Published 17:03 IST, November 14th 2018
Top Hill Stations in Himachal Pradesh
Read about the best hills stations in Himachal Pradesh before planning your next vacation. Get the list of unexplored hill stations in HP that offer offbeat activities from skiing to river rafting.
Home to the lower Himalayas, the state of Himachal Pradesh is easily one of the most scenic states in India. Its unparalleled beauty has made it one of the best tourist destinations in the country. Indians and foreigners alike head to the state to explore the many hiking trails and scenic hamlets that offer unending views of snow-capped peaks, splendid valleys, lush grasslands, thick woods and gurgling streams. For adventure seekers, there are many unexplored hill stations in Himachal Pradesh. Let’s take a look at this Himachal hill stations list, which can help tourists plan their trip to this gorgeous destination.
Kullu
This quaint town lies on the banks of the River Beas. There are many ancient temples here and hence it’s also known as the ‘Valley of Gods’. It is a town that attracts a wide range of tourists, from pilgrims to trekkers. The sleepy hamlet of Kasol lies in the Kullu district and is most sought after by curious backpackers. Paragliding and river rafting are the main attractions that draw tourists in.
Palampur
A relatively unknown and quiet town, Palampur comprises of lush grasslands, picturesque tea gardens and pine forests. This pristine hill station lies on the foothills of the Dhauladhar Range and is known for its overall pleasant weather. There is trail here which leads to Kangra Fort that is treaded by many trekkers.
Lahaul
(source: ANI)
This little township is a true paradise for bikers. The route from Lahaul to Spiti is one of the most popular biking routes here. The roads here are at breathtaking elevations, passing through many monasteries, gompas, gushing rivers and remote settlements. The history and culture of this place is influenced and shaped by Tibetan Buddhism. During winters, the roads are covered in snow and hence closed.
Kufri
One of the best winter destinations in the state, this place is a real treat for adventure seekers. It’s ideal for activities like skiing and snowboarding. There’s also a wildlife zoo here that is frequented by many visitors. The view of the snow-covered mountains is extremely satisfying and this is why many tourists flock to this place.
Kalpa
This small town lies amidst the Kinnaur-Kailash range and has an elevation of 9,711 feet. The local belief system is shaped by a unique blend of Hindu and Buddhist cultures, which is why temples here are dedicated to deities of both religions. This place is famous for apple orchards and provides a stunning view of the Mount Kailash summit, which is believed by many to be the abode of Lord Shiva.
Shimla
(source: Trawell.in)
Shimla is one of the most popular hill stations in Himachal Pradesh and is visited by many tourists throughout the year. There are many shops and restaurants here which makes it the perfect family destination. If you ever visit this place, do use the toy train to go sight-seeing and enjoy some of the most astounding views of the mountains. Shimla also houses Tara Devi Temple and Sankat Mochan, two very popular ancient shrines that are visited by devotees from around the country.
Kasol
(source: Twitter)
A quiet town most famous for hippies and foreign tourists, Kasol is a peaceful place that lies on the bank of the Parvati River. This is a hiking base for various treks like Kheerganga, Sar Pass, Pin Parvati Pass and Yanker Pass. It’s an ideal place for trekkers and is surrounded by the villages of Tosh and Malana. There is also a hot spring besides the river which is extremely popular among tourists.
Kasauli
(source: Twitter)
Not to be confused with the previous hill station, Kasauli is an apt place for some peace and solitude. This place is home to a sizeable monkey population and offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. It is recommended that tourists visit the famous ‘Manki Point’; legend states that this was the place visited by Hanuman while he was searching for the ‘Sanjeevani Booti’ in the famous Indian epic Ramayana.
Mashorba
Mashorba is the perfect embodiment of the term ‘misty mountain magic’ as it’s literally covered in mist all through the year. It’s a sparsely populated hill station and is the best place to engage in activities like paragliding, camping, mountain biking, and river rafting. Enjoy the surreal hazy view from here that has charmed numerous tourists over the years.
Nahan
Relatively unknown, this sleepy hill station provides visual aesthetics like no other. This beautiful landscape is carpeted by green meadows and consists of many streams, lakes and muddy trails. There is also the alluring Renukaji Lake that tourists should definitely visit. The list of interesting places here includes Suketi Fossil Park, Jaitak Fort, Churdhar Peak and Rani Tal.
Shoja
Shoja lies en route between Kullu and Shimla and offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. This is one of the best hill stations in Himachal Pradesh and is not known to many tourists. It’s popular among bird watchers, trekkers and campers. Major attractions here include Waterfall Point, Raghupur Fort and Serolsar Lake.
Tabo
(source: Twitter)
Tabo is a place of high religious importance to Buddhists and consists of many monasteries, which are the last sanctuaries of the rich Tibetan culture. One can hear the chants of the monks from a long distance and the place is said to carry positive vibes. It lies in the Spiti Valley region and is best visited between June and September.
The above mentioned list consists of hill stations that have a mystical aura surrounding them. No wonder the Himalayas are mentioned in many legends and myths and carry enormous religious significance. This list will be extremely useful for both domestic and international tourists wishing to explore the enamouring state of Himachal Pradesh. People who visit this region once are compelled to travel here again.
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Updated 15:22 IST, December 5th 2018