best places to see in Shimla and Kullu, Manali
KULLU
- Kullu is the most visited tourist destination in Himachal Pradesh.
- Best holiday destination during the summers.
- It’s situated on the banks of River Beas.
- Kullu Valley is fondly called as ‘the Valley of Gods’.
- It boasts of abundant natural beauty.
- Popular honeymoon destination.
- Famous temples are Basheshwar, Raghunathji, Bijli Mahadev temples.
- Tourist spots – Sultanpur Palace, Parvati Valley, Raison, Shoja, Karrain etc.
- Enjoy adventure sports like trekking, mountaineering, angling, skiing, white water rafting and para gliding.
- Manali is situated at an altitude of over 6726 feet.
- It offers breath-taking views of snow-capped mountains.
- Often clubbed with a visit to Kullu.
- Popular honeymoon destination.
- Sporting activities are very popular here.
- It has 2 national parks- Van Vihar and Pin Valley National Park.
- Tourist spots – River Beas, Rohtang Pass, Solang Valley, Jogini Waterfall, Beas Kund etc.
SHIMLA
- Best summer destination of Himachal Pradesh.
- It exudes colonial charm of the British era.
- Part of the Kullu-Manali-Shimla summer vacation tour.
- Popular honeymoon destination.
- It offers spectacular views of snow-capped mountains.
- Welcoming tourist destination with greenery and lakes.
- Pleasant weather throughout the year has below zero temperature in winters.
- The Kalka Shimla Toy Train travels from Kalka to Shimla.
- Has good lodging facilities due to high tourist influx.
- It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Tourist spots – Jakhoo Hills, Simla State Museum, Kufri, Daranghati Sanctuary etc.
CHAMBA
- Chamba is nature lovers’ favourite place.
- It is situated on the banks of River Ravi, 900 m above sea level.
- A cosy holiday retreat in Himachal Pradesh.
- Has unique urban and British period contemporary architecture.
- Khajjiar is called as the ‘mini Switzerland of India’.
- Tourist spots – Khajjiar Lake, Chamera Lake, Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, Rang Mahal etc.
DHARAMSHALA
- Dharamshala is fondly known as the ‘Scotland of India’, has Tibetan influence.
- It has beautiful snow-capped mountains on three sides, valley on one side.
- Mountains have a height of over 4000 m and can be viewed from every view point.
- Pine trees and greenery add beauty and liveliness.
- Hosts the residence of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama at McLeodganj.
- Tourist spots – Triund, Dal Lake, Dharamkot, Bhasu Waterfall, Masroor Rock Cut Temple etc.
DALHOUSIE
- It is named after Lord Dalhousie, the British Governor in 19th century.
- This hill station is spread across five hills.
- Pine, oak and deodar trees can be seen in the ying altitudes of land.
- Is a popular honeymoon destination.
- Tourist spots – Dainkund Peak, Panchpula, Ganji Pahari, Sach Pass, Garam Sadak etc.
KASULI
- Situated at an altitude of 1927 m.
- Has the essence of the colonial era.
- It boasts of spectacular views of the mountains.
- It is very serene, beautiful and peaceful.
- Ideal for relaxation and nature walking.
- Tourist spots – Monkey Point, Sunset Point, Christ Church, Dagshai, St Patrick’s Church etc.