Shimla
Think of hill stations in India and Shimla immediately comes to mind.
A name almost synonymous with hilly retreats, Shimla has for several hundred years now been playing the role of a pleasant, cool refuge for people across India who are desperate to beat the famous Indian summer.
Snow capped peaks and the blue mountain ranges that surround the town, the quaint Mall Road and the narrow, paved pathways that serve as her arteries, the panoramic view from Scandal Point and the milling crowds of tourists round the year – all add to Shimla’s ageless charm.
Tourist Attractions
The Ridge
It is a large open space in the heart of Shimla offering breathtaking views of the snow clad peaks.
The Christ Church
This landmark of Shimla is the second oldest church in North India, after St John’s Church in Meerut. The church contains five fine stained glass windows representing the Christian virtues of Faith, Charity, Hope, Patience, Humility and Fortitude.
The Mall
This is the main shopping centre of Shimla with eating joints and good restaurants. The Mall connects to the Ridge through the ‘Scandal Point’, a point where statue of the national leader Lala Lajpat Rai has been placed. The place is pleasant especially in the evenings. HPTDC passenger lift can be taken from the Cart Road to the Mall. Lakkar Bazaar and Tibeti market adjacent to Mall Road are other hotspots for shopping lovers.
Jakhoo Temple
An ancient Hanuman temple in Shimla situated 2.5 kms away from ridge. Its height is (8,000 feet) above sea level. It is one of Shimla‘s highest peaks and offers a panoramic view of the Shivalik Ranges and the town.
Kufri
The stunning natural beauty and superb climate makes Kufri a perfect summer getaway. It is also renowned for adventurous activities such as tobogganing and skiing. One can experience adrenaline rush here in the peak season.
Tattapani
Situated 51km away from Shimla, Tattapani is a well known tourist destination around Shimla. The place is known for its hot water springs and caves of Lord Shiva.
Other Major Tourist Attractions are Himachal State Museum & Library, Annandale and Indian Institute of Advanced Studies
How to Reach
By Air: The airport is situated 22kms away and is well connected to Delhi, Chandigarh and Kullu. Another option can be Chandigarh Airport, which is at a distance of 120kms from Shimla. After landing taxis can be hired for a Shimla- Chandigarh four-hour drive.
By Train: The Shimla Kalka railway track has been granted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as it offers an amazing view with the line passing through 103 tunnels. Deluxe Rail Motor Car also known as toy train offers a pleasant and eventful journey. The capacity of train is 14-18 passengers, and it takes 4 hrs and 30 minutes to reach Shimla from Kalka.
By Road: By Road Chandigarh is 123kms and Delhi is 266kms away from Shimla. It takes around 3hrs to reach Shimla from Chandigarh. AC/Non AC Volvo buses directly from Delhi become an easy and comfortable option for 8 hrs journey.
Kullu
The beautiful and mesmerizing Kullu is an 80km long valley offering inspiring mossy meadows and glen encircled by the rushing water streams.
The Valley is open to tourists, artists and adventure lovers and to anyone who wishes to escape the hot summers of the plains and seek out the refreshing and unpolluted air of the Himalayas. Kullu is popularly known for its elegant woven colorful handmade shawls and Kullu topis (caps).
When to Go: – April – June / September – December.
Tourist Attractions
Kasol
The mini Israel of Himachal Pradesh, Kasol is a beautiful hill station on the way to Manikaran
Raghunath Temple
The temple was built in 17th century by Kullu Raja- Jagat Singh and enshrines the image of Raghunath, Lord Rama.
Raghunath temple is visited by thousands of tourists all over the world, especially during the Kullu Dussehra festival.
Naggar
Situated on a forested slope at the left bank of the River Beas Naggar provides an eye-catching view. It is serves as the base camp for undertaking treks to Malana valley and Chanderkhani Pass.
Other major tourist attractions are Raison, Katrain, Malana and Bajaura.
How to Reach Kullu
By Air: Bhuntar (10kms from Kullu) is the nearest airport, connecting Kullu to Delhi by flight Air Deccan and Indian Airlines.
Rail: The nearest Railway Station is Joginder Nagar (92kms from Kullu) on Narrow Gauge.Onwards Journey can be byroad.
By Road: By road all major cities are connected to Kullu. Regular Buses ply from Delhi, Chandigarh, Shimla, Pathankot, Dharamsala & Dalhousie to Kullu.
Plan your travel to enjoy your stay Kullu. You can refer travelguru.com and yatra.com for best deals regarding accommodation services to ensure you have memorable stay at a Kullu hotel.
Manali
Situated at an altitude of 2,050 m on banks of Beas River, Manali is a well known destination for summer in Himachal Pradesh near the northern end of the Kullu Valley.
With rich flora and fauna, lush greenery and snow-clad mountain peaks, Manali attracts heavy tourist traffic, especially in the holiday season.
You can enjoy panoramic views of mountain tops, the beautiful glacier slopes, that alluring sense of calm and peace in Manali – an ideal destination for a vacation.
When to Go: – April – June / September – December.
Tourist Attractions
Hadimba Temple
An ancient cave temple dedicated to Hadimba Devi, the wife of Bheem and sister of Hadimb.
Manikaran Sahib
Situated 80 kms away from Manikaran, this Gurudwara, famous for its hot water spring crowns the Kullu valley. It has great religious significance for Hindus and Sikhs from ancient times.
Rohtang Pass/Solang Valley
51kms from Manali Rohtang pass serves as a gateway to the districts of Lahaul and Spiti. The Pass is open from Months June to November and provides breathtaking panoramic views of the entire valley.
Mall Road
In the evening, you can take a stroll on the Mall Road. The street offers variety of eating joints, cafes, local handicraft shops where tourists can Shop and relish mouth-watering local dishes.
Other major tourist attractions are Manu temple, Buddhist Monastery, Rahala Fall and Vashisth Hot Sulphur Spring.
Adventure Activities in Manali
Skiing, River Rafting, Paragliding, Trekking, River crossing, Rock Climbing, Jeep Safari.
How to Reach
By Air: The nearest airport Bhuntar, situated 50 kms from Manali.
By Rail: The nearest Railway Station is Joginder Nagar (135 km). Thereafter you can travel by rented cabs, Volvo Buses.
By Road: The road Distance to Manali from
* Delhi is 585 km & Journey duration is 12 Hrs.
* Chandigarh is 350 Kms & Journey duration is 8 – 10 Hrs.
* Shimla is 270 km & Journey duration is 7 – 8 Hrs.
Plan your travel to enjoy your stay Manali. You can refer travelguru.com and yatra.com for best deals regarding accommodation services to ensure you have memorable stay at a Manali hotel.
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