Himachal Pradesh

Geography

Himachal has five mighty, snows fed rivers flowing through it - the Chenab, Ravi, Beas, Sutlej and Yamuna. Climatically, this state is divisible into two regions - the south which is as warm as the plains, and the north where the summers are temperated, and winters are extremely cold. The people of Himachal Pradesh are simple and unsophisticated, lively and good - natured, Most of them are fair complexioned. Fruit laden orchards and gentle terraces of corn and tea all characterize this state.

Tourism

“Dev Bhumi Himachal”, no question at all why Indian God or Goddess choose this place for their residents. Mighty snow peaks, deep gorges, wide lush green and golden valleys set against imposing snow-clad mountains, Verdant green meadows, misty woods, fast flowing icy rivers, glaciers and limpid lakes are all natural gift set by God to make this place extremely beautiful and heart catching. There are superb locations for relaxing and sight seeing. Himachali Culture attracts the people to visit again and again. The clothes of the Himachalis are vibrant, and each region is characterized by a typical dress. Hindi is spoken throughout Himachal, though each valley possesses its own dialect. There are also tremendous opportunities for trekking, mountaineering, fishing, river rafting, skiing, Para-gliding, ice skating and golf.

Chamba valley is situated in the western Himalayas between north latitudes 32°10' and 33°13' and east longitudes 75°45' and 77°33'. Set at an altitude of 996 meters above sea level, Chamba nestles near the enchanting foothills of Shivaliks. The town stands on a plateau on the right bank of the Ravi river valley between Dhauladhar and Zanskar ranges south of the inner Himalayas. This town was founded by Raja Sahil Varman. It seems the original name of the town was Champa as mentioned in Kalhan's Rajtarangani and more popularly known as Chameshni. A temple was built by Sahil Varman in the honour of his daughter Champavati who is worshipped as a goddess in Chamba. Chamuda Devi Temple, Laxmi Narayan Temple, Rang Mahal and Bhuri Singh Museum etc. are the main places to visit during your Chamba tours. Chamba Valley is also rich with most beautiful and popular hill station Dalhousie.

Kangra Valley the history of Kangra valley dates back to the Vedic times more than 3500 yrs. ago. Lastly British dominated over the princes of the hill states. The town was attacked by Mohammed Ghaznavi and subjugated by Emperor Feroz Tuglak and Maharaja Rant Singh. Earlier, Kangra was the capital of the great hill state, its renowned ruler being Maharaja Sansar Chand Katoch, a great patron of arts. The Miniature and Rajpur Schools of hill paintings flourished during his reign. The art and craft of this valley is amazing. Miniature paintings of this region are internationally appreciated and shawls of Kangra are very famous due its unique and delicate design. This valley of lower Himalyas, full of greenery is having very ample sights. Moreover sheltered by the sublime Dhauladhar range. A place of Buddhists is Dharamshala whereas ancient Hindu Temples like Brajeshwari, Baijnath, Jawalamukhi and Chamunda Devi are also there. The ruined fort of Nagarkot reminds us the history of its glorious past. The remains of the fort of the rulers of Kangra are located on a strategic height, overlooking the Ban Ganga and Manjhi rivers.

Kullu in the Lap of beautiful Valley Kulu spreads out its charm on either side of river Beas. The valley runs north to south of this river and is 80kms. long and about 2kms. at its broadest. Kullu district offers many attractions to the tourists.   Though it is somewhat warm during June and early July, but for the rest of the year provides a delightful and healthy climate. The annual rainfall is about 40", of which a little less than a half occurs during the winter months from October to March. There is not much snowfall during the winters but the snow clad peaks look very beautiful. Kullu town has made its name on the international tourist map for its famous Dussehra festival. The valley is also famous for its exquisitely woven colourful hand made shawls and kullu caps. Not only the district is famous for its scenic beauty but also as a paradise for the trekkers and mountaineers.

Shimla is the capital town of Himachal Pradesh. The town of Shimla is built over several hills and connecting ridges. The important hills are Jhakhu, Prospect Hill, Observatory Hill, Elysigim Hill and Summer Hill. Shimla is situated in the North-West Himalayas and was the Summer Capital of India during the British ruling era. This town is spread over the ridge measuring about 12 km. It is perhaps the biggest hill station in the world, located at an altitude of 2,421 meters above sea level. A place of peace and pleasure, Shimla is a tourist resort in real sense of the word. The best season of the year here is autumn but the early spring runs a close second. Shimla is connected with air, rail, and road traffics. Shimla under snow is a wonderful sight and it offers the unique attraction of an open air ice skating rink. Also the legendary Ridge under snow and snow sports at Kufri make Shimla a wonderful winter holiday resort.

Sirmaur, where a triangle of 3 important tourist places namely Nahan, Renuka and Shri Paonta Sahib, have attracted many tourists all round the year. There are many attractions available in this triangle. One can visit these places either in the order we have explained or first visit Renuka then Nahan and lastly Paonta Sahib from Shimla side or vice versa.

Rewalsar located on a mountain spur, an hour`s drive from Mandi brings you to this dark jewel like lake. With water, woodland and high hills, it presents a variety of natural beauty. The spot is sacred for Hindus, Buddhists and Sikhs. It was from here that the great Indian teacher and `Tantric` Padmasabhava left for Tibet. Known to the Tibetans as Guru Rimpoche, the Precious Master, it was under Padmasambahava`s influence that Mahayana Buddhism spread over Tibet. There are islands of floating reed on Rewalsar lake and the spirit of Padmasabhava is said to reside in them. It is here that the sage Lomas did penance in devotion to Lord Shiva, and the Sikh Guru Gobind Singh also resided here for one month. The Sisu fair held in late February/early march, and the festival of Baisakhi is an important event at Rewalsar.

Kasauli located at an altitude of 1927 m. It is at a distance of 77 km from Shimla and 70 km from Chandigarh. The legend of the town states that it came into existence after Lord Hanuman placed his feet here in order to advance on to the Sanjeevani hill. The place where the lord actually kept his feet is believed to be at a hillock which is 300 m high. Historically, Kasauli is one of those hill stations that were developed by the British Empire during its peak period in India. Monkey Point, Christ Church, Sanawar, Dharampur, Dagshai and Sabathu are the main attractions in kasauli or around the kasauli.

Chail ( 2,250 meters ) Situated 45 km. from Shimla, this was the Summer Capital of the erstwhile Patiala State. Chail shot into prominence when Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala was denied an entry into Shimla by the British. At that point of time Shimla was the summer capital of the British and a hot favourite with the Maharajas as well. However, Maharaja Bhupinder Singh was not the one to accept defeat easily. He found a new summer capital for himself amidst scented forests of chir pine and gigantic deodars in the village of Chail. It has the highest cricket ground in the world. The dense forests around are alive with many species of birds and animals but it is best known for its Scottish red Deer which was introduced by the Maharaja.

Glen ( 1,830 meters ) Distance 4km. This is one of the most beautiful picnic spots of Shimla with flowing streams through dense forest. Approach is near Cecil Hotel and Kennedy House. It is sure one of the very famous places around Shimla.

Shri Naina Devi Temple is at a distance of just 65km from Bilaspur. It is one of the 51 SHAKTI PEETHS. According to a belief once Shiva's consort Sati, died to avenge an insult. The distranged Shiva picked up her corpse and gyrated in his horrific dance of destruction. Then Vishnu, the preserver, unleashed his Chakra and cut the body into 51 pieces to save the earth from Shiva's wrath. Naina Devi, is where Sati's eyes are believed to have fallen. The temple is situated on a beautiful hillock. Nearby is a holy cave in the name of Shri Naina Deviji. A big fair during Shravan Ashtami is held every year. Again in the Navratras of Chaitra and Ashwin, fairs commemorating the goddess are held here. For night stay, rest houses and sarais are available.

Bijli Mahadev Shrine situated at an altitude of 2435 mts on a hill call Mathan 11 km. from Kullu. From the temple a panoramic view of Kulu & Paravati valleys can be seen. The temple is in 'khash' style 20 mt. high wooden pole stands. Bijli Mahadev temple glistens like a silver needle in the sun. In this temple of lightening it is said, the tall staff attracts the divine blessings in the form of lightening. A regular bus goes up  to Chansari village, 14 km from Kullu. The remaining three km. are to be traversed on foot. There is great rush at the temple in the month of July. A visit to this place provides enjoyable and memorable moments.

Kufri ( 2,633 meters ) 16km. from Shimla. Kufri has won a name on the sports and tourist map of India due to its Ski-runs, Seed Potato Farm of the Central Potato Research Institute and Food Craft Institute. It is the winter sports capital. Kufri in Shimla is the most favourable place for winter sports activities. Excellent view of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Pirpanjal Range and Shiwalik Range from a height.

Manikaran at an altitude of 1,829 mt. , 45kms. from Kulu and just 3kms. from Kasol, is famous for its hot springs. Rocks surrounding the spring are uncomfortably hot, while the temperature of the water is above boiling point. Thousands of people take a holy dip in hot waters here. The water is so hot that dal, rice & vegetables etc. can be cooked in it. It is also a well known pilgrimage place for both Hindus & Sikhs. Ramchandra and Shivaji temples besides a Gurudwara are there. According to an old legend, Manikaran is connected with Lord Shiva and his divine consort, Parvati, who lost her ear rings here, which gave birth to hot waters on the bank of Parvati river. Hearing this religious myth from the priests will be more rewarding and interesting.

Hadimba Temple - The chief attractions of manali, DHOONGRI TEMPLE dedicated to goddess Hadimba, the Bhim of Mahabharat fame. This temple constructed in pagoda style displays the finest example of wood carving on it. Inside the temple, stone idol of Hadimba has been installed, which is about 60 cm. On the left side of the entrance there are 10 cm. feet (Charan Paduka) of the Goddess Durga. The temple was built by Raja Bahadur Singh in 1553 AD. Hadimba was a giantess who meditated at his place. She married to Bhima, one of the five Pandavas who visited here during their exile (Mahabharata Period). Because of her penance, she attained the position of Durga. There is a rock inside the temple about which it is believed that Hadimba meditated on this rock. In local dialect, the rock is called 'Dhoonger'. The temple and place is named after it. A large festival is held here in May.

Vashist Hot Water Springs And Temple about 3 kms beyond Manali and is renowned for its hot sulphur springs named as Bashisht or Vashist and temples. Nearby is the pyramidal stone temple dedicated to Vashist Muni. There is another Temple of Lord Ram here. Natural hot sulphur springs with two separate bathing tanks for gents and ladies are always full of tourists. Turkish style showers fitted baths have also been built nearby. Hot water from the nearby spring is provided for bathing.

Rohtang Pass about 3,978 mt. above sea level. Rohtang pass is 51kms. from Manali on highway to Keylong/Leh. The length of the pass is about 1 km. and has served as the route for many centuries for trade with Lahaul, Ladakh and to far away countries in Central Asia. It offers a panorama and spectacular mountain view. The pass is open from June to October each year although trekkers can cross it earlier. It is a gateway to Lahaul Spiti, Pangi and Leh valley just as Zojila pass is a gateway to Ladakh. There are beautiful sights of glaciers, peaks and Chandra river flows down in the Lahaul valley. Slightly to the left are the twin peaks of the Geypan. During summer (mid June to October) regular buses play between Manali-Keylong/Darcha, Udaipur, Spiti and Leh. Daily bus service is available at Manali for a trip to Rohtang-pass. The reservations for this trip may be done with assistance of Tourism Development Officer, at Manali.