Visiting Shimla, Kulu & Manali in Himachal Pradesh, India

Visiting Shimla, Kulu & Manali, the right time is March to June as this is the summer time in india and these are the cool places. We reached to Delhi and from Delhi we took a Delhi-Kalka Shatabdi express train which leaves from Delhi at 7-30 in the morning. It reaches to Kalka within 4 hours via Sonipat, Panipat, Karnal, Ambala & Chandigarh are the main stations you find en route. Delhi-Kalka is broad gauge route. From Kalka to reach Shimla, you have option of going by private taxi or local buses. If you have time in your hand, visit Shimla by Kalka-Shimla mini train or toy train as it is called. It is a narrow gauge route. We decided to travel by this toy train which takes around 6 hours to reach Shimla from Kalka. The route is very picturesque. The toy train goes through 100+ tunnels, many bridges and curves, surrounded by lush green valleys with ample Pine and Oak trees accompany you till you reach Shimla. That is the reason why this journey is so pleasant and memorable.

Shimla, once a popular British Summer capital is now the state capital of Himachal Pradesh. Shimla is beautiful hill station surrounded by forest. There are plenty hotels in and around Shimla to suit your budget. Having hotel reservation in advance is advisable. You can find here many old structures of British era. There is a mall area which is very famous. All the major activities takes place in and around mall. Just take a long walk on this mall. You get almost everything on the mall. You will find most of he tourist walking on the mall. There are plenty restaurants which serve very good food. The Ridge and the Scandal are other areas where you meet other tourist. Christ church on Ridge is very famous and old.

From Shimla you must visit some best sight seeing spots. Kufri Valley is very famous spot. In winter this is a famous spot for ski lovers as it provides the great slopes for skiing. Apart from a picturesque spot, there is a mini zoo which attracts many tourist.

Tara Devi Temple is a very peaceful place. It is well surrounded by forest and valley. This temple is dedicated to stars. Annandale is an another spot famous for cricket ground at this height and for polo games. Jakhu hills offer a breathtaking view of the Shimla. It is the highest peak and you can see the famous Himalayan range from the top of the hill. There is State Museum which has many galleries which exhibits so many things. Apart from all above, Shimla provides you many interesting treks and leisure walks. On the mall road, you would find many interesting items for shopping. There is a State Emporium Craft shop which displays hats, candles, wooden articles and many more things for shopping delight. Shimla apples and Shimla Capsicum are very famous which you would find here every where. Our next destination was Kullu and Manali.

From Shimla, we took a luxury bus for going to Kullu and Manali. The bus takes around 8 hours from Shimla. The journey is little tiring but very delightful and picturesque view makes the journey worth traveling. The climate is very cold . The air is cool and fresh. We checked in to Tourist Hotel. It's very good hotel and at the prime location. Manali is just 40 km away from Kullu valley. Kullu Manali road is very picturesque as river Bias flows from one side.

Kullu is popularly known as Valley of Gods. Kullu is located along the banks of river Bias. This is the starting point for some breathtaking treks. This is very ideal place for tourist, trekkers and mountaineers. Cool and pleasant atmosphere keeps you in cheerful mood all the time.

Bijji Mahadev Temple is famous among the trekkers. Raison is also famous for treks and camps. Katrain is famous for its apple orchards and the apples are very tasty. Naggar is very popular for its famous temples of Lord Vishnu, Lord Shri Krishna and Goddess Tripura Sundari. Kullu valley is also famous for Trout fishing. The fishing requires the permission from the local authorities.

Manali means 'Manu's home'. Manu is known as creator of human race on earth. He stayed here and hence this place is called as Manali which is dedicated to him. This is the best place on earth. Nature at its best and pollution free. A place of snow capped mountains. Manali is located on National Highway which reaches to Leh. You find many hotels here and you can check in as per your budget. There are some good restaurants which serve very good food.

Next day after breakfast, we started from Hidimba Goddess temple which is very beautiful. This is four story wooden temple is very nicely maintained and situated in the forest. This temple is famous for its pagoda shaped roof and door. This is very peaceful place. Manu temple is in old Manali which is also good.

Rohtang Pass is highest point on Manali-keylong road. This place gives you a panoramic view. This place is covered by snow all the time. This is best scenic spot and very famous among the tourist. A must see spot. You can spend a full day here. This place is just 30 miles away from Manali.

You have a club house here which provides indoor games facility. Tibetan Monasteries are near by to this place. The place is very famous for shopping Tibetan handicraft goods. Jagatsukh Temple is a peaceful place. A famous Shiva temple is here. If you proceed further towards Rohtang, a place called Kothi is very beautiful and picturesque spot. You can see the Bias river. From Kothi, within 20 minutes you reach to Rahara Falls. This place is also very beautiful and famous among tourist. Solang velly is very close from this place. This place is famous for ski slopes during winter. HPTDC provides the ski coaching and have other winter sports activity coaching facility. Vashisht Hot Sulpher Springs is very near from Manali. The hot Sulphur spring water carries medicinal properties and good for health. People take bath here. Spending around 4-5 days in Manali is sufficient. If you have long treks in mind, you would need more days to stay here.

This is the place where you would love to visit again and again. Summer is ideal for tourist as winter is very harsh. Light woolen clothes are advisable in summer. Do not miss camera and binoculars.