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Places to Visit in Himachal in May

Nestled in the mighty Himalayas, Manali has an abundance of spectacular valleys filled with forests of oak, fir, deodar and pine. It is a full package of nature, food, adventure sports and ancient heritages. Splashing river Beas flows proudly amidst the valley. A lot of gushing waterfalls like Jogni falls and Rahala fall flush out of haphazardly placed rocks. You can also catch sights of sprawling meadows, terraced farming and fruit orchards. All these sights adds up to making the town look breathtakingly beautiful. 

Manali also shares a piece of history, giving it ancient heritages which has splendid architecture and stunning views. Religious devotees come here to pay their tribute to the temples like Hadimba, Manu and Shiv temple. Whereas history lovers go to old forts like Naggar and Kuthar. These places have remarkable architecture against the backdrop of mountains which is worth a visit. 

Having said enough about the terrains of Manali, it is a hub for adventure sports. The location gives a wide range of adventurous activities like paragliding, camping, trekking and river rafting to feed the adrenaline hunger of the adventure seekers. It also has rustic villages and backcountries, which calls for the hippie experiences. Places like Solang Valley and Rohtang Pass are often visited by these junkies. Backpackers love to visit here to get the plateful meal of thrill, nature, wildlife and tranquillity. 

All this grace makes up Manali for a romantic honeymoon with a subtle blend of adventure. Newly wedded couples choose this place to begin the new life of their love amidst the fresh meadows and white streams of water. Striding around the mall road at night is also a very pleasing option where they together can try on distinct local cuisines. However, the regional cuisines are majorly influenced by Punjabi and Tibetan tadka, but that ends up making it tastier. Mall road also leaves options for buying unique stuff like singing bowl, woollen clothing, Dorje, prayer wheels and other souvenirs. These lit roads at night and gleaming valleys in the morning give picture-perfect backdrops for their honeymoon photos. Even photography enthusiasts can capture these frames along with flora and fauna of the city.

Manali is no less than a box full of an array of sweets. You can dig in it and collect as many gems as you want. And by gems, it means ‘memories’. Wait no longer and pack all that you need for a fun-filled trip. Grab your laptop to book your tickets and head off to this lovely place to have some experiences to cherish throughout your life.

If you are looking for a serene and calm location to harmonize your soul, then Dalhousie would be an ideal place. The galore of luscious meadows with a mesmerizing blend of fir and pine trees would enlighten your body and mind for a memorable experience. This stunning hill station is ideal for family vacations and romantic honeymoons, and even foreign tourists prefer to visit this impeccable location.

There are many eminent places in Dalhousie, which should be a must-visit on your list. You would certainly feel like in fairyland by witnessing nature’s imperious form in many parts of this stunning hill station. Khajjiar is a popular spot in Dalhousie, and its astonishing beauty gives it the title of “ Switzerland of India.” This glorious place would certainly take your breath away with its lush greenery and alluring atmosphere. Along with the spell bounding meadows, Khajjiar is also renowned for its divine temples.

For all the adventurous freaks, activities like Paragliding, Zorbing, and trekking are regularly organized in different locations of Dalhousie. You should also witness the astonishing site of Satdhara Falls for a rejuvenating experience. With incredible therapeutic properties, the waterfalls are quite efficient against several ailments. This place is also ideal for trekking, with a soul-stirring experience of witnessing nature’s imperious form.

For an enthralling excursion trip with friends and family, Panch Pulla should be your ideal destination. Astonishing view of waterfalls, exuberating picnic spots and an adventurous trek awaits you at this spot! For people who are intrigued by the menacing wildlife, Kalatop wildlife sanctuary is home to incredible creatures like Leopard, Himalayan Black Marten, Bear, and jackal. Witnessing such beautiful creatures would certainly send chills through your spines! Thus Dalhousie is one place in Himachal which is ideal for every travel aficionado.

Nestled amongst the aesthetic natural bounties, Bir is a small village in Himachal Pradesh which is also known as the paragliding capital of India. A place so pristine, this village adds extra glitters and jitters to the beauty of Himachal. Bir is located at an elevation of 5,000 feet amidst the serene landscapes, snow-capped hills, and artistic temples. Home to a Tibetan colony, this place holds a rich culture featuring the Deer Park Institute, a centre for Indian tradition wisdom patronage by Dalai Lama, widening the horizons of your knowledge about traditions. 

Not just a visual treat, Bir is famous for enthralling activities including trekking, paragliding, mountain biking, and hand gliding, giving you savour the adrenaline rush you’ve been looking for. For the ones looking for a thrill-filled vacation to challenge your inner adventurer, Bir won’t disappoint you at all. Bir has something for everyone; head to the Bir Road market to quench your shopping cravings, leisure walk along the lake, enjoy few hours at the Himalayan Film school, explore the cafes that serve divine local Tibetan dishes, and watch the tranquilising sight as the sun sets in the sky gleaming with different hues. 

The summer season of Bir, starting from April to June, turns this beautiful land into heaven as the snow melts making the weather pleasant. This is considered the best time for paragliding bringing flocks of people from all over the globe. Magnifying the elegance of Bir, the monsoon showers flourish the flora and fauna of the place turning the place into heaven. The light to heavy showers make it an offseason for paragliding, therefore, if you want to explore Bir and indulge in activities other than paragliding then this season is perfectly fine.

The temperature in winters, starting from December to March, drop down to sub-zero as it starts to snow in the upper regions covering it in 5-6 feet ice sheet. If you wish to winter trek then you can visit Bir in this season, but make sure you are well prepared.

With thousands of tea gardens and beautiful deodar forests encircling the town, Palampur is a popular town of Himachal Pradesh located in the Kangra district of Himachal. Palampur was a part of the local sikh kingdom which later caught the eyes of Englishmen and soon it turned into the ground for trade and commerce. Their presence can be seen with beautiful Victorian-style mansions and castles.

The city has stunning greenery with beautiful landscapes which creates a mesmerizing experience. You will see vast tea gardens all over the palampur and driving along the scenic beauty of the Dhauladhar range and the slopes of the Kangra valley is unforgettable.

Palampur is like a paradise for the people who are adventure enthusiasts. You can enjoy Rafting, paragliding, mountain trekking or skydiving which creates an immense memorable life experience. Palampur has unexplored destinations that offer a peaceful and serene environment to tourists. You can level up your adventurous hunger by going paragliding at Bir and explore lush green forests that look really amazing while trekking in triund. Tibetian culture can be felt with amazing artifacts available at Tashi Jong Monastery. Adding to it, you can make your visit to various famous temples such as Baijnath Temple, Chamunda Devi Temple, and many more.

The weather condition in Palampur is moderate which makes it a year-round destination place for the visitors. You can either make your visit during Summers i.e between March and June, when weather conditions are mild and you can make your peaceful visit or early winters time i.e between November and February, when conditions are pleasant and not much cold is there in the region to disrupt your journey. As winters in palampur are freezing so avoid visiting during peak winter times.

Kasauli is a beautiful, picturesque town and cantonment, situated in the district of Solan, in the state of Himachal Pradesh. Even though there are a lot of unique attractions in Kasauli, it is primarily known for its scenic beauty and serenity. This town is accessible both from Chandigarh, which is 65km away and Shimla, which is 77km away from Kasauli.

The most convenient way to travel to Kasauli is by train since it is a railway junction itself. The Kalka Mail, which is one of the most important trains in the country connecting cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Amritsar, is a great way to reach Kasauli, as the town is a mere 40 km away from the town of Kalka in Haryana. If one wants to reach by air, then Chandigarh Airport is the nearest airport from where you can easily hire cars or avail buses to take you to Kasauli. Buses are also frequently available from Delhi and Chandigarh, making trips to Kasauli easy and convenient.

Despite Kasauli being a small town, it has many spectacular places to visit, which has made it a popular tourist destination. The main attractions of Kasauli are Manki Point (a Hanuman Temple), the Gilbert Trail on Kachcha Road, Sunset Point, the Gurkha Fort, Baba Balak Nath Temple Christ’s Church, Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, and the Central Research Library which is famous for its virological research and studies in the fields of immunology.

Since the town is located in the foothills of the Himalayas, it experiences moderately cool to humid climate throughout the year. Therefore, the best time to visit this beautiful town is from March to June, and again during September, October and November. The town has several comfortable hotels and lodges that range from moderately priced to luxury accommodations, depending on the budget and requirement of the visitors.

Among the most popular hill stations in India, Shimla holds a distinct place owing to its unique charm. Located at a distance of 342 km from the national capital, Delhi, Shimla is a great choice for a weekend getaway from Delhi and Chandigarh since there are so many places to visit in Shimla. Shimla is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, and all it possesses and all it offers helps it easily justify its reputation and position as the capital city of a beautiful state, widely known for adventure activities and natural wonders. Laden with beautiful, dense forests of Pine, Oak, and Deodar, Shimla is refreshing in its very existence. 

The picturesqueness of this beautiful hill station makes it an apt destination for photographers looking for perfect frames and nature enthusiasts who want explore the nature in its pristine form. It is quite interesting that despite being home to a large population, the biosphere of Shimla is still in an excellent form. Shimla exhibits a very relaxing mood to those who visit it in search of tranquility.

Due to the plenty of activity options available here, Shimla is emerging as a popular destination for offbeat travel as well. People from all over India and beyond visit Shimla to experience an adventure which makes it a major hotspot for adventure activities in northern India. It is also home to some beautiful places with spectacular views, and some truly magnificent specimens of architecture can be found in Shimla.

Shimla houses some beautiful Hindu temples, located at apt locations, offering spectacular views of the beautiful hill station and the nearby hills with a thick covering of green forests. Some of the most revered temples in Shimla are Jakhoo Temple, Tara Devi Temple, Mansa Devi Temple, etc. These temples are located at short distances from the city center, so if you prefer, you can trek up to these temples through the woods. Shimla has a plethora of interesting places to visit and explore. As Shimla once served as the Summer Capital of British India, some captivating buildings with brilliant neo-Gothic architecture exist here.

Some of the most remarkable ones among those are the Institute of Advance Learning, Gorton Castle, Bantony Castle, and Christ Church. You can spend an evening shopping from the Mall Road and enjoying some interesting cultural activities on the Ridge. Splendid views of the city can be enjoyed and captured in your camera from the Ridge after sunset. Shimla also has also some interesting places in store for wildlife lovers. Himalayan Bird Park is a delight for wildlife lovers, exhibiting some exotic and native unique bird species. Another great option for nature lovers and photographers in Shimla is Shimla Reserve Forest Sanctuary.

Shimla is not the kind of place that would ever let you feel bored while you are there since there are many interesting things to do in Shimla. Small things feel extraordinary in its beautiful setting. Be it a lazy walk on the Mall Road or shopping low-cost wooden articles and woolen clothes from Lakkar Bazar; be it picking one of the many restaurants serving toothsome food or trying pastries at bakery shops on the Mall Road, everything has a ‘feel good’ factor about it here. Moreover, the popularity of Shimla as a travel destination for an offbeat experience is on the rise. Earlier, Shimla was more popular among people travelling with families as a summer getaway, but with the popularisation of adventure activities, it is earning a reputation among adventure lovers.

Due to its proximity from major cities like Delhi and Chandigarh, people from these cities prefer to travel to Shimla to indulge into adventure activities over travelling to destinations farther than it. Among the most popular activities in Shimla are camping, trekking, ice skating, paragliding, river rafting and heli skiing. If you want to experience light and easy activities in Shimla, there are some nice easy trek options here that take you to amazing spots through lush green Pine and Oak forests. And, if you crave thrill, Shimla is surrounded by some prominent Himalayan mountain ranges which is the reason why there are some breathtaking trails for trekking in and around Shimla. You can also experience the unique fun of ice skating here. Mountain biking can also be enjoyed in Shimla if you are up for something different.

Being the capital city of Himachal, there are abundant stay options in Shimla. You can find a good accommodation at a ridiculously low price and you can also find luxury hotels and resorts at scenic locations. Furthermore, there are some excellent campsites in Shimla where you can enjoy camping in the woods under a beautiful starlit sky. So, it does not matter whether you are a budget traveller or you prefer extravaganza; if you want to just relax in a comfortable accommodation laced with all modern amenities or you want an outdoor camping experience, Shimla has the most appropriate options to offer.

Shimla looks beautiful during all the seasons and can be visited during any time of the year. However, if you are interested in indulging in activities like camping, trekking and rafting in Shimla, the best time to visit is between March to June when the climate is pleasant. Most tourists visit Shimla during summer to find refuge in the cold hills of Shimla. But, visiting Shimla during winters is altogether a different experience. It is an ideal destination to spend a cold, lazy vacation at. If you get lucky, you may get to witness snowfall here between December to February, which is an experience, the memories of which you will always want to keep intact.

When it comes to finding a destination that is beautiful, serene, adventurous and available through the year, in Kasol India has already found its favorite spot to travel to. Kasol shot to fame for a plethora of reasons, the prime being the kind of serene beauty that surrounds the city lying in the Parvati Valley as well as the activities you can do here. This quaint little town in Himachal Pradesh is situated on the banks of the Parvati River and has maintained a level of pristine beauty through the years, the kind that attracts people not just from India, but also from many different corners of the world.

Kasol, Himachal Pradesh, is very well known in the travel community for being a haven for backpackers and budget travelers. Replete with experiences that will take away the heart of a lot of travelers, Kasol is more than just a destination. It can easily be proclaimed to be a whole adventure in itself. with a wide number of places to visit in Kasol, it can be called as an ultimate destination. The reason for that is the many adventures that a traveler experiences, be it physical, visual, spiritual, and in some cases, life-changing. Really a small town in the Parvati Valley, Kasol is not just a hotspot for backpacking adventures or a destination set amidst green hills. It is a hub for people looking to just get away from their regular office lives and take to the Himalayas for an experience of a lifetime.

The reason why Kasol is famous amongst such a crowd of travelers is that it caters to everyone. Be it the ones arriving for trekking, camping, rafting, sightseeing, parties, or seeking spiritual awakening, Kasol never disappoints anyone. Starting from the beginning, Kasol is a heaven for the trekking enthusiasts and adventure buffs.

Starting from Kheerganga, Kasol has made this meadow high in the Himalayas their favorite destinations. A 12 km trek that leads through forests of Oak and Rhododendron, trekking on this trail in Parvati Valley is one of the best things to do in Kasol and is one of the favorites too. Beginning from Kasol, the trek passes from Barshaini and Rudra Nag waterfalls, it ends high up on Kheerganga which is a hotspot for campers. Kheerganga is also a location of one of the many hot springs in Kasol with water coming from the earth’s crust naturally warmed up. Popularly known as the Parvati Kund, it is a great spot to relax on top of Kheerganga after a long day of trekking in Kasol. From Kheerganga, the way can either take you back to Kasol or on a majestic detour to the village of Tosh. Nestled in a side valley to the Parvati Valley, and situated in the banks of a small rivulet of the same name, Tosh is an offbeat trekking adventure and a quiet small town. Lesser known and almost uncrowded, the scenes from Tosh of the Dhauladhar range of Himalayas are the best that you can get anywhere in Kasol. Also famous in Tosh are the many small cafes catering to the small tourist crowd that chooses to visit this offbeat green vista of a village.

Another trekking adventure that leads from Kasol is to the secretive village of Malana. The small village in the Himalayas is situated amidst the towering giants of Chanderkhani and Deo Tibba, and is famous for various reasons, the prime one being the self-isolation of the people of the village. This secretive nature, and the fact that Malana is the gateway to the famous Magic Valley is what brings a large crowd of people to take on the trek and pay this majestic little town a visit. The whole experience soothes the eyes and soul of the travelers who take on the Malana and Magic Valley trek and arrive in this green heaven.

And another day hike from Kasol, which is short yet highly adventurous is the trek to Chalal. Situated by the roaring Parvati River in Kasol, Himachal Pradesh, Chalal is also called the Little Amsterdam and for every reason. This place is well-known in the world for the crazy trance and PSYtrance parties that happen here from time to time. But one of the greater reasons for the fame of this tranquil small town is the presence of the River Parvati and the kind of beauty that it brings to the whole place.

And speaking of the River Parvati in Kasol, India, there is no denying the fact that the soothing stream is a landmark of this town in itself. It is the river that created the valley and hence, everything beautiful in Kasol is owed to the presence of Parvati in the region. The sometimes roaring sometimes gurgling river is a great place to just sit back, relax and marvel at the beauty of nature around. Parvati River also makes for a great spot to camp near, on the banks of it, to be precise.

And speaking of camping, Kasol, India has many great spots to enjoy staying out in the lap of nature and under the billions of stars in the night sky that you can see loads and loads of because of the fact that this place is untouched by the modern curses and is still in its pristine state. Some of the best spots for camping in Kasol include the name of Kheerganga. A chance to camp in the meadow seems to be a great option as you will be waking up to one of the best sunrises ever over Kheerganga. Apart from this, Tosh proves to be another great place to set up camp and get an exquisite hilltop view of the entire region as you sit near a bonfire. Malana, in its secluded and cut-off state, is also a gateway to one of the best camping sites in the Himalayas, known as the Magic Valley. And for an offbeat experience of camping amidst towering mountains of the Himalayas and a place where the inhabitants do not keep themselves reserved from talking to outsiders, Grahan will prove to be a great retreat. The trail to Grahan walks beside the river Parvati in Kasol, with the village lying in the midst of towering green hills and a view of the snow-capped peaks of the Dhauladhar range.

Apart from the adventurous face of Kasol, there is also a spiritual side to this town. And one of the greatest spots of religious importance here is Manikaran. The region built around a cluster of natural hot springs, Manikaran is of great religious significance to the Sikhs and Hindus. The Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara is said to belong to the era of the founder of the Belief, the first religious leader of the Sikhs, Guru Nanak. He is believed to have come here with a disciple, and to cook their food for a public kitchen called ‘Langar’, he asked the disciple to remove a stone. From under the stone came a hot spring, which still resides in Manikaran Sahib and is considered very sacred. People from all over come to cook the offerings to their God in these springs before consuming, and even take a dip in these waters to wash off their sins. The piety of this place is of the utmost level for the believers of Sikhs.

Another legend relates the place with the Hindu Gods, Vishnu, and Parvati. Parvati lost a gem or ‘Mani’ in the torrential waters below, and the story that followed gave this place its name, Manikaran. Also, it is believed that Lord Shiva’s legendary anger is what gave birth to the hot springs in the area. With many temples dotting the place all over, Manikaran is a must visit, especially because it falls on the way to Kullu and Manali.

Speaking of these regions in the valley, Kullu and Manali can be called as the cultural capital of the state. With such close proximity to Kasol, the name of the small town is many a time collectively called along with the other two. Their presence nearby has boosted tourism in the area even more. And that has given a speed boost to the emergence of a number of cafes, guesthouses, and homestays in the area, so the tourists arriving here will feel all in their comfort zone, meeting and greeting other like-minded backpackers arriving in this quaint destination from several corners of the country, sometimes even the world.

Kasol tourism has done everything to ensure that when someone arrives in this city, they feel safe and sound, alongside the conquering feeling of adventure and the serene feeling of calm taking over their self. And so a trip to Kasol will sure be the best budget tour with a fulfilling feeling that you will ever take. Read this guide for all the information you will need for motivating and planning a trip to Kasol.

Kangra, located in the state of Himachal Pradesh at the foothills of the Dhauladhar range, is an extremely popular tourist destination, and for great reasons! This ancient town was believed to have been established in the 4th-century and has changed hands between Mughal, Katoch, Sikh, and Gurkha dynasties, reaffirming its historical importance. These legends have made Kangra into a famous destination that not only has glorious natural attractions but also important man-made ones like ancient temples and forts along with a rich cultural fabric.

Due to its location, it offers the perfect mountainside escapade into the crisp & clear air and serene beauty that’s peaceful and calm, away from the bustle of city life. Travellers come back rejuvenated after soaking in the glorious views and spending time in amazing adventure activities like trekking here. Nature enthusiasts love to spend time in miles of densely forested meadows, thunderous waterfalls, and picturesque lakes that reflect the surrounding snowlines in their crystal clear waters.   

Kangra is one of the few mountain towns that are an important seat for ancient Indian art and paintings, which make the already beautiful landscape even richer. Visiting Kangra and seeing the museums and forts here is nothing short of a quick lesson in history. It houses preserved ancient artefacts and architecture in the form of forts and temples. 

The place is a haven for people who love to try rustic and native foods as well. It is the best place to indulge in delicious Pahari cuisine including foods like Madra, Bhey, Chha Gosht, Siddu, Babru, trout dishes, and Aktori.