Shimla :- Shimla is the former summer capital of the British in India, and the present capital of Himachal Pradesh. Today, it has well developed facilities, easy accessibility and many beautiful attractions making it one of India's most popular hill stations.
Situated in the lower ranges of the Himalayan mountains, it is surrounded by pine deodar, oak and rhododendron forests. Towards the north lie the snow-covered high-ranges, while the valleys breathe whispering streams and swaying fields. Within the town are host of splendid colonial edifices, quaint cottages and charming walks. Shimla offers a variety of shopping, sport and entertainment activities.
Places Of Interest :- Jakhu Temple, The Mall, Kufri, Himachal State Museum, Viceregal Lodge , Daranghati Sanctuary, Kufri fun world
Manali :- Manali, at the northern end of the Kullu Valley in Himachal Pradesh, is a hill station situated at a height of 2050m (6398 ft) in the Himalayas. The landscape here is breath taking. One sees well-defined snow capped peaks. Situated on the Beas river (Vyaas in Hindi) and near its source, it is a popular tourist spot for Indians in summer and a magical, snow-covered place in winter.
A staging point for a number of treks (Beas Kund, Chandrakhani Pass) and sports such as white-water rafting, Manali is also on the road to Ladakh via the valley of Lahaul and Spiti and rohtang pass which is main attraction near Manali.
Places Of Interest :- Hidimba Devi Temple, Club House, Tibetan monastery, Manu Maharishi Temple, Mall Road, Hot water spring vashishth, Rohtang pass, Solang Valley, Nehru Kund, Kothi, Gulaba, Rahalla Falls, Marhi And Rani Nala.
Dharamshala :- Dharamshala stands at the foot of Dhauladhar and has a magnificent view of snowy peaks, deodar and pine forests, tea gardens and beautiful hills. The snow line is perhaps more easily accessible at Dharamshala than any other hill station in India.
Dharamshala now really has become international, with a number of Tibetan settlements. It is full of life and yet peaceful. The headquarters of His Holiness the Dalai Lama are at upper Dharamsala. Dharamshala is divided into two distinct parts : lower Dharamshala the civil and business area with Courts and Kotwali bazaar and upper Dharamshala composed of places like Mcleod Ganj and Forsyth Ganj.
Dharamsala has everything for a perfect holiday such as numerous streams, cool healthy air, attractive surroundings and the nearby snowline. Covering a wide area in the form of twin settlement, lower Dharamsala (1380m) is a busy commercial centre. While upper Dharamsala (1830m) with the suburbs of Mcleodganj and Forsy the ganj, retains a British flavour and colonial lifestyle. The charming church of St. John in the wilderness is situated here and this is the final resting place of Lord Elgin, a British Viceroy of India during the 19th century. There is also a large Tibetan community who have made this place their home. Numerous ancient temples like Jwalamukhi, Brijeshwari and Chamunda lie on the plains below Dharamsala.
Places Of Interest :- Bhagsunag Falls, Dal Lake, McLeod Ganj, Jwalamukhi Temple, St. John's Church, Kangra Art Museum, Mcleodganj
Dalhousie :- Dalhousie is a hill station in the northern state of Himachal Pradesh, India. Dalhousie is a quiet hill station with little night life, best suited for people who want to de-stress, who like the quiet, serene atmosphere, and for honeymooners, ideal for long walks picnics and treks. It is not recommended for people who want discos, malls and multiplexes. While there is plenty to do, see and experience, Dalhousie exudes an old-world charm and it seems like it hasn't quite caught up with the rest of the world yet.
Places Of Interest :- Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary, Satdhara Falls, Rang Mahal, Khajjiar lake, Shivkul, Jhandi Ghat, St. Andrew’s Church.
Vaishno Devi (Katra) :- Katra or Katra Vaishno Devi, as it is popularly known, is a small town in Reasi district of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir situated in the foothills of the Trikuta Mountains, where the holy shrine of Vaishno Devi is located. It is located 42 km from the city of Jammu. Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, one of the leading technical universities of India, is also located here.
Katra serves as the base camp for pilgrims who visit Vaishno Devi. The number of pilgrims that visit the shrine every year has increased from 1.4 million in 1986 to 8.2 million in 2009. Over the years, a lot has changed, but one should not miss the opportunity to walk through the main bazaar (market) for buying (do not forget/hesitate to negotiate a bit) souvenirs, dry fruits, woollen garments, hosiery, leather jackets, etc.
To reach Vaishno Devi temple the pilgrims have to register at the Katra before starting the trek. By registering, the pilgrims get accident insurance while on the trek for 1 Lakh INR. It is a trek of 14 km.
There is another trek (1.5 km) from Vaishno Devi temple for Baba Bhaironnath. It is said that the pilgrimage is not complete until you visit this temple at last. The scenery throughout the trek is picturesque. Environment-friendly auto rickshaws and helicopter services have started, to make the journey a pleasant one.
Places Of Interest :- Bhumika Devi Mandir, Nau Devi Mandir, Baba Dhansar, etc...
Amritsar :- Amritsar is considered as “Nectar for the pilgrim’s soul”; a city founded in 1577 by the fourth Sikh Guru, Ram Das and was built on the site donated by the Mughal emperor Akbar. The city is one of the most sacred Sikh religious sites in India and remains a place of spiritual centre for all Sikhs residing in the whole world.Amritsar is famous for its Golden Temple, the holiest shrine of the Sikhs. This superb structure is a synthesis of Hindu and Islamic style of architecture. It is home to the Harmandir Sahib (commonly known as the Golden Temple), the spiritual and cultural centre for the Sikh religion.
The city also houses the Sikh temporal and political authority, Akal Takhat, as well as the Sikh Parliament. The city is known for its rich cuisine and culture, and for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919 under British Rule. Amritsar is home to Central Khalsa Orphanage, which was once a home to Udham Singh, a prominent figure in the Indian independence movement.
Places Of Interest :- Harminder Sahib, Jallianwala Bagh, Durgiana Temple, Chand Baori, Wagha Border, Ram Bagh, etc.