Himachal Pradesh Tourism

Himachal Pradesh is a mostly mountainous state in northern India. Neighbouring regions are Tibet to the east, Jammu and Kashmir to the north and northwest, Punjab to the southwest, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to the south and Uttaranchal to the southeast. With an area of 55,658 km² (21,490 sq mi), Himachal is one of the smaller states of the country and holds the 17th rank in the list of States and Union Territories of India.

The state capital is Shimla (formerly British India's summer capital under the name Simla), other major towns are Solan, Dharamsala, Kangra, Mandi, Kullu, Chamba, Hamirpur, Dalhousie and Manali. The western Himalaya lies in the north and east and the smaller Shiwalik (or Shivalik) range in the south.

Himachal Pradesh has five major rivers. These are Sutlej, Ravi, Chenab, Beas and Yamuna.

 History

Himachal Pradesh came under British control in the middle of the 19th century. The British annexed Kangra District, which includes present-day Kangra, Kullu, Hamirpur, and Lahul and Spiti districts, in 1846 at the conclusion of the First Anglo-Sikh War. The remainder of Himachal Pradesh was made up of a number of princely states.

 

About Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh is one of the most important travel destinations in India. The high hills of Himalayas attract the travelers from all over the world. Himachal Pradesh has plenty of hill resorts, pilgrimage centers, adventure sports destinations and wildlife that attracts a wide range of tourist traffic.

Himachal Pradesh India has several travel plans for the visitors to Himachal Pradesh. We have made special travel packages in collaboration with the leading Holiday Resorts and Hill Resorts of Himachal Pradesh. Travel to Himachal Pradesh with Himachal Pradesh India and relish the unmatched beauty of Himachal Pradesh.

Major Tourist Places of Himachal Pradesh

Hill Stations

Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, is also called the "Queen of the Hill Stations". It was named after its patron Goddesses Shyamla Devi, an incarnation of the Goddesses Kali. It was a small village made popular by the British who established Shimla as there summer capital in 1864 AD. The entire city is spread over a 12 km long ridge commanding the view of terraced hillsides and cultivations. Shimla has the thick growth of forests of oak, pine, fur and rhododendron. There are variety of adventure sports like skiing, trekking, angling and golf for the tourists for their leisure activities.

Manali is a small hill town in the valley of Kullu. It is referred to as the "Cradle between the Lesser Himalaya". Manali is one of the most beautiful and popular hill station known for lush and fresh scenic beauty. It is also a gateway to Lahaul and Spiti.

Dalhousie is at a distance of 80 km from Pathankot. It is nestled in the outer inclines of Dhaulandhar range. The hill station is well known for its pleasant climate and beautiful scenery. It is spread over five hills and is different from other hill stations. The thick growth of deodars, pine and red and pink rhododendrons can be seen all around the hill station. Dalhousie is a gateway to the Chamba valley.

Kufri is a small hill station near Shimla. It is an important tourist place because of its closeness with Shimla. The place is known for trekking and hiking trails. There are nature parks and picnic spots at Kufri. In winters, one can indulge in the winter sports like skiing and tobogganing.

Dharamshala, at an altitude of 4000 m above sea level, it is located on spur of Dhaulandhar range. The town has rich growth of deodar and pine forests as well as tea gardens. Dharamshala literally means 'the holy refuge'. It was founded and developed by the British in 1855 as their summer resort. It is famous as the abode of the Dalai Lamumber of Tibetan population. Their 'Government in Exile' has headquarters in Dharamshala.

Chail is a very small hamlet and a hill station where you can discover nature at its best untouched by the pollution, deforestation and modern construction. It is an ideal getaway for fresh and tranquil environment in the lap of the nature.
 

Other Destination of Himachal Pradesh

The Kullu Valley is also known as the Valley of the Gods. Rudyard Kipling has written, "Surely the Gods live here; this is no place for men". It is situated on the banks of the river Beas on the lower reaches of the Himalayas. Kullu is known for its ancient temples, apple orchards. Kullu is also famous for its handicrafts and woolens like shawl, caps, puhla, namdas and patoos. The best time to visit Kullu is during Dusshera in the month of October.

A few kilometers from Manali is the Rohtang Pass, a place known for the divergent landscapes. You will find the rich greenery of the Kullu valley along with bare, brown mountains, glaciers and snowfields. The place looks lovely in the crisp sunlight. The Rohtang Pass lies in the district of Lahaul and Spiti. Due to its difficult terrain, not many tourists have ventured into this region. The place is untouched by the outside world of modernity.

Chamba is one of the oldest princely states and dates back its origin to 6th century AD. The town of Chamba is located in the colorful valley surrounded by the Shivalik ranges and has the district headquarters. It is well known for its medieval temples and Chaugan, a public promenade. The architecture of the buildings of Chamba reflects the aura of its former rulers. Chamba is also famous for its local festivals.

Kangra is a small town and was the capital of the erstwhile rulers of the Chand dynasty. The hill station is placed at the foothills of the mighty Dhaulandhar range. There are many old temples to visit besides enjoying the picturesque environs.

Khajjiar is a modest grass-covered meadow located in the enchanting valley of Chamba. It is an ideal getaway for picnic while traveling between Dalhousie and Chamba. The calmness of place provides a soothing effect to the tired tourists.

Kinnaur is a land of rich green valley, ripe orchards, vineyards, snow-covered peaks and cold desert mountains. The place is ideal for adventure sports like trekking; mountain climbing etc. the place attracts both young and old equally. The colorful dresses of the Kinnauri women and their sweet folk songs make the valley all the more bright and cheerful.

Mandi is district made out of two princely starts of Mandi and Suket. It is situated on the left bank of the river Beas at an altitude of 800 m. above the sea level. It is comparatively hotter than other hill stations of Himachal Pradesh. Mandi means a market place. At one time, there were almost 360 forts out of which only 10 are left. You can take a look at some of the 81 Hindu temples in the area. There are a couple of lakes to be visited.