Have you ever packed your bags to go on a vacation but didn’t feel like returning home? The state of Himachal Pradesh offers breathless beauty in every nook and corner. Tourists can learn a lot of culture and history of India from its temples, historic forts, palaces, and monuments. There are valleys full of lush meadows, hill stations with gardens, and majestic snow-clad mountain views. It offers abundant adventure activities like rock climbing, mountain trekking, river rappelling, snowmobiling, skiing, camping, and rafting. The list is endless and you can never run out of places to visit in Himachal Pradesh. Experience the glory of colonial days, sprawling tea gardens and visit nature reserves to look at varied flora and fauna. Here are some good tourist places to visit in Himachal Pradesh. Shimla One of the most visited and popular hill station destinations in India is Shimla. Located perfectly at the foot of Himalayas, Shimla is heaven on earth for a tropical country like India. Every nook and corner of Shimla is a tourist’s delight. It gives a complete experience starting from abundant nature’s beauty, cultural temples, nature reserves, forest areas, valleys, and apple orchards, historic monuments, adventure spots, architecturally rich buildings from the colonial era and heritage sites. The must-visit destinations in Shimla are The Ridge, Christ Church, Jakhoo temple, Tara Devi temple, Mall road, Kalka-Shimla toy train ride, Summer Hill, Green valley and State Museum. The city is full of tourist-friendly cafes with mouth-watering food. Skiing, ice-skating, trekking and sun-set watch are must-do activities during Shimla visit. It offers a lot of outdoor activities that are family and kid-friendly. Kullu Valley Ever thought of vacationing in a green valley stretched amidst mountains with a small river flowing in the middle? That is Kullu for all the nature-loving tourists. It is a blessed location and aptly called the valley of Gods as it offers breathtaking views. The unique destination has snow-kissed mountains, picturesque landscape, Deodar forests, and apple orchards. It is a must-visit destination for people that enjoy adventure sports and activities. Trekking, hiking, rafting, fishing, paragliding, mountaineering and river rafting are few adventure activities tourists get to indulge. Travelers get to stay in an alluring valley with view of majestic hills in Kullu. The climate of Kullu is pure bliss to sun-kissed Indian travelers. It is a great tourist destination and gives an unforgettable experience for your family and friends. Great Himalayan National Park, Raghunath Temple, Bijli Mahadev, Temple, Manikaran, Chandrakhani Pass, Bhrigu Lake, and Naggar are few must-visit tourist attractions in Kullu. Manali Located in the picturesque valley near Beas River is the honeymoon capital of India, Manali. It is popularly called the lover’s paradise as it gives a jaw-dropping view of Dauldhar and Pir Pajal mountain ranges. This popular hill station has lush green forests, meadows and blue flowing streams that can be seen in fairytales. The cool climate and lingering fragrance of pines make tourists come back every year for visit. It is a tourist magnet for all its endearing qualities. Though it was once known as the sleepy village for its cold climate it became a tourist hot spot with local markets, cultural temples, and adventure activity facilities. There are few places around Manali like old Manali village which still retain the rustic charm and serenity. Hidimba Devi Temple, Solang Valley, Rohtang Pass, Manu Temple, Old Manali village, Manali Sanctuary, and Vashisht Hot Water Springs & Temple are some of the popular tourist destinations. Dharamshala Dharamshala is a picturesque and panoramic hill station, tucked away in the Himalayas. The mighty Dhauladhar ranges with deodar forests in the background made by Dharamshala an important tourist attraction in Himachal Pradesh. The popularity of Dharamshala rose when his Holiness, the Dalai Lama made upper Dharamshala, Mcleodganj, as his abode. This picturesque destination is famous among tourists and also spiritual seekers. The destination boasts of jaw-dropping backdrop, vibrant monasteries, colorful temples, lakes, cascading waterfalls, and heritage forts & museums. The quaint town of Dharamshala is now a popular destination for cinematographers too for its breathtaking and colorful visuals. Visit Tsuglagkhang Complex, Namgyal Monastery, Kareri Dal Lake, Bhagsunag Temple and Waterfalls, Gyuto Monastery, Masroor Rock Cut Temple, St. John in the Wilderness Church, Dharamshala Cricket Stadium, War Memorial, Tibetan Art Museum, Aghanjar Mahadev Temple and Kalachakra Temple during your stay in Dharamshala. Kasauli Traveling from Chandigarh to Shimla you will find a hilly cantonment town called Kasauli which is a peaceful holiday destination away from the rush. It is located in the lower edges of Himalayas amidst beautiful pine and cedar trees. The destination has a mystical and serene ambiance with lavish Victorian buildings from the past. The serene background and enchanting calmness it provides makes you crave to stay for a soothing weekend. The destination is not just limited to the stunning views but also offers trekking opportunities. Some of the tourist places to visit in Kasauli include the Timber Trail, the Manki point with Hanuman temple, Sunset Point, and a few more churches and temples for religious visitors. Shopping is a leisure activity to do during the Kasauli visit. You can get beautiful souvenirs, regional handicrafts, shawls, Tibetan carpets and much more. This cozy destination with the simple mountain and nature walks makes Kasauli a rejuvenating holiday. Kangra Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh is called “Land of Gods”, and it is a spiritual abode in the truest sense. The mighty River Beas runs through this valley making Kangra lush greenery of beauty. The History of Kangra dates back to 3500 years ago and the district takes pride in having one of the oldest surviving dynasties of royal charm called Katoch dynasty. The district is famous for its religious temples and breathtaking mountain views. Visit Kangra during September or October when Dussehra, an Indian festival, is celebrated in grandeur. Some of the tourist attractions in Kangra that are not to be missed are Kangra Fort, Baijnath temple, Brajeshwari Temple, Kareri Lake, Indrahar Pass, Jwala Devi temple, Chamunda Devi Temple, Kangra Art Museum, and Pong Dam reservoir. Kasol Situated between the towns of Bhuntar and Manikaran is a small, quaint village called Kasol on the banks of Parvati River. It is known for its pleasant climate, picturesque locations, and views. It is a popular destination for backpackers and nature lovers. It offers an excellent view of snow-clad mountains and waters flowing down the Parvati River. The enchanting village of Kasol is glorious in natural picturesque beauty and untouched by urbanization if you want to just unwind and chill in the lap of nature, take a stroll along the river Parvati. Kasol is popular for its walking trails, which include voyage to Kheerganga, and Yanker Pass. The must-visit places in Kasol are Parvati River, Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara, Kheerganaga, Malana, and Bhuntar. If you opt for a laid-back vacation, you can spend vacation by walking by the river stream, shopping for clothes, strolling in the woods, and fishing. Chamba Chamba is one the least visited district of Himachal Pradesh but it is a sight to behold. One cannot resist its captivating nature and charm. Located in the lower ranges of the Himalayan Mountains it is beautiful with pristine lakes, valleys, and rivers. It lies on the banks of River Ravi. Chamba valley is known for its milk and honey. The twisting roads, wildlife sanctuaries, and religious temples beckon every traveler to relax and rejuvenate in the lap of its nature. Chamba is the best-preserved place for art and culture. The district has a rich history that is evident in the forts and palaces. The town is over 1000-year-old with its origin dating back to10th century to rule of Chamba rajas. The temples of Chamundi and Laxmi Narayana are well conserved with original art. Other places to visit are Khajjiar Lake, Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, Chamera Dam, Manimahesh Lake, Bhuri Singh Museum, Akhand Chandi Palace, Champavati temple, and Rag Mahal. Dalhousie Dalhousie is a mesmerizing destination of the Chamba District. It lies at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level. The town, Dalhousie has its name derived after the British General, Lord Dalhousie. He established this place as a summer retreat for his officials back then. You can see Victorian and Scottish architecture all across the town. It also offers a combination of ancient temples, rich art, and crafted handicrafts. The refreshing atmosphere in Dalhousie is enough to make it an ideal getaway for newlyweds to escape into a serene oasis. Take a break from chaotic life to celebrate love and make memories here. Do not miss Khajjiar, Satdhara Falls, Panchpula, Dainkund Peak, Bakrota Hills, Subhash Baoli, Ganji Pahari, Kalatop Wildlife Reserve, St. Francis Catholic Church, Chamera Lake, Mall Road, Tibetan Market, Chamunda Devi Temple, Rock Garden, Dalhousie Community Garden in Dalhousie trip. Lahaul Spiti What’s more refreshing than snow-filled landscapes to escape the sweltering heat and humidity of Indian summers? Lahaul-Spiti is the ideal getaway located in Himachal Pradesh. The duo lies in the Pir Panjal ranges surrounded by snow-clad mountains and glaciers. The duo differs in the landscape as Spiti has deep gorges whereas Lahaul is a plateau filled with lush greenery. The thrilling roads and breathtaking beautiful valleys increase the natural beauty of this awe-inspiring place. The sheer size of the landscape will make you bow for nature. Such places can be accessed by passing the high mountain pass and an adventurous journey. It is a must-visit destination for adrenaline enthusiasts. It offers a perfect treat for trekkers and paragliding activities. Go for yak safaris and horse rides to explore the beauty of this place. Kinnaur Kinnaur is one of the rustic districts in Himachal Pradesh known primarily for mountain villages and curvy roads. Owing to its extreme cold climatic conditions, it is the second least populated district in HP. There are many mountain passes and gorgeous valleys in the district but are inaccessible for 6 months a year due to heavy snowfall. Being disconnected from the world due to lack of motor roads, it retained its natural beauty. It is popular as the abode of Lord Shiva and worshiped by Hindus and Buddhists. It is also known for best wool, and fruit orchards like apple, apricot, and peach. The villages boast of exotic hand-made fabrics, textiles, and jewelry that are a mix of Tibet and Indian culture. Summer months are the best time to visit Kinnaur. The slopes and high mountain passes make Kinnaur a hot spot for adventure activities like trekking and mountaineering. Malana Himachal Pradesh is famous for its snow-capped peaks and adventure activities but there are some little gems hidden in those mountains. One such secret is the village of Malana. It is popular in recent years as the village of taboo (for their strict customs and culture) and for its Cannabis, world-class Hashish grown locally. It lies on a plateau at an altitude of 9000ft above sea level. The inhabitants have a high regard for their culture and nature. Harming nature and hunting animals is strictly prohibited here. Any form of body contact with locals is considered as a sin. The temples show brilliant architectural elements and the month of February is good to observe a local festival called Malana Fagli. Visit this village if you are a keen back-pack traveler to unravel more hidden facts about this village. Chail Surrounded with deodar forests, Chail is the hushed hill station in Himachal Pradesh. It is a quintessential destination for families, honeymoon couples that are looking for a calm and relaxed holiday. It is popularly known as hiker’s paradise as it offers a gripping view of rivers and valleys from such a great height. If you are a nature lover there are many reasons to visit Chail. It has magnificent landscapes, tranquil vibe, magical hills, abundant flora, and fauna. It is a rustic yet charming hill station with colonial structures to visit. Get lost in the wonder of nature at Chail and rejuvenate your senses. The best time to visit Chail is in winter (from December to March). You get to experience snowfall. The must-visit places in Chail are Chail Palace, Chail Sanctuary, highest cricket stadium, Sadhupal Lake, Kali Ka Tibba, Siddh Baba Ka Mandir, and Gurudwara Sahib. Mandi Located on the bank of river Beas stands proudly a town called Mandi. It lies in proximity to lower Himalayan ranges. The town has a range of elevation differences making it experiences a mixed climate of pleasant summers and cold winters. Tourists visit this mind-blowing hill station for beautiful landscapes and stunning lakes. The lakes are special with sparkling waters and temples surrounding them. Mandi is sacred for Hindus as it was the meditating place of Lomas Rishi who invoked lord Shiva with his penance. The landscapes offer plenty of opportunities like trekking, skiing, mountaineering and safaris for tourists. It is also known as Varanasi of the hills as it has many ancient temples. Do not miss the international Shivaratri festival that occurs in May. Places to visit in and around Mandi are Prashar Lake, Rewalsar Lake, Dehnasar Lake, Pandoh Dam, Barot Dam, Shikhari Devi Temple, Kamakhya Devi Temple, Bhutnath Temple, Bhima Kali Temple, and Triloknath Temple. Bir Billing The most famous adventure tourist destination in Himachal Pradesh is called Bir Billing. Tourists flock here for paragliding and the annual paragliding world tournament takes place here. Apart from being the paragliding playground in India, the other tourist attractions are Buddhist monasteries and tea gardens. As Billing is surrounded by mountain ranges it is ideal for the aero-sports. The launch site for paragliding is the town of Billing that is 14 km away from Bir and the landing site is Chowgan village. The paragliding is favorable in September and October. Domestic and international tourists frequently visit here for cross-country flying. Camping and trekking are some fun activities to indulge here apart from hand gliding and paragliding. The tourist spots to visit here are the Sherab Ling monastery, Bir tea factory, Tibetan colony, Chokling Monastery, Dharmalaya Institute, Deer Park Institute, and Gunehar waterfalls. Trithan Valley Trithan valley is one of the untarnished natural beauties in Himachal Pradesh. The valley derives its name from the Trithan River flowing through it like most of the valleys. The valley has become a home to adventure enthusiasts. The flowing rivers, snowcapped mountains, glaciers, and exotic fauna beckon travelers from all parts of the world. The quiet valley has interesting activities for both adventure seekers and nature lovers. One can go for trekking, bird watching, trout fishing, and river-side camping. Do not miss camping under stars with Trithan River flowing beside as it gives a newfound peace in life. The summer months are the best time to visit this valley as it offers pleasant temperatures. Visit during the winter season if you like snowfall. But it is best to avoid visiting in peak winter as landslides are common. Spring season brings color with blooming trees and fruit orchards to the valley. The meadows with wildflowers in the valley are a delight to watch. Narkanda Narkanda is a beautiful sightseer destination in the state of Himachal Pradesh. It offers a stunning view of the snow-covered mountain ranges. This sleepy little town is adjacent to Shimla and is known as Dev Bhoomi. Most tourists know it as a transit point for visiting Kinnaur and Spiti valleys. It has high snowfall during winter but is a good destination in summer for the pleasant climate. Tourists can trek in the surrounding woods and enjoy the beauty of the Sutlej River. Its snow-capped mountains offer perfect slopes for skiing. The Best Time to Visit Narkanda is during the summer months of April to June. The Ski Slope of Narkanda is not to be missed as tourists can get complete skiing facilities like equipment and trainer if you like to learn skiing. The other tourist attractions are Hatu Peak, Stokes farm for apple orchards and Kacheri for the ancient Mahamaya temple. Mashobra Does your ideal vacation include visiting orchards, sparkling streams, pine and oak forests, colonial architecture, religious temples, and serene ambiance? Then visit the idyllic hamlet called Mashobra in Himachal Pradesh. Apart from breath-taking visuals and pretty landscapes, this hill station is also famous as a weekend spot for adventure seekers. It offers opportunities for camping, trekking, mountain climbing, rappelling, and fishing. Some other activities to indulge in Mashobra are biking, paragliding, bird watching, quad biking, and skiing. The misty hills and fresh air from orchards and valleys give the much-needed relaxation on a holiday. The tourist attractions in Mashobra are Reserve forest sanctuary which is an ideal spot for bird watching, wildflower hall, Mahasu Devta temple, Italian villa called Criagnano, Tattapani River, Presidential retreat building, Lakkar Bazaar, and Chadwick Falls. The ideal time to visit Mashobra is from March to June. Solang valley Solang Valley is situated between Solang village and Beas Kund, 13km away from Shimla. It is a hotspot for touristy activities that are fun and invigorating. It offers solace to tourists that love quiet solitude with its mountains and presents adventure activities for the sporty visitors. There is a plethora of adrenaline-pumping adventure activates in Solang valley. This valley is a delight and heaven for skiers as it has slopes that cater to skiers of all levels. Winter season brings skiing contests to the valley. Zorbing is another fun activity for tourists to roll down a mountain slope in a big enclosed balloon. Other fun activities include paragliding and rafting in the River Beas, snowmobiling, quad biking, and a short trip on Solang ropeway. A few other tourist destinations near Solang Valley are Rohtang Pass, Great Himalayan National park and village of Kothi. Kufri 15km away from Shimla is the hill station called Kufri that is popular for its weather. Snowfall is pretty abundant in the winter season and summer presents you with the cool climate in a tropical country like India. The tall deodar trees on either side of the road make even road journeys amazing. Some of the fun destinations in Kufri are Kufri fun world that offers an assortment of games for visitors. Himalayan Nature Park offers a perfect holiday for families with kids to look at various animals and bird species. Horse riding and horse safaris are pretty common in most places of India but Yak rides are very rare. Both horse safari and Yak safari are available for tourists in Kufri. Other destinations to visit in Kufri are Mahansu Peak and Indira Tourist Park. Khajjiar Khajjiar is a nature enthusiast’s haven with a vast expanse of verdant meadows, dense deodar forest, and incredible tourist places. It is called the Gulmarg of Himachal as it serves as the base point for Chamba trek, Dalhousie, and Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary treks. Nature explorers that wish to travel around the stunning landscapes should visit Khjjair for its visuals. It is aptly called mini Switzerland of India for the scenic landscapes. Witness beautiful and snowy peaks, luxurious green hills, deep valleys, thick forests in Khajjiar tour. The serene ambiance beckons travelers to rest for a day before moving to the next tourist spot. The beauty of Khajjiar lies in its diverse ecosystems. Some of the tourist places to visit in Khajjiar are a wildlife sanctuary, Khajjiar Lake, Panch Pandav Tree, Village of Kailash, the Nag Temple, Dainikund Peak, Panchpula, Golden Devi temple and Tibetan handicrafts center for paintings, arts and crafts. Kaza Kaza, the capital of Spiti is a tranquil abode located near Spiti River. It acts as a compact launchpad for trips to Ki Gompa, Kibber, and Langza villages. Kaza is a dream destination with snow-covered majestic mountains, twisty streams, and bubbling rivers. There are two parts: old and new Kaza, to accommodate government offices and king's palace respectively. The magical city has historic wonders, Gompas, and monasteries that add charm to the mysterious place. It is a sweet and tranquil getaway on the plains of the Spiti. Backpackers love this destination as it offers beautiful landscapes and terrains for trekking and mountaineering. The tourist attractions of Kaza are Kye monastery, Kunzum Pass, Pin Valley National park, Tabo monastery, Dhankar Gompa, Dhankar fort, and Kibber village. Palampur Palampur is an attractive hill station popular for its tea gardens. It is located right near the foot of Dhauldhar mountain ranges. It is about 34 km away from Dharamshala. Apart from being famous for tea gardens, pine trees are painting the mountain slopes green and rice plantations in this serene place. It was during colonial times, the destination was noticed by the British and made it a center for trade and commerce. You can see a lot of Victorian architecture in old buildings and castles. The blend of colonial-style architecture and picturesque locations make Palampur a trip worthy of a visit. There are a lot of interesting activities to do in Palampur. Exploring tea plantations, pottery classes, Paragliding, trekking are a few things to enjoy. The must-visit places are Tashi Jong Monastery, Naam art gallery, Baijnath temple, Neugal khad, and Chamunda Devi temple. Bhuntar Have you ever heard about Bhuntar town? It is a gateway to the towns of Kullu and Manali. It is identified by the lush greenery with plenty of flora and fauna. It is a wide valley formed by the River Beas. It is located in Kullu district and people often come here to visit Jagannath temple. The other attraction is apple orchards in Bhuntar. The temple of Basheshwar is an architectural masterpiece with beautiful carvings and sculptures. Summer is the ideal time to visit this destination as winters are really cold. River rafting in River Beas is another fun and adventure activity for the tourists to indulge in Bhuntar. Parwanoo If there is one place where tourists can enjoy the charming ambiance of a hill station and hustle-bustle of a city, it is Parwanoo. It is located on the border of Haryana and Himachal Pradesh and is most popular for its beautiful apple orchards and scrumptious fruit products. It offers an ideal getaway for tourists with outdoor activities like trekking and hiking. Nature lovers visit this destination for the serene ambiance it offers. The tall pine and fir trees along the road are a delight to watch. Tourists often visit the lakes, cable car rides, temples and gardens that are offered by Parwanoo. It is no longer a sleepy boring town after agro-industries started a business and made it a commercial place. Do not miss visiting apple orchards, timber trails, Mughal gardens, Kali Mata temple during the tour. Shoghi Shoghi is just 13 kilometers away from Shimla and provides relief from crowded tourist destinations. Shogi is famous for its local fruit produce and hence there is an abundant supply of jams, syrups, and jellies. Shogi is pleasant with lush green vegetation like oak, rhododendron and pine trees. The temple town has abundant religious temples so plan a 2 day trip to Shogi to visit all its temples. There are also plethoras of adventure activities like hiking, bird watching trekking, and rock climbing. Camping is the preferred option while trekking as the trails here can challenging for the tourists. The tourist attractions in Shogi are Kanda Ghat, Tara Devi temple, Jakhoo hills, and Pabbar Valley. Fun activities to do in Shogi are bird watching, shopping, camping, trekking, and hiking. Tattapani Tattapani is a popular tourist destination in Himachal Pradesh for its hot water springs. It is located around 54 Kilometer from Shimla. The hot water springs are sourced by the Sutlej River flowing near the town. There is a lot of mythological importance behind the origin of Tattapani hot water springs. A temple is also built near to hot water springs in honor of Parashuram, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Throngs of tourists take a dip in hot water springs as it has healing properties due to sulfur in them. it is known to cure body ailments and treat skin diseases. The tourist destinations in Tattapani are Shiva caves, Sunni Baazar, Mahunag, and Adventure Park. The adventure activities include trekking, mountain biking, camping, and river rafting. Do not miss the festival of Lohri if you visit Tattapani during January. Sangla and Chitkul Sangla valley is a fascinating destination in Himachal Pradesh with a blend of adventure activities, yoga, and historical monuments. The River Baspa flows through this valley and tourists can get a sight of Mount Kailash from here. There are a lot of camping sites and accommodations to stay in the valley. Some of the famous adventure activities are rappelling, angling, river crossing, and rock climbing. Nature lovers can join the yoga retreats organized here. One of the amazing treks called glacier trekking can be done here. Do not miss visiting Kamru fort, Bering Nag temple, Chitkul village, Batseri village and monasteries located nearby. The Himachal Pradesh trip fits every budget of the travelers as it offers varied traveling options for luxury travelers, families, honeymoon couples and backpackers. Take your pick and have a memorable holiday that lasts a lifetime.