Himachal Pradesh is a beautiful state situated in northern India. It can be easily and fondly referred to as the Switzerland of India and it is often called ‘Devbhumi’ or ‘the land of Gods’. Himachal Pradesh has the best of nature with its sleepy old towns, some of them painted with colonial colours, sparkling streams, gushing waterfalls, holy temples, artistic monasteries, snow-capped mountain ranges and thick forested valleys and meadows.
Along with the pristine natural beauty combines the unbroken peace and solitude that makes Himachal Pradesh an idyllic tourist destination. The rain-washed fresh beauty and wet, misty air that abounds make Himachal in the monsoon season an absolutely enticing getaway. The mountain ranges and forests of Himachal Pradesh look stunning in monsoon. The streams and rivers getting fed by monsoon waters gurgle down with more furore.
Dramatic Dharamshala
Dharamshala is an enchanting land of Lamas and scintillating monasteries. Dharamshala is internationally acclaimed as Dalai Lama’s residence. It is situated at an altitude of 1,775 metres. Dharamshala is cosily shrouded by a thick curtain of ancient, misty, towering Deodar trees.
The sleepy town exudes peace and calmness that sets your soul at peace. The Bhagsunag waterfalls of Dharamshala pumps up and roars down with an extra force and is a pleasure to visit during the monsoons. Visit the greenery of the Namgyal Monastery, Tsuglagkhang Complex of Dalai Lama Temple, Norbulingka, St. John in the Wilderness, his Holiness the Dalai Lama Temple and the mesmerizing Dal Lake.
Kasol
Kasol is famed as the ‘Little Island of Israel’. It is a captivating place in the Kullu valley of Himachal Pradesh and a delight to visit in monsoons with friends and family. This hill paradise is located on the banks of the charming river Parvati and will bewilder you with its serene beauty. Feel the beauty of the village dressed in fresh green and enjoy the Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara, binge on authentic Israeli cuisine, go shopping along the Kasol streets and try the famous rice beer. Stroll along the picturesque banks of River Parvati which swells up in the monsoon season and unwind in the best manner possible.
Shoghi
Nature lover’s haven Shoghi attracts travellers during monsoon with its deep cover of giant pine and oak trees. The beauty of Chadwick Falls in monsoons is mesmerizing. This fall is locally known as Chidku (bird) Jhaar (waterfall) which depicts the height of the waterfall as it is believed that the upmost level can only be reached by a bird.
Situated just 13 kilometres from the capital of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla, Shoghi was once the summer capital of British India. The Kalka-Shimla Heritage Toy Train connects Shoghi very comfortably to the other big cities. And the toy train ride to Shoghi is an experience in itself.
Khajjiar
Khajjiar is an extremely relaxing destination of Himachal Pradesh for a vacation during monsoons. Khajjiar’s beauty arises from the majestic mountain ranges and dense deodar forests that surrounds this hill town. So impeccable is its beauty that Khajjiar is often referred to as ‘The Mini Switzerland of India’.
This impeccable town is the home to the famous ancient Khaji Nag Temple established in the 12th century. Khajiar’s exquisite charm is enhanced by the emerald coloured, placid Khajjiar Lake that fills to the brim during monsoons and creates a dreamy haze. The lake blushes with monsoon waters and the reflection of the majestic mountain ranges and forests on the waters adds to the charm. Chamera Lake too contributes to the monsoon glory of Khajjiar.
Mashobra
Drink in the freshness and natural beauty of Mashobra, a lush green expansive meadow at a height of 7700 metres perched on the higher altitudes of Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh. Breathe in the crisp and clean mountain air, explore the valley leisurely and visit the Mashobra Reserve Forest Sanctuary which is a bird watcher’s haven and enjoy wildlife.
Try to locate chikor or the partridge hiding behind monsoon greenery and discover the magic of this fairyland. Taste the jams, squashes and pickles infused with the local flavours of Mashobra and have a fun filled monsoon vacation.
Shimla
Shimla, the regal capital of Himachal Pradesh, exhibits a rich colonial history and culture. It is justly called the Queen of Hills and possesses a majesty mixed with old-world charm. Monsoon vacation in Shimla translates to discovering the sweet aromas and flavours of Himachal dishes, shopping at the bustling streets of Shimla malls and bazaars, taking in the breath-taking view of nature and its splendour and carving out a dream vacation in monsoons.
Step out to explore the famous Christ Church, gorge on best of classy food at the jazzy restaurants and cafes. The steaming hot coffees and yummy snacks to go with it will make monsoon delightful in Shimla with a perfect view of the snow-capped Himalayas and the surrounding greenery.
Mcleodganj
Mcleodganj is an enchanting place to visit in Himachal during the monsoon season. This mountain paradise known as ‘Little Lhasa’ or ‘Dhasa’ has a large bunch of Tibetan population and contains some of the best monasteries in India. Namgyal Monastery and Tsuglagkhang are worth visiting to enjoy the solitude of the mountains. Mcleodganj has some of the best street side cafes and relish the local food to enjoy a grand monsoon vacation. Visit the Masroor Temple, the swollen Bhagsu Falls, picturesque Nechung Monastery, Guna Devi Temple and the St. John’s Church. Vipassana Meditation Centre will offer you the eternal solitude and peace. Also visit the Pong Dam Lake or the Maharana Pratap Sagar artificial lake and feel the allure of the mountains.
Monsoon visit to Himachal amply brings out the mountain mysticism. Plan a remarkable monsoon vacation to the hills if you haven’t yet. The monsoon magic of Himalayas with the carpet of towering deodar trees and the enchantment of lakes and waterfalls, view of the serene mountain ranges and the holiness of the famous temples and monasteries lend an extra dimension to holidaying in Himachal.
You may like to read
