Himachal Pradesh is an enchanting part of Indian Himalayas and is often referred to as magical showcase of nature’s splendors. Himachal Pradesh is blessed with scintillating beauty of nature in the form of refreshing rivers, evergreen trees, kissing hills, magnificent waterfalls and gorgeous landscapes. Himachal Pradesh is tiny hill state which has pleasant summers because of its environment. Every season in this state has its own color and music. So, if you want to take a break in this summer, spend some peaceful time away from noise and hustle bustle of city life, it’s a ideal plan to visit some cool hill station in Himachal Pradesh. Every state in Himachal has its own charm and uniqueness. Let’s explore some lovely hill stations of this Majestic State.
1.Shimla
The Queen of hills Shimla was once the summer capital of British in India. Shimla is present capital of Himachal Pradesh. Shimla’s name is derived from Goddess Shyamala Devi, an incarnation of Hindu Goddess Kali. Shimla is surrounded by snow capped mountains, green pastures and dense cedar forests. Its rich greenery and beautiful lakes have a magical spell on its visitors. It’s also famous and most visited tourist spot in Himachal Pradesh. Shimla ‘s uniqueness lies in offering the scenic beauty, mesmerizing views and stunning landscapes to the lovers of nature and also awesome shopping experience, bars and clubbing facilities to the fun loving people. People can also engage in adventure and fun activities like skiing and trekking. There is never dull movement in Shimla.
Mall Road
Mall road is the main attraction of Shimla with many food joints and shops. It is the best thing to enjoy in evenings. You can find unique items in markets like handicrafts, locally designed woolen clothes, branded clothes and jewellery. You can also find book shops here, one of which sell old books .It’s a charming place to hang out and relax. Vehicles are not allowed in this place so it makes this place cool for walking and enjoying the experience of shopping. You can also taste delicious food here. There are different eating joints that sells chats, Indian cuisine, pizzas, momos and bakery items. Don’t forget to taste special “Embassy Ice creams”
Jakhoo Hills
Jakhoo Hill is another attraction of Shimla .It is the highest point of city .At the top of the hill is located the famous Jakhoo Temple of Shimla. Jakhoo Temple is an ancient Temple of Shimla dedicated to God Hanuman. There is giant statue 108 feet high of Hanuman at Jakhoo Temple overlooking the entire city.
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2. Kasauli
Kasauli is a charming Hill station in Himachal Pradesh. It also serves as an army cantonment. It is famous for its spectacular landscapes. It’s snow clad mountains and dense forests offers a visual treat to its visitors . A mixed forest of Pine, Oak, and huge Chestnut encircles the town. The Monkey point in Kasauli is highest in the region and provides a great view of this place. It is a spot within the Indian Air force territory and houses the temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. According to Ramayana myth when Lord Hanuman was returning from Himalaya after acquiring Sanjeevini Booty one of his foot touched the hill, that’s why the top of the hill is in the shape of a foot.
Christ Church
One can visit the great Christ Church of Kasauli to admire its beautiful Architecture and to feel peace within themselves by Praying to God. This Anglican Church has Gothic Architecture which is Enchanting. You can capture the scenic beauty of this place in your camera.
Sai Baba Mandir
Sai Baba Mandir is situated near Kasauli. One should visit this holy place to offer prayers to God Sai Baba and also to feel blissful and calmness inside. It provides peace to devotees who come here.
Food in Kasauli
Kasauli is famous for its delicious Momos and Thukpas. Bandsamosa is a unique and special dish of Kasauli Bandsamosas are normal samosas stuffed with a potatoes ,various chutneys, choley are served with sauces. It is highly recommended to try this unique and tasty dish.
Shopping
The Handicrafts, the carpets and the Himachali jewellery are some of the things you must include in your shopping list.
3.Kullu
The Kullu valley is known as the “Valley of Gods “ or “DevBhoomi” due to its Pilgrimage sites for Hindus, Buddhists and Muslims alike .It is broad open valley formed by Beas river. Kullu is a world famous holiday destination. Many film shootings takes place at this place because of scenic beauty it offers.This exotic and mind blowing valley has lush green meadows and pine trees. For honeymoon couples, Kullu is a perfect destination.It is a romantic paradise to spend some unforgettable time together.The Kullu valley offers ample opportunities for fishing in the river Beas and its larger tributaries. There were some 20 Buddhist Monasteries with about 1000 Monks, there are also 15 Hindu Temples. There were Meditation camps near the Monasteries inhabited by both Hindu and Buddhist practitioners.
Places of attraction
Raghunath Temple
This Temple was dedicated to Raghunathji (Lord Rama ). It was build in the year 1650 A.D.The Idol in the Temple was taken from Trinath Temple.The Deity in this Shrine is believed to be the safe guarder of the entire valley and it is believed that king Jagat Singh constructed this Temple to get rid of his sinful past.This Temple is greatly revered by people. Every year International fair Dussehra is celebrated with Local Deities in honour of Lord Raghunath.
Mahadevi Tirth Temple
Mahadevi Tirth Temple is believed to be Vaishno Devi Temple in Kullu. Its located just 2 km from Kullu valley .The foundation of Tirth was laid down by Swami Sewakdas who was great worshiper of Goddess.
Food
You can enjoy Himachali cuisine in Kullu. Restaurants here serve Indian,Chinese and continental food. Here you can enjoy cheese cakes, sandwiches and many other things.
4.Manali
Manali is a popular hill station and tourist destination of India. Manali offers much in terms of natural beauty such as beautiful snow clad mountains, gurgling Beas river and other water streams. The best part about this valley is the location of Beas river which flow through the center of valley. Manali is a tourist destination for those people who want to spend a long holiday in the laps of Himalayas. Hadimba, Vasisht, Manu temple, Rohtang pass, Naggar, Jogni waterfalls are some of the must visit places in Manali. This place can also be called as the top hill stations in India to visit in June and July.
Hadimba Devi temple
Hadimba Devi Temple is a famous temple in Manali. It is an ancient cave Temple in Manali dedicated to Hadimba Devi, wife of Bhima, a figure in the Indian Epic Mahabharata. The Temple is surrounded by a cedar forest at the foot of Himalayas. Its a nice place to visit. The surrounding area is very beautiful. There is also Pine forest nearby.
Manu Temple
This beautiful and charming Temple is dedicated to Sage Manu, who is said to be the creator of the world and the writer of Manusmriti.The presence of river Beas in this area adds to its attraction.
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5. Kufri
Kufri is a small hill station in the Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh. It is located at 13 km from Shimla.The name Kufri is derived from the word “Kufr”meaning lake in the local language. Kufi is known for its beautiful natural environments and cool atmosphere. Its a ideal place to enjoy adventure sports like Skiing, Tobogganing. Kufri has a Himalayan Wild life Zoo which hosts rare Antelopes, Birds including the Himalayan Monal, the state bird of Himalchal Pradesh.
Himalayan wild life Zoo
If you are fascinated with snow Leopard and wants to watch it,Himalayan Wild Life Zoo is a place ,you should visit.Its a very well maintained Zoo with different kind of animals including the charming and enchanting Snow Leopard.Its fascinating especially for kids.The Zoo houses Leopards ,wild brown bears, deers, monkeys and many other animals.
6. Dharamashala
Dharmashala is located in the upper reaches of the Kangra valley in Himachal Pradesh. The Dalai Lama’s residence and the headquarters of Central Tibetan Administration are in Dharmashala. The city is surrounded by thick cover of Deodar, Cedar trees which makes this place more attractive and beautiful. You can see both Hindu and Buddhist culture here. Dharmshala is among my favorite hill stations in Himachal Pradesh.
Mcleodganj
Mcleodganj is a suburb in the state of Himachal Pradesh .It is also popularly known as “Little Lhasa “.This place is also known worldwide for the presence of Dalai Lama.It has famous Tibet Museum where you can find unique pictures of Tibetan culture and history .You can also take pictures in museum with your camera.Along with Museum ,you can also enjoy Bhagsunag waterfall with your family or friends.This fall has pure and refreshing water which energizes you instantly.
Triund Hill
Triund hill is known as jewel of Dharmashala .It is located about 9 km from Mcleodganj .Trekking to Triund makes an amazing experience .Its a one day trek.The most beautiful part of trek is the views of sunset and sunrise from the top of the hill.
7. Chamba
image source
Chamba is the headquarters of the Chamba district. It offers splendid sights of lush green forests and snowy mountains. The town of Chamba is located at the junction of Ravi river. It is the valley of milk and honey which is popular for its streams, lakes,temples, meadows and paintings. Chamba is well noted for its arts and crafts, particularly its Pahari Paintings. Chamba is also known for its colorful Festivals and fairs.The most popular fair(Jatras) are “Sui Mata Mela”and “Minjar Mela”.
Suhi Mata Mela
This fair is held to respect the sacrifice of Rani Naina devi who laid down her life and become instrumental for bringing water to the Chamba town. A temple called after her name is still present in the town.
This fair is meant for the women folk of the area and the menfolk are not permitted to to enjoy the dance and songs of women.
Minjar Mela
Minjar fair is the renowned fair of Chamba area. This fair is held on the third Sunday of Bikrami sawant month.Thousands of people visit the fair in their best costumes.
Shopping – Keylong is an ideal place to do shopping in Lahaul and Spiti. In Keylong market you can buy things like woolen clothes,shawls,stoles,baby shawls caps and many other items made from Angoora or Pashiman yarn.
Food – There are many restaurants in the Lahaul and Spiti which serves delicious and exotic food.They serve all Indian and western Delicacies.They also provides a wide range of beer and wines.If you want to explore local food ,you can arrange a night out in the surroundings place with local people .They can serve their tasty and unique traditional food which you cannot find in other places.
8.Khajjiar
Khajjiar is a beautiful hill station in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh .It is also known as Mini Switzerland of India because of its stunning natural views and also because it bear topographical resemblance with Switzerland. Dalhousie is major town situated near Khajjiar. Khajjiar is situated on small pleatue with a small stream fed lake in the middle .The hill station is covered with meadows and forests .So,tourists here can enjoy the unique and rare combination of lake, pastures and forests.
Khajjar Lake
You can enjoy the scenic beauty of Khajjiar lake along with other activities like horse riding,Paragliding .It is a ideal place to plan picnic with family and enjoy the quality time in the beauty of nature.A little away from the lake is the Temple of Khajji Nag. In the Mandap of the Temple ,one can see the images of the Pandavas and defeated Kauravas.The Temple is dedicated to the Snake (Naga) worship and there are some Snake idols inside.
9.Dalhousie
Dalhousie is an Enchanting Hill station in a Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh .It has beautiful Churches ,Panoramic and breath taking lush green carpets and Pristine clear rivers.The laid back town with its breadth taking views is situated on 5 hills and has an elevation of 1,970 meters above sea level.It has an equisite reservoir called Chamera lake formed by Chamera dam.Its an artificial lake with chilling water and surrounded by beautiful green trees.You can enjoy various water sport activities such as boat riding and fishing.
So this was the list of top 9 hill stations to visit in Himachal Pradesh
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