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The capital of Himachal Pradesh and former summer capital of British India; Shimla is the states most important centre. Overlooking terraced hillsides and cultivations, Shimla is magnificently robed in dense forests of oak and pine, fur and rhododendron, and it is best to travel here on the slow train from Kalka.

Photograph by Genevieve Tearle

Bulging at its seams with unprecedented expansion, Shimla retains a colonial aura, with its grand old buildings, colonial edifices, quaint cottages, charming iron lampposts and Anglo-Saxon names.

Offering a view of distant snow clad peaks, charming walks, whispering streams and swaying fields, Shimla is also a convenient base for a variety of adventure sports such as Skiing, Trekking, Fishing and Golfing etc.

HISTORY

The British developed Shimla (called Shyamala earlier, another name, by which the goddess Kali is called), after the location was discovered first in 1819. In 1864 Shimla became summer capital city of India.

Rapid progress indeed! And then on, every summer until 1939, the Government of India, literally transported itself 2000 km, from the extreme summer heat that trapped the British administrative centres of Delhi and Calcutta.

The Kalka-Shimla railway line, built in 1903, made it easier for the sahibs to reach the cool altitudes of Shimla. After 1947, Punjab was administered, from here. It became the capital of the state of Himachal Pradesh in 1966.
CULTURE

The art of miniature painting is one of the finest gifts of India to the art world. Pahari is the popular term coined for the paintings, done in the various Sub-Himalayan states. Most of the schools of Pahari painting, developed and flourished from about 17th to 19th centuries in the present state of Himachal Pradesh.

This hilly region, then divided into twenty-two small principalities, was ruled by Rajput kings or chieftains, who were all great connoisseurs of art, with and most of them maintaining ateliers. The Pahari rulers were tributaries to the Mughals and they often visited the Imperial court and were familiar with Mughal traditions and tastes.With the decline of the Mughal Empire, many of the painters trained in the refined Mughal style migrated to the Hills.

FOOD

Indian and International.

SHOPPING

The Mall is packed with big showrooms. The Himachal Emporium, a little beyond Scandal Point, has an interesting collection of Kullu shawls, caps and hand-knitted socks and gloves. The Lakkad Bazaar is flooded with wooden knick-knacks and handicrafts. Some Chinese shoe shops along The Mall are quite sought after for their shoes. Diwanchand Atmaram is famous for its latest collection of woolens. Some other items you might want to include in your shopping list are carpets, rugs, shawls, leather craft and silver jewellery. The Tibetan market, right down the lane from Scandal Point, has some very ‘genuinely’ fake imported goods, like jeans, T-shirts, bags, shoes, jackets et al.

ENTERTAINMENT

Inaugurated in 1974, the museum’s most famous collection is a gallery of Pahari miniature — a style of painting that flourished before the impact of the west on India. Pahari stands for hill, and was practiced at the Hindu courts in the Himalayan foothills. Its exact origins are obscure. The paintings which resemble miniatures in colour are usually scenes suffused with poetic metaphor as well. They are in contrast to Mughal miniatures which are rendered more realistically. The museum also has temple bronzes, jewelers, textiles and masks from Kullu. The library has historical books and manuscripts. The museum has more than 1,500 objects on display.

Open Tuesdays to Sundays. Entry is free. Near Chaura Maiden.

Vice regal Lodge and Botanical Gardens

This was not where the British Viceroy lived. In fact from 1862 to 1888, he lived at the now gutted Peterhof — which Lord Lytton thought resembled a ‘pigsty’. The present Lodge sits on the Observatory Hills and was built by Lord Dufferin who moved here in 1888. Also called Rashtrapati Niwas, it has a natural drainage which flows into the Sutlej on one end, and into the Yamuna on the other.

Built in the Elizabethan or English Renaissance style, it has a crenellated tower and blue and grey local limestone and sandstone facings. The entrance opens out to a teak staircase with upper stories and a gallery. The sense of space is immense. The mirrors are from King

Thebaw’s palace in Burma.

It is six storeys high with a good lawn and garden and is now the Institute of Advanced Studies. Two km from the state museum.

Himalayan Aviary

Close to the Viceregal lodge. It is also called the Himalayan Bird Park. This park has a very good collection of birds found in Himachal such as Himalayan monal, pheasants, peafowls and the national bird of India, the peacock.

Adventure and fishing

There are numerous walks within and close to Shimla And there are many soft to medium treks that can use Shimla as the base. Some treks are to the Shalipeak, to the Kullu valley over the Jalori pass or the Bashleo pass, Shimla to Chail, Shimla to Junga and Shimla to Tattapani. Angling for trout can be done on the river Pabbar, near Rohru.

General Information of Shimla

LOCATION

Centre of Himachal Pradesh, 104 km from Chandigarh and about 342 km from Delhi.
How to Reach

By Air

IA has flights to and from Delhi via Chandigarh thrice a week. Airport: The main airport at Jubbarhatti is 20 km away from Shimla.

By Rail

Kalka and Chandigarh are the closest railheads. Shatabdi Express and the Himalayan Queen connect Delhi with Kalka, and there is also the Howrah-Kalka Mail via Delhi. For the onward journey from Kalka, take the narrow gauge Toy Train. Taxis can also be hired from Kalka to Shimla at negotiable rates. Railway station: Situated close to the Victory Tunnel.

By Road

Deluxe coaches leave for Shimla via Chandigarh at regular intervals from the ISBT terminal at Delhi. A one-way trip costs anything between Rs 200 and 300. You could even hire a taxi from Chandigarh for about Rs 650. Or drive down the well-metalled roads. Bus terminus: Most day tours begin at Rivoli while the inter state bus stand connects you to other places in and around Shimla. Both are situated about 3 km apart on either end of the Victory Tunnel.
CLIMATE

Extremely cold winters, with temperatures ranging between – 4?C and 18?C. Summer temperatures can rise upto 30?C.

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Shweta

Himachal Pradesh travel is a must for an avid traveler, especially for someone who loves mountains. The world’s largest and highest mountain range; Himalayas traverse through the state of Himachal Pradesh. This state is one of the top tourist destinations of India with enchanting and picturesque hill stations. The winters are extremely chill but summers are warm in Himachal Pradesh, India. The best time to visit Himachal Pradesh is during spring, which extends from February to April.

Photograph by Genevieve Tearle

Shimla

It is 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.

Kullu

Kullu is famous for its majestic mountains, lush green hill-sides, blooming orchards, meandering streams, mossy meadows, gushing rivers and natural hot springs. It is a heaven on earth. Tourists are drawn for its unmatchable natural beauty, friendly people living in quaint little villages. Trekkers, mountaineers and honeymooners throng the place during its peak season.

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Travelmasti

The travelers must have dreamt about the snow clad mountains, conical shaped trees and reading a romantic novel in front of the Bonn fire. The Himachal Pradesh tours is like a favorite haven for both inbound and outbound vacationers. Dotted with all the necessary faculties, tour to Himachal Pradesh could be the most intoxicating experience for for all those travelers who are looking for complete seclusion. Well known as the queen of hills, Himachal Pradesh is suffused with all the necessary conditions which could evoke the thoughts of romanticism and passion amongst the aspiring honeymoon couples. Tourism and agriculture as the main backbone of the economy supports the life of many people and in a way provides employment to them. The tourism industry of Himachal is growing in leaps and bounds.

Photograph by – Bikramjeet Singh

The travelers can avail the special Himachal tour packages from various tour operators located in different regions of India. Imagine if the travelers would get a chance to stay at luxury hotel in Himachal Pradesh and that hotel is nestled on the hill top, then this situation would definitely make the heart of the person to fly as high as it could. Many destinations like Shimla, Bir, Dalhousie, Dharamsala are well known for their tranquil pockets and is the heaven for vacationers looking for stability and equanimity. Himachal Pradesh tours encompasses cherished place on the map of the world. This is the only destination where the suppressed instincts of the vacationers are set free and they do what their heart says. If the vacationers are availing the Himachal tours packages they could try their hand on mountain trekking and skiing. Bir Bhangal Trek, Darcha Lamayuru Trek, Darcha Padum Trek, Deo Tibba are some of the places from where the travelers would start their trekking and would end after climbing its highest point.

The willing vacationers in order to make their Himachal tours more memorable, must travel to Shimla by train. Traversing through infinite number of tunnels, the fantasy ride on toy train would not be less than the stories mentioned in the book of fairy tales. Running steadily and the smoke coming out of the engine would evoke the desires of the enthusiasts who had ever wove the bubble of illusion. But during Himachal Pradesh tours, the dreams of aspiring travelers would turn alive and their senses would be navigated towards fulfilling the wishes. Indrahar Pass, Kullu Valley, Spiti Valley are some of the destinations where travelers would experience the complete peace of mind. There are many temples in the region which are evident of the mythological stories. It is believed that any individual who would pray to the goddesses of the region would be blessed with fulfillment of his/her wishes. Many devotees get enlightened through the spiritual hymns chanted by the priests and seers of the temples residing nearby these places. While on a Himachal tour, it will be natural for the vacationers that tears may come out of the eyes of the vacationers out of sudden elation. The travelers must avail the benefits of Himachal tours packages and could experience the amalgam of various emotions. This is the situation where an individual would feel like enjoying and outbursting with furore.

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By webristha

Popularly known as the Devbhumi – “Land of the Gods”, Himachal Pradesh is a beautiful hill station situated in northern India nestled in western Himalayas. Naturally blessed with mountains, hills, snow, flora & fauna and exotic fruits, Himachal Pradesh is an ideal tourist destination in India.

Photograph by – Bikramjeet Singh

Being blessed with some of the most spectacular landscapes, Himachal Pradesh receives a huge tourist influx every year. Travelers from all over the world embark on Tours to Himachal Pradesh in order to explore the spectacular beauty and charm of India’s favorite Himalayan destination.

Any tour to Himachal Pradesh offers the visitors with plenty of opportunities to explore breathtaking locales and enjoy wonderful sightseeing. Visit the numerous hill resorts, wildlife destinations and pilgrim sites on your tour to Himachal Pradesh. You can even indulge in a host of adventure activities like trekking, mountaineering, fishing, river rafting, skiing, para-gliding, ice skating and golf.

Major tourist attractions include

Shimla: this is the capital of Himachal Pradesh and often called the queen of the hills. Simla was once the summer capital of the British Raj, it’s a cool and charming Himalayas outpost.

Kasauli: on the footsteps of the Himalayas, this place is situated near Chandigarh on the way to Shimla. This is the nearest hill station from the plains, famous destination of artists and for quick trips.

Manali: this is the second most popular hill station in Himachal. Enjoy the snow, mountains and the rivers magnificent views everywhere.

Kullu: A truly lush slice of heaven on earth, the valley is famous for its beauty and for handicrafts especially the Kullu Shawls.

Dharamsala / Dharamshala: With the Dhauladhar Mountains serving as its backdrop, the town presents a picturesque sight. This is also the home of the Dalai Lama and India’s largest Tibetan community, and a major Buddhist center.

Kangra: Noted for its beautiful temples, valley and artistic heritage.

Palampur: Famous for tea plantations and picturesque views of mountains and the plains.

Dalhousie: having a distinct colonial aura. The town will make your travel vacation the most memorable one.

Chamba: Famous for beautiful temple and handicrafts, once a charming medieval town. Well known for its splendid architecture and a base for numerous excursions.

Khajjiar: Switzerland of India, famous for impressive natural beauty. saucer-shaped plateau surrounded by dense pine and deodar forests

Travel Roads are the major mode of transport in the hilly terrains of Himachal Pradesh. The state has road network of 28,208 km including eight national highways (NH) that constitute 1,234 km. Some roads get closed during winter and monsoon seasons due to snowfall and landslides. Regular government and private bus services and Volvo tourist coaches also ply on the important road links and national highways like New Delhi to Shimla, Delhi to Manali, Shimla to Manali and Delhi to Chandigarh. Shimla the capital is well connected with Chandigarh, Kullu, Manali, Dharamshala, Mandi, Pathankot, Ambala, Chail and Dehradun. Local taxis are the other major local transport here. District Hamirpur has got the highest road density in the country.
Shimla, Kullu (for Manali) and Kangra or Pathankot (for Dharamsala) have small airports, with services largely limited to Delhi.

Himachal Pradesh, which is often described as the abode of the Gods, is dotted with temples, literally one in every hamlet. The splendid heights of the Himalayan ranges, with its great scenic beauty and aura of spiritual calm seem the natural home of the Gods. Two thousands or more temples all over the State, reiterate this fact. Most of the temples have legends dating back to centuries, some as old as mankind itself. Almost every temple has some kind of fair or festival connected with it.

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By: seosaroj

Himachal Pradesh also known as Dev Bhumi is a beautiful state of India having several beautiful destinations like Shimla, Manali, Kullu, Dharamshala, Chamba , Dalhousie, etc. These hill stations of Himachal Pradesh are immensely blessed by natural beauty, which grabs the attention of tourists from all over the world. These hill stations are the perfect place to enjoy holidays in a delightful and memorable way. Blessed with exceptional scenic beauty and some of the most spectacular landscapes, Himachal Pradesh is truly a traveler’s paradise.
Snow-covered mountain peaks, emerald valleys with wild flowers, whispering rivers, enthralling mountain lakes, meadows of wild flowers, apple orchards, deodar & pine forests, terrific temples and magnificent monasteries, etc add the charm of Himachal tourism. If you want to enjoy vacation in these beautiful heart grabbing hill stations, several Himachal tour packages are available to make your dream come true.

Photograph by – Bikramjeet Singh

Embark on of Himachal tours and enjoy not only sightseeing, but you will also have wonderful opportunity to enjoy thrilling adventure and sport activities. Travel to Himachal Pradesh and enjoy adventure and sports like mountaineering, fishing, angling, trekking, para-gliding, golfing, skiing, ice-skating, river rafting, kayaking, etc.

Among all the popular hill stations of Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala and Dalhousie are very popular among honeymoon couples and nature lovers. Some of the prominent attraction of these beautiful hill stations can be delightfully explored by booking Dalhousie Dharamshala tour packages.

Major Attractions of Dharamshala

McLeod Ganj -Dharamsala the beautiful hill station in the state of Himachal Pradesh is divided into two main parts namely, upper and lower. While the lower part is known for the hindu culture and attractions, the upper part is essentially known as Mcleod Ganj. This is the abode of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, who settled here after the Chinese invaded Tibet. This place is worth to visit on your Himachal tours.

Dal Lake-Lush green tall deodar forests surround Dal Lake located near Dharamsala. One look at it and you will be convinced that it is amongst one of the most beautiful creations of God. It qualifies for a perfect quite and serene picnic spot for the locals.

Kangra Fort -Kangra Fort was once the stronghold and seat of power of Katoch rulers, who ruled the land for over 2000 years. Today, it stands in ruins because of the devastating earthquake that hit the area in 1905.

Major Attractions of Dalhousie

Khajjar-Popularly famous as the mini Switzerland of India, Khajjar is a scenic saucer shaped meadow beautifully decorated by the tall pine and deodar trees. Tourists can enjoy the captivating scenic beauty of nature surfing the cool aromatic air blowing from the snow capped Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh.

St Patrick Church – one of the oldest churches in Dalhousie with a seating arrangement of 300 people. Built in the year 1909 with the revenue contribution from the British Army officers, this old church bricks and stones are still in good conditions. It is also the major attraction of tourists in Dalhousie.

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INDIA INTERNET

Ladakh is a situated in between the kunslun mountain range in the north and the main great Himalayas to the south. It is one of the most populated areas in Tibetan.It is sometimes called little Tibet and it has been strongly influenced by Tibetan culture.

Ladakh is an incredible destination for enjoying trekking tours. It deceit in the Great Himalayan rain shadow, so get no monsoon during the summer, but heavy snowfall all through its long (November to May) winter.

The trekking tours in Ladakh are marked with high mountain passes that are common on the trekking routes. There are some trek routes, which can be done only during winters as in the case of Zanskar valley trek, which is done along the frozen surface of the Zanskar river.

Some of the trekking routes of Ladakh are as follows.

DARCHA TO LAMAYURU: In the Indian Himalaya crossing the valley of zanskar is considered a major trek to reach the starting point of trek you will passing from the verdant valley of kullu to the tribal region of Lahoul, your trek starts from Darcha for 20 days, crossing 8 passes, highest is 5090 mtrs that brings you in to the Zanskar, the valley which is cut off from the rest of the world for about 7 to 8 months.

MARKHA VALLEY: While trekking in Markha valley you will enjoy spectacular views of Ladakh and Zanskar ranges, its civilization hidden in the valleys, rich in culture, visiting small monastery illuminated with butter lamps. Trails wind through willow groves and bushes of wild roses to Nimaling plain where one can meet nomadic families with their herds of yaks. Trek end at Shang, Highest point is Kongmarula 5150 m.) Trek is moderate.

INDUS TO NUBRA VALLEY: This moderate trek is less frequent trekking route in Ladakh, Trail goes over several passes and isolated villages from valley of Indus to Nubra the part of old silk route. Buddhist monasteries flourished in the valley. The Nubra is a tributary of the Shyok river, which flows parallel to the Indus.

HOME STAY IN LADAKH: This is the best way to mingle with local population and enjoy the rhythm of village life which they are following from centaury, Peoples are farmers, lives with their herds of sheep, goats and Yak, they are honest and welcoming.

FROZEN RIVER: This trail of frozen river has been used by the people from Zanskar since centuries to go out of the region when passes are closed by the snow, The main reason are to trade with the outside world, taking their children to school at Leh and to visit the sacred places in part of Ladakh during the winter.

Himalayan Frontiers provides full information about Trekking in ladakh. For more information on Trekking in India Please visit or contact Himalayan frontiers Website.

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