HIMACHAL PRADESH

With spectacular valleys, breathtaking views, snowcapped mountains, and lush forests of oak, deodar, and pine, Manali is a magical hill station at the northern end of Kullu valley in Himachal Pradesh. Gifted to the world by the mighty Himalayas, it is known to be one of the most popular destinations for Honeymooners. Manali offers magnificent views of the Pir Panjal and the Dhauladhar ranges, covered in a thick blanket of snow for most of the year.

Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh and a popular hill-station among Indian families and honeymooners. Situated at the height of 2200m, it was the summer capital of British India. The hill station still retains its old-world charm with beautiful colonial architecture, pedestrian-friendly Mall Road and the ridge lined up with multiple shops, cafes and restaurants.

Shimla is well connected with many cities and is just 4 hours from the nearby city of Chandigarh. The city has an airport as well; however, there aren't many daily flights from here. The railway station connects Shimla with the plans and is famous for the Kalka-Shimla train route; a UNESCO listed World Heritage site.

"Hippie haven in Parvati Valley with riverside cafes"

Kasol is a quaint little village in Himachal situated along the banks of the river Parvati. Commonly known as the 'Amsterdam of India', Kasol is a tourist attraction that is rapidly gaining fame as a popular hub for trekkers, backpackers, and nature lovers. The valley is situated 23 kms from Bhuntar and next to the religious town of Manikaran and is one of the best places in the country just to sit back and chill in the panorama of snow-clad mountains, pine trees and serene river.

Famous for its trekking trails, Kasol is popular for several treks to Kheerganga, Yanker Pass, Sar Pass, and Pin Parbati Pass. To get a real feel of the culture in this region, go on a trip to the village of Malana. Located a few kilometres away from Kasol, Malana is a tiny hamlet inhabited by people living in self-imposed isolation. The village has plenty of scenic sights, though, and is often called ‘Little Greece’.

"Himachal’s Tibetan enclave with monasteries and mountain views"
Mcleodganj Tourism
Mcleodganj, Himachal Pradesh is one of the most popular tourist destinations for it's tibetan culture, nature treks, greenery, ancient temples & monasteries, and british influence. Located in the Kangra district, it's on the outskirts of Dharamshala. Perched at an altitude of 2,082 meters in the Dhauladhar range, it serves as the home of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile. Mcleod Ganj is culturally blessed by a prominent Tibetan influence owing to the major settlement of Tibetans here who fled their homeland. It is also worth noting that Tibet's exiled government is also based solely in Mcleodganj which is also why it's called the Little Lhasa.

The best time to visit is from March to June when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities, and from September to November, when clear skies offer the best mountain views. Winters (December to February) bring snow, transforming McLeodganj into a picturesque retreat.

"Dalai Lama’s Home in the Hills"
Dharamshala Tourism
Dharamshala is a beautiful hill town in the Dhauladhar range of Himalayas. It is the winter capital of Himachal Pradesh and is located in the upper slopes of the Kangra valley. Once known as a british hill station during the colonial era, Dharamsala soon became occupied by Tibetan communities and is now home to the greatest Buddhist leader Dalai Lama.


Dharamshala, sometimes overshadowed by the more prominent neighbourhood of McLeodganj, is a more laid-back and tranquil spot to spend a long weekend if you're visiting from nearby cities like Chandigarh, Delhi, Amritsar or Jammu. Apart from Mcleodganj, you can explore the quaint little hippie village Dharamkot that's untouched by crowd of tourists. Hence, away from clamour of other tourist spots, Dharamsala is also known to be one of the top destinations for solo travellers. 

"Himalayan desert valley with monasteries and lunar landscapes"
Spiti Valley Tourism
Long winding roads and valleys that present unforgettable glimpses of cold desert and snow-crowned mountains welcome you when you set foot into Spiti Valley. Bordered on all sides by the Himalayas, Spiti Valley, located in Himachal Pradesh, has an altitude of 12,500 feet above sea level, and gets just around 250 days of sunshine in the year, making it one of the coldest places in the country.

The term Spiti means 'The Middle Land', as Spiti Valley separates India from Tibet. True to its name, Spiti is home to several monasteries. Notably the stunning Key Monastery that is over a thousand years old and is also the largest monastery to be found in the entire Spiti Valley.

"Colonial charm and pine forests in Himachal"
Kasauli Tourism
Kasauli, a serene hill station in Himachal Pradesh, offers breathtaking panoramic views of lush green valleys and snow-capped peaks from its altitude of 1,900 meters above sea level. Nestled amidst the majestic Himalayas, it's an ideal escape from city life, known for its pleasant weather year-round. Situated on the road from Chandigarh to Shimla, this hilly cantonment town is perfect for a weekend getaway, offering picturesque nature trails amidst beautiful forests of pines, herbs, and cedar trees.

The quaint village exudes old-world charm with the lavish Victorian buildings built by the Britishers who resided here years back. It is steeped in history, offering visitors a glimpse into its colonial past. Popular attractions in Kasauli include the historic Christ Church, the Central Research Institute, the Monkey Temple, and Sunset Point, each offering unique experiences and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. Additionally, Kasauli holds significance as a pilgrimage place, as it is believed to be the resting place of Lord Hanuman during his search for medicines for Lord Lakshaman.  Adventure enthusiasts can indulge in trekking amidst the dense forests, offering an exhilarating experience amidst breathtaking landscapes.

"Colonial Hill Station in Himachal"
Dalhousie Tourism
Dalhousie is a popular hill station spread out over five hills in Himachal Pradesh boasting views of the snow-capped peaks of the Dhauladhar ranges. Famous for its meadows, dense forests, and waterfalls, it is especially a favourite amongst honeymooners and family vacationers.

Established in 1854, the valley is named after Lord Dalhousie, and was one of the favourite summer destinations of the Britishers during the colonial era. Dalhousie offers an old-world charm, mesmerizing natural landscapes, pine-clad valleys and magnificent misty mountains.

"Paragliding Capital of India"
Bir Billing Tourism
Situated in the picturesque Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, Bir Billing is a charming town nestled in the Joginder Nagar valley. Renowned globally as a paragliding hotspot, Bir is also revered as a haven for meditation and spiritual studies. Influenced by Tibetan culture due to the settlement of a Tibetan community, the town exudes a unique blend of tranquility and adventure. A day trip from Dharamshala located 70 kms away, Bir boasts a rich cultural tapestry, evident in its monasteries and vibrant marketplaces.

Bir boasts of being one of the finest paragliding destinations worldwide, with Billing serving as the take-off site and Bir as the landing spot, offering an exhilarating altitude change of approximately 800 meters. Divided into two distinct parts, Bir features the Tibetan Colony located downhill from Chowgan village, characterized by its serene ambiance and spiritual aura. Conversely, Upper Bir stands out for its lush greenery and tranquil surroundings, providing the perfect backdrop for meditation and introspection.

"Himachal’s untouched river valley for anglers and trekkers"
Tirthan Valley Tourism
Nestled in the serene landscapes of Himachal Pradesh, Tirthan Valley is a hidden gem awaiting discovery by avid travelers and nature enthusiasts. Located in the Kullu district, approximately 60 kilometers from the popular hill station of Manali, Tirthan Valley offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks, dense forests, and meandering rivers, the valley boasts breathtaking natural beauty that is sure to captivate visitors.

One of the highlights of Tirthan Valley is the Great Himalayan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes. The park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including rare Himalayan species such as the snow leopard, Himalayan brown bear, and Western Tragopan. Exploring the park's pristine wilderness offers visitors a unique opportunity to witness the beauty of nature in its purest form.