Himachal Pradesh: A Quick and Handy Travel Guide

Lush valleys, snow-capped peaks, and deep gorges cut out by rives crashing down the mighty Himalayas, Himachal Pradesh is by far the country’s most popular and easily accessible hill state. A plethora of adventure activities, an abundance of scenic destinations and friendly locals are reasons enough for tourists to throng places like Shimla and Manali, which are among the best places to visit in Himachal, for a weekend break. But there’s so much more to Himachal— lesser known, but equally beautiful places, like Bir, Chail and Reckong Peo, among others.

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, or an extended holiday, Himachal Pradesh will not disappoint you.

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Don’t leave Himachal Pradesh before you:

See:

1. The Mall Road, Shimla: Right from the town’s most popular restaurants to well-known fashion boutiques, The Mall Road has plenty to keep you occupied. Start your walk from the eastern side of the Mall Road and continue west up to Scandal Point, and check out Gaiety Theatre and Town Hall on the way. Don’t forget to visit the Indian Institute of Advanced Study, also known as the Viceregal Lodge, further west.

2. Manki Point, Kasauli: Nestled in the foothills of the sub-Himalayan range, Kasauli is nothing less than a nature–lover’s paradise. Manki Point, the highest point in Kasauli, offers panoramic views of the shimmering Sutlej as it flows into the plains, against the backdrop of the mighty Dhauladhar range.

3. Chail Palace and Cricket Ground, Chail: The erstwhile summer destination of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala, Chail is one of the most popular places to visit in Himachal. Visit the Chail Palace to get a glimpse into the lifestyle of the royals, take in the grand rooms and walk through the beautifully manicured gardens. Stop by at the Chail Cricket Ground, around 4 kilometres from the Palace, which, at an elevation of 2,144 metres, is the highest cricket ground in the world.

4. Khajjiar Lake, Khajjiar: Also known as the Switzerland of Himachal Pradesh, Khajjiar offers the rare combination of lake, forest and pasture. Don’t miss the famous Khajji Nag temple, near to the lake. Built in the 12^th century, it’s dedicated to the worship of Khajji Nag, the lord of serpents, from whom the place gets its name.

Do:

1. Try Adventure Sports in Manali: With options ranging from trekking and camping for the novice to paragliding and heli-skiing for the more adventurous, Manali is undoubtedly one of the best places in India for adrenaline junkies. Whether it’s a thrilling river-rafting ride during monsoon or exploring the snow-capped peaks during winter, Manali is the best place to experience an adrenaline high amidst natural splendour.

2. Ride the Toy Train from Kalka to Shimla: The historic UNESCO World Heritage Kalka-Shimla toy train is by far the best way to reach the ‘Queen of the Hills’. The picturesque route takes you through 102 tunnels and countless old-world railway stations and is the best way to experience the beauty of the region.

3. Watch a Sunset in Dalhousie: There are many who say no two sunsets are the same. The same holds true for the many places in Himachal from where you can spot a spectacular sunset. One of them is the quiet hill town of Dalhousie. Head over to any of the numerous vantage points to watch the sun set over the majestic Pir Pinjal range, making it shine like a gem against the twilight landscape.

Read More: Winter Calling: The Best Hill Stations in Himachal Pradesh

Eat:

1. Dham: One of the most popular traditional delicacies is Dham. Often prepared during festivals and other special occasions, Dham is a complete meal that is prepared by special cooks known as ‘botis’, who usually start the preparation in the wee hours of the morning for a feast in the afternoon.

2. Sidu: Sidu is a type of traditional bread made from wheat flour. Best enjoyed with lots of butter and mutton, you’ll easily find Sidu in restaurants across Himachal.

3. Madra: Madra is another popular dish from the Chamba region of Himachal Pradesh, traditionally prepared during festivals and other special occasions. Made using soaked chickpeas or kidney beans, and a range of spices, Madra is best enjoyed with flat bread.

When to Go:

April – June: Summer temperatures vary from 25-35 degrees Celsius, which offer tourists some respite from the heat wave in the plains, making this the peak tourist season.

July – September: The monsoon season is often extended in Himachal, but still attracts tourists who want to see the mountains draped in lush greenery. Moreover, if you’re looking for adventure activities like river-rafting, this is the best time to visit Himachal.

October – February: The winter season starts from around October and lasts till the end of February. Places like Shimla and Manali see snowfall mostly during January and February making it ideal for honeymooners and those interested in adventure activities like skiing and heli-skiing.

Getting There:

By Air: Although Himachal Pradesh has three domestic airports, it’s still not well connected with other parts of India by air. The best way to reach Himachal by air is to take a flight to Chandigarh, and then take a car or local buses.

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By Train: Himachal Pradesh has two narrow-gauge railway lines, one connecting Kalka with Shimla and the other one connecting Pathankot to Kangra.

By Bus: Himachal Pradesh is pretty well connected with other states by road. Buses frequently ply from Punjab, Delhi and Haryana for places like Shimla, Manali and Dharamshala.

Getting Around:

Buses: Local buses are by far the best way to travel cheaply and conveniently to most places in Himachal Pradesh.

Taxis: There are several taxi unions in Himachal from where you can book a prepaid or post-paid taxi to explore all that’s on offer.

What to Pack:

• If you’re travelling in summer, pack light cotton clothes and sunscreen. Also, consider packing sunglasses and comfortable walking shoes.
• If you’re travelling during monsoon, carry waterproof jackets, an umbrella, light woollens and trekking shoes/boots.
• If you’re visiting during the winter months, pack heavy woollen clothing, woollen caps, gloves and jackets.

Popularly known as the ‘Land of the Gods’, Himachal is a destination like no other. Get ready for a getaway that connects you with nature – explore Himachal!

Read More: Hill Stations in Himachal Pradesh That Are Ideal for a Summer Vacation with Kids