One of India’s most admired and lauded tourist destinations, Himachal Pradesh offers warmth to the mind and soul. Located in North India’s snow-capped Himalayas, the state attracts visitors from all over the world to spend a memorable vacation. There are a lot of attractions in this area, including Shimla, Kullu, Dharamsala, etc., which are flocked by tourists all year round. And how can we forget Manali, the location of the fictional Sironah place in the blockbuster Indian show Aranyak?
You can reach Himachal Pradesh?
By air: There are three domestic airports in Himachal, namely the Bhuntar Airport near Manali, the Jubbarhatti Airport near Shimla, and the Gaggal Airport in Kangra. All of these airports are easily accessible from Delhi. A flight to Himachal reduces travel time by more than half, making it a convenient and comfortable method of transportation. Delhi and Chandigarh are the closest international airports to Himachal.
By train: Due to its rocky terrain, it is slightly challenging to build railway tracks in Himachal Pradesh. Pathankot in Punjab, however, runs a train into the state with the best efforts. It is possible to travel up to Punjab by car or by plane and then take a train up to Himachal Pradesh. Solan and Una are two of the most important railway stations in Himachal. A toy train connects Himachal with Kalka as well.
By road: There are beautiful roads connecting Himachal with major cities in India. Himachal has eight national highways and 19 state highways that provide excellent connectivity to and from the state. The roads in Himachal can prove challenging even for the most experienced drivers, so it is best to travel during the day if you are driving yourself. Travelling by road allows you to reach even the most remote parts of the state. If you are coming from Delhi, you can drive yourself or hire a cab to Himachal. Several luxury buses also operate in the state and can take you to most major cities.
15 offbeat places in Himachal you must visit this summer
Visiting the tourist destinations of this beautiful state will satisfy the wanderlust of travellers of all kinds. Himachal Pradesh welcomes nature lovers, honeymooners, adventure seekers, pilgrims, and history enthusiasts alike. Take a look at the following list if you are looking for some offbeat places in Himachal Pradesh.
Jibhi, Tirthan Valley
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With its lush green forests and variegated mountains surrounding it, Jibhi is often referred to as a mesmerising “hamlet” that is ideal for a peaceful break with your loved ones. Jibhi is an unexplored town in Himachal Pradesh that has escaped industrialisation and is surrounded by nature.
Visit this place to enjoy the tranquil freshwater lakes, dense pine forests, and pristine temples. Guests can stay in cosy Victorian-style cottages that give the impression they are in a bygone era. You can relax in the lap of nature while drinking a cup of chai, smelling the fresh air, and listening to the birds’ sweet chirpings.
By air: Jibhi is 60 kilometres from the Bhuntar Airport near Kullu, which is the nearest airport. You can rent a car from there and be dropped off at your destination in no time.
By rail: The closest railway station to Jibhi is Shimla, approximately 150 km away. You can easily rent a car from there to get to Jibhi.
By road: There are regular bus services from Delhi to Aut. Direct buses run from Aut to Jibhi. Alternatively, you can bring your own car or rent one from Delhi and drive 500 km through the picturesque countryside.
Kothi, Manali
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In the foothills of Rohtang Pass, the Kothi Village is located 15 kilometres away from Manali. Tourists from around the world come to the village for adventure and recreational activities in Himachal Pradesh. It is impossible not to be captivated by the magnificent views of the natural scenery surrounding the village when exploring the area. The scenic beauty of this place makes us wonder if it was one of the inspirations for the Sirona place in Aranyak. The town is often a stopping point for trekkers going to Rohtang Pass.
How to reach: Located on the Leh-Manali Highway, Kothi is best reached by taxi from Manali. You can also rent a two-wheeler or motorbike for an hourly rate to commute between the two locations.
Kalpa, Kinnaur
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The village of Kalpa is one of the largest in the Kinnaur district and is known for its stunning views of the Kinnaur Kailash mountains and lush pine nut forests. For the locals, apples are the main cash crop, so there are many apple orchards in the area. Here, from this vantage point, you can gaze at the sacred Kailash Shivling, whose colour changes throughout the day. There is also a temple dedicated to the goddess Chandika near Kalpa, 11 km away. Known for its unique architecture, the temple is one of Kalpa’s must-see attractions.
By air: The nearest airports to Kalpa are Kullu/Bhuntar (225 km) and Shimla (445 km). From here, you can take a bus or taxi to Kalpa.
By road: Self-driving might be the best option if you’re coming from a nearby city. Tourists do not have to worry about switching between modes of transportation since the roads are conveniently constructed. Several neighbouring states, such as Delhi, Punjab, and Himachal, are also serviced regularly by the HRTC (Himachal Road Transport Corporation).
By train: Kalpa is 244 kilometres from the Shimla railway station. There are several major cities connected to this station, including Delhi. From here, you can take a bus or taxi to Kalpa.
Jagatsukh, Manali
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The picturesque village of Jagatsukh is located about seven kilometres from Manali and is the capital of Kullu. A natural landscape of enchanting beauty and ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Sandhya Devi make Jagatsukh a holy place for Hindus. One day is usually enough to explore Jagatsukh. However, for those wishing to spend a few days or weeks, there are numerous hotels, resorts, and homestay options available. With a wide variety of budget-friendly accommodations and delicious international and local cuisine, they satisfy every taste.
How to reach: At the northern end of the Kullu valley, Jagatsukh is located about seven kilometres away from Manali. Taxis are the best mode of public transportation. It is possible, however, to drive along the Kullu-Naggar-Manali Road in a private vehicle or by renting a car/motorbike.
Barog, Solan
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As a stopover destination on the Kalka-Shimla Highway, Barog offers a beautiful view of the Himalayan mountains. Forests of pine and oak surround Barog, providing a scenic backdrop. Churdhar Peak—also known as the “Mountain of the Silver Bangle”—looms majestically over the quaint, little village. In recent years, Barog has become increasingly popular as a corporate retreat destination.
By air: The Jubbarhatti Airport in Shimla is the nearest airport. From Shimla airport, passengers can take the rail or road to Barog, which is about 58 km away.
By rail: Barog is quite accessible by train due to its railway station, which lies on the famous Kalka-Shimla line.
By road: By road, Barog is well-connected to Himachal Pradesh’s major cities and destinations. You can reach Barog by taxi or bus plying on this network of roads!
Barot, Mandi
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Barot is not only a beautiful place, but also offers a wide variety of outdoor activities. Besides providing many benefits to both people and wildlife, the Uhl River here is also an important trout spawning site and is home to a few fish ranches, which makes it a popular hunting area. Across the river Uhl is the Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary, home to a number of pheasants, the Himalayan goral and black bears. As a result of its hiking trails, this destination is popular with tourists and hikers alike.
By air: Approximately 100 km away from the valley is the Kullu airport at Bhuntar. The drive south to Barot takes only 4-5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly to the Gaggal airport just 110 kilometres away from Dharamshala. There are always taxis and public transportation from the airport to Barot Valley in Kullu, making it an easier route.
By road: Mandi and Jogindernagar are two easy routes from Delhi to the valley. You can always take Himachal Road Transport Corporation buses if you prefer public transportation.
By rail: As one of the nearest railway stations to Barot, Kathgodam is 58 km away, but it’s not well connected with the rest of the country. You’re best off taking a train to Pathankot, which is 113 km away. By bus, you will reach Bir Billing, and then by road, you will reach Barot Valley.
Chalal, Kasol
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Although Kasol gets all the attention among the villages of the Parvati Valley, Chalal, a quaint little village in the Parvati Valley, is the place to experience the true serenity of Himachal Pradesh. Chalal is an old-world mountain village that has retained its rustic charm even though it is located at an altitude of over 5300 feet and just 30 minutes away from the tourist hub of Kasol.
How to reach: There are no motorable roads to Chalal, but a short trek from Kasol will take you to Chalal in 30 minutes. You can reach Kasol by taking a flight to Bhuntar Airport or a train to Joginder Nagar Railway Station.
Nahan
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A beautiful, scenic destination in Himachal Pradesh, this is an unexplored romantic destination. This town is said to be founded by Raja Karan Prakash as his capital in 1621. The area is surrounded by dense greenery and encircled by the Shivalik mountains. Your evening strolls will be made more enjoyable by the clean and quiet roads.
There are many tales and legends associated with Nahan’s past. It is said that a sage named Nahar lived at the same spot where the town stands today and that this town derives its names from him.
By air: Nakan is located 82 kilometres from the Chandigarh Airport. It is easy to get to Nahan from this airport by bus or taxi.
By rail: Ambala (69 km away) and Chandigarh (79 km away) are the closest railway stations to Nahan. To reach Nahan, one can take a bus or hire a taxi from these stations.
By road: With frequent buses connecting Nahan with Delhi, Shimla, Haridwar and Manali, the hilly town enjoys good road connectivity with the major Indian cities. Nahan can also be reached easily by taxi from these destinations.
Parwanoo
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In this place, one can enjoy the ambience of a hill station and the hustle and bustle of a city at the same time. For those looking for an offbeat hill station, this is one of the most beautiful destinations near the Haryana-Himachal border. From exploring apple orchards to going on adventurous hikes, there are many things to do in the region.
By air: The Chandigarh Airport (40 km away) is the nearest airport to Parwanoo. You can take a private taxi to Parwanoo from the airport.
By train: The nearest railhead is Kalka, located 5 kilometres away. By rail, Kalka is connected to major cities like Kolkata, Amritsar, Delhi, and Mumbai.
By road: The road network connecting Parwanoo to Delhi and Chandigarh is good. Both cities are connected by regular bus services to Parwanoo. The distance between Parwanoo and Chandigarh is less than an hour, and the distance between Parwanoo and Delhi is about four and a half hours.
Gushaini
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Gushaini is a popular fishing spot because of the large number of trout found in the Tirthan River. If camping and trekking are part of your idea of a perfect holiday, Gusahini has plenty to offer. Set up a tent on the riverbanks for some soul-searching and enjoy an unobstructed view of the mountains. About 20 km away is the Great Himalayan National Park, which is home to over 300 bird species and over 30 species of mammals.
By air: From Gushaini, the nearest airport is Kullu Manali Airport in Bhuntar, approximately five hours away, while the nearest international airport is Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar, approximately four hours away.
By rail: Joginder Nagar Railway Station is located 30 kilometres from Gushaini, the nearest railway station. Chandigarh Railway Station is the second closest railway station.
By road: Located 50 km from Chamba, 115 km from Kangra, 234 km from Mandi, 301 km from Kullu, 344 km from Manali, and 290 km from Bhunter, Gushaini is linked with some private travel services and the Himachal Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (HPSRTC).
Hampta Pass
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One of the lesser-known retreats in Himachal Pradesh is the Hampta Pass. Located in the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas at 4,270 metres, it is an alpine corridor that connects Lahaul valley with Kullu valley. Hamta is a beautiful place where travellers can see lush green valleys, snow-capped peaks, and barren hills with distinctive shapes and forms. It is a good alternative to Rohtang Pass, which is very crowded with vehicles.
How to reach: Manali is the starting point for the Hampta Pass Trek. Bus services from Delhi to Manali are easily accessible. The journey will take between 12 and 14 hours. Online reservations are available for both private and government bus services.
Chail
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A mountain resort near Shimla, Chail is home to the highest cricket ground in the world and the Chail Palace, a heritage hotel surrounded by pine and deodar trees. Known as a hiker’s paradise because of its lush greenery and mesmerising views, Chail offers tourists a memorable travelling experience. A luxurious resort is situated on three hilltops in this unexplored region of Himachal Pradesh.
By air: At a distance of 72 kilometres, Shimla’s Jubbarhatti airport is the nearest airport to Chail. Aside from this, Chandigarh airport is located 113 kilometres from Chail via NH 22. Major Indian cities are connected to these airports by flights.
By rail: The nearest railway station to Chail is Kalka railway station, which is 81 kilometres away via National Highway 22. Kalka is connected to major Indian cities by various trains, including the Paschim Express, Kalka Mail, Kalka Shatabdi, and Himalayan Queen.
By road: The road network in Chail is decent. Regular bus services are available from Shimla, Delhi, and Chandigarh.
Keylong
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Himachal Pradesh’s Keylong is a tranquil place perfect for a getaway, nestled between Lahaul and Spiti districts. Because of the dry cold weather, there is not much greenery here, but the snow-covered mountains are beautiful. At 3080 metres above sea level, Keylong has a rich cultural heritage. There is nothing better than relaxing in a quiet monastery here, surrounded by pristine and colourful surroundings.
By air: The Bhuntar Airport, the nearest airport, is 71 kilometres away, and Gaggal Airport at Dharamsala is 78 kilometres away.
By rail: Keylong can be reached by train from Amb Andaura train station, located 131 kilometres away. You can also get off at Una Himachal station, which is 142 kilometres from Keylong.
By road: To reach this hill station, you can take a private vehicle. The roads here are meandering and dangerous, so it is advisable to take an experienced driver.
DadaSiba
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Located in the Kangra District, the village is part of Pragpur Tehsil and is 43 km south of Dharamsala. In the village, there is a temple dedicated to Radha and Krishna, a unique architectural marvel. The temple was built with stones from Jodhpur, and special stone was quarried near the Mangarh fort for the doorposts and lintels.
How to reach: There is 22 km between Dadasiba and Pragpur, and 158 km between Dadasiba and Shimla, the state capital of Himachal Pradesh. Trains to Dadasiba can be taken from the Guler Railway Station, which is the nearest station in the area. From Kangra, Shimla or Pragpur, one can also hire a local taxi to reach Dadasiba.
Malana, Kullu
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Located on an isolated and charming plateau by the Malana River, Malana is an ancient solitary village in Himachal Pradesh. The place is also called Malana Nala and is a quiet corner of Parvati Valley that is a world away from the bustle of the rest of the world. Among the quintessential characteristics of this offbeat place in Himachal Pradesh is the tenaciousness with which the locals follow their rules.
How to reach: There are three mountain passes connecting Malana to the Kullu valley. You can reach the pass after a 10-hour trek over the Rashol Pass, which is 3,180 metres high, or via Nagar via the Chanderkhani Pass, which is 3,600-metres high and requires two days to conquer. A direct route to Malana leads from the Kullu valley village of Jari. The walk to Malana, which is only 12 km away, is easy and picturesque.
FAQs
What is Himachal Pradesh famous for?
A major appeal of Himachal Pradesh is its Himalayan landscapes and its many hill stations, which have gained popularity over the years. Himachal is also famous for its various sports and adventure activities, including river rafting, rock climbing, paragliding, ice-skating, mountain biking, and heli-skiing.
What is the best time to visit Himachal Pradesh?
You can visit Himachal Pradesh at any time of year, depending on your favourite weather. During the winter, Himachal Pradesh is a good place for adventure seekers and sports enthusiasts. If you are just an explorer, however, summer is the best time of year to visit Himachal with its bounty of attractions. The monsoon season is the best time to go if you enjoy the rain and heavy showers.
Which is the coolest place in Himachal Pradesh?
Among the coldest spots in Himachal Pradesh are Manali, Bhunter, and Keylong.
Which are the famous valleys located in Himachal Pradesh?
There are many famous valleys in the state, including Chamba Valley, Kangra Valley, and Kullu Valley.
An alumna of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Dhenkanal, Sunita Mishra brings over 16 years of expertise to the fields of legal matters, financial insights, and property market trends. Recognised for her ability to elucidate complex topics, her articles serve as a go-to resource for home buyers navigating intricate subjects. Through her extensive career, she has been associated with esteemed organisations like the Financial Express, Hindustan Times, Network18, All India Radio, and Business Standard.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Sunita holds an MA degree in Sanskrit, with a specialisation in Indian Philosophy, from Delhi University. Outside of her work schedule, she likes to unwind by practising Yoga, and pursues her passion for travel.
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