| Hill Stations in Himachal Pradesh | | | | and cedar growing at higher altitude. It is one of the |
| Himachal Pradesh is a paradise for tourists and one of | | | | most beautiful spots in the lower Himalayas. |
| the most popular destinations for travellers in India. | | | | Chamba |
| The state of Himachal Pradesh is situated in the | | | | - Chamba is a small town but its natural beauty will |
| northern part of India and is often referred to as the | | | | touch your senses and soul. It is a wonder in itself |
| Land of the Gods because of its awe inspiring natural | | | | for every visitor. Chamba valley has magnificent |
| beauty. The entire region is full of scenic landscapes, | | | | sceneries with well defined snowy ranges. |
| with greenery, valleys, long meadows, orchards, | | | | Renuka ji |
| snow-clad mountains, trekking routes, fresh clean | | | | - This place in the Sirmour district is famous for being |
| lakes, natural springs, and skiing resorts. Every year | | | | the largest natural lake in Himachal. It is named after |
| millions of people come to Himachal Pradesh to take | | | | the Goddess Renuka who was the mother of the |
| in the colonial charm and enjoy activities like | | | | legendary sage Parashurama. The lake is believed to |
| mountaineering, fishing, river rafting, skiing, | | | | be sacred by Hindus as it is in the shape of a reclining |
| para-gliding, ice skating and golf. | | | | woman, which is supposed to be the embodiment of |
| Himachal Pradesh is an abode of natural beauty and | | | | the goddess. The lake is full of colorful fish and other |
| cultural richness. The people of Himachal lead a simple | | | | aquatic animals and is surrounded by a wildlife |
| and quiet life. The state possesses an excellent | | | | sanctuary, a few other temples and green hills. |
| network of roads and communication facilities, and | | | | Dalhousie |
| has a clean and peaceful environment. Today, | | | | - The town was named after Lord Dalhousie who |
| Himachal has become the most sought after | | | | was once the British Viceroy to India. It is know for |
| destination for tourism not only amonst Indians but | | | | its beautiful churches and architecture. Covered with |
| for people around the world. Visitors come here to | | | | tall oak and pine trees, and bleed with a serene |
| get away from their othewise busy lives and find | | | | atmosphere, cool weather and low population, it is |
| some much needed peace and relaxation amidst the | | | | one of the most fascinating hill stations in India. |
| natural beauty of the region. Himachal Pradesh | | | | Khajiiar |
| Tourism offers a number of great deals to tourists | | | | - Khajjiar is also known as the "Gulmarg of Himachal". |
| and provides cheap and easily accessible hotels at the | | | | It is covered with lush meadows of green grass and |
| all tourist spots in the state. | | | | is surrounded by a thick green forest of pine and |
| There are many fascinating destinations and tourist | | | | cedar. You will see grazing sheep, horses and a small |
| places in Himachal Pradesh. The most famous ones | | | | lake among the meadows, which makes for perfect |
| are Shimla (the state capital, Kullu & Manali (popularly | | | | pastoral scenery. It is an ideal getaway for a picnic |
| known as the Switzerland of India), Chamba Valley, | | | | while traveling between Dalhousie and Chamba. |
| Kangra Valley, Lahaul, Spiti Valley, Dalhousie, Kasauli, | | | | Dharamshala |
| Dharamshala, Kufri, Chail, Kinnaur, Palampur and Mandi | | | | - One of the most exotic and beautiful hill resorts of |
| etc. All these places are known for their spectacular | | | | India, Dharamshala is situated on the high slopes of |
| sceneries and catch the attention of adverture | | | | the Kangra Valley. The hill resort is set in exotic |
| seekers, family vacationers, nature lovers and | | | | surroundings of lush green forests of beautiful pine |
| honeymooners alike. Himachal Pradesh offers cooler | | | | trees and velvety tea gardens. Dharamshala is known |
| climes in summer when the rest of India is unbearably | | | | for its exceptional natural beauty, calmness and |
| hot. In winter, it is the snowfall that attracts tourists | | | | serenity, not to mention its easily accessible snowline. |
| to this destination. | | | | Dharamsala also gained enormous popularity because |
| Manali | | | | it has been the home of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, |
| - Manali is a hill station 40 km from Kulu. It is situated | | | | since 1959. |
| near the end of the valley on the National Highway | | | | Kinnaur |
| leading to Leh. Manali is the place that you must visit | | | | - Kinnaur is a land of rich green valley, ripe orchards, |
| if you enjoy snowfall. However, thanks to its | | | | vineyards, snow-covered peaks and cold desert |
| pleasant climate and beautiful scenery one can visit | | | | mountains. This area has been opened for the daring |
| this place all round the year. Extremely popular among | | | | and adventurous people. Ideal for adventure sports |
| honeymooners and newlyweds, Manali is an excellent | | | | like trekking, mountain climbing and many more. |
| spot for adventure sports too. The other major | | | | Kasuli |
| attraction in Manali is Rohtang Pass, which gives | | | | - Kasauli is a small hill station with its own charm and |
| breathtaking view of the snow-covered Himalayan | | | | beauty. Covered by the beautiful pine forests, |
| mountain range. The pass is open to tourists from | | | | orchards and high hills, this pretty little town is ideal |
| near the end of April to the end of October each | | | | for long walks along winding roads hedged by wild |
| year. | | | | flowers hedged. Kasauli provides a charming view of |
| Shimla | | | | Chandigarh, Shimla and the Himalayas covered with |
| - Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh and is also | | | | snow. Its main attraction lies in its overall cleanliness, |
| called the "Queen of the Hill Stations". It was the | | | | and its accessibility. |
| Summer Capital of India in the days of the British Raj. | | | | Naldehra |
| Surrounded by a thick forest of oak, pine and other | | | | - Only 22 km away from Shimla, Naldehra was |
| coniferous trees, Shimla offers a variety of activities | | | | chosen as the site for a nine-hole golf course (now |
| such as skiing, trekking, angling and golf to keep | | | | extended to 18 holes), by Lord Curzon, Viceroy of |
| tourists satisfied. The city retains its colonial heritage, | | | | India, in 1905. The golf course, surrounded by deodar |
| with grand old buildings and the Mall, which is the | | | | woods and a view of the mountains is the oldest in |
| centre of attraction of the town and is packed with | | | | India. Besides the glorious golfing, you can go for long |
| shops and eateries. A great way to travel to Shimla | | | | walks through the woods, picnics and horse rides. |
| is by the slow tourist train from Kalka, which passes | | | | Hiking and trekking can be practiced at Shailey Peak, |
| through 103 tunnels, which makes it one of the most | | | | one of the famous peaks of Naldehra in the valley. |
| beautiful hill railways in India. | | | | Tattapani |
| Chail | | | | - This place is known for its hot water springs which |
| - Chail is heaven amidst the mountains, 43 km from | | | | are believed to have medicinal value. Tattapani is |
| Shimla. It was the summer capital of the Maharaja of | | | | located at a distance of 51 km from Shimla. |
| Patiala before India's Independence. It is surrounded | | | | Lahaul & Spiti |
| by lush forests with a commanding view of the | | | | - The Lahaul valley is known for its Buddhist |
| snow-capped Himalayas. Chail is also famous for its | | | | monasteries and culture that date back to over a |
| hotels. The forests near Chail have many species of | | | | thousand years. There are high passes, towering |
| birds and deer. Another unique feature of Chail is its | | | | mountains, sparkling lakes and gushing rivers sprinkling |
| cricket ground - the highest cricketing venue in the | | | | their beauty all through the valley. Adding a unique |
| world. | | | | charm of their own are the monasteries and temples. |
| Kufri | | | | Adventurous tourists will also find the Lahaul valley |
| - A scenic destination of Himachal Pradesh, Kufri is | | | | extremely inviting as it is a great place for trekking. |
| located at a distance of 13 km from Shimla. It is | | | | Palampur |
| famous for its trekking and hiking trails. A large | | | | - The town of Palampur is famous for tea gardens |
| number of tourists throng to Kufri to participate in | | | | and hills covered with pine trees. Palampur enjoys |
| the annual winter sports festival organised every | | | | pleasant weather all year around. It is not only known |
| year in the month of February. Kufri is also famous | | | | for its scenic beauty but also for its temples and |
| for its nature parks and picnic spots. | | | | buildings built in the Colonial period. |
| Kangra | | | | Mandi |
| - The natural beauty of the valley can best be | | | | - Mandi is not only famous for its scenic beauty but |
| enjoyed during the winters when freshly fallen snow | | | | also for its 81 old stone temples with fine carving. |
| spreads its white charm throughout. As far as the | | | | The Prashar Lake and the Rewalsar Lake are two |
| vegetation of the valley is concerned, it is mixed | | | | other attractions of this region and are considered |
| tropical and sub Himalayan varieties. There are oak | | | | sacred by Hindus. |