Filled with deep gorges, snow-capped mountains, and lush valleys, Himachal Pradesh is India’s most renowned hill state, especially when it comes to tourist destinations. Welcoming locals, ample scenic spots, and a multitude of adventure activities are enough reasons for tourists to crowd places like Manali and Shimla. While these are among the most common places for visiting in the state, this is not it - there’s more to the state like offbeat, less crowded places like Reckong Peo, Chail, and Bir.
So whether you wish to spend just the weekend here or have plans for a long vacation, the state will not disappoint you. But before you book your tickets or plan the trip, there are some things you need to know. This blog is your complete guide to traveling in Himachal Pradesh. You’ll find out the places you can visit, the activities you can perform, the delicacies that you can savor here, and much more. So let’s jump right into the details.
Places to Visit
Given below are some of the places you must visit during your stay in Himachal Pradesh.
1. Manki Point, Kasauli: Located in the foothills of the sub-Himalayan range, this place is perfect for nature lovers. The highest point of Kasauli, Manki Point is ideal for panoramic views of the glistening Sutlej and Dhauladhar range, which will leave you stunned.
2. The Mall Road, Shimla: If you haven’t already heard about it, you definitely do not know much about Himachal Pradesh. The Mall Road offers a lot to tourists - from high-end fashion boutiques to renowned restaurants, it has it all. You can start from the eastern side of the road and walk toward Scandal Point. Do not miss the Town Hall, Gaiety Theatre, and Viceregal Lodge (Indian Institute of Advanced Study).
3. Khajjiar Lake, Khajjiar: Popularly known as the mini-Switzerland of Himachal Pradesh, Khajjiar is a blend of pasture, forest, and lake. During your excursion here, remember to visit the Khajji Nag Temple, which is located near the lake. Dedicated to Khajji Nag, the lord of serpents, this temple dates back to the 12th century.
4. Chail Palace and Cricket Ground, Chail: The former summer place of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh, Chail is among the most beautiful places in the state. During your stay here, go for an excursion to the Chail Palace to get an insight into royal life. The gorgeously manicured gardens and spacious rooms will mesmerize you. And finally, go to the Chail Cricket Ground, the world’s highest cricket ground, which is located at an altitude of 2,144 meters. It is just 4 kilometers from the Palace.
Activities to Perform
Apart from visiting the above-mentioned places, you can go to other places that we have mentioned here in order to perform exciting activities.
1. Take the Toy Train Ride: The historic UNESCO World Heritage toy train ride is the ideal way for reaching the ‘Queen of the Hills’. You will depart from Kalka and go through endless old-world railway stations and 102 tunnels before you finally reach Shimla.
2. Go for Adventure Sports in Manali: Manali offers a wide variety of exciting adventure sports, such as heli-skiing, paragliding, camping, and trekking. So depending on the extent of thrill you want, choose your sport. Moreover, if you are traveling during the monsoon season, river rafting is a must.
3. Sunset Watching in Dalhousie: Want to watch a beautiful sunset view? Dalhousie is the place. There are a number of spots for watching sunsets here - all over the majestic Pir Pinjal range.
Delicacies to Try
So you visit Himachal Pradesh and do not try the Himachali cuisine? Impossible! Here are some dishes you must savor. After all, if you really want to immerse yourself in the local culture of the state, this is the first step forward.
1. Madra: A popular dish of the Chamba area, Madra is usually prepared on special occasions and festivals. It is served with flat bread and is made with soaked kidney beans or chickpeas with a blend of spices.
2. Sidu: A traditional bread, Sidu is made from wheat flour. Often, it is served with mutton and butter. This food item can be easily found at all restaurants across the state.
3. Dham: Among the most popular dishes of Himachal Pradesh is Dham. Just like Madra, this is also commonly made on special occasions. In fact, it is an entire meal.
Ideal Time to Visit Himachal Pradesh
Every season has its own charm when it comes to traveling in Himachal Pradesh. While you can enjoy the views of snow-capped mountains in winter, river rafting in the monsoon is an adventure of its own. So based on the kind of experience you are looking forward to, choose the months for visiting the state.
October to February: The winter season in Himachal Pradesh begins around October and lasts till February-end. Destinations like Manali and Shimla experience snowfall during the months of January and February, which make it ideal for couples, especially those planning their honeymoon. Also, it is the best time for heli-skiing and skiing.
April to June: The summer season in Himachal Pradesh is pleasant and the temperatures range between 25 and 35 degrees Celsius. It is the peak tourist season since people from all over the country come here to avoid the heat wave.
July to September: The monsoon season attracts tourists due to the lush green mountains and picturesque views. Also, if you want to try river rafting, this is the perfect time.
The Final Word
Spending a vacation in Himachal Pradesh is one of the best experiences due to the wide variety of activities one can perform and the places that can be visited. Not to mention, the state is ideal for tourism year-round since every season has something to offer to travelers. So which month are you planning to visit?
