Description
The snow-clad mountains, lush green slopes, chilly hill tops, beautiful yet some adventurous highways and a lot of romance is what makes up Himachal Pradesh.
There is something about this state that takes you by awe and makes your honeymoon more romantic. While finding a destination for honeymoon the state generally tops the chart as it has some picturesque destinations that bring you close to nature and well as to life with your special someone.
Shimla
Shimla or Simla is the capital of the state of Himachal Pradesh in India. It is a very popular holiday retreat during the summer months and is well known for its Victorian architecture, which is reflected in certain areas of the Mall and the Ridge. It is also a famous holiday spot for honeymoon.
it is surrounded by green hills with snow capped peaks. The spectacular cool hills accompanied by the structures made during the colonial era creates an aura which is very different from other hill. Bulging at its seams with unprecedented expansion, Shimla retains its colonial heritage, with grand old uildings, charming iron lamp posts and Anglo-Saxon names.
The Mall, packed with shops and eateries, is the main attraction of the town, and Scandal Point, associated with the former Maharaja of Patiala’s escapades, offers a view of distant snow clad peaks.
Viceroy lodge
The Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS) is a research institute based in Shimla, India. It was set up by the Ministry of Education, Government of India in 1964 and it started functioning from 20 October 1965.
The building that houses the institute was originally built as a home for Lord Dufferin, Viceroy of India from 1884–1888 and was called the Viceregal Lodge. It housed all the subsequent viceroys and governors general of India. It occupied Observatory Hill, one of the seven hills that Shimla is built upon.The building is designed in Indo-Gothic style.
The building was designed by Henry Irwin, an architect in the Public Works Department. The Viceregal Lodge had electricity as early as 1888, much before the rest of the town of Shimla. The building also was equipped with a sophisticated firefighting mechanism through wax-tipped water ducts.
Many historic decisions have been taken in the building during the Indian independence movement. The Simla Conference was held here in 1945. The decision to carve out Pakistan and East Pakistan from India was also taken here in 1947.
The Mall Shimla
In Shimla, the Mall Road lies at the heart of all the action and activity. Buzzing with shops, cafes, theatres, restaurants and a whole bunch of merriment, it is close to all places of interest. The restaurants here offer a wide range of cuisines, and the Gaiety Theatre is the place to go for cultural activities in Shimla. If you’re looking to do a spot of shopping, the Mall offers a number of emporiums, showrooms and storehouses selling everything from shawls and woollens to jewellery, pottery and books. Extending from Barnes Court in the east to the Viceregal Lodge in the west, this is the place to go when you’re looking to be entertained.
Christ church
The second oldest church in North India after St John’s Church in Meerut, Christ Church in Shimla is the most famous church in the town. Built in 1857, the church or its silhouette can be seen for miles around its vicinity. The clock on the church was donated in 1860 by Colonel Dumbleton and no longer works while the porch was added much later in 1873. Constructed in the Elizabethan style, the church has an amazing collection of books and ancient scriptures that are worth taking a look at. The church is most beautiful at night when it is lit up by four strategically placed lights. It is also one of the few churches in India that has a pipe organ.
Gaitey Theatre Shimla
Shimla’s Gaiety Theatre was once part of the large town hall complex. Designed by the renowned English architect Henry Irwin, it was constructed in the Gothic style and opened its doors in 1887 to accommodate more than 300 people.
Kufri is a small hill station in Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh state in India. It is located 20 km from the state capital Shimla on the National Highway No.22.
The name Kufri is derived from the word kufr meaning "lake" in the local language.The highest point in the surrounding region, Kufri has a Himalayan wildlife zoo which hosts rare antelopes, felines and birds including the Himalayan monal, the state bird of Himachal Pradesh until 2007. During winter a meandering path through the potato plantations turns into a popular ski track.
Manali
A gift of the Himalayas to the world, Manali is a beautiful township nestled in the picturesque Beas River valley. It is a rustic enclave known for its cool climate and snow-capped mountains, offering respite to tourists escaping scorching heat of the plains. The tourism industry in Manali started booming only in the early 20th century, mainly because of its natural bounties and salubrious climate.
Once a sleepy village, the modern town cocooned in its rich cultural heritage and age-old traditions is now one of the most popular destinations of India. The place is a classic blend of peace and tranquility which makes it a haven for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts, who want to get off the main tourist trails and experience nature up close.
The glacial water of River Beas after rushing down the slopes of Rohtang Pass allows adventure sport activities of rowing, white water rafting and river crossing as it meanders through the valley from Manali to Kullu.
The open valley with terraced fields dotted with hotels and resorts has tourists converge on this township in summer from April to July and in autumn to early winter from October to December.
If you have ever imagined of sitting by the gushing water of a snow-fed stream, or waking up to a glorious sunrise with breathtaking views to soak in, Manali is the place to be.
Rohtang paas
Located at a height of 3979 metres and at a distance of 51 kms from Manali, Rohtang Pass is on the highway to Keylong/Leh. In winters, the pass remains closed but is open from June to October for motor vehicles. This pass is a gateway to Lahaul Spiti, Pangi and Leh vall
In the month of May, Rohtang becomes a hotspot for adventure enthusiasts. Tourists can go for various thrilling activities like snow scooter, skiing and mountain biking. Nature lovers can enjoy beautiful views of glaciers, peaks and Chandra river that flows down in the Lahaul valley.
There is a waterfall named as Rahala, which is located at a distance of 16 kms from Manali on the way to Rohtang Pass. This waterfall flows down from an altitude of 2,500 metres.
Hidimba Devi temple
Hidimba Devi Temple, locally known as Dhungari Temple, also known variously as the Hadimba Temple, is located in Manali, a hill station in the State of Himachal Pradesh in north India. It is an ancient cave temple dedicated to Hidimbi Devi, wife of Bhima, a figure in the Indian epic Mahabharata. The temple is surrounded by a cedar forest called Dhungiri Van Vihar at the foot of the Himalayas. The sanctuary is built over a huge rock jutting out of the ground which was worshiped as an image of the deity. The structure was built in 1553 by Maharaja Bahadur Singh.
Old Manali
If you are looking for interesting and good places to visit in Manali, then you can consider Old Manali. Away from the rush and crowd of any hill station is this area of Old Manali. It is any backpacker’s haven with rustic and charming cafes and hostels for cheap stay options. It is a mere 2-3 km away from the main mall road but seems like an entirely different place. If you are visiting Manali with friends, then you can consider booking accommodation in Old Manali area. The ambiance is quite lively and energetic in this part of the city.
Mall Road Manali
Mall Road is an unavoidable place to visit at any hill station. Manali too has its Mall road which is a busy part of the city. One can find all the tourists strolling here during the evenings. Enjoy ice cream in the winters or a plate of sizzling momos when here. One can also buy some wooden handicrafts and woolens here. Mall Road has some family restaurants and sweet shops for those craving for tasty food.
Naggar village
At a short drive from Manali, Naggar Village is another beautiful destination that nature lovers must visit. Situated on the left bank of River Beas, the village is only 19 km from the main city of Manali. It boasts of amazing views of the Beas Valley, that makes it one of the best tourist places in Manali. The highlight of this attraction is the famous Nicholas
Dharamshala & Mcloadganj
Experience a serene vacation exploring the exquisiteness of nature with a vacation in the picturesque Dharamshala. Situated at an average altitude of 1475 meters above sea level, Dharamshala lies on the scenic stretch of land of Kangra Valley making tourists spellbound for its spectacular beauty. Often cited as the ‘Little Lhasa of India’, Dharamshala is popularly known as the holy residence of the exiled Tibetan monk Dalai Lama. With the backdrop of the breathtaking Dhauladhar ranges, Dharamshala is the one of the most tranquil destinations which you will find in North India, the perfect amalgamation of natural beauty and culture. Surrounded by thick deodar cedar trees and the snow capped peaks which decorate the landscape, the quaint city is visited by thousands of tourists to beat the summer blues and explore the best places to visit in Dharamshala.
Dalai temple Dharmshala
The town of the holy Dalai Lama, Mcleodganj in Dharamshala lures a lot of tourist from various parts of the globe. Amongst the numerous attractions that the town boasts of, it is the Dalai Lama Temple which draws the major attention of the tourists. Just a walking distance away from McLeodganj bus stand, the Dalai Lama Temple is situated at the main temple road. Right next to the temple is the residence of the holy Dalai Lama.
Usually open from sunrise to sunset, the renowned temple offers spiritual teachings of Buddhism, and several times his holiness Dalai Lama blessed the pilgrims. Quite fascinating are the morning prayers, of which one can be actively part of. Other than that, larger than life
statues of Lord Buddha, Avaloktwshwara and Padmasambhava, looks really captivating.
St. John church
An Anglican church, St John in the Wilderness or simply St John church is one of the popular tourist attractions in the region that one must not miss visiting. Built amidst deodar forests in the year 1852, the renowned church boasts of a Neo-Gothic architectural style. Highlighting part about the architecture is that it houses Belgian stained glass windows, that give it a certain degree of European look. These famed glass windows were donated to the church authorities by wife of British viceroy Lord Elgin.
Dedicated to Baptist St John, the wonderful church is just 8 km from the main town of Dharamshala. The beautiful architecture of the church plus the enchanting Kangra valley with its green foliage surrounding it, leaves the visitors spellbound. Right beside the church, there lies a graveyard which was built to bury British residents who died in the devastating 1905 Kangra valley earthquake.
Bhagsunath waterfall
Located on the main road which connects McLeodganj and Dharamshala, Bhagsunath waterfalls lures tourists who wish to relax in the lap of nature. Ideal for picnicking with friends and family, the Bhagsunath waterfalls are rated amongst the best tourist attractions in the region. It starts at the base of Dhauladhar valley, which is also considered a holy spot. Before cascading down at the famous spot, the stream makes its way through the sacred Bhagsunath temple. Thus,one can also consider bathing under the Bhagsunath waterfalls a holy one.
In order to enjoy the best of it, one must visit Bhagsunath waterfalls during monsoon season. It is during this time that the waterfall turns little mammoth. Falling from a height of around 30 ft, the waterfall looks really captivating. As a perfect picnic destination, the region provides for little food refreshments as well. There are several small cafes which let people enjoy a cup of coffee or tea as they watch the pristine Bhagsunath waterfalls.
Naddi village
Naddi is a village in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is located at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level, in the upper reaches of the Kangra valley. The village is situated about 3 kilometers from Mc Leod Ganj, known worldwide for the presence of the Dalai Lama. On 29 April 1959, the 14th Dalai Lama (Tenzin Gyatso) established the Tibetan exile administration in the north Indian hill station of Mussoori .
Dalhousie
Dalhousie is a hill station in Chamba district, in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is situated on 5 hills and has an elevation of 1,970 metres above sea level .
Popularly known as the “Switzerland of India”, the small town of Dalhousie enthralls the visitors with its old world charm, and picturesque snow clad mountains. Adorned by enchanting Scottish and Victorian architecture,
Khajjar village.
Often referred to as 'mini-Switzerland of India', Khajjiar is a small town near Dalhousie which provides tourists a unique combination of forests, lakes and pastures.
The mesmerising 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 small plateau which also has a small lake which is one of the most favored tourist spots in this town. Khajjiar is surrounded by green meadows and dense forests and it is also known for its beautiful temples. This region also attracts adventure seekers and has a lot of options in adventure sports like paragliding, horse riding, zorbing, trekking etc. Khajjiar is a must visit place for everyone coming to Dalhousie and its nearby regions. However, the
way to Khajjiar can be closed sometimes during winters because of heavy snowfall.
Panchpula Dalhousie overview
Surrounded by a cover of fresh, green pine and deodar trees, Panchpula is a waterfall, and an amazing picnic spot in Dalhousie. The spot where five streams come together. Panchpula's main stream supplies water to the various localities of Dalhousie. This stream originates from the northern side of Dain Kund, and a sight for the sore eyes. This place is best known for trekking and its marvellous beauty.
Kalatop khajjar sanctuary
Thick deodar foliage, a plethora of wildlife, snowcapped mountains, carpets of verdant grasslands and easy on the eye streams of fresh water make up the Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary. Also called the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, it is located in the picturesque hilly Chambal district of Himachal Pradesh. The name Kalatop means 'black cap', which probably refers to the thick black forest cover on the highest hilltop in the sanctuary. Situated a few kilometres away from the Chamba dam and Chamera reservoir on the river Ravi, it is known to be rich in flora and fauna. Hundreds of small streams of freshwater empty themselves into the Ravi river to the north of the sanctuary. Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary is the perfect weekend getaway
destination, with very few other places coming close to its natural charm.
St. John's church
St John's Church is the oldest church in Dalhousie and assumes not only religious significance but has much historical significance too. Located on 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 the reminder of the Britsh regime in the region. The interior of the church is adorned with stunning glass paintings of St John the Baptist along with St Peter.
Itinerary
Day 01 - Delhi- Shimla (380 Kms)
On arrival at Delhi IGI Airport or Railway Station our driver will pickup you. And transfer to Shimla by Personal Car. Situated in the North-west Himalayas, Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh. Simla (now spelled Shimla) was the glorious summer resort of the British Raj, famous for its snowcapped peaks, apples, and pine forest, flowers and gentle smiling people. On arrival check in hotel. Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 02 - Shimla – Kufri – Shimla
After a scrumptious breakfast, leave the hotel for an excursion to Kufri. It is a small hill station in Himachal Pradesh, which is widely acknowledged for its undulating mountain terrains and lush greenery.
One of the most prominent attractions of this place includes the Himalayan Wildlife Zoo, which is home to a variety of rare species of wild animals and birds. Also, this destination has an amusement park, which is an ideal place to spend quality time with family and friends.
After enjoying a sightseeing tour of Kufri, return proceed for a leisure walk in the beautiful Mall Road of Shimla. This road, constructed during British colonial rule, has numerous showrooms, shops, eateries and cafés. Evening Back to Hotel Overnight stay.
Day 03 - Shimla – Manali ( 280 Kms / 8 Hrs)
After Breakfast, check out hotel and depart for Manali. Drive past Beas-Sutlej Link project, Pandoh Dam and Kullu Valley. Lunch shall be en-route on direct payment basis.
At the northern end of the Kullu valley sits the ancient site, but modern town, of Manali. It is a pleasant, if overdeveloped, town with lovely forests and orchards nearby for hiking, and good facilities for visitors.
Evening on arrival check in the hotel overnight stay.
Day 04 - Manali – Rohtang Pass / Snow Point - Manali
After Breakfast, proceed for a full day trip to Rohtang Pass reroute visit Rahala Water Falls and Rani Nullah falls Solang Valley. Over Night Stay at Hotel.
Day 05 - Manali Sightseeing
After Breakfast leave for Half day Local sightseeing covering Hadimba Devi temple, Vashisht Kund, Club House, Buddhist monastery. Over Night Stay at the Hotel
Day 06 - Manali – Dharamshala ( 234 Kms / 8 Hrs)
After Breakfast leave for Dharamsala. Surrounded by cedar forests on the edge of the Himalayas, this hillside city is home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile. The Thekchen Chöling Temple Complex is a spiritual center for Tibetan Buddhism, while the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives houses thousands of precious manuscripts. evening on arrival check in the Hotel. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 07 - Dharamshala
Morning after breakfast leave for sightseeing of Dharamshala. Visit Dal Lake, Bhagsu Nath Temple, Dalai Lama Palace etc. Back to the hotel by evening.
Day 08 : Dharamshala – Dalhousie ( 120 Kms / 4 Hrs)
After Breakfast leave for Dalhousie. Reach Dalhousie by late afternoon and check into hotel. Evening is free for relaxation.
Day 09 - Dalhousie Tour
Full day sightseeing of Khajjiar, Chamba and Dalhousie. Overnight in hotel Dalhousie.
Day 10 - Dalhousie to Delhi (560 Kms / 11 Hrs)
Morning after breakfast leave for Delhi. Evening on arrival drop to airport.