Hill Stations in Himachal Pradesh For A Cool Himalayan Getaway
Hill Stations in Himachal Pradesh
Here is the list of 28 Hill Stations in Himachal Pradesh For A Cool Himalayan Getaway
1. Manali - Honeymooner Paradise
Known For : Solang Valley Rohtang Pass Hidimba Temple
Nestled in between the snow-capped slopes of the Pir Panjal and the Dhauladhar ranges, Manali is one of the most popular hill stations in Himachal Pradesh. With jaw-dropping views, lush green forests, sprawling meadows carpeted with flowers, gushing blue streams, a perpetual fairy-tale like mist lingering in the air, and a persistent fragrance of pines and freshness - Manali has been blessed with extraordinary scenic beauty. From museums to temples, from quaint little hippie villages to bustling upscale streets, river adventures to trekking trails, Manali has ever a reason to be the tourist magnet it is, all year round.
Best Time: October to June
2. Shimla - Rich Colonial History
3. Dalhousie - Old world charm
Known For : Panchpula Khajjiar St. John's Church Dalhousie
The tiny tinsel town Dalhousie tucked away in the lap of Himachal Pradesh is a piece of paradise for all the travellers. It boasts of old world charm, mesmerising natural landscape, pine-clad valleys, flower bedecked meadows, fast flowing rivers, magnificent misty mountains and some of the most spectacular views in the world. The air smells of the Scottish and Victorian architecture and the ambience reminds you of the pristine British flavours.
Best Time: Throughout the year
4. Kasol - The Indian Amsterdam
Known For : Parvati River Kheerganga Trek Manikaran Gurudwara
A small village in Himachal Pradesh situated along the banks of the river Parvati, Kasol is a tourist attraction that is rapidly gaining fame as a very popular hub for trekkers, backpackers, and nature lovers. Commonly known as the Amsterdam of India, this quaint little hill station in Himachal Pradesh is resplendent in natural scenic beauty. It is one of the few places in the country that is yet to be discovered by urbanization and commercialization.
Best Time: October to June
5. Mcleodganj - Home of His Holiness the Dalai Lama - Little Lhasa
Known For : Bhagsu Falls Namgyal Monastery Tsuglagkhang Complex
Mcleodganj is a hill station in Himachal Pradesh that is popular among trekkers. Its culture is a beautiful blend of Tibetan with some British influence. Also known as Little Lhasa and famous around the world for being home to the Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama, Mcleodganj is a beautiful town situated near upper Dharamsala. Nestled amidst majestic hills and lush greenery, this town is culturally blessed by a prominent Tibetan influence owing to the major settlement of Tibetans here.
Best Time: October to June
6. Kasauli - Home to Ruskin Bond
Known For : Monkey Point Kasauli Mall Road, Kasauli Sunset Point Kasauli
Located on the way from Chandigarh to Shimla, Kasauli is a hilly cantonment town which makes for an ideal peaceful holiday location, away from the rush.
Best Time: Throughout the year
7. Kullu - Nature Lover's Paradise
Known For : Great Himalayan National Park Raghunath Temple, Kullu Bijli Mahadev Temple
Kullu, a popular tourist hill station in Himachal Pradesh generally coupled with Manali, is an open valley with panoramic views and majestic hills covered with Deodar and Pine trees. Set in the lap of nature, the picturesque landscape of this small town is mesmerizing. Kullu also has few important temples like the Raghunath Temple and Jagannathi Devi Temple. Apart from temples, the Pandoh Dam and Chandrakhani Pass are also must-visits in this region. Kullu is also used as the base town to reachÊManikaran, Kasol, Malana, Bhunter and Rohtang Pass too.
Best Time: October to June
8. Kufri - Romantic Skiing
Known For : Kufri Fun World Skiing in Kufri Horse Ride to the Mahasu Peak
Kufri in Shimla district is a hill station in Himachal Pradesh which is one of the most sought after holiday destinations, and more so for couples, because of its proximity to Shimla and relatively higher altitude which makes it a place with snow all through the winters.
Best Time: November to March
9. Khajjiar - Mini Switzerland of India
Known For : Adventure Activities in Khajjiar Khajjiar lake Kalatop wildlife sanctuary
Often referred to as 'mini-Switzerland of India', Khajjiar is a small hill station in Himachal Pradesh near Dalhousie which provides tourists a unique combination of forests, lakes and pastures.
Best Time: Throughout the year
10. Palampur - Victorian Tea Town
Known For : Tashi Jong Monastery Tea gardens in Palampur Saurabh Van Vihar
With pine and deodar forests and tea gardens encircling the town and numerous streams pouring in, Palampur is known for the enchanting combination of water and greenery. Nestled between the majestic Dhauladhar Ranges, Palampur has known the world over for its tea plantations and its fine quality of tea. Palampur was first noticed by Englishmen and soon turned into a bustling town as the centre of trade and commerce. Their presence in this historical hill station in Himachal Pradesh is beautifully reflected in the Victorian style mansions and castles.
Best Time: Throughout the year
11. Chamba - The land of Hill Kingdoms, Temples and Monasteries
Known For : Chamera Lake Manimahesh Lake Lakshmi Narayan Temple
Chamba is that one getaway you've always dreamed off. Minimal human alteration in the topography and environment and the balanced temperatures of the area make it the perfect destination all year round. The river Ravi cuts across town and adds to the scenery. Chambal is a hill station in Himachal Pradesh which is present at the confluence of two rivers, Ravi river with Chal river.
Best Time: October to June
12. Kalpa - Apple orchards, temples and monasteries
Known For : Kinnaur Kailash Trekking to Chakka Suicide Point
Kalpa, the main village of Kinnaur, in the Sutlej River Valley is a place to remember and cherish. Known for its many beautiful temples and monasteries, this hill station in Himachal Pradesh is also famed for its apple orchards. The majestic Kinnaur-Kailash range peeking from across the Sutlej River makes for a blissful break.
Best Time: March to September
13. Tirthan Valley - Peaceful Adventures
Known For : River Crossing Serlosar Lake Jalori Pass
The land of untouched and mystifying beauty, Tirthan Valley is a destination with a plethora of delights. Lying nearly 3 km from the entrance of Great Himalayan National Park, this place is abundant in adventurous activities and a paradise for nature lovers. The great Himalayas with snow-covered tops looking over the Tirthan River, this valley is best known for its trout fishing and for a surprisingly high influx of foreigners. Magical ambience and lush green paths leading to nearby tiny and quaint hamlets accompanied by amazing weather throughout the year, Tirthan valley is great for those holidaymakers who seek adventure as well as peace.
Best Time: Mar to June, October to November
14. Kangra - Land of the Gods
Known For : Kangra Fort Baijnath Temple Brajeshwari Temple
For a spiritual retreat that will awaken inner peace, with a mighty Beas coursing through a lush green valley, Kangra is the hill station in Himachal Pradesh to visit. The Beas river flowing through Kangra and the repeated mention of the Valley in the holy Hindu texts, present Kangra as 'Devbhumi' or Land of the Gods. Kangra's majestic beauty and the Valley's various panoramic delights have something to offer for people of all ages. While there are enough stay and travel options available, plan your trip in advance keeping the climate of Kangra in mind. Rest assured, you're in for a visual and experiential treat.
Best Time: September to June
15. Chail - World's Highest Cricket Ground
Known For : Chail wildlife sanctuary Palace Hotel Cricket Ground
Chail is a quiet hill station in Himachal Pradesh close to Shimla, known for the world's highest cricket ground and the heritage hotel, Chail Palace, in the midst of pine and deodar trees.
Best Time: Throughout the year
16. Narkanda - Old Skiing Capital of Himachal
Known For : Hatu Peak Skiing in Narkanda Tannu Jubbar Lake
Surrounded by forests and woodlands, Narkanda is a quaint little town in Shimla district which is popular for skiing in winters.
Best Time: Throughout the year
17. Bir Billing - Adventure & Spirituality
Known For : Paragliding in Bir Billing Tibetan Colony Chokling Monastery
Bir is a small town located in the state of Himachal Pradesh in northern India. Bir Billing is a popular hill station in Himachal Pradesh for adventures sports such as paragliding, treks and also as the town for meditation.
Best Time: Throughout the year
18. Kinnaur - The land of God
Known For : Reckong Peo Kalpa Sarahan
Kinnaur, also known as "Land of God" is about 235 Km from Shimla and is known for its serenity and beauty of the lush green and rocky mountainscape having Satluj, Baspa and Spiti river snaking through it.
Best Time: April to October
19. Spiti - Picturesque Nature at Its Best
Known For : Chandratal Lake Key Monastery Kunzum Pass
Long winding roads and picturesque valleys presenting glimpses of cold deserts and snow-crowned mountains, with intermittent greenery and picture-perfect villages welcome you when you set foot into Spiti Valley. Bordered on all sides by the Himalayas, Spiti Valley, a hill station in Himachal Pradesh, has an altitude of 12,500 feet above sea level, and gets around 250 days of sunshine in the year, making it one of the coldest places in the country. With the thick Himalayan snow cutting Spiti off from the rest of the country for around 6 months a year, the summer months are the only time Spiti is directly accessible via motorway.
Best Time: Mid May to Mid Oct
20. Dharamsala - Mini Tibet of India
Known For : Dharamshala Cricket Stadium Library of Tibetan Works and Archives St. John in the Wilderness Church
Dharamsala is famed as the holy residence of the Dalai Lama and houses the Tibetan monk in exile. Visit Dharamsala for amazing Tibetan food, stunning views of the Himachal peaks and to experience the peaceful hippie culture. The lower division is the Dharamsala town itself whereas the upper division is popularly known as Mcleodganj.
Best Time: October to June
21. Nahan - Quiet Getaway
Known For : Renuka Lake Suketi Fossil Park Trekking in Nahan
Away from the buzzing crowd of the city, Nahan is a perfect romantic getaway. Lying among the lofty Shivalik range overlooking lush green fields, dirt free roads and clean streets, this small hill station serves as an ideal holiday destination.
Best Time: April to September
22. Mashobra - The Quiter Shimla
Known For : Reserve Forest Sanctuary Craignano WildFlower Hall Hotel
Mashobra is a lush green expanse of a hill station in Himachal Pradesh, tucked away at a height of about 7700 feet, ensuring minimal human obstruction in the course of nature to provide you with the most pure and liberating experience of your lifetime. Mashobra's proximity to Shimla makes it a perfect alternative for people who are looking for a peaceful little hill-station. With just about enough resorts and enchanting natural bounty, come to Mashobra if you have a for a lazy weekend outing or a week long vacation.
Best Time: April to June
23. Mandi - Temple Town of Himachal
Known For : Prashar Lake Trek Bhutnath temple Pandoh Dam
Packed with a thick green cover of pine and deodar trees, and with sprawling tea plantations, the town of Mandi is situated at the junction of Kulu and Dharamshala. It is often referred to as 'Varanasi of Hills', or 'Choti Kashi'. The town also has as many as 81 temples spread across its area.
Best Time: April to October
24. Sangla - Peaceful Escape
Known For : Sangla Meadow Bering Nag temple Chitkul
One of the most charming valleys in the whole Kinnaur District, Sangla Valley is a perfect getaway from the hustle bustle of the swarming cities. It is named after a beautiful village by the same name.
Best Time: April to June, September to December
25. Shoghi - Quaint Getaway
Known For : Kandaghat Trekking and Hiking Tara Devi Temple
While Shimla is being flooded by tourists every year, a serene, calm and epitome of beauty lies near it, waiting to be discovered. Shoghi, a small hill station in Himachal Pradesh just 13 Kms. from Shimla is abundant in natural scenic beauty and a large variety of flora and fauna.
Best Time: October to June
26. Tattapani - Healing Spring Water
Known For : Hot Water Spring River Rafting in Tattapani Shiva cave
A famous tourist hill station in Himachal Pradesh, Tattapani is a quaint area nothing short of a wonderland. Almost 60 kms away from Shimla, it treasures several attractions lying amid nature in its best form. This beautiful place nestled among the mountains is something you don't want to miss.
Best Time: October to June
27. Kaza - Festive town in Spiti
Known For : Key Monastery Chandratal Lake Komic Village
Kaza, sitting huddled in the corner of Himachal Pradesh is a tranquil getaway on the plains of the Spiti River. Lapped by majestic mountains covered in snow, meandering rivers and bubbling streams, Kaza is a dream hill station in Himachal Pradesh.
Best Time: May to September
28. Shojha - Unwind your Fish Hook
Known For : Waterfall Point Jalori Pass Serolsar Lake
Shojha is a small village sitting quietly in the middle of wilderness and panorama. Its untouched beauty might be just the thing that you need to relax and unwind. Located amid the Banjar Valley, the village is dotted with several temples made of wood.
Best Time: April to June
Himachal Pradesh is one of the best places to visit for the mighty Himalayas. It is obviously blessed with many tourist spots due to the luxurious views it offers. Which one of these hill stations of Himachal Pradesh will make it to your bucket list?