A travel Guide to Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh tourism

With the endless scenic beauty of mountains, valleys, lakes, ancient temples and monasteries, Himachal Pradesh India is among the most travelled tourist attractions in the country. It is a pure delight to explore places like Dalhousie, famous for its colonial past and renowned hill stations like Shimla, Kullu, and Manali, which are worth keeping in your Himachal Pradesh travel guide.

Himachal Pradesh tours will provide you with life-long memories. The wanderlust in you would be satisfied as the state has so much to offer to everyone from nature enthusiasts to adventure freaks and couples to holy seekers. Whether you think of Malana Tales or Mcleodganj Buddhist culture, all are super fascinating Himachal tourist attractions.

Himachal Pradesh also hosts many adventurous events like rafting in Tattapani and Beas, trekking in Pin Parvati Pass, Hampta Pass, and Chandratal. With Bir Billing as the second-largest paragliding point in the world, you can fly high above the mountains. Plus, activities like rock climbing, angling, skiing, camping, and mountaineering are something you can put into your Himachal Pradesh travel guide. So make your way to feel calm and thrilled with Himachal Pradesh tourism.

Places to visit in Himachal Pradesh

1. Kullu-Manali

Kullu-Manali is among the top Himachal Pradesh attractions. Where Kullu has places like the Manikaran Gurudwara and the Great Himalayan National Park, the beauty of Manali is raw and calm. If you want to get the right vibes of peace and lovely scenery, Rohtang pass and Solang Valley near Manali are ideal options. Hidimba Devi temple is another great place to visit in Himachal Pradesh. It owns the markings of the deity Hidimba Devi. With home to many scenic sights, Kullu-Manali is a destination that you should not miss to pin in your Himachal Pradesh travel guide.

2. Shimla

Snow-capped hills, green landscapes, and the charm of nature are what comprise Shimla. The Scandal Point is a paradise for couples, while the Tattapani Point is a hot spot for water sports. You can walk on Mall Road in the evening and cherish foods such as momos, roasted maize, and ice cream and can shop stuff from the famous Lakkar Bazaar. Jakhoo Temple on Jakhoo Hill is a must-visit if your heart is into religious and cultural exploration. On the whole, the fascinating views of the mountains and the sunset here will give you one of the most delightful experiences.

3. Dharamshala

One of the most popular Himachal Pradesh attractions, Dharamsala lies in the Kangra district. Upper Dharamshala is commonly known as Mcleodganj, where you can see the Tibetan Buddhist culture. Bhagsunag Falls is something you must not miss to put in your Himachal Pradesh travel guide. As for the religious essence, the city has Chamunda Devi Temple, Indru Nag Temple, and Gyuto Monastery.

4. Dalhousie

Dalhousie is amongst the most popular Himachal Pradesh tourist places. The city stretches itself through five ranges and greets the snow-capped highs of Dhauladhar from all sides. Waterfalls like Panjpula and Satdhara are Dalhousie's primary attraction spots. Panjpula is said to have medicinal properties in their waters, and Satdhara has therapeutic ones. Churches like St. Francis, St. Patrick, and others depict the left imprints of the Britishers and are very pleasing to watch. For the spending spree ones, Dalhousie Mall Road market is an ideal place. And, for the prayerful ones, Bhulwani and Bhalei Mata temples are a treat to watch.

5. Kasauli

Kasauli is an ideal place to visit in Himachal Pradesh for all those who want to spend some peaceful time away from the buzz of cities. It is known for its old-world charm, beautifully-built avenues and flowering gardens, Monkey Point in the city will help you capture views of the snow-capped Himalayan valleys and the serene Sutlej running below it. The iconic Gurkha Fort is used as an emblem of the Gurkhas' bravery and courage.

Things to do in Himachal Pradesh

There is a lot that you can do in the state. Some super great things to do in Himachal Pradesh include the following.

Paragliding

How would it feel standing at a great height above the surface and then suddenly jumping with a parachute? Among many things to do in Himachal Pradesh, paragliding is among the most popular ones.

The popular places to go for paragliding are Bir Billing (Palampur), Kullu Valley and Solang Valley. The Bir Billing paragliding will give you a great view as it crosses green tea farms and many beautiful snow-covered mountains.

Mountain Biking

Among many things to do in Himachal Pradesh, mountain biking is the most famous one. These rides will give you a roller coaster experience through the sheer hills of Himachal Pradesh. Whether you choose the jaw-dropping slopes of Kinnaur or ride through the smooth highways of Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh tourism is a bag of them all.

The track from Manali via Spiti valley to Shimla is a treat for bikers. Some of the notable sites to visit are Kalpa, Baspa (Sangla) Valley, Sumdo, Tabo, Nako, Kunzum and Rohtang Pass.

Angling and Fishing

Himachal Pradesh is an exotic destination for angling and fishing activities in India. Shimla is home to fishes like Mahseer and trout, while Chirgaon is ideal for Brown and Rainbow Trout.

Travellers can cherish angling and fishing in various areas as well. Rohru, Chirgaon, Barot, Chamba Pattan, Sari Marog are some of them.

Areas around the Beas, Sutlej, Ravi, and Tirthan Valley are also counted among the best spots to fish. All in all, Himachal Pradesh is a great place to satisfy every fishing freak’s fantasy.

Best time to visit Himachal Pradesh

For anybody who wishes to come to Himachal Pradesh, it is always a pleasant getaway. However, the time from March to June is the best time to visit Himachal Pradesh. It is the time when the weather is moderate and most of the tourist attractions are open for visitors.

While the monsoons in Himachal Pradesh are a delight for tourists, summers are still considered the best season to visit Himachal Pradesh as the place stands as an escape from the heat and super warm climate of the country.

Winters in Himachal Pradesh are super alluring for a romantic vacation as you can witness snowfall and snow-covered landscapes during the season.

How to reach Himachal Pradesh

Be it via airway, railway or roadway, you need not be confused about how to reach Himachal Pradesh.

By Airlines: There are three domestic airports in Himachal, notably Jubbarhatti near Shimla, Bhuntar near Manali, and Gaggal near Kangra. You can get flights to these airports easily from all the major cities of India. Flying to Himachal Pradesh reduces the hours of journeys to more than half and makes travelling easy and convenient. Delhi and Chandigarh are the closest international airports to Himachal Pradesh.

By Railways: The rail route to Kangra Valley in Himachal Pradesh is the primary railway network. It runs from Pathankot (Punjab) to Jogindernagar (Himachal Pradesh) and passes through some important places of Palampur and Kangra. Another major railway line is the Kalka-Shimla route. You could rent a taxi or take a local bus from the nearest railway station to any Himachal Pradesh attractions.

By Roadways: The best way to get to Himachal is by road. The core areas of Himachal like Manali, Shimla, Dharamshala are directly reachable via HRTC buses. There are approximately 20 national highways that link Himachal to many Indian cities and towns. The network of national highways is also well-established in the state.