Himachal Pradesh Tourism

Himachal Pradesh literally “Snow-ladden Region” is a state in North India. It has border with Jammu and Kashmir on north, Punjab on west, Haryana on South West, Uttarakhand on south east and International Border with China in the Tibetan Autonomous region on east of the state. The whole of Himachal pradesh because of its scenic beauty is filled with tourist spots.

Places to visit in Himachal Pradesh

Shimla

Shimla is the state capital of Himachal Pradesh. With spectacular and beautiful landscapes, is one of the most beautiful places in India. Among the Hill Stations in Northern India, Shimla became the most popular because of beautiful climate and easy road communication. Summers are mild and winters temperature reach below freezing point.

Places to visit in Shimla

The Mall, Viceregal Lodge, Himachal State Museum, Jakhoo Hill, Annandale hill, Glen, Summer Hill, Chadwick Falls, Sanjauli, Prospect Hill, Daranghati Sanctuary, Mashobra, Kufri, Fagu, Naldehra, Tattapani, Narkhanda, Hattu peak,

How to get to Shimla

Flight

Shimla Airport at Jubbarhatti is a domestic airport situated 23 km away from Shimla town. There are flights from Delhi, Chandigarh, Kangra and Kullu

Train

Shimla is connected to Kalka town in Haryana State by narrow gauge railway line. Kalka is connected to Delhi, Kolkata, Amritsar with Broad gauge line.

Road

There are daily buses from all over the state and also from the Major towns of Punjab and Haryana.

Kullu and Manali

Manali is located in Kullu Valley. High mountains surrounded by snow and deep boulder strewn gorges on the the sides of river Beas lies the Valley of Kullu. There are thick forests full of cool breeze covered with fields of wild flowers and fruit laden orchards.

 Places to visit in Kullu Manali

Kothi, solang valley, Rahla Falls, Manali Sactuary, Rohtang Pass,  The Great Himalayan National Park, Kanawar Sanctuary, Kaishdhar, Kasol, Manikaran, Larji, Pulga and Khirganga, Raison, Katrain, Naggar, Malana, Shoja

How to get to Kullu Manali

Flight

Bhuntar airport, also known as Kullu Manali airport or Kullu airport is a domestic airport 10 kms from Kullu and 50 kms from Manali. There are limited flights so better to find with the Airport authority of India for details.

Train

The closest narrow gauge railway station is 165 kms away at Joginder Nagar.

Road

Distance from Shimla to Kullu Manali is 280 km. Also there are regular bus Services from Delhi to Manali duering the tourist season.

Dharamshala

Dharamshala is a Hill resort with snow clad Dhauladhar ranges as the backdrop. Dharamshala is one of best tourist locations , located in the kangra district with pine and deodar forests, small rivers and snow capped mountains.  Also Dharamshala is famous all over the world as it houses the Official headquarters of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The suburbs of Mcleodganj and Forsytheganj reminds of the British flavor and colonial lifestyle. Lord Elgin, a British Viceroy of India is buried in Dharamshala at St. John Church cemetery.

Places in and around Dharamshala are

Kangra Art Museum, Kotwali Bazar, War Memorial, Kunal Pathri, St. John’s Church, Mcleodganj, Dal lake, Bhagsunath temple, Chinmaya Tapovan Ashram, Nurpur,

How to get to Dharamsala

Flight

Kangra Airport situated in Gaggal is 13 kms away from Dharamsala town center. There are flights from Delhi, Chandigarh and Kullu.

Train

The nearest broad gauge railway station is 85 km at Pathankot and the toy train station is 17 km at Kangra.

Road

There are regular Bus Services from Pathankot which takes 3 hours and also from Delhi which takes around 12 hours. And daily buses from Shimla.

Dalhousie

Dalhousie named after British Governor General Lord Dalhousie who visited the small charming hilltop was charmed with high mountain ranges, the valley of Chamba is noted for the magnificence of its scenery. Situated amidst dense forested hills of pine and deodar is abundant with beautiful picnic spots and forest trails.

Places to visit in Dalhousie

Subhash Baoli, Satdhara , Panjpulla, Bakrota Hills, Kalatope, Bara Pather, Dhainkund, Khajjiar

How to get to Dalhousie

Flight

The nearest airport is Kangra ( Gaggal , 12 Km)

Train

The nearest narrow gauge railhead is Kangra (18 Km). The nearest broad gauge station Pathankot, (90 Km), is linked to major towns.

Road

Dalhousie is well connected by road to Delhi 114 Km, Chandigarh 239 Km, Kulllu 214 Km, Shimla 332 Km, Chamba 192 Km. There are regular bus Services and also Taxis and cabs are available.

I am putting here best known areas of Himachal Pradesh for tourism with better access. There are lesser known places to see as well. For more information you can check the websites of Himachal tourism  www.hptdc.nic.in/ or www.himachaltourist.com/