General Information :Area : 55, 673 sq km
Population : 6, 077, 248
Capital : Shimla
Language : Hindi, English, Pahari
Introduction
Himachal Pradesh is a small hill state in the North of India. It came into being after the separation of Punjab and Haryana. Although it is small and not very densely populated, it is a popular holiday resort. The Raj still lingers in Shimla, the state capital and former summer capital during British rule.
Kullu and
Manali are neighbouring resorts, surrounded by pine covered hills and lushy meadows. In Manali, pay a visit to the 450 year old Dhoongri Temple dedicated to Goddess Hadira. Other attractions include the Tibetan Monastery, the majestic Beas River and Jagatsukh, the ancient capital of Manali.
Dharamsala is also popular. Set in Kangra valley it offers excellent opportunities for hiking. The presence of a large Tibetan community is also a special draw. Dharamsala is also known as little Tibet.
Himachal Pradeshis also an ideal base for treks and walks. Good treks include:Dhauldhar Ranges over Kangra Valley,Indarahar Pass ,Minkani Pass to Chamba Lam Dal Lake Trek in dhauldhar. TO Kullu over Sari Pass ,Dhauldhar Round trek and Most exciting and religious trek To Sh. Manimahesh Lake from
Shimla – Mashobra, Kufri, Naldehra, Chail and those around Kullu-Manali include Manikaran, Naggar and Brighu Lake, the barely accessible valleys of Lahaul and Spiti are a trekker’s delight.
Surrounded by the majestic slopes of the Western Himalayas, the pristine beauty of the province of Himachal Pradesh has charmed countless tourists who have arrived in the land for ages immemorial. Contributing in a large measure to the overall tourism in Himachal Pradesh is the various hill Stations in Himachal Pradesh, which draw thousands of tourists to the land each year.Known for its spectacular topography, the province of Himachal Pradesh is known for its various hill stations, many of which have earned a name for themselves as the principle tourist destinations of India. Meandering, narrow mountainous roads lead to the most picturesque valleys imaginable as you embark on a trip to the major hill stations of Himachal Pradesh.
Dalhousie hill station:
Dalhousie is a quiet town, with a sense of enchantment. This hill station spreads over five low-level hills at the western edge of the Dhauladhar range, just east of the Ravi River. The picturesque town is interspersed with the colonial-era buildings, low roofed stalls and hotels. The pine-covered slopes around it are intersected with paths and treks, which are ideal for short undemanding walks.The gateway to the Chamba Valley, this colonial town was established in 1854 by the British governor-general Lord Dalhousie.
Dharamshala hill station:
A quiet retreat in the hills of the Dhauladhar range, Dharamsala is picturesque hill resort in India. Home to His Highness Dalai Lama and many Tibetan settlers, Dharamsala offers spectacular views of the Dhauladhar range. The beauty of the hill station and the Tibetan way of life has attracted travellers from around the world. So much so the hill resort Dharamsala is frequented quite often by the Hollywood star Richard Gere.
Manali hill station:
Once called the "end of the habitable world," Manali is an important hill station of northern India and is the destination of thousands of tourists every year. Its cool atmosphere provides a perfect haven for the ones afflicted by the hot Indian summers. Besides offering quite a few places for sightseeing, Manali is also famous for adventure sports like skiing, hiking, mountaineering, paragliding, rafting, trekking, kayaking, and mountain biking. In brief, Manali-the veritable "valley of the Gods"-is an ideal place for the ones in search of both adventure and comfort.
Shimlahill station:
Shimla is located towards the southern parts of the north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Shimla, the summer capital of the British India, is situated at a height of 2,196 metres. While the British have left the echoes linger on. Now It is the state capital and is at a distance of 343 km from Delhi, 260 km from Manali, and 119 km from Chandigarh. Today, its well developed facilities, easy accessibility and many attractions make it one of India's most popular resorts. In the Himalyan lower ranges, it is surrounded by pine, cedar, oak and rhododendron forests. Shimla has been blessed with all the natural bounties, one can think of. Dwelling on a panoramic location,
Chail hill station:
The former 'summer capital' of Patiala, Chail is 43-km from Shimla and dwelling in the midst of a lush green setting. At 2,250m, it has the world's highest cricket pitch and a polo ground, the old palace, now a hotel and the possibility of some angling are added attractions.Chail is hiker's paradise. The area is very peaceful away from the hustle and bustle of Shimla. 3-kms from the hotel is the worlds highest Cricket ground. Close by is a National Park, which has limited number of birds and deers.
Chamba hill station:
Chamba was founded by Raja Varman who named the town after his daughter Champavati.The small town of Chamba is located amidst the Shivalik ranges and is famous for its temples. The architecture of the temples of Chamba reflects the unmatched architectural superiority of the Indian sculptures.Chamba has a grassy promenade which is the focus for the Sui Mata and Minjar festivals
Kullu Valley hill station:
Kullu was once known as Kulanthpitha, which means the end of the habitable world. Beyond rose the forbidding heights of the Greater Himalayas, and by the banks of the shining river Beas, lay the fabled 'Silver Valley'.Here is the core of an intricate web of numerous valleys - each of which is a visual delight and seems more beautiful than the other. The mountain scapes remain spectacular whether in brilliant sunshine or in the haze of the mist. The 'Silver Valley' has nature's treasures that lie carelessly scattered as flowers on the high meadows.
Lahaul and Spiti hill station:
Climate : Lahaul's climate is very much similar to that of Ladakh and Zanskar, which border it to the north. Beyond the reach of the monsoon, the valley sees little rain in summer, when the sun is strong and the nights are cool. Between late October and late March, heavy snow closes the passes, and seals of the region. Less rainfall in both valleys enables climbers & trekkers to enjoy a long and unbroken season in perpetual sunshine and explore the wilderness and grandeur of the inner Himalaya.
Kasauli hill station:
Kasauli situated at a height of 1927mt., from sea level, is a small town with a strong Colonial influence. Kasauli provide a charming view of Chandigarh, Shimla and the himalayas covered with snow. This place is not so popular with the tourists, It's main attraction lies in it's overall cleanliness, and it's accessibility. Only 15 km from Dharampur, 37 km from Kalka and 65 km from Chandigarh. The narrow winding roads meander their way up and down the hill side and offer some magnificent sights.
