From snow-clad mountain peaks to lush green meadows, from dense forests to gushing rivers, Himachal Pradesh is a state of unparalleled natural beauty. The name Himachal literally means “land of snow”. For travel junkies, the state of Himachal has many glorious destinations. The state is also a favorite for adventure lovers. From trekking and climbing to rafting, paragliding and skiing, there is something for everyone. There are also numerous hill stations and breathtaking valleys which attract scores of tourists to this state.
Some of the best tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh are:
Shimla
The capital city of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla is the first name that comes to mind when we think of tourism in Himachal. Situated on a height of 2206 meters, this town is one of the most popular hill stations in India. During the British era, Shimla was the summer capital of then British India. Till date, the city has retained some of its old colonial buildings giving the town a very distinct look. The toy train ride to Shimla from Kalka offers some of the most beautiful panoramic views.
Manali
Surrounded by snow-covered mountains and dense Pine forests, Manali is a small town nestled in the Beas river valley. The breathtaking scenic beauty makes it one of the top hill stations in the country. Manali is also a prime adventure spot. The Solang Valley, at a distance of 14 km from Manali, is a very popular skiing destination during the winters. When the snow melts in summer, activities like paragliding, zorbing, parachuting, horse riding are offered here. The Rohtang Pass is another must-visit stop in your Manali itinerary.
Naina Devi Temple
The Naina Devi Temple, located in the Bilaspur district of Himachal Pradesh, is believed to be a Shakti Peeth. As per Hindu mythology, the eyes of Goddess Sati had fallen down at this place. Every year, lakhs of devotees visit this holy shrine. The temple complex is built at an elevation of 1177 meters and visitors have to undertake a difficult climb to reach till the top. Damodar Ropeways & Infra Limited [DRIL], one of the oldest ropeway construction companies in India, has built a cable car facility that takes devotees up to the hill top. This makes the journey easier for the physically challenged and elderly visitors. Because of the towering height, this ropeway ride operated by DRIL promises to be a memorable experience. Tourists can enjoy majestic views of the rugged mountainous backdrop and the lush greenery surrounding the Gobind Sagar Lake.
Dharamshala
Situated at an average altitude of 1475 meters above sea level, Dharamshala lies in the Kangra district. The hill station is famous for its lush green meadows set against the backdrop of dense Deodar forests and snow-capped mountain views. Dharamshala is popularly known as the home of the Dalai Lama. The hill station is home to a significant population of exiled Tibetan refugees. Paragliding is also a popular activity in this valley here. The snow-covered Himalayan slopes make for a fantastic view as the riders land. The hill station also has some interesting trekking trails in the region.
Bir Billing
Bir and Billing are two small villages, located in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. Together, they are referred to as the Paragliding Capital of India. Billing is the take-off site, located 18 km north of the landing site at Bir. It is regarded as one of the best paragliding sites in the world. Riders can enjoy the mesmerizing views of the Himalayas and lush green meadows dotted with monasteries. Bir Billing is counted among the top adventure destinations in India. Bir is also home to a Tibetan refugee settlement with several Buddhist monasteries and a large stupa. Not as crowded as Shimla or Manali, Bir Billing is perfect for a blissful holiday.
Khajjar
If you want to experience an offbeat holiday, this picturesque hill station located in the Chamba District of Himachal Pradesh is just the perfect choice for you! Khajjar is often referred to as the ‘Mini Switzerland of India’. Dotted with hills, lakes and meadows, and covered by dense Pine trees, the hill station offers some serene and charming views. The place is ideal for enjoying a few days of peace and quiet. There are also some recreational activities here for tourist interest such as paragliding, horse-riding, trekking, zorbing and the like.
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