Himachal Tourism: Things to do in Palampur

Himachal Pradesh, one of the Northern states of India, still holds a unique allure for travellers with its untouched landscapes and rustic charm. Majestic mountains, turbulent rivers and the unassuming local culture of the state makes this a favourite for those who are looking at adventure or those who just want to bask in the natural beauty of the place.

On-the-way-to-Palampur

Within Himachal Pradesh, Palampur is one of the key destinations in the Kangra Valley region. Owing to the numerous streams that flow in the town, it was given the local name “pulum’, meaning abundant water. Enjoy the view of snow clad mountains from the famous Neugal Cafe.

View from Neugal Cafe in Palampur

Things to do in Palampur

Palampur makes for a great stopping point as there are a number of tourist specific things to see and do around it. The most important day tours are Darang, Dharamshala and Mcleodganj. Here are some of the other things to do in Palampur:

Monks-in-Palampur

• Bir and Beelling: Only 35 kms from Palampur, these villages are famous for Buddhist monasteries. It is also famous as an adventure destination for hand gliding and paragliding enthusiasts. The duo is also known for Tibetan handicrafts and its verdant topography.
• Baijnath: A spiritual destination, Baijnath is 16 kms from the city and has a much revered Shiva shrine. It is said the Ravana himself has prayed to Shiva in this temple.
• Andreta: A short drive from town, this is home to the well known artist, late Sardar Shobha Singh and late playwright Norah Richards. Dhauladhar Range presents itself in a beautiful panoramic view from here.
• Bundla Stream: Again, a great spot for adventure lovers, this stream runs in a deep chasm of 100 metres and swells violently in the monsoon months. If one walks the 2 km distance between Palampur and Bundla, one can hear the stream continuously.

Festival-in-Palampur

When to go 

Palampur has pleasant weather all through the year except for winters when it is extremely cold. However, for those who like the crisp chill in the air, this one is a perfect destination for you.

How to get there 

The closest airport to Palampur is Gaggal, which is 40 kms from the town. Flights are not that frequent to this airport and are also limited in connectivity from the number of places in India. The more convenient way to get here is by train to Pathankot and then travel 100 kms to Palampur. Delhi is well connected to Pathankot by train.

The Great Himalayan National Park

With a lush bio-diversity, India is not just seen as a culturally rich destination but has also increasingly become popular for its wildlife. Tiger saving initiatives in particular have highlighted attention on India’s national parks in recent years.

Mount Kailash

Latest on the list of hot-spots for wildlife, is the Great Himalayan National Park.

About The Great Humalayan National Park

Located in Kullu in Himachal Pradesh, the park is spread over an impressive 1171 sq km. It has about 375 fauna species and a wide array of mammals, birds, reptiles and insects, including snow leopards.

Snow Leopard

Cradled in the foothills of the Himalayas, the Great Himalayan National Park is replete with rivers, camping spots, trekking trails and wildlife watching locations.

How to Get There

The Park is accessible by over-night buses from Delhi or flights that land in Bhuntar in Himachal Pradesh. Make Kullu your base and then enter the park for wildlife spotting.

Birdwatching-Himalayan-National-Park

Entry Fees

There are separate fees for Indian and Foreign Nationals for the park entry at Rs 10 and Rs 200 per head, respectively. You also have to pay charges for carrying still and video camera. Students can get discounted prices.

Season

The best weather conditions for wildlife spotting are summers. This is the time when the animals step out of their verdant surroundings in search for water. If visiting Kullu, it is best to use this as a gateway for other places in Himachal and also Ladakh. Avoid the monsoon season due to road blocks and landslides.

Things to do

Apart from the key activity of wildlife spotting, the Great Himalayan National Park allows for some more interesting activities as the park lies in the heart of Himachal and there are plenty of opportunities to mingle with the locals. Some of the things that you may want to include:

Trekkers_in_Himalayan-National-Park

Treks – There are 7 serious treks that you can do in addition to numerous smaller hikes. Sainj Valley, Tirthan, Gushaini, Jiwi Nala, Rakistar and Pin Parvati are some of the names that many adventure lovers reckon with. Book ahead to get a place on the treks with experts from the region.

Local Architecture – There has been a huge effort to retain and preserve the old Himachali architecture in the region. See the old wooden, mud and stone houses preserved by the Ecozone of GHNP, which blend in seamlessly with the environment.

Local-Himalayan-People

Festivals – The Eco Tourism wing of the park gives you the opportunity to mix with the locals, especially at the times of the festivals. It is a great way of adding a unique experience to your visit and to get an understanding of the local lifestyle. Be a part of Fagli in winter, village fairs in April and the much celebrated Dusherra in October.

There are a number of pilgrimage sites close to the park. Local deities and Gods command great reverence. Raktisar, Hanskund and the Sirikhand Mahadev Lake are three places that one can visit.

Watch educational films and documentaries at the Larji Information Centre built for the benefit of the tourists. This is a great place to engage children with some knowledge based activities.

Taking a deep breath

Explore the region

There are many reasons to visit this part of Himachal Pradesh and a variety of experiences for travellers. Make your base in the non touristy areas, and explore the hills and the frothy rivers. Camping, rafting, climbing, fishing and getting up close to village life should all be part of the itinerary.

Great destinations to explore in Himachal Pradesh include Manali which is just 32km from Kulla and a good place to base yourself for a few days.

Himachal Tourism - Things to do in Solan

Solan in the state of Himachal Pradesh has long been an ideal conduit for bigger cities and hillstations. But today, we bring you 9 things that make Solan the perfect place for explorers.

1. Make room for mushrooms

Solan is known as India’s “mushroom city.” This isn’t because of gross commercialization or questionable forms of recreation. The town simply produces some of the juiciest and freshest mushrooms you will ever taste. So do taste them.

2. A toast!

Just 11 kilometers from Solan is an old brewery called “Mohan Meakin’s Brewery.” It was opened way back in 1855 and since then it has been producing a number of alcohol-based beverages and brands that are extremely popular in the region. A great way to experience the local flavor.

Solan Brewery

3. Shrines of Solan

In Solan you will find plenty of charming and serene temples. Whether or not you choose to bow your head, the temples are worth visiting for their cultural importance. The most revered amongst Solan’s many houses of worship are The Shoolini Mata temple and the Jatoli Shiv temple. The latter is dedicated to Lord Shiva and his followers flock from all over the state to offer their tributes. Also to be visited is the Yungdrung Monastery, a Tibetan “gumpa” which exudes serenity and calm.

4. Art, Architecture and Arki

Arki Fort is a major attraction for tourists based in Solan and Simla. The Fort is embellished with murals that are done in the typical Pahari style. The Fort is a haven for art lovers and history buffs. A short drive from Arki is the Kuthar Fort, parts of which are up to 800 years old. The expansive Fort, houses fresh-water springs and samples of architectural marvel.

Road Tracks in Arki

5. The playground of Maharajahs

Cheil is one of the most frequently visited places from Solan. It served as the summer capital for Maharaja Bhupinder Singh who built the world’s highest cricket pitch here where many famous teams were invited to play. Once, a game was organized where both teams were dressed as women and the Maharaja himself donned a nun’s habit. The playful Maharaja also built a small temple in honour of the sage who attained nirvana in Cheil. Today, the palace has been converted into a resort for tourists.

6. Silver lining without the clouds

The sleepy town of Barog attracts a number of tourists who have heard of its splendid natural beauty. The town is enveloped by pine trees and offers spellbinding vistas of the Churdhar Peak, also known as “Mountain of the Silver Bangle.” Its remote location makes it a peaceful weekend retreat and not just a day tour from Solan.

7. Old world, charmed

Kufri is arguably the most known tourist destination near Solan. Colonial influence can still be seen in this hillstation, which seems to have been suspended in time. There are plenty of cobbled streets, peculiar shops, and countless orchards to explore. A great place to see an era, long gone.

8. Walking through History

Another wonderful day trip from Solan is to Kasauli. The small district is home to St. Patrick’s Church, which was built in 1847. The grand Church is highly recommended for people who appreciate architecture and history. In the Church you will find wooden interiors, murals and much more that depict the life of Jesus. Christ. A wonderful place for inner-reflection and peace. A short distance from the church you will also find four ancient cemeteries dedicated to officials and soldiers of the British Raj.

9. Living like royalty

Nalagarh is a historically important site, where the Gurkha Wars were fought in the 19th Century. Today, it attracts tourists who are drawn by the reputation of the Nalgarh Fort and Palace. They are beautiful examples of Mughal architecture, which have recently undergone extensive makeovers and now serve as resorts.

Royal Palace Solan

Things to do in Shimla

Simla, also known as Shimla, was the Summer Capital of the British. And here we bring you nine things that make it a capital experience, even today.

1.Jai ho!

Simla is filled with countless important and revered temples. But Shri Sankat Mochan is the only famous temple complex in Simla. It is filled with many smaller temples which are dedicated to a number of Hindu Gods. If you’re lucky, you might even be invited to join a wedding and see the traditional ceremonies being performed.

2.Monkey around

Arguably the most popular temple in Simla is a Hanuman temple called Jakhoo. Located on Jakhoo Hill, which is two kilometers away from Simla and is the hillstation’s highest peak. The temple naturally offers some of the most wonderful vistas of the town below and of the majestic, snow-clad Himalayas. At the temple you’ll also find countless mischievous but harmless monkeys who will happily take food from your hands.

Monkeys-around-Shimla

3.Meet the Mall

Simla’s Mall Road is where everyone hangs out to just walk around, shop for souvenirs and indulge in some people watching. The Mall also has a number of good restaurants, cafes, and bars. If you’re in the mood you can catch a Bollywood masala flick, then catch a show at The Gaiety Theatre.

Mall-Road-Shimla

4.At the door of The Christ

The Mall’s Ridge Road is an important rendezvous for people. But it’s also where you will find the 2nd oldest Church in North India. Simply called Christ Church, it has a majestic aura and fascinating architecture. Beautiful stained glass windows embellish the interiors of the Church and it attracts people of various faiths and religions.

Christ Church Shimla

5.Join the celebrations

Almost all year round, tourists can observe and even participate in Simla’s simple but enchanting festivals, which are filled with feasts, music and dance. Some of the important festivals are Lavi, The Summer Festival, Rohru, Halog and The Winter Sports Festival.

Band Baja Barat Shimla

6.A lesson in history

The Shimla State Museum opened back in 1974 with the mission to preserve the state’s cultural and historical wealth for future generations. Here, visitors can see many important artifacts such as miniature Pahari paintings, sculptures, traditional costumes, and jewelry.

Shimla State Museum

7.Go away for the day

If one wishes to go on day trips outside of Simla, then there are plenty of good options available. Amongst them, Cheil is favoured by a lot of people. It was the summer capital of Maharajas and has the world’s highest cricket pitch. But for golf-lovers the ideal location is the famous Naldehra Golf Club, in Naldehra. Another favorite spot for sports lovers is Kufri. This is the capital of winter sports in India and even has a small zoo, which is home to many indigenous animals.

Garden in Shimla

8.Be a Sport

For those who love sports, the place to be is Annandale. The place is less than four kilometers from The Ridge and is known as the playground of Simla. It stands at a height of over 6,000 feet above sea level from where you can enjoy panoramic sights of the region and join a game of cricket, polo or frisbee.

9.Hold the fort

Arki isn’t very near Simla but it’s a site historically-rich, which must be visited by people who can spare the time. About 50 kilometers away from Simla in Arki you can find an 18th century fort, which is a one of its kind monument in the region.

Arki Fort Shimla

Things To Do in Manali - holiday spot of North India

Manali has long been the preferred holiday spot of North India’s privileged crowd.

Here are ten reasons why it’s much loved by them, as well as the numerous ex-pats, adrenaline junkies and families that climb up to its cool altitude.

These are our Manali Things To Do.

1.Enjoy the rapid action

Manali isn’t all about languid rest and replenishment. Plenty of adventure sports are available here for thrill-seekers. One such activity is white water rafting. During summers, you can arrange a ride down the rocky rapids of River Beas for the thrill of a lifetime.

Rocky Rapids of River Beas

2.Sledge and ski Rohtang Pass

This is the most popular day tour from Manali. It’s a snow-clad region where hundreds of people can be seen having snowball fights, making snowmen, sledding and more. It’s also a lot of fun to watch the tourists trying to ski for the first time and falling on their faces. A little mean but fun nonetheless.

Sledge and ski Rohtang Pass

3.Feel the wind beneath wings

On your way to Rohtang Pass, you’ll come across lots of people enjoying paragliding. You can be one of them by arranging a paragliding experience with the professionals who work there. The ride doesn’t often last long, but is fun and gives you a beautiful bird’s eye view of Manali’s lush landscape.

Chills Down Your Spine

4.Rest and relax

Manali’s hot water springs are essentially made of hot sulphur water, which helps relax your muscles and are believed to cure many skin diseases. A dip in your personal chamber isn’t going to cost a lot. So bring your bathing suits.

Hot Water Springs

5.Bow your head

The Hidimba temple is one of the most revered religious spots in Manali for Hindus. It is dedicated to Hidimba Mata, one of the most influential female characters in the Mahabharata. Other than this important temple, plenty of beautiful monasteries are speckled all over Manali. If you plan your trip to coincide with the festival of Dussehra, you might catch the famous Kullu Dusshera – a great parade of deities – at its best.

Hidimba temple

6.Play dress up

At most tourist spots you will have the chance to dress up in traditional folk attire and get a photo. The clothes can be rented for a small amount and the photograph is often handed to you within minutes.

Traditional Manali Dress

7.Go rock climbing

The temptation of taking on the mighty Himalayas attracts a lot of rock climbing enthusiasts to the area. But for those who want to enjoy a light-hearted version of the adventure sport, there are plenty of companies who will take good care of you with something for beginners.

Rock Climbing

8.See the glaciers of Solang Valley

The famed Solang Valley is a great place near Manali from where you can see beautiful glaciers and snow-clad mountains. You can reach its ski point using the ski lift. Even if you don’t ski, the journey will afford you unforgettable vistas of the region.

Solang Valley

9.Soak up the Old Town atmosphere

If you’re looking to hang out with the elite crowd of Manali and not the usual tourists, then Old Manali is where you should head to. Other than the very best cafes, bars and restaurants in Manali, you might even notice a celebrity or two. The eating and drinking places are filled mostly with ex-pats and retired or semi-retired actors, who call this area of Manali home.

Manali

10.Finish with a toast

The state of Himachal Pradesh is most famous for its red, juicy apples. And naturally, the apple juice and cider produced here is unmatched by any other brand or place. But for those who prefer their drinks with a bit of a kick, Lugdi and Chhang are the perfect options. These are locally produced alcoholic drinks and have a pretty robust flavor.

Red Apple