Area: 55,673 sq. km
Population: 6.13 million
Capital: Shimla
Main Languages: Hindi and Pahari
Best time to visit: Mid May to Mid October (if trekking) and Late December to March (for winter sports)

Himachal Pradesh - the land of the eternal snow peaks - takes in the transition zone from the plains to the high Himalayas and in the trans-Himalayan region of Lahaul and Spiti actually crosses the mighty barrier to the Tibetan plateau. The State is bordered by Jammu and Kashmir in the north, Punjab in the west, Haryana in the south, Uttar Pradesh in the southeast and Tibet in the east.

Geographically speaking, Himachal is dominated by mountains and their associated rivers and valley. The mountains include Leo Pargial (6791m) in Kinnaur; Deo Tibba (6001m) near Manali, Kinnaur Kailash (6050m) to name a few. The mountain passes, such as the Rohtang La (3978m), Baralacha La (4950m) and Kunzum La (4551m), are pivotal points between culturally distinct regions. 'La' is a Tibetan word meaning pass. In winter, Lahaul and Spiti are completely isolated when these passes are blocked by snow. The Valleys are the easiest way to segregate the State, the major ones are namely - Lahaul and Spiti valleys in the northeast and east; Parbati and Kullu valleys in the centre and south, Kangra valley in the west; and Chamba and Pattan valleys in the north west

The regions that today comprise Himachal Pradesh were, in ancient times, crossed by trade routes to Tibet and Central Asia and also commanded the Sach Pass that led to Kashmir. The earliest known inhabitants of the region were tribals called Dasas. Later, Aryans came and they assimilated in the tribes. These hill chieftains accepted the suzerainty of subsequent Empires - the Mauryas, the Kushans, the Guptas and the Kannauj rulers. The Rajas, Ranas and Thakurs, however, ran their rival rahuns and thakurais, making Himachal a patchwork quilt of tiny states. Only Kangra and Kullu and later Chamba, had the power to break out of the petty feuding system. Several Himachal states had kings from Bengal, the best known of these is Mandi, which was founded in 1527. With the exception of the bigger states, most of the later states were founded by Rajput adventurers from the plains in the early medieval period.

The first westerners to visit the region were Jesuit missionaries, in search of the legendary kingdom of Prester John. The British discovered Himachal after their wars with the Sikhs and the Gurkhas. Little bits of England were created in Shimla, Dalhousie and Dharamsala during the late 19th century. In the interior however, feudal conditions remained. The State of Himachal Pradesh was formed in 1948. By 1966 the Pahari-speaking parts under Punjab administration including the Kangra, Kullu, Lahaul and Spiti were added. Full statehood was achieved only in 1971.

Dalhousie
Dharamsala
Kullu
Manali
Nalagarh
Palampur
Shimla

DALHOUSIE

The popular hill station of Dalhousie is located in the Chamba Valley, at the foot of the spectacular Dhaula Dhar range of the Himalayas. It covers an area of around 14 sq. km, and is sprawled over five hills - Kathlog, Portreyn, Moti Tibba (formerly known as Tehra), Bakrota and Balun. It is a town full of old world charm and holds lingering echoes of the 'British Raj'. This town was acquired from the Raja of Chamba by the British and was named after Lord Dalhousie, the then Viceroy of India. Dalhousie is famous for its public schools.

The lush cover of vegetation that adorns the town comprises of towering pines, deodars, oaks, and the beautiful rhododendron plants. Dalhousie also houses many fine specimens of colonial architecture especially, its old churches. The views that the resort has to offer are alone, worth a visit - to the north, one can gaze at the majestic mountains of the Dhaula Dhar range, that culminate in the Pir Panjal mountains of Kashmir, to the south, the plains of Punjab are discernible. Far below, the beautiful river Ravi can be sighted meandering its way through the plains.

Places to See -

Churches - the St. Andrew's Church, St. Patrick's Church at Balun, St. Francis' Church at Subhash Chowk, and St. John's Church at Gandhi Chowk, are some of the beautiful churches that Dalhousie houses.

Panchpula (Five Bridges) - located 3km from Dalhousie, is a picturesque spot where a stream feeds several pools. A monument is built here in the memory of a freedom fighter, Sardar Ajit Singh

Subhash Baoli - is a captivating spot, surrounded by soaring trees. It served as the great freedom fighter Subhash Chandra Bose's retreat.

Bara Pathar - located 4km away, the prime appeal of this spot is a fascinating little temple set in the midst of a dense forest.

Kalatope Wildlife Sanctuary - located about 8km from Dalhousie, is the home of a variety of species like the ghoral, Himalayan black bear, barking deer and an abundant bird life.

Adventure - a number of trek routes emerge out of the Dalhousie - Khajjiar - Chamba triangle and there are some trek routes within it too, like, Chamba to Bharmour, Chamba to Palampur (over the Dhaula Dhar ranges), Chamba to Pangi, and Bharmour to Keylong via Kugti Pass.

Around Dalhousie -

Khajjiar (1960m) - often called 'Mini Switzerland', is a grassy marg (meadow) located 22km from Dalhousie towards Chamba. Along its fringes, thick forests of deodar climb the slopes, the snowline rests above these woods. The area is ringed by pine trees and in the centre of the glade, is a small lake fed by streams that traverse the green carpet. The lake has a golden domed Devi temple on a floating island. There is also a 12th century temple dedicated to Khajjinag. Within the temple are life-size wooden images of the five Pandava brothers of the Mahabharata

Chamba (926m) - is a serene town located on the bank of the Ravi River. An erstwhile princely state, it was the capital of the former rulers of Chamba. Its history dates back to the 6th century AD when it was ruled by a single Rajput clan till Independence in 1947. The town was founded by Raja Sahil Varman, who shifted the original capital here from Brahmpura (now known as Bharmour) and named it after his daughter Champavati. Today, it is famous for its marvelous architecture, and as the base for some fantastic excursions and treks. It has often been compared to a medieval Italian village and is famed for its ancient temples.

Places to See -

Laxmi Narayanan Temple Complex - With six main temples and several smaller shrines, this temple is renowned for its finely executed classical architectural forms and exquisite sculptures. Three of the temples are dedicated to Lord Vishnu and three to Lord Shiva. The largest and the oldest temple in the group is that of Lakshmi Narayan (Vishnu).

The Chowgan - is a sprawling grassy concourse, also serving as a promenade, located at the heart of the town. Predictably enough, it is the hub of much of the activity in the town

Chamunda Devi Temple - is a hilltop temple that gives an excellent view of Chamba with its slate-roof houses, the Ravi River and the surrounding countryside. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga

Rang Mahal - once an old palace having an interesting mix of colonial and saracenic architectural styles, it now houses the Himachal Emporium.

Bhuri Singh Museum - named after Raja Bhuri Singh, this is a treasure house of Chamba's rich past. It has an interesting collection representing the art and culture of this region - particularly the miniature paintings.

Other Temples - there are several other temples in Chamba. Some of the important shrines are - Hari Rai, an 11th century temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Champavati temple, dedicated to the daughter of Raja Sahil Varman. Bajreshwari Devi temple dedicated to a form of Goddess Durga. Sui Mata temple, dedicated to Sui, a Chamba princess who gave her life for the inhabitants of Chamba.

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DHARAMSALA

Set against the backdrop of the dramatic Dhaula Dhar Mountains, Dharamsala is one of the principle towns of the Kangra valley. With dense pine and deodar forests, numerous streams, cool healthy air, attractive surroundings and the nearby snowline, Dharamsala has everything for a perfect holiday. It is a charming town with elegant bungalows nestling in thick conifer forests.
Today Dharamsala has become synonymous to the Tibetan government in exile. It is the home of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, spiritual head of the Buddhists, who is now quartered at McLeodganj (also called Upper Dharamsala).

Places to See -

War Memorial - located at the very start of the town amidst landscaped lawns and a web of narrow paths filling a pine grove, is the memorial raised to commemorate the post independence war heroes of Himachal Pradesh.

Kangra Art Museum - is a treasure trove of Kangra Valley's arts, crafts and rich past. In addition to the miniature paintings from the famous Kangra School of Art, which flourished in the 17th century, a representative collection of sculptures, pottery and anthropological items are also on display.

Dall Lake - located 11km from Dharamsala and surrounded by Deodar trees, the lake fills a mountain bowl. It is an enchanting and serene picnic spot.

St. John's Church - is a charming dressed-stone and stained glass windows church located between Forsythganj and McLeodganj.

Norbulinka Institute - set amidst Japanese influenced gardens, this complex has been established to teach and preserve traditional Tibetan art like woodcarving, thangka painting, goldsmithing and so.

McLeodganj - often called Little Lhasa, is today the headquarters of the Tibetan Government in Exile. It is located in the upper part of Dharamsala and was named after the Lieutenant Governor of Punjab David McLeod when it was established as a British garrison in the 1850's. The main sights here are - Tsuglagkhang or Central Chapel - is the exiled government's equivalent of the Jokhang temple is Lhasa and as such is the most important Buddhist monument in the area. Next to Tsuglagkhang is the Kalachakra Temple, which houses a stunning mural of the Kalachakra (Wheel of Time) mandala. Then there is the Namgyal Gompa, where it is possible to watch the monks debate most afternoons.

Around Dharamsala -

Bhagsunath - located 11km from Dharamsala, is a village that has springs and an Shiva temple built by the Raja of Kangra in the 16th century. There is also a waterfall here.

Triund Lake - is based at the foot of Dhaula Dhar ranges, 17km from Dharamsala. This is a popular picnic spot and trek route, with spectacular views of the mountains and valleys.

Pragpur - about 80kms from Dharamsala, is a small town located at an elevation of 1800feet in the Kangra Valley nestling below the majestic Dhaula Dhar Ranges. Local sights include nature walks, Kangra wall paintings at Dada Siba, visit to river Beas (within 15kms)

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KULLU

Kullu, located at an altitude of 1200m, is the district headquarters of the Kullu Valley. Located on the banks of the Beas River, the valley was once known as Kulanthapitha (End of the Habitable World). The first recorded inhabitants of the valley date back to the 1st century. Kullu came to be accessible to the outside world, only after Independence. This long period of seclusion served to enhance the element of rawness and simplicity that is inherent in the area and allowed the area to retain a considerable measure of its traditional charm. The valley is also known as the Valley of Gods due to the profusion of Hindu religious traditions and myths in nearly every stream and rock. In medieval times, it was the seat of a great hill kingdom. Today it is famous for its apple orchards, wooden temples, folk music and dance.

Places to See -

Raghunath Temple - built in the 17th century, this temple dedicated to Lord Rama. It is said that Raja Jagat Singh of Kullu had committed a great wrong, to atone for which, he sent a courtier to Ayodhya for a statue of Lord Raghunath (Lord Rama). He built this temple to house the image, and the shrine went on to be a popular site of worship.

Bijli Mahadev Temple - located about 14km from the town at 2,460m, this is a fascinating temple that rests on a spur and offers some splendid views. The remarkable feature of the shrine is a high pole or staff that periodically draws lightning, which shatters the 'Shiv ling' and scorches the building. Butter is then, used as an adhesive by the priest to put the `ling' together again.

Basheshwar Mahadev Temple - is a 9th century Shiva Temple located 15km away. It is by far one of the most picturesque temples in the valley, and boasts of exquisite stone carvings.

Adventure - the Kullu valley is the meeting point of several trek routes, mainly the routes from Chanderkhani Pass to Malana, over the Jalori Pass or Bashleo Pass to Shimla and over the Pin Parvati Pass to Sarahan. The magnificent Beas also offers ample opportunities for some exciting White River rafting.

Manikaran (1,737m) - located 45km from Kullu and en route to Manali, this place is famous for its hot water sulphur springs. It derives its name from a legend according to which, Parvati, Lord Shiva's consort lost her earrings or manikarna and recovered them at the site from which the sulphur springs arise. There is also a Gurudwara in the area, and consequently, this spot is deemed sacred by both Hindus and Sikhs. The spring is said to be radioactive which cures many skin diseases. The water here is so hot that if rice and dal (lentil) is tied up in a cloth, it will soon be ready for eating. Thousands of pilgrims visit this place and have a dip in these springs. There are also trek routes from here that lead on to Pulga, Khirganga and Mantalai.

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MANALI

Manali (2050m) is located at the northern end of the Kullu Valley along the banks of the Beas River. Set amidst pinewoods with high mountains, Manali presents some magnificent vistas of the Himalayas. It is also the centre of a flourishing orchard industry, a popular honeymoon destination and trailhead for numerous treks. The nearby country and villages are truly beautiful and not to be missed. It is believed that when the entire world was deluged with rain and all the land was covered with water, arose a place of breathtaking natural beauty - which was only appropriate for, It was at Manali that life began again. As per legend, Manu, Hinduism's Noah, stepped off a boat in Manali to recreate human life after floods had devastated the world. Manali means 'Home of Manu'.

Places to See -

Hadimba Devi Temple - built around a natural cave, the temple has a finely wrought four- tiered pagoda roof, dating back to 1553. It enshrines the footprints of Goddess Hadimba. Hadimba was the wife of Bhima, one of the five great Pandava brothers of the Mahabharata, and later became the patron goddess of the Kullu royal family.

Gadhan Thekchokling Gompa - built by Tibetan refugees in the late 1960's, this is a colourful and pleasant monastery

Jagatsukh - was the erstwhile capital of Kullu. Originally known as Nast, it remained the capital for almost ten generations. Here are old temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Gayatri Devi.

Old Manali - is the hamlet out of, which grew the large tourist town that Manali is today. It is also the site of Manu temple dedicated to Sage Manu.

Vashisht - about 4km from the town is a village, which is renowned for its hot sulphur springs. The village is also the site of some old temples, dedicated to the great sage Vashisht, and to Lord Rama.

Solang Nullah - located about 14km from Manali, it offers good views of glaciers and snow-capped mountain peaks. It is also one of Himachal's best skiing slopes. It has the glacier closest to Manali. The region is also replete with terrific picnic spots.

Around Manali -

Rohtang Pass (3,980m) - 51km from Manali, the Pass once served as a crucial trade route, and still is the gateway to the Lahaul and Spiti valleys and the second entry (or exit) point to the tribal region (the other being Shimla). With its snows Rohtang is a major tourist attraction. A two-hour drive from Manali to Rohtang offers sledging, skiing, and tobogganing and a chance to frolic in the snow. The road up to the pass opens only when the snow has melted (From June to October).

On the way to Rohtang Pass there are some other interesting places like Nehru Kund, a beautiful spring named after Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru; Kothi, an idyllic village, which boasts of a superb view of the deep gorge, and the Beas River rushing through it. The Rahalla Falls (2500m), 16km from Manali is a charming spot for picnics

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NALAGARH

Nalagarh is the gateway to Himachal Pradesh in North India. Located about 60km from Chandigarh and 135kms before Shimla, it was a part of the Hindur state that came into being with Raja Ajai Chand (1100-1171 AD). The town itself was founded in the 15th century under Raja Bikram Chand (ruled 1421-35) and became the capital of the state. It was ruled by the Chandela Rajputs who originated from Chanderi in the Bundelkhand region of Central India. The Hindur used to be an important state in the confederacy of the Shimla hill states and bore the brunt of many a battle.

Nalagarh is known for its Fort built in 1421 during the reign of Raja Bikram Chand, which is also the major landmark of the area. The Fort is located on a hillock at the foothills of the Himalayas has now been converted into a heritage hotel, an ideal retreat away from the madding crowd. It stands above an estate of forests and orchards. In fact, it is built lavishly and strategically on five levels around manicured grassy courts. The fort offers splendid views of the Shivalik Hills beyond the Sirsa River with the Naina Devi Temple visible on a clear day. The present Raja has opened his home to guests and the once sacrosanct Diwan-i-Khas now serves as a banquet hall of the hotel.

Places to See -

One can enjoy Nature walks around the Fort. There is the Royal Orchard, located about 8kms away.

Ramgarh Fort (circa 1540) - about 21km away is a 16th century Fort located on a ridge overlooking a valley. Set in green, the fort is a lovely place to explore.

Anandpur Sahib - is a famous Gurudwara located 23km away.

Naina Devi Temple - is a popular local temple located 50km away.

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PALAMPUR

Palampur (1260m) is a major station in the Kangra Valley. It is a pleasant little town with beautiful snow-views, surrounded by old British tea plantations and thriving on horticulture. In local parlance, the word for lots of water is 'pulum'. This is what has given Palampur its name and it is water that has given the valley so much of its character. Countless streams and brooks crisscross the landscape. The town came into being when the tea bush was introduced in the 19th century and Palampur became a focus for the planters. Kangra Tea, with its centre at Palampur, has been internationally acclaimed since then.

Places to See -

Tea factory - at the very start of the town, the tea factory of the cooperative society, offers an insight to the processing of Kangra tea.

Church of St. John in the Wilderness - This attractive church, surrounded by flowers, is built on a low rise. The church was reconstructed in 1929 and has several memorial tablets.

Bundla Chasm - also known as Neugal Khad, is located just outside the town. It is a 300m wide chasm through which the Neugal stream flows. There is a waterfall that drops into stream.

Temple of Bundlamata - located near the Chasm is this temple built about five centuries ago.

Baijnath - located 15km from Palampur, is a jewel like temple dedicated to Lord Shiva revered here as Vaidyanath (Lord of Physicians). With a wealth of intricate carvings and graceful proportions, this temple draws big crowd of pilgrims and visitors. It is said that here, Ravana the King of Lanka supplicated Lord Shiva for the boon of immortality.

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SHIMLA

Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh was once part of the Nepalese kingdom and was called Shyamala, another name for the Goddess Kali. It is gained fame under the British who made it their Summer Capital. And after the construction of the Kalka - Shimla railway line in 1903, the town really bloomed. Located at an altitude of 7,267 feet, is inhabited around a crescent - shaped ridge, which is blessed with perennially cool air and amazing views. It provides superb panoramic sights of the valleys, and the lofty peaks of the great Himalayan range, on both sides. The colourful local bazaars of Shimla are sprawled over the southern slopes of the ridge. The town still echoes of its colonial past with neo-Gothic Churches and imperial buildings dotting this beautiful hill station.

Places to See -

St. Michael's Cathedral - is a dressed-stone church with fine stained glass has a cruciform design. One of Shimla's major landmarks, it is located just off the Mall. The Christ church is the second oldest church in Northern India and was built in 1846.

The Ridge - is a large open space in the heart of town presents excellent views of the mountain ranges. Shimla's landmarks - the neo gothic structure of Christ Church and the neo- Tudor library building are worth seeing.

Lakkar Bazaar - Just off the ridge, this is a popular local market, famous for its woodcrafts and souvenirs.

Jakhoo Hill (2455m) - this is the town's highest peak and a vantage point for Shimla's famous views. The summit is crowned with a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The hill is full of paths and narrow roads, which are enjoyable walks.

The Glen (1830m) - this popular picnic spot is a thickly wooded ravine through which a stream flows.

Chadwick Falls - located 7km away, the fall is 67m high and is worth visiting especially in monsoons from July to October.

State Museum - houses a representative collection of Himachal Pradesh's rich heritage. Exhibits include archaeological artifacts, carvings, paintings and sculptures.

Mashobra - is a small village 11km from Shimla. One can enjoy walks through deep oak and pine forests. Nearby is the Wild Flower Hall, built as the residence of the then British commander-in-chief Lord Kitchener; specifically it seems to irritate his rival Viceroy Lord Curzon

Kufri (2510m) - located 16km from Shimla, is famous for its wide views and ski slopes. Its main attractions are the Nature Park and the exciting trek that leads to the divine Mahasu peak. The nearby countryside also offers some great hiking

Around Shimla -

Fagu - located 22km away, is an exciting village and serves as a good base for exploring the fantastic nearby countryside.

Naldhera (2050m) - located about 26km, is a pleasant little village. It is famous for having one of the oldest, highest and perhaps one of the finest 9-hole Golf Courses in the country. It was designed by Lord Curzon and is situated in wild jungles surrounded by Deodar trees. There is also a temple, the Mahunag Mandir in the middle of the course.

Narkanda - located halfway between Shimla (64km) and Rampur, is a popular place for hiking and skiing. The 3300m Hattu Peak 8km from this place makes for a good days hike.

Chail (2,250m) - is one of the smallest Himalayan hill resorts. When Bhupinder Singh, Maharaja of Patiala, was expelled from Shimla, he decided to create his own summer capital, which was Chail. His choice of Chail was perfect - it was surrounded by a thick cover of majestic, soaring deodars, Shimla was just 45km away, and most significantly, the hill of Chail was decidedly higher than the then British - controlled Shimla. It is built on three adjacent hills and claimed to have the country's highest cricket ground! On a clear day it affords splendid view of the valley through which the river Satluj winds its way. The

Places to See -

Sidh Baba ka Mandir - Maharaja Bhupinder Singh had originally intended this to be the site of his palace, and had even started building it, but as is believed, a `Sidh' (saintly person) appeared in the Maharaja's dream, and declared that this was the place where he had meditated. Consequently, Bhupinder Singh shifted his venue and built a temple on the spot.

The Cricket Ground built in 1893, after leveling a hilltop at 2444m is the world's highest cricket and polo ground.

There is also a Wildlife Sanctuary - once a private hunting reserve, is popular with birdwatchers. Ghoral, kakkar, sambar, red jungle fowl, khalij, cheer pheasants are some of the inhabitants of the sanctuary

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