‘Him’ means snow in Sanskrit and ‘Anchal’ means lap. Himachal Pradesh has been very thoughtfully and aptly crowned as “Himachal”. Combining the two words – it means to reside in the lap of nature, which it does. Your spirit is contented in its visual and spiritual appetite with the snow-draped mountains, the prolific lush green valleys, sparkling and crystalline rivers and falls, and captivating bio-diversity.
Furthermore, Himachal has a cultural assortment, exotic food variants, and exuberant apple orchards that please the senses. Add to it the magic of unique handicrafts, hand-woven carpets, traditional woolen and hand-woven shawls, and indigenous crafts and antiques. These definitely impel you to keep asking for more.
Himachal possesses some very amazing and unforgettable tourist spots. From honeymoons, and adventure sports to religious trips; Himachal has a lot in store to offer to its visitors. Here’s our round-up for you.
1. Shimla – The Queen Of The Hills
Shimla has got it all, everything that would appeal to an outsider. Visual attraction is inevitable. It holds delightful snow-capped peaks, adventure sports spots, a legion of temples and religious buildings, monasteries, indigenous architecture, and crafts. The colonial heritage buildings and the indigenous culture and crafts are the top things. Add to it the liberty of enjoying the cool and friendly weather conditions year-round.
Must Visits:
The Ridge
In the heart of Shimla, the Ridge is a spacious open area with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. It’s a great place for strolling, shopping and enjoying cultural events.
Mall Road
A bustling street lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants, Mall Road is a shopper’s paradise. It’s the perfect place to buy local handicrafts and souvenirs.
Viceregal Lodge
Also known as Rashtrapati Niwas, this historic building once served as the summer residence of the British viceroys. It’s now home to the Indian Institute of Advanced Study.
Kufri
Just a short drive from Shimla, Kufri offers adventure activities like skiing, tobogganing, and hiking. The Himalayan Nature Park is also worth a visit.
Shimla State Museum
This museum showcases Himachal Pradesh’s rich cultural heritage with an array of artifacts, paintings, sculptures, and more.
Tara Devi Temple
Situated on a hilltop, this temple offers panoramic views of Shimla and the surrounding mountains.
2. Chamba – Hub For Arts, Music and Fun
Chamba is an ancient town in the Chamba district in the state of Himachal Pradesh. It possesses a large number of temples and palaces, and hosts two popular Patras (fairs), the “Suhi Mata Mela” and the “Minjar Mela”. These fairs last for several days and involve music and dancing. Chamba is famous for its arts and crafts, particularly its Pahari paintings, and its handicrafts and textiles. The famous historical spots are Chamunda Devi Temple, Lakshmi Narayan temples, Akhand Chandi Palace, Champavati Temple, Church of Scotland, Bhuri Singh Museum, etc.
Must Visits:
Chamba Old Town
The old town of Chamba is a treasure trove of ancient architecture, including temples, palaces, and historic buildings. Walking through its narrow streets gives you a glimpse of the town’s rich history.
Chamba Chaugan
This is a large open ground in the heart of the town where various cultural events and festivals are held. It’s a great place to relax and soak in the local atmosphere.
Laxmi Narayan Temple
Also known as Birla Mandir, this temple complex is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and houses several other shrines. It’s renowned for its intricate stone carvings and artistic craftsmanship.
Rang Mahal
Built by Raja Umed Singh in the 18th century, Rang Mahal is an exquisite example of fusion architecture, blending Indian, Mughal, and European styles. It was once the residence of the ruling Chamba royalty and now serves as a museum.
Bhuri Singh Museum
Named after Raja Bhuri Singh, this museum houses a diverse collection of artifacts, including miniature paintings, sculptures, coins, and rare manuscripts, providing insights into the region’s history and culture.
Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary
Located a short distance from Chamba, this sanctuary is home to a variety of flora and fauna. It’s a great place for nature enthusiasts and trekkers.
3. Kullu & Manali – The Sensational Duo
Manali is situated at the northern end of the Kullu valley. The climate in Manali is predominantly cold during winters and moderately cool during summers. This lends it a favorable characteristic appealing to the tourists from the plains. It has captivating green hillsides, tourist cottages, and mesmerizing landscapes. Together with the legion of Kullu’s attractions, it makes for a wholesome travel accomplishment.
Must Visit:
Raghunath Temple
This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Rama and is a significant religious site in Kullu.
Great Himalayan National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this park is home to diverse flora and fauna. It’s a paradise for nature enthusiasts and trekkers.
Bijli Mahadev Temple
Perched atop a hill, this temple offers panoramic views of the Kullu Valley. It’s known for a unique ritual involving lightning.
Hadimba Devi Temple
Dedicated to Goddess Hadimba, this temple is renowned for its unique architecture and serene surroundings.
Solang Valley
A haven for adventure seekers, Solang Valley offers activities like skiing, paragliding, zorbing, and cable car rides. It’s equally captivating during the winter and summer months.
Rohtang Pass
This high mountain pass offers breathtaking views and is accessible during the summer months. It’s a gateway to Lahaul-Spiti and a popular spot for snow activities.
4. Kinnaur – Remote, Yet Mesmerizing
Kinnaur is a remote district of Himachal Pradesh nestled in the southeastern part of the state. As old and remote a place it is, it is as intriguing and charming. The Buddhist culture & architecture, exotic dishes, raw and old roads and treks, and profuse apple orchards are its tourism high points. Shrikhand Mahadev Peak is a stop for those who relish trekking and adventure.
Must Visit:
Kalpa
This charming village offers breathtaking views of the Kinner Kailash range. It’s famous for its apple orchards, traditional Kinnauri architecture, and the Hu-Bu-Lan-Kar monastery.
Sangla Valley
Known for its picturesque landscapes, Sangla Valley is dotted with apple orchards and traditional Kinnauri houses. The Kamru Fort and Bering Nag Temple are notable attractions here.
Chitkul
This village is the last inhabited village near the Indo-China border. It’s known for its tranquil beauty, the Chitkul Mata Temple, and the Baspa River.
Nako Lake
Situated at an altitude of 3,662 meters, this serene lake is surrounded by barren mountains. It’s a great spot for reflection and tranquility.
Kinnaur Kailash Parikrama
This trek is a spiritual journey around the holy Mount Kailash. It’s known for its challenging terrain and beautiful views.
Leo Village
Leo is a unique village known for its solar energy initiatives and organic farming practices.
5. Bilaspur-Gateway to Gobind Sagar
Bilaspur is visited most for its famous historical forts and buildings. The place offers a variety of sports and recreational activities like Para-gliding, Water and River Sports.
Must Visit:
Gobind Sagar Lake
This reservoir was created by the Bhakra Dam and offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and picnicking. The lake is surrounded by lush greenery and provides a serene atmosphere.
Bhakra Dam
One of the highest gravity dams in the world, the Bhakra Dam is an engineering marvel. It’s a great place to learn about hydroelectric power generation and enjoy panoramic views.
Naina Devi Temple
Situated on a hilltop overlooking the Gobind Sagar Lake, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Naina Devi and is an important pilgrimage site.
Bahadurpur Fort
This historical fort dates back to the 17th century and offers insights into the region’s history. The fort is located on a hilltop and provides views of the surrounding landscape.
Vyas Cave
According to Hindu mythology, this is the cave where sage Vyas is said to have composed the Mahabharata. The cave has religious significance and offers a peaceful retreat.
Markandeya Rishi Temple
This ancient temple is dedicated to Sage Markandeya and features intricate wood carvings. It’s located on the banks of the Sutlej River.
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