Beyond the green forests and green meadows, there is a lot to Himachal Pradesh. It is one destination where you will get the definition of nature at its best. The beauty of this land is beyond imagination. The alluring foothills of the Himalayas have an array of snow-covered apexes and mountain ranges, which make give stunning views.
Himachal Pradesh is also a perfect place for people who are looking for an adrenaline rush. It provides a refreshing escape for those who are craving for some crisp air. The pleasant climate, friendly people, and tourist attractions make it one of the best places to visit in India. Here, in this article, we have compiled some of the best places that you must see in Himachal Pradesh.
- Kullu:
Kullu is one of the most famous places to visit in Himachal Pradesh. It is located on the banks Beas River. Did you know that Kullu was earlier called Kulanthpitha? Yes, and it meant ‘the end of the habitable world’. Kullu is known for its lush green meadow, rich art; white capped snowy mountains; majestic hills covered with Deodar and Pine forests and, of course, the apple orchards. Kullu is a haven for trekkers and adventurers. Kullu is also famous for its shawls and Kullu caps. So do not forget to pick one for yourself and your family. Spring is the best time to visit Kullu. It is the time when the fields are dotted with plum and apricot trees.
- Manali:
Manali is a hill station located at an altitude of 6726 feet. It is truly a magical place bordered by pine forest and the raging Beas River. The site offers beautiful views of the snow-capped mountains. The hill station is not just a feast to the eyes. You can also ascertain your fitness levels with the sports facilities available here. You can indulge in trekking, hiking, mountain biking, skiing and river trekking. Some of the major attractions of Manali are Manali Sanctuary, Pandoh Dam, Hadimba Devi Temple and the Rohtang Pass. If you are thinking of staying for a longer period, then you must visit the Great Himalayan National Park. Manali is also home to several remote places of the world.
- Shimla:
The magnificent beauty of Shimla made the British declare it as their summer capital. You will find the colonial influence even today in its buildings like George Castle and Wildflower Hall. This charming place, enveloped in pine and oak forest offers some of the most spectacular views of the Himalayan Range. Shimla welcomes the tourists all year round, including winter, only if you don’t mind the below zero temperature. The Old Christ Church is the best place to visit in Shimla. The other attractions include the Viceregal Lodge, Chadwick Waterfalls, and Scandal Point.
- Chamba:
The stunning beauty of Chamba has made this place very dear to the nature lovers. It is located on the banks of River Ravi, 900 meters above the sea level. This scenic town is located 50 kilometers from Dalhousie. The place not only has stunning landscapes, but also has some of the most amazing finely carved temples.
- Dharamshala:
Dharamshala, fondly known as the “The Scotland of India”, is another gorgeous place to see in Himachal Pradesh. It is a perfect getaway for both adventurous traveler and people seeking leisure. It is surrounded by mountains on three sides and valley on another side. All the mountains are 4000 meters high, so you will get excellent views from every viewpoint. The cultural attractions of Dharamshala include the Nurpur Fort and Kangra Fort located 66 kilometers from Dharamshala. There is also a War Memorial dedicated to the soldiers who lost their lives in the Indo-China War. Mcleodganj, the setting of the revered Dalai Lama, is a must visit place here.
- Dalhousie:
Dalhousie is one of the least explored areas of Himachal Pradesh. The place was named after Lord Dalhousie, the British Governor in the 19th century. The hotels and many other buildings of Dalhousie bear a distinct stamp of the British Raj. Dalhousie is spread over five magnificent hills. The varying altitudes provide a broad range of vegetation, including deodar, oak, and pine. Dalhousie is the place where you will find unspoiled views of Himachal Pradesh. Kalatope Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit place in Dalhousie. It is just a short drive from Dalhousie. You can quickly walk through the sanctuary with least difficulties. The popular attractions here include the St. Andrew’s Church, Subhash Chowk, Gandhi Chowk and St. Patrick’s Church at Balun.
- Kangra:
Kangra is one of the scenic valleys of Himachal Pradesh. It is not just rich in nature, but also in culture and history. The history of Kangra dates back to the Vedic times, around 3500 years ago. The rich past of Kangra can be gauged from the fact that it is named after the epic Mahabharata. The picturesque valleys of Kangra offer some beautiful view to the visitors. Kangra is renowned for its ancient temples. The Brajeshawari Devi Temple is the most notable temple here. The Nagarkot Fort also stands as a testimony to its glorious past. Kangra is also a haven for the adventure sports freaks.
- Kasauli:
Kasauli is another place in Himachal Pradesh that reflects the influence of colonial rule. It is located at an altitude of 1927 meters. This charming hill station is a coveted place for the bird watchers. The serenity of Kasauli is totally enchanting. Kasauli houses many popular tourist attractions like Kasauli Brewery, Baptist Church, Central Research Institute, Christ Church, Kasauli Club and the Monkey Point. Kasauli also has ‘Pasteur Institute’ that produces a vaccine against dog bite.
- Malana:
Malana is an isolated village in Kullu. It is located at an elevation of 3029 meters. The origin of Malana can be traced to the Jamluu Rishi, the local deity of this place. The village can be accessed by foot only. Malana preserves a rich indigenous culture. It is believed that the Malana people are descendants of Alexander the Great. It is dotted with small clusters of 200 stone roof houses. The Malanas have an administrative system similar to the Greek system of Law and Administration. Their concept of purity and language are also analogous to the Greeks. The village is sheltered by the lofty peaks of Deo tibba and Chandrakhani. To get to Malana, you need to hire a taxi from Kasol. It will drop you at the steps leading to the village. Make sure you carry your food here, as there are no restaurants or cafe joints in Malana.
- Great Himalayan National Park:
The Great Himalayan National Park is a place that you must visit in Himachal Pradesh. It covers an area of 1171 square kilometers of Kullu. It is a place of natural bounty and biological diversity. The Great Himalayan National Park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It represents the exotic nature with its meadows, dense coniferous forests and a variety of flora and fauna. It is home to animals like the snow leopard, blue sheep, musk deer, Himalayan brown bear and Himalaya Tahr. The National Park has a vast Ecozone with remote inhabitants. It also provides several trekking options. The Jiwa Nala to Parvati River Valley, Sainj Valley trek, and Sainj-Tirthan valley trek are some of the popular trekking options.
We hope our article helped you plan your trip to the Himachal Pradesh. Once you visit Himachal Pradesh, you will not feel like going back. Please tell us the places you liked visiting the most in Himachal Pradesh by commenting below.