Traveler

Rewalsar

2011-06-06T17:14:00.000+05:30

    Rewalsar     

    About 25 km from Mandi, 14 km from Ner Chowk is the Rewalsar lake,  famous for its floating islands of reed. It is believed that all of them  can be moved by prayer or breeze. The place is held sacred by Hindus,  Sikhs and Buddhist alike. Legend has it that the great teacher and  "tantric", Padmasambhava used his enormous powers to take flight to  Tibet from Rewalsar. Also known as Guru Rimpoche, the precious Master,  it was under Padmasambhava's influence that Mahayana Buddhism took root  in Tibet and at Rewalsar waters, his spirit is said to reside in the  tiny island of floating reed that drift over the waters. There are three  Buddhist monasteries at Rewalsar.    

    Commemorating the month-long stay of Guru Gobind Singh in 1738,  Rewalsar has a Gurudwara that was built in 1930 by Raja Joginder Sen of  Mandi. Rewalsar has three Hindu temple which are dedicated to Lord  Krishna, Lord Shiva and sage Lomas. The Lake of Kunt Bhayo (1750 m above  sea level) lies above Rewalsar, which is also visitable and there are  also six other lakes of legend. These are associated with the escape of  the Pandava's from the burning palace od waxan episode from the epic  Mahabharata. 

Tourist inn maintained by HPTDC provide accomodation and Indian cuisine.  Besides, private hotels, guest house and rest house are available at  Rewalsar.  

Mandi

2011-06-06T17:05:00.002+05:30

Mandi

The historic town of Mandi (800 m) is built along the banks of the  river Beas. It has long been an important commercial centre and the sage  Mandva is said to have meditated here. This one time capital of the  princely state of Mandi is a fast developing town that still retains  much of its original charm and character. Today, it is a district  headquarters. Mandi is renowned for its 81 old stone temples and their  enormous range of fine carving, it is often called the 'Varanasi of the  Hills'. The town has remains of old palaces and notable examples of  'colonial' architecture. The temples of Bhutnath, Trilokinath,  Panchvaktra and Shyamakali are among the more famous ones. The week long  international Shivratri fair in Mandi is the major attraction of the  area every year. In the year 2011 the fair was celebrated from 3rd-9th  March. In the fair the activities like cultural programmes in the  evenings, exhibitions, sports etc. are the major attractions for the  tourists as well as locals. 

Prashar Lake

This lake lies 45 km north of Mandi, with a three storied pagoda like  temple dedicated to the sage Prashar. The Lake is located at an height  of 2730 m above sea level. With deep blue waters, the Lake is held  sacred to the sage Prashar and he is regarded to have meditated here.  Framed by snow-capped peaks and looking down on fast flowing river Beas,  the Lake can be approached via Drang. Every year in the month of June,  famous traditional fair is held here. Several camping sites are also  located here and it is the base for numerous easy & hard treks.

Pangna fort 

In a pleasant and open valley of Pangna a village in Karsog Tehsil of  Mandi District stands the Pangna fort. It is a tower-like structure on a  fifty foot stone platform overlooking the little village spread on its  either side. The seven storeyed tower-like fort-palace has an old-world  grandeur. It is just 60 feet high and is built in typical hill  architecture in which only wood and stone are used. The woodcarvings are  decorative and look new and fresh even after so many centuries of wear  and tear. In the open courtyard there is a Mahamaya temple.      

 Pangna fort-palace has two incidents attached to it because of which  the rulers abandoned the palace: one about the recovery of an idol and  second the imprisonment of a princess in one of its rooms on false  allegations.     
Climate: hot in summers, cold in winters     
Location: In Karsog valley of Mandi district but it is nearer from Shimla     
Accommodation: HPTDC Hotel Chindi, HPPWD Rest house at Pangna (just in the fort premises), HPTDC and other accommodation in Karsog town.     
Reaching there: Driving from Shimla to Karsog via  Tattapani, there is a bifurcation : the main road goes to Karsog while  the other goes to Pangna village, 10 km from the bifurcation.     
Places of interest: Karsog Valley and a large number of temples around, Shikari Devi temple, Chindi and many other.

General information:

Area: 3950 sq. km     

Population 9.01 lakh

Clothing: Cotton clothes in Summer and heavy woolen in winter.

Language: Hindi, Punjabi, English are understood and spoken by the people engaged in tourism trade.

Approach:

Rail The nearest railway station is at Joginder  Nagar, Chandigarh and Kalka by broad gauge train which are connected by  regular bus services.

Road: Mandi is approachable by road from Shimla,  Chandigarh, Pathankot and Delhi. There are regular bus services linking  it to the other towns like Manali, Palampur and Dharamshala.

Spiti

2011-06-06T16:24:00.003+05:30

Spiti

Spiti is the sub division of Lahaul & Spiti district with its hqrs.  at Kaza. It is called "Little Tibet" because it has almost the same  terrain, vegetation & climate . Spiti also means "Middle Country".  It lies between Tibet, Ladakh, Kinnaur, Lahaul & Kulu. From Shimla  via Kinnaur there is a motorable road which remains open upto Kaza for 8  to 9 months. About 10kms. ahead of Pooh, satluj enters India near  Shipki la & Spiti river joins it at Khab. The road then goes to  Sumdo via Hangrang valley. From Sumdo Spiti valley starts. The Spiti  river flows fast through deep gorges at some places. The valley is not  wide but there are villages and some fields where people grow barley,  buck- wheat, peas & vegetables. It has an area of 4800 sq. kms. Some  inhabitants have adopted Budhism as there faith and Bhoti is the spoken  language. The people are simple and honest. The main Spiti valley is  split into eastern and western valleys. They are connected with Ladakh  & Tibet on eastern side & Kinnaur and Kulu on western side  through high passes.

                     kaza, the capital of spiti

Giu Village: Located near the Indo-Tibet border, the  village has a naturally preserved unique Mummy, which is more than 500  years old and is an attraction for the visitors. The village Giu is  situated at a height of approx 10,000 feet above the sea level. The  mummy in the village is placed in a room constructed on a hilltop. It is  believed that this mummy is of a Lama, who died at the age of around 45  years and was found in a sitting posture. Presently, the mummy is kept  in an open glass box. Giu village is approximately 10 km from Giu nallah  and village is connected with link road. Giu nallah is between Sumdo  and Tabo.     

Chander Tal

At an altitude of 4300 metres and 6 k.m. from the Kunzum Pass in Lahaul  & Spiti district that connects Spiti Chander Tal Lake and Lahaul  areas.

Kibber

 It is locally known as Khyipur, one of the highest villages in the world  at an altitude of 4205 m above sea level in a narrow valley surrounded  by mountains from all sides. Rest houses are available for the visitors.  Gette, at a short distance away from Kaza, is the highest village in  the world at a height of 4270 m.

Kunzum pass

As Rohtang pass is a gateway to Lahaul so Kunzum pass (4590 m) is the  gateway to Spiti from Kulu & Lahaul. After crossing Rohtang pass and  driving 20kms, one has to turn right from Gramphoo. While going to this  pass, the panoramic view of Bara-Sigri glacier (second longest glacier  in the world) is enthrilling and inspiring.

There is a temple at the top of this pass dedicated to goddess Durga.  After seeing this pass one can drive to Batal for a night stay in the  Rest House. The view from the top is breathtaking. On one side is the  Spiti valley and to the other are numerous C.B.(Chandra-Bhaga ) range  peaks. On way back from Gramphoo one can either return to Manali  (71kms.) or can go to Leh via Keylong , Darcha, Baralacha la, Sarchu,  Tanglang la by road. From Tandi (8kms. short of Keylong) one can also  drive to Pangi valley along the Chenab river to Udaipur, Trilokinath and  Tindi and thereafter by trekking to Killar. From Killar to  Chamba/Dalhousie/Delhi or to Kishtwar- Jammu-Delhi.

Kungri Gompa

It is situated in the Pin valley about 10 kms. from Attargo where Spiti  river has to be crossed to enter Pin valley. It is serves the population  of Pin valley.

Approach

There are two routes to enter Spiti.

    From Manali via Rohtang Pass to Kaza, the hqtr. of Spiti. Manali  is connected by Air, Rail and Road. From Manali, there is a regular bus  from July to October.

    From Shimla via Kinnaur. Shimla is connected by Air, Rail & Road. From here by buses to Kaza from May to October.

Places to visit	Km
Dhankar monastery	34
Gete	24
Langza	18
Hikkim	28
Comic	31
Keylong	197
Kibber	19
Kungri	40
Kunzum pass	78
Kye monastery	12
Losar	60
Manali	200
Tabo monastery	50
Thang Yug Gompa	13
Mud	56

Lahaul

2011-06-06T16:07:00.000+05:30

    Lahaul and Spiti are two remote Himalayan Valleys of H.P. lying on  the Indo-Tibet border. Strange, exciting, primitive, these valleys are  unsurpassed in mountain scape, in the rugged beauty of their rocky  escapements and the splendor of their snow covered peaks. 

Lahaul is marked by a central mass of uniformly high mountains and  massive glaciers. The two rivers, Chandra and Bhaga which rise on either  side of the Baralacha La, flow through the narrow Chandra and Bhaga  valleys. Lahaul is a land of fascinating Buddhist art and culture. The  monasteries of Lahaul-Spiti are rich repositories of ancient murals,  thankas, wood carving and golden images of Padmasambhava. The valley  lies at a height of 2745 metres above sea level. Summer in this valley  is cool and pleasant with green grass and alpine flowers. There are  little monsoon in both these valleys and this enables climbers &  trekkers to enjoy a long and unbroken season in perpetual sunshine to  explore the wilderness and grandeur of the inner Himalaya. This unique  feature makes Lahul-Spiti as an ideal destination for tourists and  trekkers in the month of July, August and September. Keylong is 115 kms.  from Manali and is the District Headquarters of Lahul-Spiti District. 

 General Information         

    Area: 13835 sq. km     

    Population: 33,224     

    Altitude: 3340 m (Keylong)     

    Clothing: Light woollen in Summer

                Heavy woollen in Winter.

    Temperature: Maximum:26.8 C Min 1.38 C Summer

                        Maximum:6.1 C Min (-)19.38 C Winter

    Visiting season: June to October     

    Languages: Lahauli, English, Hindi, Bhoti are understood and spoken by the people engaged in tourism trade.     

    Religion: Hinduism & Budhism     

    Approach     

    Lahaul is connected with road from all parts of the country. Manali  is the point where buses from various stations come. From here, one can  take bus/taxi to any destination in Lahaul-Spiti, Pangi & Leh during  the months between June to November depending upon opening and closing  of Rohtang pass (3979 m), the gateway to this valley. National highway  21 is passes through this valley enroute to Leh. 

Distances from Keylong


Places to visit	Km
Gondla	18
Guru Ghantal Monastery	12
Kardang Monastery	05
Darcha	37
Shahshur Monastery	04
Sissu	33
Tandi	08
Tayul Gompa	06
Bara Lacha La	82
Sarchu	114
Udaipur	55
Kilar	140
Kaza	185

Manimahesh

2011-06-06T15:34:00.001+05:30

In the month of August/September the famous JATRA of Manimahesh commences from Laxmi-Narayana Temple in Chamba. This year the annual yatra is scheduled to be held from 8th to 15th September 2011.  The CHHARI is taken to the sacred lake of Manimahesh, which is one of  the chief tirthas in the district. Off late people from north India and  beyond have started visiting this sacred lake. According to an estimate  nearly one lakh people visit this sacred lake every year and take a holy  dip. The lake is situated at the height of 13,500 feet above sea level  and at the base of Manimahesh Kailsah peak (18,564 feet), 92 km from  Chamba. Manimahesh Kailash is a virgin peak. In 1968 an Indo-Japanese  team led by Nandini Patel made an unsuccessful attempt to scale the  peak. The devout attribute the failure to the divine prowesses of the  holy mountain. On the margin of the lake is a small marble Shivaling  called CHAUMUKHA.  

 Manimahesh is 27 km from Bharmour. During the mela days sufficient  bus service is available upto Hadsar, 14 km from Bharmour. The  pilgrimage is generally done in two stages. Between Dhanchho and  Manimahesh lake, there are minor places of pilgrimage known as Bandar  Ghati, Gauri Kund, Shiv Kalotri and Ganesh Ghati. The trek from Dhanchho  to Manimahesh lake is difficult in patches. Just short of the lake is  Gauri Kund where women take a holy dip before returning to home. The  pilgrimage to Manimahesh is considered sacred like that of Amarnath,  Badrinath and Rameshwarm. During the mela days several BHANDARAS are  set-up for the benefit of pilgrims and meals are served free of cost.  Pack animals are also available for those who do not want to carry their  luggage themselves. 

Bharmani Devi: Bharmani Devi, the patron Goddess of  Bharmaur is 4 km from Bharmour on a steep gradient, located on a ridge  among the forest and has a facinating view of Budhal valley. According  to a legend Goddess was residing in the Bharmaur Chaurasi, before the  advent of pilgrims. When Lord Shiva first appear in Bharmaur, the  Goddess shifted her seat to the hill top known as Bharmani. It is said  that Goddess passed a command to Lord Shiva that the journey to the  sacred Manimahesh peak would be incomplete unless the devotees visit her  place. Since then it is a ritual to visit Bharmani Devi, before the  journey to Manimahesh. 

Laxmi Narayana Temple

2011-06-06T15:25:00.000+05:30

Laxmi Narayana Temple, which is the main temple of Chamba town was built  by Sahil Varman in the 10th century AD. The temple has been built in  the Shikhara style. The temple consists of Bimana i.e. Shikhara and  GarbhGriha with a small antralya. Laxmi Narayana Temple has a mandapa  like structure also. The wooden Chhattries, the shell roof, atop the  temple were in response to the local climatic conditions as a protection  against snowfall. 

There are several other temples within the complex. The temple of Radha  krishna, Shiva Temple of Chandergupta and Gauri Shankar Temple are among  these. The temple of Laxmi Narayana continued to be embellished by the  Rajas who succeeded to the throne of Chamba. Raja Balabhadra Verma  perched the metallic image of Garuda on a high pillar at the main gate  of the temple. Raja Chhatra Singh place gilded pinnacles on the temple  tops in 1678 as a reaction against the orders of Aurangzeb to demolish  the temple. Later Rajas also added a shrine or two, thus enriching the  complex.      

Kalatop

2011-06-06T15:16:00.000+05:30

Kalatop and Khajiar are best explored if you take a three days walk from  Dalhousie to Kalatop, Khajjiar and back Dalhousie.The trek is more or  less level and requires good health, a pair of sturdy walking shoes.  Kalatop is 10 kms from G.P.O. at an altitude of 8000 feet. Walking along  the secluded and forested road through upper Nakorota hills, one  reaches Lakkarmandi. Between G.P.O. and Lakkarmandi lies the Dalhousie  water system, Tibetan Handicraft Centre and Dalhousie Potato Farm at  Ahla. Lakkarmandi is nestled between 8600 feet high DayanKund peak on  its right and Kalatop on the left. Dayan Kund has military installations  and is closed to civilians except the local people who visit Bhulwani  Mata temple near DayanKund.

Lakkarmandi is home for dhogri families that are engaged in charcoal  making. Most of the dhogris have been driven to plains because of the  fall in the demand for charcoal.

At Lakkarmandi there is a Wildlife Barrier to check movement of  vehicles on the unpaved but narrow level road that runs 3 kms to Kalatop  Forest Rest House. The walk from Lakkarmandi to Kalatop is through  dense forest of pines and deodars. The solitude is occasionally broken  by singing birds. The blissful solitude of Kalatop is ideal for the  honeymooners. Permit for the rest house is obtainable from DFO,  Wildlife, Chamba.

Khajjar

2011-06-06T14:41:00.000+05:30

23 kms from Dalhousie by road and 13 kms from Kalatop is the mini  Switzerland of India i.e. Khajjiar, at a height of 6400 ft. Hutchison  writes, "Khajjiar is a forest glade of great beauty, 6400 feet above sea  level". 

 Khajjiar is often reffered to as "Gulmarg of Himachal Pradesh". The lush  green meadows are surrounded by thick pine and cedar forests. Grazing  herds of sheep, goats and other milch cattle present a prefect pastoral  scenery. There is a small lake in the center of the saucer shaped meadow  which has in it a floating island. Much of the lake has degenerated  into slush because of heavy silting during rains. Still the landscape of  Khajjiar is picturesque and a photographer's delight.

A little away from the lake is the temple of Khajji Nag belonging to  12th C. AD. In the mandapa of the temple one can see the images of the  Pandavas and the defeated Kaurvas hanging from the roof of the  circumambulatory path. The sanctum of the temple has been beautifully  carved from wood.

There is a Tourism Hotel and some Tourism cottages at Khajjiar where  the tourists can stay . Besides there are two rest houses one each of  P.W.D. and Forest Deptt. A couple of private hotels have also come up,  which do not match the above places in terms of location and amenities.  Bus service to and from Khajjiar is limited and timings change according  to local demands. There used to be a golf course in Khajjiar which is  not maintained. The best entertainment in Khajjiar is to walk around the  lake or to go for long walks in the thick pine forests. Children enjoy  this place because of the freedom of movement and the slopy terrain  which permits them to roll down to the lake without getting hurt.  Another attraction like any other hill station is horse riding.

On 07-07-1992, Mr. Willy t. Blazer, Vice Counselor and Head of  Chancery of Switzerland in India brought Khajjiar on the world tourism  map by christening it "Mini Switzerland". He also put a sign board of a  yellow Swiss hiking footpath showing Khajjiar's distance from the Swiss  capital Berne-6194 kms. Khajjiar is among the 160 locations in the world  that bear topographical resemblance with Switzerland. The Counselor  also took from Khajjiar a stone which will form part of a stone collage  around the Swiss Parliament to remind the visitors of Khajjiar as Mini  Switzerland of India.

Bharmour

2011-06-06T14:07:00.000+05:30

65 kms from Chamba is the land of legendary Gaddies, i.e. Bharmaur.  Known as Brahmpur in the 6th century, was the seat of power of Chamba  state for some 400 years till AD 920, when a new capital was founded at  Chamba by Raja Sahil Varman. Bharmaur is known for some very old  archaeological remains, primarily the temples. All these temples stand  on a level area which call the Chaurasi after the 84 Siddhas who are  believed to have meditated in Bharmaur over 1000 years ago. These  Siddhas hailed from Kurukshetra and visited Manimahesh.  

The oldest temples in the complex are those of Lakshna Devi and Ganesh. Both these temples are made in the hill style with gable roofs and rubble masonry. The outer facade, the inner facade of sanctum, circum ambulatory path and the ceiling are exquisitely carved. The idol of Lakshna Devi in her incarnation as Mahisasurmardini is magnificent.
The tallest temple in the whole complex is of Manimahesh built in Shikhara style of architecture. The temple has a Shivalingam on a raised platform. The other temple in Shikhara style is of Nar Singh. Lord Vishnu in his avtar as Nar Singh has been cast vividly. There is a bronze Nandi of life size which stands facing the Manimahesh temple. Inscriptions on the pedestal of the bull and on the idols of Lakshna Devi and Ganesh date back to the reign of Raja Meru Varman. These idols are believed to be the work of master craftsman Gugga. There is a small water source called Ardh Ganda in a corner of the temple complex. Bathing in its water is considered religiously significant. The country around Bharmour is regarded as belonging to Shiva and is sometimes called Shiv-Bhumi. Being the home of nomadic shepherds Gaddies it is also called Gadderan.

Just 4 kms above Chaurasi temples is the hill temple of Bharmani Devi. A trek to this temple refreshes the visitors as it unfolds the green woods before him.

The best period to visit Bharmour is between April and October.

There is PWD Rest-House and a Lodge for accomodation. A number of hotels, sarais and a mountaineering hut with dormitory facility for 26 persons is coming up at Bharmour. There is a regional centre of Mountaineering Institute, Manali, where courses are conducted by qualified trainers. Bharmour is also known for its delicious apples and local blankets.

Chamba

2011-06-06T13:57:00.000+05:30

The town of Chamba, the district headquarter of Chamba district is  situated in the western Himalayas between north latitudes 32°10' and  33°13' and east longitudes 75°45' and 77°33'. 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 when he conquered the lower Rani valley from the  petty chiefs called Ranas and Thakurs in the beginning of 10th Century.  It seems the original name of the town was Champa as mentioned in  Kalhan's Rajtarangani. In the bansauli or genealogical rolls of the  Chamba Rajas a reference occurs of place which was adorned with highly  fragrant Champaka trees and guarded by Goddess Champavati or more  popularly known as Chameshni. The temple was built by Sahil Varman in  the honour of his daughter Champavati who is worshipped as a goddess in  Chamba. Champavati temple became the family temple of the ruling  family.  

General information

Area: 6528 sq. km         

    Population 4.60 lakh

Season: The best tourist season to visit Chamba is  round the year. Adventure tourists may like to undertake winter trekking  from November to March when the higher reaches of the district are snow  clad and access to most of the villages is on foot.

Climate: The climate of Chamba in general is  tempreate with well defined seasons. However, there may be variations  because of micro-climatic systems depending upon altitude and mountain  aspect. The winters last from December to February. March and April  generally remain cool and dry but snowfall does occur at higher  elevations during these months. The temperature begins to rise rapidly  from the middle of April till last week of June or first week of July  when monsoon breaks-in. Monsoon continues till the end of August or mid  September. During the monsoon, the weather remains misty, humid and  cloudy. October and November are comparatively dry but cold. The maximum  temperature in Chamba town in summers is 38°C and the minimum in winter  is 0°C.

Approach: Chamba is approximately 52 kms from  Dalhousie. The distance is reduced by 6 kms. via Upper Barkota and  Khajjiar road. Bus and taxi service is available from Chamba to  Pathankot, Delhi, Dharamsala, Shimla, Chandigarh, Jammu and most of the  Punjab cities along the national highway.

Distances from Chamba


Places to visit	Km
Akhand Chandi Palace	1
Bhuri Singh Museum	0
Bharmour	65
Champavati temple	0
Chamunda Devi Temple	3
Chaugan	0
Dalhousie	45
Hari Rai Temple	0
Kilar (Pangi Valley HQ)	173
Laxmi Narayan Temple	0
Manimahesh Lake	92
Rang Mahal	1
Saho	20
Sui Mata Temple	2
Vajreshwari temple	1
Chhatrari	45

Dalhousie

2011-06-06T13:46:00.000+05:30

Dalhousie (2036 m) is a hill station full of colonial charm that holds  lingering echoes of the Raj. Spread out over the five hills (Kathlog,  Potreys, Tehra, Bakrota and Balun) the town is named after the 19th  century British Governer General Lord Dalhousie. It was popular with  the British Army personnel in 1860's. The town’s varying altitude shades  it with a variety of vegetation that includes stately grooves of pines,  deodars, oaks and flowering rhododendrowns. Rich in colonial  architecture, the town preserves some beautiful churches. St. John  church is the oldest one built in 1863, St. Francis was built in 1894,  St. Andrew in 1903 and St. Patric in 1909. 

There are also magnificent views of Chamba valley and the mighty  Dhauladhar range with its awe-inspiring snow covered peaks filling an  entire horizon. By road Dalhousie is about 555 km from Delhi, 52 km from  Chamba via Banikhet and 46 km via Khajjiar and the nearest railhead at  Pathankot is 85 km away. 

In & around Dalhousie the visitable places are:         

    Subash Baoli: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose spent a large portion of 1937 contemplating here. A nice secluded place.     

    Panjpulla: It means five bridges. It is a  picturesque spot with water flowing under the five small bridges. A  samadhi of Sardar Ajit Singh, uncle of Bhagat Singh, adds to its  importance. A small fresh water spring Satdhara is close by.     

    Bakrota hills: Visit for a brisk walk round the hills and have a view of snow clad peaks. It is 5 km from Dalhousie.     

    Kalatope: It is a picnic spot and a wild life sanctury, 10 km from Dalhousie and offers a fine view of the countryside.     

    Bara Pathar: It is 4 km from Dalhousie enroute Kalatope. In village Ahla here, there is atemple of Bhulwani Mata.     

    Dainkund: It is 10 km from Dalhousie. On a clear day  this tall peak (2745 m) affords a birds eye-view of the hills, verdant  valleys and the Beas, Ravi and Chenab rivers threading their silvery  passage down to the plains.        

Distances from Dalhousie


Places to visit	Km
Banikhet	7
Bharmour	110
Chhatrari	90
Kalatop	10
Khajiar	23
Kynance	5
Mani Mahesh	145
Norwood Paradham	5
Panchpula	3
St. Andrews Church	1
St. Francis Church	1
St. Johns Church	2
St. Patricks Church	2
Subhash Baoli	1
Jot	41

Bhima Kaali Temple Sarahan

2011-06-05T19:49:00.000+05:30

On Hindustan Tibet Road from Jeori Sarahan is (17 Km) with spectacular  view of Srikhand range. Sarahan has the majestic Bhimkali Temple.  Himachal Tourism runs Hotel Shrikhand. Saharan is the gateway to  Kinnaur. A Pheasant Breading Centre and stadium are worth visiting. 

                       Bhima Kaali Temple Sarahan

Fagu

2011-06-05T19:45:00.002+05:30

On Hindustan-Tibet Road. It has enchanting views. Himachal Tourism runs the Hotel peach Blossom. 

Mall Road shimla

2011-06-05T19:41:00.000+05:30

The large open space in the heart of town presents excellent view of the mountain ranges.

Shimla's landmarks-the Neo-Gothic structure of Christ Church and the new-Tudor library building are worth seeing.

Jakhoo Temple

2011-06-05T19:32:00.000+05:30

Two km from city centre, this is Shimla’s highest point and offers a panoramic view of the town’s hills and distant mountain ranges. There are spectacular views at sunrise and sunset especially during the monsoons. The peak has a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Legend has it that he stopped here while searching for the sanjivini plant – the herb required to cure Laxman who lay mortally wounded on a battlefield in Lanka in an episode from the epic Ramayana. A variation of the legend says that his sandal fell here. The temple has been exhaustively renovated and this vantage point is being connected by a ropeway. At the top of the hill in the temple complex a 108 feet tall idol of Lord Hanuman is a big attraction for the tourists.

    The way to the temple is, on foot, from the Ridge near Christ Church.  Other option is to hire pony from the Ridge or drive taking via the  Cart Road.     

Indian Institute of advanced studies, Shimla

2011-06-05T19:29:00.000+05:30

Indian Institute of advanced studies, Shimla

3 km away, IIAS is housed in the former Viceregal Lodge. Built in 1988 this is a spectacular English renaissance-inspired grey-stone structure with superb Burma teak woodwork on the interiors. It is surrounded by magnificent grounds and also has a small museum.

State Museum

2011-06-05T19:27:00.000+05:30

                            State Museum

The State Museum lies atop mount pleasant in a house called  'Inverarm'. It has a rich display of the state's cultural, artistic and  archaeological heritage, ancient historical sculptors and paintings of  Himachal Pradesh. Visiting hours 10 AM to 5 PM. Closed on Monday and  gazetted holidays.     

Chail

2011-06-05T19:16:00.000+05:30

Chail

    Chail was the summer capital of the former princely state of Patiala.  It came into being in the late nineteenth century when it’s handsome  and dashing Maharaja Bhupender Singh was banished from Shimla, the  summer capital of British India for a dalliance with the British  Commander –in-Chief’s daughter. Smarting at this insult, Bhupender Singh  began exploring the neighbouring hills with a single guiding force – to  find a hill that was within sight of Shimla but higher. The little  village of Chail seemed perfect. Shimla lay within direct vision, and  most important, Chail was higher than the British controlled Shimla  town. Large tracts of the land here already belonged to him. This had  been given to his ancestors for services rendered during the Gurkha wars  which had come to an end in 1815-16. A site was selected and the  Maharaja began building his summer palace. But an ill omen seemed to  hang over the construction area. Local legend has it that the moment  anything was built, it would collapse over night. Dozens of snakes would  appear from nowhere and attack the labourers. Then Bhupinder Singh had a  dream. A sage appeared before him and declared that the site the  Maharaja had chosen was where he had meditated till he was taken by the  earth, and his peace should not be disturbed. The Maharaja had the  sage’s blessing to build on any other spot. Bhupinder Singh moved to  another site and at the original spot – which is about a kilometre from  the Palace Hotel – he had a temple built to the sage. Here the stone  embodiment of the sage may still be seen along with the iron tongs and  trident. The shrine is known as the Sidh Baba Ka Mandir and is revered  by many who claim that the sage has the power to grant boons. Meanwhile  Bhupinder Singh had another site levelled out and a splended mansion was  built and sumptuously furnished. And at 2226 m, a good hundered meters  above Shimla’s average height, Bhupinder Singh’s summer capital was  prepared to taken on the British one at equal terms. 

                        Chil Place Hotal 

In 1972 the property set in about 75 acres of land – including peripheral cottages, woods, sport and recreation facilities and even an orchard – passed into the hands of Himachal Tourism. This is now the Palace Hotel – a full- fledged destination resort. This retains the grandeur of its princely past and a large elegant lawn, complete with pavilion and fountain, adjoins the Hotel. Chail’s famous cricket ground was built in 1893 after leveling out the top of a hill. This stands at 2444.4 m and is perhaps the highest cricket pitch and the polo ground in the world. Maharaja Bhupinder Singh was an avid cricketer and the teams that have played here include the MCC. Bhupinder Singh was not averse to a spot of fun in cricket too. This once included a match with all the players dressed as women; the Maharaja took the crease in a nun’s black habit sporting and equally black beard. Several easy walks can be done in and around Chail. The small wild life sanctuary has a variety of wild life that includes the ghoral, kakkar, sambhar, red jungle fowl, and the khalij and cheer pheasents. There are Machan-like sighting posts near ‘Blossom’ at Khariun and on the blade pate of the prosaically named Roda Tibba. Fishing is possible on the Gaura river 29 km from Chail and there are several trek routes that lead out of the resort, including the one to the Choor Chandni mountain which is visible from Chail and poetically translates as “The Mountain Of The Silver Bangles”. Chail is 86 km from Kalka via Kandaghat and 45 km from Shimla via Kufri.

Shimla

2011-06-05T19:00:00.000+05:30

Shimla

    
Height: Most of the town lies between 2,100 m and 2,300 m

Languages spoken: Hindi. Also English, Punjabi and Pahari.

Religion: Mostly Hindu. Also Sikh, Muslim and Christian

Medical Facilities: Good

Telecommunications: Worldwide links by the net, telephone and fax, code: 0177

With all its intricacies, history seems to have been the mortar for  every brick and stone that has built Shimla. As the summer capital of  British India for well over a century it was the seat of one of the most  powerful governments in the world. From its cedar-shaded heights, one  fifth of the human race was ruled and the decisions made those decades  ago affect our lives to the present day.

The town of Shimla rose in the nineteenth  century when the Gurkha Wars came to an end in 1815-16 and the  victorious British decided to retain certain pockets as military  outposts and sanitaria. In 1822 the most rigorous of dandies and the  greatest of sticklers for form Captain Charles Pratt Kennedy, Political  Agent to the Hill States directed that a house be built for him at the  village whose name is variously reported as Sheyamalaya Shumlah, Shimlu  and Shemlah. Kennedy House led the vanguard of the hundred-odd houses  that were to scatter themselves by 1841 over every level or gently  inclining space. Lured by the climate and terrain scores of European  invalids began moving to the station and the only stipulation of the  local chief who owned the land was that no tree be cut or cattle  slaughtered.

In 1864 the Viceroy, John Lawrence anointed Shimla – then spelt  Simla, as the summer capital of British India. With Lawrence came the  Viceroy Council, the Imperial Secretariat, representatives of the Indian  princes and foreign envoys. As the town grew to become the workshop of  the Empire, an awed visitor observed, every pigeonhole cradled an embryo  of a war or death. Despite the fact that up to the time of Indian  independence in 1947, Shimla officially remained only the summer  capital, yet the Government spent more time in these hills than at the  actual capital Calcutta and later New Delhi. As the bearer of the  Viceregal sceptre this tiny pocket became the cynosure of British  Empire. Imperial grandeur, and all the panoply and trappings of power  came along for the ride. And there was a popular local saying that went,  “You cannot sleep the nights in Simla for the sound of grinding axes”. A  social whirl of parties, gymkhanas, balls, fancy fairs and affaires du  Coeur ensured that a heady mixture of scandal and intrigue constantly  wafted through the town.

Quite inevitably the freedom movement had a close connection with  Shimla. Ornithologist and former Civil Servant, Allan Octavian Hume  created the Indian National Congress which spearheaded the struggle  while living in the town. Stalwarts like Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Nehru,  C. Rajagopalachari, Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya and Maulana Azad  regularly visited Shimla. Major events that took place in the town were  the Simla Conference in 1942, the deliberations of the Cabinet on and  finally the decision to partition India.

And while the British Empire may have ceased to exist, its echoes  linger on in the architecture and ambience of this hill resort. The  elements of nostalgia may be strong but Shimla also has a youthful  vigour in its pace. Its easy accessibility and several other attractions  have made it one of India’s most popular hill resorts. There are many  unforgettable walks, day-excursions by the dozen, a variety of  convenient shopping and entertainment museums, and ice-skating in  winter. Shimla is the base or the unwinding point for numerous  exhilarating routes to the state interior.

    

Today the town is distinctive for its variety of architecture. It has  one of the rare surviving urban forests, made all the more unique, for  its species are temperate to alpine ones in what is otherwise a tropical  zone. And then Shimla’s famous Mall offers one of the longest stretches  of pedestrian shopping in the world. 

View of Shimla from Jakhoo hill

Within and around Shimla, the public and private sector offer an  enormous range of accommodation that range from modern to heritage  hotels. Like satellites placed around the centre, there are many resorts  in Shimla’s periphery that are full-fledged destinations in their own  right. These are located at Mashobra, Naldehra, Kufri, Shilon Bagh and  Chail. En route by road from Kalka there are Parwanoo, Dharampur and  Kasauli. 

    Map of tourist spots around Shimla 

    Plan Your Sightseeing 

If you are fond of walking, Shimla will unfold parts that remain  hidden to vehicles. Combinations by car and then on foot are possible in  several areas. It is suggested that you take a direction for the day  and cover the places of interest.

The area around the Institute of Advanced Study has several walks.  Combine these with visit to the State Museum and expand if you will  towards Kamna Devi.

Tara Devi and Sankat Mochan can be linked with a short train ride to  Tara Devi station. The Himalayan Queen that leaves Shimla at 10.15 am is  recommended.

Jakhoo can be combined with a stroll and shopping on the Mall and in  Lakkar Bazaar. The Lower Bazaar that runs parallel to the Mall at a  lower level has the flavour of a typical Indian market place. Trinkets  that can be purchased here include silver jewellery. You can also walk  towards Chotta Shimla and Raj Bhavan the residence of the state  Governor. The recently created rooms of Himachal Darshan offer a glimpse  of the various district in the state. Jakhoo has several paths that  criss-cross the hill a good walk is along the old Five Benches Road near  the microwaves link tower. The Bharari spur also has many walks that  can be done in a few hours or carried over the day

Special Interest

Nature

Some routes offer a greater variety of Shimla trees, shrubs,  wildflowers and ferns. If you are lucky some bird species can also be  sighted. Some suggested places are:

The Glen, and the narrow forest trail that runs above it and loops  around Summer Hill. The Bharari spur. Towards the villages of Kamina and  Pabo. Trek route down from Kamina to Tattapani.

Colonial Architecture

Most of Shimla has diverse colonial forms culled from all over Europe.

English Renaissance: With a castle-like appearance is the former  Viceregal Lodge which is now the Indian Institute of Advanced Study.  This is surrounded by assorted cottages.

English Home Counties Marketplace: The Mall

Neo-Gothic: Gorton Castle now the office of the Accountant General  and formerly the Imperial Civil Secretariat; the Secretariat of the  Himachal Government at Ellerslie; and the Gaiety Theatre on the Mall

Norman- Baronial: District Courts.

Swiss- Bavarian chalets: The Chalet Day School and Cedar Lodge (Punjab Government Rest House).

Tudor: The Library on the Ridge and Barnes Court

Churches: Christ Church, St. Andrew and the deconsecrated churches of  St. Andrew’s (now, the Evening College) All Saints Chapel 9nearthe  gates of the Indian Institute of Advanced Study).

Cemeteries: Adjoining Oakover, the residence of the Chief Minister of  Himachal has the oldest one. The largest ‘old-one’ is below St.  Edward’s school and is approached via the Potato Research Station. The  one at Sanjauli also dates back to colonial times and is still in use.

Others: Yarrows, various schools and college and cottages all over town.

Shopping

    Handicrafts. Shawls and tweeds. Fruit juice and jams. Honey. Quality  woollens. Silver jewellery. Rare books and etchings. Contemporary pahari  miniature paintings. Metalware. Rugs and carpets. Handmade footwear.  Wooden items like walking sticks.

Planning a Week in the Shimla Sector

A week’s time will give you a healthy sampler of Shimla. Dividing  your time between the town and suburbs is suggested. You can also divide  your stay between the town and the peripheral region. A good time to do  the walks are the mornings. A visit to the Mall is the ideal plan for  the evenings. When visiting the suburbs plan for most of the day. In  season, an appropriate activity like activity – like ice-skating can be  pursued. Let your hotel or an approved travel agent help you plan your  itinerary – those few minutes will add a great deal to your stay.

Distances from Shimla


Places to visit	Km
Chadwick Falls	7
Chindi	94
Craignano	18
Fagu	22
Hatkoti	109
Indian Institute of Advanced Study	4
Jakhoo Temple	2.5
Jubbal	90
Kharapathhar	85
Kotgarh	82
Mashobra	12
Naldehra	23
Narkanda	65
Prospect Hill	5
Rampur	130
Recong Peo	231
Sankat Mochan	7
Sarahan	171
State Museum	3
Summer Hill	7
Tara Devi	11
Tattapani	53

Great Himalayan National Park

2011-06-05T13:39:00.000+05:30

Great Himalayan National Park

The National Park with an area of 754 sq. km. is located in Kullu  District and has the representative area of temperate and alpine forests  of Himachal. It has some the virgin coniferous forests of the State.  Vast areas of alpine pastures and glaciers cap this park. This area has  many important wildlife species of Western Himalayas, like Musk deer,  Brown bear, Goral, Thar, Leopard, Snow leopard, Bharal, Serow, Monal,  Kalij, Koklas, Cheer, Tragopan, Snow cock etc. Trekking of Rakti-Sar,  origin of Sainj river and camping in alpine pastures is unforgettable.  Similar is the trekking route to Tirath the origin of Tirthan river.  Visitors can contact Director, Great Himalayan National Park at Shamshi  or Range Officer wildlife at Sainj or Range Officer Wild Life at Sai  Ropa (Banjar) for assistance and guidance. Camping equipment and guides  are provided by the Forests Department.     

Tibetan Monastery, Manali

2011-06-05T12:58:00.000+05:30

Tibetan Monastery, Manali

Tibetan Monastery, Manali .There are 3 newly constructed colorful monasteries, where visitors can  buy carpets and other Tibetan handicrafts. Two are located in the town  and one at Aleo on the left bank of Beas river. 

Solang Valley

2011-06-05T12:48:00.000+05:30

Solang Valley

Solang valley 13 kms. is a splendid valley between Solang village and Beas Kund.  Solang valley offers the view of glaciers and snow capped mountains and  peaks. It has fine ski slopes. The Mountaineering Institute has  installed a ski lift for training purpose. Located here is a hut and  guest house of the Mountaineering and Allied sports Institute, Manali.  Now a few hotels have also come up. The winter skiing festival is  organised here. Training in skiing is imparted at this place. 

Jagatsukh

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Jagatsukh

Jagatsukh 6 Kms. from Manali located on the left bank on Beas on the road to  Naggar. The place is famous for very old temples of Lord Shiva and  Sandhya Gayatri in Shikhara style, these are worth a visit.

Manali

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Arjun Gufa

Arjun       Gufa 4kms.       from Manali towards Naggar, the cave is situated near Prini       village 1km. above the road where Arjun had meditated. This       is good 1/2 a day excursion with charming view of the       brilliant mountains.

Rohtang Pass

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              Manali Rohtang Pass....

Rohtang Pass (3979 m) is 51kms. from Manali on highway to Keylong/Leh. 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 gatway to Ladakh. There are a beautiful sight 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 ply between Manali-Keylong/Darcha, Udaipur, Spiti and Leh. Rohtang Pass is best visitable between May/June to October/November.