Himachal Pradesh is home to several cities, each with its unique culture, landscape, and population. Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, has an estimated population of around 206,000 people. Other major cities in the state include Solan with a population of approximately 48,000, Mandi with a population of 42,000, and Dharamshala with a population of about 54,000.

Other notable cities in Himachal Pradesh include Kullu, Chamba, Bilaspur, Una, and Hamirpur, each with its distinct characteristics and population estimates. The state is known for its picturesque landscapes, serene hill stations, and vibrant culture that attracts tourists and adventurers from all over the world.

also read about the Population of Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh Cities by Population

#City/TownStatusDistrictCensus 20112026 Estimated
1ShimlaMunicipal CorporationShimla169,578~2,60,000
2DharamsalaMunicipal CorporationKangra53,543~1,00,000
3SolanMunicipal CorporationSolan47,418~60,000
4MandiMunicipal CorporationMandi41,348~50,000
5PalampurMunicipal CorporationKangra40,385~45,000
6BaddiMunicipal CouncilSolan29,911~40,000
7NahanMunicipal CouncilSirmaur28,899~40,000
8Paonta SahibMunicipal CouncilSirmaur25,183~40,000
9SundarnagarMunicipal CouncilMandi24,344~35,000
10ChambaMunicipal CouncilChamba19,933~30,000
11UnaMunicipal CouncilUna18,722~30,000
12KulluMunicipal CouncilKullu18,536~30,000
13HamirpurMunicipal CouncilHamirpur17,604~30,000
14BilaspurMunicipal CouncilBilaspur13,654~30,000
15Yol CantonmentCantonment (Board)Kangra12,028~13,000
16NalagarhMunicipal CouncilSolan10,708~30,000
17NurpurMunicipal CouncilKangra9,807~20,000
18KangraMunicipal CouncilKangra9,528~20,000
19Baijnath PaprolaNagar PanchayatKangra ~20,000
20SantokhgarhNagar PanchayatUna9,363~15,000
21Mehatpur BasdehraNagar PanchayatUna9,218~15,000
22ShamshiCensus TownKullu8,870~10,000
23ParwanooMunicipal CouncilSolan8,758~15,000
24ManaliMunicipal CouncilKullu8,096~30,000
25Tira SujanpurMunicipal CouncilHamirpur7,943~12,000
26GhumarwinMunicipal CouncilBilaspur7,899~12,000
27DalhousieMunicipal CouncilChamba7,051~10,000
28RohruMunicipal CouncilShimla6,875~10,000
29Nagrota BagwanMunicipal CouncilKangra5,900~15,000
30RampurMunicipal CouncilShimla5,655~10,000
31JawalamukhiNagar PanchayatKangra5,361~10,000
32JogindernagarMunicipal CouncilMandi5,335~20,000
33Dera GopipurMunicipal CouncilKangra4,816~10,000
34SarkaghatNagar PanchayatMandi4,715~10,000
35JhakhriCensus TownShimla…  
36IndoraCensus TownKangra4,534 
37BhuntarNagar PanchayatKullu4,475 
38NadaunNagar PanchayatHamirpur4,430 
39TheogMunicipal CouncilShimla4,353 
40Kasauli CantonmentCantonment (Board)Solan3,885 
41GagretNagar PanchayatUna3,847 
42Chuari KhasNagar PanchayatChamba3,770 
43DaulatpurNagar PanchayatUna3,763 
44Sabathu CantonmentCantonment (Board)Solan3,685 
45Dalhousie CantonmentCantonment (Board)Chamba3,549 
46RajgarhNagar PanchayatSirmaur3,083 
47ArkiNagar PanchayatSolan3,040 
48Dagshai CantonmentCantonment (Board)Solan2,904 
49SeoniNagar PanchayatShimla2,591 
50TalaiNagar PanchayatBilaspur2,372 
51Jutogh CantonmentCantonment (Board)Shimla2,062 
52ChaupalNagar PanchayatShimla1,851 
53RewalsarNagar PanchayatMandi1,821 
54Bakloh CantonmentCantonment (Board)Chamba1,805 
55JubbalNagar PanchayatShimla1,640 
56BhotaNagar PanchayatHamirpur1,453 
57BanjarNagar PanchayatKullu1,414 
58BharmourBig townChamba1,376 
59Naina deviMunicipal CouncilBilaspur1,204 
60NarkandaNagar PanchayatShimla901 

Glimpse of Top Cities

Solan City

Solan is a name derived from the name of Goddess Shoolini Devi, with the grace of blessings of the Goddess, it has become the fast-progressive town of Himachal Pradesh. The Municipal Corporation came into existence in the year 2020, and its also the District headquarters.

The area of this Municipal Corporation is 11.624 Sq Km and has 17 wards. The population of this as per the census 2011 is 47418 and the floating population is about 35,000. The town is having a high growth rate of Urban population for the last 20-25 years. At Present New Corporation came into existence in 2021 having Mayor, Deputy Mayor & 15 Elected Councilors, and 5 nominated Councilors.

Solan town is an important hill Resort of Himachal Pradesh, it is also called the Mushroom City of India. Solan is also widely known worldwide for its Brewery which was established during British Rule. Due to fast-growing Pharmaceutical industries, Solan has also made a name in the field of medicines, throughout India and abroad.

Source: https://www.mcsolan.in/

Mandi City

The present District Of Mandi was formed with the merger of two princely states Mandi and Suket on 15th April 1948, when the State of Himachal Pradesh came into existence. Mandi Municipal Corporation (MMC) is the municipal corporation of Mandi District in Himachal Pradesh and is the chief nodal agency for the administration of the city. 

The historic town of district Mandi (800 m) is situated along the banks of the river Beas. It has a rich culture and history represented by its temples which are a major tourist draw. Mandi is an important trading center situated on the Pathankot-Kullu road. Mandi town is also a famous tourist place in Himachal Pradesh, India. The town is also the gateway to Himachal’s most famous valleys – Kullu, Manali, Lahaul and Spiti.

The Mandi city is divided into 13 wards for which elections are held every 5 years. The Mandi Municipal Council has population of 26,422 of which 13,341 are males while 13,081 are females as per report released by Census India 2011.

Source: http://municipalcorporationmandi.in/

Dharamshala City

Dharamshala is a city in the upper reaches of the Kangra Valley and is surrounded by dense coniferous forest consisting mainly of stately Deodar cedar trees. The suburbs include McLeodGanj, Bhagsunath, Dharamkot, Naddi, ForsythGanj, Kotwali Bazaar (the main market), Kaccheri Adda (government offices such as the court, police, post, etc.), Dari, Ramnagar, Sidhpur, and Sidhbari (where the Karmapa is based). 

The Municipality of Dharamshala is one of the oldest Municipalities. It was established on May 6, 1867. The Municipal area is 27.6 Sq. Km. In 1855 it was declared as the headquarters of Kangra District.

Source: https://edharamshala.in/

Top Cities in Himachal Pradesh 2026

Rajeev Rana

Rajeev Rana is an independent writer and researcher with a strong interest in history, population studies, and demographic trends in India and North America. He has been writing on demography-related topics for over five years, focusing on census data, migration patterns, ethnicity, and regional population changes. While not a formally certified demographer, Rajeev closely follows official data releases from government sources, census authorities, and reputable research institutions. His work aims to present complex demographic information in a clear, accessible, and neutral manner for readers seeking factual insights and broader context. Rajeev contributes to multiple informational websites and has particular familiarity with demographic and regional trends in the Delhi NCR region. His writing is driven by curiosity, data interpretation, and a commitment to accuracy rather than advocacy or opinion