Places To Visit In Himachal Pradesh

Planning to wander in the lush forest amidst nature and looking for a serene and peaceful area, then visit St. John in the Wilderness. It is a church situated near Dharmshala, in the northern parts of the India region and established in 1852. It is just 8 km away from Dharamshala.

The church is dedicated to John the Baptist, constructed in a Neo-Gothic style, well-known and popular for its windows made of Belgian stained glass that was given away by the wife of Lord Elgin, Lady Elgin. The amazing part of this structure is when the earthquake had hit the areas of Kangra, this church remained untouched, only its bell tower was partially damaged. 

This peaceful and magnificent edifice is built amidst the lush green forest where you will find peace and tranquility. The holy cross is made with colorful stones and the church is closely watched by the guards. 

What is it famous for? 

The church is admired for its Neo-gothic architectural design that is built in the dense forest, people visit to see the Christian cemetery that surrounds this building, stained-glass windows, and the greenery that covers this epitome. That is why it has been named ‘St. John in the Wilderness’, also known to be the oldest structure in Dharamshala. It boasts an astonishing architectural style, impeccably situated in the magnificent ‘Deodar’ forest in the wilderness.

The interior walls of this structure are lined with old plaques made with polished brass, stone, marble, and old brass oil lamps that are transformed into electric light holders. The building is quite active and well-maintained and a lot of visitors find the location as breath-taking with a picturesque view. 

Is this place worth seeing? 

St. John’s Church in the Wilderness is an architectural marvel and is visited by many tourists every year. Thus, it is a must-see for those who are in the town. Take a stroll through the nearby market place and the area with a picturesque hill of McLeod Ganj. It is advisable to visit this place in summers, as in winter you can experience heavy snowfall which can be risky and concern to safety.

Would you recommend a guide?

This church is one of the famous spots in Dharamshala and can be spotted & traveled on your own, without the need for a guide.

Wanting to take a tour and explore the historic site of Dharamshala, then visit Holy Dalai Lama Temple. The most renowned Buddhist temple in McLeod Ganj, also known as Tsuglakhang Temple. This temple is considered to be an essential pilgrimage spot with majestic statues of Buddha, gilded statue of Shakyamuni with small stupas and shrines all over the place.

The temple is located at a walk down the distance from the main center of the town. The most important feature of this temple is beauty and peace that you will find everywhere and the temple is decorated with colorful flags. The residence of the Dalai Lama is also centered near the temple. 

What is it famous for? 

Dalai Lama’s Temple is encircled by devotees who enchant prayers, perform long meditation trail, and enchant buddha relics. This is a place where you can get lost in the positivity of the surroundings and you can spend as much time as you want. This place is commonly made for spiritual duties and when you enter the temple you will see people praying by chanting prayer beads and wheels. Travelers also join the prayers performed by the Lamas, they can spin and touch the wheel and take it inside the monument. 

You will see that monks are in red and yellow attire walking around, people who visit this holy place also walk around the statue in a clockwise direction. They meditate in a large hall. The best part about this temple is that it will always look beautiful throughout the year. 

Is this place worth seeing? 

The complex is covered with beautiful flags of a different color, making it a perfect spot for long walks or meditations in the morning. Tourists also take part in praying activity and they can walk around freely. It stands out except for its religious preaching and teachings. When you are in McLeod Ganj, you can be lucky to catch the glimpse of his Holiness the Dalai Lama. If you are a historian, this place is for you to get inner peace. It is a peaceful Buddhist Monastery with positive vibes all over the temple. Summer is the best time to see this place as the weather is pleasant and it will be lush green everywhere.

Would you recommend a guide?

You can take a tour to this calm temple on your own, you would not require any guide for entertaining or explanation purpose.

Maa Chintpurni Devi is another face of Maa Durga. As a mother, she takes care of her son and daughters. If her child wants something from her, then she gives them. Different corners of the world, people come here to tell their demands. 

This temple is ancient; according to the books of Sanatan Dharm, when Asuras creates a war that time Dakini and Varini killed them, they want more blood to drink. This time Mata cut his head to quench the thirst. That’s why it is known as a Maa Chinnamastika Devi or Maa Chintpurni Temple. 

Four sides of the temple, there are four different Mahadev temples. They are, at south-Shiv Bari temple, at north-Muchhkund Temple, at-East Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple, and at west-Narahna Mahadev Temple.    

 Historical Significant of Chintpurni Temple

Behind every historical place, there is a story, like that Chintpurni Temple also has a story. One day, Mata Parvati Devi loves her two supporters very much; they are Dakini and Varini. One day they feel starving, and that time they asked Mata Parvati Devi to feed them. But she said wait I could supply you after some time. Sometimes later, Dakini and Varini again requested to fed them, but Parvati Devi again replied to wait.

That time they told her, Mata, you are the mother of the universe whenever your child feels hungry your responsibility to give them food. Hearing this, Mata Parvati cut her head, and blood spurted from three sides. Dakini and Varini drank from two sides and from the third goddess herself drank. From that time, she knows as a Maa Chinnamastika or Mata Chintpurni. 

Most of the people love mountains, want to feel nature, and enjoy science beauty. May be trekking is a good option for all of those activities. It is also good for our health.

If you want to go for a small vacation with kids then Bhrigu lake which is near Manali is a good choice. And trek in this lake is easy to access. It is a heaven in Manali and can be a pleasure trip for you. Somehow after the small experience, it can be a good memory for your whole life.

Tourist Attractions

When you come here it depends on what you want to see the snow or the greenery.

The lovable savannas trek in Himachal – Lot of hikers come here to do this trek for its mythology. It is said that well known Saint Maharshi used to deep meditation here. However, this is not the only reason why people came here. You must do this trek for its prairies There is snow throughout the greensward of regulating and also stunning of the frozen lake. 

A delightful Snow experience – This place freezes in the middle of June. and become snowier. Which is what hikers like the most about of this trek. The trees and plants are here to turn into snowfields. 

Seen of Manalie’s biggest mountain – While walking on the grassland of this place you can see major peaks of Manali like Hanuman Tibba, Sitadhar, Ladakhi. And if there is clear weather you see Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar. And at the top of this place, you can see Deo Tibba and Indrasen as well. 

The beauty of the lake – You will occupy those pretty lakes. When sunlight falls on the water of the lake its looks crystal-clear and beauty of nature. And from the tabletop of this place, you can enjoy mesmerizing views.

It takes four days to trek to Bhrigu lake. Someone can climb here up to 14000 feet. It’s a great trek for a family with kids and beginners. It is said that Maharshi Bhrigu, a saint, used to meditate near the lake. This lake is named after him. Everyone comes to see the lake from the outside to enjoy the unparalleled beauty and short trekking experience. 

The Hampta Pass is one of the treks in the Himalayas. It is located at an altitude of 4260m between Kullu Valley in Himachal Pradesh and Chandra Valley in Lahore. Hampta Pass acquisition is very exciting, especially crossing the pass is a great adventure. The green Kullu valley here has beautiful vines, grasses, shrubs, flowers which have given the valley a wonderful scenic view.

There are forests along the path of this valley, pine trees, and many waterfalls to enjoy at. You will see there are many vertical rock walls & hanging glaciers. The beautiful rhododendron forest here will fascinate you the most.

When we plan to go on vacation, Himachal Pradesh comes to our mind at least once. People from India and abroad come here for holidays. There are many high mountain lakes and many ancient temples here. This is because the science beauty of Himachal Pradesh gives peace to the people who come here.

There are about 2000 temples in the whole Pradesh. One of the major temples is the Chamunda Devi Mandir.  It is believed that the wishes of all the devotees who come here are fulfilled. Peoples from all over the country come here to take Ma's blessings. After killing Asura Chund and Mund, the name of this Devi's temple became Chamunda.

About 700 years ago Rao Jodha built this temple. This temple is located here before the city of Chamba. Although this temple is located on a hill, you do not have to work hard to get here. If you came here by hiring a car it will take you down in front of the Temple's gate. 

Why is it famous?

The Chamunda Devi temple is also considered to be the house of the gods. The temple is located in the district Kangra in the state of Himachal Pradesh. Chamunda Devi temple is one of the 51 pith of Swati. This temple is mainly dedicated to Mata Kali, who stands for power. The origin of this Maa's name is described in "Durga Saptami".

The temple is mainly famous for its great mythology. Many decades ago, Sumbha and Nisumbha were the names of two giants who ruled the world. At that time the earth and the heavens were being persecuted by them. To escape from it, gods and people worship Goddess Durga and Goddess Durga says that She will save them from those demons and incarnates herself as Kaushiki.

Ma Kaushiki was seen by the messenger of Sumbha and Nisumbha. They went to their king and said that "you are the king of Treelokes and you have everything So you should have a woman who is the most beautiful and who has divine power ". They send an envoy to the goddess and say that they want to make her queen. 

Ma said that "if they could defeat her in battle then she will marry them ". Sumbha and Nishumbha get angry when they hear this from her. Then Sumbha and Nishumbha ordered two giants named Chand and Mund to bring the goddess. But Ma Kaushiki rejects their offer then the two Giants attack her. At that time she took the form of Kali and sent the two giants to Yamaoka.