Himachal Pradesh Travel Guide
Himachal Pradesh, the land of eternal snow peaks abounds in exotic valleys, glorious green hill-slopes, snowcapped mountains, gushing streams and the hills of Himalays welcome the tourists from all over the world. In this mountain wonderland, the pace of life is measured and tranquil. Himachal Pradesh is full of hill resorts, pilgrimages, adventure sports destinations, and wildlife that attracts a wide range of tourist traffic. Today, Himachal Pradesh is one of the most important tourist destinations in India. It also has excellent trekking. Main tourist complexes are Shimla, Palampur, Dharamsala, Kulu-Manali, Chamba-Dalhousie. Temple at Bhima Kali, Sarahan, Hatkoti, Jwalajee, Chamunda Devi, Chintpurni, Renuka and Rewalsar, Deoth Siddh and Naina Devi are major attractions for pilgrims. Tourist complexes are also being set up at Keylong, Kaza, Sangla, Shoja, Kalpa, Khadrala, Kharapathar, Chindi, Bharmour, Chansal and Naggar castle. High mountains, snow - covered peaks, beautiful green hills and slopes, and quiet little resorts and hamlets make up this beautiful state. In summer, Himachal Pradesh has always been a refreshing change form the heat and oppression of the plains of north India. Travellers, tourists and even governments have resorted to its cooling effects and found relief in escaping to its hills. Himachal is blessed with some of the most spectacular and beautiful landscapes, it is a travellers paradise-mighty snow peaks, deep gorges, lush green valley, misty woods, fast flowing rivers, enchanting lakes and flower filled meadows. Its high mountains and valleys are linked by winding roads and high passes. While the picturesque valleys of Kullu and Kangra are a riot of colours. In marked contrast the stark and barren terrain of Lahaul & Spiti have a stunning lunar and scope like beauty. Himachali's lead a simple and quiet life, tending their orchards, fields and flocks. Keeping alive their rich art and culture. They remain immersed in the annual rounds of fairs and festivals, full of music, song and dance. For the visitor there are superb locations for relaxing and sight seeing. There are also great opportunities for trekking, mountaineering, fishing, river-rafting, skiing and para-gliding.
Though Shimla town, which is now the capital of Himachal Pradesh, has come a long way from the days of the Raj, the old British buildings, quaint cottages and churches still remind visitors of an era long gone by. In the heyday of the Empire, officers and their wives strolled down the Mall of Shimla, exchanging pleasantries with fellow officers. Many a grass widow spent time wandering along walks through Shimla's pine forests, while dashing Indian princes left many an English lady heartbroken. From the days of the British, when it was the popular retreat of the sahibs, Shimla has now become the hub of major activities in Himachal Pradesh. Being the seat of government and a major tourist attraction in north India, Shimla has grown to bursting point. In peak tourist season, traffic jams and crippling water shortage are common. Nevertheless, the fresh air, magnificent snow peaks and refreshing green all around make Shimla worth a visit. The state of Himachal Pradesh has boundaries with the Jammu and Kashmir in the North, Uttar Pradesh in the Southeast, China on east, Haryana in the South and Punjab in the West. It is located between 30"22' and 30"12' north latitude and between 75"47' and 79"4' east longitude. The mountainous state has altitudes ranging from 350 to 7000 meters (1050 ft. to 21000 ft.) above the sea level. The climate varies from semi-tropical to semi-arctic from place to place depending on the altitude of the region. The months from April to June are pleasant and comfortable at higher altitude and humid in the lower hills. The months of July to September are the month of rainfall. Himachal Pradesh experiences average annual rainfalls of about 160-cm. the entire state becomes lush green and all the springs and streams are filled again. The winter season begins from October to February and is very severe. Heavy snowfall occurs during this season Himachal Pradesh stores numerous wonderful hill stations which are particularly cool in summers. Shimla, Dalhousie, Kullu, Kasauli, Manali, Chail and Kufri are a few of the hill Stations which offer breathtaking scenery. Dharmasala, where the Dalai Lama lives, is another important centre on the tourist map. The foremost shrine in Kangra town is the Brajeshwari Devi temple. 30 km from Kangra is Jwalamukhi, one of the most revered temples in northern India. The Kangra Museum has an impressive art collection. Himachal Pradesh has a number of museums all over the state. You can see the rich collection of paintings, bronze items, local jewellery, collection of age old coins, tapestries and wooden carvings, pahari paintings, antique stone sculptures, arms, armour in addition to locally made artifacts, ancient pottery, dolls representing different areas and anthropological items.
Important tourist places : Shimla, Dalhousie, Kulu, Manali, Chamba, Dharamshala, Lahaul, Kinnaur, Spiti, Palampur, Kangra, Una Lahaul & Spiti , Kullu , Mandi , Hamirpur : Bilaspur , Solan , Kinnaur , Shimla , Sirmour, Kufri
Places to see : Renuka , Rewalsar , Khajjiar,Dal , Bhrighu , Parashar,Manimahesh , Chandertal,Gobind Sagar , Nako , Suraj Tal, Simbalbara , Renuka , Churdhar, Chail , Majathal , Pin Valley,Manali , Kanwar , Kalatop,Daranghati , Great Himalayan,Maharana Pratap , Nature Parks.
The people in Himachal love festivals and participate in all the local festivals and fairs with great enthusiasm. Most of the fairs and festivals are connected with the various seasonal changes. There are many folk lores connected with the beginning of each festivals. These fairs offer a clear glimpse into the lives, the beliefs and the popular customs of the rural life in Himachal. Each district has its own sequence of annual fairs which are connected with the historical and sociological background of that area. Festivals have an important place in the lives of the people in Himachal. On the festival day the farmers do not work in the fields and rich and poor alike celebrate these to the best of their financial abilities. If there has been a death in the family on the day of the festival, the festival is not celebrated by the other members, till a birth occurs around the same time. The Sikh festivals are celebrated largely in the cities. The tribal festivals have their own identity which is totally different from the festival celebration else where. Pori, Festival,Dussera, Fulaich, Holi, Chaitti, Chaitraul, Basoa or Bishu, Minjar, Rakhadumni (Rakhi), Gugnaumi, Losar, Sairi, Chauth, Khepa, Magha Naun, Lohadi, Faguli Diwali, Dyali, Khogal, Sajo, Gotsi or Gochi, Karwa.
Access: The three airports of the state at Bhuntar, Gaggal, and Jubbarhatti have regular flights from Indian Airlines. There is no international airport in Himachal Pradesh. Only few places in Himachal Pradesh are connected by trains, as the construction of new lines is difficult due to difficult terrain. The longest railway line is from Pathankot in Punjab to Jogindernagar in Himachal Pradesh. 25/01/2005 Most of the important places in the state are connected with a good road network.