Rivers running in deep gorges coupled with placid mountain lakes, hot springs and snow-capped mountains, all form a part of this immensely beautiful land. The land of scenic hill stations, beautiful walking paths, old stone temple, Tibetan monasteries, the highest cricket pitch, polo ground and golf course, Himachal Pradesh offers a palate of infinite choice.

Best Time to Visit

May- September when the weather is mild and days are long, ideal for mountaineering or enjoying an idyllic nature walk.

Season

Spring:- March-April

Summer:- May-June

Monsoon:- July-August

Autumn:- Mid September- November

Winter:- December- February.

Some Interesting Places in Himachal Pradesh.

Shimla:- Developed as the Summer Capital of the British in India, today, it has well developed facilities, easy accessibility and numerous attractions making it one of India’s most popular hill resorts. Within the town are host of splendid colonial edifices, quaint cottages and charming walks. Shimla offers a variety of shopping, sports and entertainment activities.

Places in and around Shimla

The Ridge:- This large open space in the heart of town presents excellent views of the mountain ranges.

Lakkar Bazaar:- Popular for its wood crafts and souvenirs, it is just off the Ridge.

Jakhoo Hill:- 2 km from the city center, this is the town’s highest peak and a famous point for Shimla’s famous views. The summit is crowned with a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman.

St.Michael’s cathedral:-The dressed-stone church with its fine stained glass has a cruciform design. It is located just off the Mall, below the District Courts.

The Glen:- 4kms away, at 1830mtrs, It is thickly wooded ravine through which a stream flows and is also a popular picnic spot.

Prospect Hill Kamna Devi:-At 2125 mtrs. And crowned by a temple dedicated to kamna Devi, the Hill offers spectular wide views of the city and its environs.

SankatMochan:- This is a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman.

Tara Devi:-On Shimla- Kalka road is a thickly wooded hill with a temple dedicated to Tara Devi.

Mashobra:-At 2149 mtrs on Shimla – Naldhera road is beautiful suburb is surrounded by thick forests.

Kufri:- At 2501 mtrs, Kufri is famous for its wide views and ski slopes. An enjoyable walk leads up to the Mahusa Peak.

Chadwick Falls:- 7 kms away from the town, the area is surrounded by woods while rain-fed falls greet the visitors here.

Chail:-45kms from Shimla via Kufri is located the former Summer Capital of of the Patiala State. The Palace has converted to a Luxury Hotel by Himachal Tourism. Chail’s famous cricket ground was built in 1893 after levelling out the top of a hill. This stands at 2444.4mtrs and is perhaps the highest cricket pitch and polo ground in the world.

Tattapani:- On Shimla Mandi Highway via Naldhera are hot sulphur springs believed to have medicinal  value.

Naldehera:- Located at distance of 23kms from Shimla, Naldehera is a heaven for tourists. It boasts of the oldest 9 hole golf course in the country. The well-groomed Golf Course is the venue of many competitions. A Nag temple is also situated here and Naldehera derives its name from it.

Manali:- Just 40kms away from Kullu to the north, Manali is situated near the end of the valley on the National Highway leading to Leh. The landscape here is breath taking with snow-capped peaks and Beas river flowering through the town. Manali literally means “Home of Manu”. Manali is the mythological character who is supposed to have survived when the world was drowned in floods. A popular honeymoon destination and trail head for numerous treks as well as great countryside ideal for adventure sports.

Places in and around Manali

Hadimba Temple:- Dedicated to goddess Hadimba, this temple was built in 1553 AD with a superbly crafted four tiered pagoda roof and it is famous for its exquisitely carved doorway.

Manu Temple:- 3 kms away from the main bazaar in old Manali is the temple of Manu. It is believed that this is the only temple of Manu in India, who was creator of human race on the earth.

Vashisth:- 3 kms away from Manali is a small village located on the left bank of river Beas towards Rohtang pass which is renowned for its hot springs and temples.

Jagatsukh:-6kms from Manali is a place famous for old temples of Lord Shiva and SadhyaGayatri in Shikhara style.

Solang Valley:-13kms away is a splendid valley between Solang village and Beas Kund. Solang valley offers the view of glaciers and snow – capped mountains and peaks with free ski slopes.

Tibetan Monasteries:- There are 3 colorful monasteries where one can buy carpet and other Tibetan handicarfts. Two located in the towns and one at Aleo on the left bank of Beas river.

Rohtang pass:- This is 51 kms from Manali on the highway to Keylong/Leh. The pass is open from june to October each year and is a gateway to LahaulSpiti, Pangi and Leh valley.

Kullu:- This is beautiful valley spreads out its charm on either side of river Beas. The valley runs north to south of this river. Full of awe inspiring glens and mossy meadows encircled by the rushing streams, Kullu is place for anyone who wishes to escape the heat & dust of the plains to breathe the exhilarating air of the Himalayas. The valley is also famous for exquisitely woven colourful hand made shawls and Kullu caps.

Places in and around Kullu.

BijliMahadev Temple:-10kms from Kullu, BijliMahadev temple is one of the striking temple here. A 60 feet staff of BijliMahadev Temple glistens like silver needle in the sun.

Manikaran:-45kms from Kullu, Manikaran is famous for its hot springs and is well known pilgrimage place for both Hindus and Sikhs.

Mandi:- The historic town of Mandi is situated along the banks of river Beas and is renowned for its 81 stone temples and their enormous range of fine carving. Mandi is known as the “Kashi of the Hills” and is a gateway to the Kullu valley acting as a base for several exciting excursion.

Dalhousie:- A Hill Station full of colonial charm that holds traces of the British Raj. Named after 19^th Century British Governor General Lord Dalhousie, the place has charming colonial architecture including some spectacular snow-covered Dhanladhar mountains are also visible from this enchanting town.

Places in and around Dalhousie.

Churches:- There are four beautiful churches in Dalhousie namely St. Andrew’s church and St. Patrick’s Church at Balun, St. Francis church at Subhash Chowk and St. John’s Church at Gandhi Chowk.

Kalatop:-10kmsaway,this wild life sanctuary is home to the ‘Ghoral” and Himalayan black bear.

Khajjar:- 23kms from Dalhousie by road and 13kms from Kalatop and often called India’s Switzerland, the exquisite glade of Khajjar (1960mtrs) with thick forests of Deodar climbing the slopes and snow-line resting above these woods, the landscape of Khajjaiar is picturesque and a photographer’s delight.

Dharamshala:- This hill station is wooded with oak and conifer trees with snow-capped mountains enfolding three sides of the town. The snowline is more easily accessible at Dharamshala than at any other hill resort and it is possible to make a day’s trek to snow-point after an early morning’s start. Dharamshala is also the headquarters of the Kangra district.

Places in and around Dharamshala.

McleodGanj:- This is the abode of his Holiness, Dalai Lama who settled here after the Chinese invaded Tibet. This place is definitely worth a visit to experience peace, tranquillity and check out the breath-taking surrounding.

Kangra Fort:-Kangra Fort was once the stronghold and seat of power of Katoch rulers, who ruled the land for over 2000 years. Today, it stands in ruins because of the devastating earthquake that hit the area in 1905.

Kangra Art Museum:- Situated in Kotwali Bazaar of Dharamshala, Kangra Art Gallery houses an impressive collection of arts, crafts, artifacts, costumes, and other treasures, which can be traced to as far back as 5^th Century.

Lahaul&Spiti:-Lahaul and Spiti are two remote Himalayan valley of Himchal Pradesh lying on the Indo- Tibet border. The Monastries of Lahaul- Spiti are full of ancient murals, thankas, wood craving and golden images of Padmasmbhava. Summer in this valley is cool and pleasant. There is little monsoon in both these valleys and this enables climbers and trekkers to enjoy a long and unbroken season to explore the wilderness of the inner Himalayas. This unique features makes Lahaul-Spiti as an ideal destination for tourists and trekkers.

Recommended Tour:- 10Nights and 11 Days.