Best time to visit:
March to May
To a majority of tourists, hill stations, sea beaches, and forests form the three most universally recognized destinations. And in India, when elaborate plans are made to head to the mountains, Himachal Pradesh, snugly nestled amidst the Western Himalayas, unhesitatingly topples the list as one of the primal importances. After all, it’s hard to escape the spell of relishing nature’s untamed beauty in the form of lush meadows, gurgling streams, and verdant forests. So check into any of these top hill stations in summer or winter to awaken your finer instincts, long subdued by routine survival.
Chail
This tiny hamlet, cradled by the Shivalik range and featuring thick forests of deodar and pine, was founded in 1893, by Bhupinder Singh, the Maharaja of Patiala, who made it his summer capital to luxuriate its salubrious weather during the hot months. Today, this pleasant holiday terminus is coveted for its numerous other charms; with innumerable green trails, it’s a heaven for adventurous trekkers. Then there’s the Chail Wildlife Sanctuary, where wild life enthusiasts may to their heart’s content gaze at agreeable packs of Himalayan black deer, common langur, crested porcupine, Indian muntjac, goral, wild boar, khalij pheasant, and red jungle fowl. And if you possess a fondness for cricket, the Cricket Stadium, triumphantly boasting of being the world’s highest ground, is sure to captivate you.
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Dharamshala
You must have viewed this scene in romantic Hindi movies – a couple romanticizing at a bewitching location with snow clad mountains on its three sides and a quaint valley on the remaining left. Dharamshala, with mountains soaring up to a height of 4000m, presents a similar topography. Lying on the foothills of Dhauladhar ranges, it is a storehouse of several wonders such as the Bhagsu Falls and near it, there is a temple of the same name. There’s also the Namgyal Monastery and the Masrur Rock Cut Temple with its monolithic structures resembling Ellora and Mahabalipuram. Surrender yourself to its mystical charm, emanated not only from passive features but also from a vibrant Tibetan and Buddhist culture, poignantly perceived from passing monks, their solemn chanting of “Om Padme hum”, and the rhythmic pattern of ringing bells. Be there to realize what peace and harmony actually mean.
Best time to visit:
March to June
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Dalhousie
This hill station named after Lord Dalhousie, the British Governor of India in the 17th century, ought to mesmerize you with its quintessential colonial flavors amidst an all pervading scenic beauty and subtle tranquillity. Embrace a mild trekking to the spectacular site of Panch-Pulla and en route take a refreshing dip in the spring of Satdhaara falls to distress yourself. You may also avail a boat ride on the sparkling water of the Chamera Lake and wind up visiting the Chamunda Devi Temple, built about 750 years ago for Goddess Kali.
Best time to visit:
March to May
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Shimla
Uncountable tourists show up in this hill town every year to bask in the angelic glory of the serene Himalayan peaks, imbibe the freshness of the lush forests of oaks, pines, and deodars and create unforgettable memories for life. A former summer capital of the British in the pre-independent period, today Shimla is rather crowded and commercialized, probably as it is nearest to the capital of India, Delhi. Nonetheless, there are plenty of attractions for you. Extensively explore the different shops and eateries at Mall Road, aimlessly watch a wide variety of birds while taking a relaxed walk to the Chadwick Falls or unexpectedly involve in a friendly fight with mischevious monkeys during your tour of the ancient Jhakhoo Temple, for monkeys are regular visitors here at this abode of Lord Hanuman. Lastly, go for river rafting at Tattapani for adding a bit of adventure to your trip. Take appropriate woolen outfits too; at an altitude of 2,213 meters, it is probably the highest hill stations, and with an average summer temperature ranging between 19°-28 °C and winter temperature from 1°-10 °C, it is one of the coldest hill retreats in Himachal.
Best time to visit:
March and June and Mid-September to Mid-November
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Manali
The lure of celebrating togetherness at a breathtaking expanse that is made gratifying with frequent fruit orchards and solemn with the gurgling of River Beas is inescapable. Add to it a heavenly feeling showered by constant chants from temples and shrines. Consequently, Manali reigns as the most favored haunt of lovesick honeymooners. However, besides getting lost in its rich natural ambiance, do keep in your schedule, fleeting trips to the architecturally spectacular Hadimba Temple and also the age old Vashishta Ashram with its natural hot springs. For the adventure seekers, there’s Solang Valley with unlimited options for paragliding, zorbing, and horse-riding and lastly, do not miss visiting Rohtang Pass for cherishing views of both Himalayan peaks and glaciers. With more time in hand, you may also consider visiting another interesting hill town, Una that is well known for its distinctive Sikh culture. You may also embrace a short trip of one hour to Kullu hill station.
Best time to visit:
May to October
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Barog
If your heart yearns for something beyond the habitual natural delights, be a guest of this offbeat hill station near Kasauli. Located on the Shimla-Kalka highway, it’s popular for its tunnel no 33, that is believed to be haunted by the spirit of an unfortunate British engineer, who died unnaturally while constructing it. Walk through it to satiate your thirst for adventure, but do not miss out other attractions like Dolanji Bon Monastery and Choor Chandni Peak of this small hill station.
Best time to visit:
Round the Year
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Chamba
This hill town, abounding in notable temples like Champavati, Chamunda and Lakshmi Narayan along with significant destinations like the Akhand Chandi Palace or the Bhuri Singh Museum, is a much-preferred haven for those on a pilgrimage or are endowed with a religious bent of mind. Besides, the sparkling water of the River Ravi also acts as an irreplaceable fascination.
Best time to visit:
March to June
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Khajjiar
The most unexplored and untouched hill station, Khajjiar, boasts of being the “Mini Switzerland of India” on account of its copious greenery enhanced by soaring cedars. There’s also a miniature lake, positioned right at its center, that helps in turning this saucer-shaped meadow, away in Dhauladhar, visibly ethereal. Just adjacent to the lake, sits the Golden Devi Temple, so named due to being covered by a golden dome. Visit this famous hill station to offer your prayer and don’t skip visiting the Khajji Nag Temple that dedicated to Khajji Nag, the lord of serpents is regarded as the most sacred shrine. Passionate enthusiasts of wild life may engage in wildlife spotting, bird watching, jungle safaris and nature photography.
Best time to visit:
March to July
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Kasauli
Embellished with colonial architecture of the British period, finely conspicuous in clubbed roads and gothic style churches having stained glass windows, this idyllic town ought to remind you of a quintessential European village. Turn up at the Mall Road for stacking your bags with purchased woolens or summon your energy for climbing its highest zone, the Monkey Point. And, for some fun filled activity, avail its toy train ride to Dharamkot to feast your eyes on exotic hill side villages.
Best time to visit:
April to June and July to September
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Most of these major hill stations of Himachal Pradesh tend to be jam packed with tourists. If you desire for some places that are hidden, less crowded or not much known and are also cheap, flock to Dharamkot, Malana, or Solan, shining radiantly with its highest hill station. And instead of a mere 3 or 4 days itinerary, gear up for staying for at least 10 days. Be sure that you are going to be both rejuvenated and entertained.
Last reviewedSeptember 1st 2017
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