Himachal Pradesh: Mountainous State
Himachal: Land of Snow
Himachal is also said to be the fruit bowl of the country, situated in the heart of the western Himalaya, a state in the extreme northern part of India. The state lies on the foothills of the Dhauladhar Range. Shilla peak is the highest mountain peak in Himachal Pradesh. It is bounded by Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh.The State is spread across valleys with many perennial rivers flowing through them. Himachal means “snowy slopes”. While traditionally Himachal was known as a summer destination, is known as “A Destination for All Seasons and All Reasons”. The city of Shimla was the summer headquarters of preindependence British viceroys
Himachal Pradesh is one of the least-urbanized states in India with Population 68,64,602. The population of Himachal Pradesh is composed of a variety of distinct ethnolinguistic groups and social castes. The vast majority of the population is Hindu. Hindi is the official language and Pahari is the principal language with local dialect.
The town of Dharmshala has more recently emerged as a sacred site, particularly for Tibetan Buddhists; it was in Dharmshala that the Dalai Lama settled after he fled from Tibet in 1959 in the wake of China’s occupation of Lhasa. Aside from their festivals and sacred sites, the Shimla hills, the Kullu valley (including the town of Manali), and Dalhousie are popular tourist destinations, especially for outdoor recreation. Indeed, skiing, golfing, fishing, trekking, and mountaineering are among the activities for which Himachal Pradesh is ideally suited.
Himachal was known since the earliest of times as “Devabhoomi”, the abode of the Gods. The splendid heights of the Himalyan ranges, with its great scenic beauty and aura of spiritual calm seem the natural home of the Gods. Two thousands or more temples all over the State, reiterate this fact. Being a State full of isolated valleys and high ranges, several different styles of temple architecture developed and there are temples with carved stone shikharas, pagoda style shrines, temples that look like Buddhist Gompas or Sikh Gurudwaras etc. Several of them are important places of pilgrimage and each year attract thousands of devotees from all over the country. The state identified as “Dev Bhumi” and is believed to be the abode of Gods and Goddesses. The entire State is punctuated with stone as well as wood temples. The shadowy valleys, rugged crags, glaciers and gigantic pines and roaring rivers and exquisite flora and fauna compose the symphony that is for ever Himachal. The State has a rich treasure of places of pilgrimage and of anthropological value. Himachal is well known for its handicrafts. The carpets, leather works, Kullu shawls, Kangra paintings, Chamba Rumals, stoles, embroidered grass footwear (Pullan chappal), silver jewellery, metal ware, knitted woolen socks, Pattoo, basketry of cane and bamboo (Wicker and Rattan) and woodwork are among the notable ones.
Popular Destinations of Himachal Pradesh
Shimla: The most popular hill station
Shimla is the capital and the largest city of Himachal Pradesh. In 1864, Shimla was declared as the summer capital of British India. The colonial architecture and churches, the temples, and the natural environment of the city attracts tourists. Major city centre’s attractions include the Shri Hanuman Jakhu (Statue), Jakhu Temple, Viceregal Lodge, Christ Church, Mall Road, The Ridge and Annadale. The city centre’s northern most point is Jakhoo and the southern most location is Annadale, and the easternmost point is Sanjauli and western point is Chotta Shimla. The Kalka–Shimla Railway line built by the British, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also a major tourist attraction. It is quite interesting that despite being home to a large population, the biosphere of Shimla is still in an excellent form. Shimla exhibits a very relaxing mood to those who visit it in search of tranquility. Due to the plenty of activity options available here, Shimla is emerging as a popular destination for offbeat travel as well. People from all over India and beyond visit Shimla to experience an adventure which makes it a major hotspot for adventure activities in northern India.
Shimla also has also some interesting places in store for wildlife lovers. Himalayan Bird Park is a delight for wildlife lovers, exhibiting some exotic and native unique bird species. Another great option for nature lovers and photographers in Shimla is Shimla Reserve Forest Sanctuary.
Manali: A gift of the Himalya to the World
Manali is a popular destination because of its natural bounties and salubrious. Nestled in the mighty Himalayas, Manali has an abundance of spectacular valleys filled with forests of oak, fir, deodar and pine. It is a full package of nature, food, adventure sports and ancient heritages. Splashing river Beas flows proudly amidst the valley. It is a rustic enclave known for its cool climate and snow-capped mountains. The name Manali is regarded as the derivative of ‘Manu-Alaya’ which means ‘the abode of Manu’. The small town, with a population of 8,096, is the beginning of an ancient trade route to Ladakh. All this grace makes up Manali for a romantic honeymoon with a subtle blend of adventure. Newly wedded couples choose this place to begin the new life of their love amidst the fresh meadows and white streams of water. Striding around the mall road at night is also a very pleasing option where they together can try on distinct local cuisines. However, the regional cuisines are majorly influenced by Punjabi and Tibetan tadka, but that ends up making it tastier. The British introduced apple trees in the area. The first apple orchard was set up by the British near Patlikuhal, before this, no Apple trees grew in the area.
Kullu: Land of Gods
The Kullu valley is known as the “Valley of the Gods” or “Dev Bhumi” due to many pilgrimage sites for Hindus. Kullu town has an average elevation of 1,278 m (4,193 ft). It lies on the bank of Beas River. Kullu Valley is a broad open valley formed by the Beas River between Manali and Largi. The intricate web of valleys, deep forest, gushing streams and rivers, bountiful orchards and the forbidden heights of the Greater Himalayas for a magnificent backdrop, is a sight to behold. Kullu valley is sandwiched between the Pir Panjal, Lower Himalayan and Great Himalayan Ranges.Kullu is a quit town that attracts tourists. Kullu area is known for Kullu shawl, made of many natural fibers including pashmina, sheep-wool and angora.
Kullu town popular attractions: Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) – India’s youngest national park, spread over 700 km (430 mi), lies between Kullu & Spiti region of Himachal Pradesh. The park is home to different mammals, birds, insects. The park now boasts of 7th UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site in India.
Raghunath Temple – In the 17th century, Raja Jagat Singh of Kullu committed a great mistake. To atone for the sin, he sent a senior courtier to Ayodhya for a statue of Lord Raghunath – Lord Rama. This temple was built by Raja Jagat Singh to house the image and even today, is greatly revered. Every year international fair Dussehra is celebrated with local deities in honour of lord Raghunath.
Dharamshala
Dharamshala is a starting point to a number of trekking trails that especially includes lead trekkers across Dhauladhar into the upper Ravi Valley and Chamba district. En route, trekkers cross through forests of deodar, pine, oak and rhododendron, and pass streams and rivers and wind along vertiginous cliff tracks, and the occasional lake waterfall and glacier. The city is divided into two distinct sections. Kotwali Bazaar and the surrounding markets are referred to as “Lower Dharamshala” or just “Dharamshala” and upper Dharamshala or places such as McLeodganj, Dharamkot, etc.
Dharamsala is the home to Dalai Lama, the Buddhist leader who runs his government in exile from Dharamsala. Now, what better place on earth than this little town set on the foothills of Dhauladhar ranges to experience the rich and regal Tibetan culture. In the year 1959, Dalai Lama came to India with his followers and settled, rather beautified the town of Dharamsala, transforming it into the little Lhasa. Dharamsala, for many years, has been a centre of meditation and peace, with thousands of people from around the world coming here to seek Nirvana.