Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh is home to India's most famous colonial-era hill stations — Shimla, the former summer capital of British India, and Manali, gateway to the Kullu Valley and the high-mountain roads beyond it towards Ladakh.

The state offers a good range within a single trip: Shimla's Mall Road and toy-train heritage, Manali's mountain-adventure base, and quieter spots like Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj, home to the Dalai Lama's residence-in-exile and a strong Tibetan cultural presence.

Highlights

• Shimla's colonial-era Mall Road and heritage toy train
• Manali as a base for Kullu Valley adventure activities
• Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj's Tibetan cultural quarter
• Dramatic mountain roads throughout the state

Best Time to Visit

March to June and September to November for the clearest weather; December–February brings snow to the higher towns.

Getting There

Shimla and Manali are reached by road from Delhi or Chandigarh (roughly 7–10 hours depending on the town), or via a short flight to Kullu or Shimla's own small airport.