Himachal Tourism Offers Safe Monsoon Destinations with Heavy Hotel Discounts
Shimla, Himachal Pradesh: With rising concerns after recent cloudbursts in Kullu and Kangra, tourists planning to visit Himachal Pradesh during monsoon have become hesitant. Hotel industry insiders confirm that over 10% of tourists have already cancelled their advance bookings, mostly due to misleading videos and exaggerated social media panic.
However, the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) and local hoteliers are urging tourists not to panic. They are assuring that many destinations in Himachal remain completely safe, especially in elevated areas where there’s no risk of flooding or landslides.
To restore tourist confidence, HPTDC has rolled out a monsoon special hotel discount scheme, valid from 15 July to 12 September, offering 20% to 40% discount across government hotels.
Let’s explore the 8 monsoon-safe tourist destinations where you can plan a peaceful getaway with family and friends.
🏔️ 1. Shimla – Monsoon Bliss with Urban Comfort
Shimla, the capital city, is one of the safest places for monsoon tourism. Places like Ridge, Mall Road, Jakhu Temple, Kali Bari, and Advanced Study remain bustling with tourists. NH-5 (Chandigarh–Shimla highway) does witness occasional landslides, but debris is cleared promptly to keep the road open.
Distance from Chandigarh: 115 km
Monsoon Tip: Light rains make the Ridge and Mall Road scenic spots perfect for a walk with a hot coffee or softy in hand.
🌲 2. Kufri – Nature Trails Near Shimla
Just 13 km from Shimla, Kufri is another popular and safe destination in the monsoon. Tourists can visit Mahasu Peak, Deshu, and Presidential Retreat. Despite rains, the roads remain functional via the Shimla-Rampur NH.
🗻 3. Narkanda – Offbeat and Peaceful
Located around 69 km from Shimla, Narkanda offers peace amidst orchards and pine forests. Sites like Hatu Peak, Mahamayaji Temple, and Tani Jubbar Lake make it a serene monsoon retreat.
Time from Chandigarh: Approx. 5 hours
No risk of waterlogging or flood due to high elevation.
🌳 4. Chail – Forested Luxury Amid Showers
Nestled between Shimla and Solan, Chail is known for its world’s highest cricket ground and dense deodar forests. A great pick for couples and families seeking solitude and luxury. Accessible via Kandaghat and Kufri, roads remain safe and operative even in rains.
🌄 5. Kasauli – Short Getaway from Plains
A favourite among tourists from Punjab and Haryana, Kasauli remains safe during monsoon due to excellent road connectivity and controlled rainfall. Visitors can drive up to Dharampur on Chandigarh-Shimla four-lane highway, and from there, it’s just a 12 km beautiful drive to Kasauli.
☔ 6. Dharamshala – Rain-Washed Serenity
Known for the Bhagsunag Waterfall, McLeodganj, and the International Cricket Stadium, Dharamshala offers unique monsoon charm. Though trekking is not advisable in this season due to slippery paths, the scenic beauty remains unmatched.
Safety Note: Avoid remote trekking trails; city remains fully functional.
🏞️ 7. Manali – Mountain Majesty with Monsoon Charm
Despite social media panic, Manali remains safe, confirmed by local hoteliers. Except for hotels close to Beas riverbanks, all areas are operational. The Kiratpur-Manali four-lane highway is open and monitored continuously.
Distance from Chandigarh: 177 km
Time: Approx. 5 hours
🏕️ 8. Dalhousie – Nature’s Rain-Washed Canvas
In Chamba district, Dalhousie is another monsoon-friendly destination, known for its colonial charm and pine forests. The drive from Pathankot (80 km) is smooth and picturesque. Those coming from Manali or Shimla can also take the Nurpur–Lahru–Kakira route.
📉 Drop in Occupancy but Not in Safety
Hotel occupancy in Shimla and Manali, which used to touch 90% in summer, has dropped to 50–70% due to viral fake videos.
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Shimla’s occupancy (as of June 28): 60%
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Manali’s occupancy: 50–60%
Mukesh Thakur, President of Manali Hotel Association, and Ashwani Sood, a senior Shimla hotelier, both denied any crisis and labeled the viral videos as misleading.
