Himachal Pradesh Travel Guide

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About Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh is a tiny hill state whose pleasant summers make it a popular holiday resort. The Raj still lingers in Shimla, the state capital and former summer capital during British rule.It came into being in its present form with the partition of the Punjab into Punjab and Haryana in 1966. High points of Himachal are as follows. The winding roads and high passes link its high mountains and valleys. While the picturesque valleys of Kullu and Kangra are a blend of colors. In marked contrast the stark and barren terrain of Lahaul and Spiti have a stunning lunar and scape like beauty.

Getting There
Air
The state has three airports at Bhuntar, Gaggal, and Jubbarhatti, which connect the state to Delhi and Chandigarh via regular flights by Indian Airlines. There is no international airport in Himachal Pradesh.
Rail
Only few places in Himachal Pradesh are connected by trains, as the construction of new lines are very difficult in the rugged, high altitude regions. The longest railway line is from Pathankot in Punjab to Jogindernagar in Himachal Pradesh. Other railway tracks touch Shimla, Solan, and Una.
Road
Despite problems in constructing new roads and maintaining them, most of the important places in the state are connected with a good road network. Some of the roads are closed during the winter and monsoon seasons due to the heavy snowfall and landslides that occur regularly in this region.

Fact File
Area : 55,673 sq km
Population : 6,077,248
Religion : Hinduism (95.89 %), Buddhists, Others
Capital : Shimla
Language : Hindi, English and Himachali
Best Time to Visit : March to October
Major Cities : Shimla, Barog, Parwanoo, Chail, Bilaspur, Kufri and Kinnaur.

Tourist Attractions
Kangra
The small town of Kangra was the capital of the erstwhile rulers of the Chand dynasty. It is set amongst the picturesque settings of the Kangra valley at the foothills of the majestic Dhauladhar range. The area around Kangra is known for its ancient temples and picturesque surroundings, which attract tourists.

Shimla
the capital of Himachal Pradesh and one of India's most famous hill stations, derives its name from Goddess Shyamala, an incarnation of Goddess Kali, the deity of power and wrath. However, unlike its name, Shimla is a perfect heaven for those in search of tranquility. Nature has blessed this capital city with innumerable gifts and man has used them to make Shimla one of India's best destinations.

Manali
Manali is 40 Kms from Kulu valley to the north, Manali is situated near the end of the valley on the National Highway leading to Leh. The landscape is breath taking as all around it is outlined against the horizon. One sees well defined snow capped peaks, the Beas river with its clear water meandering through between the town on the side and on other side are deodar and pine trees, tiny leveled fields and fruits orchards. It is an excellent place for a holiday, a favorite starting point for trekkers to Lahaul, Spiti, Kinnaur, Chamba Leh and Zanskar regions in Kashmir valley. It is know as the Switzerland of India.

Dharamshala
The High snow clad Dhauladhar ranges of the Himalayas from a magnificent backup to the hill resort of Dharamsala is the principal township of Kangra district and overlooks the wide spread f the plains. With dense pine and deodar forests, numerous streams, cool healthy air, attractive surroundings and the nearby snowline. Dharamsala has everything for a perfect holiday

Chamba
Chamba is Ancient Capital of Pahari Kings situated on the bank of river Ravi at an altitude of 996 meters. Chamba was founded in 920 AD but King Sahil Verma who named it after his favourite daughter Champavati. Surrounded by higher ranges Chamba has preserved the ancient culture and heritage and Chamba is known for the elegence of its temples and handicrafts.

Rohtang Pass
Rohtang Pass is the highest point, 4,112m, on the Manali-Keylong road, 51-km from Manali town. It provides a wide panoramic view of mountains rising far above clouds, which is a sight truly breath-taking. It offers only limited skiing opportunities, but trekking possibilities are immense.The pass is open from June to September, although trekkers can cross the pass from May. Beyond Rohtang pass lies the remote and, perhaps, the stark and haunting landscape of predominantly Buddhist areas. The comparative inaccessibility of the place has helped preserve the pristine culture of the people of the region.