In the big mountains called the Himalayas, there is a place. This place is Himachal Pradesh. It is full of pretty nature and old things from the past. People often talk about Shimla and Manali, key destinations in the famous Shimla Manali tour. But this place has more cool spots. From calm hill towns to quiet valleys, each place has excitement, history, and peace. Let us go and see eleven places in Himachal Pradesh that not many know about, but are just as good.

1. Mashobra: Embrace Nature's Bounty

Away from the noisy crowd, Mashobra attracts tourists by its beautiful nature and the spirit of British architecture. While Kasauli is a well-known hill station, Mashobra is a relatively less explored destination that provides a serene and cozy stay away from the hustle and bustle of the city, surrounded by fruit orchards, babbling brooks, and dense forests. Tourists can also enjoy more adventurous activities such as white water rafting on the clear waters or flying high in the sky through paragliding at the slopes. Don’t fail to catch Rashtrapati Nivas the presidential residence which is open to the public this year and get a feel of its historical background and huge compound.

2. Kotgarh: Unraveling History's Mysteries

A place that remains unexplored and holds many surprises for the traveler, Kotgarh has many historical monuments and beauty to offer. While Shimla is replete with tourists, Kotgarh is comparatively quiet and offers splendid views of the Sutlej River and greenery. For those interested in history, there is St Mary’s Church, a structure from the British period that has stained glass windows and cedar benches. Tourists interested in wildlife can go for trekking through the thick forests of pine, oak and deodar trees or take a wander pleasantly through the huge apple orchards. You should not miss the Tanni Jubbar mela at the beautiful Tanni Jubbar Lake held in the month of June every year as a cultural fair

3. Narkanda: A Year-Round Wonderland

While Shimla is famous for its summers, Narkanda has a charm that is intact all year round and has a lot of variety in terms of landscapes. Narkanda is surrounded by apple and cherry trees and it is an ideal place to visit for those who love nature and adventure. Discover the story of Satyananda Stokes, the father of apple cultivation in Himachal along with the natural beauty of Tanni Jubbar Lake and the enchanting mixed forest of fir, Cedar and blue pine. In winter, the town becomes a haven for winter sporting activities, challenging the skiing lovers to take on the slopes of Hatu Peak with the backdrop of Maple, Conifer and Oak trees.

4. Landour: A Glimpse of Colonial Heritage

See the history and natural beauty of this former British colony in Landour, India, far away from the busy crowd. Located in the Deodar belt of the Himalayas, Landour is a charming town that still retains the British bungalows and views of the mountains. Experience the scenic Chukker Trail which is a nature trail that provides a vantage point to view the topography of the town and the hills or taste history at Char Dukan which are the old shops of the 1800’s. Visit St. Paul’s Church, a great example of British architecture and Lal Tibba, the highest point in Mussoorie. Anil’s Cafe, Landour Bakehouse, and Doma’s Inn serve some of the best food in Mussoorie and the beauty of the hill-station adds to the experience.

 5. Palampur: A Haven for Tea Connoisseurs

While visiting Palampur, situated amidst the tea gardens, one can witness a colourful and flavorful picture of the place that reflects its cultural essence.. While the number of tourists visiting Dharamshala is significantly increasing, Palampur is a perfect place to relax surrounded by tea gardens and streams. To know about the history of tea cultivation as old as 1849, Palampur and its nearby areas are worth a visit. You can have a quiet time having a picnic at the Neugal Khad stream or take a view of the Dhauladhar range at Neugal Park. Saurabh Van Vihar nature park is a beautiful park surrounded by nature which provides a chance of bird-watching, boating and bouldering.

 6. Andretta: Where Art Meets Nature

Located in the lap of the Dhauladhar mountain range, Andretta is a place that has a rich heritage of art and architecture along with beauty. Andretta was once famous for being an artists’ village and still retains its features with pottery studios and art galleries. Explore the art of ceramics at Mansimsingh and Mary Singh’s pottery studio where local artists demonstrate their talent. Discover the historical and art culture of the region at the Shobha Singh Art Gallery that has work from the 20th century. Visit the Wah Tea estate and enjoy the sight of the natural beauty of tea gardens and the calm environment around them.

 7. Bir: A Haven for Adventure Enthusiasts

For those who are seeking thrilling adventures, Bir will not disappoint you and will offer you a thrilling experience in the midst of stunning views and the Tibetan way of life. Bir is also famous for being the home to a thriving Tibetan Colony as well as a hub of adventure and culture. Paragliding is another interesting activity apart from trekking and camping. visitors can visit monasteries such as the Sherabling Monastery and Chokling Monastery; there is also trekking and mountain biking. Learn about film making and photography with the Himalayan Film School or explore Buddhism at the Deer Park Institute, founded by the Dalai Lama in 2006. Experience the lively feel of Bir’s Tibetan colony, taste scrumptious food at Garden Cafe, June 16, or at Ara and discover the essence of Tibetan culture.

 8. Chail: A Sanctuary of Serenity

Amidst the clouds and the pine fresh air, Chail is the epitome of tranquillity amidst the backdrop of the hills. Originally built as a summer residence by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala, Chail charms its guests with its royal past and picturesque landscapes. Visit the Chail Palace, a heritage hotel that was once the royal summer residence in Chail, which is now open to tourists or the world’s highest cricket ground. Get to know more about the Chail Sanctuary and the living beings that inhabit the place such as the sambar, goral, and langurs or take a tour of the forests of Chail through hiking.

 9. Naggar: A Tapestry of Heritage and Nature

Once the capital of the kingdom of Kullu, Naggar is a place that will intrigue travelers with the stories of its history and the beauty of its nature. Visit the historical Naggar Castle, an architectural wonder that depicts the royalties of the region or pay a visit to the Roerich Art Gallery displaying valuable paintings of Nicholas Roerich. Visit the temple complex of Tripura Sundari and Gauri Shankar or learn more about the culture of the region in Urusvati Himalayan Folk Art Museum.

10. Tirthan Valley: Nature's Paradise

Far from busy Manali, Tirthan Valley is a good place for people who like nature and outdoor things. Tirthan Valley is one of the most beautiful valleys of Himachal Pradesh, which serves as the entry point to the Great Himalayan National Park

Also Read: Spiti Valley-A Calm and Beautiful Destination in Himachal