|
Himachal
Cities |
|
|
|
Himachal Pradesh is situated in the
northern region in the heart of the western Himalayas. The
word Himachal means the land of the snows. It abounds in
exotic valleys, green hill slopes, snow-capped peaks and
gushing rivers and streams. The state of Himachal Pradesh is
divided into twelve districts, which are Bilaspur, Chamba,
Hamirpur, Kangra, Kinnaur, Kullu, Lahual and Spiti, Mandi,
Shimla, Sirmaur, Solan and Una. Himachal offers various
attractions to tourists from all around the world.
Cities in Himachal |
|
Bilaspur |
|
|
Bilaspur formerly the seat of
the ruler of the State is now submerged in the
Gobind Sagar, it was situated on the south east
side of the Satluj. Bilaspur Township is situated
just above the old town of Bilaspur at an height
of 670 meters above sea level. The new Bilaspur
Township can be truly described as the first
planned hill town of the country. The pleasure of
a visit will be enhanced manifold when a motor
launch is preferred as the means of travel,
gliding through cool and enchanting waters of the
lake. The Nalwari or annual cattle fair is held at
Bilaspur for four or five days in March / April,
the occasion is marked by wrestling and other
amusements. The main tourist attractions in
Bilaspur are Bahadurpur Fort, Naina Devi Temple,
Sariun Fort, Tiun Fort, Vyas Cave, Swarghat,
Bhakra Dam and Markandeya.
More... |
|
|
|
|
Chamba |
|
|
Chamba is known for it's
magnificent scenery. The town of Chamba, the
district headquarter of Chamba district is
situated in the western Himalayas. This town
stands on a plateau on the right banks of the Ravi
river valley and touches the fringe of the
Shivaliks and has three well-defined snowy
mountain ranges. Chamba is situated at a height of
996 meters above sea level on the south banks of
the Ravi river. Chamba, the ancient Pahari capital
was founded in 920 AD by Raja Sahil Verma, when he
conquered the lower Rani valley from the petty
chiefs called Ranas and Thakurs in the beginning
of 10th Century. He named this place after his
favorite daughter Champavati. Chamba's serene
beauty makes it the ideal holiday retreat among
various tourists and nature lovers. The various
other adjoining places in Chamba also offers
immense scope for the leisure activities to
various visitors.
More... |
|
|
|
|
Dalhousie |
|
|
Dalhousie is a quiet town in
Himachal Pradesh. Dalhousie covers an area of 14
square km and surrounded by alpine vegetation.
This hill station spreads over five low-level
hills at the western edge of the Dhauladhar range,
just east of the Ravi River. The pine-covered
slopes around it are intersected with paths and
treks, which are ideal for short
undemanding walks. This town is gateway to the
Chamba Valley, and was established in 1854 AD by
the British governor-general Lord Dalhousie.
Dalhousie has charming architecture and panoramic
views of both plains and the white-capped views of
the mountainous ranges. The best time to visit
Dalhousie is from mid-May to mid-October. The main
tourist attractions in Dalhousie are Panchpula,
Kalatop and Khajiar lake.
More... |
|
|
|
|
Dharamshala |
|
|
Dharamshala, also known as the
Scotland of India, is one of the hill station
which was established by the British between 1815
and 1847. This hill station is situated in the
northern state of the Himachal Pradesh. This hill
station lies on the spur of the Dhauladhar range
about 18 kms. north east of Kangra town. This hill
station is wooded with oak
and conifer trees and snow capped mountains enfold
three sides of the town while the valley stretches
in front. The snow line is perhaps more easily
accessible at Dharamshala than at any other hill
resort and it is possible to trek to snow point
after an early morning's start. Dharamshala offers
great variations in altitudes, temperature and
character, due to which it is a favourite
destination among various tourists. The city of
Dharamshala is divided into two different parts.
One of the part is the Lower Dharamshala which
consists of the Kotwali Bazaar and areas further
down the valley. The other part is the Upper
Dharamshala which comprises of the McLeodganj,
Forsythe Ganj and
surrounding areas.
More... |
|
|
|
|
Hamirpur |
|
|
Hamirpur is another area
situated at lower elevation and comparatively
warmer but has some hilly ranges covered with pine
forests. These hills can be developed for trekking
and camping during winter months. This district
was made in 1972 by carving it out from the Kangra
district. It is well connected by roads from all
sides and thus can be promoted as a tourist
destination by developing some historical and
religious places. Hamirpur town is the Headquarter
of this District, which lies on Shimla Dharamshala
road. The tourist attractions in Hamirpur are
Deotsidh
Temple, Nadaun and Sujanpur Tihra.
More... |
|
|
|
|
Kangra |
|
|
Kangra is a charming town
located just 17 km away from Dharamshala. Kangra
is one of the Himachal's most beautiful valley and
most picturesque valley of lower Himalyas which
rolls down the southern edge of the magnificent
Dhauladhar range. Kangra is famous all over the
world for its astounding beauty. The gentle slopes
of this range are covered with lush green forests
of pine, orchards, tea gardens and terraced fields
and overlooks a gushing stream known as Banganga.
Kangra valley is surrounded by splendid valleys
and dotted with several
ancient shrines, thus offering as a famous tourist
destination. It provides a tremendous contrast in
nature of places to be visited. Kangra is known
for its magnificent temples and as a thriving
centre for arts. Kangra is still a busy place of
pilgrimage.
More... |
|
|
|
|
Kinnaur |
|
|
Located in the dizzying heights
of the Himalayas, with passes that remain closed
for six months linking them with the rest of the
world, Kinnaur, Spiti and Lahaul were till now a
forbidden land. Only a chosen few were granted
permission to visit this secret world, officials,
Moravian missionaries who settled here in 1853 and
a few mountaineers. Now this area has been opened
for the daring and adventurous to discover what
had been hidden from the world for centuries. This
land lying on the ancient trade route between
India and Tibet, ringed by the majestic mountain
of the Himalayan and Dhauladhar range is the land
of plenty. In the lush land live the descendants
of the Kinners-the demi gods of the Hindu
pantheon, whose deeds have been immortalized in
epics and
the poems of ancient Sanskrit poets. The various
tourist attractions in Kinnaur are Recong Peo,
Kalpa, Sangla Valley, Chitkul, Nichar, Kothi, Puh,
Rakchham, Ribba, Leo, Lippa, Morang, Chango, Nako,
Sumdo.
More... |
|
|
|
|
Kullu |
|
|
The Kullu - Manali region in
the state of Himachal Pradesh is described as the
Valley of Gods. It is one of the most famous hill
station in Himachal Pradesh and known for its
beautiful scenery, apple orchards, forests, alpine
meadows, gurgling rivers and lively tribal dances.
The most charming and beautiful Kulu valley
spreads out its charm on either side of river Beas.
Earlier, Kullu was known as Kulanthpitha, 'the end
of the habitable world'. Kullu is blessed with an
abundance of natural beauty and surrounded by the
snow ranges of Himalayas, the Dhauladhar and the
Pir Panjal range that run parallel to the south
and the narrow terraced valley that runs in the
north up to the Rohtang Pass. There are numerous
valleys in Kullu, each of which is a visual
delight and seems more beautiful than the other. A
fairly wide area is open to the tourists,
trekkers, mountaineers, artists and to anyone who
wishes to escape the heat and dust of the plains
to breathe the exhilarating air of the Himalaya
and enjoy the spectacle of the variegated mountain
scenery. The best season to visit Kullu is from
March to June and September to November.
More... |
|
|
|
|
Lahaul |
|
|
Lahaul and Spiti are two remote
Himalayan Valleys of Himachal Pradesh, lying on
the Indo-Tibet border. Lahaul and Spiti valleys,
together form a district in Himachal Pradesh.
Strange, exciting, primitive, these valleys are
unsurpassed in mountain scape, in the rugged
beauty of their rocky escapements and the splendor
of their snow covered peaks. Lahaul is marked by a
central mass of uniformly high mountains and
massive glaciers. Lahaul is a land of fascinating
Buddhist art and culture. The monasteries of
Lahaul-Spiti are rich repositories of ancient
murals, thankas, wood carving and golden images of
Padmasambhava. There are little monsoon in both
these valleys and this enables climbers and
trekkers to enjoy a long and unbroken season in
perpetual sunshine to explore the wilderness and
grandeur of the inner Himalaya. This unique
feature makes Lahul-Spiti as an ideal destination
for tourists and trekkers in the month of July,
August and September.
More... |
|
|
|
|
Manali |
|
|
Manali is an ancient town
located near the end of the Kullu valley on the
National Highway leading to Leh. Manali is only 40
kms. away from Kulu to the north. Manali is
surrounded by the towering peaks at an arm length
and is located near the snowline. Manali literally
means the home of Manu. Manu is the mythological
character who survived when the world was drowned
in flood. The fish saved him and later he
recreated human life at Manali. Manali is also
known as the Switzerland of India. Today, Manali
is a flourishing orchard industry, trekking
destination and a famous tourist destination for
the honeymoon lovers. It is an excellent place for
a holiday, a favorite resort for trekkers to
Lahaul, Spiti, Kinnaur, Leh and Zanskar regions in
Kashmir valley. The landscape here is breath
taking. Manali is also a sacred pilgrimage place
for the Hindus. December to February are the best
season for snow-skiing and heli-skiing in Manali.
Due to its altitude the climate of Manali is loved
by one and all.
More... |
|
|
|
|
Mandi |
|
|
The historic town of Mandi is
built along the banks of the river Beas. It has
long been an important commercial centre and the
sage Mandva is said to have meditated here. This
one time capital of the princely state of Mandi is
a fast developing town that still retains much of
its original charm and character. Today, it is a
district headquarters. Mandi is renowned for its
81 old stone temples and their enormous range of
fine carving, it is often called the 'Varanasi of
the Hills'. The town has remains of old palaces
and notable examples of colonial architecture. The
various tourist attractions in Mandi are Rewalsar
Lake, Prashar Lake, Joginder Nagar, Sunder Nagar,
Janjehli.
More... |
|
|
|
|
Nahan |
|
|
The town of Nahan is situated
on an isolated ridge in the Shiwalik hills,
overlooking greenfields. Nahan is a well laid-out
picturesque town, known for its cleanliness and
dust free streets. Saint and princes are linked
with the origin of Nahan. The city was founded as
a capital by Raja Karan Prakash in 1621. As per
the another legend, a saint lived with a companion
Nahar on the site where the Nahan palace now
stands. "Nahar" means a Lion and probably the town
takes its name from this saint. Nahan situated at
an altitude of 932 meters, is a good base for
visits to the surrounding areas like Renuka,
Paonta Sahib, Trilokpur temple and the Suketi
Fossil Park. It is the headquarter of Sirmaur
district.
More... |
|
|
|
|
Palampur |
|
|
Palampur is situated about 35
kms. from Dharamshala at an altitude of 1220
meters above sea level. This pleasant little town
is surrounded on all sides by well laid out tea
gardens and pine trees. The place enjoys a healthy
climate and the pine scented air is said to have
curative properties. Palampur is situated in the
Kangra valley, close to the Dhauladhar range, in
the northwestern region of Himachal Pradesh. Due
to this Palampur is also known as the 'Tea Capital
of North India'. Besides beautiful gardens and
lovely walks, the place also offers a beautiful
view of snow laden peaks. Palampur is known not
only for its scenic beauty but also for the
beautiful temples and buildings built in the
Colonial period. Palampur is a popular camping
region for trekkers. Palampur is a famous tourist
destination for every type of travelers.
More... |
|
|
|
|
Paonta Sahib |
|
|
Paonta Sahib is a city sacred
to the memory of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru
of the Sikhs. Situated on the Yamuna River, Paonta
Sahib is a bustling township with growing
industries. It is one of the important places for
the Sikhs. It retains tangible memories of Guru
Gobind Singh in the form of his weapons and a
majestic Gurudwara. It recalls his presence even
in the name of the city which is derived from
Paonta meaning "foot", either because he set foot
on this place or, according to an alternate story,
he lost an ornament which he wore on his foot
called "Paonta" while bathing in the Yamuna river.
The main tourist attraction in Paonta Sahib is
Gurudwara. The other attractions in Paonta Sahib
are Sahastra Dhara, Khodra Dak Pathar, Kafota and
various other temples.
More... |
|
|
|
|
Renuka |
|
|
The most important place of
tourist interest in Sirmaur is the sacred and
picturesque lake of Renuka, 45 kms. from Nahan. It
is one of the most beautiful lakes in Himachal
Pradesh having crystal clear water. It is shaped
like a sleeping women. Renuka was killed by her
own son, the legendary Parsu Ram, in obedience to
the orders of his father-the sage Jamadagni. After
the deed was done, lake Renuka was formed
surrounded by stepped fields of golden corn.
Today, each year in November, a fair is held to
celebrate the immortality of Renuka and her son.
The other tourist attractions in Renuka are the
Wildlife Park, Gayatri Temple, Renuka Sanctuary
and Choordhar.
More... |
|
|
|
|
Shimla |
|
|
Shimla, also known as the
"Queen of the Hill stations" was the summer
capital of British India before independence.
Shimla is situated in the north west Himalayas at
a height of 7238 feet. Today, Shimla is the state
capital of Himachal Pradesh. Shimla derives its
name from "Shyamala", the goddess Kali. The
English named it Shimla. This city is surrounded
by thick pine forests, Himalayan oak, flowering
rhododendron and deodar trees. According to the
people, once Shimla gets in your blood, it never
leaves. It calls you back time after time and at
every moment, the town is capable of showing a
fresh nuance to its rich and varied character.
Today Shimla retains a substantial measure of a
distinct lifestyle that had grace, leisure and
elegance. This town has well-developed facilities
and numerous attractions and activities due to
which it is the most popular
destination.
More... |
|
|
|
|
Solan |
|
|
Solan is the rapidly growing
town in Himachal Pradesh and a district
headquarters of Mashru. Solan was also established
by the British. This city is named after the
goddess Soloni Devi, whose temple is located in
the southern end of the town. Solan is blessed
with a pleasant climate all round the year. Solan
is well known for its brewery started in 1835 with
Anglo-German co-operation. This brewery is known
as Dyer-Meakin Brewery which produce excellent
beer and quality whisky. Solan also has a
sprawling horticulture and forestry university.
More... |
|
|
|
|
Spiti |
|
|
Spiti is the sub division of
Lahaul and Spiti district with its headquarters at
Kaza. It is called 'Little Tibet' because it has
almost the same terrain, vegetation and climate
like Tibet. Spiti also means 'Middle Country'.
Spiti is linked to the Lahaul valley by the Kunzam-la
pass. The main Spiti valley is split into eastern
and western valleys. It is connected with Ladakh
and Tibet on eastern side and Kinnaur and Kulu on
western side through high passes. Spiti is a vast
highland basin for swift flowing glacial streams
that have cut deep gorges into the mountain
terrain. Pin and Lingti are the two main streams
that feed the Spiti River. The narrow Spiti Valley
is carved out by the swift flowing Spiti River and
rise from the slopes of the Kunzam-la Pass. This
valley is formed by the gorges and dramatic
mountain scapes. It has an area of 4800 square kms.
In summer, there is greenery all over the Spiti
valley, and all the meadows are covered with
flowers.
More... |
|
|
|
|
Una |
|
|
Una has been carved out of
Hoshiarpur district of Punjab in 1966 where the
hilly areas of Punjab were transferred to Himachal
Pradesh and the whole area is warm. It has borders
with Kangra Hamirpur and Bilaspur and then acts as
a gateway to these regions. Efforts are being made
to develop same places in Nangal and Bhakra areas.
The various tourist attractions in Una are
Chintpurni Temple, Bangana - Lathian - Piplu, Dera
Baba Bharbhag Singh.
More... |
|
|
|
|