North

Shimla, the picturesque capital city of Himachal Pradesh, is located at the foothills of the Himalayas and offers a unique travel experience with its snow-capped mountains, forests, lush green valleys, placid lakes, and pleasant climatic conditions. Apart from these natural attractions, the region also boasts of several man-made wonders including religious places, historical structures, museums, and the lively Mall Road. Away from the hustle-bustle of large cities, Shimla makes for one of the best honeymoon destinations in North India.

• Best Time to Visit: March to June. November to February is ideal for experiencing snowfall and enjoying snow-related adventure activities
• Key Attractions: The Ridge, Mall Road, Jakhoo Hill and Temple, Kalka-Shimla Railway, Christ Church, Himachal State Museum, Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Green Valley, Tara Devi Temple, Mashobra, Kufri, Chail, and Chadwick Falls.
• Nearest Airport: Chandigarh International Airport
• Nearest Railway Station: Kalka Railway Station

The tree-covered hills and valleys of Dehradun and Mussoorie have attracted families and couples since the 1800s. Offering stunning views of Dehradun on one side and snow-capped Himalayan peaks on the other, the British rightly called Mussoorie, The Queen of Hill Stations. Located merely 33 km apart, these hills are also popular with trekkers. In addition to their natural beauty, Dehradun and Mussoorie boast of a number of institutions, churches, and summer palaces from the British-raj era.

• Best Time to Visit: March to June. December to February is ideal to experience snow.
• Key Attractions in Mussoorie: Lake Mist, Camel’s Back Road, Cloud’s End, Mussoorie Lake, Gunhill Road, Mall Road, Lal Tibba Scenic Point, Bhatta Falls, Company Garden, Soham Heritage & Art Center, Mossy Falls, Bhadraj Temple, Benog Wildlife Sanctuary, Jwala Devi Temple, Happy Valley, and Kempty Falls.
• Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
• Nearest Railway Station: Dehradun

Dharmshala and McLeodganj – less than 10 km apart – are best known as the home of the Tibetan Spiritual Leader, the Dalai Lama. Given the Tibetan influence, the calm and scenic McLeodganj is also known as Little Lhasa. Along with their natural beauty, these hill stations in North India are also known for quaint monasteries, Tibetan markets, old bungalows, and churches. They offer a sneak-peek into Tibetan culture and cuisine. Dharamshala and McLeodganj attract tourists of all ages from across the globe.

• Best Time to Visit: February to June.
• Key Attractions in Dharmshala and McLeodganj: Bhagsu Falls, Namgyal Monastery, Tsuglagkhang Complex, Bhagsunag Temple, Tibetan Museum, Triund, Dal Lake and St. John in the Wilderness Church
• Nearest Airport: Gaggal Airport, Dharamsala
• Nearest Railway Station: Dharamshala and Pathankot

It is impossible to talk about religious places in North India without mentioning Haridwar and Rishikesh. Considered to be twin national heritage cities, Haridwar and Rishikesh have a spiritual aura that attracts soul seekers and pilgrims from across the world. Even the Beatles visited Rishikesh in the 60s! While on one hand, the Ganges is meditated upon, on the other, its white rapids call out to thrill-seekers making it one of the most popular adventure spots in North India. Both towns have a vegetarian food culture and are known for delicious street food spread. Further, Rishikesh is the starting point for the Char Dhaam Yatra.

• Best Time to Visit: March to June and October to November
• Key Attractions in Rishikesh: Yoga Treats, Jadh Ganga Trek, Kuari Pass, Kaudiyala Ram Jhula, Lakshman Jhula, Triveni Ghat, Neelkanth Mahadev, Byasi, Parmanth Ghat, and Tera Manzil (Trimbakeshwar )Temple.
• Nearest Railway Station: Haridwar and Rishikesh

Amritsar is a treasure trove of spiritual and architectural beauty. It is home to the holiest shrine of the Sikhs, the Golden Temple or Sri Harmandir Sahib as it is popularly known. With bullet marks still visible on the walls of the Jallianwala Bagh, the city is a poignant reminder of India’s freedom struggle. The Change of Guard ceremony performed every evening at the Wagah-Attari border by soldiers of the Indian and Pakistani army is another reason Amritsar is worth visiting.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Key Attractions in Amritsar: Durgiana Temple, Gobindgarh Fort, Golden Temple, Company Bagh, Jallianwala Bagh, Akal Takht, Partition Museum, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum, Central Sikh Museum, The Old City Bazaar, Sada Pind, Harike Bird Sanctuary, and Wagah Border. Learn more about historical places in Amritsar
• Nearest Airport: Amritsar International Airport or Sri Guru Ram Das Ji Airport

Surrounded by snow-capped hills in the winter and pine-clad valleys in the summer, Dalhousie is a nature lover’s paradise. Apart from honeymooners and families, this is one of the popular tourist places for solo travelers in North India. Sprawled across 5 hills and valleys, Dalhousie has many bungalows, churches, and cottages that date back to the British era. It abounds in natural beauty and boasts of picturesque waterfalls, trekking routes, lakes, dams and a wildlife sanctuary that houses over 100 rare species of birds and animals.

• Best Time to Visit: March to May. October to February is a good time to experience snow.
• Key Attractions in Dalhousie: Panch Pulla, St. John’s Church, Satdhara Falls, St. Francis’ Church, Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, Dainkund Peak, Chamunda Devi Temple, Khajjiar, Barapattar Hill, Subhash Baoli, Sach Pass, and Ganji Pahari
• Nearest Airport: Pathankot Airport and Gaggal Airport
• Nearest Railway Station: Pathankot Railway Station

With a beautiful lake that takes center stage, Nainital is one of the most popular family destinations in North India. The town has a number of trekking routes that offer spectacular views of forested valleys and pristine lakes. Everything about Nainital seems designed to relax the mind and spirit. In winter, the town is covered with snow and looks like it belongs to a postcard. The Nainital Winter Carnival is a 3 days extravagant celebration with cultural performances, bird watching, and heritage trails.

• Best Time to Visit: March to June. Late November to February is a good time to experience snow and winter carnival.
• Key Attractions in Nainital: Naini Lake, Tiffin Top, Eco Cave Garden, G B Pant High Altitude Zoo, Naina Devi Temple, Mall Road, Snow View Point, Governor House, Naina Peak, Kilbury Road, Jeolikot, Land’s End, Peora, Sariyatal, and Nainital Ropeway.
• Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport
• Nearest Railway Station: Kathgodam Railway Station

Varanasi is one of the most important religious places in North India. Also known as Benaras, it is steeped in history and religious symbolism. There are a number of temples in Varanasi dedicated to Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Watching the sunrise over the Ganga and strolling down the ghats are powerful experiences that one cannot have anywhere else. It is a magical city where myriad sights and sounds can quickly overwhelm the senses.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March. April and May and popular times to experience festivities in Varanasi
• Key Attractions in Varanasi: Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Assi Ghat, Kedar Ghat, Alamgir Mosque, St. Maryês Church, Ganga Aarti, Dhamek Stupa, Ramnagar Fort, Chunar Fort, Sarnath Museum, Chaukhandi Stupa, Sankat Mochan Hanuman, Varanasi Fun City, Vindham Waterfalls, and Tibetan Table.
• Nearest Airport: Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport
• Nearest Railway Station: Varanasi

The natural beauty of the Kashmir Circuit makes it one of the top places to visit in North India. There’s a lot to take in here ranging from the mesmerizing lakes and expansive gardens to the snow-capped mountains in the distance. Srinagar is also a hub of activity with bustling local markets. The Kashmiri wazwan calls for a special mention for its rich aromas and flavors. In winter, the slopes of Sonamarg, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam become ideal for skiing and winter sports.

• Best Time to Visit: March to August. December to February is a good time to enjoy snow
• Key Attractions in the Kashmir Circuit: Dal Lake, Shalimar Bagh, Shankaracharya Temple, Pari Mahal, Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, Chashme Shahi, Hazratbal Shrine, Hari Parbat, Jamia Masjid, Betaab Valley, Pahalgam Lakes, Gulmarg Gondola, and
• Nearest Airport: Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport, Srinagar
• Nearest Railway Station: Jammu Railway Station and Srinagar Railway Station

Leh-Ladakh is one of the most picturesque adventure spots in North India. Its unique landscape varies from rugged mountains with snow-capped peaks to pristine blue lakes, lush green pockets, and shifting dunes of the Nubra valley to meandering rivers. It is home to several monasteries covered in a mystic, spiritual air. Thrill-seekers find Leh-Ladakh exhilarating for treks across the Zanskar range, bike rides over the mountains and rafting down the Indus and Zanskar rivers. The people, culture, and food of this region are heavily influenced by Tibetan culture.

• Best Time to Visit: April to September. November to March offers a unique chance to see the lakes frozen into solid ice.
• Key Attractions in Leh-Ladakh: Khardung La, Nubra Valley, Thiksey Monastery, Leh Palace, Magnetic Hill, Shanti stupa, Zorawar Fort, Hall of Fame, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, Pangang Tso, Tso Moriri, Tso Kar and Hemis Monastery
• Nearest Airport: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, Leh
• Nearest Railway Station: Srinagar