Best Hotels to Stay in Himachal Pradesh

Passionate travelers know the joy of travelling lies in the journey and not in the destination. At times, however we undertake a journey not to visit a particular destination but to enjoy the location and hospitality of a particular property. The essence of a destination gets diluted, in times like these,  and that particular hotel, resort, homestay, guesthouse or whatever it might be called becomes focal point of our travel.

Here are a few such best hotels in Himachal Pradesh that make travelling to these destinations extra special. Some of these hotels in Himachal Pradesh may not have the best of facilities but they are unique in one or the other way. And that is what makes them the best.

Kinner Kailash, Kalpa
The USP of this hotel is location, location, location as they say on TLC. Kinner Kailash Hotel (01786 – 226159) in Kalpa is run by HPTDC and strategically located for visiting Kinnaur or traveling ahead to Spiti. It is a newly built hotel and loved for its stunning views.

Kalpa is 244 km from Shimla and 110 km from Sarahan. The nearest airport is Jubbarhattii Airport near Shimla. The nearest broad gauge railway station is Kalka.

The Shrikhand, Sarahan
The Shrikhand Hotel in Sarahan is run by Himachal Tourism and it is named after the majestic mountain that faces the hotel. The hotel building is inspired by the Bhimkali Temple – an important landmark in Sarahan. The rooms of the hotel offer beautiful view of the mountain and apple orchards.

Sarahan is six hour’s drive (176 km) from Shimla. The nearest airport is Jubbarhattii Airport near Shimla. The nearest broad gauge railway station is Kalka.

Naggar Castle, Naggar
I am not sure if there is a point in visiting Naggar and not staying at Naggar Castle (01902-248316). It is run by Himachal Tourism and is loved for its unique stone wood architecture. The castle was once home to the king of Kullu. The hotel overlooks the Kullu Valley. Naggar Castle has a gallery that houses the paintings of the Russian artist Nicholas Roerich.

Naggar is on the route to Manali. It is approximately 30 km from Kullu.

Raju’s Guest House, Gushaini
It is a favourite among trekkers who want a slice of Great Himalayan National Park and those looking for a ‘different’ experience. How will you react, when you are asked to cross the river in a metal basket to reach the guesthouse? The very thought of crossing the river that too on a metal basked will give you goosebumps for sure. The location of Raju’s Guest House is beautiful. It is more of homestay than anything else. It is well maintained and the owner takes good care of the guests.

Gushaini is approximately 550 km from Delhi and 310 km from Chandigarh. The route for Gushaini from Delhi is Delhi-Panipat-Karnal-Ambala-Chandigarh-Ropar-Bilaspur-Mandi-Pandho Dam-Kanda-Gushaini.

The Judge’s Court – Pragpur
The Judge’s Court in Pragpur is also referred as a Country Manor. It was built in 1918 for Justice Sir Jai Lal. Designed in the Indo-European tradition, the hotel is the best place to stay in Pragpur. The best part of Judge’s Court besides the heritage is its organic farms. It grows its own fruit, vegetable, wheat, maze and oil seeds.

The Oberoi Cecil, Shimla
Rightly described as “a celebration of the elegance and grace of the Colonial era in the Queen of Hill Stations,” The Oberoi Cecil is a grand heritage hotel situated at Chaura Maidan, Shimla. Besides the location and top notch facilities, warm hospitality is the big plus of The Oberoi Cecil Shimla.

You can arrive at the hotel in style. They can organize private air charters from Delhi or limousine can be arranged from Shimla or Chandigarh airport. Shimla is 385 km from Delhi, 124 km from Chandigarh and 110 km from Kalka, the nearest broad gauge railway station to Shimla.