Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh is the quintessential Himalayan getaway for Indians and international visitors alike. The state unfurls across a stunning range of altitudes - from the subtropical foothills near Chandigarh to the trans-Himalayan moonscapes of Spiti Valley above 12,000 ft. Each town has its own personality: Shimla charms with its Ridge promenade and mock-Tudor architecture, Manali pulses with backpacker energy and roaring rivers, and McLeodganj offers Tibetan momos and meditation retreats in the shadow of the Dhauladhar range. Nature lovers will find no shortage of wonders - the Great Himalayan National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) shelters snow leopards and over 375 bird species, while Kasol and Kheerganga draw trekkers with pine-forest trails ending at natural hot springs. The Kullu Valley erupts in colour during the October Dussehra festival, a week-long celebration unique to the region. And for the truly intrepid, the Spiti circuit delivers jaw-dropping vistas of barren peaks, hanging monasteries, and fossil-laden ridges. Himachal is also an epicure's delight - think fresh trout from Tirthan Valley, Sidu bread from Kullu, and piping-hot Siddu with ghee on a cold mountain morning. Whether you seek adrenaline or tranquillity, this state wraps you in mountain air and sends you home renewed.