India gives so many reasons to visit for its traveler. One of the important reasons is Mountain beauty of India and Himachal is one of them. Himachal Pradesh is situated in the northern part of India and western Himalayas. The word Himachal means ‘The Land of Snow’ and Himachal Pradesh makes you believe that. Himachal Pradesh is home to snow-capped mountains and some very beautiful Rivers. Let’s explore Top 05 Places To Visit In Himachal Pradesh.
The beauty of the mountains is beyond imagination. Himachal Pradesh is like a Heaven for Mountain lovers and trekkers. The entire state is amazingly beautiful and worth visiting and it’s not possible to cover in one post. Here I will take you to the top 05 places where I have been personally.
Top 05 Places To Visit In Himachal Pradesh
01. Shimla :
Snow Capped Shimla Himachal Pradesh
Shimla is capital of Himachal Pradesh. Shimla is the first name that comes to everyone’s mind when people think about Himachal Pradesh. This is the reason you will find Shimla very crowded. Shimla has been featured in so many Bollywood movies that is why it is quite popular among people. Shimla is a good destination for families because of it easily reachable by road and train. All the options for hotels from budget to luxury easily available.
Things to do :
- Try some shopping at Mall Road.
- Take a trip to Kufri around 25 Km.
- Visit Green Valley around 12 Km.
Best time to visit: March to June and December to January for Snowfall. Being a capital Shimla in most popular in Top 05 Places To Visit In Himachal Pradesh.
How to reach: the Nearest Train station is Kalka. From Kalka, you will get Toy Train to Shimla. By road, it is around 90 Km from Chandigarh.
2. Manali :
Beas River Manali Himachal Pradesh (Image Credit Raphaela)
Manali is the second popular hill station among the people in Himachal Pradesh. 275 Km away from Shimla. Manali is less crowded if compare with Shimla. Shimla to Manali road journey makes it more beautiful. Especially after Mandi which is a town on the way from Shimla to Manali you travel along with Beas River. Manali is situated on the Riverbank of Beas which also offers River Rafting opportunity for you. You can always enjoy a view of snow-capped mountains if you are staying in Manali.
Things to do :
- Visit Solang Valley for Paragliding around 15 Km.
- Visit Rohtang Pass around 55 Km.
- Visit Kullu around 50 Km.
- Visit Manikaran around 80 Km.
- River Rafting in Beas.
Best time to visit: April to June and November to February for Snow. Because of Rohtang pass Manali witness lots of footfall and deserve to be in Top 05 Places To Visit In Himachal Pradesh.
How to reach: You can go to Via Shimla or Via Bilaspur from Chandigarh. The nearest airport is Bhuntar Kullu around 50 Km.
3. Dharamshala :
Bhagsu Fall Dharamshala Himachal Pradesh
Dharamshala was the house of Dalai Lama and still remains house to his monastery and so many followers. Dharamshala is one of the best places if you are looking for spirituality and peace of mind for yourself.
Things to do :
- Visit Bhgasu Fall and Temple around 12 Km.
- Visit the Dalai Lama monastery.
- Visit Cricket Stadium.
- Visit Tea Gardens.
Best time to visit: April to June and November to February for Snow.
How to reach: the Nearest airport is Dharamshala itself. The nearest Train station is Pathankot which is around 85 Km.
4. Dalhousie :
Myself at Khajjiar Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh
Dalhousie was named after Lord Dalhousie, who was the British governor in the 19th century. Dalhousie is again a very peaceful hill station in Himachal Pradesh. Full of amazing views and lovely weather which makes you fall in love with Dalhousie. Dalhousie is a small and one of the best places to relax away from the hustle-bustle of life.
Things to do :
- Visit Khajjiar ‘Mini Switzerland’ around 25 Km.
- Visit Dainkund Peak around 20 Km.
- Visit Panchpula around 03 Km.
Best time to visit: April to June and November to January for snow. It is called small Switzerland in India and come in Top 05 Places To Visit In Himachal Pradesh
How to reach: the Nearest airport is Dharamshala around 100 Km. Nearest Trains station is Pathankot around 80 Km.
5. Kasol :
Kasol Himachal Pradesh (Image Credit Hitesh Kapoor)
Kasol is a small village on the way to Manali to Manikaran. It is situated on the Riverbank of Parvati. Kasol is very popular among hippies. Kasol is like heaven if you like to live like a Hippie. You will find all the stuff which makes a hippie’s life perfect. Kasol is home to so many hippies from all over the world who come to India.
Things to do :
- Spend a few days like a Hippie.
- Enjoy nature and peace, away from the hustle-bustle of cities.
- Visit Manikaran around 40 Km.
- Visit Manali around 50 Km.
Best time to visit: April to June and November to January for snow.
How to reach: the Nearest airport is Bhuntar Kullu. You can also reach by road from Kullu.
You have left out the Lahaul and Spiti
Valley which beats all the places
mentioned by you hollow!!
How can you miss the best place
in Himachal??
Dear Ashok I have mentioned in my post that it’s not possible to cover all the places in one post here I m writing about the destinations which are quite popular among people who want to travel with family. Places u r talking about no doubt so beautiful bt they r not quite popular for family travel. I will also write about them soon.
Hi Danish!
Great article on some of the best things to do in Himachal Pradesh. There is so much to see in India and as an avid paraglider I never thought of going to India to paraglide. Now it is certain I will do so! Are there other places where you can paraglide in the region?
there is a place called Bir Billing in Himachal Pradesh its like a heaven for paragliding in India. You should go there if u love paragliding.
These seem like some lovely areas-I have yet to go to India but it’s on my list!
Ya Brook you should come someday to India…
Everytime I read an article from you I realize how less I know about India .. I had to google this region and I am again amazed on how big your country is, that regions seems to be just a little part of India but still aroun 200km from one side to the other.. coming from Europe I can’t really picture such wideness.
Beas River Manali Himachal, that picture looks like taken in Canada 🙂 at least it looks pretty much like a picture I took in Quebec last year 🙂
Ya Lena India is such a big country with offering lots of to its traveler. i think most of the river in mountains look same so its must be a similar picture like yours.
I have never read about this region of India before. It never stops amazing me just how diverse India is!
ya Jessica India is one of the most diverse country you will visit. Himachal is one of the most beautiful region if you talk about the mountains and nature.
Your pictures are amazing. I appreciate how you broke each place down with things to see and best times to go. Great tips!
thanks Carmen to giving your time to read my blog. so happy that you like the content.
Good list of places to visit in Himachal!