Himachal Pradesh is situated right in the lap of Himalayan ranges. The state is almost entirely mountainous with altitude ranges from 400 to 6600 meters above sea level. Photographically, the state can be divided into two regions, The southern region which is almost as hot as the plains and the northern region that has temperatures summers but winter which are extremely cold with heavy snowfall.
Himachal Pradesh is studded with a number of Hill Stations which are refreshingly cool in summer. Khajiar in Chamba district has earned the name "Mini Switzerland", because of the striking similarity in landscape. The state abounds in wildlife with some rare species of birds and animals. The river offer ideal fishing grounds. The state also offers adventure sports like skiing, trekking, water rafting, and mountainrring. Agriculture and Horticulture are the mainstay of the states economy. The state is renewed as the "Apple land of India".
Districts of Himachal Pradesh : There are 12 districts in Himachal Pradesh :
1) Bilaspur
2) Chamba
3) Hamirpur
4) Kullu
5) Kangra
6) Kinnaur
7) Lahaul and Spiti
8) Mandi
9) Sirmaur
10) Shimla
11) Solan
12) Una
Famous Cities :
1) Shimla : Shimla is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh. It is the largest city of H.P. and can be reached by Train, Plane and By Bus. It is also the major hill resort of India. Shimla is known for Meadows and Forests, Mall Road, Potters Hill, Handicrafts, Tara Devi, The Ridge.
2) Bir : In Bir there is large number of Tibetan Communities and Buddhist Monasteries.
3) Dallousie : It is very beautiful, full of nature, small town and also a very popular hill station and picnic spot and known for Handicrafts.
4) Dharamshala : Dhramshala is the major Hill station and Headquarter of Dalai Lama and also major Buddhist Center. It is known for Tibetan handicrafts, Tibetan Monasteries, Bhagsunag Temple.
5) Kullu : Kullu is situated at few KM from south of Manali and known for Orchards, Trekking, Trout, Fishing.
6) Manali : Manali is very popular hill station around this area. The most attractions of Manali is four tiered woollen wooden temple of Hadimba Devi with Pagoda shaped roof, Temples, Trekking, Hill resorts, orchards, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute.
7) Keylang : Known for Buddhist Monasteries. Frescoes last town before the picturesque Lahaul and Spiti Valleys.
Language speak : Hindi, English, Punjabi, Pahari are the main language found in Himachal Pradesh.
Get In :
By Plane : The main airports are Shimla, Kullu (for Manali) and Patankot and Kangra (for Dharamshala). The services are largely limited to Delhi.
By Train : The services are limited. The most beautiful attraction is Toy Train.
By Bus : Bus is a good option to travel to Himachal Pradesh. Himachal is well connected to Delhi through Bus. There are different routes if you are coming from Delhi to Himachal.
1) Delhi - Chandigarh - Shimla - Kaza Route
2) Delhi - Chandigarh - Bilaspur - Mandi - Manali - Keylong - Leh
3) Delhi - Chandigarh - Kangra - Dharamshala
4) Delhi - Chandigarh - Kangra - Chamba
There is also a Volvo service available from Delhi which is operated by Himachal State Transport Corporation on these routes.
Places of Tourist Interest :
1) Kullu Valley : It is known as "Valley of God" , situated in the Beas River Bank and known for Apple orchards, Ancient Temples, Handicrafts, Nandas, Patoos.
2) Spiti Valley : Spiti Valley is very similar to Tibet due to its climate, vegetation, so it is also known as "Little Tibet".
3) Lahual Valley : Lahaul Valley climate is very cool and covered with snow during half of the year i.e. from October to May.
Do :
Trekking, Mountaineering, Skiing.
Eat :
The food is quite simple in H.P. like in Northern Region of India.
Photo Gallary :
Photo Gallary :
