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 Himachal Pradesh is well known for the snowy and rugged mountains of Western Himalayas. Surrounded by Jammu & Kashmir, hill stations are obviously the jewel of Himachal. Starting at Dharamshala in the south till the high altitude deserts of Spiti, the pristine and serene natural beauty of the hill stations are one of the reasons why Himachal is just the best place to search for a peaceful, relaxing, thrilling, adventurous, enchanting and unforgettable vacation. Because with the variety of hill stations, one would get everything hill stations have to offer. Here are some of the most famous hill stations of Himachal.
Himachal Pradesh: Photo by Lucky-S ManaliManali – located over an altitude of 1950 m, is one of the most famous hill resorts in India. The northern-most town of the Indian state Himachal Pradesh, it is the gateway of Ladakh and Lahaul and Spiti valleys. It is named after Manu the Hindu version of Noah, who according to legend was the one who saved the mankind during the great flood. With mountains surrounding all over, Manali receives one fourth of the total tourist arrival in Himachal Pradesh. Most famous as an adventure tourism destination with hiking, kayaking, mountaineering, paragliding and so on, it also attracts honeymooners almost throughout the year. During Christmas and New Year eve, to say Manali would be over-crowded would be an understatement. Though the main town is crowded and congested, the surrounding villages like the Old Manali would offer a more serene experience. Also called as the ‘Home of the Seven Sages’, it has great significance over the Indian culture and tradition. Added to that, it also has Tibetan Buddhist shrines and Gompas to offer. With the blend of beauty, culture and adventure, Manali attracts a large number of foreign tourists and domestic tourists.
ShimlaShimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, is perhaps one of those evergreen favorite destinations. It still sustains its tourist inflow. It was the summer capital of British India and due to that, just like most other hill resorts in India it still holds that architectural pride with its colonial era buildings. The summers warm and pleasant, and the winters cool and snowy made Shimla the Hotspot hill resort in India. Shimla is a favorite destination especially for the honeymooners. The 365 days destination has so much to offer in every season. The snow covered peaks and the green mountains surrounding Shimla makes it all the more beautiful. The primary attractions in Shimla include Himachal state museum and library, which houses a wide collection of antique sculptures and paintings, and a variety of books talking about history. The Mall, which is the shopping street of Shimla, is a special attraction. Clubs, bars, restaurants, banks and many other places makes this area technically the heart of the city. It also has two important places namely The Ridge, an open place offering a magnificent view of the mountains, and the scandal point. The second oldest church – The Christ church is also present in the mall area. Summer hill and Potter hill are two other important places for the nature lovers. Glenn is a picnic spot around Ridge. The stream which flows through the Glenn forest is what makes this place attractive. The trekking trails are the first thing Shimla offers to the adventure lovers. It has various trekking paths to explore. Trout fishing in another activity you could do here. Rainbow and Brown trout could be fished in the waters. Skiing obviously is another prime adventure to be tried out during January to March. Ice-skating, camping and golfing are other activities.
KulluKullu is situated in the River Beas’ banks at an altitude of 1220 m. It is the capital town of Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. Sitting on Kullu Valley with the breathtaking scenery, the view of the Himalayan ranges, the forests and the shimmering rivers; its beauty is its attraction. Once known as ‘The End of Habitable World’ its history can be traced back to the 1st century when the first settlement was recorded. There are also records in the Sanskrit literature which relates Kullu with Manu, who according to legend anchored his celestial boat in the nearby village which is now called as Manali. Kullu is known for Trout fishing. Trekking and Rafting are also activities adding the list of adventures to be done here. Skiing, Paragliding and many more adventure sports are held here. For adventure lovers there are Camping sites like the raison which are run by Himachal Tourism. Dussehra is a specialty in Kullu. The celebrations begin right after the rest of the country finishes celebrating. The valley goes as colorful as possible during this time. Ragunath Temple is a must visit place in Kullu. Built during 17th century by Raja Jagat Singh, the Deity – Ragunath is revered till today. Shopping could be a delight here. Kullu shawls are very famous for the work and the natural fibers. Other places like Kasol on the banks of river Parvathi for trout fishing, Naggar the old capital of Kullu for history thirst and Shoja at 2692 m for the heights of view are also noteworthy in Kullu.
DharamshalaDharamshala is the capital town of Kangra district. The well known hill resort of Himachal Pradesh, sitting on top of Kangra Valley is famous for nature blessed beauty and off course Dalai Lama. With trees such as Oak and Pine with the Snow Mountains surrounding it in all the directions; Dharamshala attracts ample tourist traffic. The easily accessible snow lines are one of the main reasons for why tourists choose this place. Because of this Trekking could be a best activity to do in Dharamshala. Lined as two parts, Dharamshala has twin towns within its borders which themselves are attractions. Upper Dharamshala which includes Mcleod Ganj, is known for its Tibetan population and for Dalai Lama. It is called as Little Lhasa for those reasons. The speaking history and the mixed cultures are two of the reasons for this part of the town to pay a visit. Lower Dharamshala with the daily businesses running on is a best place to see the hosts busy. Places like The war memorial, St. John’s church, Bhagsunag fall, Dal Lake, Kunal pathari, Naam art gallery and the Tibetan museum are important places to visit in and around Dharamshala.
Mcleod GanjOn the suburbs of Dharamshala, acting as the major center for the study of Tibetan culture and of Buddhism, is McLeod Ganj. The serene hangout for most of the travelers with video parlous showing latest releases on Tibetan history, cooking classes to try out, massaging and meditation classes for rejuvenation, the sudden visit of an unexpected rain, the Tibetan souvenirs to shop, the net cafes and so many budget hotels, called as Little Lhasa is just the place one would want to chill out in. As a part of Upper Dharamshala, Mcleod Ganj houses the headquarters of Tibetan government in exile. And its history, though not all that old but very rich, is also a reason for why tourists visit this place. Established in mid 1850s, serving as the administration center Mcleod Ganj was shaken to ground by the earthquake of 1905. Later Dalai Lama seeking refuge here made it flourish again. Such an interesting history to dig in, and with all the beauty on earth and a history to remember, Mcleod Ganj could be tagged as the ‘Tourism Hotspot’ of today’s Himachal. While here, a visit to Naam art gallery and Dal Lake to appreciate the Man made excellence and the Natural beauty is one thing not to be missed. The library of Tibetan Works and Archives, Tibetan Institute of Performing arts and Namgyal Monastery are few of the other important places to visit when you’re not busy doing anything or hiking.
McLeod Ganj: Photo by epidemiks DalhousieDalhousie of Himachal Pradesh, sitting at an altitude of 2030 m is one of the famous and beautiful hill resorts of Himachal. It was established in 1854 and still holds the colonial charm with all the colonial architectural marvel. The picturesque and untouched surroundings and the fact that it is not much of an urbanized place, makes it even more reasonable for the tourists to choose this place. The rich flora including oaks, pines and deodars and the breathtaking view of Chamba valley and Dhauladhar range are the first best things one would notice in Dalhousie. The Mansions and Churches hold the pride of Scottish and Victorian architecture. This is one of the reasons for why despite the lack of activities people still love this place. Some of such churches include St. John’s church which is the oldest, St. Francis’s and St. Andrew’s church. Try to visit these churches while there. Panchpula literally means five bridges. This has five small bridges and water flowing underneath, and is a treat for your eyes. Taking a stroll on Bakrota hills which is around 5 km from the town, and taking a view of the Snow Mountains is the next best choice. Other places to see in and around Dalhousie are Banikhet, Kynance, Norwood Paradham and Subhash Baoli. Though there’s nothing much to do in Dalhousie, lazing around and enjoying the nature’s pride beauty and just letting yourself to relax every cell in your body would be the result of visiting a place like Dalhousie.
KasauliThe tranquil small cantonment – Kasauli in Himachal is a try out when you’re in Himachal. It was developed by the British as a summer resort. The scenery around and the old world charm held by the 19th century colonial buildings is what Kasauli has to offer for the visitors. There are not many activities to do in Kasauli. But taking a stroll around the small cobbled streets and enjoying the ride through history and nature, are what people do while in Kasauli. The highest brewery in the world – The Kasauli Brewery is here. At 1930 m, Kasauli is decorated with Pine, Oak and Chestnuts. Monkey point is a view point where you get to see all these scenery atop. The churches and cemeteries are cherished places. St. Patrick’s church is one noteworthy. There are four cemeteries in Kasauli where those who lost their lives in wars rest in peace. Krishna Bhavan Mandir, dedicated to Lord Krishna, because of the time built, has a strong European touch in its architecture. Christ church is another place not to be missed out. The lower and upper malls are for shopping. For those who can enjoy all of these with fewer crowds, enjoy the tranquil views from the estates, Kasauli is the right place.
SpitiSpiti, the desert mountain is a part of Lahaul and Spiti district. Coined as ‘Little Tibet’ due to the similarities in the landscape, climate and many other things in Tibet and Spiti, the rugged mountains are for adventure riders. Spiti – meaning ‘Middle Country’ lies between Ladakh, Kinnaur, Lahaul and Tibet. Buses connect Manali and Spiti between July and October. There is a highway which connects Tabo; Motorcyclists love this terrain for the challenge they’ll have to face. An inner line permit is required to ride over these roads. Even having the opposite features comparing to the other hill stations in Himachal, the beauty of Spiti is truly awesome. If one has a good stamina and a thirst to face challenges, then trekking is one thing not to be missed here. Monasteries on high mountains are another thing to check out. Forgetting the rest of the world is just the thing you would do when you see them! Ki Monastery and Tabo Monastery are two of the oldest in the world. Try out the local beer, made out of barley and wheat; it’s a specialty of this place. And check out Spiti River and the vegetation with which the local farmers make a living. Visit Chander Tal lake, surrounded by snow and broken rocks it stretches out for 2 ½ km, Kibber, one of the highest villages in the world and try out Yak riding at Losar. Spiti, in spite of its features as a rugged barren land, has so much to offer. Go on a trip and gasp out all your urban tensions.
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Adventure
