Must Visit Tourist Places and Attractions in Himachal Pradesh
How well you can describe nature at its best? #Things to do in Himachal ,DMC Agent of Himachal Pradesh #Sometimes words fall short and our eyes are the only witness penning the essence of ethereal beauty of nature alike the extraterrestrial bodies. This is why your holiday in Himachal Pradesh lives up to eternal moments of your life. Beyond the emerald green meadows and evergreen forests, Himachal Pradesh holds a destiny where the horizon is said to be celestial. Moored in between the lofty mountains, Himachal Pradesh at one breathe, is one such destinations in India where your vacation finds the supernal definition of nature at its best. Here, in this article, let’s go through some of the popular hill stations, remote villages, lakes, national parks and wildlife sanctuaries of Himachal Pradesh… hope you will find it easy to plan your trip to Himachal Pradesh.
Popular Places
Shimla
Whether you are visiting Shimla during the summer, monsoon, autumn, or winter… as one of the popular hill stations in India and placed at an elevation of 2,205 meters, it has got its own charm which keeps shining throughout the year. The ideal vacation time for the Indian leisurescapers as well as international travellers to mesmerize the pleasant climate is during the summer. Whereas the monsoon, when the hill station is at its best of displaying lush green scenic beauty, welcomes the crazy travellers seeking for an adventure in the leisurescape. The autumn turns out to be mild and luxurious, pulling once again travellers from all over the world to explore the rich collaboration of nature and colonial heritage. During the peak winter season the hill station is carpeted with a thick layer of snow simply captivating the domestic travellers and pulling in thousands of skiers from all over the world. Shimla, throughout the decades, housing several colonial buildings such as the Christ Church, George Castle, and Wildflower Hall that is now a heritage hotel in Shimla; temples like the Jakhoo Temple and Tara Devi Temple; and museums, is valued as an important cultural hub in Himachal Pradesh. The Mall Road arraying with several shops of traditional crafts and dresses, hotels and restaurants… is one of the busiest places in Shimla throughout the day. From the bucket list of exploring the best of nature… one must visit the Chadwick Waterfalls and Daranghati Sanctuary. If you are planning for skiing in Shimla during the winter, the ideal places are the slopes of Kufri, which is an hour drive from the hill station. On the other hand, travellers seeking for bit of peace from the tourist crowd may drive to Chail that is approximately 45 kilometers from Shimla.
At a Glance
| Tourist Attractions | Type | Interesting Facts | Best Time to visit |
| Christ Church | Religious | – A neo-gothic style of architecturebuilt in 1857- Pipe-Organ of Christ Church is the biggest in the Indian subcontinent | All throughout the year |
| Jakhoo Temple | Religious | – Situated on the Jakhoo Hill that is also Shimla’s highest peak | All throughout the year |
| Tara Devi Temple | Religious | – The first idol of goddess Tara Devi was made of wood which was installed in accordance with Vaishnav traditions. | All throughout the year |
| Sankat Mochan Temple | Religious | – It is the second most popular tourist spot after Jakhoo Temple | All throughout the year |
| The Mall | Recreational | – Scandal Point is one of the prominent tourist attractions- It is the center to a large number of shops, restaurants, a heritage theater | All throughout the year |
| Shimla State Museum | History & Culture | – Houses several galleries including the Pre-historic gallery, wood-carving gallery, archaeological gallery, wall painting gallery and numismatic gallery | All throughout the year |
| The Ridge | Nature | – The Ridge is the connecting point of Mall Road, Lakkar Bazaar, Scandal Point, US Club and Jakhu. | – During the Summer Festival- During the Winter |
| Naldhera | Nature | – It has India’s oldest nine hole golf course | – Summer |
| Chail | Nature | – It has the highest cricket pitch in the world | – Summer |
| Kufri | Nature | – One of the best skiing destinations in India | – Winter |
Manali
Yet another liaison with nature throughout the year takes place in Manali, which lies at an altitude of 2,050 meters in Kullu district. The nature here is a turf of spanning and scenic meadows and widely dispersed forest of alpine trees including deodar and pine AND apple, plum, and pear orchards in the lap of snow crested horizon. Manali, on the other hand, is the gateway to several remote places in Himachal Pradesh and also wide opens countless adventure activities like trekking, river rafting, paragliding, hiking, mountain biking, skiing and mountaineering. The Beas Kund Trek, Bhrigu Lake Trek, Malana Trek and Chandra Tal Trek are some of the popular trekking options from Manali that can be recommended both for amateur and experienced trekkers. The major tourist attractions in and around Manali are Hidimba Devi Temple, Pandoh Dam, Bijli Mahadev, Manali Sanctuary, and the Mall. Rohtang Pass at an altitude of approximately 4,000 meters, which is the highest point in the region, is undoubtedly a must visit place from Manali. The lush greenscape of Solang Valley that turns out to be one of the best skiing slopes in India… is another nearby attraction from Manali. If you are holidaying in Manali for a longer period then a trail through the Great Himalayan National Park is a must leading you to explore the spine-chilling wilderness.
At a Glance
| Tourist Attractions | Type | Interesting Facts | Best Time to visit |
| Shri Mani Karan Sahib | Religious | – Guru Nanak came to this place in 15 Asu 1574 Bikrami with his disciple Bhai Mardana | All throughout the year |
| Hidimba Devi Temple | Religious | – An ancient temple that dilates various scenes from the Hindu epic Mahabharata | – All throughout the year |
| Bijli Mahadev Temple | Religious | – From Chansari village has to trek 3 kilometers uphill | – All throughout the year |
| Arjun Gufa | Religious | – It is said that Arjuna, one of the Pandava brothers, meditated in this place to get the possession of the powerful ‘Pashupati Astra’ ( weapon ) from Shiva. | – All throughout the year |
| Jagatsukh Shiva Temple | Religious | – One of the ancient temples that was built in the 8th century | – All throughout the year |
| Manu Temple | Religious | – Believed to be the only Manu temple dedicated to the creator of human race on the earth | – All throughout the year |
| Solang Valley | Nature | – Adventure activities like zorbing, paragliding | – Summer |
| Rohtang Pass | Nature | – Highest point in the region (appx.4,000 meters) and the gateway to Lahaul-Spiti district from Manali. | – Summer |
| Beas Kund | Nature | – Source of River Beas- 2 days trek | – Summer |
| Bhrigu Lake | Nature | – 2 days trek from Gulaba Village | – Summer |
| Chandrakhani Pass | Nature | – Gateway to Malana Village- 4-5 days of trek | – Summer |
| Manali Wildlife Sanctuary | Nature | – Wildlife attractions | – Summer |
| Great Himalayan National Park | Nature | – Wildlife Attractions | – Summer |
DALHOUSIE
The name itself represents the colonial colours. Dalhousie at an elevation of 1,970 meters is another popular hill station in India in Himachal Pradesh which is well known for housing several heritage buildings that dates back from the early 19th century. The St. Andrew’s Church and St. Patrick’s Church at Balun, St. Francis’ Church at Subash Chowk and St. John’s Church at Gandhi Chowk are some of the prominent churches in Dalhousie that reflects the typical European architectural style. Other attractions in Dalhousie are Rang Mahal, Chamunda Devi Temple, Jhandri Ghat, Shivkul ashram, and Bhuri Singh Museum. Set in the midst of thick forest of oak, pine and deodar in the Dhauladar range, Dalhousie is haven for wildlife enthusiast and landscape photographers. The Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, which is approximately 5 kilometers from Dalhousie, marks a pleasant gateway. It provides shelter to various species of flora and fauna AND also offers several forest trails including the Kalatop-Khajjiar trek.
At a Glance
| Tourist Attractions | Type | Interesting Facts | Best Time to visit |
| St. John’s Church | Religious | – Built in 1863, this Church was the first to be built after the town of Dalhousie was founded. | – All throughout the year |
| St. Francis Church | Religious | – It is believed to have been built on the lines of a certain church in England. | – All throughout the year |
| St. Patrick’s Church | Religious | – It has a seating capacity of 300 persons | – All throughout the year |
| St. Andrew’s Church | Religious | – Also known as Church of Scotland | – All throughout the year |
| Lakshmi Narayan Temple | Religious | – It was built more than 150 years ago and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu | – All throughout the year |
| Shivkul | Religious | – It is an ashram of Vimala Thakur | – All throughout the year |
| Subhash Baoli | Nature | – Netaji Subhash Chander Bose during his 7 months sojourn in Dalhousie in 1937 is believed to have spent most of his days by the side of this water body | – All throughout the year |
| Satdhara Springs | Nature | – Medicinal value | – All throughout the year |
| Kalatop | Nature | – Wildlife attractions | – Summer |
| Lakkarmandi | Culture | – Home to Dhogri families | – All throughout the year |
Khajjiar
Located in Chamba district and just 24 kilometers away from Dalhousie, Khajjiar is another popular hill station that is tucked at an altitude of 2,000 meters. Khajjiar is long-familiar for hosting a picturesque ecosystem with lakes, pastures and forest. If you are looking for camping in Himachal Pradesh then this is it… where you can pitch your tent in the midst of wilderness.
At a Glance
| Tourist Attractions | Type | Interesting Facts | Best Time to visit |
| Khajjiar Lake | Nature | – It is a perennial lake and is fed by a number of tiny water streams | – Summer |
| Khajji Nag Temple | Religious | – An ancient temple that dates back to 12th century | – All throughout the year |
| Panch Pandav Tree | Nature | – Shooting spot | – All throughout the year |
| Golden Devi Temple | Religious | – The temple’s golden spire is the major attraction | – All throughout the year |
| Khajjiar villages | Culture | – Villages like Roda and Ladi are notable for apple orchards | – Winter |
Dharamshala
What could be more fascinating than taking in the view of the mighty snow capped peaks of Dhauladar range from a stone throw distance? Dharamshala at an elevation of approximately 1,500 meters and surrounded by dense pine and deodar forests is a perfect getaway for both leisure and adventurous travellers. The hill station is dotted with several architectural and cultural attractions that include the ruins of Kangra Fort and Nurpur Fort, which is approximately 66 kilometers away from Dharamshala; War Memorial that is dedicated to the Indian soldiers who lost their lives in Indo China war of 1962, Indo-Pak wars of 1947, 1965 and 1971 and UN peace operations; Chamunda Devi Temple; Kangra Art Museum; and Library of Tibetan Works and Archives. Moreover… the international cricket stadium in the lap of the Dhauladar range is another major tourist attraction in Dharamshala. Close to Dharamshala and at the Upper Valley, Mcleodganj, the seat of Dalai Lama, is a must visit place from Dharamshala. Mcleodganj houses the typical Indo-Tibetan culture and the major attraction is the impressive Namgyal Monastery that was built in the mid 16th century. Nonetheless, travellers looking for some leisure activities have the option of going for angling for Masheer at the River Beas in the 20 kilometer stretch between Nadaun and Pong Dam. Encircling the hill station there are several other attractions like the Bajreshwari temple, Kumar Pathri, Gyuto Monastery, Triund, and Jawalamukhi Temple. Travellers seeking to explore the best of Dhauladar Range… have the option of picking from treks such as Dhauladhar Round Trek, Indrahara Pass Trek, Moon Peak Trek, Nag Dal Trek, Kareri Lake Trek, and Lam Dal trek.
Famous Lakes
At a Glance
| Name | How to reach | ||
| From | Via | Appx. Distance (kms. ) | |
| Nako Lake | Shimla | Kalpa-Moorang-Spello | 316 |
| Beas Kund | Manali | Burwa | 27 |
| Bhrigu Lake | Manali | Gulaba | 14 |
| Chandra Tal | Manali | Batal | 123 |
| Suraj Tal | Manali | Keylong | 190 |
| Dashir Lake | Manali | Rohtang Pass | 7 |
| Kareri Lake | Dharamshala | Kareri village | 24 |
| Prashar Lake | Mandi | Baggi | 49 |
| Manimahesh Lake | Chamba | Hadsar | 52 |
| Lama Dal | Chamba | Minkiyani Pass | 45 |
National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries
At a Glance
| Name | Area in Sq.kms. | Major attractions | Best time to visit |
| Great Himalayan National Park | 1,171 | blue sheep, snow leopard, Himalayan brown bear, Himalayan Tahr, and musk deer | Summer |
| Pin Valley National Park | 1,150 | Snow Leopard and Red Fox | Summer |
| Chail Wildlife Sanctuary | 110 | Himalayan Black Bear | Summer |
| Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary | 31 | Birding | Summer |
