5 BREATH-TAKING PLACES IN HIMACHAL PRADESH

When it comes to explore cold, adventurous, offbeat places which are unexplored yet, immediately our heart beat start fluctuating thinking about it. Many cold places come to our mind, but if we want to experience the versatility and virginity of nature’s beauty only one name clicks, and that is Himachal Pradesh. These days’ people are more attracted towards the places which are not explored yet. Himachal Pradesh is not only limited to the famous places like Manali, Shimla, Dharamshala, McLeodganj etc., but the gem of beauty is still hidden somewhere which are still to be explored.

We tried to bring exciting, amazing, splendid and breath-taking places of Himachal Pradesh together on one page.

“A person becomes perplexed to explore the unexplored astounding scenery, especially when it is concealed”

                                                                                                    -Syed Sameena

 1. Bir Billing

This is considered as one of the less explored offbeat place in Himachal Pradesh. Perfect for many adventurous activities and very close to the Mother earth. Silent valley, far away from the noisy crowd of city embedded with lush green forest gives you experience of nature’s aesthetic beauty, which satisfies your quench of adventurous spirits. This small village situated in the west of Joginder Nagar Valley, North India, has many places to visit. Simply walking around solitude with experiencing nature’s beauty refresh and rejuvenate your mind and heart with full of life.

This secluded place is full of monasteries and Buddhist stupas, which again define the simplicity and serenity of it. Monks, they offer prayers to almighty for salvation and perform meditation for their peace of soul.

Many activities are happening over there, like Paragliding, Mountain biking, Trekking, and camping, but the attraction of that place is Paragliding which is official adventure of India. The first ever Paragliding championship took place at Bir Billing. The weather and smooth flow of wind are favourable for Paragliding. Billing is the place where Paragliding takes place and the gliding lands in Bir; together known as Bir Billing.

Before Paragliding instigate, the sport activity known was hand-gliding, which needs a perfect technique, proper supervision and training. It basically requires air-current without any engine and a person needs to run down from the hill in inclined motion. Every year government of Himachal Pradesh organizes these adventurous and sporting activities, which is the main attraction of tourist visiting.

Preferred road route from Delhi to Bir Billing;

From Delhi take private or state-run bus for Ambala via Chandigarh bypass. Crossing the places Kiratpur, Anandpur Sahib, Nagal, Kangra, Palampur, Baijnath then finally reach to Bir road which is about 550 kms.  

2. Barot

The second most adventurous and exciting place comes under the offbeat category is Barot, a small hill station, which is situated in Mandi District of Himachal Pradesh at the altitude of 1700 meters from sea level of the Uhl River bank. Hydroelectricity generated for the first time in India is from Uhl River.

Apart from this innovative truth, Barot is also specifically known for Trout fish and has a trout breeding, which is operated by the Himachal Pradesh fishing department of Agriculture University, Palampur. Barot valley is not only famous for its innovative man-made projects but also for its splendid destinations, many adventurous and sporting activities like, Paragliding, Mountain biking, Trekking, Angling, Village walk-through, and Wildlife sanctuary.

Healthy and fresh environment makes your holiday in leisure worthy!

While trekking you will be enlighten with the local traditional culture and heritage of the Himachal Pradesh. Astonishing sight of mountains, which are covered with full of snow, birds spread their wings to enjoy the pollution free fresh air, which brings you closer to the Mother earth. You can get a glimpse of how people live their life with full of joy being simple with simplicity.

Angling in Barot valley is the best leisure time to spend. Rainbow trout fish and brown trout fish are filled with in Uhl River, which will give you the immense pleasure of angling. No need to carry your own equipment for angling, it will available over there in your budget amount. Brook in the Uhl River is originated from 50 kms. upstream of Thamsar Glacier.

Paragliding and Mountain biking is another sport activity which held over in Barot valley. Paragliding activity has been hosted in valley since long time and recognized worldwide for Paragliding world cup in 2005. Trekking followed by Paragliding, by doing a trek about 16 kms. to reach at paragliding point. If we come to Mountain biking, it becomes very tough to perform biking in the mountains, but here the roads are not too busy with the bikes. A person can ride over 100 kms. in the valley in different directions followed by trail roads. Sport activities; subsequently connect with others, in which you can experience the multiple adventures at a time.

Preferred road route from New Delhi to Barot;

You can opt for Ordinary, Semi-deluxe, Deluxe and Volvo buses from Delhi to Jogindernagar/Baijnath or you can hire taxi from Jogindernagar to Barot. If you like to drive then reach Mandi by bus then drive 65 kms. via Ghatasni to reach Barot.

3. Khajjiar – Mini Switzerland of India

A small hill station situated in the Himachal Pradesh embellished with the scenic aesthetic appeal. Mountains are loaded with snow, feel of fresh air, surrounded by lush green deodar forests, flourishing grassland. The ones with reckless, adventuresome features and nature lover will definitely be in love with this place. As, we have already seen many sports activities are performed at some places of Himachal Pradesh, here too you can perform many adventures, wildlife activities.

Khajjiar Lake is visually very attractive spot for both the locals and tourists as well. The shape of the lake is saucer-shaped, located in the mid of the flourishing grasslands. Floating island, grabs your attention which is enriched with a bunch of green grass grown on the lake’s surface. Many sports activities are performed here, from Paragliding to Zorbing and horse riding. Apart from these many other recreational activities are performed in Khajjiar enjoying with a splendid landscape. You can relax and relish with spectacular view of Mountain Kailash from Khajjiar Lake.

Khajji Nag Temple is situated at the bank of the Khajjiar Lake. The architecture of the temple is in a Hindu-Mughal style finished with a gilded dome and labyrinthine wood carvings. Idols of snakes, Goddess Hadimba, Lord Shiva and, also the images of the Pandavas and Kauravas are there in the temples.

Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, where you candidly experience a variety of flora and fauna. You will come across with deep forest of deodar with stream and wide range of fauna like, leopard, black marten, jackal, bear, barking Goral, deer and langur. This wildlife packed is enjoyed either by trek or safari. Perfect location for trekking, trekkers will experience the astounding landscape of the village.

Some hidden villages are explored include Rati and Loda, laden with apple orchards with cozy Homestays.

Preferred road route from New Delhi to Khajjiar;

Khajjiar is very well connected to all the important towns of Himachal Pradesh; Dalhousie, Shimla and Chamba state. To reach over this town bus and trains is easily available from Delhi. From Delhi to Khajjiar is about 595 kms. Once you reach at any one of these town, you can hire a personal car or ride by bus.

4. Shoja

Shoja, very small town situated in Seraj valley, which a connecting link between Kullu and Shimla districts. Surrounded with loads, Snow Mountains and sky touching conifers, simply enhance the serenity of this place. The aesthetic appeal of this place leaves you speechless. One’s who is willing to relish his/her solitudes are embraced with both arms of Shoja. Many untouched spots are still need to be exploring over here. There’s not many places to spot in Shoja, but those which are needed to be spotted are splendid and extravagant in beauty.

Jalori Pass, which is situated five km away from Shoja at 3,152 m height. While trekking in Shoja, the paradise, gives you the panoramic view of the Himalayas when you reach at peak, which will give you the feeling of touching the sky. During your trek you will experience many breath-taking natures’ beauty like, lush green dense deodar forest, an enormous variety of flowers, medicinal herbs, etc.

Waterfall Point, habituating nearby will worth your outing. To start your trekking this will be the best point to start. Easy trekking paths wind crossing deep dense forest will raise your adrenaline rush.

Trout fishing, in Tirthan Valley, which is not far from Shoja, is exciting for who is interested in angling activity. Equipment for angling can be arranged by your tourist guide or you can ask for your Hotel service. This trip can be enjoyed with families and group of friends.

Preferred road route from New Delhi to Shoja;

There are numerous private and state-run buses are available from Delhi. You can reach to Manali or Mandi from Delhi. From there either you can hire taxis or buses which are easily available in your budget to Shoja.

5. Chindi – Karsog Valley

Last, but not the least we reach to the land of god, Chindi – Karsog Valley. Karsog term derived from Kar Shok means mourning. Enjoying solitude over this piece of land will give you inner peace of mind, where you feel to be closer to the god. There is a mythology behind this place that the Pandavas spent their van vaas here. There are many temples here to visit individually carved with different stories behind that. 

City dwellers coming from a very noisy crowd will definitely gain a peace of mind. There are not many sports activities performed over here, but the loads of temples will take you to the next level of spiritual and meditation world. You can simply walk through the village and experience the extravagant beauty of lush green valley.

They primarily produce wheat, corns and apples for their living. Don’t fix yourself at a same destination, your journey starts from here to explore the unexplored. As I’ve already mentioned above that this valley is famous for the spirituality and very much connected with the Hindu mythology. Some nearby temples and popular ones to visit in Karsog valley are Mamleshwar, Kamaksha Devi, Shikari Devi, Mahunag, and Chandika Devi.

A Shikari Devi temple, which is at the highest altitude 3359 m and it is 18 km away from Janjehli. The temple is established by the Pandavas and at the peak of Shikari there is a roofless temple of Shikari Devi. When you reach at the rooftop, you will experience a panoramic view of snow ranges, attention seeking sunrise and sunset, and lush green paddy fields.

Chandika Devi temple, walking distance from Chindi village. The temple is open only for a few hours in the morning to offer prayer in front of Chandika Devi (Durga) deity. The circular pond present in front of the temple gives a spectacular view from the temple.

Kamaksha Devi Temple, As per Hindu mythology, Lord Parshuram austere here to seek the Goddess’s blessing. Everyone is not allowed to visit over here. It is said that actual deity is underground. The fine wooden work skills can be seen at this place.

Preferred road route from New Delhi to Chindi;

From Delhi, Chandigarh buses are available via Ambala. Once you reach Ambala hire taxi or bus for Chindi via Shimla, Naldhera, and Tattapani. This is the best and safest route to reach Chindi.

“Splendid beauty of secluded places in Himachal Pradesh can never be defined in limited words, to explore the extravagant and astounding sight, you have to visit the places”.  

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