TOP 50 BEST PLACES TO VIST IN HIMMACHAL PRADESH
01 MANALI
Nestled in between the snow-capped slopes of the Pir Panjal and the Dhauladhar ranges, Manali is one of the most popular hill stations in the country. With jaw-dropping views, lush green forests, sprawling meadows carpeted with flowers, gushing blue streams, a perpetual fairy-tale like mist lingering in the air, and a persistent fragrance of pines and freshness – Manali has been blessed with extraordinary scenic beauty. From museums to temples, from quaint little hippie villages to bustling upscale streets, river adventures to trekking trails, Manali has ever a reason to be the tourist magnet it is, all year round.
Clean roads, swaying eucalyptus trees, endearing little eateries, small kitschy local market places, and cafes which serve delicious local food at unbelievable prices, Old Manali is a serene, tranquil place, whose lingering silence is broken only by the twittering of the birds and the sound of the roaring waters of the Kullu river.
Solang Valley is the of the most visited places in Manali, with the drive up to Solang being as picturesque as the valley itself. Not only does Solang Valley offer some breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, but its slopes are also a very popular skiing destination, especially during the winters. In summers, the place turns into a paragliding haven. If you’re an adventure enthusiast, Solang Valley has adrenaline-pumping activities such as zorbing and horse-riding available.
With more than 25 lakh visitors every year, Rohtang Pass easily stands out as one of the most popular scenic spots to visit in Manali. Connecting the Lahaul and Kullu valleys, the Rohtang Pass is famous among nature lovers, photographers and adventure seekers alike. Mountain biking or skiing whilst surrounded by the awe-inspiring glaciers and snow-capped peaks on all sides is an exhilarating experience.
Manali is also home to a tiny slice of history, in the form of the Naggar castle. Located among the breathtaking forests in Naggar town, the Naggar Castle is a stunning historical edifice. Once used as the residence of Raja Sidh Singh of Kullu, the castle is a fine blend of traditional Himalayan and European architecture. With majestic fireplaces, beautifully built staircases, and meticulous wood and stone works, the Naggar Castle is a must-visit when you’re in Manali.
02 Shimla
Probably the most popular hill station in northern India, Shimla is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh. Famous for its Mall road, the Ridge, toy train and colonial architecture, Shimla is popular among honeymooners and families alike.
Situated at the height of 2200 m, Shimla is one of the most eminent tourist destinations in the country. Set amidst beautiful hills and mystical woods, Shimla is one of most aesthetically planned cities in India. The erstwhile summer capital of British India, this town’s captivating natural beauty, and the atmosphere are bound to leave any tourist overwhelmed. The well-knit roads, impeccable cleanliness, and an efficient administration make for a perfect combination for any tourist destination in the world. This town has colonial-style buildings alongside the historic temples, and the amalgamation of the worlds leaves everyone visiting this region spellbound. Within this city, one must visit the Mall Road, The Ridge, Institute of Advanced Studies and Jakhu Temple. Shimla is also used as a base to cover other nearby places like Chail, Kufri, Naldehra, Mashobra, Tattapani and Narkanda. The toy train to Shimla from Kalka passes through beautiful hills and valleys and is one of the most beautiful train routes in the world.
03 Mcleodganj
Mcleodganj is a hill station near Dharamshala, popular among trekkers. Its culture is a beautiful blend of Tibetan with some British influence.
Also known as Little Lhasa and famous around the world for being home to the Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama, Mcleodganj is a beautiful town situated near upper Dharamsala. Nestled amidst majestic hills and lush greenery, this town is culturally blessed by a prominent Tibetan influence owing to the major settlement of Tibetans here. Mcleodganj has one of the most mesmerising landscapes in the entire state of Himachal Pradesh and attracts a lot of tourists throughout the year. The towns of Dharamsala, Mcleodganj, Bhagsu Nag and Kangra are situated very close to each other and tourists must cover all these destinations while travelling here. Few of the most eminent and religiously significant monasteries in India are located here, including the Namgyal Monastery and Tsuglagkhang, where the spiritual leader Dalai Lama resides. Tourists must also visit the scenic Dal Lake and Triund, which are apt for quiet picnics.
04 Dalhousie
The tiny tinsel town Dalhousie tucked away in the lap of Himachal Pradesh is a piece of paradise for all the travellers. It boasts of old world charm, mesmerising natural landscape, pine-clad valleys, flower bedecked meadows, fast flowing rivers, magnificent misty mountains and some of the most spectacular views in the world. The air smells of the Scottish and Victorian architecture and the ambience reminds you of the pristine British flavours.
Dalhousie, one of the favourite among most tourists travelling to Himanchal Pradesh is famously known for its mesmerizing natural beauty and its old world charm. This hill station was one of the most favourite summer destinations of the ruling Britishers and this is truly reflected in the majestic Victorian style mansions in this region. Situated far from the buzzing cities in the country, this quaint town transports you to a pollution-free environment in the lap of nature. Dalhousie is known for its scenic beauty has a number mountains and river streams that tourists must visit. Among them the most famous are Panch Pulla, Satdhara Falls and the Daikund peak.
05 Spiti Valley
Long winding roads and picturesque valleys presenting glimpses of cold deserts and snow-crowned mountains, with intermittent greenery and picture-perfect villages welcome you when you set foot into Spiti Valley. Bordered on all sides by the Himalayas, Spiti Valley, located in Himachal Pradesh, has an altitude of 12,500 feet above sea level, and gets around 250 days of sunshine in the year, making it one of the coldest places in the country. With the thick Himalayan snow cutting Spiti off from the rest of the country for around 6 months a year, the summer months are the only time Spiti is directly accessible via motorway.
The term Spiti means ‘The Middle Land’, and the place is very appropriately named, as Spiti Valley separates India from Tibet. Scantily populated, Spiti is an adventure lover’s paradise, with the famed Spiti trek attracting thousands of adventure enthusiasts every year. There are many trekking trails in Spiti that tourists can choose from. All of these treks start from Kaza (Spiti’s capital, where you make your base camp), to various peaks from where you can get panoramic views of the Himalayan mountains. An easy 1.5-kilometre trek along the Spiti River from Dhankar Monastery to Dhankar Lake promises gorgeous views of the villages below, and the Dhankar Lake itself is a place where you can sit back and relax amidst the cool mountain air.
The mountain ropeway from Kibber to Chichum is a popular tourist attraction. Built entirely by the locals to avoid walking the long uphill path between the two villages, this ropeway is operated manually, and offers spectacular views of the gorge below, as well a bird’s eye view of the surrounding peaks.
06 Dharamshala
Dharamsala is famed as the holy residence of the Dalai Lama and houses the Tibetan monk in exile. Dharamsala is located in Kangra district at a distance of 18km fro Kangra City. The city is distinctively separated as upper and lower divisions with different altitudes. The lower division is the Dharamsala town itself whereas the upper division is popularly known as Mcleodganj.
This is situated on the upper hilly stretch of land of Kangra Valley which is placed just against the picturesque scene of Dhauladhar ranges. Being a Tibetan hub, Dharamsala is considered to be one of the best places to learn and explore Buddhism and Tibetan Culture.
07 Kasol
A small village in Himachal situated along the banks of the river Parvati, Kasol is a tourist attraction that is rapidly gaining fame as a very popular hub for trekkers, backpackers, and nature lovers. Commonly known as the Amsterdam of India, this quaint little village is resplendent in natural scenic beauty, and is one of the few places in the country that is yet to be ruined by urbanization and commercialization. Situated between the towns of Bhuntar and Manikaran, Kasol might seem like a plain, nondescript village from the outside, but it is one of the best places in the country to just sit back and chill in the lap of nature.
With the waters of the Parvati river gurgling along and a stunning view of the snow-capped mountains in the background, taking a stroll along the river is one of the best ways to spend a day in Kasol. With smooth boulders and clean white sand separating the green grass from the frothing sea-green waters of the river, every single bend in the river opens up to a breathtaking panorama of cliffs, pine trees, and gushing waterfalls.
Kasol is famous for its trekking trails, which include treks to Kheerganga, Yanker Pass, Sar Pass, and Pin Parbati Pass. To get a real feel of the culture in these regions, go on a visit to the village of Malana. Located a few kilometres away from Kasol, Malana is a tiny hamlet inhabited by people living in self-imposed isolation. The people of Malana claim themselves to be Aryan descendants, as a result of which they avoid interaction with outsiders. The village has plenty of scenic sights, though, and is often called ‘Little Greece’.
Kasol is inhabited by a huge number of people from Israel, which is clearly discernible from the plenteously available Israeli food, and the street signposts inscribed in Hebrew. Kasol has quite a few streetside cafes which serve delicious food, and the experience of sitting and enjoying a meal amidst the dark green forests and the awe-inspiring mountains make the meal even more enjoyable.
Kasol has a flea market that sells a variety of items, so you can pick up trinkets, souvenirs, pendants, and even semi-precious stones to take back home for family and friends.
08 Khajjiar
Often referred to as ‘mini-Switzerland of India’, Khajjiar is a small town near Dalhousie which provides tourists a unique combination of forests, lakes and pastures.
The mesmerising beauty of this place has greatly influenced and inspired many kingdoms throughout the years, including the Rajputs and Mughals. Located at an altitude of 6,500 feet, the natural beauty and picturesque landscape of this place are bound to leave an everlasting impression on a tourist. Khajjiar is known for its nine-hole golf-course which is nestled in the midst of lush greenery and a breathtaking landscape. Khajjiar is a small plateau which also has a small lake which is one of the most favored tourist spots in this town. Khajjiar is surrounded by green meadows and dense forests and it is also known for its beautiful temples. This region also attracts adventure seekers and has a lot of options in adventure sports like paragliding, horse riding, zorbing, trekking etc. Khajjiar is a must visit place for everyone coming to Dalhousie and its nearby regions. However, the way to Khajjiar can be closed sometimes during winters because of heavy snowfall.
09 Kasauli
Located on the way from Chandigarh to Shimla, Kasauli is a hilly cantonment town which makes for an ideal peaceful holiday location, away from the rush.
Kasauli is a small town in the south-west part of Himachal and is on the relatively lower edges of Himalayas. Nestled amidst beautiful woody forests of pine and cedar trees, Kasauli owes its mystical and serene ambience to the lavish Victorian buildings built by the Britishers who resided here years back. These structures speak volumes of the glorious past of this hill station. A lot of endangered species of fauna are also found in the dense forests in this region. Kasauli is not about particular attractions or activities, but about the serene environment and enchanting calmness that it provides. If you want to just find a good getaway from the hectic life of your city, Kasauli provides the ideal environment to soothe your nerves
10 Kinnaur
Kinnaur, also known as “Land of god” is about 235 Km from Shimla and is known for its serenity and beauty of the lush green and rocky mountainscape having Satluj, Baspa and Spiti river snaking through it.
A brotherly fusion of Hinduism and Buddhism at one place reflects the existence of a culture of a different sort which is well preserved by its people in this era of modernization. Hindus visit Kinnaur to see the famous Kinner Kailash, believed to be the home of Lord Shiva and the Shivaling rocks, the stories of Pandavas and their link with Kinnaur is a great attraction.
There are also old Buddhist monasteries and temples in the vicinity which hold special importance and are revered by Buddhists. Apart from religion, Kinnaur also has a large scope in adventure sports like trekking and skiing. There are about nine known routes for trekking and some which are five days or six-day trips. Kinnaur is well known for its delicious apples, Chilgoza, handlooms and handicrafts materials. Slight traces of modernization can be seen in the town, its cultures and people but the area continue to be pristine, simple and magnificently beautiful.
11 Bir Billing
Bir is a small town located in the state of Himachal Pradesh in northern India. Bir Billing is a popular destination for adventures sports such as paragliding, treks and also as the town for meditation.
Bir is considered as one of the best spots in the world for paragliding and it hosts the World ParaglidingChampionship every year. The take-off site is called Billing and the landing site is Bir and the overall altitude change is around 800m. The town of Bir is also an important centre of spiritual studies and meditation. There is a major Tibetan community settlement in this town and the culture of Bir is highly influenced by Tibetan culture. This town is the hub of adventure-sports activities and paragliding spots are abundant here. These activities are safe and all standards of safety are taken care of. People can also go for trekking in one of the most picturesque routes in Himanchal Pradesh. Besides this the Deer Park and the Bir Tea Factory are must-visits.
12 Kufri
Kufri in Shimla district, Himachal Pradesh is one of the most sought after holiday destinations, and more so for couples, because of its proximity to Shimla and relatively higher altitude which makes it a place with snow all through the winters.
Kufri is just about 10 km from Shimla and is quite a retreat if you’re in Shimla and snow is something which excites you. While there’s not much to see in Kufri as such, but the panoramic views and temples after a bit of trekking are worth the time. Kufri itself is mostly treated as a spot for the tourists visiting Shimla and it is advisable to club sightseeing in Shimla or nearby areas like Chail, Mashobra, Naldehra or Narkanda as well if you intend to visit Kufri. Also, Kufri is a relatively crowded and popular attraction as almost everyone visiting Shimla comes here.
13 Chamba
Chamba is that one getaway you’ve always dreamed off. Minimal human alteration in the topography and environment and the balanced temperatures of the area make it the perfect destination all year round. The river Ravi cuts across town and adds to the scenery. Chambal is present at the confluence if Ravi river with Chal river.
The sub-Himalayan area is amply endowed with a variety of flora and fauna, making it a very picturesque background for your holiday memoirs. There’s about enough lakes, wildlife sanctuaries and temples to make you feel like this virgin land has more than enough to offer to every tourist. You only go back richer from Chamba.
14 Chail
Chail is a quiet hill station close to Shimla, known for the world’s highest cricket ground and the heritage hotel, Chail Palace, in the midst of pine and deodar trees.
Surrounded by lush greenery and mesmerizing views from such a great height, known as a hiker’s paradise, Chail is bound to give a tourist a memorable travelling experience to a tourist. This place is famous for having the world’s highest cricket and polo grounds and has a luxurious resort situated on three hilltops. Once the summer capital of theÊPatialaÊKings, the palace has now been converted into a hotel and a tourist destination. This is the quintessential destination for tourists looking for a calm and relaxed vacation away from the more bustling and crowded tourist destinations in this state. Being the summer capital of the majestic kings of Patiala, the most famous place to visit in Chail is their palace which has now been converted into a heritage hotel. One must also visit the Chail Wildlife Sanctuary and the famous cricket ground.
15 Mandi
Packed with a thick green cover of pine and deodar trees, and with sprawling tea plantations, the town of Mandi is situated at the junction of Kulu and Dharamshala. It is often referred to as ‘Varanasi of Hills’, or ‘Choti Kashi’. The town also has as many as 81 temples spread across its area.
Mandi, a popular commercial hub of Himachal Pradesh, is simply much more than that. Lying on the banks of River Beas, Mandi also displays some old palaces and exquisite form of colonial architecture. With a blend of warm and cold weather, the city housing the lakes and gardens provide for its travellers a breath of fresh air. Serving as a gateway to some famous valleys such as Kullu, Manali, Spiti and Lahaul, Mandi is must on your north India itinerary which never fails to enchant its visitors.
16 Kullu
Kullu, a popular tourist destination generally coupled with Manali, is an open valley with panoramic views and majestic hills covered with Deodar and Pine trees.
Situated at an altitude of 1230 meters, Kullu is a nature lover’s paradise. Abundant with lush greenery, pristine river streams and a wonderful climate, Kullu is known as one of the most popular tourist spots in Himachal Pradesh. Kullu is also popular as a sister town to Manali which is on much higher altitude and provides more scenic views. Typically travellers cover both Kullu and Manali in one trip. Tourists coming to Kullu and Manali can indulge in a lot of adventure sports activities like river rafting, trekking, mountaineering etc. Set in the lap of nature, the picturesque landscape of this small town is mesmerizing. Kullu also has few important temples like the Raghunath Temple and Jagannathi Devi Temple. Apart from temples, the Pandoh Dam and Chandrakhani Pass are also must-visits in this region. Kullu is also used as the base town to reachÊManikaran, Kasol, Malana, Bhunter and Rohtang Pass too
17 Tirthan Valley
The land of untouched and mystifying beauty, Tirthan Valley is a destination with a plethora of delights. Lying nearly 3 km from the entrance of Great Himalayan National Park, this place is abundant in adventurous activities and a paradise for nature lovers. ‘
The great Himalayas with snow covered tops looking over the Tirthan River, this valley is best known for its trout fishing and for surprisingly high influx of foreigners. Magical ambience and lush green paths leading to nearby tiny and quaint hamlets accompanied by amazing weather throughout the year, Tirthan valley is great for those holiday makers who seek adventure as well as peace.
18 Kaza
Kaza, sitting huddled in the corner of Himachal Pradesh is a tranquil getaway on the plains of the SpitiRiver. Lapped by majestic mountains covered in snow, meandering and bubbling rivers and streams and picturesque barren landscape with scattered patches of green, Kaza is a dream destination.
It is divided in to two parts: old and new Kaza, each accommodating government offices and king’s palace respectively. Monasteries, Gompas and other historic wonders add charm to this already magical city. Today, this city is a wonderful blend of modernity and unique ancient culture that will leave you enchanted with its mystery.
19 Palampur
With pine and deodar forests and tea gardens encircling the town and numerous streams pouring in, Palampur is known for the enchanting combination of water and greenery.
Nestled between the majestic Dhauladhar Ranges, Palampur is known the world over for its tea plantations and its fine quality of tea. Palampur was first noticed by the Englishmen and was soon turned into a bustling town as the centre of trade and commerce. Their presence in this town is beautifully reflected in the Victorian style mansions and castles. The remnants of its glorious past can be seen in the beautiful amalgamation of the beautiful English style buildings and the picturesque landscapes. Palampur being one of the unexplored destinations offer a quaint and serene environment to tourists. Among the tourist attractions here, Tashi Jong Monastery and the tea gardens should be on the must-visit list for anyone.
20 Nahan
Away from the buzzing crowd of the city, Nahan is a perfect romantic getaway. Lying among the lofty Shivalik range overlooking lush green fields, dirt free roads and clean streets, this small hill station serves as an ideal holiday destination.
Nahan has its past spun around many tales and legends. Founded by Raja Karan Prakash in 1621 as a capital, it is believed that this town derives its name from a sage named Nahar who lived at the same site where this town stands today. As per another version, the town gets its name from an incident where the king who was trying to kill a lion was stopped by a saint named Baba Banwari Das who said Nahar meaning ‘don’t kill’. The quaint town today, is dotted with gardens, temples and a manmade lake. Visit Nahan, a cantonment town of Himachal for an unforgettable experience.
Tourist Places 