Himachal Pradesh
Updated: May 16, 2021
Overview
Himachal situated in the heart of the western Himalaya, identified as "dev Bhumi" and is believed to be the abode of gods and goddesses. Himanchal Pradesh in India is known for some of the best hill station in north India like Kullu, Manali and Shimla. The hill station is perfect choice to escape summer and relax. Himachal has something for everyone. It is a romantic trip, family trip, honeymoon trip, group and solo trip.
The entire state is punctuated with stone as well as wood temples. The shadowy valleys, rugged crags, glaciers and gigantic pines and roaring rivers and exquisite flora and fauna compose the symphony that is for ever Himachal. The state has also the pride of being the home to rishis like Vyas, Parashar, Vashist, Markandey and lamas, etc.
HOW TO REACH
By Road:
Reaching Himachal Pradesh by road is convenient as there are roads which are linked to all major cities in India. There are 9 national highways, 20 state Highways that cover Delhi, Haryana, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Leh-Ladakh et all. There are around 45 major district roads connecting various places.
You will find a number of buses and taxis scouting these routes.The Himachal Pradesh State Transport Corporation provides a range of services to almost all parts of the state, with ordinary and air-conditioned buses running every day to major cities and famous
Destinations. The roads are reliable and there are several affordable bus services by the State Government which are connected to other places such as Kashmir, Haryana, Delhi and Chandigarh.
By railways:
Opting for a train proves to be great option as they are usually affordable, comfortable, well maintained and a lot more fun than a flight journey. The important railway stations in Himachal are Solan and Una.
Himachal Pradesh has two narrow-gauge railway lines.
on the border with Punjab, Pathankot is major broad gaugestation that connect to Himachal. From Pathankot, a narrow gauge train to Jogindernagar to entire Kangra.
On the border with Haryana, Kalka is the major broad gaugetrain that connect Kalka to Shimla. It has been declared as aUNESCO world heritage site.
By air: The airport of Chandigarh and Pathankot on the border of Himachal. There are three domestic airports situated in three parts of the state.
The Kullu-Manali Airport is an airport located in Bhuntar in the Indian state of Himanchal Pradesh. The airport is located 11km from kullu and 52 km from Manali. You can easily get flights from New Delhi to Bhuntar Airport, via Shimla. The airport has flights plying between here and Delhi. There are taxi services from all these airports that will take your destinations or hotels.
The Kangra Airport at Gaggal is closest to Dalhousie and Dharamshala. It falls at a distance of hardly 13km from Dharamshala and 8km from Kangra.14 km from the heritage railway station of kangra.it has regular flight to Delhi.
The Shimla Airport is the southernmost airport located in jubbarhatti,23 km from Shimla. The Shimla Airport has one flight to Delhi every day, from where it is easy to find connecting flights to other major cities in India.
• Tip: if you travel in group of people, you can save more money.
• During winter, many flights stand cancelled because of harsh weather conditions
Guidelines for Tourists for visiting Himachal Pradesh
• Considering resurgence in Covid-19 cases in several states, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jairam Thakur made it mandatory for visitors to produce a Covid-19 negative test report for entry into the state.
• People travelling from Punjab, Delhi, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh will now have to produce RT-PCR negative report obtained 72 hours prior to entering the state.
• Must have downloaded Arogya Setu App.
• Always use face mask to protect yourself and others.
• Wash your hands repeatedly or use sanitizer.
• Maintain Social Distancing.
Online registration
Online registration has been made mandatory for people wanting to enter Himachal Pradesh.
COVID-19 alert: Travel requirements are changing rapidly, including need for pre-travel COVID-19 testing and quarantine on arrival.
Best time to visit
Himachal Pradesh is an all year-round destination.
Summer(march to June) The hill station is perfect choice to escape summer and relax.
Monsoon(July to September)many popular tourist destinations in Himachal receive a heavy downpour during the monsoon.
Winter(October to February) Pleasant and most popular time to visit is the winters, i.e., between November and February when it's the snowfall season.
A winter sports centre is soon coming to Himachal Pradesh.December to February is the best time to enjoy honeymoon tour.
Hotels: The state thrives on tourism and all the places have small and big resorts and homestays for all kinds of travellers.
Himanchal Pradesh tourism development corporation hotels have three categories viz. premium-heritage, deluxe and budget hotels.
Tip: Hotels in mall road Manali are expensive the option of homestay is right.
foods:
it is easy to find roadside dhabas selling mostly North-Indian cuisine. Chinese and Tibetan food joints are also sprawled across the state. Vegetarians will not find themselves uncomfortable as all eateries have both option. Dhaam (dhaam is a plate full of delicious dishes), Tudkiya bhat (you can see it in chamba districtthere is no better cuisine in chamba), Marda (this dish is mainly made using soaked chickpeas), Siddu (most popular dish in mandi, kullu, manali and Shimla), Bhey (it is prepared from the stem of lotus), Gosht chha (this is very tasty mutton curry from Himachal), Babru (it is dessert prepared on all occasions in Himachal), Khatta (it is sour in taste usually served with rice) these are some famous dishes in Himachal.
Tip: Eating roadside shacks is cost effective than to luxury restaurants.
TOP TOURIST DESTINATION
SHIMLA- best place in Himachal
Shimla is the capital and the largest city of Himachal Pradesh. the lush green environs, scenic, landscape and the wonderful amalgamation of colonial heritage and nature make this place a real treat. Travelers often choose Shimla for its mind-blowinglandscapes, frondescence, a plethora of activities and the perfect weather.
Best time to visit- March to June
How to reach: The nearest airport is Shimla Airport. The nearest railway station is in Kalka. Driving is also a great way to reach the hill station. Chandigarh is the closest city from where you can reach Shimla.
SHIMLA -KUFRI
Nature trekking and hiking tours
Kufri is a location 16 km from Shimla. Kufri, the panoramic snowy views, the serene temples, and the trekking opportunities will make your getaway worthwhile. You have to choice of going for go-karting at the kufri fun world, which has the highest go- karting track in the world.
• Kufri is best visited via bus/road and it is just 10 km away from Shimla.
• Skiing in the winters
• Visiting the Nag Temple
KULLU country’s famous hill station
The distance between Kullu to Manali by road is 40km.
Kullu Valley is a broad open valley formed by the Beas River between Manali and Largi. This valley is known for its temples and its hills covered with pine and deodar forest and sprawling apple orchards. The course of the Beas river presents a succession of magnificent, clad with forests of deodar, towering above trees of pine on the lower rocky ridges. Kullu valley is sandwiched between the Pir Panjal, Lower Himalayan and Great Himalayan Ranges.
HOW TO REACH
Kullu is well connected with other parts of country by roads and air.
Roadways: Frequent buses are available from the HRTC bus stands at Kullu and Manali to all major cities. One can avail Taxis also from the the Local Taxi Stand.
Airways: Kullu is well connected by airways and one can get flights to and fro from Kullu-Manali Airport at Bhuntar. Bhuntaris 10 kms from Kullu and 50 kms from Manali.
Railways: The closest one can get to Kullu by train is Joginder Nagar, which is around 100 km from the hill station.
FAMOUS PLACES TO VISIT IN KULLU
Great Himalayan national park-UNESCO world heritage site
Bijli Mahadev temple, Raghunath temple, Hot springs at Manikaran
Friendship peak, Prashar lake, Bhrigu lake, Chandekhani pass,
Pandoh dam, chandratal lake, bara banghal, pin Parvati valley trek, Dhakpo shedruping monatery, Kulwantb pith, Rohtang pass,
Mahadevi Tirth.
Best time to visit- October to February
ATTRACTION IN KULLU IS MANALI
Its popularity has increased faster than the clouds that dance on its hilltops. It is about sightseeing, but it is also about adventure, spirituality and being prepared to be constantly surprised.
• Visit Manali Bird Sanctuary
• Go trekking, camping, angling
• Visit the Old temples
Nearby famous places: Solang, Rohtang, Manikaran, Malana, Khirganga
Rohtang Pass- Rohtang pass is the famous road that joins the ruggedly beautiful leh Ladakh to the rest of the country. It is a 51 km stretch from manali to leh, with many travellers coming here for a peaceful getway. Each year the pass is only open between the months of June and October. Rohtang pass offers you some of the best himalyana view
CHAMBA- Land of Shiva
Chamba district in Himachal Pradesh which all owe to its magnificent beauty and tranquil environment. Home to centuries old temple and forts. boating and horseback riding are favouredactivities of the visitors in chamba. the beauty of this valley almost untouched by morden technology, is spellbinding. The mountains slopes covered in glittering snow.
How to reach chamba
Air: The nearest airport to Chamba is Pathankot about 120km and other closest airport is at Gaggal Kangra 150 km from chamba.
Rail: The nearest railway sation is Pathankot about 150km from Chamba.
Road: Well connected by road. Public and private bus operators run regular service to Shimla, Chandigarh, Delhi and other stations.
Best time to visit- March to June. if you are visiting in winters, you can even enjoy a good amount of snowfall in Chamba.
Places to visit in chamba
• Khajjiar Lake – For Tranquil Vacay
• Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary – Spot Indigenous Birds Species
• Chamundi Devi Temple – Scan Breathtaking Views Of The Chamba Valley
• Chamera Lake – Admire the Scenic Views
• Laxmi Narayan Temple – Holds Great Historical Significance
• Manimahesh Lake – A High Altitude Lake
• Bhuri Singh Museum – Houses Unique Artefacts
• Akhand Chandi Palace – An Epitome Of Royalness And Grandeur
• Rang Mahal – The Red Iconic Palace
• Chaugan – The Ultimate Shopping Destination
• Hariraya Temple – Dedicated To Lord Vishnu
• Church Of Scotland – Built In Dressed Stone Structure
• Champavati Temple – An Important Pilgrim Destination
Mainly Chamba is known for Khajjiar & Dalhousie
DALHOUSIE
Dalhousie is a great place to enjoy a ton of adventure sports, such as paragliding. The paragliding spots of Dalhousie are located a little way away from the main city centre, towards the outskirts.This hill station is spread across five hills and is a sanctuary for wildlife lovers and landscape photographers as it holds some of the most intriguing flora and fauna. it is very popular as a honeymoon destination in India.
Best time to visit: march to may
How to reach: Dharamshala Airport located in the KangraDistrict of Himachal Pradesh is the closest airport to reach Dalhousie. The nearest railway station to Dalhousie is Pathankot chakki bank. You can take taxis or cab on these routes.
KHAJJIAR- Mini Switzerland of India
Khajjiar is a small town located close (20km) to Dalhousie and is great for a day or overnight trip. Khajjiar is known for its grassy meadows, deodar forests, and cottages. There is a small lake in the middle of the meadow and you could enjoy the scenery by yourself or take part in some of the adventure sports including paragliding, zorbing, and horse-riding.
How to reach - approximately 24 kilometres (15 mi) from Dalhousie. Khajjiar can be reached from Dalhousie, the nearest major town and hill station, by bus in an hour or so.
KANGRA
Kangra is by far the largest region of Himachal Pradesh. In the shadow of majestic Dhauladhar ranges, the valley is one of the most diverse and picturesque one.
How to Reach
Air: Kangra airport at Gaggal is just 10 km from Kangra. Between kangra and delhi there are regular daily flights.
Rail: Kangra is connected by the Pathankot-Jogindernagarnarrow gauge rail line.
Road: Kangra is well connected by road to cities like Delhi,Chandigarh and Shimla.
Time to visit
September to June is the best time to visit kangra while summer may to June favourite time for trekkers December to November are also for sightseeing tour.
Things to do
Hiking, Sacred & Religious site, Multiday tour, Cultural,Historical tour, Nature and wlidlife
Tourist places in Kangra
• Kangra Fort: A Landmark Monument
• Kareri Lake: A Popular Trekking Destination
• Indrahar Pass: Spot Amazing Views
• Chamunda Devi Temple: A Popular Site
• Palampur: A Plantation Centre
• Kangra Art Museum: Delve Into Culture
• Bir & Billing: For A Buddhist Influence
• Pong Dam Wetlands: A Fishing Reservoir
• Dhauladhar Ranges: Visually Enthralling
• Masrur: Explore Lost Glory
• Haripur: Hear The Local Stories
• Tashi Jong Monastery: Attain Nirvana
• Bir & Billing: For A Buddhist Influence
• Pong Dam Wetlands: A Fishing Reservoir
• Dhauladhar Ranges: Visually Enthralling
• Masrur: Explore Lost Glory
• Haripur: Hear The Local Stories
• Tashi Jong Monastery: Attain Nirvana
• Mcleodganj: Understand The Culture
• Pragpur: An Offbeat Destination
• Baijnath Temple: Seek Blessings From Lord Shiva
• Bajreshwari Mata Temple: One Of The 51 Shaktipeeths
• Jwala Ji Temple: The Temple Of Eternal Flames
• Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple: Pay A Visit
• Baglamukhi Temple: Calm Your Senses
• Bathu Ki Ladi: Explore The Submerged Temple
Kangra is mostly famous for Dharmshala and Bir & billing
DHARMSHALA- the residence of Dalai Lama
Dharamshala is known for the mesmerizing backdrop, stunning lake, vibrant monasteries, colourful temples, sparkling waterfalls, and vintage forts & museums and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in north. This is a heaven for trekkers who want to go deep into the mountains to see the beauty of Himalayas. There are also ample opportunities for enjoying adventure sports here.
Best for- Camping, Trekking, Rock climbing, Cycling
Best time to visit: May to July is when Dharamshala witnesses summers. November and January for snow fall.
How to Reach
Rail-Pathankot is the nearest railway station to reach Dharamshala.
Air-The hill station also has an airport in the Kangra District of Himachal Pradesh.
Road- You can also drive down to the place from Chandigarh aswell as Delhi.
Places to visit in Dharmshala
• McLeod Ganj is one the famous hill station Himalayans,this place is also famous for his holiness second home.
• Tsuglagkhang Complex: Visit This Religious Centre
• Namgyal Monastery: Most-Visited Tibetan Temple
• Kareri Dal Lake: Gape At The Surreal Beauty
• Bhagsunag Waterfalls: Watch The Water Cascading Down
• Gyuto Monastery: Built In The Memory Of Soldiers
• Kangra Fort: One Of The Oldest Forts Of India
• Kangra Art Museum: Delve Into Some Brilliant Artworks
• Masroor Rock Cut Temple: Admire The Rock Cuts
• Naddi Village: Explore The Remote Place
• St. John In The Wilderness Church: Pay A Visit
• Dharamshala Cricket Stadium: Highest Cricket Ground
• Library Of Tibetan Works And Archives: See The Amazing Museum
• War Memorial: A Tribute To The Martyrs Of Kangra
• Triund: Haven For Trekkers
• Jwala Devi Temple: A Place Of Beliefs
• Tibetan Art Museum: Get A Glimpse Of Tibetan Culture
• Aghanjar Mahadev Temple: Take Blessings From Lord Shiva
• Kalachakra Temple: See The Murals Of Wheel Of Time
• Dharamkot: A Quaint Hill Station
• Indrahar Pass: Trek Your Way To Beauty
BIR & BILLINGS – FLY LIKE A FREE BIRD
Bir billing is a paragliding destination in the heart of the Himalaya’s. Bir & billing famous tourist destination in Kangradistrict.
Bir is known all over the world as a best playground for paragliders.
Bir is the take off site for paragliding while Billing is the landing spot. Bir is situated 35 km from Palampur and 40 kms from Dharamshala.
Popular for Trekking, Paragliding, Angling and Camping.
Best time to visit: March to June is the perfect period to visit. The monsoon season in this region starts from mid -July and stay till mid -September. Winter are harsh with temperature falling to sub-zero levels.
How to Reach
Air: No direct flight that you can find and reach the city of Bir. Kangra airport is will be nearest to Bir which is located at a distance of 67 kms. Apart from it, Chandigarh airport, Amritsar airport and New Delhi airport would be around 152 kms, 260 kms and 520 kms respectively.
Rail: Nearest railway station to Bir is Ahju railway station which is around 3 KM away from Bir. it is a small station in the city that don’t provides direct connectivity to other cities. The nearest broad gauge station is in Pathankot, that is 112 km of distance from the place.
Road: Regular bus services ply to and from the city of Bir. They operate on a daily basis, whether day or night, from places like Shimla, Dharamshala, etc. You can also take shared taxis or cabs for the same route.