Tired of your mundane life? Planning a trip with your friends this vacations? If yes, then Himachal Pradesh is the answer.
Being every traveler’s dream, Himachal is India’s most beautiful state. Lying in the north, it has lakes, snow – covered mountains, greenery and pleasing surroundings, which are sure to capture your heart’s attention. You get a variety of places to visit in Himachal which are unique and different in their own way.
Visit Himachal with your friends, or with your loved ones, or even alone. Be rest assured you won’t be disappointed. The hotels around the state are cozy and perfect for a comfortable stay during your trip.
Himachal has got everything that a beautiful hill station should have. The hill stations in Himachal are mesmerizing and will release your stress with ease.Your search for a perfect holiday ends here at Himachal.
Here are the Top 10 Hill Stations in Himachal. Mark them on your list of ‘Must-Visits’.
1. Manali
Like the places itself, it has a beautiful story behind its name.Varvastava Manu’s seventh incarnation once found a small fish in water. It told him to take care of it as one day it would help him. Manu did the same until the very day that it grew big enough to be released into the sea.
While going away, the fish warned Varvastava about an approaching flood and that he should build an ark for himself. Thus, when the region got flooded, Varvastava and the seven sages survived it. As the water went down to a normal level, their ark landed on a hillside. This place came to be known as ‘Manali’ in recognition of Manu.
Manali is undoubtedly the place meant for every hill station lover. With a cold climate throughout the year, it is certainly a beautiful destination, surrounded by mountains and snow. The temperature can drop as low as below the freezing point during winter months whereas summers are less cold. Manali is a prime holiday destination of the country full of orchards, forests, and refreshing pathways.
This town has got a number of places to visit. Some of the must-visit sights are the Manu Temple, which is dedicated to Manu, on whose name this town was named; Vashishth, which is famous for its hot springs; the Solang Valley, which is known for its splendid surroundings and ski slopes.
Apart from these, you can visit the Rohtang Pass in a hired taxi. The road to it is filled with clear water springs and mesmerizing views of mountains and lakes. A visit to Manali is incomplete without hitting the road to Rohtang Pass.
Manali is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places to visit in Himachal.
2. Kullu
Among uncountable places to visit in Himachal, Kullu has made its spot in the list of must –visit places. It is situated close to the Himalayas, which is reason enough to visit this town. Its breath-taking beauty, filled with mountains and rich variety of flora is a treat to the eyes.
The people here are friendly in nature and will help you in every way possible. Their hospitality will remain in your hearts for a long time. The best time to Visit Kullu is from June to October due to the suitable weather.
Kullu has a variety of sightseeing places. Some of them are:
- Raghunath Temple: It is Kullu’s oldest temple that is filled with festivity throughout the year. The festival of Dussehra is marked with a great celebration with a lot of tourists visiting the temple.
- Tirthan Valley: What makes this worth a visit is its splendid location surrounded by water. You get to trek the valley, which is a beautiful experience. It is a must visit place if you love nature.
- Manikaran: It is a small town situated near Kullu. Manikaran is surrounded by Parvati River and Bears River. This little town is known for its hot water springs, which are the best in Kullu and its vicinity. It is filled with a lot of temples, making it a pilgrimage place for Hindus.
Apart from these destinations, Kullu has a lot to offer to its visitors. From fishing to rafting to sightseeing, this town offers a lot of options. A visit to Kullu will certainly be a memorable one.
3. Shimla
The capital of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla is among the most beautiful hill stations in Himachal. This beautiful holiday destination offers everything one can ask for, on a lovely vacation. Lakes, cold climate, snow-capped mountains, lush greenery, and mesmerizing pathways; Shimla has it all.
Known as the ‘Queen of Hill Stations’, Shimla is sure to leave an indelible impression in your hearts forever. With a wide range of attractions and places to visit, Shimla is undoubtedly the most loved and most visited holiday destination in India. A number of foreigners visit this lovely place, as well.
Here is a list of a handful of places worth visiting while in Shimla.
- Summer Hills: A beautiful township, it is one of the most beautiful places in Shimla with mountains covered with snow, cold weather, and walks between clouds. The top of the hills is a perfect location for a photo shoot. Thus, it is a photographer’s paradise.
- Annandale: Annandale has to be on your list of the places to visit while on a visit to Shimla. It is a perfect spot if you are a Golf lover since it has a well-maintained golf course. Sit on the grass surrounding Annandale and look at the view from it. We are sure this is all you will need to regain peace.
- Indian Institute of Advanced Studies: Imagine a place to study between mountains! Exciting, isn’t it? Well, IIAS, Shimla is one such institute which would make you hate yours quick. This was built with the aim to promote advanced studies in humanities in India. It is built in classical architectural design. Take a walk inside the building to catch a glimpse of the history of India.
Shimla has a lot of many destinations apart from these which are sure to give you an amazing time.
4. Kufri
A must visit for adventure lovers and photographers. It is called the ‘Winter Sports Capital’ due to the winter sports held here. You must add this to your list of ‘places to visit in Himachal’ right now!
This little destination is situated as close as 20 kilometres from Shimla. It derives its name from the word ‘Kufr’, which literally translates to ‘lake’. The ample number of lakes present here justifies its name. If trekking runs in your blood, you have to visit Kufri for the love of mountains.
It is certainly the perfect hill station in Himachal for a vacation in summers. Among the ample number of places to visit, Kufri Wildlife Zoo, Hip Hip Hurray Amusement Park, Summer Hill, and the Green Valley are our favourite.
5. Chail
Recommended for photographers and nature lovers, Chail has the world’s highest cricket pitch. This hill station in Himachal is surrounded by pine trees. It is situated at an even higher altitude than Shimla! Imagine the scenic view from here!
A fairly pleasant weather with soft blowing winds is the reason why it is chosen as a vacation destination.
You can visit the Sidh Baba ka Mandir, Chail Wildlife Sanctuary, the Kali Temple, Himalayan Nature Part, do Horse Riding amidst snowfall (if you are lucky enough!) or shop from the local market. Chail has a lot to offer to ones looking for enjoyment.
6. Kasauli
Kasauli is a small town among the many places to visit in Himachal, which will leave a big impression in your hearts. This town is the perfect holiday destination. From snow-capped mountains to local markets to greenery to delicious Tibetan food, Kasauli has got it all. It is the best honeymoon destination or a photography location.
Kasauli surely is a photographer’s heaven. If you love mountains surrounded by snow or clouds, Kasauli is the place meant for you. Other than these, this cantonment has some great resorts and temples. The Sunset Point in Kasauli is famous as one of the unique places in India.
Visit Christ Church, Monkey Point, and Gilbert Trail is a must while on a trip to the hill station in Himachal. Kasauli is well taken care of by the government and its visitors, as well. You sure don’t want to miss visiting Kasauli. So leave everything you are doing and head to Kasauli right now!
7. Dharamshala
Hill stations in Himachal are irresistibly beautiful and will make you rush to them. Such is Dharamshala. It is situated at an altitude of about 1,500 meters above sea level. Boasting of a beautiful, picturesque environment and beautiful Deodar trees, it attracts both Indian, as well as foreign tourists.
The headquarters of Dalai Lama is a famous attraction of Dharamshala. The lower Dharamshala is filled with local shops and places to eat, while the upper Dharamshala is filled with splendid scenic views.
Visit McLeodGanj for a wonderful experience. It is the most popular spot to visit in Dharamshala. The St. John’s Church is a famous place of the visit, along with the Namgyal Monastery.
8. Dalhousie
A beautiful place to visit in Himachal, Dalhousie is every traveller’s love. It is Himachal Pradesh’s one of the most famous and loved hill station. It is elevated at a height of 2,000 meters from sea level in Chamba.
The fact that it is situated on top of 5 hills is enough for one to crave a visit to this hill station. It owes its name to its founder, Lord Dalhousie. This place has a variety of buildings built in different architectural styles, which are unique from the other. This hill station will take you on a journey back in time.
Walks around the small lanes of Dalhousie will give you a peek into the culture and beauty of this place to visit in Himachal.
It is primarily famous among honeymooners. Present here is a number of tourist destinations like the Dainkund Peak, Chamera Lake, Garam Sadak, Rock Garden, and Rang Mahal.
9. Kangra
Hosting a wonderful tourist destination among the places to visit in Himachal, Kangra is a hill station marked with pathways surrounded by water. The Kangra Fort is the most loved place in Kangra. Apart from it, the Kareri Lake, Brajeshwari Temple, Tashi Jong, and Kangra Art Museum are the frequently visited places.
The Kangra Fort has got different stories of its foundation. One thing is sure; it will leave you awestruck and with a feeling of contentment. You can even enjoy hot springs at Tatwani. These are well maintained and are a great spot for relaxation. With less crowd and no pollution, Kangra will refresh your mind and heart.
10. Chamba
Chamba is surrounded by hills on all sides. It boasts of a pleasant weather throughout the year which is suitable for a holiday destination. This beautiful hill station in Himachal is suitable for every age group.
The best time to visit Chamba are the months of February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, and December. In all, there are some 22 places in Chamba which could be visited by its visitors. Fairly, it needs 2 to 3 days for a trip to Chamba.
Some of the most famous and loved tourist destinations in Chamba are the Manimahesh Lake, Chaugan and Sui Mata Mandir. The local Chamba Market is a beautiful market set up on the streets of Chamba. It sells local goods which can serve as souvenirs for your loved ones.
The state of Himachal Pradesh has a lot to offer to its visitors. The places to visit in Himachal are full of greenery, snow mountains, picturesque surroundings, and local markets. Apart from these, you get to eat the local food at various hotels around Himachal. The guides are very kind and helpful and will ensure you a memorable trip to the hill stations in Himachal.
So this vacation, visit Himachal. Because Himachal is calling!
