Hello Peeps,

I have been to Himachal recently, a pristine North India destination. It is one of the tourist places which make one fall in love with it. I thought I will share my experience, if you are one who is looking for a trip to Himachal for 3-4 days. To help you get started planning your trip here’s a list of what I consider to be some of the best things to see and do.

• To brief, we started from Chandigarh early morning and our stay was in Blue star hotel, Dharmshala. Hotel is decent and view from hotel was breathtaking. They also have a cute dog, jiffy (Right one in the picture is jiffy :-P, this info is for dog lovers). (P.S.- Not getting any commission from hotel, you can look for other options too)

1. Dharmshala: It is famous for its scenic view and the curvy roads. It is also known as home of Dalai lama. Beautiful town is divided in two parts, one is lower Dharamshala and upper Dharamshala is known as Mcleodganj. It is also home to Tibetan refugee. In Dharmshala you can visit:

• Dharamshala Cricket Stadium: If in Dharmshala, one must visit Dharamshala Stadium. Mountain covered with snow makes this stadium stand out as compared to the other ones in country.

• Dal Lake: It is famous for its panoramic view and the much-felt serenity. It is covered with the deodar trees. Also, there is a Lord Shiva temple on the bank of lake where you can offer your prayers.

• Sunset Point: If you love solitude and peace this is place is for you. From here you can view the Dhauladhar range and golden sunset. Nearby there is a meditation center you can visit ( in case you are looking for serenity), the way to center is beautiful and peaceful.

• Café: Illiterati Books Coffee is one of amazing café in the Mcleodganj and is famous for ambience, view and books. If you wish to eat and read, place is for you. Since it’s on the middle of nowhere, it offers you immense peace.

(P.S.- When we reached café was about to close hence can’t comment on food. Also, a warning they have a cute giant dog in case you are a dog lover, you can enjoy his company along with books)

As Illiterati was closed we chose to go to Mc’llo café which is middle of Mcleodganj market. The vibe was good, they also have live music and serve delicious Pizza. You can try this café if you are heading out post 8.30 pm.

• Bir-Billing: The Bir billing area is popular site for paragliding. It is world’s second-best paragliding site after Italy. Place to visit and thing to do in Bir-Billing:

• Baijnath Temple: It is a famous 13^th century temple dedicated to Lord Shivaas Vaidyanath, the Lord of physicians. As per history, shivlinga (God in form of half male and half female) in the Baijnath temple was placed by Ravana in the town. The spot where the shivlinga was placed is now called as Baijnath temple. To pay respect to Ravana people of town don’t celebrate Dussehra.

• Tsering Jong Monastery: This beautiful and colorful Monastery is very near to the billing paragliding site. The artwork is very beautiful, and it is the right place if one wants to achieve serenity. However, we could only see the Monastery from outside as it was closed.

• Paragliding: Paragliding at Bir quenched the adventure soul inside me. If you the one who have fantasy of flying, then Bir is the place for you. You can take paragliding package / tickets from Billing. From here guide will take you to the launching site in their vehicle which is around 30 to 40kms. If you are scared let me tell you paragliding with skilled pilots is very safe and trust me you will never say “200 -400 upar lele but land karade”:-p. After paragliding you can vist Ilaka café near to the landing site, they serve delicious veggie burger and awesome hot chocolate.

(P.S. Paragliding is very safe but the curvy roads to Bir launching site is scarier, will recommend carrying Hanuman chalisa in case you don’t remember it by heart :-P).

It was all about my short visit to Himachal. Thanks for reading, hope it will help in case you are planning to visit Himachal.

Gratitude is the new Attitude: Practice daily gratitude affirmations for people / things you already have. Remember you have once prayed for the things you have now.

• Write down at least three things you are grateful for every day.

Being Old school: Keep your phones down one hour before going to the bed and one hour after waking up.

• 1 hour rule – instead read a book or listen to some podcast.

Don’t confuse Self love with being selfish: Know the difference. Take yourself on dates, make your peace a priority, cut the toxic people & toxic situations, say no often, accept yourself, pamper yourself, make yourself a priority, smile often, accept yourself for what you are, don’t push yourself too hard.

• 303 rule – Workout at least for 30 mins at least 3 days per week.

Enjoy the process: Though the destinations are beautiful but enjoy the process too and that will be the key to create happiness today.

• I will not talk negative about myself.

Fuel yourself: Meditate – start with just inhale and exhale, do not focus on anything else just be with the music of your breath. Breath baby breath. And then start enjoying your new mental skills.

• Start meditating at least for 10 mins a day.

Eat healthy, think healthy: Healthy food for healthy and happy body, healthy thoughts for healthy and happy mind.
* Do not allow a negative thought for more than 30 seconds in your mind.
* Eat atleast one seasonal fruit per day.

Smile: Be the Laughing Girl or the Happy Man. Trust me smile is the best curve.

• Mirror practice – Smile and say I love you to yourself everyday at least once.

Take Baby steps: Remember no one can build an empire in a day. Take baby steps and make new changes daily.

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