Weekend Gateways in North India

Shimla

Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh, one of the most famous hill stations in North India and just 6 hours away from Chandigarh. Also known as Queen of Hills, Shimla used to be the summer capital of India in the British era. That’s why we encounter several British-inspired architecture in Shimla. If it’s a weekend and you are tired of working the whole week, give yourself a weekend break and pack your bags for Shimla.

Way to reach Shimla
  1. Kalka-Shimla toy train
  2. Local transport from Chandigarh every hour
  3. By car
Places to visit in Shimla
  1. Christ Church
  2. Mall Road
  3. The Ridge
  4. Jakhu Temple
  5. Old Market
  6. Local food
  7. Jakhu Temple

Kasol

Kasol comes in Kullu district and is situated in Parvati Valley. Kasol does not need any introduction among youngsters. A hotspot during winters and new year celebrations, Kasol also acts as a base for travelling further to Grahan, Manikaran, Malana, Chalal and Katagla.

Ways to reach Kasol

Reach Bhunter by public transport and catch a bus for Kasol, which is 1.5 hours away by bus.

Places to visit in Kasol
  1. Manikaran (3.5km from Kasol)
  2. Chalal (2 km from Kasol
  3. Katagla (3.5 km from Kasol)

Dharamshala

Dharamshala is situated in district Kangra on the western part of Himachal Pradesh. It is a place for showcasing Tibetan culture as it is the current home of the Dalai Lama. We encounter the beauty of spirituality in the mountains here. The town is also famous as “Little Lhasa” because of large number of Tibetan settlements located here.

Ways to reach Dharamshala

Roadways buses offer the best possible way to reach Dharamshala, by Delhi or Chandigarh.

Places to capture in Dharamshala
  1. Macleodganj (8km from Dharamshala) is one of the top-visited places in Dharamshala and home of the Dalai Lama
  2. Bhagsunag Waterfall (3km from Macleodganj)
  3. Triund Trek (9km from Macleodganj)
  4. Dal Lake
  5. Monestry in Macleodganj

Manali

Manali is located in district Kullu, which is in northern Himachal Pradesh. Quite famous among trekkers and honeymooners, Manali is open for tourists in all seasons but is most visited in winter due to snowfalls. Besides offering the peace and beauty of Himalayas, Manali has been encouraging adventure sports in recent years, like paragliding and rafting.

Ways to reach Manali
  1. Manali can be reached by flights as nearest airport is Bhunter, which is only 40km from Manali
  2. Local transport like buses
Places to capture in Manali
  1. Hidimba Devi Temple
  2. Solang Valley, famous for paragliding, is approx 14 km from Manali
  3. Kullu (40km from Manali) is famous for woollen craft items and is a major rafting point
  4. Rohatang Pass (50km from Manali)

Rishikesh

Rishikesh is 15km for Haridwar and located in Uttrakhand. It is widely famous for adventure sports, as it is opening the gates for all sorts of adventure sports activities, from rafting to paragliding, bunjeejumping, and ropeways. If you are an adventure lover then Rishikesh must be in your travel list.

Ways to reach Rishikesh
  1. Buses are available every hour from Chandigarh
  2. The nearest airport for Rishikesh is Dehradun, which is approx 35km from Rishikesh.
Places to visit in Rishikesh
  1. Haridwar
  2. Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula
  3. Ganga Ghat
  4. Rafting Point

Masoori

Masoori is another famous hill station and 35km from the capital of Uttrakhand that is Dehradun. This place is in the foothills of Garhwal Himalayan Range.

Ways to reach Masoori
  1. Masoori can be reached by flights as the nearest airport is Dehradun, which is only 30km from Masoori
  2. Roadways buses are available every hour from Chandigarh
Places to visit in Masoori
  1. Kempty Waterfalls (15km from Masoori)
  2. Gun Hills (2km from Masoori)
  3. The Mall Road
  4. Jharipani falls (7km from Masoori)
  5. Masoori Lake (6km from Masoori)