Among the few places in the world that have a combination of spirituality, culture and natural beauty is the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh nestled at the foothills of the mighty Himalayas. This place has been famous among nature lovers and explorers from all over the world ever since. Home to hills, ravines, valleys, grasslands, forests, lakes and waterfalls, this place is a dreamy location for a vacation. If you want to have a family vacation or if you are looking for a honeymoon destination, this is the place for you. While planning your Himachal holidays, here are the 8 places that you must add to your itinerary.
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Kasol
Located on the banks of the Parvati River, Kasol is a picturesque hamlet in Himachal Pradesh. Also known as ‘mini-Israel,’ it is becoming a popular destination among tourists who love trekking and camping. As one of the most stunning backpacking destinations, it has great views of the hills, rich foliage, waterfalls, trekking trails, cafes and budgeted options for a stay. During your stay in Kasol, you will have the chance to discover the neighbouring villages. This is a must-visit destination during your Himachal holidays.
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Shimla
The capital of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla is a popular hill station for a vacation. The summer capital of British India, it is located in the Himalayas at 2,200 meters above sea level. Shimla is famous for its colonial architecture. One of the major attractions here is the mall road filled with cafes, restaurants and roadside shops where you can take a stroll and shop for souvenirs. This destination can be visited all year round as the weather is pleasant throughout the year but it is crowded mostly during the summer season.
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Dharamshala
Dharamshala is a small town nestled in Kangra Valley in Himachal Pradesh, it has beautiful weather throughout the year. Besides its delightful natural scenery, the town has rich culture and architecture. The city is filled with shops, cafes, and restaurants that serve its large Indian and Tibetan populations. The neighbouring places like Dharamkot, Mcleodganj and Naddi are also worth visiting. Do not miss out on this beautiful location in your Himachal tour plan.
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Manali
One of the most popular destinations in Himachal Pradesh, Manali has panoramic views of Himalayan ranges. A perfect place to get away from the heat and humidity during the summer season, it is nestled in the beautiful valley of the Beas River. It also has adventurous activities like trekking, hiking, camping, skiing, paragliding and zorbing. Some of the famous tourist spots here are the Rohtang Pass and Solang Valley which are mostly covered in snow.
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Dalhousie
An all-year-round destination, Dalhousie is a famous hill station founded in 1850 by Lord Dalhousie as an escape from the heat of the summer. The town has a rich architectural history with well-preserved churches and other monuments. It has an exotic vibe due to the presence of Tibetan culture. Filled with hills, waterfalls, lakes and rivers and picturesque views, it is a must-visit destination on your Himachal holidays.
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Kufri
A snow paradise, Kufri is a hill station located in the vicinity of Shimla. It is famous for its snow-capped peaks and activities like skiing. Offering one of the best experiences in snow, it is a famous destination for a honeymoon. It also has rich flora and fauna and one of the major tourist spots here is a zoo. Trekkers can also find some of the best snow trekking options here. One of the most beautiful places in Himachal, it is a must add to your Himachal tour plan.
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Mandi
Mandi is nestled between Kullu and Dharamshala and is mostly filled with conifers and Himalayan cedars. The town has 81 temples and is also known as ‘Varanasi of Hills’ or ‘Choti Kashi’. Located on the banks of River Beas, and having many old palaces dating back to the 5th century AD, Mandi also serves as a connecting point to popular valleys such as Kullu, Manali and Spiti.
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Mcleodganj
Mcleodganj, near Dharamshala, is a popular hill station among trekkers. This town in Kangra district offers a unique blend of Tibetan and British cultures. It is located amid majestic hills and lush greenery and has a noticeable Tibetan influence due to the Tibetans living here. In the entire state of Himachal Pradesh, McLeodganj has one of the most stunning landscapes and attracts hordes of tourists throughout the year.
These are the few places which you should definitely visit during your Himachal tour and have a one of a kind experience. A getaway from the busy life of this Indian state with serene atmosphere and spectacular views is worth a visit. This place is not only known for its magnificent scenery, panoramic views and cool climate, but it offers many more things for everyone as well. One can visit beautiful places or try exciting activities.