Escaping to the mountains is the best option for summers. Hill stations in Himachal Pradesh are the perfect getaway from the everyday chaotic lifestyle. This state got you all covered, whether a kid, an adult, or a senior citizen; this place has got something for everyone. From beautiful mountains and trekking sites to ancient temples, hill stations in Himachal Pradesh will not disappoint you.
So if you plan to travel somewhere, we have a list of hill stations in Himachal that you must visit.
9 Best Hill Stations in Himachal You Must Visit in 2022
- Shimla: Queen of hills
- Kasauli: Cantonment town of the Indian army
- Manali: The fantasy world
- Kufri: The snow canvas
- Kullu: Heavenly paradise
- Palampur: A bundle of tea
- Dalhousie: A wonderland in Himachal
- Kasol: The Amsterdam of India
- Dharamshala: The little Tibet
1. Shimla: Queen of hills
This scenic beauty derived its name from “Goddess Shyamala”, an incarnation of goddess kali. Shimla is considered one of the top tourist attractions of India and the best hill station in Himachal. It is located around 348 km from the capital city of India and around 112 km from Chandigarh.
Shimla is the first place that comes to mind when thinking about Himachal. This small hill station is overwhelmingly beautiful, with a view of Himalayan peaks and greenery. This capital city of Himachal Pradesh is one of the most popular and most visited hill stations in the summer.
Major tourist attractions of Shimla are – The Mall Road, Christ Church, Chadwick Falls, and Tattapani.
2. Kasauli: Cantonment town of the Indian army
Located in the foothills of the Dhauladhar ranges of the lower Himalayas in the Solan district, this hill station is also known as the Cantonment town of the Indian army and is known for its lush green and picture-worthy surroundings; this place is famous for its calm, serene and soothing environment and its travel-friendly locals.
The road network to Kasauli is excellent, leading to more bikers in the area. The best time to visit Kasauli is from April to June and September to November.
Major tourists attraction in Kasauli are as follows:
- Monkey point
- Timber Trail
- Gurkha Fort
3. Manali: The fantasy world
This fairy tale land is the best hill station in Himachal. Also known as the honeymooner’s paradise, this place is well known as a honeymoon spot because of its romantic views, beautiful meadows overflowing with flowers, and soul-soothing surroundings.
This place is known for its snow-covered mountains, Manali is situated on the northern side of Kullu Valley. It is a perfect romantic getaway to disconnect from the hassle of the world and experience the joy of being together.
This has everything, be it mountains, temples, museums, ancient villages, or trekking trails. Manali stands for its name and has every reason to be one of the most visited hill stations in Himachal.
The best time to visit Manali is from March to June; winters are perfect for witnessing snowfall.
Major tourist attractions in Manali are as follows:
- Hadimba temple
- Rohtang Pass
- Solang Valley
4. Kufri: The snow canvas
Situated in the Shimla district, it is one of the most sought-after hill stations in Himachal Pradesh by couples. It is located at a certain higher altitude which keeps this place covered with snow throughout the winters. Unlike other small towns located at a higher altitude, Kufri is quite developed and offers many fun activities.
This small hill station has gotten popular over time due to its picturesque view, luscious green valleys, snow-capped mountains, amusement parks, etc.
Kufri is also famous for its skiing adventure, offering one of the most thrilling ski runs in Himachal. Another popular activity in Kufri is a mule ride to one of the tallest peaks, Mahasu.
The best time to visit Kufri is from April to June.
Major tourist attractions in Kufri are as follows:
- Great Himalayan National Park
- Kufri fun world
- Mahasu Peak
5. Kullu: Heavenly paradise
The list of best hill stations in Himachal Pradesh is incomplete without mentioning this beautiful hill station. Kullu has so much to offer, be it trekking, river rafting, mountaineering, paragliding, hiking, and whatnot, making it an adventure hotspot.
Kullu has been rewarded as one of the most special places to visit. The serene beauty of this place would want you to keep coming back. Kullu valley is the largest valley, with the Beas River running through the middle.
This valley is famously known as ‘Dev Bhumi’. You will find plenty of temples, beautiful mountains, and many palm and deodar trees.
Overall, visiting Kullu is a cherry on top when visiting the hill stations in Himachal.
The summer season, from March to June, is considered the best time to visit this heavenly paradise.
Major tourists attraction in Kullu are as follows:
- Manikaran
- Bhrigu Lake
- Great Himalayan National Park
- Jalori pass
- Kheer Ganga
6. Palampur: A bundle of tea
A municipality in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh is famous for its tea gardens and factory. Filled with beautiful mountains, mesmerising waterfalls, various picnic spots, and plenty of heart-warming views makes a trip to Palampur worth it.
If you are an adventure seeker, then the paragliding at Bir- billing is the right spot for you; Bir-Billing offers high-altitude paragliding over 200 km. Palampur has many trekking trails that one can take part in.
The temperature in Palampur gets as low as -10o in winters and as high as 30o in summers.
The best time to visit Palampur is from April to June, as you get to enjoy the beauty of Palampur in these months.
Major points of attractions in Palampur are:
- Kangra Fort
- Tea Gardens
- Baijnath Temple
7. Dalhousie: A wonderland in Himachal
Established in 1850 by lord Dalhousie, it is one of the most famous hill stations in Himachal. Covered by five mountains, namely, Terah, Bakrota, Potreyn, Kathlog, and Bhangora, this hill station is bound to make you love its beauty.
Two famous waterfalls, which are said to have medicinal properties in their water, are one of the key attraction points in Dalhousie. This hill station is perfect for keeping you in the cosy company of nature and for disconnecting from the outer world.
The best time to visit Dalhousie is from March to June.
Key attraction points in Dalhousie are as follows:
- Panch-Pulla
- Satdhara Falls
- Chamera Lake
- Chamunda Devi Temple
8. Kasol: The Amsterdam of India
A small village located by the banks of the Parvati River in Himachal Pradesh is another renowned hill station of Himachal.
Famously known as the Amsterdam of India, Kasol has gained popularity for its trekking trails to Kheerganga, Yanker Pass, Sar Pass, and Pin Parvati pass.
Activities like Hiking, Rafting, Trekking, sightseeing, etc., are also offered by Kasol. A trip to Kasol is very budget-friendly yet very fulfilling. It is considered a Backpackers paradise.
The best time to visit Kasol is from October to June.
Major key attraction points in Kasol are:
- Parvati River
- Tirthan Valley
- Kheerganga
9. Dharamshala: The little Tibet
Without question, one of the most famous hill stations in Himachal. People all over the world visit this beautiful place all around the year. The weather in this place is super pleasant, and the activities offered here are enough to keep you busy throughout your trip.
One can also pay a visit to its neighbouring hill station McleodGanj, as both of these hill stations go hand in hand.
The best time to visit is from March to June.
Key tourist places are:
- Bhagsu Falls
- Kareri Lake
- Namgyal Monastery
FAQs
What is the best time to visit hill stations?
The best time to visit hill stations varies according to a person’s personal preference. E.g., If you want to experience the snowfall, winters are the right time to visit, but if you want to witness the true beauty of mountains, then summers are the best time to visit.
What are the most famous/well-known hill stations in Himachal?
Some famous hill stations in Himachal are as follows:
- Manali
- Shimla
- Kullu
- Kasol
- Kufri
- Dalhousie
- Dharamshala
- Mcleod Ganj
- Palampur
- Chail and many more.
How many hill stations are there in Himachal?
There are a total of 28 hill stations in Himachal Pradesh.
Which is the biggest hill station in Himachal?
Shimla is the biggest hill station in Himachal.
What are the major attraction points in Shimla?
The key attraction points in Shimla are The Mall Road, The Ridge, Christ Church, Green Valley, Jakhoo hill and temple, and many more.
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