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Himachal Pradesh is the most wonderful state nestled between the Indian Himalayas and is often referred to as the magical showcase of nature's splendours. Verdant green meadows, wide valleys set against imposing snow-clad mountains; limpid lakes, torrential rivers and gushing streams; fruit laden orchards and gentle terraces of corn and tea are the charismatic features of this state.
A tour to Himachal Pradesh today is one of the most important tours and the most frequently demanded tour in India. The spectacular Himalayan ranges welcome the travellers as well as the trekkers from all across the globe who are seeking adventure in India. The Himachal Pradesh tour is full of hill stations, pilgrimages, adventure sports destinations, and wildlife that has skyrocketed the number of tourists visiting the state every year.
From travelling, winter sports, trekking, water sports, mountain hiking to the solitary moments full of peace; you get everything in one go while you opt for a Tour of Himachal Pradesh in India. The pilgrimage Char Dham destinations, the hill stations like Shimla, Dharamshala, Kullu-Manali etc. and the fruit orchards of apples, lichi etc. make your Himachal Pradesh Tour memorable in every way.
History of Himachal Pradesh
It is said that a large number of the present dwellers in this state had originally migrated from Central Asia and the Indian plains. The three successive races that entered this region were Proto-Australoids, the Mongoloids, and the Aryans. Aryans, settled here permanently. This period also saw the establishment of small Janpadas (republics) in Himachal Pradesh. The independence of the state lost with the rise of the Guptas in the North Gangetic plains.
After the decline of the Guptas, several small kingdoms fought till Himachal Pradesh was taken over by the British Raj in India. The British established many hill stations in the state to protect themselves from the scorching heat of the northern plains in the summer. Shimla became the summer capital of India. Himachal Pradesh, initially with the status of a union territory after independence, was granted statehood in 1971.
Tourist Places in Himachal Pradesh
Kullu
Kullu in Himachal Pradesh India, the valley of the gods, is a small town famous for its temples, apple orchards, and the annual Dussehra festival, which pulls a horde of tourists annually. The other major attractions in the valley are the majestic Himalayan ranges and the Beas River. Kullu is also renowned for its handicrafts.
Manali
One of the most beautiful hill stations of the country, Manali is a small town in the Kullu valley of Himachal Pradesh. As the cradle of Himalayas, Manali is quite popular with the tourists for its virgin natural beauty.
Rohtang Pass
The Rohtang Pass, quite close to Manali, is an ideal site for viewing the most diverse landscapes in the state. On one side, the lush green head of the Kullu Valley; on the other, an awesome vista of bare, brown mountains, hanging glaciers and snowfields that dazzle in the crisp daylight make up the beautiful state. The tough terrain in this part of Lahaul and Spiti keep it undisturbed from the urban chaos and lifestyle.
Chamba
Chamba, a picturesque valley situated amidst the Shivalik ranges, is famous for its medieval temples. The architecture of the temples of Chamba glorifies the rulers. It is also known for its native local festivals.
Shimla
Shimla, 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. Shimla puts a fullstop on your endless search of a perfect destination. You can also enjoy the gardens, markets and a joyful ride upto Shimla by Kalka Shimla toy train.
Dharamshala
Set against the magnificent backdrop of the towering (more than 4,000 meters high) Dhauladhar ranges, Dharamshala, meaning the 'the Holy Refuge', lies perched up on the high slopes in the upper reaches of the Kangra valley. Founded in 1855, it is one of the 80 hill resorts developed in the seventeenth century by the British to beat the heat and dust of the sweltering plains. Today, it is famous as the abode of the Dalai Lama and is known throughout the world as the Little Lhasa.
There are many more tourist destinations dotting the state of Himachal Pradesh.
How to Reach Himachal Pradesh
The three airports of the state at Bhuntar, Gaggal, and Jubbarhatti connect the state with Delhi and Chandigarh with regular flights. There is no international airport in Himachal Pradesh.
Due to the hilly terrain and high altitudes, the railway network within the state is accessible only to few places in Himachal Pradesh. The longest railway line is Pathankot in Punjab to Jogindernagar in Himachal Pradesh. Other railway tracks touch Shimla, Solan, and Una.
The state also connects major cities of the state through a good road network. The heavy snowfall and landslides, those are quite regular during winters and rainy season, sometimes block the roads for long.
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