Top 5 Tourist Places in Himachal – Himachal Pradesh is a very peaceful place. The snowy mountains give it the name ‘the land of snow.’ Many people like to visit because it’s so beautiful. In this article, we will tell you about the top 5 tourist places in Himachal Pradesh if you want to go there. You can see green fields, holy places, snowy mountains, flowing rivers, and pretty orchards. There are many fun places to see in Himachal Pradesh.
List of Top 5 Tourist Places in Himachal:
1) Shimla
Shimla, known as the ‘Queen of Hills’, is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh and one of the most famous hill stations in India. Located 2,200 meters above sea level, Shimla gets its name from Goddess Shyamala, a form of Goddess Kali. Nestled at the base of the Himalayas, surrounded by green forests and snowy mountains, Shimla is perfect for hiking. In winter, the whole city is covered in snow, and visitors can enjoy activities like ice skating and skiing.
Tourists are drawn to the city’s churches, temples, and natural beauty. Shimla also has lovely old buildings from the colonial era, such as the Viceregal Lodge, Town Hall, Gaiety Theatre, Christ Church, St. Michael’s Cathedral, and the new Tudor building at The Ridge, which shows off colonial and neo-gothic architecture. The Ridge is a popular spot to hang out, offering stunning views of the sunset and sunrise from places like Scandal Point and Observatory Hill.
Visitors should also check out the Himachal State Museum, Mall Road, Summer Hill, Baijnath Temple, and Jakhoo Hills, a peaceful place for nature lovers and those seeking blessings from God Hanuman at the Jakhoo Temple, which stands 108 feet tall.
Things to do in Shimla :
- Stroll across the Ridge.
- Take the Toy Train for a spin
- Shopping on Mall Road.
- Admire the Christ Church Experience’s Architecture
- Ice Skating
- Enjoy a delectable dinner at Cafe Simla Times.
2) Kullu-Manali
In Kullu, visitors should check out the Great Himalayan National Park, Sultanpur Palace, Bijli Mahadev Temple, Bhrigu Valley, and Parvati Valley. The Tibetan monasteries, Rohtang Pass, Solang Valley, and Hadimba Devi Temple are known for being in Manali. Animals and birds of various kinds populate the Great Himalayan National Park, encompassed by tall mountains and trees.
Kullu-Manali is also famous for exciting activities like trekking, fishing, rafting, and mountain climbing. Some must-visit places include the Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa monastery and the Vasishta hot water springs. Solang Valley and Rohtang Pass are popular spots near Manali, perfect for fun activities like skiing, paragliding, zorbing, and mountain biking.
The Rohtang Pass is very high up and is only open from May to November because of the snow. From there, you can see amazing views of glaciers, tall mountain peaks, and the peaceful Chandra River.
Kullu and Manali are two beautiful towns that are so close to each other that people often think of them as one place. They sit by the Beas River and are located in a valley called the Kullu Valley. This area is one of the most popular spots for tourists in Himachal Pradesh because of its stunning snowy mountains, pretty scenery, rich history, and culture.
Things to do in Kullu-Manali :
- River Rafting on The Beas River
- Paragliding
- Shopping on Mall Road.
- Visit the Hadimba Devi Temple
- Skiing at Solang Valley
- Explore Trekking Trails
3) Dharamshala and McLeodganj
The top tourist spots in Himachal Pradesh are Dharamshala and upper Dharamshala, also known as McLeodganj, located approximately 5 km apart. McLeod Ganj can also be accessed from Dharamshala via the skyway in just ten minutes. The skyway features a single cable, removable gondola system with 18 gondolas, able to transport 1,000 individuals every hour. Tibetan Buddhists primarily inhabit Dharamshala and McLeodganj.
These locations are known as tranquil and joyful. The Dalai Lama Temple (Tsuglagkhang Monastery), Namgyal Monastery, and Gyuto Tantric Monastery Temple are all recommended places to visit. Dal Lake, a renowned natural lake, is a tourist hotspot in Dharamshala. In addition to spiritual places, the charming scenery of Dhauladhar mountains, beautiful conifer, pine, and deodar forests, abundant tea plantations, and impressive hills are perfect for exploring nature, enjoying picnics, and embarking on exciting hikes. A visitor should explore both the Kangra Fort and the Kangra Museum.
Things to do in Dharamshala-McLeodganj :
- Experience peace at Gyuto Monastery
- Paragliding
- Take Blessings of Jwalamukhi Devi
- Indulge your senses in Buddhist Hymns
- HPCA Stadium: An ideal location for cricket fans
- Sightseeing
4) Dalhousie
One of the top destinations in Himachal Pradesh for travel is Dalhousie. Renowned for its agreeable weather and breathtaking scenery. The area boasts a diverse range of flora, encompassing pine, deodar, oak, and rhododendron trees. The five hills around the Dhauladhar mountain range – Bakrota, Terah, Potreyn, Kathlog, and Bhangora – dispersed their contents.
The Earl of Dalhousie, who founded this location as a summer resort in 1854, is the reason behind the name Dalhousie. With vistas of the Himalayas and colonial architecture in the Victorian style, it draws tourists. Major attractions include Bhuri Singh Museum, Subhash Baoli, Dainkund Peak, and Chamunda Devi Temple. At 2,755 meters, Dainkund is the highest peak. Because of the lovely sound made by the winds blowing through the forest, it is also known as a singing hill.
Situated amidst verdant forests, tumbling waterfalls, and picturesque vistas is an additional tourist destination. The natural spring with therapeutic qualities near Karelanu is one of Dalhousie’s tourism attractions. Constructed in 1894, Francis Church is a must-see, featuring colorful Belgian glass and an ornate wooden ceiling.
Things to do in Dalhousie :
- Get mesmerized with the view of Panch Pulla Waterfall
- Ride a boat in Glistening Chamera Lake
- Hike up to the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary
- Say hi to awe in Satdhara Falls
- Trek to Ganji Pahari
- Shopping at Tibetan Handicrafts Market
5) Khajjiar
Khajjiar, a hill village in the Chamba district, is well-known for its lakes, historic temples, and cedar trees. The Dhauladhar Ranges in the background and Khajjiar’s elevation of over 6,500 feet above sea level have earned it the moniker “Mini Switzerland of India.”
The main draws are Khajinag temple, a 12th-century monument to the snake god, and Khajjiar Lake. Adventure sports available to tourists include trekking, zorbing, and paragliding. The Kala Top Wildlife Sanctuary, a stunning wildlife reserve. Encircled by cold, refreshing streams, verdant meadows, and dense deodar trees, is the reason Khajjiar is well-known.
In the sanctuary, you can find various wild animals such as black bears, Himalayan black martens, deer, leopards, serows, and the goat antelope.
Things to do in Dalhousie :
- Try Adventure Activities
- Visit the Panch Pandav Tree
- Visit the Khajjinag Temple
- Soak in the Natural Beauty
- Stargazing
- Learn about the local culture
To sum up, Himachal Pradesh is a global tourism destination because of its abundance of natural beauty and rich cultural legacy. With a varied scenery that has something to offer everyone. The Himalayas, with their snow-capped peaks, and the lush green valleys endow the state. The twelve locations on our list represent just a small portion of what Himachal Pradesh has to offer.
Ideas for Shopping in Himachal
Himachal Pradesh offers a wide variety of goods for shopping, such as jams, pickles, wood, metalwork, Tibetan carpets, caps, and handicrafts. Woollens have always favored traveling to Himachal Pradesh. Renowned for its elaborate carvings and designs, Himachal’s woodwork makes perfect house décor. The price of a Pashmina or Kullu shawl is justified. All around Himachal, Himachali caps are easily accessible and come in a unisex style.
There are various government-run stores and marketplaces in Shimla. There are stores selling wooden souvenirs, décor, and handicrafts in Lakkar Bazaar. Manali’s main shopping district is Mall Road. Purchase inlaid silver jewelry, Tibetan handicrafts, antiques, and woolen shawls. Dalhousie’s Gandhi Chowk Shopping Plaza features stores selling clothing, jewelry, shoes, and warm woolen goods.
For handicrafts, imported goods, woolen clothing, musical instruments, hand-woven carpets, and artistically designed rugs, Kullu’s Tibetan Market is a must-visit. Artists in Himachal Pradesh create paintings with numerous Buddhist themes. Another well-liked handcraft in the state is painting in the Kangra style.
Foods that are a must-have in Himachal
Punjabi and Tibetan cuisines have a strong influence on Himachal Pradeshi, or Pahari, food. A visitor should not miss the vegetarian cuisine known as Dham, which consists of rice, rajma, chickpeas, khatta dal, curd, and jaggery. A platter of popular state specialties is served as a single meal for Dham. Chamba dishes, including Madra, are frequently made for festivals and special events, reflecting their popularity among the community. Flatbread is ideal for serving Madra. It is made with soaked chickpeas or kidney beans, as well as a range of spices.
A common dessert dish, mittha, is created with raisins, saffron, sweetened rice, and dry fruits. The people of Himachal Pradesh prepare this delicious sweet delicacy to commemorate events and special occasions. Travelers can savor Tibetan food in and around McLeodganj and Dharamshala. Momo, thupka, tingmo, luchi poti, and naizha cake are must-haves.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q1) Which part of Himachal is most beautiful?
Ans) Kalpa is unquestionably one of the most beautiful locations in Himachal Pradesh, set against the backdrop of the holy Kinnaur Kailash mountains, which are thought to be the residence of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati in Hindu mythology.
Q2) What is very famous in Himachal Pradesh?
Ans) The state capital of Shimla is well-liked by travelers. The Kalka-Shimla Railway, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the one in operation. Another well-known skiing destination in India is Shimla. Manali, Kinnuar, Kasol, Parvati Valley, Chamba, Kullu, Kinnar Kailesh, and Kasauli are a few other well-known hill stations.
Q3) Which is the top peak of Himachal?
Ans) The 7025-meter-tall Shilla Peak, which towers over the Kinnaur District, is the tallest peak in Himachal Pradesh.