The two most loved places of Himachal Pradesh, located in the lap of Himalayas, are Shimla and Manali, which are everyone’s favourite holiday destinations. These two cities are known for their beautiful views, cool climate, breathtaking landscape, pleasant weather and numerous activities. These hill stations are a delight for those who love peace, adventure and are looking for a peaceful place surrounded by natural beauty away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
This article highlights the must-visit places in Shimla and Manali along with the attractions on the way between these two cities.
Shimla: Queen of Hills
Historical Attractions and Colonial Architecture
Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, also known as the “Queen of Hills”, offers a unique blend of old-world natural beauty with its lush valleys, colonial architecture and local culture. The city used to be the capital of British India. Its past is evident in the grand architecture of buildings like Christ Church, Gaiety Theatre and Viceregal Lodge. A stroll down Mall Road offers a wide array of food and drink options as well as visitor shopping and historical attractions.
Treasure of Nature
Shimla is a paradise for nature lovers surrounded by lush greenery and mountains. The Glen is a secluded forest area, a peaceful place amidst nature. From Jakhu Temple, you can also enjoy the views of the surrounding mountains.
Must-Visit Places in Shimla
The Ridge
The Ridge is a large open space in the middle of Shimla, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It is the centre of local festivals and many cultural activities take place here, making it a lively place for tourists.
Mall Road
Mall Road is a shopper’s paradise and is always bustling with people. The road is always busy with shoppers. You will find a number of shops, cafes and restaurants here which are a perfect place to gorge on the local cuisine.
Jakhu Temple
Jakhu Temple is situated on top of Jakhu Hill which provides spiritual peace and also offers a mesmerizing view of the surrounding mountains. This temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and the tall statue of Lord Hanuman is worth seeing by all.
Christ Church
Christ Church is a splendid example of architecture. This church is among the most ancient in North India. The serene atmosphere and colourful glass windows make it a must visit.
Kufri
Kufri is a paradise for adventure lovers, located a short distance from Shimla. Here you can do trekking, skiing and even snowboarding in the winter months. Kufri is very famous for the Himalayan Nature Park.
Adventure and Entertainment in Shimla
Both Shimla and Manali are famous for their adventure activities, a must visit for thrill seekers. Shimla is a hub of adventure activities and you can experience thrills here, ranging from trekking and paragliding to ice skating at the Shimla Ice Skating Club. At popular places like Kufri, you can go skiing and snowboarding during the winter months.
Trekking
Trails like Shali Tibba Trek, Chail Trek and Hatu Peak Trek offer you the opportunity to see mesmerizing views and natural beauty.
Paragliding
Places like Kufri and Naldehra are known for paragliding, where you can get a thrilling experience by flying over snow-clad peaks and lush green valleys.
Skiing
During the winter months, Kufri becomes a center of attraction for skiing. Kufri is located at a high altitude and hence invites everyone to skiing.
Manali: The Adventure Capital
Manali is a place located in the Kullu valley, surrounded by snowy, high peaks and dense forests. There are many activities that can be done in Manali which attracts a lot of tourists.
Beauty and Serene Environment
Located in the northern part of the Kullu valleys, Manali is known for its stunning landscapes which include lush green valleys, winding rivers and snow-capped peaks. The Beas River flows through the city which adds to the beauty of Manali and attracts people for river rafting.
Cultural and Spiritual Richness
Manali is home to many ancient temples and monasteries that make it a culturally rich destination. These include the Hadimba Temple dedicated to Goddess Hadimba. This temple is an important religious site surrounded by deodar forests. Manu Temple is also located here which is believed to be the only temple dedicated to sage Manu. This temple provides a very calm environment for meditation and contemplation.
Adventure Capital
Manali is a favourite destination for adventure lovers where they can indulge in a number of adventure activities. Solang Valley is located 13 kms from Manali and is famous for activities like paragliding, horse riding and zorbing. During winter months, you can indulge in activities like skiing and snowboarding here which will make you feel like walking in paradise. Who doesn’t want to travel through the Atal Tunnel from where you can go to the challenging place like Rohtang Pass?
Places to visit in Manali
Rohtang Pass
Situated at an altitude of about 4000 m, Rohtang Pass is the gateway to the Lahaul and Spiti valleys. It is famous for snow-clad mountains and adventure sports like skiing and snowboarding.
Solang Valley
Solang Valley is known as an adventure hub. This place attracts you to do activities like paragliding, biking and zorbing. Skiing here during the winter season and cold months will give you a thrilling experience and make you feel like in heaven.
Hadimba Temple
This is an ancient temple surrounded by deodar forests. This temple is dedicated to Hadimba Devi who played a character in Mahabharata. The architecture and serene atmosphere of this place attracts all the visitors.
Manu Temple
The Manu Temple is dedicated to sage Manu and is considered an important pilgrimage site. The temple offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city of tourists.
Old Manali
Old Manali is a quaint village known for its rustic charm. Old Manali is filled with beauty shops, cozy cafes and lively bazaars. Old Manali is a great place to experience the local culture and cuisine.
Adventure Activities in Manali
River Rafting
The Beas River in Manali offers you the opportunity to go river rafting. The currents range from easy to challenging. River rafting is something you should try at least once in your life.
Trekking and Camping
Many treks are available in Manali for trekking, including the Hampta Pass Trek, Bhrigu Lake Trek and Pin Parvati Trek. Trekking through the serene landscapes will add to your excitement.
Mountain Biking
Manali is the perfect place to go mountain biking. Biking on the winding roads of the mountains will thrill you to no end.
Enroute Shimla to Manali
The journey from Shimla to Manali is approximately 250 kms. You will get to see charming villages and beautiful road destinations along the way.
Main stops along the way
Mandi
Mandi also known as the “Varanasi of the hills” with its ancient temples and vibrant culture. Popular attractions here are the Pandoh Dam and Rewalsar Lake.
Kullu
Kullu is a famous place for Dussehra celebrations. This small picturesque town is situated on the river Beas. The Great Himalayan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-visit place for nature lovers.
Naggar
Naggar is a quiet village which is famous for Naggar Castle and art galleries like Nicholas Roerich. Naggar city offers a wonderful blend of both art and history. The beautiful Jana Waterfalls is a unique attraction here.
Both Shimla and Manali are famous for their adventure activities, which everyone must try once in their lifetime.
Best time to Visit
The best time to visit Shimla and Manali is during winters, for snow lovers the ideal time is from December to February. However, if you like pleasant weather then the summer months from March to June are perfect. Monsoon season is from July to September and during this season the atmosphere is green and peaceful but this time may not be available for adventure activities.
How to Reach
Shimla and Manali are easily accessible through various modes of transportation, including air, road, and rail. Regular buses and taxis ply from major cities like Delhi and Chandigarh, providing you a comfortable and convenient reach to both the cities. However, the nearest airport to Shimla is Jubbarhatti at a distance of 22 km, while the Bhuntar airport is located in Manali which is around 50 km from the city. The Kalka-Shimla Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a toy-train journey that will give you a unique travel experience through beautiful landscapes.
Accommodation Options
From luxury resorts to heritage hotels and budget-friendly guesthouses to homestays, Shimla and Manali offer a wide range of accommodation options to suit every traveler’s taste. Heritage hotels in Shimla are your go-to destination and staying in riverside cottages in Manali will add a special charm to your trip.
Conclusion
Both Shimla and Manali are the two crown jewels of Himachal Pradesh with their beauty, prosperity, culture and adventure activities. Whether you want to experience thrilling adventures, immerse yourself in nature or explore historical sites, these hill stations offer something for everyone. The journey from Shimla to Manali is a special experience filled with memorable stops. So pack your bags and get ready to explore the “Queen of Hills” and the magic of its surroundings mountains will refresh your soul.
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