Top 7 Tourist Places in Himachal Pradesh

December 22, 2023 Dharani Natarajan

Located in North India amidst the Western Himalayas, Himachal Pradesh is India’s favourite outdoor adventure destination. The region consists of hills and valleys that are crisscrossed by magnificent rivers. It has a vast forest area and is considered one of the richest reservoirs of biological diversity. Aside from adventure seekers, Himachal Pradesh is also popular with nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, pilgrims, and history buffs.

Himachal Pradesh’s tourism industry is a significant contributor to the state’s economy. Last year, over 16 million domestic and 356,000 international tourists visited the state. With more than 5,000 properties available, there is no shortage of accommodations for both domestic and international visitors. These include luxury hotels, heritage resorts, star hotels, budget hotels, and campsites, all catering to the needs of tourists. Popular Tourist Places in Himachal Pradesh such as Shimla, Kasauli, Kullu, Dalhousie, Dharamshala, Khajjiar, Chamba, and Manali are home to many of these properties.

Tourist Places in Himachal Pradesh

1. Shimla is one of the best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh | Tourist Places in Himachal Pradesh

Known as the ‘Queen of Hills’ and serving as the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla is a highly sought-after Tourist Places in Himachal Pradesh. Sitting at an elevation of 2,200 metres, it was named after Goddess Shyamala, an avatar of Goddess Kali. Its picturesque location at the base of the mighty Himalayas, amidst lush greenery and snow-capped peaks, makes it an ideal destination for trekking. In the winter months, Shimla transforms into a winter wonderland with its snowy landscape, offering tourists the opportunity to engage in activities such as ice skating and skiing. The city also boasts numerous stunning churches and temples, along with its natural beauty that continues to attract visitors. A popular spot for leisurely walks, Shimla showcases beautiful architecture from the colonial era including notable structures like Viceregal Lodge, Town Hall, Gaiety Theatre, Christ Church, St. Michaels Cathedral and a newer Tudor building located at The Ridge – a vast open space that once connected two of Shimla’s seven hills. From this vantage point visitors can take in breathtaking views of the sunrise and sunset from Scandal Point and Observatory Hill. Other must-visit places in Shimla include Himachal State

2. Kullu-Manali: Tourist Places in Himachal Pradesh

Kullu and Manali, often seen as one, are located near the banks of the Beas River. This picturesque valley boasts of two charming towns – Kullu and Manali. As a top tourist destination in Himachal Pradesh, it attracts a large number of visitors, including tourists and pilgrims. The region is renowned for its snow-covered mountains, stunning landscapes, rich history and vibrant culture. A must-visit for tourists is the Great Himalayan National Park, Sultanpur Palace, Bijli Mahadev Temple, Bhrigu Valley and Parvati Valley. While Manali is famous for its Tibetan monasteries, Rohtang Pass, Solang Valley and Hadimba Devi Temple. The Great Himalayan National Park is a popular national park in India that boasts of the majestic Himalayas as its backdrop and lush forests of deodar and oak trees. It is home to over 375 species of fauna including 31 mammals and 181 birds. Adventure enthusiasts can indulge in activities like trekking, angling, rafting and mountaineering in Kullu-Manali. Some notable places here include Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa monastery and Vasishta hot water springs

3. Dharamshala and McLeodganj | Tourist Places in Himachal Pradesh

The top tourist spots in Himachal Pradesh include Dharamshala and upper Dharamshala, also known as McLeodganj, located just 5 km apart. Conveniently, one can travel between the two through the skyway, a ten-minute journey on a mono cable, detachable gondola system with a capacity of 1,000 passengers per hour. Known for its strong presence of Tibetan Buddhists, these two towns offer a serene and tranquil atmosphere. Among the must-visit attractions are the Dalai Lama Temple (Tsuglagkhang Monastery), Namgyal Monastery and Gyuto Tantric Monastery Temple. Additionally, tourists can enjoy a visit to the picturesque Dal Lake and explore the beautiful natural landscapes of Dhauladhar mountain ranges, enchanting conifer forests along with pine and deodar trees. The area is perfect for leisurely walks amidst nature, picnics or even embarking on thrilling treks. Don’t miss out on exploring other popular places like Kangra Fort and Kangra Museum during your trip here.

4. Dharamshala | Tourist Places in Himachal Pradesh

Dalhousie, located in Himachal Pradesh, is a prime Tourist Places in Himachal Pradesh known for its delightful climate and breathtaking scenery. The diverse vegetation of this place includes pine, deodar, oak and rhododendrons. Situated close to the magnificent Dhauladhar mountain range, it spans across five hills – Bhangora, Bakrota, Terah, Potreyn and Kathlog. It was named after The Earl of Dalhousie who established it as a summer retreat in 1854. This charming town allures visitors with its mesmerizing views of the Himalayas and exquisite colonial-style architecture. Among its many attractions are Dainkund Peak, Chamunda Devi Temple, Bhuri Singh Museum and Subhash Baoli. The highest point in the area is the 2,755 metre-high Dainkund Peak, also known as “singing hill” due to the melodious sound created by the winds passing through the trees. Another must-visit destination is Panchkula, surrounded by lush green forests, enchanting waterfalls and picturesque viewpoints. A natural spring with medicinal properties can also be found in Karelanu – a popular spot among tourists. Additionally, one cannot miss

5. Khajjiar | Tourist Places in Himachal Pradesh

Located in the Chamba district, Khajjiar is a popular hill town known for its cedar forests, ancient temples, and lakes. With an altitude of over 6,500 ft above sea level and stunning views of the Dhauladhar Ranges, it has earned the nickname ‘Mini Switzerland of India’. Visitors come to see its main attractions – Khajjiar Lake and Khajinag temple – a 12th-century shrine dedicated to the serpent god. For those seeking adventure, there are various activities such as paragliding, zorbing, and trekking available. The town is also home to the Kala Top Wildlife Sanctuary – a beautiful reserve surrounded by refreshing water streams, green grasslands, and thick deodar forests. Here one can spot numerous wild species including black bears, Himalayan black marten, deer, leopards, serows, and the famous goat antelope.

Nestled in the mesmerizing state of Himachal Pradesh, Kasol is a renowned tourist destination with breathtaking scenery. This charming village is often referred to as the “Little Israel of India,” thanks to its vibrant Israeli community and its location on the banks of the Parvati River. The river, known for its exhilarating rafting and kayaking opportunities, draws many adventure enthusiasts to this region. 6 km away from Kasol lies the Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara, a spiritual site perched between two rushing rivers- Beas and Parvati. Visitors can also take a dip in the sacred hot spring located within the gurudwara compound. With its strategic location, Kasol serves as a starting point for treks to popular destinations such as Malana and Kheerganga, making it a must-visit spot for backpackers exploring the Himalayas.

Located about 60 km from Chandigarh, Kasauli is a charming hill station that boasts ample flora and a peaceful atmosphere. Established by the British in 1853, the town is home to the picturesque Christ Church which features beautiful neo-gothic architecture and stunning stained-glass windows. It is a popular destination for those seeking tranquility, newlyweds, and adventure enthusiasts alike. Additionally, it houses Asia’s oldest functioning distillery for scotch whisky at its cantonment town brewery. The renowned Pasteur Institute, also known as the Central Research Institute, is situated here as well. Kasauli has long been associated with celebrated writers Ruskin Bond and Khushwant Singh and is known for its colonial architecture, pine trees, and Tibetan markets.

6. Kufri | Tourist Places in Himachal Pradesh

Kufri, a small Tourist Places in Himachal Pradesh, is renowned for its trekking and hiking trails. Tourists flock to this destination during winter for exhilarating skiing and tobogganing experiences on the snow-covered slopes. For skiing beginners, the Mahasu ridge is an ideal spot. Located just 20 km from Shimla in the majestic Himalayan range, Kufri boasts of the impressive Himalayan National Park (also known as the Kufri National Park) sprawling over 90 hectares. This park showcases a diverse range of Himalayan flora and fauna, including over 180 species of birds and a variety of animals like spotted snow leopards, brown bears, common leopards, and musk deer. From here, you can also catch a breathtaking view of the entire snow-capped Himalayan range. At Mahasu Peak – the highest point in Kufri – you can soak in stunning vistas of the Badrinath and Kedarnath ranges while paying a visit to Nag Devta Temple (the Snake God) perched atop. Fagu is another must-visit snowy village offering a perfect blend of scenic landscapes, tranquil surroundings, and pure bliss. Kufri is also famous for its apple

7. Palampur | Tourist Places in Himachal Pradesh

Palampur, known as the tea capital of northern India, is home to extensive tea gardens and the renowned Kangra Tea. Visitors can explore the stunning Church of St. John with its magnificent architecture, or spend a day at Neugal Khad, a popular water stream for family picnics. Paragliders flock to the hills of Bir and Billing, also known as the Mecca for this adrenaline-pumping sport. Another must-do activity in Palampur is taking a ride on the toy train. This UNESCO World Heritage site takes you through picturesque pine and deodar forests, along with scenic streams and waterfalls on your way to Pathankot. Andretta, a charming artist colony showcasing art, sculptures, paintings, and antiques, is definitely worth a visit. The Tashi Jong Monastery serves as both a Buddhist place of worship and a refuge for Tibetan refugees.

Kangra, located at the foothills of the Dhauladhar range, offers a variety of places to explore. Merely 13 km from Gaggal airport, this ‘Land of the Gods’ exudes tranquility and has been able to preserve its scenic beauty. The renowned Masroor temples, consisting of 15 intricately carved rock-cut shrines, are believed to have been constructed by the Pandavas during their exile. Each temple is adorned with exquisite sculptures. Kangra Fort, mentioned in Alexander’s war records, has witnessed the reigns of various invaders such as the Tughlaqs and Mughals. Within the fort lie ancient stone sculptures, carvings, idols and other precious relics. Often referred to as Dev Bhoomi or ‘the Land of Gods’, Kangra district boasts numerous sacred sites like Bajreshwari Devi Temple, Baijnath Shiv Temple, Chintpurni Temple, Chamunda Devi Temple and Jwalamukhi. The valley also offers thrilling activities like trekking, mountaineering, hand gliding and paragliding for adventure seekers.