An abundance of adventure activities, an abundance of sightseeing, and friendly places are reason enough for tourists to visit places like Shimla and Manali, which are some of the best places to visit in Himachal for a weekend break. Fueled by lush green valleys, snow-capped peaks, and the mighty Himalayas cutting down crashing rivers, Himachal Pradesh is the most popular and easily accessible hill state in the country.

My Himachal holidays provide a variety of experiences to the traveler, whether it is a visit to Shimla’s own quaint colonial buildings or individual Buddhist temples and its many temples everywhere.

There are many more in Himachal, which are lesser-known but equally scenic places like Bir, Chail, and Reckong Pio. It does not matter if you are looking for a weekend holiday or for an extended holiday, Himachal Pradesh will not disappoint you.

How to Reach Himachal Pradesh?

By Road: Well-built and efficient roads that wind around the hills are perhaps the state’s greatest asset. They attach every city within the state and connect Kashmir and Chandigarh with roads on every biker’s wish list.

Himachal Pradesh State Transport Corporation provides a wide range of services in almost all parts of the state, including ordinary and air-conditioned buses plying daily to major cities and famous destinations in the state.

By Air: Three domestic airports are located in three parts of the state. Kullu-Manali Airport is an entrance to the northern parts of the state, such as Manali, Spiti etc. Kangra Airport in Gaggal is the nearest to Dalhousie and Dharamshala.

Shimla Airport is the southernmost terminal, but services to this airport are not consistent. Flight services are open from most Indian cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh etc.

By Train: Himachal Pradesh has limited the railway network in view of difficult areas. Kalka railway station is considered the major rail connection in the state, but there are some other stations that can be used in Himachal Pradesh.

The Kalka line extends to Shimla with a narrow-gauge toy-train; It is one of the major attractions for tourists. The ride is very enjoyable as the line bends and cuts in the hilly terrain.

Best Time to Visit:

Different climates bring different colors to the mountains and valleys of Himachal. The same place may look radically different during different seasons.

Himachal Pradesh has three broad seasons – summer, winter and monsoon.

The best time to travel when winter strikes and summer is yet to hit with all its fury. The months from February to the end of April are considered best for travelers. Summer occurs from mid-April to late June and is when it can be very hot except in high-altitude areas that experience mild heat.

In the middle of March to late November, Himachal Pradesh experiences winter and snowfall in the state’s northern regions.

Places to Visit in Himachal Pradesh:

1. Shimla & Manali: The two most popular and loved destinations of Himachal are Shimla and Manali. With a large number of tourists in Kullu Manali, it would be unwise for any of them to pay a visit.
2. Dalhousie and Mcleodganj: Dalhousie is a quaint little town in Himachal, which is famous for its monasteries and serene resorts. Mcleodganj is known for visiting the Tibetan Museum, Buddhist monasteries and many other small sites along the Dal LakeGo on a vacation by choosing one of these places, along with a few more popular destinations like Kullu-Manali, Shimla, Dalhousie and Dharamshala:
   • Bir Billing
   • Spiti
   • Khajjiar
   • Kinnaur
   • Chail
   Things to Do: There are umpteen things to do and many sightseeing to do. Rafting, trekking, hiking, skiing, and mountain cycling are among the most sought after in mountain sports. From trekking, climbing to rafting, paragliding, and skiing, all can be done in the mountains of Himachal Pradesh which form the backdrop of the Himalayas.