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India.com
2 days ago
- General
- India.com
The 7 Best Hill Stations Near Chandigarh City For A Cool Summer Retreat
Chandigarh functions as an excellent entrance point to Northern India's most beautiful hill stations through its famed status as the 'City Beautiful' while showing itself as a modern architectural and urban planning center. The Shivalik range along with the Himalayan foothills exists nearby Chandigarh thus providing visitors convenient access to peaceful getaways during the hot summer months. Chandigarh residents seeking natural rejuvenation will find seven exceptional hill stations in the surrounding area that deliver unique experiences during summer. 1. Shimla – The Queen of Hills Shimla maintains its status as an iconic Indian hill station since its location sits at about 115 kilometers from Chandigarh. The town combines stunning snow-covered mountains and bears thriving green woodland to draw visitors as its colonial features draw many tourists. Residents and visiting visitors can discover religious and cultural activities across Mall Road and Jakhu Temple and Christ Church. Trekking enthusiasts enjoy exploring Kufri and Naldehra Golf Course due to their challenging trails. Families and couples can discover peaceful relaxation in Shimla because the pleasant climate joins with breathtaking vistas. 2. Manali – A Paradise for Nature Lovers Situated 270 kilometers from Chandigarh stands Manali which serves as a well-liked choice for tourists who seek stunning landscapes and active recreational opportunities. People visiting this mountain hill town will experience something remarkable because it is encircled by tall mountains alongside rich pine forests. Travelers must experience Rohtang Pass for winter activities and should also explore Solang Valley for zorbing and paragliding activities. Old Manali retains its rustic charm with quaint cafes and vibrant murals, while Hadimba Devi Temple showcases exquisite wood-carved architecture. People who love adventure sports as well as those who want river relaxation will find their perfect activities in Manali. 3. Kasauli – A Quiet Escape From Chandigarh visitors can reach Kasauli through a peaceful two-hour journey that covers about 70 kilometers of distance. The quaint army town shows its traditional charm through its charm while presenting a blend of colonial-style buildings and narrow historical streets and a picturesque location. Among the main attractions of Kasauli areMonkey Point and Gilbert Trail and Christ Church. The town offers peace through its roots-up vibe which creates excellent conditions for people looking to relax while walking through nature. A shopping visit to buy locally produced apple goods together with fruit wines cannot be overlooked. 4. Dharamshala & McLeodGanj – Spiritual Serenity The town of Dharamshala stands at a distance of 240 kilometers from Chandigarh as both the Dalai Lama and a substantial Tibetan settlement reside there. The two parts of Dharamshala known as Lower Dharamshala and Upper Dharamshala (McLeod Ganj) join spiritual attractions with panoramic landscapes. Travel to Tsuglagkhang Complex Namgyal Monastery together with Bhagsu Waterfall to achieve personal relaxation. Trekkers should visit Triund or Indrahar Pass for their adventures while food enthusiasts can discover Tibetan cuisine served at traditional restaurants in the area. Its breathtaking mountain scenery and fresh atmosphere create a feeling of uniqueness in this location. 5. Chail – The World's Highest Cricket Ground The world-famous cricket ground reaching 2,250 meters above sea level stands in Chail which remains 45 kilometers from Chandigarh. The clean and unspoiled forests and flowing streams and magnificent valley views stand out as this relatively unknown hidden treasure. History lovers will treasure Chail Palace which operates today as a heritage hotel in addition to those who enjoy exploring the Chail Wildlife Sanctuary. A peaceful environment results from minimal commercial influence within this location which works perfectly for weekend breaks. 6. Nainital – Lakeside Magic Tourists should explore Nainital in Uttarakhand because of its distinct characteristics although it rests approximately 350 kilometers from the main centers. Visitors find Nainital attractive because this place holds the designation 'Lake District of India' with its lakes including Naini Lake and mountains covered in vegetation. The pleasure of touring Snow View Point and taking boat rides and horseback excursions makes visiting Nainital truly delightful. The key attractions at Nainital include Eco Cave Gardens together with Governor's House. The Indian traveler regularly visits Nainital for its irresistible charms even though it lies distant from urban centers. 7. Mashobra – Offbeat Beauty Mashobra provides visitors an offset treasure hidden just 50 kilometers from Chandigarh. The natural beauty of Mashobra remains unspoiled since it does not host the commercial development found in other popular hill stations. Sanjauli offers excellent hiking trails that lead to breathtaking views while Craignano presents dense cedar forests for travelers to explore. You can experience therapy at Tattapani hot springs which enhance your visit. Mashobra provides optimal weekend getaways because of its position near Chandigarh. Why Choose These Hill Stations? These tourist sites serve different types of travelers who seek unique adventures across their respective realms. Shimla presents colonial charm together with Manali's adventurous atmosphere and Kasauli's peaceful environment and Dharamshala showcases its spiritual atmosphere among multiple choices of tourist destinations. Their proximity to Chandigarh provides travelers with convenient travel options without sacrificing either scenic charm or comfort services. The hill stations around Chandigarh provide unforgettable experiences that satisfy all types of visitors including families and couples and independent travelers. Escape the summertime heat by packing your things while experiencing the best of nature at its pristine locations.
India.com
3 days ago
- India.com
Why Shimla Is A Must-Visit Destination In Every Season? Know more
Deep down in the heart of Himachal Pradesh is Shimla, a lovely hill station that attracts visitors all year round. Shimla is bustling with tourists throughout the year, thanks to its stunning scenic views and vibrant culture. With its stunning landscapes, beautiful colonial architecture, and colorful bazaars, Shimla turns into a geographical wonder in all seasons. Let's explore everything that Shimla has in store for us through the seasons and find out the best time to explore this enchanting town. Spring (March to April): A Season of Renewal Spring in Shimla feels like a fresh blank canvas waiting for new creativity and colors to be splashed on. The temperature ranges from anywhere between 10 degree celsius to 20 degree celsius which makes the snow melting tremendously convenient. If you grab the opportunity in April, blooming flowers will beautify every corner of Shimla. One can enjoy outdoor activities like exploring the mall road or hiking as well. Explore the beautiful view of the oriental hilly ranges further made beautiful by the melting snow fed nearby Chadwick Falls. Spring also marks the advent of Shimla's lush festivals, with the vibrant Summer Festival standing out as a cherished event showcasing the local culture. The festival displays delightful music, delicious food, and an energetic atmosphere. Highlights of Spring Milder and affable weather perfect for roaming around and sightseeing. Rejuvenated greenery coupled with stunning flowers. Relatively lesser crowd compared to the summer months. Summer (May to June): A Welcoming Getaway in Shimla While North India is under the scorching heat during summer, Shimla serves as a cooler retreat. The temperature there ranges from 15°C to 30°C, providing a much needed break in the summers. Additionally, it attracts plenty of tourism as families travel to Shimla in the summer vacations. There is an abundant flow of people in the tremendously alive Mall road, as well as adventure lovers who engage in trekking, paragliding, and camping in the Kufri and Narkanda. Summers are also the best time to explore Shimla's British heritage such as Christ Church, Viceregal Lodge, and many more. Key features of Summers in Shimla: Suits group trips/casual vacations. Wonderful temperature permits outdoor activities. Cultural celebrations alongside parades in full spirit. Monsoon (July to September): A Party Within The Picturesque Green of Shimla While in Monsoon, Shimla becomes another level of scenic beauty draped in green and beautifully coursing mist. Shimla is surrounded by beautiful hills that are refreshing after the rain. Although there are beautiful landscapes, the rain can lead to roadblocks due to landslides or slippery roads, so cautious traveling is highly recommended. You won't be able to do a lot of outdoor activities, but monsoon season is the best time to enjoy Shimla in tranquility. You could relax in a café sipping hot chai while monumentally exploring Tara Devi Temple and Jakhoo Temple. Monsoon Highlights Misty vistas and lush green landscapes Offer peaceful experiences due to non-existent tourists The ideal look for a quiet trip Autumn (Oct-Nov): A Glittering Perspective Once the rains simmer down, Shimla transforms colors into a golden hue. During this time, the temperature drops to 10 degrees – 20 degrees, making it easier to relish in trekking and sightseeing. In addition, autumn is the period when Shimla's apple orchards are in full blossom so make sure to indulge yourself in the crisp, refreshing apples. The Ridge, along with surrounding areas are a go-to spot for photography lovers. Clear skies with autumn colors make these locations perfect for photography. It is also a great time to explore attractions next to Shimla like Mashobra and Chail, where you will be able to experience the stillness of nature. Autumn Highlights Weather is perfect and skies are clean Early harvest of apples and stunning autumn colors Get some outdoor activities done as well as capture the beauty through the lens Winter (December to February): A Sledding Paradise During winter, Shimla looks like Santa's retreat due to the snow. The temperatures now drop to sub-zero levels, and a lot of snowfall turns this city into a part of the arctic. This is a peak time for winter lovers, adventure seekers, honeymooners, and anyone else trying to suck in the beauty of shimla in this magical season. Popular activities include skiing and ice skating at Kufri and the Shimla Ice Skating Club, along with many more. The holiday lights on the Mall Road add a festive atmosphere to Shimla during this time of the year. It's also the best time for warm Himachali food such as siddu and madra which are tasty and perfect for the cold. Specifics of Winter: Exciting winter sports activities like skiing and ice skating Winter gives a picture perfect beautiful cover of snow everywhere you look Friendly environment with warm accommodations Best Time to Visit Shimla Shimla can be visited at different times depending on the visitor's interest. Here's a brief guide to help make up your mind: Spring and Autumn: Great for tourist activities, as the weather is pleasant, with fewer crowds. Summer: Fantastic for people wishing to flee the heat, culturally, the city is buzzing with festivals. Winter: Ideal for snow cave lovers and those in search of adventure, trying to get the feel of snowfall Shimla offers. Monsoon: Great if you enjoy peace and the beauty nature has to offer. Shimla is a city that undergoes beautiful changes every season. Be it snowflakes, the warmth of the summer sun, or autumn colors, Shimla promises an unforgettable experience. So, pack your bags, choose your season and let Shimla work its magic on you.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Why the Justice Department just sued a small Idaho town
The small town of Troy, Idaho, is facing a major legal problem. Last week, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against it based on religious freedom concerns. The Justice Department alleges that town leaders are discriminating against a local evangelical church by unnecessarily preventing it from holding worship services in Troy's business district. Troy officials say they're enforcing zoning law, not engaging in discrimination. 'The fact that it was this church had zero to do with the denial,' said Todd Richardson, Troy city attorney, to the Yakima Herald-Republic. The religious freedom lawsuit filed by the Justice Department centers on Christ Church, an evangelical Christian house of worship that holds services in both Troy and Moscow, Idaho. In late 2022, a leader at Christ Church sought permission from Troy to hold worship services at a former bank building downtown. The congregation needed a conditional use permit because the building was zoned for business, not religious events. According to the Justice Department lawsuit, the city regularly allows noncommercial activity in its downtown business district, as well as noncommercial redevelopment. But many residents spoke against Christ Church's plan, including some who complained about the congregation's beliefs and practices, and Troy leaders denied the conditional use permit. 'In its denial of the application, the city said the 'great majority of the city residents' opposed approving the permit,' the Yakima Herald-Republic reported. The City Council reaffirmed the denial on appeal. In the new lawsuit, the Justice Department argues that Troy violated the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act, or RLUIPA, when it denied the conditional use permit. The denial stemmed from animus toward the congregation, not legitimate governmental concerns, the lawsuit alleges. 'RLUIPA unequivocally forbids local governments from deciding zoning matters based on their dislike of certain religious groups,' said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division in a statement. The lawsuit also accuses Troy of treating faith-based requests for zoning law adjustments differently than secular ones. 'The City Code, on its face, and in the C-1 zoning district where the Subject Property is located, treats religious assembly uses on less than equal terms with nonreligious assemblies or institutions,' the suit says. In an interview with Fox News, Richardson, the Troy city attorney, rejected the Justice Department's claims and criticized it for using 'bullying tactics.' 'The case isn't about religion, he said, but about the city preserving the two-block downtown area as a commercial district and resisting the influx of as many as 15% of its population gathering at one location and putting a 'strain on the city's limited resources,'' Fox News reported. Although Christ Church is a small congregation in a rural area of Idaho, this month is not the first time it has made national news. In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, some of the church's members were arrested for violating Moscow's mask mandate while singing hymns and protesting the city's pandemic-related public health rules. President Donald Trump defended their protest in a social media post at the time, according to Idaho News 6.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Justice Department takes on small Idaho town in religious freedom battle over church permit
The Justice Department accused a small city in northern Idaho of religious discrimination after it denied a zoning permit to a local evangelical church seeking to hold worship services. The DOJ announced on May 20 it had filed a lawsuit alleging the city of Troy, Idaho, violated the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) after it denied a conditional use permit to Christ Church to hold services in its downtown C-1 zoning district, where nonreligious assembly uses such as clubs, museums, auditoriums, and art galleries were allowed. The RLUIPA is federal legislation passed in 2000 that's intended to "protect individuals, houses of worship, and other religious institutions from discrimination in zoning and landmarking laws," the DOJ states. According to the lawsuit, Christ Church, a small but quickly growing evangelical church based in Moscow, Idaho, sought to accommodate its growth in September 2022 by establishing another church campus in the neighboring town of Troy. Seattle Mayor Blames Christian Rally For Inspiring Violent 'Anarchists' Who 'Infiltrated' Counter-protest The conservative, evangelical church faced opposition from some in the Moscow community over the years because of its beliefs and influence in the liberal college town, with some residents boycotting businesses tied to the church, according to the Spokesman-Review. Read On The Fox News App The church made national headlines in September 2020 after a few of its members were arrested for not wearing masks at an outside worship service protesting the city's mask mandate during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Senior Pastor Douglas Wilson faced criticism for his provocative writings and allegations he wants to make America a "Christian theocracy," according to a recent article from Politico. Christ Church allegedly reached out to various locations in Troy to rent on weekends for services, without success. In November 2022, Matt Meyer, an elder at the church and Troy resident, purchased a vacant, former bank in the city's downtown business district with the intention of converting part of the property into a space to be used by the church for worship services and church meetings, while the other part of the property would be rented out as an event space for the community. Religious Freedom Battle Erupts As New Jersey Town Attempts To Turn Church Property Into Pickleball Courts Meyer applied for a conditional use permit and told the city he failed to find another suitable space to hold services in Troy. In his application, he said there would be little impact on the surrounding businesses and his purchase of the vacant building would bring in property tax revenue for the city. After holding a public hearing on the matter where locals expressed strong opposition to the permit request, the Troy City Council rejected the church's application in March of that year. According to the DOJ, the city council denied the permit on the basis that the church "did not enhance the commercial district." Furthermore, the city council argued the majority of locals were against granting the church a permit in this zone and the decision would burden residents and businesses by creating traffic and parking issues in the city, whose population is fewer than 1,000 people. In their lawsuit filed on Christ Church's behalf, the DOJ questioned how the city justified the denial on the basis of several of its arguments. Tech Company Reverses Policy After Christian Group Sues For Religious Discrimination The lawsuit questioned why the city told Meyer he could use the building for other community events, which had no retail purpose, and these would be considered to "enhance the commercial district" and be allowed under the city's zoning law. They claimed the city did not conduct a traffic study, or offer conditions that could be imposed on the church to ameliorate the traffic and parking concerns. Many of the public comments at the public hearing demonstrated "animus and discrimination against Christ Church, its members, and their religious beliefs," the lawsuit also claimed. The DOJ lawsuit accuses the city of Troy of violating RLUIPA by not treating Christ Church on "equal treatment" with nonreligious assemblies through its zoning code, by imposing a "substantial burden" on the church's religious exercise and by discriminating against Christ Church on the "basis of religion." City of Troy attorney Todd Richardson rejected the DOJ's discrimination allegations in an interview with Fox News Digital. He said they've allowed Christ Church to hold services in the building for the past two years, while the investigation has been ongoing, and they have cooperated fully with federal investigators. Trump Announces Executive Order Creating Task Force To 'Eradicate Anti-christian Bias' The city attorney accused the Justice Department of using "bullying tactics" to try to force their hand. The case isn't about religion, he said, but about the city preserving the two-block downtown area as a commercial district and resisting the influx of as many as 15% of its population gathering at one location and putting a "strain on the city's limited resources." "We have no complaints about Christ Church being in town. We have concerns about overwhelming that zone," he said. Matt Meyer, the elder at Christ Church who filed a complaint with the DOJ over the dispute, told Fox News Digital that the church would be happy to work with the city to accommodate any of its concerns, such as parking restrictions, but city leaders "have never asked us for any sort of conditions" to do so. He found the city's allegations about parking and impacting businesses unfounded, saying many of the buildings in this downtown area are vacant, and the town is "largely empty" on Sunday mornings. Meyer attended the public hearing where many residents spoke out against the church permit being granted. He referred to the hostile comments made by some in the community toward the church, as mentioned in the DOJ lawsuit, to argue they likely played a role in the city council's decision. "It seems logical that elected officials could be influenced by a vocal group of residents even if that group is a minority, but I can't read the mind of the city council," he said. In April 2025, Troy passed an interim zoning ordinance that changed many of the previously permitted uses in the business district to "not permitted," including auditoriums, community centers, civic and fraternal organizations, parks, playgrounds, schools, museums, libraries, and movie theaters, and prohibits churches as a conditional use, according to the lawsuit. In its press release, Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division said, "RLUIPA unequivocally forbids local governments from deciding zoning matters based on their dislike of certain religious groups. The Department of Justice will not hesitate to file suit against jurisdictions that discriminate in land use matters on the basis of the applicants' religious beliefs." Christ Church pastor Douglas Wilson told Fox News Digital that public backlash to his opinions shouldn't be a factor in how city leaders treat his church. "The content of things that I say should have nothing to do with whether a church is allowed to meet. You don't approve a religious assembly based upon your disagreement with certain views expressed." The Justice Department told Fox News Digital it did not have further comment on the article source: Justice Department takes on small Idaho town in religious freedom battle over church permit
Fox News
7 days ago
- General
- Fox News
Justice Department takes on small Idaho town in religious freedom battle over church permit
The Justice Department accused a small city in northern Idaho of religious discrimination after it denied a zoning permit to a local evangelical church seeking to hold worship services. The DOJ announced on May 20 it had filed a lawsuit alleging the city of Troy, Idaho, violated the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) after it denied a conditional use permit to Christ Church to hold services in its downtown C-1 zoning district, where nonreligious assembly uses such as clubs, museums, auditoriums, and art galleries were allowed. The RLUIPA is federal legislation passed in 2000 that's intended to "protect individuals, houses of worship, and other religious institutions from discrimination in zoning and landmarking laws," the DOJ states. According to the lawsuit, Christ Church, a small but quickly growing evangelical church based in Moscow, Idaho, sought to accommodate its growth in September 2022 by establishing another church campus in the neighboring town of Troy. The conservative, evangelical church faced opposition from some in the Moscow community over the years because of its beliefs and influence in the liberal college town, with some residents boycotting businesses tied to the church, according to the Spokesman-Review. The church made national headlines in September 2020 after a few of its members were arrested for not wearing masks at an outside worship service protesting the city's mask mandate during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Senior Pastor Douglas Wilson faced criticism for his provocative writings and allegations he wants to make America a "Christian theocracy," according to a recent article from Politico. Christ Church allegedly reached out to various locations in Troy to rent on weekends for services, without success. In November 2022, Matt Meyer, an elder at the church and Troy resident, purchased a vacant, former bank in the city's downtown business district with the intention of converting part of the property into a space to be used by the church for worship services and church meetings, while the other part of the property would be rented out as an event space for the community. Meyer applied for a conditional use permit and told the city he failed to find another suitable space to hold services in Troy. In his application, he said there would be little impact on the surrounding businesses and his purchase of the vacant building would bring in property tax revenue for the city. After holding a public hearing on the matter where locals expressed strong opposition to the permit request, the Troy City Council rejected the church's application in March of that year. According to the DOJ, the city council denied the permit on the basis that the church "did not enhance the commercial district." Furthermore, the city council argued the majority of locals were against granting the church a permit in this zone and the decision would burden residents and businesses by creating traffic and parking issues in the city, whose population is fewer than 1,000 people. In their lawsuit filed on Christ Church's behalf, the DOJ questioned how the city justified the denial on the basis of several of its arguments. The lawsuit questioned why the city told Meyer he could use the building for other community events, which had no retail purpose, and these would be considered to "enhance the commercial district" and be allowed under the city's zoning law. They claimed the city did not conduct a traffic study, or offer conditions that could be imposed on the church to ameliorate the traffic and parking concerns. Many of the public comments at the public hearing demonstrated "animus and discrimination against Christ Church, its members, and their religious beliefs," the lawsuit also claimed. The DOJ lawsuit accuses the city of Troy of violating RLUIPA by not treating Christ Church on "equal treatment" with nonreligious assemblies through its zoning code, by imposing a "substantial burden" on the church's religious exercise and by discriminating against Christ Church on the "basis of religion." City of Troy attorney Todd Richardson rejected the DOJ's discrimination allegations in an interview with Fox News Digital. He said they've allowed Christ Church to hold services in the building for the past two years, while the investigation has been ongoing, and they have cooperated fully with federal investigators. The city attorney accused the Justice Department of using "bullying tactics" to try to force their hand. The case isn't about religion, he said, but about the city preserving the two-block downtown area as a commercial district and resisting the influx of as many as 15% of its population gathering at one location and putting a "strain on the city's limited resources." "We have no complaints about Christ Church being in town. We have concerns about overwhelming that zone," he said. Matt Meyer, the elder at Christ Church who filed a complaint with the DOJ over the dispute, told Fox News Digital that the church would be happy to work with the city to accommodate any of its concerns, such as parking restrictions, but city leaders "have never asked us for any sort of conditions" to do so. He found the city's allegations about parking and impacting businesses unfounded, saying many of the buildings in this downtown area are vacant, and the town is "largely empty" on Sunday mornings. Meyer attended the public hearing where many residents spoke out against the church permit being granted. He referred to the hostile comments made by some in the community toward the church, as mentioned in the DOJ lawsuit, to argue they likely played a role in the city council's decision. "It seems logical that elected officials could be influenced by a vocal group of residents even if that group is a minority, but I can't read the mind of the city council," he said. In April 2025, Troy passed an interim zoning ordinance that changed many of the previously permitted uses in the business district to "not permitted," including auditoriums, community centers, civic and fraternal organizations, parks, playgrounds, schools, museums, libraries, and movie theaters, and prohibits churches as a conditional use, according to the lawsuit. In its press release, Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division said, "RLUIPA unequivocally forbids local governments from deciding zoning matters based on their dislike of certain religious groups. The Department of Justice will not hesitate to file suit against jurisdictions that discriminate in land use matters on the basis of the applicants' religious beliefs." Christ Church pastor Douglas Wilson told Fox News Digital that public backlash to his opinions shouldn't be a factor in how city leaders treat his church. "The content of things that I say should have nothing to do with whether a church is allowed to meet. You don't approve a religious assembly based upon your disagreement with certain views expressed." The Justice Department told Fox News Digital it did not have further comment on the matter.
