Himachal Guide: Travel & Tourism Attractions

Himachal Pradesh, nestled in the majestic Himalayas, continues to captivate travelers with its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and exhilarating adventures. As you plan your travel itinerary for 2023, let's dive into some of the must-visit destinations that promise unforgettable experiences in this picturesque Indian state.

1: Shimla - Where Time Stands Still

Shimla, the "Queen of Hills," beckons with its colonial charm and breathtaking vistas. Explore the historic Ridge, shop on Mall Road, and soak in the panoramic views from Jakhoo Temple. Adventure enthusiasts can trek to Jakhu Hill or indulge in winter sports at Kufri. Shimla's allure is timeless, making it a perfect start to your Himachal journey.

2: Manali - Gateway to High-Altitude Adventures

Manali's magnetic appeal lies in its splendid blend of natural beauty and adrenaline-pumping activities. Rohtang Pass offers a snowy paradise for thrill-seekers, while Solang Valley entices with paragliding and zorbing. Unwind at the Vashisht Temple's hot springs or take a spiritual detour to the ancient Hadimba Devi Temple. Manali promises a kaleidoscope of experiences.

3: Dharamshala - Tranquility Amidst the Mountains

Home to the Dalai Lama, Dharamshala exudes a serene aura that draws seekers of peace and enlightenment. Explore McLeod Ganj's Tibetan markets and monasteries, or embark on a trek to the stunning Triund Hill. The cricket stadium at an elevation of 1,457 meters adds a unique touch to this hill town.

4: Unveiling the Mysteries of Spiti Valley

Spiti Valley, often called "Little Tibet," lures intrepid travelers with its rugged terrain and spiritual fervor. Visit the ancient Key Monastery, drive along the thrilling Kunzum Pass, and witness the awe-inspiring Chandratal Lake. Spiti's remoteness and raw beauty promise an expedition like no other.

5: Enchanted by Chamba's Cultural Richness

Chamba, steeped in history, offers a glimpse into Himachal's cultural tapestry. The Bhuri Singh Museum showcases exquisite miniature paintings, while the Chamba Palace stands as an architectural marvel. Discover the ancient temples of Lakshmi Narayan and Chamunda Devi, immersing yourself in Chamba's heritage.

6: Adventure and Serenity in Kullu Valley

Kullu Valley's charm lies in its duality – bustling markets coexist with serene landscapes. Embark on white-water rafting escapades in the Beas River or seek solitude in the Great Himalayan National Park. Attend the vibrant Kullu Dussehra festival, where centuries-old traditions come to life.

7: The Magnetic Pull of Parvati Valley

Parvati Valley's bohemian vibe and natural beauty make it a haven for backpackers. Explore the "Rave Capital" of Kasol, trek to the enchanting Kheerganga, and find solace in the hot springs of Manikaran. Parvati's free-spirited atmosphere encourages self-discovery and connection.

8: Heavenly Bliss in Dalhousie

Dalhousie, with its colonial-era charm, offers a tranquil retreat amid pine-clad hills. Stroll through Subhash Baoli, named after Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, and visit the St. John's Church. Satdhara Falls and Khajjiar, often called the "Mini Switzerland of India," add to Dalhousie's allure.

9: Rekindling Romance in Kasauli

Kasauli's old-world charm and lush environs make it a romantic getaway. Walk along Lover's Lane, enjoy the sunset from the Monkey Point, and explore the Christ Church. Kasauli's serenity and idyllic settings set the stage for a rejuvenating escape.

10: From Ancient Temples to Lively Festivals: Naggar

Naggar's heritage resonates through its Naggar Castle and Gauri Shankar Temple. Engage with local artists at the Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery and witness the vivaciousness of Himachal's culture at the Kullu Dussehra. Naggar encapsulates the region's essence in a single destination.

Crafting Your Journey Through Himachal Pradesh

As you embark on your exploration of Himachal Pradesh in 2023, these diverse destinations promise a spectrum of experiences that blend nature, culture, and adventure. From the heights of the Himalayas to the valleys of serenity, Himachal Pradesh invites you to create memories that will linger long after your journey ends.

Chintpurni Temple is one of the major pilgrimage sites located in Himachal Pradesh. Being one of the 7 major shakti peethas in India, the shrine is also known as Chinnamastika shakti peeth. Let us get to know more about this unique temple.

Legends Associated to Chintpurni Temple

According to the Hindu mythology, it is said that, when Shiva started performing Tandava out of rage on his beloved wife Sati's death, Lord Vishnu had to use his Sudarshana Chakra to scatter the body of Sati into pieces, so as to calm Shiva. When her body was scattered, her head fell on the place where this temple stands. It is also believed that the temple was built here after a part of the Goddess' feet fell, where the temple was built.

There is another interesting story attached to the temple. Though Goddess Sati had defeated a demon during a fierce battle, her two companions Jaya and Vijaya were still thirsty for blood. The Goddess is said to have severed her head to quench the thirst of Jaya and Vijaya.

About the Temple

Located in Una district of Himachal Pradesh, the shrine of Mata Chintpuirni is believed to be powerful and it is also said that all the wishes of an ardent devotee will be fulfilled here. The Goddess is said to not leave any devotee empty handed, thus considered one among the most powerful Shakti Peethas in India.

Offerings at the Temple

Devotees bring several offerings like sweets, kheer, coconut, patasha. Dhwaja (red coloured flag), flowers and Ghee to the Goddess whose image is installed in this temple in the form of a stone.

Location of the Temple

Since the temple is located on one of the highest peaks of the Sola Singhi range of hills, the temperature here is generally low, making the weather cool and pleasant throughout the year. However, the weather is the best during summers and the beginning of winters.

Hotels near the Temple

There are several guest houses, Dharamsalas and hotels in and around the region. Hotel Chintpurni Heights, run by Himachal Tourism is one of the options, apart from the ones nearby.

Travel to this amazing land that is known for its hypnotic beauty and visit the temple which is one of the 51 Shakti peethas!

By Road:

From Delhi: Delhi - Chandigarh - Ropar - Nangal - Una - Amb- Mubarikpur - Thaneek Pura - Bharwain - Chintpurni

From Jalandhar: Jalandhar - Hoshiarpur - Gagret -Mubarikpur - Thaneek Pura - Bharwain - Chintpurni

By Bus:

Delhi, Haryana, Punjab and Himachal State Transport departments run buses on the Delhi-Chandigarh-Chintpurni route. Buses running on the Delhi-Chandigarh-Dharamshala and Delhi-Chandigarh-Palampur route stop at either Bharwain or Chintpurni bus stand. Frequent State Transport bus services are also available from important cities of Punjab, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and Delhi, etc.

By Train:

A number of trains can be used to travel to Chintpurni. Frequent bus and taxi services to Chintpurni are available from all nearby railway stations. The nearest railway stations is Amb Andaura (station code AADR), which is about 20 km from the Chintpurni temple. Other nearby stations are Una Himachal (station code UHL) at 50 km and Hoshiarpur (station code HSX) at 42 km.

The following trains are best suited:

Himachal Express(14553): Daily, Delhi to Amb Andaura, Himachal Pradesh. Leaves Old Delhi railway station at 11.30 pm and reaches Amb Andaura station at 8 am.

Jan Shatabadi(12057): Daily, Delhi to Una Himachal. Leaves New Delhi railway station at 3 pm and reaches Una at 10 pm.

DMU Shuttle Train Service(74992): Daily, Ambala to Amb Andaura via Nangal Dam and Una.

By Air:

Nearest airport is at Gaggal in Dharmshala, which is in Kangra district. Distance to Chintpurni is about 60 km. Indian Airlines flies to Dharmshala via Chandigarh. Kingfisher Airlines, Indigo, Go Air also provide flights to Dharmshala, though you may need to verify with these service providers. Other airports are at Amritsar (160 km) and Chandigarh (150 km).

Some Distances

Delhi - Chandigarh - Ropar - Nangal - Una - Mubarakpur - Bharwain - Chintpurni : 420 km

Chandigarh - Ropar - Nangal - Una - Mubarakpur - Bharwain - Chintpurni : 150 km

Jalandhar - Hoshiarpur - Gagret - Bharwain - Chintpurni : 90 km

Hoshiarpur - Gagret - Bharwain - Chintpurni : 42 km

Kangra - Jwalaji - Bharwain - Chintpurni : 55 km

Naina Devi - Nangal - Una - Mubarakpur - Bharwain - Chintpurni : 115 km

Vaishno Devi - Jammu - Pathankot - Kangra - Bharwain - Chintpurni : 250 km

Jubbal is a tourist place in Himachal Pradesh located on the banks of the River Pabbar, at an elevation of 1901 mt above sea level.

The place offers a panoramic view of the natural landscape and it received its independence after the Gurkha War of 1814-1816.

According to records, Jubbal was founded by King Karam Chand and was merged with the Indian Territory on the 15th of April, 1948 during the reign of King Dig Vijay Singh. Here is a guide to the scenic town of Jubbal.

Jubbal Palace

Jubbal Palace, designed by a French architect, is an attractive and historical tourist destination. Also, known as the ‘Rana's Abode', this palace displays Chinese architectural style. An interesting feature of the palace is that its lower portion is made of sandstone.

The greater half of the palace is banded in a round shape constructed using deodar timber. A giant wooden door, acts as the main entrance to the place. The palace is furnished with antiques and houses a rich library which consists of a huge collection of Sanskrit and Persian books.

The architecture of the modern wing of the palace displays a fusion of Indo-European style. This palace also exhibits ancient artilleries, which, were used by the royal families of Jubbal.

Hateshwari Temple

Hatkeshwari Temple is a popular tourist destination of Jubbal. According to legend, this temple was built by the Pandavas. However, there also is speculation that the temple was built during the period between 800 and 1000 AD.

This temple was later renovated by the Kings of Jubbal in the 19th century. Featuring a Pagoda, a multi-tiered tower-like structure, the temple has two stories.

Although primarily devoted to the Goddess Hateshwari, the temple premise also has five shrines of various other deities. The idol of the Goddess still remains in its original state as before the renovation.

It is visited by devotees throughout the day who come here to seek the blessings of the goddess.

Chander Nahan Lake

Chander Nahan Lake, known as the originating point of the River Pabbar, is a major tourist destination of Jubbal and is nestled at an elevation of 4260 mt above sea level.

Located at close vicinity to the Chansal Peak, the lake and its surroundings together create a breath taking view. A difficult trekking route, which leads to the lake, provides ample challenge to adventure enthusiasts.

Besides this, the lake offers visitors the opportunity to try their hand at fishing.

Khara Pathar

Khara Pathar, situated at an elevation of 2673.1 mt above sea level and attracts numerous visitors. A natural boulder, shaped like an egg here is referred to as Khara Pathar.The trails and walk ways through the forests are an ideal way to explore the area and relax. A jeep safari leads from Khara Pathar to the Giri Gangra Temple, which is located at close vicinity to the place.

How to Reach Jubbal

By Air: The Jubbal Hatti Airport is the nearest air base from Jubbal. This airport connects Jubbal to Shimla with convenient flights. Though the services from this airport are not completely adequate, visitors can directly reach the destination from the Shimla Airport, located at a distance of 107 km from Jubbal. This airport at Shimla is well connected with the major cities of the country namely, Dehradun, Mumbai, and Delhi.

By Train: The Shimla Railway Station is the nearest railhead located at a distance of 90 km from Jubbal. This station is well connected with Delhi, by frequent trains.

By Road: Travellers planning to explore Jubbal can also reach the destination by bus. State owned buses are available to Jubbal from neighbouring cities. Private luxury buses are also available from Shimla to Jubbal at regular intervals.

You might have heard the news about heavy snowfall in Shimla on 7th Jan, 2017. Here are some pictures that are making rounds of the internet and are making people go crazy. It has been after a long time that Shimla has received such a heavy snowfall that the entire city has been painted white.

Apart from Shimla, lower hill stations like Kasauli, Solan, Barog also had decent snowfall in the start of 2017 winter season.

We at www.himachalguide.com, bring you some shots from the latest snowfall at Shimla as of Jan 2017 for you to enjoy. None of the picture has been taken from professional photographers but show the actual real beauty of Shimla while it was painted white by Jan 2017 snowfall.

Snowfall in Shimla – Jan 2017 Pictures

The entire city of Shimla was painted white.

The snowfall as of 7th Jan 2017 in Shimla was actually heavy.

The Chandigarh – Shimla highway looked something like this.

It was cars from Chandigarh, Punjab, Haryana and even Delhi making a bee line on the Chandigarh – Shimla highway.

Even the hill station of Barog that is located near Solan had snowfall.

View of Shimla from the road looked something like this.

This pic shows how heavy the snow was at just 10 Kilometres from Shimla towards Kufri.

Everything on the Mall road Shimla was white in colour due to snowfall.

View of the iconic church at Shimla during snowfall as of Jan, 2017.

For people who got tired and looked for a bench on the Mall road at Shimla, this is what greeted them.

Driving in the snow was fun as you can make that out from the side mirror os this car.

The traffic was moving at a snails pace as everyone was enjoying the view and drivers being all the more cautious.

People stopping by on road side to click pictures.

Cafes with outdoor seating in Shimla looked something like this as on 7th Jan, 2017. It was snow everywhere and people seemed to be loving it.

Rejoice, this view is just at 134 Kilometres from Chandigarh.

The Hindustan Tibet road was blocked due to heavy snowfall in Shimla and upper mountain ranges. News reports confirmed that over 200 tourists were stranded at Narkanda and several others had to spend time on the road waiting for the snow cutter machines to make way for vehicles.

2017 has given an awesome start to Shimla tourism as the city is attracting tens of thousands of tourists due to this heavy snowfall.

Himachal Pradesh, a name given by charya Diwakar Datt Sharma, who was a Sanskrit scholar of this land. “Hima” which means Snow in Sanskrit is a perfect destination for snow lovers in India, sitting in the lap of Himalayas, it provides mesmerizing experience. The state is situated in North India and bordered by Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Uttarakhand and Haryana. Himachal Pradesh is not only famous for its valleys, it also famous for its beautiful temples, monasteries, gardens, amazing rivers, flora & flauna. There are many awesome places to visit in Himachal Pradesh, visiting here will revive your body, soul and mind and provide you with unforgettable memories that you will cherish forever.

Places to visit in Himachal Pradesh

The below mentioned list of places to visit in Himachal Pradesh is listed according to, what I think is best in Himachal, you may differ with my list sequence, but its all about personal preferences.

Manali : Tourist Places in Kullu Manali

Manali is a beautiful hill station located in the district of Kullu and have some of the best sight seeing opportunities. Its my favorite destination in Himachal Pradesh for its outstanding natural beauty of lofty mountains, lush green environment and amazing river Beas. Manali is a hot spot for honeymooners, motorcyclist, trekkers, families. Manali has to offer something to everyone. Here is the list of top places to visit in Manali, you should visit these places to enjoy yourself and have a great time.

How to reach Manali

By Air : Manali is well connected by air and nearest airport is in Bhuntur and it is about 50 kilometers from Manali.
By Train : Chandigarh and Ambala are two major railway station that is near Manali, Chandigarh and Ambala are well connected from all other major cities in India.
By Road : Manali is easily accessible by road. It is well connected from New Delhi (Capital of India) and other important tourist destinations.

Kullu : Himachal Pradesh Tourism

Kullu also known as “valley of Gods” is yet another important tourist destination in Himachal Pradesh. Kullu and Manali trip is often taken together. It is famous for its shawl industry and white river rafting. Some of the notable places in Kullu are Basheshwar Mahadev Temple, Sultanpur Palace, Parvati Valley, Raison, Raghunathji Temple, Bijli Mahadev Temple, Shoja.

How to reach Kullu

By Air : Kullu is well connected by air and the nearest airport is in Bhuntur.
By Train : Chandigarh and Ambala are two major railway station that connects to Kullu.
By Road : Kullu is easily accessible by road. It is well connected from New Delhi (Capital of India) and other important tourist destinations.

Dalhousie : Dalhousie Tourism

Dalhousie is a beautiful hill-station, located in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. It is named after British Governor General, Lord Dalhousie, who established this place as summer retreat for his officials. Dalhousie is known for its pleasant climate, snow capped mountains and Victorian styled Mansions. Some of the prominent places to see in Dalhousie includes Khajjiar, Kalatop wildlife reserve, Dainkund peak, and Panch Pula. Check the complete list of places to visit in Dalhousie.

How to reach Dalhousie

By Air : Gaggal is the nearest airport from Dalhousie which is at the distance of approximately 50 kilometers.
By Train : Pathankot railway station is near to Dalhousie and the station is well connected to other parts of India. One can easily hire Cab or Bus from Pathankot for Dalhousie.
By Road : Dalhousie is well connected via road, and bus services are available from Delhi and other important cities.

Dhramshala : Himachal Pradesh Tourism

Dhramshala is a popular Hill Station in Himachal Pradesh. It is well known among Indian and foreign tourists alike because of its mesmerizing beauty and picturesque landscape. It is located in Kangra valley at an altitude of about 1475 meters. It is surrounded by coniferous forest which adds to its beauty. Major attractions in Dhramshala includes McLeod Ganj, Masrur, Kangra Museum, Kangra fort and Dal lake. Dhramshala receives heavy rainfall during monsoon, and snow during winter. Best time to visit Dharamshala is from March to July. Check out the complete guide of Dharamshala.

How to reach Dhramshala

By Air : Gajjal is the nearest airport to reach Dhramshala, it is located at the distance of 13 kilometers, but Gaggal doesn’t connects with all cities. Chandigarh airport, at a distance of about 275 kilometers, connects to all major cities. You may opt for flight to Chandigarh and then hire a cab or bus to Dhramshala.
By Train : Pathankot Railway station, which is well connected to all major parts of the country can be used to reach Dhramshala.
By road : Dhramshala is well connected via road network, and one can easily reach here from Chandigarh, Delhi and other major cities.

Kasauli : Himachal Pradesh Tourism

Kasauli, located in Solan district is yet another hill station established by British government. The hill station of Kasauli is serene and mesmerizing. Its the place frequented by creative people, because the place ignites creativity which is borne out of it awesome climate and outstanding landscape. Here is the list of top places to visit in Kasauli, that you should explore in your trip to Kasauli. The place is accessible and can be visited throughout the year and each season has its own charm.

How to reach Kasauli

By Air : One can take flight to Chandigarh and reach Kasauli by hiring private cab easily.
By Train : Sonwara is the nearest railway station from Kasauli.
By road : Nearest bus stand is located in Parwanoo.

Shimla : Himachal Pradesh Tourism

Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh and it is known for its heavenly climate, gorgeous mountains and beautiful lakes. This beautiful land was summer capital during British era. It is one of the most popular hill station in north India. Prominent places to visit in Shimla includes Jakhoo hills, the ridge, Shimla state museum, green valley etc. The place is hot spot to see snow fall, so the month of December and January receives most number of tourists.

How to reach Shimla

By Air : Shimla is accessible via flight, and you may visit Chandigarh airport and either take cab to Shimla or take another flight to Jubbalhati which is about 23 kilometers from main town of Shimla.
By Train : You may visit Kalka railway station via train, which is accessible from all the major cities of India.
By Road : Shimla has good road connectivity and it is accessible from all major cities of India, there are direct bus service available from Chandigarh and Delhi.

Palampur : Places to visit in Palampur

Palampur, the “tea capital of north India” is a serene hill station, located in Kangra valley. Pine forest, tea gardens and Dhualadhar mountain range bestow a mysterious beauty to Palampur. Number of streams flow through the land of this beautiful scenic hill station, which makes this place a great choice for anyone looking for nature’s beauty. Palampur offers a great contrast of plain and peak, the Dhauladhar mountain remains snow covered throughout the year, which appears majestic and gives this hill station magnificent beauty.

How to reach Palampur

By Air : Palampur is not directly connected via flights, instead you may board flight for Gaggal airport dharmashala, which is located at a distance of 58 kilometers from Palampur.
By Train : Pathankot, in the state of Punjab is the nearest Railway Station. You may board train for Pathankot and then hire cab or bus for Palampur.
By Bus : Palampur is well connected via roads. And bus service for Palampur is available from all major cities of North India.

Kasol : Himachal Pradesh Tourism

Kasol is a small village in Kullu district. It has become a popular tourist spot of Himachal Pradesh in last four to five years for its picturesque landscape, serenity of Parvati river and a number of nearby hikes and treks. It is located in between the way of Manikaran and Bhuntar and is a perfect getaway for offbeat travel lovers. Kasol and nearby villages are less commercialized and retains the natural beauty and Himalayan Grandeur. Kasol is a nice weekend getaway for anyone looking for relaxation and peace.

How to reach Kasol

By Air : Nearest airport is located at Bhuntar, you may board flight to Bhuntar, and then hire local cab to reach Kasol. The distance from Bhuntar to Kasol is about 30 kilometers.
By Train : Nearest railway station is located at Pathankot, at a distance of 150 kilometers. Private cabs are easily available from Pathankot.
By Bus : Direct buses for Bhuntar is available from all the major cities of North India and from Bhuntar, you may hire local cabs for Kasol.

Chamba : Chamba Tourist Places

The ancient town of Chamba is located in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh at a height of 996 meters above sea-level. Chamba is popular because of its temples and palaces. It is also well known for its fairs like “Suhi Mata Mela” & “Minjar Mela”, which is celebrated with music, dance and get together. Chamba is also popular among art & craft lovers, the famous “Pahari painting” originated here.

How to reach Chamba

By Air : Board flight for Gaggal airport in Dharmashala, which is at a distance of about 190 kilometers from Chamba, then you may hire private cab for Chamba.
By Train : Board train for Pathankot Railway station, and then you may hire private cab for Chamba. It takes about 2 hrs drive from Pathankot to Chamba.
By Bus : Chamba is good road connectivity and regular bus service is available for Chamba.

Solan : Places to visit in Solan

Solan also known as “Mushroom city of India” because of it Mushroom farming and “City of Red Gold” because of its production of Tomatoes is a land surrounded by hills and valleys. This place is situated in between Chandigarh and Shimla and serves as a gateway to other popular hill stations of Himachal Pradesh like Kasauli, Chail etc. Solan is popular weekend gateway for North Indians looking for serenity and peace of mind. Solan got its name from Goddess Shoolini Devi, three days fair is organised in the month of June devoted to Goddess Shoolini Devi.

How to reach Solan

By Air : Shimla and Chandigarh is nearest Airport and one can board flight either for Shimla or for Chandigarh. Private cabs for Solan is easily available from both these Airports.
By Train : Solan is well connected via Train through UNESCO World heritage ” Kalka-Shimla Railway”. You may reach Kalka railway station and then either board Kalka-Shimla train or take private cab to reach Solan.
By Bus : Solan is accessible via road network, and direct bus is available from Delhi, Chandigarh, Shimla and other major cities of North India.

These are the amazing 10 places to visit in Himachal Pradesh. There are some other notable places like Kangra, Hamirpur, Parwanoo, Pragpur, Sirmaur, Taragarh, una, which are worth mentioning here. Let me know in comments if I have missed any important tourist attraction in Himachal Pradesh. Share your experience, if you have been to any place listed in here.