Famous Places in Himachal

The Ridge and The Mall ( Shimla ) :

These are the most favourable places for all tourists as well as local residents of Shimla. Both the places always remain overcrowded during the day time and in the evening. The Mall is also a main shopping centre of Shimla. The Gaiety Theater which is a reproduction of an old British Theater is also situated here as well as the - Indira Gandhi Khel Parisar - From the Mall you can explore the Middle and Lower Bazar.

Kufri ( Shimla ) :

( 2,633 meters ) 16km. from Shimla. Kufri has won a name on the sports and tourist map of India due to its ‘Ski-runs’, ‘Seed Potato Farm’ of the Central Potato Research Institute and ‘Food Craft Institute’. Kufri offers unique Skiing slopes from December to February.

Baspa Valley ( The beautiful valley of Kinnaur ) :

Baspa valley ( also known as Sangla valley ) is one of the most beautiful valleys of Kinnaur. It starts from Karcham ( 1,899 meters ) where the Baspa river coming from the east joins the Satluj. The road for Baspa valley branches from the Hindustan Tibet road at the river junction and after turning south crosses the Satluj over a bridge to reach Karacham. The valley open up beyond Sangla and is full of wooded slopes as far as Chitkul ( 3,435 meters ). Chitkul is the last inhabited village in the valley surrounded by green fields and high mountain peaks. It is like a Fairyland. The quaint little houses, temples, gompas and the people of Baspa valley conjure up a perfect image of "Shangri-La"

Fairs in Himachal Pradesh

There are 20 state level fairs or festivals recognised by the the Government at present in Himachal Pradesh. They have an educational, social as well as religious character. These serve the needs of social integration not only for economic sustenance but also for cultural survival. Generally the fairs are held at such a time when the people are free from their household engagements. Fairs give them an opportunity to purchase and sell needed articles. Traders from far and near join these festivals to display articles like clothes, wool, pashmina, furs, leather, hides and skins, pottery, metal ware, jewellery, ornaments, fruits, vegetables and many other local products coming from the homes and fields of the ruralities.Fairs in Himachal Pradesh have very positive role to play in social life. Himachal is a land of Devi and Devtas - land of gods and most of the fairs are of mythological nature. But to keep on rhythm in various walks of life, fairs have occupied predominant role and aquired varied dimensions, such as trade, agricultural, seasonal and fairs connected with festivals etc. So intensive the fairs hava become, that people of all shades and interests participate in large numbers. There is hardly any village where no fair is held. There is almost continuous succession of fairs.

Temples in Himachal Pradesh

Himachal is god's own abode. There are too much temples that one cannot even count them all. Alsmost every temple has some kind of fair or festival connected with it. Dotted with temples, the State has literally one every hamlet. Most of the temples have legends dating back to centuries, some as old as mankind itself. Some of the famous temples are described below :

Hatkoti Temple :

( In Shimla district ) 104 km. from Shimla is the beautiful temple valley where the river Pabbar flows and nearby is a temple dedicated to Durga and Shiva. This is where the godsare said to have fought a pirched battle. Hatkoti is en-route to Rohru and is surrounded by lovely picnic spot. 

The other important temple in Shimla district is a temple dedicated to Hanuman, situated at Shimla's highest peak at Jakhu Hill offering paronamic views of the town, the hill and other distant mountain ranges.

Himachal : Wild Life

The state's protected area network of 32 wildlife sanctuaries and 2 national parks represents the myriad diversity of life in the North Western Himalayas. With 64 species of mammals, 463 of birds, 43 of reptiles and 516 of aquatic fauna teeming among over 3240 species of plants than define a range of eco-system and habitants, there is, for the wildlife enthusiast, the indefatigable trekker and the romantic tourist, an endless quest. There are two national parks in Himachal pradesh. Both are natural wonders.

The Great Himalayan National Park ( Kullu ) :

The great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) is an investment in the physical, mental and spiritual well being of Indians as individuals, and of Himachalis in particular. It is a gainful investment in something as simple and fundamental as good citizenship, love of country and an appreciation of the natural and historic fabric of the natural and historic fabric of the Western Himalaya. Bounded on three sides by the perpetual snow of the Himalayas, the westerly entrance to the park through the Tirthan Valley leading up to the Pin Parvati Pass (5800 m+) in the GHNP is traditionally considered one of the most sacred places in the Western Himalaya. The GHNP proper, the Sainj and the Tirthan wildlife sanctuaries together enrich Himachal by their unparalleled splendour. Each of these highlight a unique niche in the rich mosaic of our natural heritage. You may visit any one to experience the natural mystique of the place. The features that initially attracted and led to the preservation of this area as GHNP were its enormous bio-diversity representativeness of the Western Himalaya. From the critically endangered Western Tragopan to the rare and elusive serow and the most beautiful of the big cats, the snow leopard ; they are all here, amidst the entire range of vegetation and ecological complexes of the Western Himalaya. The GHNP is a true wilderness, one of the few large natural areas remaining intact in this part of the world. Here you meet Nature on its terms, not yours.

HIDDEN TOURISM TREASURES OF HIMACHAL

The main Tourism circuits in Himachal Pradesh are fairly well known and even remote districts like Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur are now coming into the tourist mainstream. Himachal has however many undiscovered spots with unspoilt charm that are worth a visit for a quiet rewarding holiday - spent amidst the splendor of nature, away from the crowds.

District Chamba

BHARMAUR (2195 m): Linked by road to Chamba is 65 km away. Surrounded by alpine pastures, this is the summer home of the nomadic Gaddis. At a distance of 69 km from Chamba town, Bharmaur, once known as Brahampur, was between the 6th and 10th centuries, the capital of princely state of Chamba. It is renowned for its cluster of temples - collectively known as the 'Chaurasi'. Though of varying architectural designs, these temples are noted for their fine workmanship. From Bharmaur, the Kugti and Chobia passes and trek routs they offer can be approached. Other interesting places at hand are the temples of Bani Mata and picturesque Khundel. There are Forest and PWD rest houses in Bharmaur.

Beautiful Mountain stream, River Malana.

This is a swift, yet beautiful mountain stream, River Malana. Located in the lost paradise of Malana village in Himachal Pradesh, this river flows in the Himachal mountains and into the Parvati Valley. It represents the beauty that Mother Nature has blessed this lost paradise with. Malana is a tribal village with rules and laws of its own. The people there speak a different dialect and do not adhere to laws of the Indian Government. Outsiders are usually not treated well. 

Adventure and Sports in Himachal

The skiing packages are organised at Narkanda during winters. 

How to Reach: Narkanda is situated at a distance of 65 km from Shimla on NH - 22 towards Rampur and Kinnaur after crossing Kufri, Fagu Theog and Matiana. It is connected by regular Bus / Taxi services. In case traveling from Delhi, state transport buses traveling from Delhi to Rampur cross Narkanda. Buses from Delhi leave in the night. Distance from New Delhi to Narkanda is 434 km.

Other General Information

Fagu

FAGU


Fagu is a tiny village aside a saddle-like mountain along Hindustan Tibet Road. A rare range of views is visible from here, which include vivid dales and snow clad peaks. The picturesque countryside is dotted with clusters of villages, fruit gardens and nearby terraced fields. Fog characterizes the hillside landscape endowed with romantic ambience. Most of the area is covered with conifers of Himalayan cedar and spruce. Located at an altitude of 2,450 m, Fagu, perhaps have derived its name from the fog itself.

ACCESS : The closest airport is at Jubbar-Hatti, 45 km away. The nearest narrow gauge railhead is at Shimla, 22 km away. By road Chandigarh is 139 km and Delhi is at a distance of 392 km.

CLIMATE : In winter, the temperature can drop to below freezing point when heavy woolens are required and in summers light woolens / cottons are recommended.

PLACES OF INTEREST

KUFRI (4 km): (2510 m) Famous for its ski slopes also have enjoyable walks leading up to Mahasu Peak in proxomity. A Nature Park and Mini Zoo are other places worth visiting. Hill ponies and Yaks are available for a joy ride. HiPTDC here runs Cafe Lalit.

SHIMLA (22 km): (2205 m) Once a summer seat of Britesher, Shimla is now the state capital of Himachal Pradesh. It has the rarest of the rare heritage buildings and monuments of the bygone area. Worth seeing places are - The legendary Mall Road, The Ridge, The Christ Church, Kali Bari Temple, Jakhu Hanuman Temple, Sankat Mochan, State Museum, Institute of Advanced Studies.

CHAIL (27 km): (2226 m) provides many bounties of nature. Once the summer capital of Maharaja of Patiala, the Kingly Palace decorated with some historical objects as well, is now owned as a Heritage building by HPTDC. Also famous for the world's highest Cricket Ground, Wildlife Sactuary and Sidh Baba ka Mandir.



NARKANDA (42 km): (2708 m) On the Hindustan Tibet road, Narkanda offers a spectacular view of higher snow ranges. An uphill trek (8 km) through deodar woods leads beholder to Hatu Peak famous for ancient Hatu Mata Temple (3475 m) which is now connected with a motorable road. During winter, under the aegis of HPTDC, skiing is also conducted here. Kotgarh and Thanedhar, Himachal's Apple heartland famous for delicious apples are located in vicinity. HPTDC runs Hotel Hatu at Narkanda.

Shimla

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.

History of Himachal Pradesh

History of Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh has been inhabited by human beings since the dawn of civilization. It has a rich and varied history which can be divided into several distinct eras.

Prehistory and Protohistory

About 2 million years ago man lived in the foothills of Himachal Pradesh, viz in the Bangana valley of Kangra, Sirsa valley of Nalagarh and Markanda valley of Sirmour. The foothills of the state were inhabited by people from Indus valley civilization which flourished between 2250 and 1750 B.C. People of Indus valley civilization pushed the original inhabitants of Ganga plains who were known as Kolorian people towards north. They moved to the hills of Himachal Pradesh where they could live peacefully and preserve their way of life.

In the Vedas they have been referred to as Dasas, Dasyus and Nishadas while in later works they have been called Kinnars, Nagas and Yakshas. The Kols or Mundas are believed to be the original migrants to the hills of present day Himachal.

Getting to Himachal Pradesh

Getting to Himachal


There are five major zones that draw the maximum visitor or act as base camps for most of Himachal – Shimla, Kullu and Manali, Dalhousie and Chamba, Kangra- Dharamshala-Palampur and Paonta-Nahan. From these routes one can explored "off-beat" destinations also. A wide range of accommodation like tourism hotels, private hotels, guest houses, home stays, rest houses etc. are available in these areas.

Shimla

By Air: The airport is at Jubbarhatti, 23 km from Shimla city and is connected to Delhi. Taxi/cabs are available.
By Rail: Shimla is connected by a broadgauge line up to Kalka (90 km). The journey between Kalka and Shimla takes about six hours and is one of the finest ways of enjoying the landscape. The quaint rail car, which runs on this stretch, takes about five hours. A luxury coach that accommodates six persons has recentely been introduced and can be attached to any train of your choice. The Shivalik Express is a deluxe train on this route. Delhi (380 km), Chandigarh (120 km) and Kalka (90 km) from Shimla.

About Himachal

The Land of Himachal

Popularly known as the Devbhumi ­– "Land of the Gods", Himachal Pradesh is a beautiful hill state in India, nestles in north-west region of western Himalayas. The state is landlocked with the Tibetan plateau to the east, Jammu and Kashmir to the north, and the Punjab to the west. However, the state stands apart from its neighbours in terms of its sheer topographic diversity and breathtaking pristine natural beauty. From vast tracts of high-altitude Trans-Himalayan desert to dense green deodar forests, from apple orchards to cultivated terraces, from snow capped high Himalayan mountain ranges to snow fed lakes and gushing rivers.

Brief Socio-Political History of the State

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/subjugated many of the states. When the British came, they defeated Gorkhas and entered into treaties with some Rajas and annexed the kingdoms of the others. The situation largely remained the same untill 1947. After Independence, 30 princely states of the area were united and Himachal Pradesh was formed on 15th April, 1948. On 1st November, 1966, certain areas belonging to Punjab were 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, Haryana on South, Uttar Pradesh on South-East and China on the East.