Top Places to Visit in Himachal Pradesh, Hilly Paradise in India
As shared in my previous blog, India has various states and HP or Himachal Pradesh is one of the most sought-after destination due to its beautiful hilly terrain. Here is Himachal Pradesh tourism guide with Top Places to Visit in Himachal Pradesh. An introduction to inspire you to travel to the hills.
State Introduction: Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh lies in the Northern part of India in the Himalayas with the most magnificent mountain towns and resorts scattered all over the state. Shimla is the capital of the state Himachal.
Geographically it is placed surrounded by many other beautiful Indian States. It has Jammu and Kashmir to the north and Punjab and Chandigarh on the western side and more than that it also has a link to the Tibet on the east. As you reach towards the linked border the landscape dramatically and beautifully changes. It is a beautiful hilly state for any traveler to explore.
Most of the state of HP is situated in the foothills of the Dhauladhar Range with Shimla as the highest point of Himachal Pradesh at 7025 m. It is well connected by road, rail, and airlines.
The state of Himachal Pradesh is known for its three gems in the form of temples, hill stations, and natural beauty. Many famous rivers like Chenab, Ravi, Beas, Sutlej and the Yamuna flow through the state making it a source of hydroelectricity for states like Punjab, Delhi, and Rajasthan.Himachal Tourism Industry plays an important factor in the state’s economy.
Buddhists find a strong religious with the presence of some of the oldest Buddhist monasteries and temples in Asia. The state is a host to HH Dalai Lama in Dharmshala. The Tibetan presence in feeling strongly especially during the colorful and significant Tibetan New Year celebrations and in the food and culture of the region.
Himachal is an ancient centre for Hindu temples a popular pilgrim destination. It is also called the “Dev Bhoomi” (which means Abode of Gods) as is mentioned in ancient Hindu holy texts. Hence, it is preferred tourist spot for many Indian travelers as well who visit here for vacation as well as religious purposes.
Due to its extreme elevation, there are variations in the climate and vegetation known for its wide range of aromatic and medicinal plants especially in the cold desert region of Lahul-Spiti. It is a delight for fruit lovers with widespread orchards, meadows, and pastures clinging to steep slopes.
Himachal is an extremely tourist-friendly state with a rich heritage of handicrafts to attract travelers to shop like Pashmina shawls, carpets, embroidered flip-flops (chappals), woodwork, silver or metal ware and Kangra paintings to name a few.
Top Places to Visit in Himachal Pradesh are
Dalhousie
Shimla
Manali
Dharamshala
Mcleodganj
Spiti Valley
Kheerganga Trek
Bir Billing (paragliding sight)
Chamba
Khajjiar
Kullu and Manali
In addition to these, there are many more off-beat destinations. One can live here for few months and keep exploring this state as it has a lot to offer.These hilly destinations are popular for both domestic and international tourists.
Adventure tourism like ice skating, paragliding, rafting, skiing, boating, mountain biking, horse riding, fishing, and trekking can be done in different parts of the state. usually, travelers visit here in Summer to get ease from heat in most of the mainland of India but off late winter also is becoming a preferred season for the snow-loving travelers.
India boasts of best of every terrain be it sea or ocean or dessert. This hilly terrain has some of the famous tourist spots.Watch out for our next blog series on Himachal Destinations as we unveil the beauty and freshness of the Himalayan foothills.
Though travelers visit the hill stations in Summers there are some off-season daredevils who visit these places in winter as well. If you are adventure lover you will visit this state to witness the snow-capped peaks and frozen lakes. Brrrrrr !!
There are winter sports activities introduced as well. One can get options to Ski too.
I like winter travel ! With snow, there is a different landscape to explore and of course, Christmas spirit adds to the same. Are you planning a winter snowy trip as well?
If you want to read a similar post check the link below
Link Road trip to Leavenworth another of my favorite winter trip
So, which is your Top Place to Visit in Himachal Pradesh? Share in the comments below!
Such an interesting place! I don’t know how I’d fare in such high elevation! Would love to see all the temples though, sounds beautiful:D The fog gives it a very mysterious air as well. Thanks for introducing this region!
Your pictures are so enticing. There’s so much to do and see in Himachal Pradesh. Spiti Valley has been long overdue. Will plan by 2018. Cheers!!
Wow in 2018 you are planning Spiti, I keep postponing this trip! Looking forward to visiting so many other destinations too in Himachal.
Yet another beautiful and interesting place to add on my list! since Himachal Pradesh I bet it’s colder there than the rest of the cities. I love that photo witht he fog covering the city.
Thank you! Glad you liked this post 🙂 Yes the northern side of India is Hilly and hence this place is colder! Some really cool destinations are here and few travelers only visit the hilly side of this state while they visit India. So much to see 😀
Amazing place I cannot wait to visit when I come to India – loved the photos. Looks like a interesting place to visit to lots to do and see. Bookmarked
The hilly side of India is also a very famous and has many tourist destinations. Glad you are adding Himachal to your list 😀
Wow some more stunning pictures, looks just great! Would love to visit and explore !
Himachal trips were always very scenic and I hope to share more stories real soon 🙂
I think Himachal is the most important place in India that has the best ingredients of Nature I hope the right government is there to control and make the state the heritage and glory of India
I agree with you , Thankyou glad you liked this post 🙂