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Northern India has always been the most sought places for long peaceful family holidays. Away from the daily grinding routines and stressful lives, Northern India offers a great package of unmatchable cultural heritage in this part of the country amid the breathtaking landscapes and surreal atmosphere away from the chaos in the plains. The deal is of luxury, peacefulness and unforgettable memoirs. So now that you and your family can be delirious, pack your bags, a list of scintillating places to visit in North India is listed below!

Places to Visit in North India

Following is the list of places to have must family trip in North India.

Leh

Image Source: Cultural India

Well, who hasn’t heard of the exciting road trips to Leh our friends and relatives been to? Well, you and your family need to buckle up, because Leh tops the chart in the Places to definitely visit in North India. The rugged mountains, all year winter and luxury offerings make Leh a must visit destination. The city with proper tourist spots and with its enthralling beauty, caters to your religious, sports, adventure hunger and luxury desires perfectly!

How to reach Leh
:  Delhi to Leh have flights placing you at Leh in approximately 1 hr 30 min. The road trip of 1250 km from Delhi is more famous though due to escalating rise of landscape and altitude from plains to a height of 18000 ft.

Best time to visit: March to October.

Things to do:

• The city itself has proper tourist spots like the Stupa, Shey monastery, the hall of fame, Leh Market
  
• A few km away from the city are world famous tourist spots i.e. Khardung la, Chang la, Magnetic hill, Pathar Sahib to name a few.
  
• The snow covered area almost the whole area has serene environment and a perfect place to break the monotony of life.
  

Srinagar

Image Source: Google Images

The famous summer capital of Jammu And Kashmir, though in turbulence these days but is one of the most urbanized thriving city of India. It runs on tourism and caters for a perfect family holiday. It is that one place which looks exactly the same as in the famous movies of Kashmir ki Kali, Fitoor to name a few even today.

How to reach Srinagar: The flights across the mountain ranges of Jammu Kashmir are short, direct and perfect from Bangalore. The roadway is a famous route via Panipat, Ludhiana, Amritsar, Anantnag of approximate distance of 840 km which can be taken from Delhi.

Best time to visit: March to October.

Things to do:

• Relax, sit back and chill at the beautiful Dal Lake in the famous Shikara houseboats.
  
• Visit the beautiful gardens of Mughals, Shalimar Bagh, Tulip Valley and gardens, Dachigam national park and click memorable pictures.
  
• Nearby is another famous tourist hotspot called Gulmarg famous for its Asia’s longest ropeway, Apple and Walnut orchids steal a few and buy a ton.
  

Vaishno Devi

Image Source: Google Images

Zor se bolo Jai Mata Di! Saare bolo Jai Mata Di! ( Say it loud Hail mother! Everybody say Hail Mother!) red head bands, a trekking stick,  is one feeling that everyone craves for and visits to get blessed by Lord Durga. If you are listing best places to visit in North India, Vaishno Devi has to be in it. From adventurous 14 km one way trek to the religious chill in your spine, this trip is all it takes

How to reach: The most convenient way is to reach Jammu by the railways or the airways and then take a bus to Katra which will be a 3 hrs ride. From Katra the trek starts which is properly maintained and conducted by the tourism department.

Best time to visit: March to October.

Things to do:

• Meditate in the positive sphere of the temple, enjoy the greenery and have good food at the small dhaabas in Katra.
  
• Don’t forget to drink the famous pure water coming from the the mountains at the end of the trek.
  
• Shop around and buy some traditional stuff for yourself and your family.
  

Dehradun

Image Source: Conde nast traveller India

Of the must visit places in the North India, Dehradun is the city one cannot miss. The city of joy in terms of its cultural and ancient pride is still the city which runs in the British era. Jeweled in the lower Himalayas, the capital of the state Uttrakhand, it is one of the most looked for family holiday destination.

How to reach Dehradun: The best way will be to catch the airways. The rails reach Dehradun from Delhi. The roadways will be exhausting because the roads for now are not in the best of the condition, but if you have the guts and time to travel go and take the road way which is  definitely enthralling!

Best time to visit: Anytime of the year.

Things to do:

• Visit the streets of the city, the market, shop around and enjoy the warm food.
  
• Pay a visit to the the Indian Military Academy.
  
• Around Dehradun, there is Nainital, Mussouri to visit.
  
• Do air sports like para gliding, para sailing to name a few.
  

Joshimath- Auli

Image Source: Vivek Thaku

In the Northern Uttrakhand lies a beautiful resort of Joshimath and Auli. It’s a major attraction for magnificent view of the majestic Himalayas .Located at 3010 m above sea level; it has the highest and the longest ropeway after Gulmarg.

How to reach: Joshimath is about 290 km from Dehradun by road, from Delhi take a direct flight or railways to reach dehradun first, or take direct roadways to Auli (about 9 hrs)

Best time to visit:  Anytime of the year.

Things to do: The place has excellent mountain views and serene view points. It is famous for the second longest and highest ropeway. In the summer enjoy the moderate weather while in winters experience the snow and a lovely ride in the valley!

Shimla

Image Source: Free India Tours and Travels

The city of dreams has no words to describe. The world knows about Shimla, whole India knows about Shimla. It is the perfect city to live in, to be a tourist in and to know it in and out. Famous for the typical hills things, the capital of state Himachal Pradesh, the city encompasses of everything a normal city has.

How to reach: From Delhi by the railways reach Kalka. From Kalka either take a bus or the toy train for some extra fun!

Best time to visit: Anytime of the year.

Things to do:

• Shop around, visit the Mall road.
  
• Travel around to Kullu and Manali, Chail also, only a few km away.
  
• Visit National Science institute.
  

Chandigarh

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Not really the mountains and valleys of North India, but definitely one of the best settlements in North India. Chandigarh the planned city is everyone’s favorite. With unreal infrastructure,
palace like houses if you are looking for luxurious engagement this is the place to cater all your desires for a perfect family holiday.

How to reach: Almost all means of transport will turn up to be very convenient.

Best time to visit: October to March.

Things to do:

• Many places of Interest lime the rock garden, rose garden, Sukhna Lake, the roads also (the city extremely organized).
  
• Sectors for good shopping carry loads of money and shop!
  
• Amazing non vegetarian food in every corner of the city!
  

Kedarnath

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Located in the Rudraprayag district, the temple of Kedarnath, none for its sanctity and resistance to difficulties it has faced in its time of standing. It’s a place to be with your family, to meditate together. Here people together and pray amidst the surreal beauty of Uttrakhand.

How to reach: From Delhi via the most convenient way take direct taxis/buses to Kedarnath (about 8 hrs)

Best time to visit: April to November.

Things to do:

• Just a place to pray and spend time with your family in the pure and beautiful surroundings.
  
• Sports activities like white water rafting, water activities to name a few.
  

Badrinath

Image Source: Char dham Yatra 2016

In Chamoli district of Uttrakhand, and one of the four important sites of Char Dham, Badrinath is again one ultimate religious stress busting place to be with your family. Gaurded by the mountains Nar and Narayan the Neelkanth peak provides a splendid backdrop to the temple.

How to reach:
From Delhi via the most convenient way take direct taxis/buses to Badrinath (about 8 hrs)

Best time to visit: May to November

Things to do:

• Just a place to pray and spend time with your family in the pure and beautiful surroundings.
  
• Sports activities like whitewater rafting, water activities to name a few.
  

Kangra Valley

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Located in the western province of Punjab administratively in Himachal Pradesh, the valley an asset to the state surrounded by Dhauladhar mountain ranges has many beautiful destinations around it. The area occupies the lower riparian fields of the river Beas. Religiously, adventurous charging placemaking last on the list but not the least.

How to reach: From Delhi via the most convenient way take direct taxis/buses to each of these places (about 8 hrs)

Best time to visit: April to July.

Things to do:

• To name a few places visit the heaven on earth Palampur, Bir Billing, Jwala devi temple, Dharamshala, Dalhousie, Dhauladhar along with awesome aerial sports!
  
• Breathe in the beauty and serene environment and relax.
  

Munsiyari

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The place located at the foothills of Himalayas is a perfect painting of an artist. The nature is the vanguard of the beauty that it beholds. The place is famous for its trek, skiing and other blood rushing sport activities. It is the place to attain ultimate peace, so much peace that you might attain moksha (kidding).

How to reach: The nearest airport is Pantnagar airport about 249 km and near railway is Kathgodam, however the most convenient way from Delhi would to take road. Rent a bike or a taxi or a mini bus and enjoy the road trip!

Best time to visit: Summers!

Things to do:

• Trek to the famous peaks with your family and do a lot of sporting and enjoy the scenic beauty.
  
• Munsiyari has a couple of most beautiful falls like Birthi in Uttrakhand and also some of the most beautiful small foothill lakes.
  

Nainital

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One of the most famous tourist destinations of India continues to be the most looked for places in Uttrakhand hill stations. The city is located around Naini Lake and surrounded by the hills of Uttrakhand like a string of pearls. If you are planning a weekend get away from the hustle bustle of the urban life this is the place you are searching for, short, sweet and soothing.

How to reach: The most convenient way would be to take direct taxis/buses to this place. Rent a car or keep the taxi and go into the deep woods to experience the real surreal greenery of this place.

Best time to visit: Anytime of the year, preferably end of the year.

Things to do:

• The place is good place for a family hangout, or a cozy couple weekend getaway.
  
• Enjoy small rides and activities in and around the Naini lake.
  
• Visit the Naina Devi temple, and look out for happiness in small things. Spend time with your loved ones in and around the city in the markets, parks and points.
  

Amritsar

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The land of five rivers Punjab has yet another ecstatic city to visit with your family. A place about which a child has read all his childhood. The famous attraction is of the historical importance it has, a place for pilgrimage and a hub never ending hunger food.

How to reach: The city is accessible through all the three main ways of transport, the air, rail and road ways. From Delhi, the airways would be best suited.

Best time to visit: Any time of the year.

Things to do:

• The city is popular for Golden Temple; a visit to the holy place is a must.
  
• The famous Jallianwala Bagh is a must visit; spend times with your family reading about the history and the atrocities that our people faced.
  
• Wagah Border, Attari Junction, the border areas of Punjab with Pakistan is a lifetime chance.
  
• Shop around and eat good street food.
  

Dalhousie

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Another very famous tourist destination, Dalhosuie apart from being a very famous honeymoon destination, it is famous familt weekend getaway. Situated at distance of 3-4 hrs drive from Pathankot, the place is known for a quiet, peaceful away from the urban hustle bustle of one’s life. The city has its historical importance back in the time of British rulers and their established.

How to reach: The place is best reachable via road from Delhi. The roads are all tops and curvy but worth a road trip!

Best time to visit: October to February

Things to do:

• Few km from Dalhousie is a beautiful greenland called Khajjiar, many fun and adventurous activities take place, visit that place and click some memoirs.
  
• Get your bags and shoes packed and hold your breath for some fun filled rock climbing and trekking, and white water river rafting.
  
• Inhale the positivity of the green valley at Daikund peak, Bakrota Hills and Satdhara falls.
  
• Have a sweet picnic and stop for a while and breathe at the five bridges of Panch Pull, Kalatop wildlife Sanctuary situated nearby Dalhousie
  

Kullu- Manali

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Two different hill stations though, but often they are named together due to their proximity to each other. The two hill stations are just not avoidable if you are visiting Chandigarh. These two stations get heavy snowfall and are famous for their heavy snow. Kullu is just another 40 km from Manali and hence they are an excellent weekend getaways with your loved ones.

How to reach: The trip to road from Chandigarh will be the best and adventurous. However there is an airport near Kullu as well, for flights from Chandigarh. You may reach Chandigarh first with your best possible conveyance or take direct road from Delhi.

Best time to visit: For snowfall: December, January; during summers: March to October

Things to do:

• The place is full of trekking routes and most sought place for adventures for small and satisfying weekend getaways
  
• The fresh snow fall allows it be the best place for skiing fun and adventure rides.
  
• Not far from Kullu Manali is Solang Valley, you can visit that place with your place and enjoy some fresh snow and snow sporting.
  
• Another small place Kasol, is near Kullu which is also definitely a must visit.
  

Kasauli

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A small hill station in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh, Kasauli is gaining the importance in the list of the most visited hill stations again like before. Kasauli region is a small town at an elevation of 1900 meters but a beautiful place to spend your weekend. The place is a hidden gem in the beautiful lands of India.

How to reach:
The nearest airport is Chandigarh, but the best way to reach Kasauli because you don’t want to miss the beautiful climb to the station. From Delhi the place is around 293 km and may take you 7 odd hours but the ride will be worth it!

Best time to visit: October to March, For snowfall: January

Things to do:

• Enjoy the trekking area in the well maintained Military Cantonment area, the Gilbert Trail.
  
• Visit the beautiful points of sunset and sunrise in around the city.
  
• Visit the Anglican Church church for some quality time to spend with your family and enjoy the peace and calmness of the place.
  

Rishikesh

Image Source: Chatpata dun

A place located at the confluence of the rivers Chandrabhaga and Ganges embracing the hills and an absolutely beautiful weather the whole year. The place gives you a vibe of religious, adventure, nature freaks and a famous honeymoon destination of GenY. The beautiful destination is often referred to as the Yoga capital of the country.

How to reach: The place is absolutely distance friendly for our even adventurous Dilli walas. It is best accessible by road because you want to enjoy the escalating beauty of the hills as you climb up. The taxis also provide good offers and do give offers to stay with you during your trip, what else one wants?Things to do:

• The place which is pilgrimage centre let the aura of the temples of god and goddesses touch your souls and enjoy the serenity of the place at Triveni Ghat, Laxman Jhula, Bharat Mandir, Neelkanth Mandir to name a few.
  
• Once you are done with your mind calming and listening the sound of silence away from the bustling crowd do visit the sport activities in the white waters.
  
• Sports activities like white water rafter, cliff jumping happens in and around the city and is a must do.
  

Mussourie

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Located few miles from the very much mesmerizing town of Dehradun, Mussourie is often referred to as the Heart of beauty of Uttrakhand. Competing with the urban settlements, the town still flanks the beauty is has protected from over the years of rule of British. It continues to attract tourists and remains the hotspot.

How to reach: The most convenient way would be to take direct taxis/buses to this place. Rent a car or keep the taxi and go into the deep woods to experience the real surreal greenery of this place.

Things to do:

• The place has some awesome scenic beauties and excellent sporting activities. The surroundings are fun filled and a perfect place for a weekend getaway and spend some quality time with your family.
  
• Pay a visit to Gun hill, Kempty falls and the Lake, enjoy boating and paddling in water. Also, try the sweetened Dal Makhni famous in Musssourie.
  
• Visit the Christ Church again for some serenity and experience a wave of pristine vibes.
  

Patnitop

Image Source: Google Images

Located on the pekas of thr Pir Panjal ranges, Kashmir, the town of Patnitop, in Udhampur district has a picturesque view with heavy snowfall and absolute low temperatures. If your family time spending place is about excitement, blood rushing view and activities with beautiful atmosphere this is the place you are looking for.

How to reach: The most convenient way would be to take direct taxis/buses to this place. Rent a car or keep the taxi and go into the deep woods to experience the real surreal greenery of this place.

Best time to visit: March- October, For snow visit in December, January.

Things to do:

• The place is the snow sporting hub and is famour for skiing, Snow truck riding, paragliding, trekking, hiking, camping and other adventures activities in the steep green valleys of Pir Panjal.
  
• There are a bunch of lakes like Sanasar Lake near the town take out time from your beauty admiring time (because you will be awestruck).
  
• Visit the Naag temple, the Sudh Mahadev Temple for the religious chill in the spine.
  
• Don’t forget to visit the controversial Baglihar dam and put an extra tag in your memoirs.
  
• Also don’t forget to chill and enjoy and spend quality time with your loved ones in the serene heavenly beauty of Patnitop.
  

Kausani

Image Source: eUttranchal

Kasauni is place which one hasn’t heard about much but definitely one of the best places to visit in North India. In the cradles of the hills of Gharwal, the district of Bageshwar it is situated in the arms of Someshwar valley on one side and Katyuri valley on the other. It provides a splendid panoramic view of 300 km view of Himalayan peaks like Trishul, nanda Devi and Panchchuli.

How to reach: The place is in the Northern Uttrakhand and a little isolated from the mainland. Hence, the most convenient way would be to take direct taxis/buses to this place. Rent a car or keep the taxi and go into the deep woods to experience the real surreal greenery of this place.

Best time to visit: Summers!

Things to do:

• Gandhi Ashram is the most sought after place located in the town periphery along with a splendor view of the hills.
  
• There are many tranquil trails available in the outskirts of the city and makes it a perfect weekend trip from the bustling city.
  
• Visit the tea gardens and the deep promising woods.