Himachal Pradesh Tourism

Himachal Pradesh Toursim

The mountain state of Himachal Pradesh is incredibly beautiful with its lush green valleys, fierce rocky ravine nines, flowering meadows and the mysterious snow-clad mountains. Himachal Pradesh people are simple, lively and good-natured. Life moves at a serene pace in the state, far from the travails of the modem age. The simple rhythm, revolving around the tending fields, flocks and orchards, is punctuated by the celebration of festivals and fairs that bring alive colourful traditions of music and dance. For the visitors there are exquisite locations for a relaxing holiday and marvelous opportu­nities for trekking, mountaineering, white river rafting, Para sailing and angling. Geographical diversity offers a whole range of adventure activities such as golf, trekking, heli – skiing, camping, ice-skating, vehicle safari, mountaineering and rock climbing.

History

The earliest known inhabitants of the region were tribal called Dasas. Later Aryans came and they assimilated three tribes. In the later centuries, the hill chieftains accepted the suzerainty of the Mauryan Empire, the Kushans, the Guptas and Kanuaj rulers. During the Mughal period, the Rajas of the hill State made some mutually agreed arrangements, which governed their relations. In the 19th century, Ranjit Singh of Punjab annexed many of the States. When the British came, they defeated Gorkhas and entered into treaties with some Rajas and annexed the kingdom of others. This situation persisted till 1947. After independence, 30 princely States of the area were united and the present Himachal Pradesh was formed on April IS, 1948. With the reorganization of Punjab on November I, 1966 certain areas belonging to it were also included in Himachal Pradesh. On January 25, 1971 Himachal Pradesh was made a full-fledged State.
Airports: Bhuntar (Kullu Valley), Gaggal (Kangra), Jubbarhatti (Shimla).

Important Hill Resorts

Chail,
Chamba
Dalhousie
Dharamshala
Kasauli
Kullu
Mamali
Shimla


Shimla

Shimla, capital of the State, came into prominence nearly a century ago as the summer capital of the British Raj.Shimla is named after its patron goddess Shamla Devi, a manifestation of Kali.Shimla’s salubrious climate, easy accessibility and numerous attractions have made it one of the most popular hill station in northern India. The splendid views of the snow-clad ranges of the Himalayas, fine walk through oaks and flowering rhododendron, enchanting resorts with easy reach, golf at Naldehra, skiing at Kufri and Narkanda, make Shimla attractive throughout the year.

Place of Interest
(1) The Mall (2) Viceregal Lodge (3) Himachal State Museum (4) Jakhoo Hills (5) Sanjauli (6) Chadwick Falls (7) Annandale (8) The Glen (9) Summer Hills.

Kullu

Kullu, located on the banks of the Beas River was once known as Kulanthpitha – the end of the habitable world. Beyond its perimeter loomed the magnificent Himalayas, and by the Beas sprawled the ‘Silver Valley’ came to be accessible only after independence. Kullu valley is the meeting point of several trek routes, maily those from Chanderkhani Pass to Malana, over the Jalori Pass or Bashleo Pass to Shimla and over the Pin Parvati Pass to Sarahan.The Magnificent Beas also offers ample opportunities for some exciting white river rafting.

Manali

Situated at the northern end of the Kullu Valley, Manali has spectacular views of snow capped peaks and wooded slopes along the banks of the Beas.It is the main holiday destination in the entire valley. The Manali market is crowded with myriads of interesting shops selling Tibetian carpets and crafts. Manali is a popular base for trekking and mountaineering in summer and skiing in winter.

Spiti

Spiti is linked by road with Shimla and Manali. A high altitude cold desert, Spiti is out of the land of fairy tales and fantasies. Small village of box-like houses along the river valleys, it is blanketed with snow and temperature falls below zero except during the three months of summer. Sipti is influenced by Buddhism and nearly 30 monasteries guard a rich cultural heritage. SUMOD is entry point into Spiti from Kinnur district. TABO, close to Sumod has a thousand year old Tabo Gompa, established by the legendary Rinchen Tsangpo. This Gompa is considered important next to the Tholing Gompa in Tibet and has priceless collection of manuscripts and thangkas. SHCHICHILING 50 km from Sumado is famous for Dhankar Monastery built on a high rugged hillside and has interesting murals and stuccos.

ATTERGU, a small village along the N.H.22 has another important Gompa at Kungri. KUNZAM PASS (4,590 m) is the other entry point into Spiti traversing through Lahul. KAZA is noted for its historic Kyi Gompa. Established in the 14'h century AD, it has breathtaking murals and valuable collection of 'Kangyur' -ancient Buddhist texts. Over 200 monks reside at Kyi.



Dharamshala

Is the main hill station in the, Kangra valley. A fertile, undulating valley, lying between the gentle Shaivalik hills and the foothills of the mighty Dhauladhars - 'The white mountains' rising 400 m above sea level, a valley noted for the beauty of its scenery-lush terraces, wooded hills, manicured tea garden and sparking streams commands a splendid view of the surrounding country.

Place of Interest

(1) Macleodganj (2) St.John in the Wilderness (3) Triund Dharamkot (4) Kareri (5) Kunal Pathri (6) Machhrial (7) Tatwani (8) Chamunda Devi Temple.
Dalhousie

Dalhousie

Standing at the foot of the spectacular Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas. Sprawled over five hills – Kathlog, Portrevn, Moti Tibba, Bakrota and Balum.Dalhousie is noted for the magnificence of its scenery. Set amidst the thickly wooded hills, clothed in deodar and pine, Dalhousie has marvelous forest trails and picnic spots with splendid vistas over the Chamba Valley.

Place of Interest

(1) Subhash Baoli (2) Satdhara (3) Bakrota Hills (4) Kalatope (5) Dhanikund (6) Bara Pathar.
Chamba

The serene town of Chamba lies on the bank of the Ravi River. An erstwhile princely State, it was the capital of the former rulers of Chamba.

Chail

Chail was once the summer resort of the Maharaja of Patiala.Located on a wooded spur, hail (2150 m) overlooks the Sutlej Valley. There are excellent sports along the Gaura River with opportunities for anglers to tangle with Himalayan mahaseer.
Kasauli (73 km from Shimla)

Located 1927 m above sea level-forest of pines, oak and the crisp mountain air are incentives for picnics here. Monkey point, the highest point offers a panorama of green hills.