Himachal Pradesh - meaning & origin

Himachal Pradesh is a state in Northern India. It is spread over 21,495 sq mi (55,673 km²), and is bordered by the Indian states of Jammu and Kashmir on the north, Punjab on the west and south-west, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh on the south, Uttarakhand on the south-east and by the Tibet Autonomous Region on the east. The literal meaning of Himachal Pradesh is Region of snowy mountains.
Himachal Pradesh was also known as Deva Bhumi (the land of the gods). The Aryan influence in the region dates back to the period before the Rigveda. After the Anglo Gorkha War, the British colonial government came into power. It was initially part of Punjab, except the Siba State of Punjab Hills which was under the rule of Maharaja Ranjit Singh until 1857. In 1950 Himachal was declared as a union territory but after the State of Himachal Pradesh Act 1971, Himachal emerged as the 18th state of the Indian Union. Himachal has many prestigious boarding schools. Hima means snow in Sanskrit. It was named by one of the great Sanskrit scholars of Himachal Pradesh, Acharya Diwakar Datt Sharma
Himachal Pradesh

has one of the highest per capita incomes of any state in India. Due to the abundance of perennial rivers, Himachal also sells hydro electricity to other states such as Delhi, Punjab & Rajasthan. The economy of the state is highly dependent on three sources: hydroelectric power, tourism and agriculture.
Hindus make up 95% of the state population, making it the most Hindu state (proportionally), in India. According to a 2005 Transparency International survey, Himachal Pradesh is ranked the second-least corrupt state in the country after Kerala.

Best Choice Tourist Destination in Himachal Pradesh

Hill Stations in Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh is a paradise for tourists and one of the most popular destinations for travellers in India. The state of Himachal Pradesh is situated in the northern part of India and is often referred to as the Land of the Gods because of its awe inspiring natural beauty. The entire region is full of scenic landscapes, with greenery, valleys, long meadows, orchards, snow-clad mountains, trekking routes, fresh clean lakes, natural springs, and skiing resorts. Every year millions of people come to Himachal Pradesh to take in the colonial charm and enjoy activities like mountaineering, fishing, river rafting, skiing, para-gliding, ice skating and golf.

Himachal Pradesh is an abode of natural beauty and cultural richness. The people of Himachal lead a simple and quiet life. The state possesses an excellent network of roads and communication facilities, and has a clean and peaceful environment. Today, Himachal has become the most sought after destination for tourism not only amonst Indians but for people around the world. Visitors come here to get away from their othewise busy lives and find some much needed peace and relaxation amidst the natural beauty of the region. Himachal Pradesh Tourism offers a number of great deals to tourists and provides cheap and easily accessible hotels at the all tourist spots in the state.

There are many fascinating destinations and tourist places in Himachal Pradesh. The most famous ones are Shimla (the state capital, Kullu & Manali (popularly known as the Switzerland of India), Chamba Valley, Kangra Valley, Lahaul, Spiti Valley, Dalhousie, Kasauli, Dharamshala, Kufri, Chail, Kinnaur, Palampur and Mandi etc. All these places are known for their spectacular sceneries and catch the attention of adverture seekers, family vacationers, nature lovers and honeymooners alike. Himachal Pradesh offers cooler climes in summer when the rest of India is unbearably hot. In winter, it is the snowfall that attracts tourists to this destination.

Manali

- Manali is a hill station 40 km from Kulu. It is situated near the end of the valley on the National Highway leading to Leh. Manali is the place that you must visit if you enjoy snowfall. However, thanks to its pleasant climate and beautiful scenery one can visit this place all round the year. Extremely popular among honeymooners and newlyweds, Manali is an excellent spot for adventure sports too. The other major attraction in Manali is Rohtang Pass, which gives breathtaking view of the snow-covered Himalayan mountain range. The pass is open to tourists from near the end of April to the end of October each year.

Shimla

Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh and is also called the “Queen of the Hill Stations”. It was the Summer Capital of India in the days of the British Raj. Surrounded by a thick forest of oak, pine and other coniferous trees, Shimla offers a variety of activities such as skiing, trekking, angling and golf to keep tourists satisfied. The city retains its colonial heritage, with grand old buildings and the Mall, which is the centre of attraction of the town and is packed with shops and eateries. A great way to travel to Shimla is by the slow tourist train from Kalka, which passes through 103 tunnels, which makes it one of the most beautiful hill railways in India.

Chail

Chail is heaven amidst the mountains, 43 km from Shimla. It was the summer capital of the Maharaja of Patiala before India’s Independence. It is surrounded by lush forests with a commanding view of the snow-capped Himalayas. Chail is also famous for its hotels. The forests near Chail have many species of birds and deer. Another unique feature of Chail is its cricket ground – the highest cricketing venue in the world.

Kufri

A scenic destination of Himachal Pradesh, Kufri is located at a distance of 13 km from Shimla. It is famous for its trekking and hiking trails. A large number of tourists throng to Kufri to participate in the annual winter sports festival organised every year in the month of February. Kufri is also famous for its nature parks and picnic spots.

Kangra

The natural beauty of the valley can best be enjoyed during the winters when freshly fallen snow spreads its white charm throughout. As far as the vegetation of the valley is concerned, it is mixed tropical and sub Himalayan varieties. There are oak and cedar growing at higher altitude. It is one of the most beautiful spots in the lower Himalayas.

Chamba

Chamba is a small town but its natural beauty will touch your senses and soul. It is a wonder in itself for every visitor. Chamba valley has magnificent sceneries with well defined snowy ranges.

Renuka ji

- This place in the Sirmour district is famous for being the largest natural lake in Himachal. It is named after the Goddess Renuka who was the mother of the legendary sage Parashurama. The lake is believed to be sacred by Hindus as it is in the shape of a reclining woman, which is supposed to be the embodiment of the goddess. The lake is full of colorful fish and other aquatic animals and is surrounded by a wildlife sanctuary, a few other temples and green hills.

Dalhousie

The town was named after Lord Dalhousie who was once the British Viceroy to India. It is know for its beautiful churches and architecture. Covered with tall oak and pine trees, and bleed with a serene atmosphere, cool weather and low population, it is one of the most fascinating hill stations in India.

Khajiiar

Khajjiar is also known as the “Gulmarg of Himachal”. It is covered with lush meadows of green grass and is surrounded by a thick green forest of pine and cedar. You will see grazing sheep, horses and a small lake among the meadows, which makes for perfect pastoral scenery. It is an ideal getaway for a picnic while traveling between Dalhousie and Chamba.

Dharamshala

- One of the most exotic and beautiful hill resorts of India, Dharamshala is situated on the high slopes of the Kangra Valley. The hill resort is set in exotic surroundings of lush green forests of beautiful pine trees and velvety tea gardens. Dharamshala is known for its exceptional natural beauty, calmness and serenity, not to mention its easily accessible snowline. Dharamsala also gained enormous popularity because it has been the home of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, since 1959.

Kinnaur

Kinnaur is a land of rich green valley, ripe orchards, vineyards, snow-covered peaks and cold desert mountains. This area has been opened for the daring and adventurous people. Ideal for adventure sports like trekking, mountain climbing and many more.

Kasauli

Kasauli is a small hill station with its own charm and beauty. Covered by the beautiful pine forests, orchards and high hills, this pretty little town is ideal for long walks along winding roads hedged by wild flowers hedged. Kasauli provides a charming view of Chandigarh, Shimla and the Himalayas covered with snow. Its main attraction lies in its overall cleanliness, and its accessibility.

Naldehra

- Only 22 km away from Shimla, Naldehra was chosen as the site for a nine-hole golf course (now extended to 18 holes), by Lord Curzon, Viceroy of India, in 1905. The golf course, surrounded by deodar woods and a view of the mountains is the oldest in India. Besides the glorious golfing, you can go for long walks through the woods, picnics and horse rides. Hiking and trekking can be practiced at Shailey Peak, one of the famous peaks of Naldehra in the valley.

Tattapani

- This place is known for its hot water springs which are believed to have medicinal value. Tattapani is located at a distance of 51 km from Shimla.

Lahaul & Spiti

- The Lahaul valley is known for its Buddhist monasteries and culture that date back to over a thousand years. There are high passes, towering mountains, sparkling lakes and gushing rivers sprinkling their beauty all through the valley. Adding a unique charm of their own are the monasteries and temples. Adventurous tourists will also find the Lahaul valley extremely inviting as it is a great place for trekking.

Palampur

The town of Palampur is famous for tea gardens and hills covered with pine trees. Palampur enjoys pleasant weather all year around. It is not only known for its scenic beauty but also for its temples and buildings built in the Colonial period.

Mandi

- Mandi is not only famous for its scenic beauty but also for its 81 old stone temples with fine carving. The Prashar Lake and the Rewalsar Lake are two other attractions of this region and are considered sacred by Hindus.

queen of heritage prominence-The Capital

The people of Shimla are informally called Shimlaites. With largely cosmopolitan crowds, a variety of festivals are celebrated here. The Shimla Summer Festival, held every year during peak tourist season, and lasting 3–4 days, is celebrated on the ridge. The highlights of this event include performances by popular singers from all over the country. Shimla has a number of places to visit. Local hangouts like the mall road and ridge are in the heart of the city. Most of the heritage buildings in the city are preserved in their original tudorbethan architecture. The Viceregal- lodge which houses the Indian Institute of Advanced Study, and Wildflower hall that is now a luxury hotel are some of the famous ones. A collection of paintings, jewellery and textiles of the region can be found at the State Museum (built in 1974). Further out from the city is the Naldehra nine-hole golf course, the oldest of its kind in India. Kufri is a ski resort (winter only) located 19 kilometers (11.8 mi) from the main city. Lakkar Bazaar, a market extending off the ridge, is famous for souvenirs and crafts made of wood. Tatta Pani, 55 kilometers (34.2 mi) from the main city, is the name of hot sulphurSatluj. Shimla is also home to Asia's only natural ice skating rink. State and national level competitions are often held at this venue. The Shimla Ice Skating Club, which manages the rink, hosts a carnival every year in January, which includes a fancy dress competition and figure skating events. Due to effects of global warming and increasing urban development in and around Shimla, the numbers of sessions on ice every winter have been decreasing in the past few years. Springs that is believed to have medicinal value located on the banks of river
Shimla has many temples and is often visited by devotees from nearby towns and cities. The Kali Bari temple, dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali is near the mall. Jakhoo Temple, for the Hindu god Hanuman is located at the highest point in Shimla. Sankat- Mochan, another Hanuman temple, is famous for the numerous monkeys that are always found in its vicinity. It is located on Shimla-Kalka Highway about 10 kilometers (6.2 mi) from the city. The nearby temple of Tara Devi is a place for performing rituals and festivals. Other prominent places of worship include a Gurudwara near the bus terminus and a Church on the ridge.

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