Winter’s Tale

Kufri: A tiny hillstation near Shimla, it is home to the Himalayan Wildlife Zoo. This is where you can see antelopes, felines, and birds including the Himalayan Monal. Pay a visit to the potato plantation as well. The meandering path here transforms into a ski track in the winters. Kufri also offers its tourists a lot of fun and exciting winter sports.

Dalhousie: This quaint little town is known for the nice view of snow-capped peaks. Walk around to see some beautiful examples of Scottish and Victorian architecture. Karelanu, close to Dalhousie, is famous for its miraculous natural spring water, which is known to have cured Subhash Chandra Bose’s tuberculosis. Drive down 25 km from Dalhousie to Khajjiar, also known as “Switzerland of India”. Have a little picnic, or get a picture taken in traditional Himachali attire in this huge park which is surrounded by majestic pine trees. At the Mall Road, make sure you have the momos with the super hot chutney.

Manali: This cosmopolitan hillstation is home to settlers from all over the world. Located in the Kullu district, it attracts tourists both in the summer and winter months. Drive up to Rohtang Pass, and play in the snow while you enjoy a breathtaking view of the Himalayas, or visit the various temples and monasteries in the town area. If you’re looking for a fun, lazy vacation, just head to the Club House which has a roller skating rink, a billiards room, library, a bar and a restaurant. They also arrange bungee jumping on request.

shiMla: The “Queen of the Hills” was once the summer capital of British Raj India. The city is known for its neogothic architecture from the colonial era. The Mall is a hotspot where people stroll down to check out stores selling all kinds of goods and stop by for a quick bite or coffee. If temples interest you, there are many beautiful ones here like Hanuman Temple at Jakhu, Tara Devi and Sankat Mochan among others. Pack a picnic basket and head to the biggest park in Shimla, Annandale. The Christ Church in Shimla is another attraction, the second oldest church in Northern India, it is worth a visit for its stained glass windows alone. Department of Tourism, HP, has also established Shimla Heritage Museum at the U.S. Club.

McleoDganj: Home to Tibetan refugees, this suburb of Dharamsala, is extremely popular with international tourists, students and Indian travellers. Any time of the year you go, this little town will charm you with its gorgeous view of the Dhauladhar range, tiny little cafes that serve multiple cuisines and the ever-smiling red-robed monks on the streets. Sip on hot masala chai at the tiny stall right outside the Namgyal monastery while you’re bundled up in beautiful woollen scarves and cardigans you can buy on the roadside here. you can also pick up silver trinkets and Tibetan curios on the way back to the main Chowk. Then sip on hot chocolate while you feast on some delicious wood fire oven pizzas and warm nutella pancakes on a terrace top at the Carpe Diem Café.