5 Best Places To Visit In North India

As a holiday destination, North India has a lot to offer than you can think of. The whole of North India comprises of hill stations, temples, sparkling lakes, historic monuments and beautiful waterfalls. As you travel through different destinations, we can assure that you will end up exploring more and more. So, let’s have a look at some of the best places you can visit and enjoy in the lap of nature.

1. Shimla.

If you are looking for a rejuvenating getaway, then Shimla is the place for you! Ideal for honeymoon and family vacation, you must not miss this place when planning to explore the Northern part of India. If you are looking for the best combination of natural beauty and adventure activity, then Shimla it is!

Best time to visit:
March to June is the best season to visit Shimla. You can make the most of it by going for adventure sports during this period.

Things to do:

  • Shopping at Lakkar Bazaar
  • Cycling in Shimla Water
  • Camping
  • Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Paragliding

How to reach:
Shimla’s airport Jubbarhatti is 23 km from Shimla and you can easily get a flight from Delhi and Kullu. Tourists from other cities will need to change flights from Delhi. Another best way to visit Shimla is by train from Kalka to mesmerize the scenic beauty. Connectivity by road is quite good to reach Shimla.

Popular Hotels:
You can choose the hotels as per your budget. Per night stay can start from 1500 INR and can go up to 30,000 INR per night. Some of the cheap yet decent hotels are Fairmount Shimla, Summit Le Royale which offer great mountain views, and you can choose Aachman Regency if you are planning to visit with family.

2. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

Overview:
The first thought that comes to mind when you think of Rishikesh is river rafting, but the fact is that Rishikesh has lots to offer to the people than rafting. Rishikesh is also known for yoga and meditation, so if you are spiritual or adventurous or both, then Rishikesh is the place for you!

Best time to visit:
If you want to enjoy river rafting the best season is September to mid-November, while March to May is best for sightseeing.

Things to do:

How to reach:
By Air, Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport to Rishikesh, the place has a good bus service too from and to nearby cities. The nearest railway station is Haridwar which is in close proximity to Rishikesh.

Popular Hotels:
Some of the best and affordable hotels in Rishikesh are Divine Resort, Ganga Kinare – A Riverside Boutique Hotel – as the name suggests the hotel offers the river view dining to tourists. Hotel Ishan – A Riverside Retreat comes in the affordable category again and the best part of this place is you can do Yoga as well!

3. Bodhgaya, Bihar

North India is not just about hill stations, valleys and snow filled mountains, it has something more to offer in terms of spirituality. Bodhgaya is one such holy spot which is a major tourist attraction. It is well-known for its historical importance in the Buddhist culture. The archaeological wonders of this place attracts people and it is a must visit to experience a different culture.

Best time to visit:
The pilgrimage season starts in September and concludes in January. If you are looking to visit some nice spiritual places, then it is the right time to go there.

Things to do:

  • Great Buddha Statue
  • Mahabodhi Temple
  • Visit Royal Bhutan Monastery
  • Walk around the Bodhi Tree
  • Visit Wat Thai Buddhagaya

How to reach:
By air, Gaya is the nearest airport, where as the closest rail station is the Gaya Junction. Many buses connect this place to other major cities, while the option of self-drive is one of the best options, if you enjoy driving.

Popular Hotels:
One can stay in a low-budget hotel in Bodhgaya and it could be as low as 500 to 700 INR. To name a few, there is Hotel Bodh Vilas followed by Hotel Lumbini International. If you can spend a bit more, then go to Hotel Bodhgaya Gautam and Hotel Sujata.

4. Udaipur, Rajasthan

If your interest lies in lakes, temples, palaces, and great museums, then Udaipur is the place you need to visit. You can visit the world of Royals to get the Royal touch of India. Tourists all over the world can be seen in Udaipur to take away beautiful memories of this mesmerizing place. Not only limited to sightseeing, many celebrities and high-profile businessmen prefer the Royal Palaces here as the wedding venue.

Best time to Visit:
Winter is the best time to visit this place. You can experience a comfortable and enjoyable climate.

Things to do:

  • City Palace Tour
  • Boat Ride in Lake Pichola
  • Bagoreki Haveli
  • Jag Mandir Palace
  • Jagdish Temple (Detailed Carvings)

How to reach:
Maharana Pratap Airport is the closest airport to Udaipur. There are regular trains that connect Udaipur to all major cities. You can also opt for the bus transport.

Popular Hotels:
If you would want to have a lifetime experience of staying in the Palace hotel, then that dream can be fulfilled only in Udaipur. To name a few, you have The Oberoi Udaivillas and Taj Lake Palace. You do have pocket-friendly options here like Devra Udaipur, Udai Kothi, and Hotel Boheda Palace, which offer a great and a comfortable stay.

5. Dharmashala, Himachal Pradesh

If you want to enjoy the beauty of nature, then do make a visit to Dharmashala at least once in your life. Dharmashala is one hill station that offers scenic views, education centers and adventure sports as well.

Best time to visit:
If someone is looking for an expert’s advice to find the best time to visit this place, it definitely would be summer (March to June) without any doubt.

Things to do:

  • Paragliding in Kangra Valley
  • Norbulingka Institute
  • Tibetan Museum
  • HPCA Stadium
  • Gyuto Monastery

How to reach:
The major railway station that connects Dharmashala to other major cities is Pathankot. The nearest airport being Gaggal, Dharmashala is well-connected to other parts of the country via good network of state buses as well.

Popular Hotels:
Hotel Inclover, WelcomHeritage Grace Hotel, Treebo GK Conifer, Pink House, Angel’s Resort Inn are some of the highly recommended hotels around this place.

It is truly said, the more you travel, the more you discover. The places discussed above are just a glimpse of the actual paradise in North India. So, pack your bags and set off to explore the unseen heaven and add further to your memories!

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