(Shimla)
A wonderful abode in the Himalayas, the city of Shimla is surrounded by scenic pine-covered hills and snow-capped peaks. Located in the magnificent hill state of Himachal Pradesh in India, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. From honeymooners to adventure seekers, the city serves as a charming retreat to a large number of people. The enchanting beauty of this hill station has attracted countless filmmakers and cinematographers. This erstwhile summer capital of the British, still retains its colonial-era charm through its spectacular historical churches and institutes, like Christ Church, Indian Institute of Advanced Study and many more.

Activities -1 The Ridge 
This is the most popular point in Shimla. Located on the Mall road, at the heart of Shimla, this is a much loved and enjoyed stretch here, where visitors come and soak themselves in the views of surrounding areas.

Activities – 2 Kufri
While in Shimla, visit its colder, higher and less crowded cousin, Kufri just 13 km away from the main town. The views and sceneries here only get better, and the landscapes more flattering, a bit untouched with the tourist rush.

Activities – 3 Kalka Shimla Toy Train
While in Shimla, visit its colder, higher and less crowded cousin, Kufri just 13 km away from the main town. The views and sceneries here only get better, and the landscapes more flattering, a bit untouched with the tourist rush.

Activities – 4 Mall Road
The Mall Road in Shimla, located in the heart of the town, is the main street that is lined up with a myriad of restaurants, clubs, banks, shops, post offices and tourist offices. At the same time, the place boasts of the other exciting attractions that it houses, such as the Scandal Point and Kali Bari Temple. One of the busiest and more commercial areas of Shimla till date, this stretch is a mini-world in itself. The Shimla Mall Road is the one stretch, that truly celebrates the spirit of the hilltown, its tourist rush and valleys and hills covered with houses and hotels. The charm and beauty of the Mall Road can be enjoyed by groups of friends, families and honeymooners. 

Activities – 5 Shimla Christ Church
Located at the Mall Road itself, this church is the second oldest church in North India. The interiors and the neo-gothic architecture are very beautiful and appealing making this church one of the most important attractions in Shimla.

Activities – 5 Jakhu Temple
Set amidst the lush green background of the Shivalik hill ranges on Jakhu Hill, the highest point in Shimla, the Jakhu Temple is an ancient site shrouded in legends and offers a mystical vibe to visitors. The Jakhu Temple is dedicated to the Hindu monkey god – Hanuman. The site is one of the most sought-after tourist attractions in Shimla, attracting tourists and visitors of all ages and religions apart from Hindu pilgrims and devotees. Jakhu Temple has the world’s largest Hanuman statue, which is visible from most parts of Shimla.

(Kullu)
Kullu, a popular tourist destination in Himachal Pradesh located on the banks of Beas river. With panoramic views and majestic hills covered with Deodar and Pine trees, it is a nature lover’s paradise. Kullu generally coupled with its sister town Manali which is on much higher altitude and provides more scenic views.

Activities -1 Ragunath Temple
Located in the scintillating hill town of Kullu, the Raghunath Temple is one of the main attractions here. Wrapped around in an ancient legend, the temple finds connections to Lord Rama, and the idol of Lord Raghunath placed here, is said to be the same as the one used by him. While it derives much significance from the legend, the Raghunath Temple borrows its design and architecture from the Pahari and Pyramidal styles. Other than the spirituality surrounding the temple, the sceneries and views about it too are equally alluring.

Activities – 2 Bijli Mahadev Temple
Located at an altitude of 2460 m at a hilltop in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, across the Beas River, Bijli Mahadev Temple is one of the ancient and sacred temples in India. As the name suggests, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is very popular for trekking. It is said that the Bijli Mahadev Temple houses a Shiva Linga which was broken into pieces by lightning, that was brought back together and bounded by a temple priest using butter. The word around is that this repeats itself every year.

Activities – 3 Pandoh Dam
Pandoh Dam is an embankment Dam that lies in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh. Constructed on Beas River, the primary purpose of Pandoh Dam is hydroelectric power generation. It was commissioned in 1977 and is located at a distance of 10 km from Manali. The man-made lake created by the dam draws a good number of people towards it. Vacationers travelling to Manali get a perfect location near the dam to click great pictures as the location is highly picturesque and full of lush greenery. If you want to see the view of the water flowing, you need to reach there at the right time. The sight of water being released is fantastic and is a treat for your eyes. Also, you can lay your eyes upon the lovely water birds into the greenish blue waters of the dam. Rafting is another favourite activity here, usually done in the lower bed.

(Manali)
Nestled in between the snow-capped slopes of the Pir Panjal and the Dhauladhar ranges, Manali is one of the most popular hill stations in the country. With jaw-dropping views, lush green forests, sprawling meadows carpeted with flowers, gushing blue streams, a perpetual fairy-tale like mist lingering in the air, and a persistent fragrance of pines – Manali has been blessed with extraordinary scenic beauty. From museums to temples, from quaint little hippie villages to bustling upscale streets, river adventures to trekking trails, Manali has every reason to be the tourist magnet it is, all year round.

Activities -1 Solang Valley
When heading to Manali for a vacation, two absolutely essential destinations in the itinerary are Rohtang and Solang Valley. 14 kilometres to the north west of the main town of Manali, Solang Valley is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh. Situated on the way to Rohtang from Manali, every year the valley welcomes tourists in huge numbers. A favourite for adventure enthusiasts, parachuting to paragliding, horse riding to driving mini-open jeeps.

Activities – 2 Rohtang Pass
Located at a distance of just 51 kilometres from Manali, Rohtang Pass can be reached only by road. The pass is located at a massive height of 3978 metres on Manali- Keylong road. When planning a trip to Manali, a day off to the vista point of Rohtang Pass is the ultimate and almost essential attraction of the itinerary. Owing to its splendid natural beauty, Rohtang Pass is a favourite among the community of film directors. Many blockbusters ranging from ‘Jab We Met’ to ‘Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani’ have been shot here. A peculiar fact behind the name of the place is that it was named so because a number of people working in CBRE died whilst trying to cross this treacherous stretch.

Activities – 3 Paragliding
Paragliding is an adventure sport that offers a unique vantage point among the clouds. A favourite among adrenaline junkies, this sport involves launching a glider aircraft and being suspended under a fabric wing. Medium flights involve a 15-minute flight, while long/high flights last between 40 minutes and 1 hour. Individuals with a paragliding license can opt for solo flights while amateurs are allowed to take tandem flights – where a pilot accompanies the individual and navigates the glider.

Activities – 4 Hadimba Temple 
Located amidst the snow-covered hills of Manali, the Hadimba Temple is a unique shrine dedicated to Hidimba Devi, who was the wife of Bhima and mother of Ghatothkach. Surrounded by gorgeous cedar forests, this beautiful shrine is built on a rock which is believed to be in the image of goddess Hidimba herself. Locally known as Dhungari Temple, the construction style of the Hidimba Devi temple is entirely different from that of any of the other temples, with its wooden doorways, walls, and cone-shaped roof. This temple is a fitting dedication to its presiding deity Hadimba.

(Dharamshala)
Dharamshala or Dharamsala city is located in Kangra district at a distance of 18 km from Kangra city. Dharamsala is separated as upper and lower divisions with different altitudes. The lower division is the Dharamsala town itself. whereas, the upper-division is located 3km away and popularly known as Mcleodganj. Dharamsala is prominently visited for the bus connections and the bustling market. 

Dharamsala is the home to Dalai Lama, the Buddhist leader who runs his government in exile from Dharamsala. Now, what better place on earth than this little town set on the foothills of Dhauladhar ranges to experience the rich and regal Tibetan culture. In the year 1959, Dalai Lama came to India with his followers and settled, rather beautified the town of Dharamsala, transforming it into the little Lhasa. Dharamsala, for many years, has been a centre of meditation and peace, with thousands of people from around the world coming here to seek Nirvana. 

Activities -1 The Library of Tibetan Works and Archives
The Library of Tibetan Works and Archives is a Tibetan library in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, founded by Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama. With artefacts and manuscripts that date back to the 12th century, it is one of the pioneering institutions in the study and research of Buddhism. With an air of peace and serenity descending upon people who visit this offbeat museum, dissemination of Tibetan knowledge has been made possible. It is home to as many as 80,000 manuscripts and 600 Buddhist artefacts including the beautifully crafted silk applique thangkas and a three dimensional, wood carved mandala of the Avalokiteshwara – one of the most revered and compassionate Bodhisattvas in Buddhism.

Activities – 2 St. John in the Wilderness
St. John in the Wilderness, built in 1852, is one of the most important churches in Himachal Pradesh. Located near Dharamshala and on the way to Mcleodganj, this neo-gothic church was built in dedication to John the Baptist. Set amidst lush deodar forests, this peaceful edifice is known for its Belgian stained-glass windows. The eccentric church was built in dense woods which is why it is famous as ‘St John in the Wilderness’. One of the oldest built structure of Dharamsala, this is also the final resting place of Lord Ergin, one of the governor generals and also viceroy of India during the British Raj. 

Activities – 3 The War Memorial
The War Memorial in the forests of Dharamshala was created to commemorate the memory of those who fought to save our motherland. During the Indo-China War of 1947-48, 1962, 1965, and 1971, and UN Peace Operations, many brave soldiers of Kangra lost their lives as war heroes. Three huge panels of black stone, each 24 feet in height, preserve their memory in stone. The War Memorial is surrounded by the poetic pine forests of Dharamshala, leading to lush gardens through a quaint walkway. Look out for the names of the martyred soldiers etched on the stone panels. You can have some refreshments from the nearby cafe serving snacks, and visit the GPC college which is situated close by.

Activities – 4 Gyuto Monastery
Popularly known for the study of Tantric Meditation and Philosophy, the Gyuto Monastery is one of the beautiful and popular monasteries located in Dharamshala. It was founded in India in 1959 and was established for preserving and promoting the tradition of Black Magic, popularly known as Tantric Teachings, of the great teacher Ksongkhapa. The glorious monastery has helped in depicting how, unlike popular belief, black magic can be used for the well-being of the people.

The Gyuto Monastery is beautifully constructed on a hilltop with a commanding view of the Dhauladhar Ranges and the Beas River from there. A beautiful gold-plated statue of Lord Buddha is situated on the premises of the temple which glistens when the rays of the sun fall on it early morning. Plenty of tourists and Buddhists come to the resplendent Gyuto Monastery to witness the quiet and serene monastery, which is one of the delights of Dharamshala.

(Mcleodganj )
Mcleodganj is a hill station near Dharamshala, popular among trekkers. Located in Kangra district, Mcleodganj’s culture is a beautiful blend of Tibetan with some British influence.
Also known as Little Lhasa and famous around the world for being home to the Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama, Mcleod Ganj is a beautiful town situated near upper Dharamsala. Nestled amidst majestic hills and lush greenery, this town has one of the most mesmerising landscapes in the entire state of Himachal Pradesh and attracts a lot of tourists throughout the year. The towns of Dharamsala, Mcleodganj, Bhagsu Nag and Kangra are situated very close to each other and tourists must cover all these destinations while travelling here. Few of the most eminent and religiously significant monasteries in India are located here, including the Namgyal Monastery and Tsuglagkhang, where the spiritual leader Dalai Lama resides. Tourists must also visit the scenic Dal Lake and trek to Triund, which are apt for a quiet picnic.

Activities -1 The Bhagsu Waterfall
The Bhagsu Waterfall is perhaps the most famous tourist spot in Dharamshala and attracts tourists who wish to revel in the glories of nature and spend some quiet moments in peace and serenity. The Bhagsunag Waterfall is located on the main road which connects Mcleodganj and Dharamshala and is an ideal location for picnicking with family and loved ones. The waterfall starts at the base of the Dhauladhar Valley, which is also considered to be a religious spot. Before cascading down, the stream also passes through the famous Bhagsunath Temple. The Bhagsu Fall reaches the peak of its glory and majesty during the monsoon season when the water falls from a height of around 30 feet and looks captivating and breathtakingly beautiful. The cafes and coffee houses nearby serve lip-smacking food and light refreshments, and tourists especially love to sit down and enjoy a cup of coffee, while viewing the gorgeous Bhagsunag Waterfall. Bathing in the waterfall is also possible, but the water is freezing at times for the normal human body to handle.

Activities – 2 Namgyal Monastery 
Dalai Lama, the Tibetan spiritual leader, is believed to have his abode at Namgyal Monastery in Mcleodganj, which is also the largest Tibetan temple outside Tibet. The serenity and ambience that this place creates in the minds of its visitors are enough to attract even those who are not inclined towards this religion. The Namgyal Monastery is often referred to as “Dalai Lama’s Temple” as it is the personal monastery of the 14th Dalai Lama. The foundation of Namgyal Monastery was laid down in the 16th century by the second Dalai Lama and was set up for the monks to help Dalai Lama in religious affairs. The monks residing here in the monastery carry out practices for the well-being of Tibet and work as a centre of learning and meditation on the Buddhist philosophical exposition. Also known as Namgyal Tantric College, it currently houses 200 monks who work towards protecting the practices, skills, and traditions of the monastery. The study of the languages Tibetan and English, texts of Sutra and Tantra, Buddhist philosophy, sand mandalas, ritual chanting, and dances are all included in the study of Buddhism.

Activities – 3 Dalai Lama Temple
Just above the town of Dharamshala, in Mcleodganj, is Tsuglagkhang, the place where the Dalai Lama resides. It is one of the most significant places of worship which attracts devotees from all over the world and serves tourists as well. This complex houses Dalai Lama’s residence, Tsuglagkhang Temple, Namgyal Monastery and Tibet Museum. Except for Dalai Lama’s residence, every other part of the complex is open for tourists. If lucky, one can even get to meet His Holiness. The Tsuglagkhang Complex houses a beautiful statue of Lord Buddha as well as statues of Chenrezig and Guru Rinpoche.

The museum inside Tsuglagkhang tends to be a popular choice amongst the tourists and houses many imprints of Tibetan art and culture. These include historical documents, pottery, handicrafts, paintings, etc. The museum gives tourists an insight into Tibetan culture and at the same time, the various struggles faced by them lately. The structure of the Tibet Museum is influenced by Tibetan architecture which is unique and innovative.

Activities – 4 Trekking
Trekking is a hobby for most of us and Himachal Pradesh is a famous and a favourite spot for many trekkers. One can trek from Mclepdganj to Triund, which is a very short and modest trek. Triund also has a number of trekking options with a backdrop of some breathtaking sceneries. Camping in the mountains has the power to break the monotony of daily routine boring lives. The experience of hiking in the natural, pollution-free air and open green landscapes is truly exhilarating. McLeodganj (also known as Little Lhasa) is a suburb of Dharamshala in Kangra District of Himachal Pradesh, India. There are many heavenly places or sites to visit and experience around McLeodganj that will leave you speechless.

Activities – 5 Bhagsunag Temple 
Surrounded by lovely pools and lush greenery, the Bhagsunag Temple is one of the oldest ancient temples located about 3 kilometres from Mcleodganj. Also popularly known as Bhagsunath Temple, it is highly revered by the local Gorkha and Hindu community. The two pools around the temple are believed to be sacred and are considered to contain miraculous powers of healing. The grand temple is also surrounded by major tourist attractions, such as the Dal Lake and the Kotwali Bazaar. In fact, the Bhagsunath Temple is situated on the way to the famous Bhagsu Waterfalls, and thus tourists make it a point to stop by at the temple and seek the blessings of the Almighty before they proceed further on their journey.

(Dalhousie)
Mcleodganj is a hill station near Dharamshala, popular among trekkers. Located in Kangra district, Mcleodganj’s culture is a beautiful blend of Tibetan with some British influence.
Also known as Little Lhasa and famous around the world for being home to the Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama, Mcleod Ganj is a beautiful town situated near upper Dharamsala. Nestled amidst majestic hills and lush greenery, this town has one of the most mesmerising landscapes in the entire state of Himachal Pradesh and attracts a lot of tourists throughout the year. The towns of Dharamsala, Mcleodganj, Bhagsu Nag and Kangra are situated very close to each other and tourists must cover all these destinations while travelling here. Few of the most eminent and religiously significant monasteries in India are located here, including the Namgyal Monastery and Tsuglagkhang, where the spiritual leader Dalai Lama resides. Tourists must also visit the scenic Dal Lake and trek to Triund, which are apt for a quiet picnic.

Activities – 1 Khajjiar 
This small town, very nearby to Dalhousie is also known as the ‘Mini Switzerland’ or the ‘Switzerland of India’. The mesmerizing beauty of this place has greatly influenced and inspired many kingdoms throughout the years, including the Rajputs and Mughals. Located at an altitude of 6,500 feet, the natural beauty and picturesque landscape of this place are bound to leave an everlasting impression on a tourist. Khajjiar is known for its nine-hole golf-course which is nestled in the midst of lush greenery and a breathtaking landscape. Khajjiar is a plateau with a small lake which tends to be a favorite amongst tourists. This region also attracts adventure seekers and has a lot of options in adventure sports like zorbing, trekking etc.

Activities – 2 St John’s Church  
Built in 1863, St John’s Church is the oldest church in Dalhousie and assumes great historical significance apart from being a sentinel of Protestant belief in the region. Located in Gandhi Chowk, it tends to be a favourite amongst photographers because of the steady mix of beauty and history. A library neighbours the church, where one can find a lot of book about the past and the present of the town. Sunday Service performed at the St John’s Church is attended by the locals and tourists alike.

Embodying the Victorian era, the St John’s Church in Dalhousie is a reminder of the British regime in the region. The interior of the church is adorned with stunning glass paintings of St John the Baptist along with St Peter.

Activities – 3 Satdhara Falls
The stunning Satdhara Falls is situated in Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh. It is surrounded by fantastic views of the Chamba valley – with snow-covered ranges and fresh, green pine and deodar trees. ‘Satdhara’ means seven springs. This waterfall brings together the waters of seven beautiful springs – their meeting point being 2036masl, cascading magnanimously in unison. The water here is said to contain mica, which has medicinal properties to cure skin diseases. This is the perfect place for people in search of some tranquillity in their hectic life. The crystal clear water of the majestic Satdhara Falls gurgles with joy as little droplets bounce off the rocks onto us. The pleasant fragrance of wet mud fills the air with a refreshing scent as the water pours into a sparkling and smooth aquamarine pool. The sweet nougat smell of flower washes over you as the view of the white water surging and plunging from the height hypnotises you with its beauty. The sound of the crashing water is loud but pleasant. The edges of the fall hemmed with silver lines glisten in the sunshine.

Activities – 4 Dainkund Peak
Dainkund Peak, also known as the Singing Hill, is perched at an elevation of 2755 masl in Dalhousie. Being the highest point in Dalhousie, the peak offers a bird’s eye view of the astonishing verdant valleys and mountains. For nature fanatics seeking a serene and calm place, Dainkund Peak is worth exploring. The impression of tall Deodar trees and colourful flower valleys is everlasting. As you make your way upwards, you can hear the gentle breeze passing through the trees making a musical sound. The scenic charm of Khajjar lake and picturesque view of the mud houses amidst lush greenery is a treat to the eyes. The Pholani Devi temple and an Air Force are also major attractions of Dainkund Peak. Camping and trekking to the peak makes your trip all the more exciting.