While a city mind wants to run away from the hustle and bustle and surrenders to the mother nature – it is Himachal. Tranquillity resonates everywhere. It would be wrong, if we don’t mention the British who gave this place identity and established a number of hill stations, once a restricted place for tourism. British announced Shimla as “The Summer Capital of India” in 1864. At that time only a few mobilities of pilgrims to religious destinations were over the mountains.
The Indian state Himachal Pradesh is located in North (altitude 6816 meters), sharing her border with Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Punjab, Haryana, Uttaranchal, Uttar Pradesh and Tibet.
Conventionally, Himachal is renowned as the haven in summer, thanks to the Tourism Industry who has laid the path for all seasons. Apart from popular destinations, Himachal has many surreal gems to explore.
Treks, Trails and Natural Parks –
The Great Himalayan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kullu –
The Park is the aim of nature lovers, trekkers, bird and wildlife fanatics. It conserves a large number of plants and animals’ lives, belonging to one of the picturesque places in Himachal.
GHNP situated at the altitude of 1500m to 6000m, surrounded by hills, valleys, woodlands, pastures. The natural habitat of Himalayan Thar, brown bear, snow leopard, blue sheep. The park was recognized globally in 2014.
The divine beauty, distinct panoramic views of GHNP, captivating trekkers, photographers to walk through gorgeous trails.
A number of trails and treks like Tirthan Valley, Sainj Valley, Parvati River valley, Crossing the Pin Parvati Pass are notable treks.
Pin Valley National Park, Simbalbara National Park are other significant biological reserves in Himachal.
Architectural Sites –
The land of Himachal Pradesh has been nourishing the rich culture and heritage from many years. Spiritual practices like Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism are quietly existing in the life of local villages.
A thousand years old Buddhist Monastery in Spiti valley is nurturing intricate wall paintings that received recognition as a “World Heritage Site” by UNESCO.
A nearby village Pragpur enlisted as “Heritage Village” because of her old, traditional, unspoiled architecture.
Kangra Fort is the largest and ancient fort in Himachal by the Katoch Dynasty situated near Dharamshala.
Several other forts like Kotla, Bahadurpur, Nurpur, Satgarh, Ratanpur enriched the land with historical values.
Kalka Shimla Railway –
It is more than 100 years old, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, 2 feet 6-inch narrow gauge railway line, an engineering marvel goes along a mountainous route, unearthing snow-peaked mountains, romantic landscapes, sky-scraping pines from Kalka to Shimla. The mighty toy train, with gushing streams, runs 96 kilometres and passes 102 tunnels and 800 Gothic style bridges. The entire journey surely recollects its past days. A must be exploring the site for romantic couples.
Glorious Sites in Himachal –
Shimla
The state capital, the dominant hill station by the tourists, once was charmed by British Colonialism and became a historical place since pre-independence.
The city itself manifests numerous architectural sites like Viceregal Lodge, the flagship Christ Church, Barnes Court and several other buildings.
Mashobra, Kufri, Shali Tibba, Naldehra, Hatu Peak Narkanda, Bhimakali Temple Sarahan are the most favourite places near Shimla.
Kufri, the tourist’s delight, is one of the famous places for skiing.
Manali
One more top destination in Himachal where nature, adventure, relaxation, pilgrimage, food, sightseeing, partying has been offered together to the tourism palate. The rushing down of the River Beas enables adventure sports like rowing, rafting in the valley, top vacation choice for the youngsters.
Rohtang Pass, Solang Nullah, Hidimba Devi Temple near mall road, Naggar Place, Vashisht Village are the most visited places near Manali.
A popular route from Manali to Leh, Ladakh, passes through Lahaul valley, create an excellent appeal to the bikers.
Dharamshala
In 1959, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama chose his exiled abode in Mcleodganj during Tibetan uprising. The hill station is accessible from Chandigarh and Pathankot in Punjab.
The café culture and great international cuisines served by restaurants boast of Hollywood admirers.
Dharamshala Cricket Stadium can be related to Adelaide, Oval or Newlands.
Trekking and camping out under the stars in nearby areas like Dharamkot, Triund are part of tourism culture.
Khajjiar
A tiny hill station near beautiful Dalhousie resembles the “Mini Switzerland” in India. Khajjiar is surrounded by the thick forests of deodar, and lush green meadows that spellbound the tourists.
Things to Explore in Himachal Pradesh –
Spiritual
Himachal is a place for spiritual and religious practices. Tourists from all over the world seek religious prosperity and spiritual gratification in Churches, Monasteries, Temples and Gurudwaras.
Cuisines
Multicuisine options (international and national) make Himachal a Foodies Paradise. Himachal is very well connected by road, air and railways. Plentiful accommodations from reasonable to luxurious are handy. Once in a lifetime trip to Himachal is a must. The transparency of the weather is good during the month of April to June and October to March. These are the ideal times to plan a vacation but better to avoid during the monsoon.
To know more about what are the best winter destination in India visit Top 10 Best Winter Destination in India
Pingback: Top 10 Winter Destination in India: Best places to Visit in India in Winter