering their bodies and their very thick skin helps to keep them cool. An elephant trunk serves as another limb.   They are a fusion of the nose and upper lip; to help the elephant use it to gather food and water the trunk contains more than 40,000 muscles. Their large ears are functional in fanning and provide a funneling of sounds for excellent hearing.  Their thick legs support their great weight with seemingly little effort. These massive animals grow up to 14 feet at the shoulder and can weigh between 6,000-15,000 lbs.  Simply having your foot stepped on can cost you dearly.  The weight of an elephant alone makes it dangerous.

5. The Crocodile

The saltie will attack even when unprovoked and is a real danger. Don’t believe you are safe from saltwater crocodiles if you are far from the sea as they have been sighted much further inland away from salt water.

Freshies have narrower snouts and are rarely more than three metres long. Salties are generally larger and with a fuller snout, and hey! watch out for those teeth.

4. Wild Cats

The reason why tigers can be really dangerous is if you ever get attacted by a Siberian tiger they wiegh about 1,025 pounds that the heaviest tiger ever recorded. They have extremly sharp claws and teeth. And when the tiger is on a hunt and it spotted its pray the tiger bites the animals throat and let the large animal bleed to death or breaks its neck

3. The Scorpion

This is truly a very dangerous scorpion. Numerous deaths in Middle East countries and North Africa are attributed to it though again children and elderly are more at risk. It is not native to Asia (except perhaps India) and America. It is also known to be quite aggressive.

2. Venomous Snakes

Annually, throughout the world, it is estimated there are a minimum of 1 to 2 million snakebite “incidences.” This number includes bites by non-venomous species. Of that number roughly 50,000 to 60,000 bites result in fatalities. The country that has the largest number of snakebite deaths annually is the tiny island of Sri Lanka

1. The Mosquito

Mosquitoes is one of the most dangerous insect in the world because They’re the agent of diseases spreading.We have to be aware with the mosquitoes. Some of the mosquitoes is not that dangerous, They just biting our skin and suck our blood.

Top Ten Monuments

Top Ten Monuments

1. Hawa Mahal

Hawa Mahal stands upright as the entrance to the City Palace, Jaipur. An important landmark in the city, Hawa Mahal is an epitome of the Rajputana architecture. The splendid five-storey “Palace of the Winds” is a blend of beauty and splendor much close to Rajasthan’s culture. Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh built Hawa Mahal in 1779. The pyramid shape of this ancient monument is a tourist attraction having 953 small windows.

2. Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal, the pinnacle of Mughal architecture, was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan (1628-1658), grandson of Akbar the great, in the memory of his queen Arjumand Bano Begum, entitled ‘Mumtaz Mahal’. Mumtaz Mahal was a niece of empress Nur Jahan and granddaughter of Mirza Ghias Beg I’timad-ud-Daula, wazir of emperor Jehangir. She was born in 1593 and died in 1631, during the birth of her fourteenth child at Burhanpur. Her mortal remains were temporarily buried in the Zainabad garden. Six months later, her body was transferred to Agra to be finally enshrined in the crypt of the main tomb of the Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal is the mausoleum of both Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan.

3. Mysore Palace

The Mysore Palace, Karnataka is popularly known as the the Maharajah’s Palace, situated at the city center at Mirza Road. Mysore Palace is one of the most fascinating monument of Mysore city. The other name of the Mysore Palace is Amba Vilas and is the largest palaces of India. Mysore’s Wodeyar Mahararajas resided in the Mysore Palace of Karnataka.

The Mysore Palace is a three storied edifice with a length of 245 feet and breadth of 156 feet. The Mysore Palace at Karnataka comprises of a sequence of arched square towers enclosed by domes. The original palace of Mysore was carved out of wood which was accidentally burnt in 1897. The 24th Wodeyar Raja rebuilt the Mysore Palace of Karnataka in 1912. The Mysore Palace followed the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture.

4. Victoria Memorial

Victoria Memorial, one of India’s most beautiful monuments, represent a unique combination of classical European architecture and Mughal motifs. The domed and white marble museum sprawls over 64 acres and is set in a landscaped garden at the southern side of the Kolkata’s maidan (ground) near Jawaharlal Nehru Road.

5. Charminar

The charminar Hyderabad’s best known landmark was built 1591 by Sultan Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah to appease the force of evil savaging his new city with epidemic and plague. Standing in the heart of the old walled city and surround by lively bazaars, the charminar (‘four tower’) is a 56m high triumphal arch. The arch is notable for its elegant balconies, stucco decorations and the small mosque, Hyderabad’s oldest, on the 2nd floor. An image of the grace every packet of charminar cigarettes, one of India’s most popular brand.

6. Sanchi Stupa

Sanchi is situated in the state of Madhya Pradesh in India. It lies at a distance of approximately 52 km from the capital city of Bhopal and 10 km from Vidisha. The major attractions of Sanchi include a number of Buddhist stupas, monasteries, temples and pillars. All these structures date back to somewhere between 3rd century BC and 12th century AD. The Mauryan emperor Ashoka founded all the stupas at Sanchi in the honor of Lord Buddha. They have the distinction of being included by UNESCO in its list of World Heritage Sites.

7. Qutab Minar

Qutub-ud-din Aibak laid the foundation for Qutub Minar in 1199 AD and his successor and son-in-law Shamsu’d-Din- Iitutmish completed the structure by adding three more stories. Standing at 72.5 meters, it is the highest stone tower in India. Its base diameter is 14.3 meters and its top diameter is 2.7 meters. It has 379 steps leading to its top story. The lower three stories are made using red sand stone and the top two with marble and sand stone.

8. Cellular Jail

The Cellular Jail, also known as Kālā Pānī (Hindi: काला पानी क़ैद ख़ाना, literally ‘black water’, in the sense of deep sea and hence exile), was a colonial prison situated in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. The prison was used by the British especially to exile political prisoners to the remote archipelago. Many notable freedom fighters such as Batukeshwar Dutt and Veer Savarkar, among others, were imprisoned here during the struggle for India’s independence. Today, the complex serves as a national memorial monument.

9. Gateway

The majestic Gateway of India is a glorious historical memorial built during British rule. This magnificent monument has been built in Indo-Sarcenic style to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Bombay. Gateway of India is one of the finest example of colonial architectural heritage in India. This grand structure stands at the Apollo Bunder, a popular meeting place in Mumbai. The gateway of India was designed by the British architect George Wittet and was opened for general public in the year 1924.

10. Vidhana Soudha

Vidhana Soudha counts amongst the most impressive as well as the most magnificent buildings in the Bangalore city of India. It is mainly famous for housing the Legislative Chambers of the state government. The three hundred rooms of Vidhan Soudha accommodate approximately twenty-two departments of the state government. The building rises to a height of almost 46 m, making it one of the most imposing structures in the city of Bangalore.

Built in the year 1956, Vidhana Soudha of Bangalore boasts of exquisite Dravidian architecture. It was built under the then chief minister of Karnataka, Mr. Kengal Hanumanthaiah, as a tribute to Indian temple architecture. The chief engineer of Vidhan Soudha, B.R. Manickam mainly made use of granite to get the edifice constructed. In the following lines, we have provided more information on the architecture of the Vidhan Soudha of Bangalore, India.

Hill Station's

Top Ten Hill Stations

Most of the hill stations in India were developed by the British, around a central mall, to get respite from the oppressive summer heat. Many have picturesque lakes as their focal point, making them excellent places for boating activities. One thing is for sure, you won't be short of things to do at any of the hill stations in India. And to add to the adventure, it's possible to take a toy train ride up to some of the hill stations. You'll find hill stations all over India. This guide lists 10 of the most popular ones.

1. Shimla

Shimla used to be the summer capital of the British Raj when they ruled India. Now it's the state capital of Himachal Pradesh. This wonderfully cool and charming town sprawls along a mountain ridge, enveloped in oak, pine and rhododendron forests. It's quite famous for its colonial style buildings and historic railway.

       The old Christ Church, with its beautiful stained glass windows, is one of Shimla's most prominent landmarks. Also to be enjoyed are the mesmerizing views from Scandal Point, and the Vice regal Lodge (try to be there for the sunrise or sunset) on Observatory Hill. There are plenty of adventure sports and short hikes on offer in the vicinity as well.

2. Manali

Manali, with its soothing backdrop of the Himalayas, offers a blend of tranquility and adventure that makes it one of northern India's most popular destinations. You can do as little or as much as you want there. Located in the Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh, it's a magical place bordered by cool pine forest and the raging Beas River, which give it a special energy.

3. Munnar

If you like tea, a visit to Munnar, in Kerala, is a must! The surrounding region is renowned for its sprawling tea plantations. The Kundale Tea Plantations, which border a picturesque lake, offers the best opportunity to see the tea being picked and processed, and to try fresh tea straight from the gardens. The area is blessed with the natural beauty of winding lanes, misty hills, and forests full of exotic plants and wildlife. Adventure enthusiasts can trek to Anamudi, the highest peak in south India, explore Eravikulam National Park, or go rock climbing and para glidin

4. Darjeeling

Darjeeling, in West Bengal, is also famous for its lush tea gardens. In addition, it's blessed with a stunning view of Mount Kanchenjunga, the world's third highest peak. Some of Darjeeling's most popular attractions include monasteries, botanical gardens, a zoo, and the Darjeeling-Rangeet Valley Passenger Ropeway cable car (the longest cable car in Asia). Darjeeling is a wonderful place to walk around, and explore the tea estates, villages, and markets. Don't visit during the monsoon season though -- the region is one of the wettest places in India!

5. Ooty

Established in the early 19th century by the British as the summer headquarters of the Chennai government, Ooty is now a soothing place to escape the summer heat in Tamil Nadu. If you travel there during the peak season in April and May, do be prepared for it to be crowded though!

Ooty's most popular attractions include the 22 hectare Government Botanical Gardens (a flower show is held there every May as part of the Summer Festival), boating on Ooty Lake, and climbing Dodabetta Peak for an excellent view of the Nilgiri hills. To get to Ooty, take the scenic toy train from Metupalaiyam

6. Nainital

The hill station of Nainital, in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, was a popular summer retreat for the British during the time they ruled India. It features the serene, emerald colored Naini Lake and action filled strip called The Mall, lined with restaurants, shops, hotels, and markets. Enjoy one of the many forest walks, explore the surrounding area on horse back, or relax on a boat in the lake.

7. Kodaikanal

Secluded Kodaikanal is nestled 120 kilometers from Madurai in the Palani Hills of Tamil Nadu. Its name means "Gift of the Forest", and you'll find many varieties of flora and fauna there. Orchards of pear trees, and charming buildings with gabled roofs, will greet you as you enter the town. There's an annual horticultural show at the landscaped botanical Bryant Park in May, waterfalls where you can enjoy a picnic besides, boating on the lake, and plenty of walking trails. Herbs and aromatherapy oils are some of the more interesting things to buy in Kodaikanal, with the eucalyptus oils being particularly popular.

8. Matheran

The closest hill stations to Mumbai in Maharashtra, Mather an offers plenty of walking trails and lookouts. The most unique thing about it and what makes it so special, is that all vehicles are banned there -- even bicycles. It's a soothing place to relax away from any noise and pollution. Get there by taking the scenic toy train and then ride a horse around.

9. Mussoorie

Mussoorie, located around an hour from Derahdun in Uttarakhand, is a popular weekend destination for north Indians, as well as honeymooners. One of the reasons for Mussoorie popularity is that it has a lot of facilities developed especially for tourists. Take a cable car to Gun Hill, enjoy a beautiful nature walk along Camel's Back Road, have a picnic at Kempty Falls, or ride a horse up to Lal Tibba (the highest peak in Mussoorie). Mussoorie also offers a superb view of the Himalayas.

10. Srinagar

Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, delights visitors with its lovely lakes and relaxing houseboats. In fact, lakes and gardens are in such abundance there that Srinagar is often referred to as the "Land of Lakes and Gardens". The gardens have a distinctly Mughal influence, as many of them were cultivated by Mughal emperors. You'll find Asia's largest tulip garden in Srinagar, with a tulip festival held every April. Srinagar is a great place to come if you're a golf enthusiast, as there are a number of courses there. In the winter, adventure lovers flock to Srinagar for snow skiing.