Covering over 56000 sq km of Western Himalayas, Himachal Pradesh is popular amongst travellers for its beautiful hill towns. The presence of Shivalik Range in the south of the state has led to the development of many hill stations which are easily accessible from Delhi and Haryana. Similarly Dhauladhar Range and its extended hills are home to the towns like Dharamshala and Dalhousie. Kullu Valley is deeper in the state, yet it encloses some of the popular hill stations of Himachal. In all the developed towns of this state there is no dearth of creature comforts. Though they tend to get a bit crowded during peak season. But all you need to do is take offbeat paths if you want to cherish nature and serenity.
Shimla
Shimla has to be first on the list of the popular hill stations in Himachal Pradesh. It has historically enjoyed this status. In the last few decades Shimla has seen rampant constructions which has led to the significant deforestation. But that hasn’t deterred the patronage the town enjoys. For it is the most urban hill town in Himachal Pradesh. Its legendary mall road, the historical ridge, and many colonial era buildings have kept the charm of the town intact. Lately some of the hill towns and villages around Shimla have seen the development of resorts, retreats, and camps. This has led to formation of many hill stations near Shimla, and many of them have already become popular with the travellers.
When to Go?
You can visit Shimla all year round, but it receives most of its rainfall in the months of July, August and September. And winter (November to February) can be very cold with temperature often dipping below zero degree Celsius.
How to Reach?
To reach Shimla, you can either board the narrow-gauge train from Kalka, 88 km southeast, or drive up. There are trains from Delhi and a few other major cities to Kalka. There is an airport near Shimla which is called Jubbarhatti. But the airport at Chandigarh is more dependable.
Attractions in Shimla
The Ridge, The Mall, Christ Church, Gaiety Theatre, Viceregal Lodge, Various Hilltop Temples, Walks, and Short Treks. Read More
Manali
Manali, situated along the west bank of Beas River, is the most-visited hill station in the Kullu Valley. The splendid location, thick forests, beautiful orchards, and proximity to the snowy mountains have made Manali a sought-after destination for tourists. While the modern town is a jumble of shops and hotels, the old Manali still holds some of its quaintness. There are many well-managed resorts around the town. Whether you are after hills, or temples, or Himachal’s traditional lifestyle, there is a lot to explore around Manali. This town also serves as a launchpad for expeditions to Spiti Valley and Ladakh in the Higher Himalayas.
When to Go?
It depends on what you are looking for. If an excursion to the Rohtang Pass is on your mind, avoid the months from November to May; and check before you plan. Monsoon is from July to September. For a leisure holiday, you can visit Manali any time of the year.
How to Reach?
Manali is situated in the heart of Himachal. So, either you can fly across, or you have to do a long road journey from Chandigarh or Pathankot. While Chandigarh is 310 km south, Pathankot is 316 km east.
Attractions in Manali
Old Town, Vashisht Village, Manu Temple, Club House, Hadimba Devi Temple, Van Vihar, Excursions to Solang Valley, Rohtang Pass, and Jagatsukh. Read More
Kasauli
Kasauli, otherwise a small hill town, has gained popularity due to its proximity to the plains of Haryana. Of all the famous hill stations in Himachal, Kasauli is the easiest to reach. It has in fact proved that you always don’t have to exert hard to earn a holiday in the hill station. Kasauli is situated at a height of 1927metres (6,322 feet) in the Shivalik Range. Its bracing climate and dense forests had inspired the British to form a cantonment and a convalescence centre here. Today Indian Army uses this cantonment. The building activities are restricted in the area covered under the cantonment, which has served to protect the forest cover.
When to Go?
Kasauli is truly a round-the-year destination. Yes, it does get foggy and receive rainfall during monsoon months, but that just adds a new dimension to its natural beauty.
How to Reach?
Of all the well-known hill stations in Himachal, Kasauli is the easiest to reach. It is just 25 km north of Kalka situated in the plains of Haryana. Kalka has a broad-gauge railway station. The nearest airport is at Chandigarh which is 65 km southwest of Kasauli town.
Attractions in Kasauli
The Mall, Gilbert Trail, Christ Church of Kasauli, Trek to Monkey Point, Kasauli Brewery, Baptist Church, Excursions to Barog and Dagshai. Read More
Dharamshala
Dharamshala, a beautiful hill town, is the poster boy of Kangra Valley. The lower part of the town is surrounded by the lush green countryside. The beautiful landscape of Dharamshala is watered by the streams descending from the looming peaks of Dhauladhars. The upper part of the town is popularly known as Mcleodganj. It is where the Tibetan government-in-exile is based along with the present Dalai Lama. Along with the Buddhist monastery and Temple, Mcleodganj has some fantastic retreats. The area around the lower town is dotted with many resorts, some of them are pretty huge.
When to Go?
Dharamshala is situated in Kangra Valley which is amongst the wettest regions of North India. Hence rainfall can be expected any time of the year, but heavy downpours are frequent during monsoon months of July to September.
How to Reach?
To reach Dharamshala, you can either do a road journey from Pathankot in Punjab, or fly across to Kangra airport from Delhi. The nearest railway station is at Pathankot which is well-connected with Delhi.
Dalhousie
Dalhousie is spread over the outer slopes of Dhauladhar Range. And from the central part of the town there are panoramic views of the snow-covered Pir Panjal Range. It is a small and peaceful town whose shaded slopes are inviting for walking enthusiasts. While there isn’t much to explore within the town, there are some scenic places in the vicinity. There are also many trekking trails around the town. Some of them are very short and are ideal for beginners. It is only recently that Dalhousie has gained popularity amongst travellers.
When to Go?
The downpours are common in Dalhousie, rain in non-winter months and snow during the winter months of November to February. But just like other hill stations of Himachal, the wettest months are July, August, and September.
How to Reach?
The only way to reach Dalhousie is to do an uphill drive from Pathankot in Punjab. Dalhousie is 80 km northeast of Pathankot.
Attractions in Dalhousie
Trek to Dainkund Peak, Kalatop Forest Reserve, Khajjiar, Subhash Baoli, Satdhara Falls, Panchpulla, St John’s Church, Excursions to Chamera Dam and Chamba. Read More
Chail
Chail is a beautiful hill town which despite being well-known hasn’t been hit by the mass tourism. Its sanctuary, spread over 109 square km, is easily accessible. You can simply walk through it but spotting animals isn’t easy. Maharaja of Patiala had built this town after he was barred from entering Shimla by the British. Today the palace he built stands to remind the story, though it has been transformed into a budget hotel. Don’t miss the walks and hikes offered by this town especially if you love pristine nature.
When to Go?
Chail is good for all the months except the monsoon months of July to September. Winters, November to February, can be very cold.
How to Reach?
To reach Chail, you need to drive 81 km northeast from Kalka. The nearest broad-gauge railway station is at Kalka and the nearest airport is at Chandigarh, 122 km southwest.
Attractions in Chail
Chail Palace, Chail Wildlife Sanctuary, Cricket Ground, Trek to Kali Temple, Gurudwara Sahib, Excursion to Sadhupul. Read More
Kufri
Kufri, situated a 1000 ft higher than Shimla, offers an activity-filled holiday. Originally, a skiing destination with a picturesque panorama of the snow-capped Himalayas, Kufri has emerged as a hill station. It is loved more for the activities on offer than the scenic vistas. You can choose from rock climbing, skiing, tobogganing, trekking, and pony rides. For children, there is Himalayan Nature Park (zoo) nearby. Kufri also has a go-karting track which is said to be world’s highest. The nature lover in you would enjoy walking through the apple orchards covering the surroundings. The stepped slopes around the town are draped with the potato plantations.
When to Go?
Skiing enthusiasts would go to Kufri in winter (December to February) and in other months it is ideal for a family holiday. Just like Shimla, the months of July to September receive plenty of rainfall.
How to Reach?
Kufri is 18 km east of Shimla. So, you can reach Shimla by narrow gauge train from Kalka and drive up to Kufri. Or else you can opt for a road journey from Kalka to Kufri, the distance is 102 km. While the nearest airport is at Shimla, Chandigarh, 140 km southeast, has better connections.
Attractions in Kufri
Mahasu Peak, Himalayan Nature Park, Kufri Fun Campus, Indira Tourist Park, Skiing in Winter, Excursions to Fagu and Shimla. Read More