Exotic Himanchal
Shimla
Shimla used to be the summer capital of the British Raj when they ruled India. Now it’s the state capital of Himachal Pradesh. The town sprawls along a mountain ridge, enveloped in oak, pine and rhododendron forests. It’s quite famous for its colonial-style buildings and historic railway. Some would stay it’s overdeveloped and crowded these days. However, it still has charm. The old Christ Church, with its beautiful stained glass windows, is one of Shimla’s most prominent landmarks. Another is the Viceregal Lodge on Observatory Hill. These can be seen on a historic walking tour of Shimla. There are plenty of adventure sports and short hikes on offer in the vicinity as well.
Top Place to visit in Shimla
- Mall Road
- Jakhoo
- The Ridge
- Jakhu Hill
- Kali Bari Temple
- State Museum
- Johnnie’s Wax Museum
- Himalyan Bird Park
Near By Place – Kufri
Manali
Manali, with its soothing backdrop of the Himalayas, offers a blend of tranquility and adventure that makes it one of northern India’s most popular destinations. You can do as little or as much as you want there. Located in the Kullu Valley, it’s a magical place bordered by heady pine forest and the raging Beas River, which give it a special energy.
Top Place to visit in Manali
- Hidimba Temple
- Manali Sanctury
- Himalayan Nyinmapa Tibetan Buddhist Monastry
- Jogini Falls
- Nehru Kund
- Solang Valley
Near By Place – Kullu, Spiti,Rohtang Pass
Dharamshala
Nestled a short distance from each other in the Kangra Valley, the towns of Dharamsala and MacLeod Ganj are home to the exiled Tibetan Government. The Dalai Lama resides in Dharamsala, and many Tibetans have followed him there. You can expect to find a strong Tibetan influence in the area, with culture being the main attraction.
People flock to Dharamsala and MacLeod Ganj to undertake Buddhist meditation and philosophy courses, Tibetan cooking classes, Tibetan language courses, and to receive alternative therapies. Volunteer work is another popular pastime. Those interested in sightseeing will find some fascinating museums, temples, gompas, and monasteries. Tsuglagkhang Complex, the official residence of the Dalai Lama, is a highlight.
Top Place to visit in Dharamshala
- Tsuglagkhang Complex
- Dalai Lama Temple
- Namgyal Monastery
- Tibet Museum
- Dal Lake
- Triund
- The Tibet Museum
- Bhagsunag Waterfall
Near By Place – Kangra Valley/Kangra Devi Temple, Palampur, Jwaladevi Temple
Dalhaousi/Khajjiar
Dalhousie is a high-altitude town spread across 5 hills near the Dhauladhar mountain range in the north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It’s home to colonial-era buildings, including St. Francis and St. John’s churches, which date back to the rule of the British Raj in the 1800s. A trek up Dainkund Peak leads to Pholani Devi Temple. To the north, Subhash Baoli is a peaceful area with pine trees and panoramic views.
- St John’s Church
- Kaltop Khajjiar
- Sanctuary
- Garam Sadak
- St Francis Churc
- Dainkund Peak
- Chamera Dam
- Khajjiar Lake
- Tibetan Market
Ujjain
An ancient city situated on the eastern bank of the Kshipra River, Ujjain was the most prominent city on the Malwa plateau of central India for much of its history. It emerged as the political centre of central India around 600 BCE. It was the capital of the ancient Avanti kingdom, one of the sixteen mahajanapadas. It remained an important political, commercial and cultural centre of central India until the early 19th century, when the British administrators decided to develop Indore as an alternative to it. Ujjain continues to be an important place of pilgrimage for Shaivites, Vaishnavites and followers of Shakta.
- Chintaman Ganesh
- temple
- Gopal Mandir, built by
- Sawai Jai Singh of Jaipur
- ISKCON temple
- Kal Bhairav temple
- Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, an ancient temple that was destroyed by Iltutmish and then restored by the Scindias of Gwalior
- Mangalnath Temple, tropic of cancer passes through this temple
Other historic places in Ujjain include:
- Ved Shala
- Sandipani Ashram
- Kaliadeh Palace
Vaishno Devi
Vaishno Devi, also known as Mata Rani, Trikuta and Vaishnavi, is a manifestation of the Hindu Goddess Mata Adi Shakti/Adi Parashakti. The words “Maa” and “Mata” are commonly used in India for mother, and thus are often heavily used in connection with Vaishno Devi. Vaishno Devi Mandir is a Hindu temple located in Katra at the Trikuta Mountains within the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. Ever since the inception of Shrine Board in 1986, the Holy Shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi has witnessed an ever-increasing number of devotees
