IndiaEveryday.com

2011-05-10T06:37:00.001-07:00

2010-11-16T19:30:00.001-08:00

The state of Himachal Pradesh was called 'Deva Bhoomi ' or the Land of the Gods.There are evidences of the existence of the pre-historic humans in this region. It is generally believed that large inhabitants of this region had actually migrated from Central Asia and the Indian plains from time to time. The first race to enter Himachal Pradesh was Proto-Australoid followed by Mongoloid and the Aryan. The Rig Veda mentions about Dasyus and Nishads living in this region and their powerful king Shambra who had 99 forts. From the early period of its history, tribes like the Koilis, Halis, Dagis, Dhaugris, Dasa, Khasas, Kinnars and Kirats inhabited it. The Aryan influence over this area dates back to the period before the Rig Veda. The Aryans with their superior war tactics defeated the local tribes and settled here permanently. The period also saw the establishment of small Janapadas or Republics in Himachal Pradesh. They maintained a good relationship with the Mauryans so that they can remain independent for a long time. They lost their independence with the rise of the Guptas in the North Gangetic plains. After the decline of the Guptas, several small kingdoms ruled this hilly state and established their power in its different regions. Sankar Varma, the king of Kashmir exercised his influence over the regions of Himachal Pradesh in about 883 AD.
This region witnessed the invasion of Mahmud of Ghazni in 1009 AD. In about 1043 AD, the Rajputs ruled over this territory. The Mughal rulers erected several works of art as an admiration of this land. The Rajputs, under the leadership of Sansar Chand owned this region in 1773 AD, till the attack by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1804 AD, which crushed the Rajput power here. The Gurkhas conquered this area and ravaged it.
In about the early 19th century AD, the British exercised their influence and annexed the areas of Shimla after the Gurkha War of 1815-16. The British established many hill stations in this region to protect themselves from the extreme heat and dust of the northern plains in the summer. Shimla became the summer capital of India and even today, many old houses and buildings tell the story of English grandeur.
Himachal Pradesh was made a centrally administered territory in 1948 with the integration of 31 hill states and obtained additional regions in 1966. It had the status of a union territory after independence till it was granted statehood in 1971.

History – Story That Makes this Hill Station a Desired Delight

The whole and sole people to be thanked for bestowing this heaven on the India today, are the Britishers. This was a part of the Nepalese kingdom, that was taken up by the British in 1819. By the year 18 30 the land around was bought from the local rulers and Shimla was turned into a resort for British army officers. The womenfolk too began settling in the town which was then serving as a recovery place for the British war hit soldiers recuperating from the Gurkha war. Soon it began to look like an English village as cottages with gardens, tree-lined walks, churches and cricket pitches came up around the main town. However, was in only in 1864 that the town was declared as an erstwhile summer capital of India. Hill Top View of Shimla Just After Heavy Showers Shimla Attractions – The Tempt of an Ageing Queen • Shimla Toy TrainThe main attraction of the Shimla town indisputably lies in the seven hills that surround it, making it a ideal honeymoon destination. There are churches, colonial lodges, temples and heritage in accordance with the panoramic vista that will woo your heart. Take a trip from Cart road to The Mall, which is the central point of the town, always bustling with tourists. Jam-packed with shops and eateries this is the centre of attraction. A bazaar marks its labyrinth at the edge of the mall while at the top end of the mall is the Scandal Point. This is a large open square with a view of the town – a place used by the locals for their rendezvous. You should notice the grand statue of Lala Lajpat Rai that stands here. But the most important cultural activity is going on inside the Gaiety Theatre, which is a replication of an old British theatre. There is The Ridge that provides an excellent view of the mountain ranges. A fifteen minute climb from Boileauganj leads up to Kamna Devi temple at the summit of Prospect hill. Kali Bari Temple is believed to have enshrined the idol of Goddess Shayamla while the Jakhoo Temple is ideally located at a height of 2455 metres offering bird's-eye view of the hill station. Pilgrim find their way to the temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman in Sankat Mochan located 7 kms from the main town. Another temple attraction that you should see Taradevi Temple, a Hindu adaptation of Tibetan Goddess Drolma. This temple is located at a distance of 11 kms on the road to Shimla-Kalka. The view of the town from here is an experience in its own. While the temple attraction is sure to lure your heart, the churches too have a reason to climb in your minds. There is the St Andrew's Church that now is deconsecrated while the St Michael's Cathedaral is the imperious edifice of the Roman Catholics. While overlooking the mall is the Christ Church where you should notice the glass windows. Near to the administrative block is the magnificent mansion called Manorville, claims to have been the resting place of Mahatma Gandhi. Walk through the oak forests to emerge at Squire house near the Viceregal Lodge, that now has been converted into an institute of advanced studies. Inspecting the decorative woods carvings, jewellery, manuscripts, arms and armoury in the Himachal State Museum, is also an inevitable activity. The various points, falls and hills that are ubiquitous with Shimla are the most important draw of this beautiful town. You cannot miss the Summer Hill at the height of 1983 metres, located at a mere distance of 7 kms. There is the Chadwick Falls that you can reach after taking a 45 minutes walk from Summer Hill along the thick wooded forests. The height of 1586 metres, on which it is located, increases the beauty of this 67 mts high fall. Annandale is Shimla’s playground at a height of 6100 Ft . A four kms walk from the main town will reward you with superb views of the town in the thick woody glen, beside a effervescent stream. Jakhoo Hill is the area's highest peak that too offers scenic landscapes that will quench a photographer's thirst. While in Shimla, adventurers too relish a great time while indulging in various adventure options that gives delight to their mind and senses. It is said that Shimla is best seen while on foot. So take up short as well as long walks to enjoy the panorama of this hill station. Take a 15 minute walk from Prospect hill to Kamna Devi or enjoy walks from the Mall to see some of the heritage treasures of the city. Taking up a walk to the Shimla estate Museum, will be the most exciting of all. However, there are other options too. Trek and hike along while climbing the mountains to enjoy some of the best views in the world. Enjoy climbing the Jakhoo Hill towers to see the amazing sunrise as well as sunset, while paying homage to the Hanuman temple that crowns this forested hill. Other important and interesting trails will be the Bharari Spur to the villages of Pabo and Kamiana. Enjoy trekking from Shimla to Kullu Valley over the Jalori Pass or the Bashleo Pass, Shimla to Chail, Shimla to Tattapani. For angling, river Pabbar, near Rohru is the best place offering trouts. While in Shimla, you can also enjoy Camping, Bungee Jumping, Cycling, Horse Riding, Para Gliding, Safaris, Skating and the most eccentric of all – Yak Riding. Eating in Shimla is a Curious Delight As far as eatery is concerned, Shimla goes a long way. Though the local Himachali cuisine is conspicuously absent from the restaurants, you can have a little of them in the Goofa and Ashiana restaurants located on the Ridge. Try the Tibeto – Indian mix of Chinese that will invigorate your gustatory senses. Do not miss the Baljees in the heart of Shimla that will offer you a choice of Indian, Chinese, Continental and Thai cuisine. There are some places that have traced their paths since the times of the British. One of them that you cannot elude is the Devicoes, serving Indian, Continental and confectioneries.

Himachal Pradesh Introduction

Himachal Pradesh is a captivating region of the Indian Himalayas. It is often referred to as the "Magical Showcase of Nature's Splendor" ideal for the travelers to travel, enjoy and relax. Abundant green grassland and wide valleys set against imposing snow-clad mountains; crystal clear lakes, flowing rivers and spurting streams; fruit laden groves and soft terraces of corn and tea are characteristics of Himachal Pradesh. It is the ultimate travel destination of India.
The state of Himachal Pradesh has boundaries with the Jammu and Kashmir in the North, Uttar Pradesh in the Southeast, 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 mountain state of Himachal Pradesh, in the beginning, was formed as a centrally administered territory on April 15, 1948 by the consolidation of 30 hill provinces of Punjab. It became a Part C State under a Lieutenant Governor, with a Legislative Assembly of 36 members and a Cabinet of three ministers in 1951. In 1954, Bilaspur, another Part C State, was integrated with Himachal Pradesh and the strength of the Assembly was raised to 41 members. In 1956, the States Re-organization Commission recommended the unification of Himachal Pradesh with Punjab. But the people of Himachal Pradesh opposed and the proposal was overruled.
Till October 1966, Himachal Pradesh comprised only of six hill districts of Mahasu, Mandi, Chamba, Sirmaur, Bilaspur and Kinnaur. In November 1966, it was expanded with the inclusion of some of the hilly towns of Punjab like Shimla, Kangra, Kullu, Lahaul, Spiti, Nalagarh tehsil of Ambala district, and areas of Hoshiarpur and Gurdaspur districts. Himachal Pradesh was formed into 10 districts and was declared a state on January 25, 1971, with Shimla as its capital. The 12 districts of Bilaspur, Chamba, Hamirpur, Kangra, Kinnaur, Kullu, Lahaul & Spiti, Mandi, Shimla, Sirmaur, Solan and Una were re-organized into the districts of the state in 1972-73.
Today, Himachal Pradesh is one of the most important travel destinations in India. The high hills of Himalayas attract the travelers from all over the world. Himachal Pradesh has plenty of hill resorts, pilgrimage centers, adventure sports destinations and wildlife that attracts a wide range of tourist traffic.
Himachal Pradesh India has several travel plans for the visitors to Himachal Pradesh. We have made special travel packages in collaboration with the leading Holiday Resorts and Hill Resorts of Himachal Pradesh. Travel to Himachal Pradesh with Himachal Pradesh India and relish the unmatched beauty of Himachal Pradesh. We also offer exciting Honeymoon Packages for the newly wed couples as well as young-at-heart married couples. Our committed team of travel professionals endeavors to give you out-of-world travel plans for Himachal Pradesh. Travel to Himachal Pradesh and experience for yourself.

Geographical Information of Himachal

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.

Physical Features

The altitude of Himachal Pradesh varies from 350 m to 7000 m above sea level. The physiography of Himachal Pradesh can be divided into three zones. They are the outer Himalayas or the Shivaliks, the inner or the middle Himalayas and the greater Himalayas or the Alpines. The Shivaliks include the districts of Hamirpur, Kangra, Una, Bilaspur, and the lower parts of Solan, Sirmaur and Mandi. The altitude of lower Himalayas ranges between 350 m to 1500 m and the rainfall in this zone ranges between 150 cm to 175 cm. The middle region includes the parts of Sirmaur, Mandi and parts of Kangra, Shimla and Chamba and experiences rainfall between 75 cm to 100 cm. This zone remains under snow for almost give to six months. The Alpine zone is at an altitude of 4,500 m and beyond and comprises of the Kinnnaur and Pangi tehsils of Chamba and some parts of Lahaul and Spiti.

Climate conditions of himachal

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.

Flora and Fauna

The 63.9 % of the total area is under the thick forest cover. The vegetation is a blend of the Ban Oak Forest, Moist Deodar Forest, Western Mixed Coniferous Forest, Moist Temperate Deciduous Forest, Himalayan Alpine Pastures, and Rhododendron Scrub Forest. The lower ranges have the growth of blue pine while the higher altitudes have firs. The flora includes pine, cedar, deodar, bamboo, spur, oak etc. There are around 1200 species of bird and 359 species of animals in Himachal Pradesh. The major species of wildlife in the state are Snow Leopard, musk Deer, Blue Sheep, Ibex, Wolf, Leopard, Rhesus macaque, Common Langur, Himalayan Black Bear, Goral, Muntjac and Serow. Two National Parks and a few Wildlife Sanctuaries have been established in Himachal Pradesh to protect the unique fauna of the state. The park has the largest remaining population of Himalayan Tahr in the Himachal Pradesh.

Hill Stations of Himachal Pradesh

Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, is also called the "Queen of the Hill Stations". It was named after its patron Goddesses Shyamla Devi, an incarnation of the Goddesses Kali. It was a small village made popular by the British who established Shimla as there summer capital in 1864 AD. The entire city is spread over a 12 km long ridge commanding the view of terraced hillsides and cultivations. Shimla has the thick growth of forests of oak, pine, fur and rhododendron. There are variety of adventure sports like skiing, trekking, angling and golf for the tourists for their leisure activities.
Manali is a small hill town in the valley of Kullu. It is referred to as the "Cradle between the Lesser Himalaya". Manali is one of the most beautiful and popular hill station known for lush and fresh scenic beauty. It is also a gateway to Lahaul and Spiti.
Dalhousie is at a distance of 80 km from Pathankot. It is nestled in the outer inclines of Dhaulandhar range. The hill station is well known for its pleasant climate and beautiful scenery. It is spread over five hills and is different from other hill stations. The thick growth of deodars, pine and red and pink rhododendrons can be seen all around the hill station. Dalhousie is a gateway to the Chamba valley.
Kufri is a small hill station near Shimla. It is an important tourist place because of its closeness with Shimla. The place is known for trekking and hiking trails. There are nature parks and picnic spots at Kufri. In winters, one can indulge in the winter sports like skiing and tobogganing.
Dharamshala, at an altitude of 4000 m above sea level, it is located on spur of Dhaulandhar range. The town has rich growth of deodar and pine forests as well as tea gardens. Dharamshala literally means 'the holy refuge'. It was founded and developed by the British in 1855 as their summer resort. It is famous as the abode of the Dalai Lama and is called as the "Little Lhasa' because of the large number of Tibetan population. Their 'Government in Exile' has headquarters in Dharamshala.
Chail is a very small hamlet and a hill station where you can discover nature at its best untouched by the pollution, deforestation and modern construction. It is an ideal getaway for fresh and tranquil environment in the lap of the nature.

Tourist Places of Himachal Pradesh

The Kullu Valley is also known as the Valley of the Gods. Rudyard Kipling has written, "Surely the Gods live here; this is no place for men". It is situated on the banks of the river Beas on the lower reaches of the Himalayas. Kullu is known for its ancient temples, apple orchards and the annual Dusshera Festival. Kullu is also famous for its handicrafts and woolens like shawl, caps, puhla, namdas and patoos. The best time to visit Kullu is during Dusshera in the month of October.
A few kilometers from Manali is the Rohtang Pass, a place known for the divergent landscapes. You will find the rich greenery of the Kullu valley along with bare, brown mountains, glaciers and snowfields. The place looks lovely in the crisp sunlight. The Rohtang Pass lies in the district of Lahaul and Spiti. Due to its difficult terrain, not many tourists have ventured into this region. The place is untouched by the outside world of modernity.
Chamba is one of the oldest princely states and dates back its origin to 6th century AD. The town of Chamba is located in the colorful valley surrounded by the Shivalik ranges and has the district headquarters. It is well known for its medieval temples and Chaugan, a public promenade. The architecture of the buildings of Chamba reflects the aura of its former rulers. Chamba is also famous for its local festivals.
Kangra is a small town and was the capital of the erstwhile rulers of the Chand dynasty. The hill station is placed at the foothills of the mighty Dhaulandhar range. There are many old temples to visit besides enjoying the picturesque environs.
Khajjiar is a modest grass-covered meadow located in the enchanting valley of Chamba. It is an ideal getaway for picnic while traveling between Dalhousie and Chamba. The calmness of place provides a soothing effect to the tired tourists. Kinnaur is a land of rich green valley, ripe orchards, vineyards, snow-covered peaks and cold desert mountains. The place is ideal for adventure sports like trekking; mountain climbing etc. the place attracts both young and old equally. The colorful dresses of the Kinnauri women and their sweet folk songs make the valley all the more bright and cheerful. Mandi is district made out of two princely starts of Mandi and Suket. It is situated on the left bank of the river Beas at an altitude of 800 m. above the sea level. It is comparatively hotter than other hill stations of Himachal Pradesh. Mandi means a market place. At one time, there were almost 360 forts out of which only 10 are left. You can take a look at some of the 81 Hindu temples in the area. There are a couple of lakes to be visited.

himachal tourism