Himachal Pradesh

Discover Himachal Pradesh, a fascinating state of India. Blessed with apple orchards, wildflowers, rushing streams, Himachal Pradesh is a place worth exploring. With lots of venues for skiing, mountaineering, rock climbing, parasailing, and river rafting, Himachal Pradesh is a great place for adventure tourism in India. As a paradise for travelers, Himachal Pradesh is one of the best places to explore. Encompassing tourist destinations like Chamba, Manali, Kullu, Himachal is a much-visited place in India.

Himachal Pradesh is a tiny hill state whose pleasant summers make it a popular holiday resort. The Raj still lingers in Shimla, the state capital and former summer capital during British rule. It came into being in its present form with the partition of Punjab into Punjab and Haryana in 1966. The high points of the Himachal are as follows. The winding roads and high passes link its high mountains and valleys. While the picturesque valleys of Kullu and Kangra are a blend of colors. In marked contrast, the stark and barren terrain of Lahaul and Spiti have a stunning lunar and scape-like beauty.

Fast Facts :

1. Area: 55,673 sq km

2. Population: 68,56,509

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3. Religion: Hinduism (95.89 %), Buddhists, Others

4. Capital: Shimla

5. Language: Hindi, English, and Himachali

6. Best Time to Visit: March to October

7. Major Cities: Shimla, Barog, Parwanoo, Chail, Bilaspur, Kufri, and Kinnaur.

8. State Emblem: Ashoka lions and the Himalaya mountains 

9. State Animal: Snow leopard (Uncia uncia)

10. State Bird: Western tragopan (Tragopan melanocephalus)

11. State Tree: Deodar cedar (Cedrus deodara)

12. State Flower: Pink rhododendron

13. Culture and Tradition of Himachal Pradesh

Tourist Attractions :

Kangra 

The small town of Kangra was the capital of the erstwhile rulers of the Chand dynasty. It is set amongst the picturesque settings of the Kangra valley at the foothills of the majestic Dhauladhar range. The area around Kangra is known for its ancient temples and picturesque surroundings, which attract tourists.

Shimla 

The capital of Himachal Pradesh and one of India’s most famous hill stations, derives its name from Goddess Shyamala, an incarnation of Goddess Kali, the deity of power and wrath. However, unlike its name, Shimla is a perfect haven for those in search of tranquility. Nature has blessed this capital city with innumerable gifts and man has used them to make Shimla one of India’s best destinations.

Manali 

Manali is 40 Kms from Kulu valley to the north, Manali is situated near the end of the valley on the National Highway leading to Leh. The landscape is breathtaking as all around it is outlined against the horizon. One sees well-defined snow-capped peaks, the Beas river with its clear water meandering through between the town on the side, and on the other side are deodar and pine trees, tiny leveled fields, and fruit orchards. It is an excellent place for a holiday, and a favorite starting point for trekkers to Lahaul, Spiti, Kinnaur, Chamba Leh, and Zanskar regions in Kashmir valley. It is known as the Switzerland of India.

Dharamshala 

The High snow-clad Dhauladhar ranges of the Himalayas from a magnificent back up to the hill resort of Dharamsala is the principal township of Kangra district and overlooks the widespread f the plains. With dense pine and deodar forests, numerous streams, cool healthy air, attractive surroundings, and the nearby snowline. Dharamsala has everything for a perfect holiday

Chamba 

Chamba is the Ancient Capital of Pahari Kings situated on the bank of river Ravi at an altitude of 996 meters. Chamba was founded in 920 AD but King Sahil Verma named it after his favorite daughter Champavati. Surrounded by higher ranges Chamba has preserved the ancient culture and heritage and Chamba is known for the elegance of its temples and handicrafts.

Getting There :

1. By Air: The state has three airports at Bhuntar, Gaggal, and Jubbarhatti, which connect the state to Delhi and Chandigarh via regular flights by Indian Airlines. There is no international airport in Himachal Pradesh.

2. By Rail: Only a few places in Himachal Pradesh are connected by trains, as the construction of new lines is very difficult in the rugged, high-altitude regions. The longest railway line is from Pathankot in Punjab to Jogindernagar in Himachal Pradesh. Other railway tracks touch Shimla, Solan, and Una.

3. By Road: Despite problems in constructing new roads and maintaining them, most of the important places in the state are connected with a good road network. Some of the roads are closed during the winter and monsoon seasons due to the heavy snowfall and landslides that occur regularly in this region.

Suggested Read: Formation Dates of Indian States