Top 20 places to explore in Himachal Pradesh for a joyous vacation

Here are the best places to visit in Himachal.

1. Kasauli

Nestled in Shivalik Hills, Kasauli is famous for its vast natural beauty and tranquillity that attracts many people to find solace from the hustle and bustle of the city. Stocked with amazing sights it is also called a hikers’ paradise. Kasauli has maintained its colonial charm unscathed. It is a perfect weekend escape for nature lovers to explore a lot of things here.

Top attractions

• Gurkha Fort
• The Mall Road
• Gilbert Trail
• Sunrise Point
• Monkey Point
• Kasauli Brewery
• Sunset Point
• Christ Church
• Timber Trail Resort

Activities to explore

• Fun at Hangout Bar
• Trekking
• Visit Kasauli Brewery
• Nature Walk
• Toy Train Ride
• Embrace Nature at Gilbert Trail

The best time to visit

• April to June, September to November

How to reach

• By Train: Kalka Railway Station
• By Air: Chandigarh Airport
• By Road: Take buses that ply from Chandigarh and Delhi

2. Manali

Located at the height of 2,050 metres in the Kullu district, Manali is one such apparent choice among people to enjoy the spectacular vistas and snow-capped mountains. This famous hill station is also famous for its deodar and pine forests, and rich cultural heritage. People can enjoy a perfect weekend indulging in adventure activities. There are many resorts in Manali to plan your luxury staycation.

Top attractions

• Hadimba Temple
• Solang Valley
• Rohtang Pass
• Vashisht Hot Spring
• Naggar

Activities to explore

• Paragliding
• Trekking
• Adventure camping
• Skiing
• Downhill cycling
• Visiting local markets to purchase souvenirs and other items

The best time to visit

• October to February

How to reach

• By Train: Joginder Nagar Railway Station
• By Air: Kullu Manali Airport
• By Road: Take a bus or a taxi from Delhi, Chandigarh, Leh, or Shimla

3. Dalhousie

Situated above the sea level at 2000 metres in Chamba district, Dalhousie is a famous tourist attraction to explore in Himachal Pradesh. The name of the place derives from Lord Dalhousie, the man behind its foundation. The breathtaking vistas make this hill station a worthy place to be included in the travel bucket list. The famous freedom fighter of India, Subhash Chandra Bose was also smitten by the enchanting scenic beauty of Dalhousie.

Top attractions

• Subhash Baoli
• Panchpula Waterfall
• Bhalei Mata Temple
• St. John’s Church
• St. Patrick’s Church
• Bhulwani Mata Temple
• Satdhara Falls
• St. Francis Church
• Bakrota Hills
• Dainkund Peak
• Kalatop Forest
• Karelanu

Activities to explore

• Paragliding
• Rock climbing
• Camping
• River rafting
• River crossing
• Hiking at Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary

The best time to visit

• March to May

How to reach

• By Train: Chakki Bank Railway Station, Pathankot
• By Air: Dharamsala Airport
• By Road: You can board state-owned or private buses running from Delhi to Dalhousie

4. Tirthan Valley

Next on the list is Tirthan Valley. This is an offbeat tourist destination in Himachal and is included on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The place is decked with beautiful scenic vistas of coniferous forests, mountains, and alpine meadows. It is the perfect place to seek peace away from the hustle and bustle of the city. 

Top attractions

• Serolsar Lake
• River Tirthan
• Great Himalayan National Park
• Sarchi Village
• Jalori Pass

Activities to explore

• Exploring scenic sights of villages
• Visiting the Great Himalayan National Park
• Spending quality time at River Tirthan
• Trekking
• Camping
• Rappelling
• Fishing

The best time to visit

• October to March

How to reach

• By Train: Ambala Railway Station or Kiratpur Railway Station
• By Air: Bhuntar Airport or Chandigarh Airport
• By Road: HPTDC buses plying from Delhi, Chandigarh, and Haryana

5. Mashobra

Mashobra is one of the places in Himachal to experience complete peace and watch the amazing view of the lofty Himalayan Peaks. This serene hill station is adorned with the natural beauty of quaint landscapes which appear so pleasing to the eyes and refreshing to one’s exhausting soul. In one word, it can be described as a paradise for adventure seekers. To make your trip wonderful and reminiscing, you must book an opulent resort in Mashobra. 

Top attractions

• Craignano
• Chadwick Falls
• Reserve Forest Sanctuary
• The Presidential Retreat
• Jakhu Temple
• Wildflower Hall
• Lakkar Bazaar
• Mahasu Devta Temple
• Tattapani River

Activities to explore

• Rappelling
• Trekking
• Photography
• Fishing
• Shopping
• Temple visits
• Climbing
• Nature walks
• Exploring wildlife

The best time to visit

• April to June

How to reach

• By Train: Shimla railway station
• By Air: Jubbarhatti Airport
• By Road: You can easily catch local buses in Mashobra as it links with Shimla and other cities in Himachal Pradesh.

6. Kullu

Nestled in the central part of Himachal Pradesh, Kullu is one of the famous travel destinations for the people in India. The place is decked with lush green meadows, ancient temples, natural hot springs, and idyllic villages on the bank of river Parvati. All these features make Kullu a pristine beauty to explore. Other than scenic vistas, you will find peace at some of its major temples. 

Top attractions

• Bhrigu Lake
• Bijli Mahadev Temple
• Jana Waterfall
• Manikaran
• Beas Kund
• Great Himalayan National Park

Activities to explore

• Trekking at Malana Village, Kheerganga, Prashar Lake, and Bhrigu Lake
• Enjoying in Manikaran hot springs
• Visiting holy sites including Bijli Mahadev Temple, Raghunath Temple, and Gauri Shankar Temple

The best time to visit

• March to June

How to reach

• By Train: Joginder Nagar railway station
• By Air: Bhuntar Airport
• By Road: You can board regular buses that ply from multiple neighbouring states

7. Dharamshala

Like Kasauli, Dharamshala also fares in keeping its rich colonial influence. But other than this, the place attracts more attention from the Indo-Tibetan community. You will see several flags flying all over the place and sights of monks everywhere in this Himachal town. There are many best hotel in Dharamshala for your comfy staycation. 

Top attractions

• Norbulingka Institute
• Bhagsunag Falls
• St. John Church
• Bhagsunag Temple
• War Memorial
• Chamunda Devi Temple
• Gyuto Monastery
• Kanga Art Museum

Activities to explore

• Doing shopping at Mcleodganj Market
• Picnicking at Dal Lake
• Trekking to Triund Hill
• Practice meditation and learning about Tibetan culture

The best time to visit

• March to June & December to February

How to reach

• By Train: Pathankot Railway Station
• By Air: Kangra Airport
• By Road: Buses ply to nearby cities

8. Khajjiar

Khajjiar also comes among the best hill stations situated in Himachal Pradesh’s northern region. Set at a height of 2,000 metres, it is nestled in the Chamba District. The place is worth visiting for its forests, lakes, pastures, and camping. Khajjiar is an ideal travel destination for adventure seekers, where they can explore wildlife, attractive nature, and its local culture. 

Top attractions

• Khajji Nag Temple
• Khajjiar Lake
• Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary
• Kailash Village

Activities to explore

• Jungle safari
• Trekking
• Horse riding
• Zorbing

The best time to visit

• May to June

How to reach

• By Train: Pathankot Railway Station
• By Air: Dharamsala Airport
• By Road: Buses ply from New Delhi to Shimla

9. Palampur

Palampur is an ideal destination for all the tea lovers who must visit here to explore its tea plantations. The place is located in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh and is encircled by deodar forest and tea gardens. At Palampur, you will also see mansions in Victorian style and English architecture. The place also drags tourist attention with its lush greens and picturesque landscapes. You can book a luxury resort in Palampur for your convenient stay. 

Top attractions

• Baijnath Temple
• Tashi Jong Monastery
• Chamunda Devi Temple
• Saurabh Van Vihar
• Neugal Khad

Activities to explore

• Trekking
• Paragliding
• Sightseeing
• Exploring top attractions

The best time to visit

• September to June

How to reach

• By Train: Maranda Railway Station
• By Air: Gaggal airport
• By Road: Buses ply from all over main cities of Himachal Pradesh

10. Bir Billing

Bir Billing is a famous travel destination for people seeking adventure sports. The place is famously called the Paragliding Capital of India. You must visit here to practise meditation, ecological tourism, and divine studies. At Bir Billing, you will come across numerous Buddhist monasteries in a Tibetan refugee settlement. 

Top attractions

• Dharmalaya Institute
• Deer Park Institute
• Chowgan Tea Gardens
• Baijnath Temple
• Chokling Monastery
• Dharmalaya Institute

Activities to explore

• Photography
• Paragliding
• Visiting monasteries and seeking peace
• Trekking

The best time to visit

• May to July

How to reach

• By Train: Ahju Railway Station
• By Air: Kangra airport or Gaggal airport
• By Road: Take buses or taxis from Dharamshala and Shimla

11. Mcleodganj 

Mcleodganj is a popular town in Himachal Pradesh and is popularly called an abode to the Dalai Lama, a spiritual leader from Tibet. Nestled in the upper region of Dharamshala, also known as Little Lhasa. Buddhism attracts many tourist footfalls to explore courses on yoga and meditation.

Top attractions

• Tibetan Museum
• Bhagsu Falls
• Minkiani Pass
• Dhauladhar Ranges
• Namgyal Monastery

Activities to explore

• Shopping
• Partying
• Camping
• Trekking
• Sightseeing

The best time to visit

• October to June

How to reach

• By Train: Pathankot Railway Station
• By Air: Gaggal Airport
• By Road: Buses and private cars ply from Chandigarh and New Delhi

12. Nako

If you want to experience travelling to the least known places, then Nako in Himachal comes as the right travel option. This place lies in solitude away from noisy dwellings. Surrounded by willow and poplar trees, the scenic beauty of Nako is exceptional. Akin to Bir Billing, this place also has touch with Buddhism, with nearby Buddhist temples.

Top attractions

• Nako Lake
• Nako Monastery
• Nako Gompa
• Lipa-Asrang Sanctuary

Activities to explore

• Visit historical stupas, monasteries, gompas and sanctuaries
• Exploring ancient monuments
• Viewing exotic animals at Lipa-Asrang Sanctuary

The best time to visit

• April and October

How to reach

• By Train: Shimla Railway Station
• By Air: Delhi Airport to Dehradun Airport
• By Road: You can take a taxi or a bus from Delhi to reach Nako

13. Malana

If you are tired of your exhausting life routine, then you can find solace in Malana, which is located in Kullu Valley. Enveloped with lush green trees and winsome valleys, it is the best travel destination for people who love trekking and jeep safari. Enclosed with Kullu Valley and Parvati Valley, this village is worth visiting to get the amazing sights of majestic Deotibba and Chandrakhani peaks. In that way, we can say that Malana in Himachal is no less than a paradise in India.

Top attractions

• Jamadagni Temple
• Renuka Devi Shrine Temple
• The Chanderkhani
• The Deo Tibba Mountain
• The Hampta Pass
• Manikaran
• The Great Himalayan National Park
• Parvati Valley
• The Sar Lake and Pass
• Bhuntar
• Tosh
• Kheerganga

Activities to explore

• Seeking peace
• Trekking
• Jeep Safari
• Knowing about religious beliefs

The best time to visit

• April, May, June, and September

How to reach

• By Train: Joginder Nagar Railway Station
• By Air: Bhuntar Airport
• By Road: Hire a cab from Jari to reach the road-end, then go for a 4 km trek to reach Malana village.

14. Spiti Valley

Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh is one of the top travel destinations that unveils several travel attractions and sacred Buddhist spots. This snow-covered mountain is nestled at a high altitude in the Himalayas in the northeastern region of Himachal Pradesh. The meaning of the name Spiti defines The Middle Land since it is located between India and Tibet. 

Top attractions

• Pin Valley National Park
• Chandratal Lake
• Tabo Monastery
• Suraj Tal Lake
• Kee Monastery
• Dhankar Monastery
• Kunzum Pass

Activities to explore

• Trekking
• Tasting Tibetan and Spitian dishes
• Visit monasteries

The best time to visit

• March to June

How to reach

• By Train: Shimla Railway Station and Joginder Nagar Railway Station
• By Air: Kullu Airport
• By Road: Bus services ply from Shimla, Pathankot, and Delhi

15. Lahaul

Lahaul is the twin district of Spiti Valley which is 33 kilometres from Manali. You can easily reach this place via Atal Tunnel interlinking both Manali and Lahaul. Known to be the largest district in Himachal Pradesh, it is the best place to visit during the summer as the weather here is very cold due to its location at a high altitude. 

Top attractions

• Tayul Monastery
• Kardang Monastery
• Lahaul & Spiti Tribal Museum
• Shashur Gompa
• Mrikula Devi Temple
• Tower Fort of Gondhla
• Gemur Monastery

Activities to explore

• Visiting monasteries
• Seeking blessings of Goddess Kali in Mrikula Devi Temple
• Exploring Lahaul & Spiti Tribal Museum
• Hiking to Shashur Gompa from Keylong

The best time to visit

• May to June

How to reach

• By Train: Joginder Nagar Railway Station
• By Air: Bhuntar Airport
• By Road: There are direct HRTC buses (AC & Non AC) that leave Shimla at 6:30 pm

16. Chail

Chail is one of the popular hill stations to visit in Himachal Pradesh. The place is worth visiting for its natural beauty including Deodar, Chir, and Pine forests, exotic wildlife, and trekking trails of Gaura and Jhajjar. Planning a trip to Chail will turn out to be your most fun-filled vacation in Himachal. 

Top attractions

• Kali Ka Tibba
• Gurudwara Sahib
• Sadhupul Lake
• Wildlife Sanctuary
• Chail Palace
• Cricket Ground
• Himalayan Nature Park
• Siddh Baba ka Mandir

Activities to explore

• Shopping
• Camping
• Visiting temples
• Wildlife Safari
• Trekking
• Horseback riding

The best time to visit

• April to June

How to reach

• By Train: Kandaghat Railway Station
• By Air: Shimla Airport
• By Road: Buses and cabs are available to reach Chail, which is well-connected with Shimla, Delhi, and Chandigarh.

17. Kasol

Kasol is one of the known places in Himachal Pradesh that cannot be skipped from the top travel destinations. Nestled at the height of 1640 metres above sea level, this place is stocked with many exciting attractions that cannot be given a miss. On your visit to Kasol, you will many orchards of peaches, almonds, plums, apricot, apples, and pears. The village is divided into two parts by a mountain stream, called Grahan Nallah. 

Top attractions

• Kheer Ganga Peak
• Malana Village
• Khirganga
• Bhuntar Town
• Manikaran Gurudwara
• Kheer Ganga Peak
• Tosh Village

Activities to explore

• Shopping
• Camping
• Sightseeing
• Trekking

The best time to visit

• October to June

How to reach

• By Train: Pathankot Railway Station
• By Air: Bhuntar Airport, Kullu
• By Road: You can travel in HRTC buses that ply from Delhi, Haryana, and Punjab.

18. Jibhi

If you looking for a quiet place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, then Jibhi in Himachal can also be included in your travel list. Set at an altitude of 1600 metres, this small village is the best place to experience some fresh air and be at peace with oneself. It is a must-see place to visit as a solo traveller or as a honeymoon couple.

Top attractions

• Jibhi Waterfalls
• Chehni Kothi
• Serolsar Lake
• Bashleo Pass
• Raghupur Fort

Activities to explore

• Hiking
• Fishing
• Bike riding
• Rock climbing
• Relaxing

The best time to visit

• March to May

How to reach

• By Train: Shimla Railway Station
• By Air: Bhuntar Airport, Kullu
• By Road: Buses are plying from Delhi to Aut. From there you can take direct buses to Jibhi

19. Fagu

Fagu is also one of the places on the top travel list to consider visiting in Himachal. It is moreover a base camp where tourists can explore the amazing countryside view of Shimla. It is a great retreat for nature lovers, trekkers, and also for botanists. The landscapes here are covered with a blanket of fog. You will also be seeing a lot of cedar forests here. A must place to visit for those looking for solitude and natural beauty. 

Top attractions

• Apple Orchards
• Bhanthia Devta Temple
• Chharabra
• Katir
• Theog Town

Activities to explore

• Sightseeing
• Photography
• Trekking
• Exploring top attractions

The best time to visit

• October to April

How to reach

• By Train: Kalka Railway Station, Shimla
• By Air: Jubbar Hatti Airport
• By Road: Take taxis or private cars from Shimla to reach Fagu.

20. Kufri

Last on the list is Kufri. Like other top places in Himachal Pradesh including Kullu, Manali, Shimla, and Mcleodganj, Kufri also makes it the best travel destination for honeymoon couples. Adorned with refreshing greenery all over, this small town turns into snowhite during the winters Here you can explore the wildlife at Himalayan National Park.

Top attractions

• Nag Temple
• Mahasu Peak
• The Himalayan Nature Park
• Indira Tourist Park
• Kufri Zoo

Activities to explore

• Hiking
• Photography
• Trekking
• Skiing
• Exploring top spots

The best time to visit

• November to March

How to reach

• By Train: Shimla Railway Station
• By Air: Shimla Airport
• By Road: Regular buses ply from Shimla

Conclusion

These are some of the top 20 places in Himachal Pradesh that we have listed in this blog. Now it will be easier for you to make an informed decision to visit any of these top travel spots in the hilly Indian state. If you choose to stay in Palampur, Dharamshala, Manali, and Mashobra, then there are top hotels and resorts you can book for your comfy staycation. These include jüSTa Grand View Resort & Spa, Manali, Bookmark Resorts, Manali,  jüSTa Cliffend Resort & Spa, Mashobra, jüSTa Birding Resort & Spa, Dharamshala, and jüSTa Palampur Resort & Convention Centre, Palampur.

The post Top 20 Places to Explore in Himachal Pradesh 2024 first appeared on jüSTa Hotels & Resorts.