Summer Travel Guide to 8 Best Hill Stations in Himachal Pradesh!
Hill stations in Himachal Pradesh have long been sought after for their serenity and tranquility. The classic aerial view of the city, the lush green surrounding and pristine fog are some of the wonderful things one must see and experience at any hill station. The popular hill station in Himachal Pradesh is always the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate, with the peace and quiet that surrounds it, the only reason we experience more inner peace and want to keep coming back. It’s no surprise that we insist on getting away from the hustle and bustle of city life, and maybe even think of seclusion. Hill Station has always been the epitome of beauty, majesty and abundance. The hill stations in Himachal Pradesh with sparkling rivers and lush swathes of greenery add to the trekking experience and are memories to last a lifetime.
When should you go to a hill station in the Himalayas?
Peak summer months like April, May and June are ideal times to visit Himachal Pradesh. The country hosts fairs and festivals where you can always catch a glimpse of their traditions, handicrafts, religious beliefs and more. All shopping lovers are going crazy in Himachal at this time!
What should you bring when you go to the hill station in Himachal Pradesh?
Unless you’re going hiking, you need to communicate the standard stuff, like when you’re traveling to different places. Make sure to bring extra cover and a coat to protect yourself from the cold. Here are some things you should keep in your bag before you go hiking.
- Sweatpants and Shoes: Remember, when you are hiking, you must wear the most appropriate clothing. Your shoes have a task to perform in as much as you can follow. Buy sneakers suitable for hiking. For jeans, stay away from cotton 3/4 or track. A quick-drying respite is a good decision. If you are hiking above 5000m, use wind and waterproof pants.
- raincoat: Whether it’s summer or winter, a raincoat is an absolute must when trekking to the Himalayas. A windbreaker and waterproof raincoat are essential items when hiking.
- Balaclava: Carry your balaclava and wool skull top for complete warmth. They offer good protection against viruses (if any) present in hilly areas.
- Waterproof and fleece gloves: Gloves will prove useful if it starts to snow, and fleece gloves are a good guarantee against the cold atmosphere.
- Hiking socks: Do not use 100% cotton socks. Wool socks are the best substitute for it. Cotton socks tend to dry out the skin and are not suitable for wet environments. Go for full stockings.
- Hiking bed: Hiking beds are great value for those who enjoy nature.Make sure to provide your body with a warm base, especially during the winter
8 Breathtaking Hill Places You Can’t Miss in Himachal Pradesh:
The Himalayas will amaze you and be a wonderful thing. But the trick is finding the right place to relax and let your hair loose.Here are some of the best hill stations in Himachal Pradesh
1. Shimla:
Shimla is the “Queen of the Hill”. India’s most famous and quaint hill station, Shimla is known for its stunning views of oak and pine trees. While the rest of India is battered by the scorching sun, Shimla gleams in thick fog and welcomes countless tourists every year. Shimla is undoubtedly the best hill station in Himachal Pradesh.
- What you should see: If you visit Shimla, be sure to visit Chadwick Falls and the Jhakhoo Temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Once there, be sure to try rafting in Tattapani. This is another common denominator for all adventure lovers.
- how can I get there: From Delhi, all you need to do is take a bus to Shimla, which takes about 7 hours. If you prefer, you can also take the train from Delhi to Kalka, then make sure you take the toy train to Shimla. It takes about a day or so. The train is slow, but it’s a really nice ride, sure to remind you of all the beauty of this place as it goes through the hills and tunnels.
- Best time to visit: May-June
[See Also: Best Himachal Pradesh Valleys]
2. Manali:
Another summer-friendly spot is the snow-covered Manali and the beauty of the neighboring hills. Manali is undoubtedly the most famous hill station in Himachal Pradesh. Souls seeking a spiritual atmosphere will welcome you as you enter a beautiful city that resonates with the smooth sound of Pisces and the scent of burning pine trees. Manali is also a favorite honeymoon spot for newlyweds.
- What you should see: Be sure to visit the Hadimba Temple, which is surrounded by Deodar trees and is known for its beautiful architecture. Solang Valley is another beautiful nearby destination offering paragliding and horseback riding. Rohtang Pass is another place not to be missed. Enjoy a cup of hot tea here while you gaze peacefully at the distant Himalayan peaks.
- how can I get there: You can reach Manali from the nearest Ambala and Chandigarh railway stations. There are many buses running between these cities and Manali. Coach and taxi fares are reasonable.
- Best time to visit: November-December
3. Dharamsala and McLeod Ganj:
Two of the most famous destinations with Buddhist chants in the air offer a range of local attractions to keep you busy. Located at the foothills of the Dauradar Mountains, these cities attract large crowds, especially in June and July.
- What you should see: Bhagsu Waterfall is a popular tourist attraction here. Bhagsunath Temple is another attraction, located next to the waterfall that you must visit. You will also find many Buddhist monasteries here.
- how can I get there: The place is only a 4 hour drive away and there are several local bus options available. When you reach Dharamsala, you can take the next bus to McLeodganj, which is another 20 minutes away.
- Best time to visit: May-June
4. Chain:
Chail is located between the Shivalik mountains and is surrounded by dense pine forests and deodars. The year-round pleasant weather attracts many tourists here, and it offers more than just a peaceful getaway. The area is also the top choice for many hikers, and people are often seen hiking here.
- What you should see: There is a Chail Wildlife Sanctuary that is a treat for wildlife lovers and bird watchers. Watch out for Himalayan black deer, Indian porcupine, langur, wild boar, goral and more. The Red Jungle Birdhouse is here. Kali ka Tibba is an ancient Kali temple that you can visit. You can also see the highest cricket pitch here.
- how can I get there: Kalka is the closest station to Chail. You can take a taxi or bus from Shimla. For those who travel by air, Shimla is the closest airport to Chayre.
- Best time to visit: August-September
5. Kuru:
Kullu is another name that often comes to mind when we hear about the Himalayas. Known as the “Valley of the Gods”, this beautiful valley has beautiful waterfalls, orchids and flowery meadows. Kullu is also a famous spot for many hikers and trekkers. We certainly don’t want you to miss Kullu on your Himalayan tour.
- What you should see: Visit Manikaran Gurudwara, Greater Himalayan National Park, and try your luck on river rafting and paragliding. Kheerganga Hot Springs is another thing you need to experience.
- how can I get there: You can reach Kullu via Bhuntar Airport or Chandigarh Railway Station, which is approximately 270 km from Kullu. The airport is only 10 kilometers away, and you can take a taxi to Kullu.
- Best time to visit: April-June
[See Also: Best Places to Visit in Himachal Pradesh]
6. Coffrey:
Like to ski? Then Kufri could be your ultimate destination. Kufri attracts many skiers, especially in winter. Breathe in the fresh air and feel the calmness of the place slowly take you away. Picturesque Kufri is also a haven from the city’s hot summer months.
- What you should see: The Himalayan Safari Park is the main attraction here, there are many animals such as bears, musk deer, snow leopards, antelopes, etc. It is also a great place for all bird watchers. Kufri Fun World is an amusement park that you can visit.
- how can I get there: Kufri is an 8-hour bus ride from Delhi and the nearest airport is Shimla Airport, from where it takes about an hour to reach Kufri.
- Best time to visit: November-December
7. Casori:
Kasauli is a scenic Himalayan village 70 km from Shimla. The hill is covered with mist and duda trees, making it look thick and crowded. The pine and chestnut trees on the mountain look beautiful. Beautiful British colonial buildings and quaint bungalows are the characteristics of the hill station.
- What you should see: Mall Road is the lifeblood of Hill Station, with tourists from far and wide buying authentic wool products. Visit Monkey Point with a night view of Chandigarh from above.
- how can I get there: The nearest railway station is Kalka, which you can reach from Delhi. Kalka is connected to Kasauli by many local trains. Kasauli is 40 km from Kalka. You can also contact this location in a taxi in Kalka.
- Best time to visit: June to October
8. Palampur:
It is also known as the tea capital of North India. It is located in the Dauladar Mountains of Himachal Pradesh and is a favorite of all nature lovers. It is also the preferred honeymoon location. The hill station has many cascading waterfalls, tea plantations and clear streams. Experience the ultimate bliss of seeing beautiful nature play in the Himalayas.
- What you should see: Try paragliding in Bir-Billing, known as the paragliding capital of India. Palampur also has a lot to offer all trekkers.
- how can I get there: Pathankot will be the closest railway station to Pahrumpur and it will take about 7 hours to reach Pahrumpur. You can try to take the Himachal Transit bus to Pahrumpur from Delhi or Chandigarh.
- Best time to visit: April-June
[See Also: Most Romantic Places in Himachal Pradesh]
A trip to the Himalayas will be an experience of a lifetime. For those who just want to relax, the Himalayas and their cities have a lot to offer. For hikers and hikers, this place has many surprises for you. Come home with a bag of memories and the peace and tranquility you can only get here when you get home!
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers:
1. Which hill station is closest to Delhi?
answer: These are some of the hill stations near Delhi:
- Kasauli 6 hours from Delhi
- Mussoorie 6 hours from Delhi
- Nainital 6 hours from Delhi
- Shimla 7 hours from Delhi
All hill stations in Himachal Pradesh are well connected by train and bus routes and you can easily access these locations without any hassle. These are must-sees if you live in Delhi or anywhere nearby. One of the essential travel tips for Himachal Pradesh is to behave politely, adaptable and friendly. Don’t be rude or arrogant to them, but always keep track of taxi drivers. Avoid traveling or driving late at night due to poor visibility and safety concerns.
2. Where is the coldest place in Himachal Pradesh?
answer: Himachal Pradesh is home to some of the coldest places in India. The Lahaul and Spiti regions of Himachal Pradesh are the coldest regions in the state. Keelung is the coldest place in Himachal Pradesh with a temperature of about -3.9 degrees Celsius. Also, Keylong and Kalpa, which exist in Lahaul and Spiti and Kinnaur tribal areas, are considered to be the coldest places in Himachal Pradesh, the lowest…