If we are to create a list of the best places in India for couples and honeymooners, Manali will surely be on the list. With its romantic weather, wonderful views of the Dhauladhar ranges and Pir Panjal and serene tourist spots, Manali has all the elements for gifting you the perfect romantic vacation. Manali’s charm doesn’t end here! The scopes of trekking, river rafting, skiing, camping, zorbing and paragliding in Manali are also quite attractive! We can talk about Manali hill station all day but today, we will travel away from Manali and visit the hill stations near Manali!
Whether you live in Manali (in that case, how exciting!) and want to go on a little getaway or you are someone planning a trip to Manali and would like to explore the nearby hill stations, we got you covered! Below are 5 of the most beautiful and visit-worthy hill stations near Manali!
We often hear people saying Kullu Manali hill station. Even though they are two different places, they have become like two bodies and one soul. So, we had to start this list with Kullu! This quiet town located on the banks of river Beas is a nature lover’s heaven. The mighty Himalayas in the backdrop, the gushing stream and the long stretches of pine and deodar trees scattered over the mystic hill stations bear witness to the previous statement.
All of Kullu is beautiful but here are our top recommendations for sightseeing. Raghunath Temple, Dhakpo Shedrupling Monastery, Great Himalayan National Park, Bhrigu Lake and Bijli Mahadev Temple. Talking about the best things to do in Kullu, trekking, river rafting, paragliding, camping, there are many options!
Kullu is amazing in both summer and winter. So, you can visit whenever you want. Also, Kullu has its own airport in Bhuntar that receives regular flights from major cities of India. That makes reaching Kullu quite convenient.
A breathtakingly beautiful hill station with a rich colonial history, Shimla! This hill station is among the best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh and is a common name on many travellers’ wishlists. While you visit Shimla, on the one hand, you will be spending time in close vicinity to nature and on the other, you will get up-close glimpses of British colonial architecture. More than that, there is an old-world charm, making all who visit fall in love!
Mall Road, The Ridge, Jakhu Temple, Christ Church, Scandal Point, Rothney Castle and Viceregal Lodge are among the most famous tourist spots in Shimla. You can keep all of them on your travel guide. And after sightseeing, here are the fun activities that you can indulge in. Riding the Kalka-Shimla Mountain Railway, camping under stars, trekking, ice skating and shopping (at Lakkar Bazaar).
If you visit Shimla in the summer months (from March to June), you will get to enjoy your trip in pleasant weather. But if you want to see snowfall, winter (November to February) is the season you should aim for! And if you want to travel by air, there is an airport in Jubbarhatti. But you can also board a flight to Chandigarh from where Shimla is easily accessible.
Encompassed by the lower portions of the Himalayas and thick forests of cedar and pine is a serene and picturesque town called Kasauli. If you plan a trip to one of the best Manali hill stations Himachal, you will have a rejuvenating and peaceful trip. Along with nature’s charm, you can also vibe a touch of the colonial era in this destination. There is also religious significance linked to Kasauli. As Ramayana states, Lord Hanuman took rest at this hill station on his way to bring medicine for Lord Lakshman.
Simply roaming around Kasauli, walking on the cobbled roads, foggy lanes and blooming gardens, can bring joy to your heart. Other than that, Mall Road can be a great place for walks and also for shopping. Gilbert trail and Manki Point are also worth a visit.
The best time to visit Kasauli is the period between April to June and September to November. Also, a flight to Chandigarh will be the best way to travel since Kasauli doesn’t have its own airport.
Another stunning hill station surrounded by the majestic Himalayas, Kufri. This area is still untouched by crowds. And that is why travellers all over the country often come here to lose themselves in nature and spend time away from hustle and bustle. Thanks to its natural charms and composure, it has started gaining popularity among foreign travellers too!
It’s not all about natural beauty, it’s about adventurous activities too! Kufri is the starting point of many popular treks of India. Other than that, skiing and horse riding are available too! Thinking about the top tourist attractions, Himalayan Nature Park, Mahasu Peak and Indira tourist park come to mind!
To reach Kufri via air, take a flight to Chandigarh and then hit the roads. And make sure to plan your trip between November and March. Because this period is considered the best time to visit Kufri.
The final name on this list is Chail. It may not be a common name but it’s absolutely one of the best places you can visit near Manali. This place is cosy, beautiful and marvellous. While many visit Chail for the awe-inspiring state of nature here, others come here to feel royalty at the Chail Palace. That being said, the major attraction is the view created by the snow-covered pine and deodar trees standing in perfect alignment!
Chail Palace is obviously a must-visit place. Other recommendations are Chail Sanctuary, Kali Tibba Temple and Chail Cricket Ground. What did we miss? The fun things you can do here! Camping, trekking and rock climbing!
The nearest airports to Chail are in Jubbarhatti and Chandigarh. You can reach Chail from these two airports via road. And the best time to visit will be between April and June.
We think all these five hill stations are stunning. And we will leave the job of picking out the best hill station near Manali on you. See which one you like the best and add that to your Manali travel guide.
