Tucked away in India’s northern folds lies the breathtaking places to visit in Himachal Pradesh. of Himachal Pradesh. A land where towering peaks scrape the sky and valleys cradle emerald meadows.
For those seeking an escape from the city grind, Himachal beckons with its crisp mountain air and awe-inspiring vistas. These snow-capped ranges provide a backdrop to towns brimming with colonial-era charm. Trek through cedar forests or simply gaze upon pristine lakes mirroring the soaring heights.
This blog explores places that make Himachal India’s crown, from Kullu to Manali. From the beloved summer retreats of Shimla and Dalhousie to off-beat gems like Khajjiar, prepare to be spellbound. Read to know places to visit in Himachal Pradesh.
1. Shimla
places to visit in Himachal Pradesh
Shimla, the crowning jewel of Himachal’s hills is over 2,200 metres high, this spot gets its moniker from the goddess Shyamala herself. With the mighty Himalayas as the backdrop and greenery all around, it’s a trekker’s paradise.
Come winter, the whole darn place turns into a snowy wonderland perfect for gliding on ice or schussing down slopes. Churches, temples and nature’s splendour lure travellers from far and wide. Colonial architecture like the grand Viceregal Lodge and gothic Christ Church give Shimla old-world charm.
The happening Ridge area was once the divide between seven hills making up the town. People love catching sunrises and sunsets from vantage points like Scandal Point. Don’t miss the State Museum, Mall Road’s buzz, or hiking up to Jakhoo Temple for blessings from Lord Hanuman himself.
2. Kullu-Manali
Kullu and Manali are the twin towns in the Beas River valley and is one of the must-see places to visit in Himachal. A top stop for tourists and pilgrims alike in Himachal.
These hill stations are filled with snow-capped peaks, jaw-dropping scenery, and rich culture. In Kullu, make sure to go to the Great Himalayan National Park, Sultanpur Palace, and ancient Bijli Mahadev Temple. The Bhrigu and Parvati valleys are hiking havens too.
Then there’s magical Manali, famed for its Tibetan monasteries, the lofty Rohtang Pass, chill Solang Valley, and the revered Hadimba Devi shrine. The national park surrounds you with Himalayan ranges, and forests of deodar and oak and is home to hundreds of animals and birds.
Kullu-Manali is also famous for trekking, angling, rafting and mountaineering. From Kullu to Manali, there are many monasteries of various significance. Make sure to visit spots like the Gadhan Monastery and Vashisht Hot Springs. Solang and Rohtang, though only open May-November due to snow, are prime for skiing, paragliding and more high-octane thrills against an epic backdrop of glaciers and peaks.
3. Dharamshala and McLeodganj
Dharamshala and its uphill neighbour McLeodganj, are just 5 km apart. These two close-knit spots are majorly home to Tibetan Buddhist communities, radiating peace and tranquillity.
A quick 10-minute skyway with cool cable cars zips you from Dharamshala town up to McLeod. Once there, don’t miss spots like the Dalai Lama’s monastery Tsuglagkhang, Namgyal Monastery and the Gyuto tantric temple. The natural Dal Lake is a popular picnic hangout too.
The landscapes here are to die for, with dreamy Dhauladhar ranges, lush forests of pine and deodar, verdant tea gardens and stunning hills begging for long nature walks and treks.
For a taste of history, the ancient Kangra Fort and museum are the best places to visit in Himachal. With Buddhist sanctuaries and a chilled-out ambience, this place is like a heavenly retreat from the grind of daily life.
4. Dalhousie
Dalhousie is a scenic town spread across five verdant hills nestled close to the mighty Dhauladhar range. The lush vegetation of pine, deodar, oak and rhododendrons blankets the landscape.
Established in 1854 by the Earl of Dalhousie as a summer retreat, it attracts visitors with breathtaking Himalayan vistas and colonial Victorian architecture. Top draws include the towering Dainkund Peak at 2,755 metres, called the “singing hill” for pleasant winds whistling through woods. The ancient Chamunda Devi Temple, Bhuri Singh Museum and Subhash Baoli are other important spots.
Panchkula area surrounds one with dense forests, gushing waterfalls and panoramic viewpoints. A unique attraction is the natural spring at Karelanu, known for its medicinal properties. The Francis Church built in 1894 with woodwork and Belgian stained glass is one of the must-visit places to visit in Himachal.
Between the crisp mountain air, heritage marvels and rejuvenating scenery, Dalhousie promises an invigorating Himalayan escape.
5. Khajjiar
It is in the Chamba district at over 6,500 feet, Khajjiar is a scenic hill town earning the lofty moniker of “Mini Switzerland of India.” With the majestic Dhauladhar ranges providing a dramatic backdrop, it boasts cedar forests, ancient shrines and serene lakes.
Top billing goes to the picturesque Khajjiar Lake and the 12th-century Khajinag Temple, an ornate shrine referring to the serpent deity. For adventure enthusiasts, thrilling activities like paragliding, zorbing and trekking beckon. There are more local places to visit in Himachal’s Khajjiar which you can explore with the help of a local guide.
Khajjiar’s claim to fame is also the scenic KalaTop Wildlife Sanctuary. This idyllic reserve surrounds one with refreshing streams, verdant meadows and dense deodar forests. It shelters various wild residents including black bears, Himalayan martens, deer, leopards, serows and the famous goat antelope.
If you want to take a trip to Himachal Pradesh, let our packages help you with that. It covers all the places to visit in Himachal Pradesh. Contact us for more info.