HIMACHAL PRADESH TRAVEL INFORMATION

Nestled in the Himalayas, the world's highest mountain ranges, Himanchal is blessed with some of the most spectacular and beautiful landscapes anywhere, it is a travellers paradise. The earliest known inhabitants of the region were tribals called Dasas. Later, Aryans came and they assimilated in the tribes.

In the later centuries, the hill chieftains accepted suzerainty of the Mauryan empire, the Kaushans, the Guptas and Kanuaj rulers. During the Mughal period, the Rajas of the hill states made some mutually agreed arrangements which governed their relations. In the 19th century, Ranjit Singh annexed many of the states. When the British came, they defeated Gorkhas and entered into treaties with some Rajas and annexed the kingdoms of others. The situation more or less remained unchanged till 1947.

After Independence, 30 princely states of the area were united and Himachal Pradesh was formed on 15th April, 1948. With the recognition of Punjab on 1st November, 1966, certain areas belonging to it were also included in Himachal Pradesh. On 25th January, 1971, Himachal Pradesh was made a full-fledged State.

The State is bordered by Jammu & Kashmir on North, Punjab on West and South-West, Haryana on South, Uttar Pradesh on South-East and China on the East.

Himachal Pradesh can be divided into two regions, Northern and Southern. The southern region of Himachal is almost as hot as plains with a mild difference in temperature in different areas. Northern region has a temperature summer and very cold winter with heavy snow fall.

Major Travel Destinations

Chail :: Chail is the smallest hamlet is a place where time stands still. Nature is at her exuberant best and words like pollution and deforestation have never entered the dictionary of a person living in Chail.

Chamba :: The small town of Chamba is located amidst the Shivalik ranges and is famous for its temples.

Dalhousie :: Dalhousie is the most famous hill station of Himanchal Pradesh. Beside its breath taking landscapes and the other highlights are the ancient temples, untouched beauty of Chamba & Pangi valley, the valley of milk, honey and streams.

Dharamshala :: Dharamshala stands at the foot of Dhauladhar and has a magnificent view of snowy peaks, deodar and pine forests, tea gardens and beautiful hills.

Kasauli :: This picturesque hill-station, oozing old-world charm is covered with tall Deodar, wild flowers, rhododendrons, wild roses, flame of the forest, and flowering Kichnar in summer and is a popular hub for bird-watchers. Winters with snowfall are beautiful too.

Khajjiar :: Khajjiar is one of the most scenic saucer shaped plateau and is surrounded by dense pine and deodar forests. Its beauty has further been enhanced by a small lake in the centre with a floating Island and a temple of Khajjiar deity.

Keylong ::  Keylong is the headquarters of Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh. The region is strange, exciting, primitive mountainous and delightful. Rudyard Kipling said of the region "Surely the God live here this no place for men."

Manali  :: The beautiful hill station is located in the northern sited of Kullu Valley. It is breathtaking views of snow capped mountains and forests, its an ideal romantic destination for honeymooners. It is referred as "the valley of Gods".

Mandi  :: 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".

Mcleodganj  :: McLeodganj is the headquarters of the Tibetan government in exile, and home of the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso. Camping is indeed the best way of enjoying the wonders of nature and the warmth of people. Mcleodganj is often called the ‘Little Lhasa’.

Naldehra  :: Naldehra means the abode of God Nal. The main highlight of Naldehra is the oldest golf course of India. The well groomed 9 hole Golf Course is lovely verdant, perhaps one of the finest and most sporty in India Crowned with a spinging turf the Golf Course here was suggested by Lord Curzzon he was so enchanted by the place that he gave his daughter Alexendra Naldehra as her second name. It is the venue of many competitions.

Parwanoo  ::  Parwanoo is one of the finest city of Himachal Pradesh. It is situated along National Highway 22. A couple of decades ago, this was a sleepy little village and today it is a pulsating industrial town. Fruit based products and plastics, Motor parts and watch components and a whole lot more roll out of Parwanoo's factories.

Shimla  ::  Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh and is a very charming hill resort. At an altitude of 2,130 meters, the town is a beautiful place. With the Mall and Ridge being main attractions, there are also good walking options. Shimla is also a good starting point for treks.

 

 Refer Map of Himachal-Pradesh