Himachal Pradesh - - The Land of Snow

One of the most beautiful states of India, Himachal Pradesh is situated in the northern part of the country. Himachal Pradesh encompasses natural wonders like magnificent valleys, snow-covered peaks, shimmering rivers criss crossing each other. Besides, the fruit orchards, green meadows, gurgling brooklets, ancient temples and magnificent Buddhist monasteries add more variety to the state.

Basically a hilly state, Himachal is criss-crossed by three rivers namely Beas, Ravi and Sutlej. Hidden away from the heat and dust of the plains, it seems Himachal takes in the transition zone from the plains to the high Himalayas. The picturesque mountain state provides welcome respite to the tourists from the scorching summer heat. During summers people from different parts of India throng Himachal Pradesh to get respite amidst the natural environment. Apart from domestic tourists, foreigners also visit Himachal Pradesh round the year. Visit the state of Himachal Pradesh to enjoy a vacation of lifetime and return back with some lifelong memories.

Top Destinations of Himachal Pradesh

Shimla : Once the summer capital of the British, Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh and one of the famous hill stations of India. The main attraction of Shimla lies in its calm promenades flanked with lush green hill dotted with fir and pine, mountain flowers and the unique British-style houses and buildings. Sightseeing at Shimla include the Old Viceregai Lodge and the Jakhu Temple.

Kufri : Situated 19 kms away from Shimla, Kufri is an ideal place for adventure sports like hiking and skiing. With its scenic beauty Kufri draws the common travellers as well as adventure seekers round the year. Himalayan Nature Park and Indira Tourist Park are some of the must visit places in Kufri.

Chail : Located 45 km south-east of Shimla, Chail is nestled amidst the towering deodars and pines of the Shivalik slopes. Once the summer capital of Maharaja of Patiala, Chail is home to world’s highest cricket ground and provides the splendid views of the Himalayan peaks.

Manali : Manali a lovely small hill town, is encircled on three sides by calm mountains, beautiful meadows, lush orchards, river and terraced fields. Some of the highlights of Manali include the Tibetan Monastery, the 450 year old Hadimba Devi Temple, the Handicraft Centre, the marvellous Solang Valley and the Rohtang Pass (3,978 mts).

Dharamshala : A beatiful hill town, Dharamshala has a magnificent setting along the Dhauladhar range varying in altitude from 1250 mts. Set against the picturesque backdrop of lofty peaks on three sides with fantastic views of the Kangra Valley and the Shivaliks, Dharamshala offers some unmatched beautiful scenery. Apart from common tourists, Dharamshala attracts Buddhist pilgrims as it was an adopted home of Dalai Lama in exile. Places to be visited in Dharamshala would be the MCLeodganj and the Baijnath Temple.

Dalhousie : One of the serene hill stations of north India, Dalhousie lies at an altitude of about 2,000 mts. Highlights of Dalhousie include the seven springs – Satdhara and the Martyrs Memorial.

Khajjar : Just 20 kms from Dalhousie, Khajjar is a huge meadow fringed by pine trees with a lake in the middle. Also referred as Mini Switzerland, Khajjar has a golf course, a Devi temple and a 14th century temple.

Nalagarh : Situated 60 kms from Chandigarh, Nalagarh overlooks the plains of Punjab. A relax destination, Nalagarh makes an ideal base to explore the less visited parts of Himachal.

Adventure Options in Himachal Pradesh - For adventure enthusiasts Himachal Pradesh is a paradise. Round the year, especially during winters, the adventure seekers visit Himachal Pradesh to enjoy their favourite sports. With its rugged terrains, snow-covered mountain ranges, thrilling slopes, Himachal Pradesh plenty of opportunities for a variety of adventure sports. Some of the famous adventure sports that you can enjoy in Himachal Pradesh are trekking, skiing, heli skiing, paragliding and ice skating.

People and Culture - Lifestyle of the people of Himachal Pradesh are similar to other hilly states of India. In Himachal Pradesh scores of races, communities and cultures have intermingles or new birth, provide them chance to celebrate by dancing and singing. The people of the hill state love colour and their dress patterns follow the local climate. For instance people of Lahaul area wear long gowns and trousers, grass or leather boots. Caps of the people indicate the region they belong to.

Wildlife in Himachal Pradesh - Of the total area, about 78 percent area in Himachal Pradesh is covered with forests. You can see varied kind of animal and plant species in the wildlife parks of the state. Himachal Pradesh has 32 wildlife sanctuaries, providing shelter to faunal species like Tragopan, Tahr, Snow Leopard, Himalayan Black Bear and many other species. Great Himalayan National Park is the most important park of Himachal, other important wildlife sanctuaries are Simbalbara Sanctuary, Renuka Sanctuary, Churdhar Sanctuary, Chail Sanctuary, Majathal Sanctuary and Maharana Pratap Sanctuary.

Hill Stations of India

Topographically India is varied land comprises of mountains and plains. Out of India’s total land area, a fair portion is occupied by the mountains and hills. Great Indian Himalayas runs almost all through the northern part of the country. However, the western ghat range runs from Maharashtra to Kerala, Tamil Nadu and other parts of South India. The British East India Company developed a number of hill stations in these mountain ranges, which still flourish.

Far from the hustle and bustle of the cities, the hill stations of India provide a welcome break and take one close to mother nature. Hill Stations of India are famous worldover for their cool salubrious climate and their spectacular scenery. Every year thousands of tourists from all over the world visit the hill stations to enjoy the pleasant climate and getting rejuvenated by the rolling meadows and serene ambience. India is home to more or less around fifty hill stations, some of the popular hill stations are :

Darjeeling : Situated in the Indian state of West Bengal, Darjeeling is often referred to as the 'Queen of all hill stations.'Darjeeling is known for its pristine natural beauty, clean fresh air and year round present weather. Above all, you will be certainly pleased by the warm hospitality of smiling and welcoming local people. World's third highest pick mount Kanchenjunga lies very close to Darjeeling and provides clearest view. The toy train running between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling is a major attraction and you should not miss the adventurous journey. A World Heritage Site, the Darjeeling toy train takes you through the winding railway tracks,flanked by the lofty mountains all across. Other popular destinations in and around Darjeeling include Ghoom, Kalimpong and Mirik.


Shimla : Once the capital of British India, Shimla is now the capital of Himachal Pradesh. Set at an altitude of 2,196 mts above sea level, Shimla is one of the most popular hill stations of India. Of course, the British are no more here, but even today you can experience the bygone era in colonial structures here. With lofty snow-covered peaks all around flanked by pine, cedar, oak and rhododendron forests, the hill station makes a prefect base for a leisurely holiday. Shimla is easily accessible from India’s capital Delhi (343 km). Trains, Buses and Air services are available to Shimla from Delhi. Ridge, Lakkad Bazaar, St Michael's Cathedral, Institute of Advanced Studies and Tara Devi Temple are the main attractions of Shimla. Don’t forget to enjoy the toy train journey between Kalka and Shimla.

Manali : An important hill station of northern India, Manali is situated in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Literally meaning the abode of Manu or "Home of Manu", Manali boasts of cool atmosphere. Dotted with a number of temples, Manali is also treated as an important pilgrimage destination. If you are an adventure seeker, then Manali is a perfect place for you. Situated at an altitude of 2050 meters above sea level, along the banks of the river Beas provides excellent opportunities for a variety of adventure sports. Here you may enjoy the adventure sports like skiing, hiking, mountaineering, para gliding, rafting, trekking, kayaking, and mountain biking. Some of the attractions of Manali include Arjun Gufa,Hadimba Temple,Jagatsuhk, Kothi, Manu Temple, Monasteries, Rahala waterfalls, Rohtang Pass (3979 m), Solang Valley, Vashist Hot Water Springs and Temple.

Ooty : Ooty also called Udhagamandalam is one of the most popular hill stations of South India. Nestled amidst the lush green hills of the Nilgiris, Ooty was developed as a hill station by the British in the early 19 th century. Bestowed with a landscape perpetually enveloped in mist, Ooty’s beauty has a timeless appeal. Peaches and plum orchards, terraced tea plantations, and eucalyptus, pine and wattle lining the landscape, add more to the beauty of Ooty. Government Botanical Garden (2 Kms), Artificial Lake, Mini Garden, Doddabetta, Hindustan Photo Films, Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary and Deer Park are some of the attractions of Ooty.

Nainital : Nainital, literally meaning the ‘city of lake’ is the gateway of Kumaon region of Uttarakhand state. A beautiful hill resort, Nainital is visited by thousands of domestic and foreign tourists. Flanked by the lofty peaks, Nainital provides a heaven like feel. Enjoy the boating in Naini lake, horse safari or reach to snow-view by ropeway. From the snow-view enjoy the spectacular view of the snow-covered Himalayan ranges. Some of the popular attractions around Nainital are Bhimtal (22 km), Khurpatal (12 km), Nakuchiyatal, Sattal, Kainchi, Kilbury (12 km), Ranikhet (63 km) and Kausani (120 km).

Mount Abu : Mount Abu, the only hill station of Rajasthan, is just like a green oasis in the barren desert scape. Set at the southern tip of the Aravali range, Mount Abu is covered with varied floral species that include coniferous trees and flowering shrubs. Gaumukh Temple, Dilwara Jain Temple, Adhar Devi Temple, Sunset Point, Honeymoon Point, Shri Raghunathji Temple,Museum and Art Gallery, Guru Shikhar(Highest peak), Nakkilake etc. are famous attractions of Mount Abu.

Kodaikanal : Kodaikanal lies 120 kms away from Madurai on the southern crest of the Palani hills. Set at an elevation of altitude of 2100 mt, Kodaikanal is surrounded by wooded slopes, waterfalls and precipitous rocky outcrops. Established by American missionaries in 1845, Kodaikanal is steeped in history. Even today you can see the relics and artifacts of the Paliyans who once lived in these hills in the Shenbaganur Museum. You can also see a few Paliyans near Kukal Cave.

Other Popular Hill Stations of India : Mussoorie (Himachal Pradesh), Almora (Uttarakhand), Khandala (Maharashtra), Lonavala (Maharashtra), Gangtok (Sikkim), Gulmarg (Jammu and Kashmir), Ladakh (Jammu and Kashmir), Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) Panchgani (Maharashtra), Mahabaleshwar (Maharashtra), Patnitop, Munnar, Dalhousie and Kufri.