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10 best places to visit & things to do in Himachal Pradesh

The gem of India’s tourist destinations, Himachal is undoubtedly a winner because of its serene and beautiful attractions. Every year thousands of travellers from India and overseas come to witness the otherworldly elegance of this Indian state. Whether you are on a family trip, on a honeymoon, on a solo trip or just want to experience some adventure vibes with your office colleagues, Himachal can be the reason for unanimity for all. There are many locations in this Himalayan state and it is not possible to cover everything in a short period. To help you with the top destination, this article will be a great aid so that you can experience more of Himachal by travelling to some selected destinations.

  • Dharamshala: This is a beautiful city located in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. This city is divided into upper and lower portions with the difference in its altitude. The lower division is called Dharamshala itself and the upper region located at more height at 3 km minimum distance is called Mcleodganj, the other famous tourist spot of Himachal. The conveyance facility is available in the Dharamshala via buses. Dharamshala is the home to Tibetian spiritual leader Dalai Lama. If you are on a Himachal Tour and would like to visit monasteries reflecting Tibetan culture then no other place is better than Dharamshala 
  • Things not to be missed in Dharamshala: Camping, Kareri Lake & Triund Trekking, Meditating at Gyuto Monastery, Visiting Dal Lake, Paragliding, Explore Kangra Fort, Visiting Jwalamukhi Devi Temple, etc.
  • Chail: This is a peaceful & unspoiled hill station located in close proximity to Shimla and is recognised for the highest cricket ground of the world and Chail Palace, a heritage hotel. At a height of around 2,250m above sea level, this location is positioned amid lush green pine and deodar trees offering mesmerizing views. Due to the close proximity, tourists typically travel Shimla, Kufri and Chail in the same itinerary. If you would like to go to Chail from Shimla then you can take the Mall road route that takes only 2 hours. The other famous nearby places that you can visit are Solan and Patiala.
  • Things to do in Chail: Sightseeing, trekking, visiting cricket stadium and wildlife sanctuary etc.
  • Palampur: Located in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, Palampur is another beautiful destination where you can travel to the Himalayan state. The majestic Dhauladhar Ranges amid which the town is established provides an enchanting appearance to this beautiful destination. Palampur is also famous for tea plantations where you can buy some quality tea from, due to the same reason it is a trade and commerce centre for tea in Himachal Pradesh. The Victorian-style mansions and castles give a unique charm to Palampur.
  • Things to do in Palampur: paragliding trekking picnicking, sightseeing, try your hand at pottery, Visiting Dhauladhar National Park
  • Narkanda: It is a picturesque little town in the Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh. The town is surrounded by forests and woodlands to make you feel in close proximity to nature. Narkanda is perched at an elevation of 9000 ft. and due to its divine natural beauty people are attracted to it. The other important reason for its fame is the beautiful apple orchards, Tannu Jabar Lake. Many pilgrims also visit Narkanda as there are a number of temples in this region. For adventure seekers, Hatu Nag hill is the most famous place for trekking. 
  • Things not to be missed in Narkanda: Visiting Hatu Peak, Tanni Jubbar Lake, Jau Baug, Hatu Mata Temple, Stokes Farm, Mahamaya Temple.
  • Prashar Lake: It is a crystal clear water body that is situated at a distance of about  50 km north of Mandi with a 3-story pagoda-style temple. The temple is dedicated to Sage Parashar. The elevation of the lake from the mean sea level is 2730m where deep pious blue water is held in the lake. Surrounding the lake are snow-capped peaks of the Dhauladhar mountain ranges of Kullu valley, providing a very stunning appeal and a picture-perfect destination. The lake houses a floating island and no one has the idea of how deep it is.
  • Things to do near Prashar Lake: Visiting Bijli Mahadev Temple, Dechen Choekhor Mahavihara Monastery, Lord Ramchandra Temple, Kulant Pith.
  • Naggar: At the backdrop of the towering hill and clear Beas River, this place has historical significance in the form of Naggar castle. This was the official residence of Raja Sidh Singh of Kullu. The castle is made of unique architecture and is a fine blend of traditional Himalayan and European architecture. Adorned with majestic fireplaces and meticulously designed wood and stonework, Nagar castle is the most famous tourist spot in the Manali region. It is now open to the public in the form of a heritage hotel.
  • Things to do in Naggar: Visiting Naggar castle, taking a bath in a hot water spring, trekking, sightseeing.
  • Sarahan: This is another beautiful hamlet located near Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh. Most famously it is known as the “Gateway to Kinnaur”. Geographically Sarahan is situated in the Sutlej River Valley at the Indo Tibetan road, perched at an elevation of 2165 m from sea level. Major attractions in the Sarahan are lush emerald pine and deodar forests, apple orchards, gushing streams, wildflower fields, terraced farms & slate-roofed houses. All these things give it a mesmerizing look, a sight to behold. 
  • Things to do in Sarahan: Sightseeing, trekking, hiking, visiting Srikhanad Mahadev temple etc.
  • Kalpa: It is another beautiful village of Kinnaur. Kalpa is nestled in the Sutlej River Valley and its beauty is worth cherishing. The village is known for its many pilgrim points in the form of temples and monasteries. Apple orchids enhance the beauty of this heavenly looking destination. While visiting you will experience the Kinnaur-Kailash range the less across the Sutlej River. The stunning view of this range is no less than bliss to your tired soul. 
  • Things to do in Kalpa: Experiencing sunrise and sunset, picnicking, birdwatching, visiting temples and monasteries etc.
  • Parvati Valley: The valley is situated in the Himachal Pradesh region and is the most famous valley in northern India. Known for major adventure spot among tourists and backpackers, this is an adventure capital in the Himalayan state. The hippie travellers come to this place for their enjoyment and spiritual experience. There are many small tributaries that flow from this valley that at the end makes a cascading waterfall. After reaching the top of the valley, the stunning view of the Himalayas is the prize you receive for all the hardship of trekking and travelling. 
  • Things to do in Parvati Valley: Trekking, sightseeing, attending music festivals and parties, visiting temples
  • Chamba: Blessed with ancient temples, the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh is yet another beautiful location to be explored. If you would like to spend your vacation in a secluded place of Himachal Pradesh then Chamba is the place you should look forward to. This place also features some ancient caves and structures that speaks volume about the history of this place and Indian culture. The view of Pir Panjal,  Zanskar and Dhauladhar ranges is clearly visible from the tip of the hill making it a postcard-perfect location. 
  • Things to do in Chamba: Visiting Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary & Bhuri Singh Museum., Trekking, Boat Ride, Shopping, Camping etc.

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