Places to visit in Himachal.
Himachal as the name says made of two Sanskrit word Him and Anchal which mean lap of snow. The land of Gods contains mystery and blend of cultures, food and beauty.
Himachal Pradesh is a northern Indian state in the Himalayas. It's home to scenic mountain towns and resorts such as Dalhousie. Host to the Dalai Lama, Himachal Pradesh has a strong Tibetan presence. This is reflected in its Buddhist temples and monasteries, as well as its vibrant Tibetan New Year celebrations. The region is also well known for its trekking, climbing and skiing areas.
Himachal has different region from altitude 350 meter to 7025 meter. The highest peak in Himachal is the 7025 m tall Shilla Peak gracing the Kinnaur District with its presence. The second-highest peak of the state, Reo Purgyil with a height of 6816 is also situated in Kinnaur. The highest mountain peak in the beautiful Lahaul & Spiti Valley is Gya, which is 6794 m tall.
Places to visit around Shimla-
Shimla is the capital city of Himachal located at 1600 meter with highest peak 2700 meter with vegetation consisting of oak, pine, and deodar tree. The name Shimla comes from Shamla mata earlier the name was Shamla due to difficulty in pronunciation Britisher changed its name to Shimla and chose it as their summer capital. Shimla consists of seven hills.
How to reach Shimla?
While visiting Shimla you can visit-
- Jakhu peak – As per the mythology when lord Hanuman was going to get sanjeevani for Lakshman ji he took a stop here where he met Jakhu devotee of lord Hanuman, lord Hanuman gave him a boon that from now on the place will be worshiped with his name. One can reach Jakhu from 3 ways.
1) By hike – there is a 3 km hike from mall road which takes around 30-45 min
2) By car – You can take local cab from mall road operated by HRTC
3) By cable car – You can book a cable car from mall road and get a panoramic view of Shimla
- Sankat Mochan: Established by neem Karoli baba this temple is dedicated to lord Hanuman and if you are visiting here during Sunday you can enjoy Himachali style dham in bhandara
- Tara Devi temple: This temple Is dedicated to Goddess Tara an effigy of Goddess Durga situated 3 km away from ISBT Shimla
- Kalibari Temple- This temple is situated on mall road and dedicated to Goddess Kali, attraction to this temple is the temple is operated by priests from West Bengal and puja is done in Bengali style. You can witness the sunset and 180-degree view of Shimla from here. You can reach here by walking.
- Mall Road - Most famous place of Shimla is its mall road from where you can witness one of the most famous sunset and do café hoping. Some famous food spots on mall road are
1) Wake and bake café
2) Chopstick
3) Himachali rasoi
4) Trishul bakery
5) Krishna bakery (You can try Kurkez – kind of snacks famous around town)
- Ridge – Ridge has a history it has a water tank beneath it which was used by Britishers to supply water in town. You can enjoy horse riding here and feel the royalty. One must try the softy counters here.
- Ice skating rink – A natural ice-skating rink follow a tradition during winter locals do open air ice skating you can also rent ice skates and try it out.
- Christ Church – Main attraction to the town is yellow color Christ church on mall road you can visit inside it and have the feel of British architecture.
- Advance study – Also known as Vice Regal lodge, during the summer Britisher era when Vice Regal used to visit here, he used to stay here. You can visit here also book a inside guided tour. Tickets are available on counter. Also you can enjoy the gardens and British architecture marvel.
- President house Shimla- The Retreat Building is the official retreat residence of the President of India at Chharabra, Shimla, in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The President stays at the building for at least two weeks during summer and conducts official business. It is located 13 km away from the city Shimla.
- Kufri: It is located 15 km away from city and hold the highest Go carting track in world. Also you can witness Himalayan wilderness and exotic bird species native to Himalayas at Kufri zoo. Due to high altitude you can witness snow here in winters.The place is famous for horse riding.
- Naldera: A small village located 15 km away from city has a golf course and picnic spot, you can plan a romantic date here with your loved one and enjoy the beauty. The place has a secret location called Naldera hights from here you can witness the highest peak Shali tibba of Shimla and many more peaks.
- Narkanda – Home to ski lovers, Narkanda has ski slops and dense forest one can plan a hike to Hatu peak located at 3200 meter contain meadows and visit Hatu mata temple here.
- Chadwick Fall- One of the famous falls of Shimla, you have to take a mini hike from Summer Hill one of Shimla’s hill.
- Lakkar Bazar- A small bazar next to mall road is famous for it wood artifacts and home for locals favourite food outlets. You can try.
1) Sita ram ke Chole and Luchi
2) Woodstreat Café
3) Tripti Bakery
- Glen: A forest and a picnic spot near mall road, you need to take a mini hike to reach here.
- Special note: If you ever get lost in Shimla always walk downhill and you will reach road/ railway track
Chail: A picturises village located 45km away from Shimla home to Asia’s highest cricket stadium and Chail palace made by king of Patiala. You can visit kali tibba.
