Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh is a very prominent state of India which is known for its immense beauty, tourist destination and its attractive places. Himachal is a special state for tourists in India, its serene lakes, high mountains and ancient temples attract tourists very much. The natural beauty of Himachal with its lofty valleys and hills provides peace to the people visiting here. Apple production is very high in Himachal Pradesh, due to which it is known as the apple state. Himachal Pradesh’s friendly environment, picturesque natural scenery, colorful culture, adventure sports, sightseeing and a variety of fairs, festivals and celebrations are very special. Himachal Pradesh is a very favorite destination for tourists as well as pilgrims.
History of Himachal Pradesh
The history of Himachal Pradesh largely coincides with the history of North India. The area was inhabited by prehistoric humans and was one of the important areas during the period of the Indus Valley Civilization. The Mauryas, Harsha and the Delhi Sultanate ruled here before the arrival of the Mughals who were fascinated by the beautiful landscape and built summer residences in the area. The British also repeated the same trend after coming here and they left the hot areas and settled in the cool quiet here. After the independence of India in 1950, when the constitution came into force, Himachal Pradesh was made a state.
Top Tourist Places in Himachal Pradesh
Shimla :Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh and it is also the most popular hill station and beautiful place in northern India. Shimla’s mall road, ridge, toy train and colonial architecture are quite popular among tourists, honeymooners and families visiting here. Shimla is one of the most famous tourist places in the country situated at an altitude of 2200 meters. Shimla has many historical temples as well as colonial style buildings. Set amidst beautiful hills and mysterious forests, Shimla is said to be the erstwhile summer capital of British India, and the captivating natural beauty and atmosphere of this city makes any tourist come here again.
Manali : Manali is one of the most popular hill stations in the country situated amidst the snow-capped slopes of the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges. Manali is situated at an altitude of 1950 meters above sea level which is a part of Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. Manali is an extraordinary natural destination with its lush green forests, meadows dotted with flowers, blue streams and a constant scent of freshness. Manali is a paradise for nature-loving tourists and lovers. This Tibetan monastery and ancient temple attract tourists the most. The hill station has museums, river adventures, temples, trekking trails, from villages to bumpy lanes, the sound of water of flowing rivers and the sound of birds, a paradise for tourists and lovers.
Kullu :Kullu is a popular tourist destination in Himachal Pradesh along with Manali which is an open valley with its panoramic views and majestic hills covered with deodar trees. Kullu is a place situated at an altitude of 1230 meters which is like a paradise for nature lovers. Kullu’s greenery, pristine river and a wonderful climate make it extremely special. Generally, tourists visiting Himachal like to visit both Kullu and Manali together. Travelers visiting Kullu and Manali can take part in many adventure sports activities like river rafting, trekking, mountaineering etc. Raghunath Temple and Jagannathi Devi Temple are very famous in Kullu, if you go to visit here, do not forget to visit these temples.
Dalhousie : Dalhousie is a small town situated in the lap of Himachal Pradesh, which is like a paradise for the tourists visiting here. It is the epitome of old world charm, captivating everyone with its natural landscape, pine-clad valleys, mountains of flowers, meadows, fast-flowing rivers, spectacular mist. The air smell of Scottish and Victorian architecture and the surroundings will remind you of the British era. Dalhousie is one of the most visited places in Himachal Pradesh, which is famous for its natural beauty and ancient charm.
Dharamshala : Dharamshala is a very special tourist place in Himachal Pradesh, which is located at a distance of 17 kilometers from Kangra. Dharamshala is considered to be the gateway to the Kangra Valley. The snow-capped Dhauladhar mountain range makes this place very special. Dharamsala is also known as the holy abode of the Dalai Lama. Dharamshala is divided into upper and lower divisions with different elevations. Lower division is Dharamshala town and upper-division is located 3 km away and is popularly known as Mcleodganj. Dharamsala is visited for the bus connections and bustling market. Being a Tibetan hub, Dharamsala is a very special place in Himachal Pradesh to learn and learn about Buddhism and Tibetan culture.
Spiti Valley : Situated in Himachal Pradesh, Spiti Valley is surrounded by Himalayas on all sides which is situated at an altitude of 12,500 feet above sea level. The cold deserts, snow-capped mountains, winding roads and picturesque valleys of Spiti Valley enthrall the tourists visiting here. This is the only place in Himachal Pradesh that receives about 250 days of sunshine in a year, making it one of the coldest places in the country. You can go to Spiti by motor vehicle only during summer and this place is covered with thick snow for about 6 months of the year.
Kasauli : Kasauli is a small beautiful hill town situated at an altitude of 1900 meters in Himachal Pradesh and it is one of the most special tourist places of Himachal Pradesh. Kasauli is a hill town situated on the way from Chandigarh to Shimla, which is an ideal peaceful place away from the hustle and bustle of cities. Kasauli is a small town in the south-west part of Himachal, situated on the lower reaches of the Himalaya Mountains. Situated amidst beautiful deodar forests, Kasauli is also known for its mysteries for the grand Victorian buildings built by the British. Many endangered species of fauna are found in the dense forests of this region, the serene environment and charming serenity of Kasauli makes this place one of the most special tourist places in Himachal.
Kasauli, Solan is a region blessed with a pleasant climate throughout the year, Solan is the district headquarters and the famous temple of Shoolini Devi. Jatoli village and Lord Shiva temple in Solan and Buddhist Dolanji Bon Math can be seen on Rajgarh Road. Known as the “Mushroom City of India”, Solan has an old brewery and a huge Horticulture and Forestry University at Nauni. Rajgarh is full of orchards growing fruit like apricots and peaches, on the way to Kasauli, Solan you can stop for fishing at Gaura.
Kinnaur : Kinnaur also known as “Land of God” is situated at a distance of about 235 kms from Shimla. Kinnaur is a place situated between Sutlej, BSP and Spiti river which is quite famous for the beauty of its lush green and rocky mountains. It shows the existence of a different kind of culture rather than the brotherhood of Hinduism and Buddhism. Any Hindu tourists who come to this place definitely go to see the famous Kinnar Kailash. It is said that Kinnar Kailash belongs to Lord Shiva and Shivling and along with it, it is also related to the stories of Pandavas. There are also old Buddhist monasteries and temples nearby in Kinnaur which have a different significance in their own right and are also worshiped by Buddhists.
Rewalsar Lake Mandi : Mandi is a historical city of Himachal Pradesh situated on the banks of Beas river. It has long been an important commercial center and the sage Mandava is said to have meditated here. It is the one time capital of the princely state of Mandi and a rapidly developing city which still retains its original charm and character. Today, it is a district headquarters. Mandi is famous for its 81 old stone temples and exquisite carvings, often referred to as the ‘Varanasi of the Hills’.
The city has old palaces and many examples of ‘colonial’ architecture. The temples of Bhootnath, Trilokinath, Panchavaktra and Shyamkali are more famous in Mandi, Rewalsar. The week-long International Shivratri fair is the main attraction of the region every year. In the year 2013, this fair was started in March. Cultural programs like exhibitions, sports etc., which take place in the fair attract a lot of tourists.
Bir Billing Valley Adventures : Bir Billing is a small town located in the state of Himachal Pradesh which is known for thrilling sports like paragliding, trek and meditation. Bir Billing is one of the best places in the world for paragliding which also hosts the World Paragliding Championships every year. In this, the take-off site is called Billing and the landing site is called Bir. The city of Bir in Himachal Pradesh is also known for meditation and is also a major center of meditation.
Kufri Hill Station : Kufri is one of the most special tourist places in Himachal Pradesh which is one of the most sought after holiday destinations. Kufri is about 10 km from Shimla. If you are coming to Shimla then definitely go to visit this place. Due to Kufri being at a high altitude, snow is visible everywhere during winters. Although there is not much to see in Kufri, but the temples and panoramic views here make this place very special. Kufri is known as a support for tourists visiting Shimla, hence it is relatively crowded.
Palampur : Palampur is a very special tourist destination of Himachal Pradesh, which is surrounded by deodar forests and tea plantations. Several rivers flow through the city of Palampur and the city is also known for its wonderful amalgamation of water and greenery. Situated amidst the majestic Dhauladhar ranges, Palampur is famous worldwide for its tea gardens and good quality of tea. Palampur was first visited by the British after which it was transformed into a center of trade and commerce. The Victorian style mansions and palaces located in this city look very beautiful. If you are going to visit Himachal Pradesh then do not forget to visit Palampur.
Solang Valley: The name Solang Valley is derived from the combination of the words Solang and Valley. It is a tourist side hike at the top of the Kullu Valley in Himachal Pradesh, 14 km west of the resort town of Manali on the way to Rohtang Pass, and is known for its summer and winter sports activities.
The sports most enjoyed by the tourists are parachuting, paragliding, skating and zorring.
Apart from these special tourist places of Himachal Pradesh, you can visit Nako Lake, Beas Kund, Bhrigu Lake, Chandratal Suraj Tal, Manalidshahri Lake, Kareri Lake, Prashar Lake, Manimahesh Lake, Lama Dal, Shri Mani Karan Sahib, Hidimba Devi Temple, Bijli Mahadev Temple One can also visit Arjun Cave, Jagtsukh Shiva Temple, Manu Temple, Beas Kund, Bhrigu Lake, Chandrakhani Pass, Manali Wildlife Sanctuary, Great Himalayan National Park.
Famous & Local Food Of Himachal : The state of Himachal Pradesh has the thali of all the states of India with styles, food habits, ingredients and cuisines. But the food here is more influenced by Punjabi and Tibetan cuisines. Talking about the famous and local food of Himachal Pradesh, the staple food in the state includes pulses, rice, broth, roti and vegetables. Meat, especially red meat, is also a favourite, and almost all the dishes here are prepared with aromatic gravy made with local aromatic spices and herbs. Sidu, Patande, Chowk, Bhagjeri, Sesame Chutney, Khatta, Black Dal, Aloo Palda, Auria Kadu, Spicy Lotus are the attractions here. Along with traditional You can have food of your choice in prominent places here.
Best Time To Visit Himachal
Summer season is considered to be the best time to visit Himachal Pradesh which starts from the month of March and ends in June. If you live in a hot place in the country, then traveling to Himachal Pradesh in summer can give you a pleasant experience. Travelers can indulge in trekking, paragliding, camping, hot air ballooning and water sports here during the summer season. The best places to visit in Himachal during summer are Shimla, Kullu Manali, Dalhousie, Dharamsala, Khajjar etc. Along with this, tourists also come here in winter to enjoy the snowfall. The snowfall season occurs in the state during the winter time i.e between October and February. This is the best time for enjoy skiing and ice skating in snowfall.
Hotels in Himachal Pradesh
If you are going to spend the holidays in Himachal Pradesh, then you can take from low budget hotels to many good resorts in Himachal. Himachal offers a wide range of accommodation options for you to stay. From hotels to homes and resorts to bungalows for the luxury budget, you will find everything here.
How To Reach Himachal Pradesh
When anyone makes a plan to visit Himachal Pradesh, the question that comes to his mind is that how Himachal Pradesh can be easily reached by air, road and train means.
Despite the difficult terrain and changing climatic conditions, Himachal is well connected by road, railways and air.
Getting to Himachal Pradesh by road is better than train and air. The roads of Himachal connect it to all the major cities of the country. Apart from this, the government bus services of this Himachal are also quite cheap which are well connected to other major cities like Kashmir, Delhi, Haryana and Chandigarh.
Shoping in Himachat Pradesh
The best shopping areas in Shimla are Mall, Lower Bazaar, Tibetan Market and Lakkar Bazaar. There is a vast array of items that Shimla has to offer. This includes handicrafts, wood and metal works, shawls, pulvers, local tweezers, wooden articles and toys, caps, Tibetan carpets and pickles, jams and squash. Lakkar Bazar is famous for its wooden crafts and articles which can be bought from this area. There are many emporiums and showrooms at the mall from where one can buy Himachali shawls, pahari caps, pullover handicrafts and toys etc. Everyday goods can be bought from shops in Lower Bazaar. The Tibetan market is famous for imported goods, mainly electronics goods and fancy items.
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