While traditionally Himachal was known as a summer destination, the Department of Tourism & Civil Aviation has taken special efforts to break the seasonality factor and has developed diversified tourism products to attract tourists in other seasons too. Now Himachal is known as “A Destination for All Seasons and All Reasons”. In fact, the Department has laid a special emphasis on the development of activity-based tourism and opening up of new sub destinations. To promote tourism in the countryside and to unexplored areas, appropriate infrastructure is being developed within available resources.

The curiosity of a traveller to explore all that the district has to offer is relentless because of the comforting climate and the picturesque sights, wherever one sets eyes on. There are some must visit tourist attractions in and around Shimla that one should visit.

Here are some of the best things to do when in Shimla.

1. The Ridge
The large open space that runs east to west alongside The Mall Road is the cultural hub of the city. On a clear day or after a light rain, the views of snow peaks of Himalayan ranges to the north are spectacular. The neo-gothic towering architecture of the Christ Church, the state library in the vicinity, the statue of Mahatma Gandhi, the slate roofline of Gaiety Theater and the Town Hall are important landmarks on The Ridge. An underground reservoir build in the 1880s is still one of the major storage for meeting the cities everyday water needs.

2. The Mall Road
As a business center, The Mall is the main street of the hill station. Running parallel but lower to The Ridge, this shopping arcade is dotted with modern day showrooms, departmental stores and hip restaurants. The front side of Gaiety Theater and Town Hall buildings are on this street. Himachal Emporium at the west end of the arcade sells locally made handicrafts and handloom products. Scandal Point, the place where The Ridge and The Mall converge, is a good place to catch up with the day’s news and gossip.

3. Annandale
This glade is the largest stretch of level ground in Shimla and has been used for holding fairs, horse races, playing polo, golf, tennis, cricket and football matches. It was in 1888 at Annandale that the Durand Football Tournament was first held. The picturesque place is approached by a sharp descent. Mainly used as a helipad these days, there is a golf course and an Army Heritage Museum at Annandale that is worth a visit.

4. Jakhoo Temple
Overlooking the hill station at 2,445 meters altitude, Jakhoo Hill is Shimla city’s acme and home to Lord Hanuman. The daunting half-an-hour uphill climb from The Ridge finally ends at Jakhoo Temple. Ropeway service to Jakhoo temple is also available.

5. Himalayan Nature Park, Kufri
Idyllic for a wildlife enthusiast who rejoices the splendour of nature, Himalayan Nature Park, Kufri is a must visit place. Home to more than 180 species of birds and animals, this nature park is a reflection of the wildlife found in the Himalayas. The nature park at kufri is 16 Km from Shimla.

6. Hatu Peak, Narkanda
Towering over Sutlej valley, Hatu Peak at 3400 meters altitude is one of the highest peaks among the hills near Shimla. Though a motorable road has been constructed, but an uphill walk through the woods from Narkanda is a better experience of the hills. Atop the mountain, a temple dedicated to demon slaying goddess Kali exhibits the local architecture and wood craftsmanship skills. The 360 degree views from the mountain top are deep and expansive making the trek a worthy one. A level walk through a dense oak forest opens onto Jaw Bagh, an alpine meadow, which only adds to the scenic value of the getaway. To reach Hatu, one has to do a road journey to Narkanda, a distance of 64 km from Shimla. From Narkanda one needs to take a taxi or do a 8 km trek through forest country to the mountain top destination.

Manali : A gift of the Himalayas to the world, Manali is a beautiful township nestled in the picturesque Beas River valley. It is a rustic enclave known for its cool climate and snow-capped mountains, offering respite to tourists escaping scorching heat of the plains. The tourism industry in Manali started booming only in the early 20th century, mainly because of its natural bounties and salubrious climate.

Here are some of the best things to do when in Manali.

1. Rohtang Pass
On a meandering uphill road, 51 km away from Manali, Rohtang Pass is an ace tourist attraction that elevates your travel experience. The pass gives summer access to the land of Lahaul and Spiti. Heavy snow closes the pass in late November which after much effort is again opened six months later by May.As the summer picks up and snow starts to melt, tourist vehicles start making a beeline to the Pass to experience snow in the months of June to August. The tourists do also enjoy adventure activities of paragliding, trekking and skiing here. Other excursions in the area include a visit to Nehru Kund, Jogini Fall and Kothi.

A special permit for petrol and diesel vehicles by the designated authority at Manali is required to visit Rohtang Pass for tourism purposes. Visitors can apply for Rohtang Pass permit online on
Official website of Distt Administration Kullu https://rohtangpermits.nic.in/

2. Solang Nullah
An open meadow running along a slope surrounded by a deodar rich forest in the midst of high peaks around, Solang Nullah, 13 km from Manali, is one of the most beautiful tourist spots on the outskirts of the resort township.

Solang bustles with tourism activity both in the summer and winters. A variety of adventure sporting activities that include quad-bike rides, zorbing, paragliding and gondola (ropeway) ride, rock climbing, ballooning, camping and mountaineering can be indulged in at Solang. In winters, the slopes packed with snow becomes a winter sports arena for skiing where even state and national level ski championship are regularly conducted.

3. Hidimba Devi Temple
Known as the Dhungri Temple, this temple with the presiding deity of Manali is in close proximity of the town center Mall Road. Built on a strong stone foundation, the temple shikhar rises as high as deodar trees surrounding it in a four-tier pagoda style wood and stone structure. The temple dates back to the 16th century.

4. Naggar
It has become popular tourist attraction on the periphery of Manali. The small settlement has a lot to offer. The most prominent being the Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery, Vasuki Nag Temple, Tripura Sundari Temple and the Gauri Shankar Temple. The well conserved Naggar Castle exhibits magnificent architecture, wood carvings, stone and metal craft of the times. Once a royal residence built by Raja Sidh Singh, the castle is now a museum and a heritage hotel run by Himachal Tourism. Some masterpieces from the brush of the Russian count and artist Nicholas Roerich are on permanent display at his former residence, now turned into an art gallery-cum-museum.

5. Brighu Lake
At the base of Bhrigu Peak, this small lake (altitude 4,235 meters) attracts a number of trekkers every year. Like a Himalayan jewel, the lake is flanked by snow-clad mountains on all sides. Legend has it that sage Bhrigu meditated at this place. Locals hold it sacred and believe that gods and goddesses from the valley do come here for a holy dip.

6. Manali Wildlife Sanctuary
A dense forest of deodar, kail, walnut and maple trees that shelters a lot of shy Himalayan wildlife is a great getaway for nature lovers. The sanctuary starts about 2 km from Manali. A bridle path darkened by the dense forest cover takes you past Dhungri temple to Gallant thatch. The alpine grassland and glaciers beyond Gallant thatch is a great camping site to observe the wildlife around. The birds and animals and birds that can be sighted include the Monal, Musk deer and Brown bear. Venturing further up to the snowline during summers, one can even sight Blue Sheep, Ibex and the evasive Snow leopard.