Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh is a state of India which is in the extreme northern part of the Asian subcontinent.
It shares its boundary with the state of Jammu and Kashmir in the north, with the Tibet Autonomous Region of China in the east, and with the states of Uttarakhand in the southeast, Haryana in the south, and Punjab in the west.
Himachal Pradesh occupies a region in the western Himalayas, having a multi-textured display of snow-clad mountains, deep gorges, thickly forested valleys, terraced fields. Himachal Pradesh has many perennial snow-fed rivers and streams, with four major watercourses.
The eastern portion of the state is drained mainly by the Sutlej River, which rises in Tibet. The western part of Himachal Pradesh is drained by the Chenab (Chandra-Bhaga), Ravi, and Beas rivers, which have their source in the Great Himalayas.
The name of the state has a reference to its setting, Himachal means “snowy slopes” (Sanskrit: hima, “snow”; acal, “slopes”), and Pradesh means “state.”
History Of Himachal Pradesh:
The foothills of the state were occupied 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 known as Kolorian people towards the north. They shifted to the hills of Himachal where they could live peacefully and preserve their way of life.
In the Vedas, they have been referred to as Dasas, Dasyus, and Nishadas and in later works, they have been called Kinnars, Nagas, and Yakshas.
The Kols or Mundas are regarded as the original migrants to the hills of present-day Himachal.
The second stage of migrants came in as Mongoloid people known as Bhotas and Kiratas.
The Aryans came as the third and most important migrants who left their Central Asian home.
The Aryans laid the base of history and culture of Himachal Pradesh.
Popular Languages of Himachal Pradesh:
The people of Himachal Pradesh converse in many different languages. The official language is Hindi. Another most popular language is Pahari. Other languages used are Punjabi, Dogri, Kangri, and Kinnauri.
Capital of Himachal Pradesh:
The capital of Himachal Pradesh is Shimla in Summer & Dharamshala in winter
Chief Minister (CM) of Himachal Pradesh:
Jai Ram Thakur is the chief minister of Himachal Pradesh.
Governor of Himachal Pradesh:
Bandaru Dattatreya is the governor of Himachal Pradesh.
High Court of Himachal Pradesh:
The high court of Himachal Pradesh is located in Shimla.
Himachal Pradesh On Map:
Himachal Pradesh Tourism:
Tourism in Himachal Pradesh has been given top priority by the government of Himachal Pradesh in recent years.
Renowned for its striking natural beauty, Himachal Pradesh tourism attracts many tourists – both domestic and international, who love to spend their vacations in tranquillity and serene sylvan surroundings.
To attract more tourists, the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Department is working towards the improvement of its infrastructure, conservation, and preservation of historical monuments, and identifying new tourist destinations, etc.
There is a special focus on the development of activities-based on tourism in order to increase the duration of the stay of the visitors/tourists.
Best Time To Visit Himachal Pradesh:
The best time to visit Himachal Pradesh is between March to June & September to December.
Best 50 Tourist Places To Visit In Himachal Pradesh:
1. Shimla
Shimla is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh and is one of the popular Himachal Pradesh tourism destinations.
2. Manali
Manali is a breathtakingly beautiful hill station located in the mountains of Himachal Pradesh near the northern end of the Kullu Valley.
3. Kullu
Kullu Manali is one of the top summer resorts to visit as part of Himachal tour packages and among the well-known honeymoon destinations in India.
4. Dalhousie
Dalhousie is a scenic hill station in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh.
It lies at an elevation of 1,970 m and is a popular summer getaway in Himachal Pradesh and among the must include places in one’s Himachal tour packages.
5. McLeodGanj
It is a town situated in the Upper Dharamshala region of Kangra District of Himachal Pradesh. It is considered as a twin city of Dharamshala and is one of the popular places to visit in Himachal Pradesh.
6. Dharamshala
Dharamshala is a hill station in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh.
Often called the gateway to the Kangra valley, Dharamshala is the headquarters of Kangra district and among the popular places to visit in Himachal as a part of one’s honeymoon tour.
7. Kasauli
Kasauli is a picturesque hill station in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh. It is one of the top 2 day trips near Delhi and also one of the best Himachal tourist places.
8. Narkanda
Narkanda is a quaint little hill town in Shimla district. Situated at an altitude of 8600 ft, Narkanda is surrounded by tropical forests and the mighty Shivalik Range.
9. Chamera lake
At a distance of 26 km from Dalhousie, the Chamera Lake is an artificial lake situated at Chourah in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh.
It is a major source of water supply for the villagers and is continuously fed by the Ravi River.
10. Khajjiar
At a distance of 21 km from Dalhousie and 20 km from Chamba, Khajjiar is a beautiful hill station located in the Chamba District of Himachal Pradesh.
It is one of the most popular places to visit in Dalhousie and also one of the top Himachal tourist places.
11. Manikaran
Manikaran is famous for hot water springs, Ramchandra Temple, and a Gurdwara. It is a top pilgrimage site. It lies at an altitude of 1760 m.
12. Bhagsu falls
Bhagsu Falls is a beautiful waterfall situated at Bhagsu village behind Bhagsunath Temple near McLeod Ganj in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh.
13. Dainkund peak
This is the most important peak and also a very popular place to visit in Dalhousie.
14. Raison
River rafting – Raison is well known for its camping sites and white-water river rafting.
15. Triund hill
Triund is a popular trekking site in McLeod Ganj and attracts a lot of tourists every year.
16. Great Himalayan National Park (Near Kullu)
The Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) is spread across Parvati valley, Tirthan valley, Sainj valley & Jiwa Nal valley of Kullu region.
17. Bijli Mahadev Temple (Near Kullu)
– Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Bijli Mahadev temple is situated on Nathan Hill and is surrounded by Parvati, Garsa, Bhuntar, and Kullu hills.
18. Kasol (Near Kullu)
Kasol is a picturesque village with traditional wooden houses having slanted stone roofs. It is the base for several popular trekking trails in the Himachal state.
19. Khir Ganga
Khir Ganga is one of the best trekking sites in Himachal Pradesh. It is a holy place and has a hot water spring.
20. Tirthan Valley
It is one of the four valleys situated in the GHNP. Gushaini is the entry point where one can start trekking into Tirthan valley.
21. Kalatop Khajjiar Wildlife Sanctuary (Near Dalhousie)
At a distance of 10 km from Dalhousie, 16 km from Khajjiar and 38 km from Chamba, Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary or Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary, is a wildlife sanctuary and is located in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh.
22. Hanogi Mata Temple
At a distance of 41 km from Kullu, 30 km from Mandi and 80 km from Manali, Hanogi Mata Temple is a well known religious center of Kullu that lies on the Mandi-Manali National Highway 3.
23. Parashar Lake And Temple
Prashar Lake with blue and clear waters is held sacred to the sage Prashar and he is regarded to have meditated there. It is among the top trails for trekking in Himachal Pradesh.
24. Serolsar Lake
Serolsar Lake is located at an altitude of 3199 m. It is surrounded by thick vegetation of alpine forests.
25. Shringa Rishi Temple – Banjar
The Shringa Rishi Temple (or Shringi Rishi Temple) is an important religious center for the locals. The temple of Shringi Rishi is considered very sacred by local people and they believe that this deity is one that protects them.
26. Jogini Waterfalls (Near Manali)
It is among popular places to visit in Manali and also one of the famous places to visit in Himachal. This is one of the top attractions one must include in Manali Packages.
27. Illaqa / Lahesh Cave Trek (Near Mcleod Ganj)
Lahesh Cave is a 12 km trek from the McLeod Ganj Bus Stop. This trick can be done either from McLeodGanj or Dharamkot, which is 2 km ahead of McLeod Ganj.
28. Kareri Lake (Near Dharamshala)
Kareri Lake is situated at an altitude of 3100 m and is a freshwater lake. Snow melting from the Dhauladhar range is the source of the lake and a stream, Nylund is the outflow.
29. Arki Fort And Palace
At a distance of 38 km from Shimla, Arki is a small town situated at 4100 ft above sea level in the Solan district. Arki Fort is among the famous historical sites near Shimla.
30. Bhimakali Temple – Sarahan
The famous Bhimakali Temple in Sarahan is a very popular pilgrimage site in the Himachal state. This temple is 800 years old and it is regarded as one of the 51 sacred Shakti peethas.
31. Chadwick Falls
At a distance of 5 km from Shimla Railway Station, Chadwick Falls is one of the best waterfalls in the Shimla region and also one of the top tourist places to visit in Shimla.
This is one of the top attractions you must include in Shimla packages.
32. Chail
At a distance of 43 km from Shimla, Chail is a Hill Station located at an altitude of 2250 m above sea level in Solan district of Himachal Pradesh.
33. Fagu Ski Resort
Fagu is a famous site of adventure sports in the Himachal state. It is situated on the Hindustan Tibet Road at a height of about 2500 m above sea level.
34. Hatkoti Temples
The Hatkoti Temple is an abode of goddess Mahishasura Mardini, an incarnation of Goddess Durga. The idol of the goddess is 1.2 m in height and made of eight precious metals.
35. Jubbal Palace
At a distance of 90 km from Shimla & 76 km from Kufri, Jubbal Palace is among the most prominent places to see in Jubbal. The Palace is situated at an altitude of 7000 ft above sea level and is one of the popular heritage sites in the Himachal state.
36. Dagshai
At a distance of 14 km from Kasauli and 18 km from Solan, Dagshai is one of the oldest cantonment towns in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh. It is situated on top of a 5689 feet hillock on Kalka-Shimla Highway.
37. Kalka – Shimla Railway
The Kalka-Shimla Railway was built by the British in 1903 to provide access to their summer capital of Shimla.
38. Shoolini Temple – Solan
The Shoolini temple is dedicated to Goddess Shoolini Mata, an incarnation of Goddess Durga. The town of Solan is named after the Shoolini Devi. Shoolini Mata Temple is one of the main attractions of Solan.
39. Kuthar Fort (Near Shimla)
At a distance of 52 km from Shimla and 33.5 km from Solan, Kuthar Fort is located in Solan district of Himachal Pradesh. Kuthar Fort is around 800 years old and it is one of the main places to visit near Solan.
40. Kharapathar
Kharapathar is a small village situated at an altitude of 8,770 ft. This place is famous for its scenic beauty and several trekking trails.
41. Kufri Ski Resort
It is one of the best places for skiing in Shimla and also one of the top adventure sites and skiing destinations in India.
42.Beas Kund Trek
At a distance of 28 km from Manali Bus Stand and 15 km from Solang Valley, Beas Kund is a holy lake where Rishi Vyas took his daily bath. River Beas originates from here.
43. Bhrigu Lake Trek
The Bhrigu Lake is lying east of the Rohtang Pass. Bhrigu Lake Trek is one of the best Manali trekking destinations and among the prime places to visit on a Manali trip.
44. Deo Tibba Trek
Deo Tibba trek is a pleasant trek that takes you to the grazing pastures of the Gaddi shepherds and the emerald blue waters of the Chandertal Lake with magnificent views of Deo Tibba peak and its huge hanging glaciers.
45. Jana Falls
The Jana Falls is surrounded by deodar trees, pine trees, apple orchards, and spectacular snow-covered mountain peaks; this fall is a charming picnic spot.
46. Naggar Castle
The Castle overlooks the Kullu Valley. From the castle one could see the far off snow-covered peaks, the delightful Beas valley below, and the lush green hillsides dotted with apple orchards.
47. Pin Valley National Park
At a distance of 249 km from Manali Bus Stand and 437 km from Shimla, The Pin Valley National Park is located in the Lahaul of Spiti district in the state.
48. Rohtang Pass
Rohtang Pass is a high mountain pass located on the eastern Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas. It is a gateway to Lahaul, Spiti, Pangi and Leh valley.
49. Rahala Falls
Rahala Waterfall is a magnificent waterfall located on Leh – Manali Highway. It is generally believed to be the outcome of the melting of glaciers and so the water of this fall is extremely cold.
50. Solang Valley
Solang Valley is situated between Solang village and Beas Kund. It shows panoramic views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains and glaciers. Solang Valley has fine ski slopes.
Famous National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries In Himachal Pradesh:
1. Great Himalayan National Park
Stretched across an area of 754sq. km, it is situated in Kullu district. It consists mostly of temperate and alpine forests along with virgin coniferous forests.
2. Bandli Sanctuary
If you want to see the snow leopard, which is rarely seen, along with Chir peasant, then Bandli Sanctuary is where you should be.
It’s one of the most beautiful; wildlife sanctuaries of Himachal Pradesh where you can enjoy watching the various animals in their natural habitat
3. Chail Wildlife Sanctuary
Chail Wildlife Sanctuary is counted among the best national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in Himachal Pradesh. The wildlife sanctuary was established in 1976 and is home to a variety of wildlife. The flora consists of mostly deodar and oak forests, with grasslands too in abundance.
4. Churdhar Wildlife Sanctuary
It is one of the famous wildlife sanctuaries in Himachal Pradesh and is situated in the Sirmaur and Shimla districts. Its main attractions are barking deer, black bear, musk deer and leopard
5. Daranghati Wildlife Sanctuary
Daranghati Wildlife Sanctuary is believed to have been a game reserve of the Raja of Bushahr (a town and municipal council in Shimla district). It is situated at the northern and southern sides of the Dhauladhar mountain ranges.
6. Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary
Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most famous wildlife sanctuaries in Himachal Pradesh and is situated between Dalhousie and Khajjiar.
Himachal Pradesh Is Famous for:
1. Dress- As per the traditional dressing norms the dress of the Brahmin male includes dhoti, kurta, coat, waistcoat, turban, and a hand towel while that of the Rajput male consists of tightly fitted churidar pyjamas, a long coat and a starched turban.
2. Dance- The most famous dance of Himachal Pradesh is Nati. In the Guinness world record book, it is listed as the largest folk dance.
3. Food- They too have lentil, broth, rice, vegetables, and bread. Non-vegetarian cuisine is preferred as compared to other states in north India. Traditionally, Himachali cuisine is mainly composed of red meat and wheat bread.
Thick and rich gravy, with aromatic spices, is used in abundance as the base of many dishes.
4. Handicrafts- Himachal is well known for its handicrafts. The carpets, leather works, shawls, paintings, metalware, woodwork and paintings are very famous.
One of the products which are highly in demand is Pashmina shawl not only in Himachal but all over the country. Himachali caps are also famous artwork of the people.
Fairs and Festivals Of Himachal Pradesh:
1. Baisakhi
This fair is held at various places in the state. People carry village deities with music procession from one place to another. In upper hills, people join hands to form a large circle and perform ‘Mala Dance’.
During day time, they play some games like archery and wrestling.
2. Minjar Fair (Chamba)
This festival is held in the month of August on the second Sunday. It continues for a week. Minjar Festival (maize flowers) is celebrated in Chamba district at a place ‘Chowgan’ in Chamba town.
3. Naina Devi Fair
This fair is held in the month of August. It is held at Naina Devi Temple, in district Bilaspur, which is 8 km. from the Ganguwal Power House. This is the most delightful fair in the district.
4. Kullu Dussehra
Kullu Dussehra mirrors Himachal culture in its entirety. It clearly shows the lifestyle, love of dance and music of the people in this region.
5. Lavi Fair
This fair is held in the month of October or November every year at Rampur Bushahr. In ancient times, Tibet and Kinnaur had good trade relations and Lavi fair is the outcome of the business interests of both sides.
6. Lohri
In some areas, it is also known as Maghi or Saza. It is celebrated in mid-January. People celebrate it as a continuation of the season of festivals. After finishing agricultural activities, they feast and celebrate and meet their relatives.
7. Bharmour Jatra Fair
It is held in the Chamba district in the month of August. This fair has a very colourful crowd.
8. Chhatri Jatra Fair
It is held in district Chamba in the month of September. It is a very famous one day fair and a large number of people gather in this fair from near and far.
9. Dungri Fair
It is held in the Kullu district at Manali in the month of May.
10. Sashi Jatra Fair
It is held in Kullu district, at place Naggar in the month of May.
11. Banjar Fair
In district Kullu in the month of May and June.
12. Solan Fair
Solan fair is held in the last week of June for three days. This fair was celebrated even before the present Solan town was found, in honour of the goddess ‘Shalini’ whose temple is situated in the nearby village named Solan Gaon.
13. Thalog Fair
This fair is held in honour of Devta Rahatna whose temples are located at Thalog and Jabna. It is held at the end of Baishakh, in Prgana Jakholi of Chopal.
It is 13 km. away from Chamba. The game archery, numerous sweet shops, and Jhula are the main attractions like other fairs.
14. Phul Yatra Fair
Phul Yatra fair is held in Pangi at Killar in ‘Asoj’ every year. It denotes the start of a closing season in this snowbound valley. Offerings are made to local goddesses, in whose honour it is celebrated.
The people enjoy dance, sing, and drink in a good mood forgetting everything else for the time being.
15. Sayar Fair
It is a famous fair celebrated in the month of September at a number of places such as Bakloh in Kangra, Karsog in Mandi, and Subathu in Shimla.
Plan Your Tour With Us
Let us help you get the best out of your holidays and a hassle-free trip.
Tell us more about your travel plans and we certainly offer you something of your choice & budget.
Blog | About Us | Shop | Trip Planner
