Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, is an incredibly popular hill station for Indian families and honeymooners alike. Located at a height of 2200m, it was once the summer capital of British India and continues to be a favourite destination for tourists from all over the world. The hill station exudes an old-world charm with its beautiful colonial architecture, pedestrian-friendly Mall Road, and a ridge lined with numerous shops, cafes, and restaurants. Shimla is easily accessible through various modes of transport and caters to all kinds of travellers, whether adventure seekers or honeymooners, who seek to escape the daily grind and immerse themselves in the lap of nature.
Manali is a breathtaking hill station situated in the Northern end of the Kullu Valley in Himachal Pradesh. It's a complete package of natural beauty, delicious cuisine, thrilling adventure sports, ancient heritage sites, and religious temples. The town boasts spectacular valleys filled with lush forests, gushing waterfalls, sprawling meadows, terraced farming, and fruit orchards, all against the backdrop of the mighty Himalayas. Manali's remarkable architecture and stunning views make it an absolute must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and religious devotees alike.
Dharamshala is a picturesque city nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is situated at an altitude of 1,457 meters above sea level and is surrounded by lush green forests of deodar cedar trees.
Dalhousie is a popular hill station in Himachal Pradesh established in 1854 and named after Lord Dalhousie with stunning views of the Dhauladhar ranges. It's known for its meadows, dense forests, and waterfalls, and is a favourite among honeymooners and families. It is known for its mesmerizing natural landscapes, colonial architecture, woollen shawls, Tibetan handicrafts, and Chamba handkerchiefs. The town's main market is The Mall Road. Khajjiar, 21 km away from Dalhousie, is known as the mini Switzerland of India and offers spellbinding vistas of mountains and lush green pastures of land.
Spiti Valley is an awe-inspiring destination that exudes serenity and spirituality, leaving visitors spellbound. The valley is studded with numerous Buddhist monasteries and breath-taking natural wonders that remain uncharted and hence, untarnished. Spiti Valley, located in Himachal Pradesh, boasts a rugged terrain that is home to the pristine and fast-flowing Spiti River. This river is a favourite among adventure-seekers, especially those who love river rafting, as it meanders through deep gorges and valleys with ease. The verdant and verdurous landscape of the valley, encompassed by towering snow-capped mountains, offers endless opportunities for explorers to indulge in thrilling activities such as trekking, paragliding, and camping.
The Kullu Valley is an expansive and picturesque valley formed by the Beas River, located between Manali and Larji. This valley is renowned for its verdant hills adorned with pine and deodar forests, vast apple orchards and numerous temples. The breathtaking natural beauty of this region, coupled with its refreshing climate and pristine river, make Kullu a popular resort town. Moreover, it serves as a base for several high-altitude mountain peaks and trekking expeditions, making it a must-visit destination for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Kasol, Himachal Pradesh, is a popular destination for backpackers and budget travellers seeking adventure. It offers a plethora of experiences, be it visual, spiritual, or life-changing. With a wide range of places to visit, Kasol can be proclaimed as a whole adventure in itself. Set amidst the green hills of the Parvati Valley, it is a hub for people looking to escape their mundane lives and take on the Himalayas. The village of Malana, located nearby, is a great place to experience the local culture. The valley is also popular for its Israeli food, street-side cafes, and flea markets selling souvenirs and semi-precious stones.
Kufri, situated near Shimla, is an incredibly picturesque town that enjoys immense popularity among honeymooners visiting Himachal Pradesh. Enveloped by a circle of the mighty Himalayan ranges, Kufri is an extremely sought-after vacation spot in Himachal Pradesh. Nestled amidst the heart of the Himalayas, Kufri is undeniably one of the most stunning places to explore in Himachal. The lofty valleys of this quaint town stay delightfully green in warmer months, while they transform into a surreal white paradise during winters, offering some of the most breathtaking sights you'll ever lay your eyes on.
Himachal Pradesh has a total of 3 airports that allow easy access to major parts of the country. Bhuntar, Kangra and Shimla are the major airports of the city that operate with domestic flights.
Travelling to Himachal Pradesh via train offers the best travelling experience. There are a total of 57 railway stations that allow tourists to explore all the parts of the state. The state is known for the Kalka-Shimla train tract that has been added to the heritage site by UNESCO.
20 national highways connect Himachal Pradesh with the rest of the Indian states. Some of the major national highways include NH 3, 5, 7, 70 and 154.
Situated in the northern part of the country, Himachal Pradesh is the most preferred destination for tourists. With beautiful snow-peaked mountains and lush green hills, the state offers the best escape in the summer due to which it has been declared by the British as ‘the summer capital of India’. The state is widely known for its rich wildlife that inhabits a variety of animals including Ibex, Musk Deer, Himalayan Black Bear, Brown Bear, Leopards and Himalayan Thar.
The state is well known for its lush green hills and majestic mountains that offer a picturesque view of the valley. Dharamshala is a beautiful mountain which is home to Dalai Lama, head monk of Tibetan Buddhism who is also regarded as the living Buddha. Filled with an abundance of nature’s beauty and serene environment, Himachal Pradesh has been able to stand as one of the best tourist destinations for tourists from all over the world. Besides scenic beauty, the state of Himachal Pradesh also attracts a huge number of adventure seekers and travel enthusiasts with its wide range of exciting and adrenaline-rushing activities some of which are trekking, river rafting, ice skiing, paragliding, mountain biking and many more.
The state of Himachal Pradesh follows a rich culture that has been retained from generations following old-age customs and traditions. The state inhabits people from diverse religions with diverse languages spoken all over the state. Hinduism is the major religion of the state followed by Buddhism. Agriculture is the major occupation of the people along with the rearing of goats and sheep in the valleys.
The cuisines of Himachal Pradesh are similar to the cuisine of other north Indian states. Rice, lentils and Vegetables are the staple diet. Meat is a major part of their cuisine it is prepared in a thick gravy texture using local spices and ingredients. The food dishes of the state change according to seasons and climatic conditions that offer tourists unique foods in every season. Madra, Tudkiya Bhat, Chaa Gosht, Siddu and Babru are some of the common foods that are widely consumed all over the state.
The state is well-known for its charm and vibrant lifestyle that can be observed on the eve of festivals and religious events. Festivals showcase the cultural heritage along with the authentic lifestyle of the people. Dance and music are the major part of their celebrations which are performed wearing colourful dresses and elegant jewelry. Some of the common festivals of Himachal Pradesh include Losar, Halda, Doongri Fair, Mandi Shivratri Festival, Nalwari Cattle Fair and many more.