If you like anything and everything about snow, you may be inspired by the meaning of the word Himachal. ‘The land of snows’, the meaning, is adequate to give you an idea of what to expect here. Himachal Pradesh is located in the western Himalayas. Surrounded by majestic mountains, out of which some still challenge mankind to conquer them, the beauty of the land is beyond imagination. Shimla, one of the most captivating hill stations, is the capital of the state. Given below are the top 16 places to visit in Himachal Pradesh.
1. Kullu
Kullu in Himachal Pradesh is one of the most frequented tourist destinations. Often heard along with the name Manali, yet another famous tourist spot, Kullu is situated on the banks of Beas River. It was earlier called as Kulanthpitha, meaning ‘The end of the habitable world’. Awe-inspiring, right? Kullu valley is also known as the ‘Valley of Gods’. Here are some leading destinations in the magical land.
- Basheshwar Mahadev Temple
- Sultanpur Palace
- Parvati Valley
- Great Himalayan National Park
- Kasol
- Bijli Mahadev Temple
- Manikaran
- Bhrigu Lake
The attractions in Kullu are more. Trekking, mountaineering, angling, skiing, white water rafting and para gliding are some of the adventurous sports available here.
2. Manali
Located at an altitude of 6726 feet, Manali offers splendid views of the snow-capped mountains. The land is not just a feast to your visual senses; it also offers you the chance to ascertain your fitness level with the sporting facilities here. Given below are some top destinations in Manali for you to enjoy and bring out the adventurer in you.
- Rohtang Pass
- Solang valley
- Hadimba Devi Temple
- Vashist Hot Water Springs
- Tibetan Monasteries
- Beas River
- Gulaba
- Kothi
- Manu Temple
3. Shimla
The enchanting beauty of Shimla made British declare the land as their summer capital. The colonial influence is still evident in the city. The hill station offers spectacular views of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges. With lakes and rich greenery around, Simla welcomes tourists round the year, of course, if you don’t mind the ‘below zero’ temperature in winter. Here are the leading destinations in Simla.
- The Ridge
- Jakhoo Hill
- Mall Road
- Kalka–Shimla Railway
- Christ Church
- Indian Institute Of Advanced Study
- Summer Hill
- Kufri
- Annandale
- The Shimla State Museum
- Chail
- Solan
- Daranghati Sanctuary
- Naldehra And Shaily Peak
- Arki Fort
4. Chamba
The spectacular beauty of Chamba has made this place dear to nature lovers. Located on the banks of River Ravi and at an altitude of over 900 meters above sea level, Chamba makes an excellent holiday retreat. Here are some important destinations in Chamba.
- Akhand Chandi Palace
- Champavati Temple
- Lakshmi Narayan Temples
- Chamunda Devi Temple
- Bhuri Singh Museum
5. Dharamshala
‘The Scotland of India’, as Dharamshala is famously referred to, has snow-clad mountains on three sides and valley on one side. The mountains being over 4000 m height, you can have an excellent view of them from every viewpoint. Pine trees and tree gardens along with snow covered mountains render magic to the air. Here are some top attractions in Dharamshala.
- Tsuglagkhang Complex
- Namgyal Monastery
- Masrur
- Attractions in Mcleodganj
- Kareri Lake
- Gyuto Monastery
- Kangra Museum
- Kangra Fort
- Dal Lake in Dharamshala
- Naddi Village
6. Dalhousie
Retaining not only the colonial looks but also the name, Dalhousie, was named after Lord Dalhousie, who was the British governor in the 19th century. This hill station is spread across five hills. The varying altitudes of the land have a wide range of vegetation including pine, oak and deodar. Here are the leading attractions in Dalhousie.
- Khajjiar
- Kalatop Wildlife Reserve
- Dainkund Peak
- Ganji Pahari
- St. Francis Church
- Panchpula
- Chamera Lake
- Garam Sadak
- Subhash Baoli
- Sach Pass
7. Kangra
One of the scenic valleys in Himachal Pradesh, Kangra, is not just rich in nature but also in history and culture. It has a rich past, which could be gauged by the fact that its name is mentioned in the epic Mahabharata. This picturesque valley has some of the beautiful attractions to offer.
- Kangra Fort
- Nadaun
- MaharanaPratap Sagar Lake
- Taragarh Palace
- Gopalpur Nature Park
- Nurpur
- Nadaun
- Indrahar Pass
- Tatwani Hot Spring
- Kareri Lake
8. Kasauli
Kasauli is situated at an altitude of 1927 meters and like a few other places in Himachal Pradesh, reflects the influence of colonial rule. The views from here are spectacular. The serenity of the place is enchanting. Here are some top attractions in Kasauli.
- Kasauli Brewery
- Christ Church
- Sunset Point
- The Mall
- Manki Point
- Krishna Bhavan Mandir
- Gilbert Nature Trail
- Shri Baba Balak Nath Temple
- Barog
- Gurkha Fort
9. Hamirpur
Being in the lower elevation, Hamirpur is warmer. The altitudes vary from near flat lands to higher levels of land that reach up to the heights of cliffs. The hilly ranges here offer great scope for trekking. The land is said to be the most literate district in the state of Himachal Pradesh. Given below are some of the tourist attractions in Hamirpur.
- Deotsidh Temple
- Sujanpur Tihra
- Awah Devi Temple
- Bilkeshwar Temple
10. Parwanoo
Parwanoo, surrounded by hills is yet another beautiful hill station in the land. The town, surrounded by lush greenery, lies near the border of Haryana and hence, it is a convenient location from where you could visit many tourist attractions nearby. Here are some of the tourist attractions in and around Parwanoo.
- Kalka
- Pinjore
- Mughal Gardens
- Fruit Orchards
- Gurudwara Nada Sahib
- Cactus Garden
- Timber Trail
11. Solan
Solan, famously called ‘The mushroom city of India’, is a beautiful city located amidst scenic snow-clad mountains and forests. Mushroom farming being very extensive here, the land is named thus. It is a great place for trekking and it is heaven for those who love to feel oneness with nature. Here are the top attractions in Solan.
- Mohan Shakti National Park
- Karol Tibba
- The Mall Road
- Shoolini Mata Temple
- Motilal Nehru Central State Library
12. Pragpur
At an altitude of 2000 feet, Pragpur, the first heritage village in India, offers spectacular views of Kangra Valley. Everything about Pragpur is interesting; natural beauty, rich culture, historical importance, friendly climate, beautiful greenery, easy access and anything you would consider when you travel to a place. Leading destinations in Pragpur include:
- Chamba Pattan
- The Taal
- The Judge’s Court
- Jwalamukhi Temple
Apart from visits to these places, you can indulge yourself in trekking, bird watching and fishing.
13. Sirmaur
Sirmaur is located on the south-eastern part of the state. The district is famous for its peach, which is from Rajgarh region, famously called the Peach Bowl. Fossils aging 85 million years have been found here. Every one of the destinations here is important and interesting.
- Shivalik Fossil Park
- Churdhar Peak
- Renukaji
- Haripur
- Habban Valley
14. Chail
Chail is a famous hill station in Himachal Pradesh that is known for many things. It was founded in the year 1891 by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala. The pleasant atmosphere in Summers and the scenic views of Shimla, Solan and Kasauli can also be seen from here. It is also the place where the highest cricket ground is located and is visited by many cricket enthusiasts from all over the world.
- Cricket Ground
- Maa Kali Temple
- Chail Palace Hotel
- Sidh Baba Ka Mandir
- Chail Wildlife Sanctuary
15. Una
At an elevation of 1210 feet, the hottest district in the state, Una, is referred to as the Gateway to Himalayas. The land seems an exception in Himachal Pradesh, where most of the cities are in the hilly region. If you intend to visit the place in summer, you need to have cotton clothes to make your stay comfortable. Here are the destinations in Una.
- Pong Dam
- Chintpurni Temple
- Thaneek Pura
- Kaleshwar
- Kila Baba Bedi Ji
16. Taragarh
Taragarh is one of the most picturesque areas in the land of Himachal Pradesh and not much explored too. Lying on the foot of Dhauladhar Mountains, Taragarh offers spectacular views of the snow-clad peaks around. The tourist destinations here are few but you have a good deal of sporting activities. Check what you can do here:
- Tashijong Monastery
- Andretta Pottery Village
Annual international competitions in para gliding and hang gliding are held here.
Those who have visited Himachal Pradesh would agree with me if I were to say that words can do no justice to the exquisite beauty of the land. I have tried to give information on the tourist destinations as I am sure any attempt to describe the beauty of the land is equal to scaling even a small mountain without adequate training and experience. Do write to include the destinations I have missed to include.
Photos are very nicely shooted… very colorful!!
This is good, however, the most beautiful places in Himachal are left out: Kinnaur, Lahaul and Spiti.
Hi, I am going to visit Himachal Pradesh in few days.
I will be going there from Dehradun and would like to visit Shimla,Manali,Dharamshala and Dalhousie.
Can you suggest me an itinerary ?
Thanks.
Hi,
Palampur is very beautiful too. Also Mandi (Parashar Lake), Kalpa are very good places.
Sir you ignore Mandi dist likely rewalsar lake, parashar lake & barot valley.
Hi m going to visit himachal in end of december cn u pz tell most attractive places in hp. I jst wnt to travel in whole hp in 4 days.
very funny..not possible in 4 days
1. First Day Shimla
2. Second day Kufri
2 day best in hill station in HP
other wise you go to Kulu than Manali and Rohtan Pass
I need Package for me & my wife with 2 kids age 8 years & 4 years. Need Package for 4 nights & 5 days. My budget is approx is 35 to 40 K including every thing.
I just completed my himachal visit shimla ,kullu ,manali , rampur ,sarhan ,kinnour,kalpa ,sangla,chitkul ,kaza ,tabo ,keylong ,rohtang ,kufri ,palampur ,dharamshala ,mclodgunj ,dalhousie …..and return from pathankot .I am from jabalpur mp .hptdc helped me lots to make my trip successful .and my taxi driver so much co-operative .excellent place i visit.
In how many days your trip ended ?
East or west shimla is the best.
Dharamshala is very beautiful place.
You have not enter the name of District Mandi and his tourist places. please enter all of them with the name of Maa Shikari Temple near by Green Velly Janjehli as well as many other places.
Ya he did not mention mandi…various tourist destinations in mandi are : –
1. Prashar Lake
2. Rewalsar Lake
3. Sundernagar
4. Kamlah Fort
5. Shikari Devi
6. Kamrunag Lake
and many more….
Sir,
Kalpa, Lahol Spiti most beautiful place of himachal but there are lack of infrastructure.
Kalpa, Lahol spiti is gorgeous place sir..
Dharamshala is most beautiful city in H.P.
I am looking at 7 night package in Himachal. I am from Bangalore. This is my first backpack trip. This is for one person. Looking for some exploration too.
hi, these places are very beautiful one must go atleast one time.
sir the information provided by you here is very much useful for the tourists coming from outside……and the photos are of high quality……but sir as i know about the pic for una….its not of una but it is of dalhousie beacause its the front view from my home….this is hotel peace channels……thanks and regards
I am going to vaishno devi..after That i have 5 more day..i wanna visit HP..but m confused..where to go n how …so can you suggest me places to visit n everything about convenience…because this is my first time and i am with my family..so don wanna ruin all these…
Kindly help…
I want to visit Shimla, kullu, kufri,Manali, Rohtang pass . Duration of stay 6-7 days. Can you please plan an itinerary for the same.You may add any other place . Our focus is snow and planning our trip in 20th to 28th Nov´16.we are 3 persons child wife & me.
If You want to get real heaven feel with simlicity so just come to North India Himachal Pradesh and take the fly ride in World famous paragliding site which is situated in Bir Billing Dist.Kangra .
Palampur is a big heaven for holiday. .it is a Beautiful city in all himachal
Photos are too eye-catching. Thanks for sharing such beautiful destinations.
we are from tamilnadu.we around 5 to 6 families like to visit himachal pradesh in april – may. we like to cover HP in a week time. could u please give us an itenary.
Hi am going to plan to mani mahesh Yatra from baa galore can u suggest me
Worlds richest Natural Beauty .
All of these are only outer himachal, too many actually good places are missing, like
1. narkanda the ultimate for ski lovers,
2. kalpa where you see the color changing kinner kailash peak,
3. Sangla valley truly the majestic valley it is.
4. Kaza where You see the core himachal
5. Kunzum pass where really goddesses live
6. Chandler Taal where you see the magic of nature.
This is most beautiful state in India.
its all fabilus place..i loved my love and this all heaven of peace
Manali is Awsome place with its spectacular beauty in all INDIA. Visit Kullu Manali
Hi,
I look forward to visit Himachal Pradesh during mild snowfall. Request you to suggest the number of days required to cover top tourist spots in the area. Please mention the names of the places to be visited. Moreover, i would like to incorporate train journey from Kalka to Simla. If there is any other better train trip please suggest.
Thanks & regards
Zahid Ahmed
Himachal is a very beautiful place to go for holiday in summer. Enjoy Khajjiar, Dalhousie & Chamba,
no. you are wrong.
And what about expenses ?
What about the expenses for a couple of total Himachal as described ?
What’s the fee of paragliding there?
I would like to visit the places like Dalhousie, Chamba, Dharmsala & Khajjiar from Pathankot. Can u suggest somebody the days are require during October month.
Wow! I have almost visited all places and currently in Sirmour.
Thanks.
The information shared here is very much useful for the tourists coming from outside and the inspirational picture gallery. These places are very beautiful. Dharamshala is most beautiful place in India. I never visited there yet and want to visit soon.
Himachal Pradesh is very attractive place in India. Everyone can enjoy in these places. Shimla, Dharamshala and Manali is very nice places in Himachal.
Wow such an informative article.
There are great destinations in Himachal Pradesh. I like these places in Himachal.
Next month we are planning a trip with the family. So, Himachal is the best place for travelling. Thanks for sharing these wonderful places.
Hi.
How much you spend there?
Himachal pradesh is the best place according to me. It has all the elements which makes a holiday A WOW experience.
yes sunset point in naddi is very beautiful❤️❤️
These are all really beautiful places everyone should visit at least once. I appreciate your good work . I will also share this with my friends. thanks
Absolutely beautiful place in himachal Pradesh in norten india is amazing journey across multiple choice sources is known as mini switerzer land everyone can like it,such like as good experiences