Introduction: The state of Himachal Pradesh came into the existance with the partition of Punjab and Harayana in 1966. Himachal Pradesh is essentially a mountain state - it takes in the transition zone from the plains to the high Himalaya and, in the trans Himalayan region of Lahaul and Spiti. It's a delightful state for visitors, particularly during the hot season. High points for the visitors include Shimla, the 'summer capital' of British India and still one of India's most important hill stations. The Kullu Valley is very beautiful- a lush, green valley with the sparkling Beas River running through it and the snowcapped Himalayan peaks forming the background.

GENERAL INFORMATION

AREA :	55,673 Sq. km.
POPULATION :	5.5 MILLION
PEOPLE PER Sq. Km. :	99
CAPITAL :	SHIMLA
MAIN LANGUAGE :	HINDI PAHARI
LITERACY RATE :	63%

Places to visit in Himachal Pradesh

DALHOUSIE - HIMACHAL PRADESH (INDIA)
A summer hill resort par excellence, founded by Lord Dalhousie in the British days in 1850 as a sanatorium. It is situated 563 kms from Delhi and lies on the outer slopes of the Dhaula Dhar Range of the Himalayas. Apart from its own considerable scenic attraction, it is the gateway to Chamba, the vale of milk, honey, springs and streams.

DHARAMSALA - HIMACHAL PRADESH (INDIA)
A beautiful little hill resort, Dharamshala is 90 kms from from Pathankot, lying on the other side of Chamba. It is the headquarters of Kangra district. The town is built on a spur of Dhauladhar range, and varies from 1250 meters to nearly 180 meters. The waterfall of Bhagsunath is within a walking distance. Dalai Lama, the head of Tibetan Buddhism, who fled Lhasa in 1959 has lived in refuge in this hill town.

KANGRA - HIMACHAL PRADESH (INDIA)
Kangra one of Himachal's beautiful valleys rolls down the southern edge of the magnificent Dhauladhar range in gentle slopes covered with forests of pine, orchards, green tea gardens and terraced fields. The Dhauladhars - the "white ranges" rise upto 14,000 ft. from the valley floor like a massive wall providing a dramatic back drop to this soothing landscape. Kangra is a little town located just 17 km away from Dharamsala, in one of the prettiest valleys of Himachal with its lush green terraces & orchards, overlooking a gushing stream the Banganga. Once the ancient capital of a powerful hill state, Kangra was known for its magnificent temples and as a centre of the arts. At Kangra itself,a fort and some temples are the only remnants of its glorious past.

KASAULI - HIMACHAL PRADESH (INDIA)
Kasauli - 77 km from Shimla and 35 km from Kalka, at 1,927 mts, is a quaint little town that seems to live in a time warp that belongs to the last century. Its colonial ambience is reinforced by cobbled paths, tiny shops, gabled houses with magnificent facades and scores of neat little gardens and orchards. Kasauli is encircled by a mixed forest of Chir pine, Himalayan oak and huge horse-chestnut.
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KULU - HIMACHAL PRADESH (INDIA)
One of the loveliest spot in the Himalayas, the Kulu Valley is known as the -valley of gods-. Evidence of this are the numerous temples. It offers a variety of scenic charms, from wooded glades to barren rocks with snow above the tree line. Kullu is famous for its apple orchards, wooden temples, folk music and dances and their handsome hill folk. There are a number of places for hunting at Kullu.

KULU - BHUNTAR - HIMACHAL PRADESH (INDIA)
Bhuntar gives access into the adjoining valleys of the Parvati and Sainj. The Parvati Valley, named after the consort of Lord Shiva, is well known for Manikaran which is revered as a place of pilgrimage by Hindus and Sikhs. It is famous for hot sulphur springs. Kasol, on the Parvati river, is an angler's paradise.

KULU - ROHTANG PASS - HIMACHAL PRADESH (INDIA)
At the end of the Kullu Valley, 32 km from Manali is the famous Rohtang Pass ( 3978 mts.) which offers some of the most spectacular views of the awesome Himalayas. For centuries, the Rohtang Pass has been the gateway for trading routes to Lahaul, Ladakh & Central Asia.

MANALI - HIMACHAL PRADESH (INDIA)
Visit the 450 year old Dhoongri Temple dedicated to Goddess Harimba with its exquisite and unique carvings, Tibetan Monastery, the majestic Beas River, Jagatsukh ancient capital of Manali. Also visit the hot water springs of Vashist, the beautiful Brighu Lake, and other equally spectacular sights.

MANDI - HIMACHAL PRADESH (INDIA)
Mandi Town situated at the height of 750 meters on Beas river is the gateway to Kulu valley & mainly serves as a travel crossroad as its name which means the market. The town of Mandi, famous for its Shivratri, is rich in history and culture. Its several old temples with fine stone carvings are noteworthy. Visit Sundernagar and the adjoining Balh Valley, Rewalsar lake, apple orchards of Karsog.

SHIMLA - HIMACHAL PRADESH (INDIA)
Shimla at an altitude of 2130 meters is a utterly charming resort & is the best loved hill station in India & has been a favourite since British troops set up camp here in 1819. At an altitude of 2130 meters, the Shimla town is a beautiful place. With the Mall and Ridge being main attractions, climbing beyond Scandal point & Ridge beyond Shimla a 2 Kms walk takes your to the Jakhoo hill, with a panoramic view of Shimla & Hanuman temple.

SHIMLA - KUFRI - HIMACHAL PRADESH (INDIA)
16 km from Shimla at 2,622 mts is this mini hill station. It has long been famous for its ski slopes, and panoramic views where deep valleys and forests rise towards the lofty Himalayas, shrouded by un-melting snows. Through thick cedar woods one can walk up to the Mahasu Peak, or examine the little zoo. From Kufri, a fascinating drive leads on to Chail.

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