HIMACHAL  TRAVEL INFORMATION

GENERAL TRAVEL INFORMATION

INTRODUCTION 

Himachal Pradesh(“Snow-laden Region”) is a state in North India, forming part of the larger Punjab region. Its area is 21,495 sq mi (55,670 km2), and is bordered by Jammu and Kashmir on the north, Punjab on the west, Haryana on the south-west, Uttarakhand on the south-east and by the Tibet Autonomous Region on the east.

Himachal Pradesh is famous for its abundant natural beauty. After the war between Nepal and Britain, also known as the Anglo-Gorkha War(1814–1816), the British colonial government came into power and the land now comprising Himachal Pradesh became part of the Punjab Province of British India. In 1950, Himachal was declared a union territory, but after the State of Himachal Pradesh Act 1971, Himachal emerged as the 18th state of the Republic of India. Hima means snow in Sanskrit, and the literal meaning of the state’s name is “In the lap of Himalayas”. It was named by Acharya Diwakar Datt Sharma, one of the great Sanskrit scholars of Himachal Pradesh.

The economy of Himachal Pradesh is currently the third-fastest growing economy in India. Himachal Pradesh has been ranked fourth in the list of the highest per capita incomes of Indian states. This has made it one of the wealthiest places in the entire South Asia. Abundance of perennial rivers enables Himachal to sell hydroelectricity to other states such as Delhi, Punjab, and Rajasthan. The economy of the state is highly dependent on three sources: hydroelectric power, tourism, and agriculture.

A BRIEF HISTORY

 The history of the area that now constitutes Himachal Pradesh dates back to the time when the Indus valley civilisation flourished between 2250 and 1750 BCE. Tribes such as the Koilis, Halis, Dagis, Dhaugris, Dasa, Khasas, Kinnars, and Kirats inhabited the region from the prehistoric era. During the Vedic period, several small republics known as “Janapada” existed which were later conquered by the Gupta Empire. After a brief period of supremacy by King Harshavardhana, the region was once again divided into several local powers headed by chieftains, including some Rajput principalities. These kingdoms enjoyed a large degree of independence and were invaded by Delhi Sultanate a number of times. Mahmud Ghaznavi conquered Kangra at the beginning of the 10th century. Timur and Sikander Lodi also marched through the lower hills of the state and captured a number of forts and fought many battles. Several hill states acknowledged Mughal  suzerainty and paid regular tribute to the Mughals.

The Gurkhas, a martial tribe, came to power in Nepal in the year 1768. They consolidated their military power and began to expand their territory. Gradually, the Gorkhas annexed Sirmour and Shimla. With the leadership of Amar Singh Thapa, Gorkhas laid siege to Kangra. They managed to defeat Sansar Chand Katoch, the ruler of Kangra, in 1806 with the help of many provincial chiefs. However, Gurkhas could not capture Kangra fort which came under Maharaja Ranjeet Singh in 1809. After the defeat, the Gurkhas began to expand towards the south of the state. However, Raja Ram Singh, Raja of Siba State managed to capture the fort of Siba from the remnants of Lahore Darbar in Samvat 1846, during the First Anglo-Sikh War. They came into direct conflict with the British along the tarai belt after which the British expelled them from the provinces of the Satluj. The British gradually emerged as the paramount power. In the revolt of 1857, or first Indian war of independence, arising from a number of grievances against the British, the people of the hill states were not as politically active as were those in other parts of the country. They and their rulers, with the exception of Bushahr, remained more or less inactive. Some, including the rulers of Chamba, Bilaspur, Bhagal and Dhami, rendered help to the British government during the revolt.
 The British territories came under the British Crown after Queen Victoria’s proclamation of 1858. The states of Chamba, Mandi and Bilaspur made good progress in many fields during the British rule. During World War I, virtually all rulers of the hill states remained loyal and contributed to the British war effort, both in the form of men and materials. Among these were the states of Kangra, Jaswan, Datarpur, Guler, Nurpur, Chamba, Suket, Mandi, and Bilaspur.

After independence, the Chief Commissioner’s Province of H.P. came into being on 15 April 1948 as a result of integration of 28 petty princely states (including feudal princes and zaildars) in the promontories of the western Himalaya, known in full as the Simla Hills States and four Punjab southern hill states by issue of the Himachal Pradesh (Administration) Order, 1948 under Sections 3 and 4 of the Extra-Provincial Jurisdiction Act, 1947 (later renamed as the Foreign Jurisdiction Act, 1947 vide A.O. of 1950). The State of Bilaspur was merged in the Himachal Pradesh on 1 April 1954 by the Himachal Pradesh and Bilaspur (New State) Act, 1954. Himachal became a part C state on 26 January 1950 with the implementation of theConstitution of India and the Lt. Governor was appointed. Legislative Assembly was elected in 1952. Himachal Pradesh became a union territory on 1 November 1956.  On 18 December 1970, the State of Himachal Pradesh Act was passed by Parliament and the new state came into being on 25 January 1971. Thus Himachal emerged as the 18th state of the Indian Union.

LOCATION :

31° 6′ 12″ N, 77° 10′ 20″ E
31.10333377.172222

AREA:

55,673 km2(21,495 sq mi)

ALTITUDE : 2,319 m (7,608 ft)

TEMPERATURE:

Avg. winter  7 °C (45 °F)

Avg. summer 28 °C (82 °F)

RAINFALL :

1,469 mm (57.8 in)

BEST SEASON TO VISIT:

June end up to mid October.

LANGUAGE SPOKEN:

Hindi is both the official language and the lingua franca of Himachal Pradesh. However, most of the population speaks Pahari in everyday conversation, which includes nearly all Western Pahari dialects. There are total 32 languages in HPEnglish also has official status for government work. Hindi is spoken by 89% of the population while Punjabi is primarily spoken by the Hindu and Sikh immigrants from West Punjab and accounts for 6% of the population.

NEAREST RAILWAY STATION:

Railway Himachal is famous for its narrow gauge tracks railways, one is UNESCO World Heritage Kalka-Shimla Railway and another one is Pathankot–Jogindernagar. Total length of these two tracks is 259 kilometres (161 mi). Kalka-Shimla Railway track passes through many tunnels, while Pathankot–Jogindernagar gently meanders through a maze of hills and valleys. It also has standard gauge railway track which connect Amb (Una district) to Delhi. A survey is being conducted to extend this railway line to Kangra (via Nadaun). Other proposed railways in the state are Baddi-Bilaspur, Dharamsala-Palampur and Bilaspur-Manali-Leh.

NEAREST AIRPORT:

State has three domestic airports in Shimla, Kullu and Kangra districts

The air routes connect the state with Delhi and Chandigarh.

  • Bhuntar Airport is in Kullu district around 10 kilometres (6 mi) from district headquarters.
  • Gaggal Airport is in Kangra district which is around 10 kilometres from Kangra
  • Shimla Airport, which is around 21 kilometres (13 mi) west of the city.
CLOTHING REQUIRED:

Light woollens and tropicals in summer  and heavy woolens in winter.

 

IMPORTANT ROADS:

Roads are the major mode of transport in the hilly terrains. The state has road network of 28,208 kilometres (17,528 mi), including eight National Highways (NH) that constitute 1,234 kilometres (767 mi) and 19 State Highways with total length of 1,625 kilometres (1,010 mi). Some roads get closed during winter and monsoon seasons due to snow and landslides. Hamirpur has the highest road density in the state.

 
 
PLACES OF INTEREST
Himachal Pradesh is famous for its Himalayan landscapes and popular hill-stations. Many outdoor activities such as rock climbing, mountain biking, paragliding, ice-skating, and heli-skiing are popular tourist attractions in Himachal Pradesh.

Shimla, the state capital, is very popular among tourists. The Kalka-Shimla Railway is a Mountain railway which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Shimla is also a famous skiing attraction in India. Other popular hill stations include Manali and Kasauli.

Dharamshala, home of the Dalai Lama, is known for its Tibetan monasteries and Buddhist temples. Many trekking expeditions also begin here.

The Ridge in is a large road in Shimla which is centre for most of cultural activities of Shimla.

Kullu,

Kullu is the capital town of the Kullu District in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is located on the banks of the Beas River in the Kullu Valley about ten kilometres north of the airport at Bhuntar.

Kullu is a broad open valley formed by the Beas river between Manali and Largi. This valley is famous for its temples, beauty and its majestic hills covered with pine and deodar forest and sprawling apple orchards. The course of the Beas river presents a succession of magnificent, clad with forests of deodar, towering above trees of pine on the lower rocky ridges. Kullu valley is sandwiched between the Pir Panjal, Lower Himalayan and Great Himalayan range.

The Kullu Valley is the largest valley in the Kullu district, in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India. The Beas River runs through the middle of the valley.

The Kullu valley is known as the “Valley of the Gods” or “Dev Bhumi” due to many pilgrimage sites for Hindus, Buddhists and Sikhs alike. The is also known for its open valley meadows and scenic views of Himalayan mountain range. Kullu area is known for Kullu shawl, made of many natural fibers including pashmina, sheep-wool and angora. The seven day festival of Kullu Dussehra, a celebration of Avatar Lord Rama’s victory over the evil king Ravana. The festival takes place in the months of October or November, depending upon the Hindu calendar.

Places of interest within kullu are as follows:

  • Raghunath Temple – In the 17th century, Raja Jagat Singh of Kullu committed a great mistake. To atone for the sin, he sent a senior courtier to Ayodhya for a statue of Lord Raghunath – Lord Rama. This temple was built by Raja Jagat Singh to house the image and even today, is greatly revered. Every year international fair Dussehra is celebrated with local deities in honour of lord Raghunath.
  • Shringi Rishi Temple- Banjar – About 60 km. from Kullu is Banjar valley wherein Shringi Rishi Temple is located. Shringi Rishi is the ruling deity of Banjar valley. In fact, before the Lord Rama’s advent into Kullu valley from Ayodhya Puri,Lord Shringi was the ruling deity of Kullu. Shringi rishi is one among the “atthara kardoo” (eighteen chief deities) of the Kullu valley.
  • Maha Devi Tirth Temple – Shri Mahadevi Tirth, popularly known as Vaishno Devi Mandir (by localities), situated about two kilometers North from the Kullu valley on Kullu Manali road, though a newly founded temple, yet it is acknowledged like any old famous temple. The foundation of this temple was laid by [Swami Sewak Das Ji].
  • Bijli Mahadev Temple – It is located at 2,435 meters from sea level and is about 10 km from Kullu. The staff of the temple is 60 feet high and can be seen from the Kullu valley too. It is the highest point around Kullu from where the beautiful view of the whole town, and more can be experienced.
  • Devta Narsingh – A famous temple of deity ‘Narsingh’, situated in Sultanpur block of Kullu.
  • Raison – By the banks of the Beas -and on the Kullu-Manali highway – Himachal Tourism runs a camping site here. Ideal for a taste of adventure.
  • Shoja – At 2692 m, this is a vantage point for a complete panorama of the Kullu area – snow peaks and valleys, meadows and forests, rivers and streams. From Shoja, Jalori pass is 5 km far from where you can took an extreme view of Shoja and its vicinity. From some distance from Jalori you can visit a lake named Sareuolsar. It is an extraordinary place to visit but there is no means of transportation so you have to go on foot.
  • Basheshwar Mahadev Temple, Bajaura – One of the most charming temples in the Kullu valley, this is renowned for its intricate stone carvings. It is said to be built by pandavas.
  • Kasol – An open glade by the banks of the river Parvati. Clean white sand separates the lush green grass from the water. A good spot for trout. Himachal Tourism has a Tourist Hut here.
  • Naggar – For 1400 years this was the capital of Kullu. Its 16th century stone and wood castle is now a hotel run by Himachal Tourism. Here, a gallery houses the paintings of the Russian artist, Nicholas Roerich. Naggar also has three other old shrines.There are many old pagoda shali temple also there.
  • Hidimba temple- dungri,Manali.
  • Kais Dhar – An immensely beautiful place, with grass meadows and densely forested mountains. It is a part of trekking route and is not connected through road, hence the natural beauty is still preserved. It is easily one of the most beautiful places in Himachal. This place has a forest rest house which was built by Britishers , who liked this place . It not far away from Kullu town, approximately 10 km from the town. But it is not connected through road.

FUNGANI MATA TEMPLE-this lies on the top of the lugvalley.This is really a beautiful place and still hidden from tourist hence still the area arround this us preserved.Temple is near about 30 KM away from kullu town.while road is Only up to base of the point from where there is little walk to the temple.Other places which are famous for tourist are as, Basheshwar Mahadev Temple, Sultanpur Palace,Parvati Valley, Karrain, Bathad, Jagatsukh etc.

Adventure activities: 

The Kullu valley has numerous places for trout fishing. These include Katrain, Raison, Kasol and Naggar, then along the river Tirthan near Larji, in the Sainj Valley and in the Hurla khud. The valley is the nucleus of several trek routes. Some major ones are over the Chanderkhani Pass to Malana, over the Jalori Pass or Bashleo Pass to Shimla, and over the Pin Parvati Pass to Sarahan. White water rafting is popular on the Beas river. Rapid Riders is one of the oldest service providers in kullu offering commercial white water rafting on the 16 km river course.

 

Manali

Manali is a hill station nestled in the mountains of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh near the northern end of the Kullu Valley, at an altitude of 2,050 m (6,726 ft) in the Beas River Valley. It is located in the Kullu district, about 270 km (168 mi) north of the state capital,Shimla. The small town, with a population of 8,096, is the beginning of an ancient trade route to Ladakh and from there over the Karakoram Pass on to Yarkand and Khotan in the Tarim Basin. It is a popular tourist destination and serves as the roadway to other northern hill stations.

Manali is named after the lawgiver Manu. The word Manali is regarded as the changed name of “Manu-Alaya” which literally means “the abode of Manu”. Legend has it that sage Manu stepped off his ark in Manali to recreate human life after a great flood had deluged the world. Manali is also often referred to as the “Valley of the Gods”. The Old Manali village has an ancient temple dedicated to sage Manu.

Some top destinations in Manali for tourist to enjoy and bring out the adventurer are River Beas, Rohtang Pass, Solang Valley, Jogini Waterfall, Beas Kund, Hadimba Temple, Jana Falls,Van Vihar National Park,Pin Valley National Park, Rahala Falls, Himvalley Manali etc

Shimla

Shimla  also known as Simla, is the capital city of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, located in northern India. Shimla is bounded by Mandi and Kullu in the north, Kinnaur in the east, the state of Uttarakhand in the south-east, and Solan and Sirmaur. The city has rich history as in 1864, Shimla was declared as the summer capital of British India, succeeding Murree, northeast of Rawalpindi. After independence, the city became the capital of Punjab and was later named the capital of Himachal Pradesh. It is the principal commercial, cultural, and educational centre of the hilly regions of the state. As of 2011, the city had 171,817 residents; and is one of the lowest populated capital city in India.

The earliest inhabitants of the area date back to the start of the 19th century, the area fell under the British Raj in the year 1817. The climatic conditions attracted the British to establish the city in the dense forests of Himalayas. Shimla being the summer capital hosted many important political meetings including the Simla Accord of 1914 and the Simla Conference of 1945. After independence the state of Himachal Pradesh came into being in 1948 as a result of integration of 28 princely states. Even after independence the city remained an important political center hosting the Simla Agreement of 1972. After the reorganisation, the Mahasu district and its major portion was merged with Shimla. Its name is derived from the goddess Shyamala Devi, an incarnation of the Hindu goddess Kali. As of 2011 Shimla comprises 19 hill states; mainly Baghal, Baghat, Balsan, Bashahr, Bhajji, Bija, Darkoti, Dhami, Jubbal, Keonthal, Kumharsain, Kunihar, Kuthar, Mahlog, Mangal, Nalagarh (Hindur), Sangri and Tharoch.

Shimla is home to a number of buildings that are styled in the Tudorbethan and neo-Gothic architectures dating from the colonial era, as well as multiple temples and churches. The colonial architecture and churches, the temples and the natural beauty of the city attract large number of tourist making Shimla one of the most sought after tourist location in the country. The major attractions include the Viceroy Lodge, the Christ Church, the Jakhoo Temple, the Mall Road and The Ridge which together form the city center. The Kalka–Shimla Railway line built by the British a UNESCO World Heritage Site is also a big attraction for tourists from all across the world. Owing to its steep terrain, Shimla hosts the mountain biking race MTB Himalaya, which started in 2005 and is regarded as the biggest event of its kind in South Asia. Shimla also has the largest natural ice skating rink in South Asia. Apart from being a tourism center the city is also an educational hub with a number of colleges and research institutions. The city also has sporting venues like the Indira Gandhi Rajya Khel Parisar, the main sports complex and the Naldehra Golf Club as well.

Places of Tourist Places are as follows: 

Jakhoo Hill, Simla State Museum, The Ridge, Summer Hill, Daranghati Sanctuary, Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Naldehra and Shaily Peak, Chadwick Falls, Kufri, Christ Church, Annandale, Wild Flower Hall etc.

  • The Mall: The Mall is the main shopping street of Shimla. It also has many restaurants, clubs, banks, bars, Post Offices and tourist offices. The Gaiety Theatre is also situated there.
  • Christ Church: Situated on The Ridge, Christ Church is the second oldest church in Northern India. It has a very majestic appearance and inside there are stained glass windows which represent faith, hope, charity, fortitude, patience and humility.
  • Jakhu Hill: 2 km from Shimla, at a height of 8000 ft, Jakhu Hill is the highest peak an offers a beautiful view of the town and of the snow-covered Himalayas. At the top of the Hill, is an old temple of Lord Hanuman, which is also the home of countless playful monkeys waiting to be fed by all visitors. A 108 feet (33 metre) statue of Lord Hanuman, a Hindu deity, at 8,500 feet (2,591 metres) above sea level, is single statue to stand at the highest altitude among several other master pieces in the world, overtaking the Christ Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
  • Jutogh: Located just 8 km away from the city centre, this army cantonment is near Totu, an important suburb of Shimla city.
  • Shimla State Museum: The Museum, which was opened in 1974, has tried to protect hill-out and the cultural wealth of the state. There is a collection of miniature Pahari paintings, sculptures, bronzes wood-carvings and also costumes, textiles and jewellery of the region.
  • Indian Institute of Advanced Study: This institute is housed at the former Viceregal Lodge, built in 1884-88.
  • Summer Hill: Situated at a distance of 5 km from The Ridge is the lovely township of Summer Hill, at a height of 6,500 ft on the Shimla-Kalka railway line. Mahatma Gandhi lived in these quiet surroundings during his visits to Shimla. Himachal Pradesh University is situated here.
  • Annandale: Developed as the racecourse of Shimla, Annandale is 2–4 km from The Ridge at a height of 6,117 ft. It is a very big beautiful ground, now used by the Indian Army.
  • Tara Devi: 11 km from the Shimla bus-stand. Tara Devi hill has a temple dedicated to the goddess of stars on top of the hill. There is a military Dairy Town here as well as the headquarters of Bharat Scouts and Guides.
  • Sankat Mochan: A very famous Lord Hanuman temple is located here.
  • Junga: Junga is near Tehsi, 26 km from Shimla. Its original name (with diacritics) is Jūnga and is a former royal retreat of the princely state of Keonthal. It is also known as the Keonthal Estate.
  • Anand Vilas: Midway between Shimla and Junga. “Sarva Dharma Mandir”, Temple of all Faiths, is a spiritual group dedicated to Mother Nature. Thousands of visitors and devotees come here every year. There is an “Art is Values” school with students from all over India. Classes are provided free of cost.
  • Totu: A major developing suburb of Shimla on NH-88. Houses Jutogh railway station & HimFed under Govt. of Himachal Pradesh.
  • Mashobra: 13 km from Shimla, site of the annual Sipi fair in June.
  • Kufri: 16 km from Shimla at a height of 8,600 ft, Kufri is the local winter sports centre, and it also has a small zoo.
  • Chharabra:  13 km from Shimla on route to Kufri.
  • Naldehra: 22 km from Shimla, with a nine-hole Naldehra Golf Club. The annual Sipi fair in June is held in Naldehra.
  • Chail: Chail was built as summer retreat by the Maharaja of Patiala during the British Raj, it is known for its cricket pitch, the highest in the world.
  • Tattapani: Location of sulphur springs which are found near the Tatapani mandir(holy temple)
  • Sanjauli: The main suburb of Shimla.
  • New Shimla: The main Residential area of Shimla.
 
 Chamba

Chamba is an ancient town in the Chamba district in the state of Himachal Pradesh, in northern India. According to the 2001Indian census, Chamba has a population of 20,312 people. Located at an altitude of 996 metres (3,268 ft) above mean sea level, the town is situated on the banks of the Ravi River (a major tributary of the Trans-Himalayan Indus River), at its confluence with the Sal River.Chambial were the Rulers of Chamba dynasty Chambials use suffix Varmans.

Though historical records date the history of the Chamba region to the Kolian tribes in the 2nd century BC, the area was formally ruled by the Maru dynasty, starting with the Raju Maru from around 500 AD, ruling from the ancient capital of Bharmour, which is located 75 kilometres (47 mi) from the town of Chamba. In 920, Raja Sahil Varman (or Raja Sahil Verma) shifted the capital of the kingdom to Chamba, following the specific request of his daughter Champavati  (Chamba was named after her). From the time of Raju Maru, 67 Rajas of this dynasty have ruled over Chamba until it finally merged with the Indian Union in April 1948, although Chamba was under British suzerainty from 1846 to this time.

The town has numerous temples and palaces, and hosts two popular jatras (fairs), the “Suhi Mata Mela” and the “Minjar Mela”, which last for several days of music and dancing. Chamba is also well noted for its arts and crafts, particularly its Pahari paintings, which originated in the Hill Kingdoms of North India between the 17th and 19th century, and its handicrafts and textiles.

Places of tourist interest are  Khajjiar Lake, Chamera Lake,Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary,Bhuri Singh Museum,Rang Mahal,Maharaja’s Palace, Akhand Chandi Palace, Manimahesh Lake,Chamba Central Park,Church of Scotland etc.

Dharamsala

Dharamsala ‘The Scotland of India’ s a city and a municipal corporation in Kangra district in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is the district headquarters. It was formerly known as Bhagsu. The Dalai Lama’s residence and the headquarters of Central Tibetan Administration (the Tibetan government in exile) are in Dharamshala. Dharamshala is 18 kilometres from Kangra.

Dharamshala has been selected as one of the hundred Indian cities to be developed as a smart city under PM Narendra Modi’s flagship Smart Cities Mission. 

Dharamshala is located in the upper reaches of the Kangra valley in Himachal Pradesh and is placed at an average altitude of 1,475 meters above sea level. The city is surrounded a thick cover of deodar cedar trees and is one of the major strong holds for the Tibetan refugees and the seat of the 14th dalai lama of the Tibetan sect of Buddhism. The town due to its picturesque surroundings and the presence of the Dalai Lama has made the town a popular tourist destination, both for the Indians and the foreign tourists.

Places of Tourist are Triund, Dal Lake, Dharamkot, Bhagsu Waterfall, Bhagsunag Temple, Masroor Rock Cut Temple,Church of St. John, Tea Garden, Namgyal Monastery, McLeod Ganj,Kangra Museum, Kangra Fort etc.

Dalhousie

Dalhousie is a hill station in Himachal Pradesh, established in 1854 by the British Empire’s government in India as a summer retreat for its troops and officials.

It is built on and around five hills, Kathalagh, Potreyn, Terah, Bakrota and Bhangora. Located on the western edge of the Dhauladhar mountain range of the Himalayas, it is surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Dalhousie is situated between 6,000 and 9,000 feet (2,700 m) above sea level. The best time to visit is in the summer, and the peak tourist season is from May to September. Scottish and Victorian architecture are prevalent in the bungalows and churches in the town.

Dalhousie is a gateway to the ancient Chamba Hill State, now Chamba District of the state of Himachal Pradesh of India. This hill region is a repository of ancient Hindu culture, art, temples, and handicrafts preserved under the longest-running single dynasty since the mid-6th century. Chamba is the hub of this culture. Bharmour, the ancient capital of this kingdom, is home to the Gaddi and Gujjar tribes. It has 84 ancient temples dating from the 7th–10th centuries AD.

One of the most pristine hill stations in Himachal Pradesh and India, Dalhousie is named after Lord Dalhousie the British governor-General who established the town as a popular summer retreat. The town was established in 1854 by the British and is located at the western ranges of the Himalayas at an average elevation of 1,970 meters above sea level. The town is still exemplary of neatly planned streets and colonial era architecture of the buildings that are a marvel to witness amidst the lush green surroundings and snow capped peaks of the Himalayas.

Dalhousie has many places to visit. A favorite spot for tourists is the area near Alla. It is a potato field and it offers mesmerizing scenic landscape. Another popular spot is the area of Karelanu. It is famous for its precious water, which healed Subhas Chandra Bose. He was suffering from tuberculosis and he regularly drank the water from the natural spring in Karelanu and was healed. Some of the major tourist attractions of the town are: Dainkund Peak, Khajjiar, Bakrota Hills, Village Lohali, Gandhi Chowk(G.P.O), Bakrota Hills, Dalhousie Cantonment, Sadar Bazar, Tibetan Market, PanchpulaKalatop and Kalatop Forest and Salooni about 50 km from Dalhousie provides a breathtaking view.

Kangra

Kangra is the most populous district of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, India. Dharamshala is the administrative headquarters of the district. It is home of Masroor Rock Cut Temple, also known as Himalayan Pyramids and wonder of the world for being likely contender for the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Kangra is an ancient town, which was founded by the Katoch Dynasty which is the oldest surviving Royal Dynasty in the World. The town was attacked and plundered by various warring dynasties and empires till it eventually became a part of the British colonial rule in India. The various temples and the marvelous fort are few of the major attractions in the town. The chief spoken languages here are Hindi and Kangri which is very similar to Punjabi due to the town’s proximity to the State of Punjab. Kangra is known for its scenic locations and flowery meadows which are a marvel to behold.

Places of Tourist interest are Kangra Fort and Tibetan Museum, Bir etc.

Kasauli

Kasauli is a town, located in Solan district in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The cantonment was established by the British Raj in 1842 as a Colonial hill station, 77 km from Shimla, 65 km from Chandigarh, and 94 km from Ambala Cantt (Haryana), an important Railway Junction of North India and lies at a height of 1,927 metres (6,322 ft). The town is a health resort, having an elevation of 1,900 metres above sea level.

The views from here are spectacular. The serenity of the place is enchanting. Here are some top attractions in Kasauli, Monkey Point, Sunset Point, Christ Church, Dagshai, St. Patrick’s Church, Gurkha Fort, Central Research Institute, The Mall and Timber Trail Resort etc.

 
 THINGS TO DO IN HIMACHAL PRADESH
 Treks  
 Tours  
 Paragliding  
Mountain Biking
Rock Climbing   
Rafting   
Nature Study Camp   
 Adventure Camp  
Bike Tours   
One day Camping    
DO’S and DON’TS
DO’S 
Always travel with a guide where it necessary.  
Respect our local culture and use taking permission for restricted places before taking photographs.  
Dress modestly. Be aware of the customs and manners and culture of the local people.  
follow designated route and trails.  
It is customary to leave a donation at a monastery and to circle shrines in clockwise direction.  
Avoid littering and deposit garbage at designated places.  
Keep all pollutants away from streams and lakes.  
learn local culture and spread it.  
   
 

DON’TS
Don’t spit in a religious area   
Don’t pluck plants or flowers.  
Don’t smoke, drink alcohol or talk loudly near sacred places.  
Don’t buy endangered species or antiques.  
Don’t disturb wildlife or its habitat.  
Don’t make any type of bad comments about religion, and politics.
 HOW TO REACH HIMACHAL PRADESH
Himachal Pradesh, a northern Indian state in the Himalayas, is known for its trekking, climbing and skiing, and scenic mountain towns and resorts such as Dalhousie. Host to the Dalai Lama, Himachal Pradesh also has a strong Tibetan presence, reflected in its Buddhist temples and monasteries, cuisine heavy on noodles and dumplings, and vibrant Tibetan New Year celebrations.

 

Nearest Airport:

State has three domestic airports in Shimla, Kullu and Kangra districts The air routes connect the state with Delhi and Chandigarh.

  • Bhuntar Airport is in Kullu district around 10 kilometres (6 mi) from district headquarters.
  • Gaggal Airport is in Kangra district which is around 10 kilometres from Kangra
  • Shimla Airport, which is around 21 kilometres (13 mi) west of the city.
Nearest Railway’s Station:

Railway Himachal is famous for its narrow gauge tracks railways, one is UNESCO World Heritage Kalka-Shimla Railway and another one is Pathankot–Jogindernagar. Total length of these two tracks is 259 kilometres (161 mi). Kalka-Shimla Railway track passes through many tunnels, while Pathankot–Jogindernagar gently meanders through a maze of hills and valleys. It also has standard gauge railway track which connect Amb (Una district) to Delhi. A survey is being conducted to extend this railway line to Kangra (via Nadaun). Other proposed railways in the state are Baddi-Bilaspur, Dharamsala-Palampur and Bilaspur-Manali-Leh.

Road

Roads are the major mode of transport in the hilly terrains. The state has road network of 28,208 kilometres (17,528 mi), including eight National Highways (NH) that constitute 1,234 kilometres (767 mi) and 19 State Highways with total length of 1,625 kilometres (1,010 mi). Some roads get closed during winter and monsoon seasons due to snow and landslides. Hamirpur has the highest road density in the state.