Dev Bhumi Himachal, one of the wonderful Himalayan states in India offers a great list of places to travel. If you love mountains especially, be prepared to step into a paradise! In this post, we have listed the best places to visit in Himachal.
Best Time To Visit Himachal
Before we mention the list, let’s find out about the weather. What is the best time to visit Himachal? The northern regions have seasons where it completely becomes impossible to travel and there are periods best for travel as well. This region experience snowfall until March and remain closed. And as the summer spreads from April, these regions become open.
The southern places of Himachal, however, are ideal for travel for the most part, except maybe during severe monsoons, when landslides occur commonly.
So let me begin with the most popular choices that we have in Himachal. Here are the places that you can visit:
Shimla: One of the most touristy places, but definitely worth a visit for a pleasant climate and stunning views. Head to Kufri, a small town near Shimla to try skiing.
Kullu & Manali: Again among the most visited places in the state, both Kullu & Manali are awesome places to be during May. Do visit Manali Sanctuary and Kanawar while in Kullu. Both of these are reserve forests home to the rare Himalayan wildlife.
Bir: Bir is the paragliding capital of India and an ideal place to visit which is still not that touristy. Although it’s slowly turning into a crowded tourist destination, you still can enjoy the serene village life, do paragliding which opens during this season, visit monasteries & enjoy local food.
- Imagine waking up to views like this – Your imagination can come true in Himachal!
Kinnaur & Lauhal: Spiti might be still closed if you want to travel in early May, but the neighbouring Kinnaur & Lauhal are splendid places to spend summer. Sangla & Hangrang valley studded with vibrant flowers and lush green fields surrounded by the snow-capped Himalayas are just perfect.
Dalhousie: Being a tourist attraction, Dalhousie is one of the oldest well-known hill stations of Himachal, which is easy to reach and a good place for the summer. You can get the magnificent views of Chamba valley and the Dhauladhar range here.
Dharamshala: From being a quiet Tibetan abode, Dharamshala & Mcleodganj has transformed into bustling tourist destinations in Himachal. The weather is pleasant, the views of the Dhauladhar is awesome, accommodation easy to get for all budgets and the food is delectable!
Coming to some of the off-beat places to visit in Himachal, these are the ones that you can check out:
Jibhi, Tirthan Valley: Jibhi, located in the mesmerizing Tirthan Valley is a great place to escape into the Himalayan hills. Unlike the above, this village is yet to become completely commercialized (although it’s on the way, unfortunately). So spend your 3 to 4 days there, and you’ll have a blissful holiday. Tirthan Valley is perfect for an impromptu hike to any random hill, the reward being the view of the marvelous valley laden with Himalayan flora.
Read this great post to know more about Jibhi here.
Another small town worth visiting is Palampur town or Kangra, which is very close to Dharamshala. You can also visit Chamba region.
For details on more places to visit in Himachal, check this post here.
Himachal Travel Tips
- The smile is the best way! Says an old Himachali!
A note on attractions: Among all the places mentioned above, some attractions in Shimla, Kullu, Manali, and Dalhousie exclusively target couples. They are actually very popular among the honeymooners. So you might want to glance through to make your choice unless you are looking for a romantic getaway too!
Accommodation: In places like Jibhi or Kangra, opt for homestays or guesthouses. These are run by the local Himachali people, who are very kind and adept at hospitality. You get to experience local culture and food, along with the chance of living in traditional homes. If you are a backpacker and prefer hostels, most of the above ones have many, including Manali, Shimla, Kullu, Bir, Dalhousie, Dharamshala & Mcleodganj.
Transport: The public transport, particularly buses are not too bad although they are not that frequent. So for smaller towns, you might have to rely on cabs, which is slightly expensive. Try exploring more on foot if possible, as it is the best way to breathe and soak in the mountains’ fresh air.
If you are traveling with kids or in a group, hiring a cab is more comfortable and works out well. Public transportation may not be a good idea, especially if the kids are too young.
Also, make use of technology!
Travel planning to any place is no more a worry, thanks to the smartphone era. And what would you say if we told that you can get all your travel queries started with a simple phone call?
Yes, for an easier, hassle-free travel planning with personalised itinerary suggestions, just download Talk Travel. It is a free mobile app that will let you call & talk with travel experts from across the world. You don’t have to worry about planning or things to do. All you have to do is ask the local experts! Go ahead and click on the links to download on your Android and iOS mobiles.
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