Known For : Solang Valley Hadimba Devi Temple Manali Mall Road
Nestled in between the snow-capped slopes of the Pir Panjal and the Dhauladhar ranges, Manali is one of the most popular hill stations in the country. With jaw-dropping views, lush green forests, sprawling meadows carpeted with flowers, gushing blue streams, a perpetual fairy-tale like mist lingering in the air, and a persistent fragrance of pines and freshness - Manali has been blessed with extraordinary scenic beauty. From museums to temples, from quaint little hippie villages to bustling upscale streets, river adventures to trekking trails, Manali has every reason to be the tourist magnet it is, all year round.
Distance from Palampur: 180 km
Best Time: October to June
Known For : Khajjiar lake Homestay Experience in Khajjiar Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary
Often referred to as 'mini-Switzerland of India', Khajjiar is a small town near Dalhousie which provides tourists a unique combination of forests, lakes and pastures. The mesmerising beauty of this place has greatly influenced and inspired many kingdoms throughout the years, including the Rajputs and Mughals. Located at an altitude of 6,500 feet, the natural beauty and picturesque landscape of this place are bound to leave an everlasting impression on a tourist.
Distance from Palampur: 153 km
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Paragliding in Bir Billing Chokling Monastery Gunehar Waterfall
Bir is a small town located in the state of Himachal Pradesh in northern India. Bir Billing is a popular destination located in Joginder Nagar valley known for adventures sports such as paragliding, treks and also as the town for meditation. There is an influence of Tibetan culture due to Tibetan community settlement in this town.
Distance from Palampur: 28 km
Best Time: March - May; September - November
Known For : Panchpula Khajjiar Dainkund Peak
The tiny tinsel town Dalhousie tucked away in the lap of Himachal Pradesh is a piece of paradise for all the travellers. It boasts of old world charm, mesmerising natural landscape, pine-clad valleys, flower bedecked meadows, fast flowing rivers, magnificent misty mountains and some of the most spectacular views in the world. The air smells of the Scottish and Victorian architecture and the ambience reminds you of the pristine British flavours.
Distance from Palampur: 144 km
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Great Himalayan National Park Serlosar Lake Jalori Pass
The land of untouched and mystifying beauty, Tirthan Valley is a destination with a plethora of delights. Lying nearly 3 km from the entrance of Great Himalayan National Park, this place is abundant in adventurous activities and a paradise for nature lovers. The great Himalayas with snow covered tops looking over the Tirthan River, this valley is best known for its trout fishing and for surprisingly high influx of foreigners.
Best Time: Mar to June, October to November
Known For : Dalai Lama Temple St. John in the Wilderness Church Dharamshala Cricket Stadium
Dharamsala is famed as the holy residence of the Dalai Lama and houses the Tibetan monk in exile. Dharamsala is located in Kangra district at a distance of 18km from Kangra City. The city is distinctively separated as upper and lower divisions with different altitudes. The lower division is the Dharamsala town itself whereas the upper division is popularly known as Mcleodganj.
Distance from Palampur: 37 km
Best Time: October to June
Known For : Prashar Lake Trek Bhutnath temple Pandoh Dam
Packed with a thick green cover of pine and deodar trees, the town of Mandi is situated at the junction of Kullu and Dharamshala. It is often referred to as 'Varanasi of Hills', or 'Choti Kashi' as the town has as many as 81 temples spread across its area. Lying on the banks of River Beas, Mandi also displays some old palaces and temples that can be dated back to the 5th Century AD. Serving as a gateway to some famous valleys such as Kullu, Manali, Spiti and Lahaul, Mandi is must on your north India itinerary which never fails to enchant its visitors.
Distance from Palampur: 94 km
Best Time: April to October
Known For : Kangra Fort Kangra Fort Baijnath Temple Brajeshwari Temple
Kangra is a district in Himachal Pradesh with Dharamshala as the administrative headquarters. With might Beas River flowing through the Valley, Kangra is also known for the backdrop of Dhauladar range, ancient temples and endless tea plantations. Repeated mention of the Valley in the holy Hindu texts, present Kangra as 'Devbhumi' or Land of the Gods.
Distance from Palampur: 34 km
Best Time: September to June
Known For : Basheshwar Temple Bijali Mahadev Temple Jagannath Temple
Bhuntar is a part of Kullu district and it is typically used as a getaway to the towns of Kullu, Manali, Kasol and Manikaran and Kullu airport also is located within Bhuntar. Bhuntar is a quaint little town and there's nothing too majestic about the natural beauty it has to offer, but it is your type of holiday destination if you appreciate less tourist-y spots and prefer lesser known spots to relax. Bhuntar has a quaint serenity to it and is considerable away from the maddening tourist crowds of the more famous places in Himanchal Pradesh.
Distance from Palampur: 132 km
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Chamera Lake Manimahesh Lake Church of Scotland
Chamba is a Himalayan town located in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. Known for the ancient temples, the caves, and the edifices that speak highly of Indian history, Chamba is famous for the gob-smacking views of the Pir Panjal, Zanskar and Dhauladhar ranges set in the backdrop of a picture-postcard town. This epitome of the Himalayan town is located at an elevation of 996 meters on the banks of river Ravi flanked by Jammu and Kashmir, Lahaul and Kangra.
Distance from Palampur: 182 km
Best Time: October to June
Known For : Bhakra Nangal Dam Gobind Sagar Lake Water Sports and Fishing
Bilaspur is a hill town near Shimla, famous for its forts and Gobind Sagar lake, a man-made reservoir considered the lifeline of the district. Bilaspur, India's first planned hill station, is popularly known for its artificially made lake which is called the Gobind Sagar Lake on Sutlej River. It is a beautiful lake where one can rejuvenate and participate in water sports and fishing.
Distance from Palampur: 123 km
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Mukteshwar temple Nurpur Fort Ranjit Sagar Dam
Pathankot is a city located in Punjab, bordered by Pakistan on the west in the foothills of Kangra and Dalhousie. With the river Chakki passing by, Pathankot is located at the meeting point of Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. It is best known for its serene green beauty and a rich historical past. Pathankot has its railway station which is connected with most of the major railway stations of India, and that makes it a significant place to the surrounding areas of Dalhousie, Dharamsala, Kangra, Manali and parts of Jammu and Kashmir.
Distance from Palampur: 113 km
Best Time: October to Apr
Known For : Naggar Castle Trekking and Fishing Uruswati Himalayan Folk Art Museum
The picturesque town of Naggar draws tourists looking to revel in green surroundings, go trekking or be a little more adventurous and camping out. Located in the Kullu district, this quaint little town is typically covered with Kullu and is famous for its stunning natural beauty. Set against the backdrop of majestic hills and the clear and pristine Beas River, this tourist destination is ideal for people who want to relax and rejuvenate by living in the lap of nature.
Distance from Palampur: 164 km
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Arki Fort Diwan-i-Khaas Arki Palace
A small town in Solan district locally known for its 18th century fort, Arki is rather unknown among general population as a tourist location. One of the smallest towns in Himanchal Pradesh, Arki is situated 52 kms away from Shimla. Being highly accessible from the capital of this state, Arki attracts a lot of tourists throughout the year. The pleasant climate and beautiful landscape of Arki make this place a favourable tourist destination. Arki also has a lot of temples which adorn striking architecture which tourists travelling here must visit.
Distance from Palampur: 178 km
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Rangla Punjab Haveli Devi Talab Mandir Science City Kapurthala
The city of Jalandhar is the true personification of the rich heritage and history of Punjab - a culmination of the old and the new. This historic city was a part of the illustrious Indus Valley Civilisation. Present day Jalandhar has grown to be an important commercial and industrial hub and is also known for its delectable Punjabi cuisine. The ancient city of Jalandhar promises to let you experience the best of Punjab, along with a taste of its history and culture.
Distance from Palampur: 175 km
Best Time: October to March