Tourism

Chamba the valley of milk and honey is known for its streams, meadows, temples, paintings, rumal ( handkerchief ) and lakes. Chamba has few rivals for its scenic beauty. Chamba is situated at an altitude of 926 meters. and spreads in the area of 24 km. Mountain ranges are The Dhauladhar range, the Pangi or Pir Panjal range and Zanskar range. Located on the banks of the Ravi river the township resembles an Italian village fortress.

Dalhousie is the gateway to Chamba and the quietest hill station of India. A number of picturesque walks run through the oak, pine and deodar forests around the town. It has lovely picnic spot all around. Extending over an area of 13 sq. km. Dalhousie comprises five distinct hills, Balun, Kathlog, Petreyn, Tehra and Bakrota with heights ranging between 1,525 and 2,378 meters. It is known for its Church buildings and other landmarks erected by the British.

A small picturesque saucer-shaped plateau surrounded by dense pine and deodar (cedar) forests, is one of the 160 places throughout the world to have been designated Mini Switzerland. Yes, this is Khajjiar, a wonderful tourist resort in Chamba about 24 kms from Dalhousie, at an altitude of 6,500 ft. above sea level. No wilderness in Himachal is so easily accessible and beautiful as Khajjiar.

Dharamshala stands at the foot of Dhauladhar and has a magnificent view of snowy peaks, deodar and pine forests, tea gardens and beautiful hills. The snow line is perhaps more easily accessible at Dharamshala than any other hill station in India. Dharamshala is devided into two distinct parts i.e. lower Dharamshala with Courts and Kotwali bazaar and upper Dharamshala composed of places like Mcleod Ganj and Forsyth Ganj.

Manali with its unspoilt scenic grandeur is extremely popular with the tourists, for a lavish display of natural scenery. It is one of the principal show places of the Kullu region. Manali is situated at an altitude of 1,926 meters. To its North, South and West are an ostentation of pinnacles and ridges which stand out in bold relief against skyline. At the lower elevation are evergreen valleys ascending in irregular formation present the best view in the country.

Shimla is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh. The city of Shimla is built over several hills and connecting ridges. Shimla is situated in the North-West Himalayas and was the Summer Capital of India during the British rulling era. This town is spread over the ridge measuring about 12 km. It is perhaps the biggest hill station in the world, located at an altitude of 2,421 meters above sea level.

Kullu also known as ‘Valley of Gods’ has numerous temples and its original name finds mention in The Ramayana and Mahabharta as well as the Vishnu Purana. Kullu valley, which is 80 km. long and 2 km. wide, offers a scenic charm of peaceful wooded glades and rivers through the rocks. The Dussehra of Kullu is world famous. Kullu, which is located on the bank of river Beas is the Central point of the Kullu and Manali tourist complex.

Palampur is a fascinating spot in the Kangra Valley. A short walk from here takes one to the awe inspiring Bundla chasm which falls over a 100 mts. to the Bundla stream. Palampur is surrounded on all sides by tea gardens and pine forests. The place enjoys a healthy climate and the pine scented air is said to have curative properties. Behind this town stands high ranges of snow clad Dhauladhar mountains.

Solan is situated midway between Kalka and Shimla. The fine climate of this place round the year makes it an ideal destination for all seasons. The mountains near Solan offer interesting trekking possibilities and its streams are well stocked with a variety of game fish. Solan district is covered by catchment areas of three important rivers, namely Satluj, Yamuna and Ghagar. Chail and Kasauli are the prime attractions of Solan.

Mandi is situated on the banks of the river Beas. It has a rich culture and history represented by its temples which are a major tourists draw. The town is the gateway to Himachal's famous valleys i.e. Kullu, Manali, Lahaul and Spiti. Mandi is also on the Kullu-Shimla road via Bilaspur. It is the headquarter of the district. The entire town has a huge sprinkling of temples. Barot is a nice picnic spot. Tattapani has a natural sulphur spring. Janjehli is a paradise for hikers.

Lahaul has curious mixture of Buddhism and Hinduism. There are a number of Monasteries and Temples. It is 120 km. away from Manali and has snow fed glaciers and barren mountains. Keylong is the headquarter of Lahaul-Spiti and oasis of green fields. The two valleys at Lahaul and Spiti have a tenous link over the Kunzum Pass ( 4,520 metres ). Lahaul plateau is nourished by the Chandra and Bhaga rivers.

Kinnaur is located in the North-Eastern part of Himachal. Kinnaur shares its Eastern boundary with Tibet. Kinnaur is a tribal area of Himachal Pradesh in true style. The breathtaking Sangla valley has lush green orchards in the lap of mountains covered with pure and dazzling white snow. The valleys vary in altitude from 1000 to 4000 meters. The Satluj, Spiti, Ropa, Baspa or Sangla valley, and the Tidong are famous valleys.

Kangra is one of the most picturesque valleys in Himachal Pradesh. It is sheltered by the massive Dhauladhar range of mountains, rich in culture and history. The history of Kangra valley dates back to vedic times, more than 3,500 years ago. It finds mention in the Puranas the Mahabharta. Kangra has famous temples i.e. Jwalamukhi, Bajreshwari, Chamuna devi, Masroor rock temple etc. Maharana Pratap Sagar, Dal, and Kareri are famous lakes.

Sirmaur is famous for its places of pilgrimages and for the legends that surround them. Nahan is a historic town pleasantly located on a ridge of the Shivalik Hills. It has beautiful green forests and valleys especially in Choordhar peak. Nahan has gardens, temples and three popular walking circuits i.e. The villa round, Military round and the Hospital round. Shivalik Fossil Park, Renuka, Rajgarh and Choordhar are places worth a visit.

The new Bilaspur Township is the first planned hill town of the country. Tourism in Bilaspur is famous for water sports at Gobind Sagar Lake, the temple of Shri Naina Devi, Bhakhra Dam, Tiun or Tyiun Fort, Bahadurpur Fort, Sariun Fort, Vyas Cave, Swarghat, Markandeya, War Memorial etc. are the main attractions. Bilaspur has some famous Wildlife Sanctuaries i.e. Shri Naina Devi Sanctuary, Gobind Sagar Sanctuary, Darlaghat Sanctuary etc.

Hamirpur is another area situated at lower elevation and comparatively warmer but has some hilly ranges covered with Pine forests. Hamirpur is famous for Deotsidh Baba Balak Nath Temple, Narwadeshwar temple, Murli Manohar temple, Tauni Devi temple. Sujanpur Tira and Nadaun. Hamirpur town is the Headquarter of this District, which lies on Shimla Dharamshala road.

Una district is in the South-Western part of Himachal Pradesh. The altitude varies from mere 350 meters to over 1,200 meters on the Solahsinghi Dhar. Shivalik ranges experience heavy rainfall. The temple of Mata Chintpurni is the prime attraction of Una. The famous places in Una are Dera Baba Barbhag Singh, Bangana Lathian Piplu, Dera Baba Rudru temple, Shiv Bari, Baba Barbhag Singh, Dhyunsar Mahadev Temple.