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North India Tours >> Himachal Pardesh |
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Travel Himachal Pradesh to explore the land of eternal snow peaks abounds in exotic valleys, glorious green hill-slopes, snowcapped mountains, gushing streams and the hills of Himalayas which welcome the tourists from all over the world. In this mountain wonderland, the pace of life is measured and tranquil. Due to its unbound beauty tourism in himachal has gained popularity. Himachal Pradesh is full of hill resorts, pilgrimages, adventure sports destinations, and wildlife that attracts a wide range of tourist traffic. Today, Himachal Pradesh is one of the most important tourist destinations in India. It also offers excellent trekking routes. Main tourist complexes are Shimla, Palampur, Dharamsala, Kullu-Manali, Chamba-Dalhousie, Kasauli, Kinnaur.
Himachal also known as "Land of Gods" offers lots of pilgrimage spots like Bhima Kali temple in Sarahan, Hatkoti, Jwalajee, Chamunda Devi, Chintpurni, Renuka and Rewalsar, Deoth Siddh and Naina Devi are major attractions for pilgrims. Tourist complexes are also being set up at Keylong, Kaza, Sangla, Shoja, Kalpa, Khadrala, Kharapathar, Chindi, Bharmour, Chansal and Naggar castle. Paragliding and Hang-gliding competitions are held in Kangra valley. Solang Nallah slopes are getting popular for winter sports. There is an art gallery in Naggar and museums in Chamba, Shimla and Dharamsala. The beautiful tourist resort of Khajjair in Chamba district has been christened as the Switzerland of Himachal Pradesh.
Dalhousie
Dalhousie is a quiet town, with a sense of enchantment. This hill station spreads over five low-level hills at the western edge of the Dhauladhar range, just east of the Ravi River. The picturesque town is interspersed with the colonial-era buildings, low roofed stalls and hotels. The pine-covered slopes around it are intersected with paths and treks, which are ideal for short undemanding walks.
The gateway to the Chamba Valley, this colonial town was established in 1854 by the British governor-general Lord Dalhousie. Covering an area of 14 sq.-km and surrounded by alpine vegetation, Dalhausie has charming architecture and panoramic views of both plains and the whitecapped views of the mountainous ranges.
Climate - Dalhousie
Dalhousie ranges between 1,525m and 2,378m high from sea level. The maximum temperature of Dalhousie in summers is 30*C and the winter temperature comes down to almost O*C. Heavy woollens are required in winter and light woollens or tropicals in summer.
Kullu
Kullu was once known as Kulanthpitha, which means the end of the habitable world. Beyond rose the forbidding heights of the Greater Himalayas, and by the banks of the shining river Beas, lay the fabled 'Silver Valley'.
Here is the core of an intricate web of numerous valleys - each of which is a visual delight and seems more beautiful than the other. The mountain scapes remain spectacular whether in brilliant sunshine or in the haze of the mist. The 'Silver Valley' has nature's treasures that lie carelessly scattered as flowers on the high meadows.
The town of Kullu has long been a centre of faith. In the 17th century, Raja Jagat Singh installed here an idol of Lord Raghunathji, which he brought from Ayodhya. As a mark of his penance, he placed the idol on his throne and it became the presiding deity of the valley.
Shimla
Shimla has been blessed with all the natural bounties, one can think of. Dwelling on a panoramic location, the hilly town is surrounded by green pastures and snow-capped peaks. The spectacular cool hills accompanied by the structures made during the colonial era create an aura, which is very different from other hill stations.
Bulging at its seams with unprecedented expansion, Shimla retains its colonial heritage, with grand old buildings, among them are the stately Viceregal Lodge, charming iron lamp posts and Anglo-Saxon names. The Mall, packed with shops and eateries, is the centre of attraction of the town, and Scandal Point, associated with the former Maharaja of Patiala's escapades, offers a view of distant snowclad.
Khajjiar
Shaped like a saucer, this huge bowl of 7 emerald-turfed meadows, 1.6-km long and 0.9-km broad, lies embedded beneath a dense pine forest surrounded by high mountains, and fringed by gigantic deodars. Along its fringes, amidst the thick forests above the woods and in the centre of the glade, is a small lake fed by streams that traverse the green carpet. Hutchinson wrote, "Khajjiar is a forest glade of great beauty, 6,400 feet above sea level". Khajjiar is often referred as the "Gulmarg of Himachal Pradesh.
On 07-07-1992, Mr. Willy T. Blazer, Vice Counselor and Head of Chancery of Switzerland in India, brought Khajjiar on the world tourism map by christening it "Mini Switzerland". He also put a sign board of a yellow Swiss hiking footpath showing Khajjiar's distance from the Swiss capital Berne-6,194-kms. Khajjiar is among the 160 locations in the world that bear topographical resemblance with Switzerland. The Counselor also took from Khajjiar a stone, which will form part of a stone collage around the Swiss Parliament to remind the visitors of Khajjiar as Mini Switzerland of India.
Manali
Once called the "end of the habitable world," Manali is an important hill station of northern India and is the destination of thousands of tourists every year. Its cool atmosphereprovides a perfect haven for the ones afflicted by the hot Indian summers. Besides offering quite a few places for sightseeing, Manali is also famous for adventure sports like skiing, hiking, mountaineering, paragliding, rafting, trekking, kayaking, and mountain biking. In brief, Manali-the veritable "valley of the Gods"-is an ideal place for the ones in search of both adventure and comfort. The Kulluis in brightly patterned puttoos, Tibetan women wearing ankle-length rainbow-striped pinafores, Nepali porters, Buddhist monks, and even the odd party of Zanskaris, swathed in fusty woolen gonchas, muddled together with souvenir-hunting Indian and Western tourists-all add up to the welcoming hubbub of Manali.
LOCATION
Situated in the central parts of the northern state of Himachal Pradesh, Manali is at the head of the Kullu valley, 280 km north of the state capital Shimla and 108 km from Mandi. Manali is perched at an altitude of 2050 meters above sea level and is spread along the banks of the river Beas. In winters, the temperature can drop below freezing point when heavy woolens are required. Summer temperatures are mild and light woolens/cottons are recommended. In Manali, one can find high mountains shrouded by silent snows and deep boulder strewn gorges. There are thick forests, filled with cool breezes and bird song. There are fields of wild flowers, small picturesque hamlets and fruit-laden orchards, especially apples.
Jwalamukhi
Jwalamukhi Temple is situated 30 km south of Kangra valley. Dedicated to Goddess Jwalamukhi, there is a copper pipe in this temple through which natural gas comes out and the priest of the temple lights this. This flame is worshiped as a manifestation of the goddess Jwalamukhi. The nine flames have been named after Goddesses - Mahakali, Unpurna, Chandi, Hinglaj, Bindhya Basni, Maha Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ambika and Anji Devi. These flames burn continuously without any fuel or assistance and may be seen erupting from a rock-side.
Ancient legends speak of a time when demons lorded over the Himalaya mountains and harassed the gods. Led by Lord Vishnu, the gods decided to destroy them. They focused their strengths and huge flames rose from the ground. From that fire, a young girl took birth. She is regarded as Adishakti-the first 'shakti'
Chamunda Devi
Chamunda Devi is a Shakti shrine, situated 10 km west of Palampur, on the Baner River. This colorful shrine has a wrathful form of Durga or Chamunda. The idol in the temple is considered so sacred that it is completely hidden beneath a red cloth. Here Lord shiva is present in the form of death, destruction & dead bodies along with Devi Chamunda. In the temple the devotees can see scenes from the Devi Mahatmya, Ramayan and Mahabharata. On either side of the Devi's image is Hanuman and Bhairo.
Devotees offer prayers, worship and give offerings for their ancestors. It is thought to be sacred to take a dip in Ban Ganga and to read and recite the writings of Shat Chandi. In the old days, people used to offer sacrifices also to the deity. The Goddess Chamunda was enshrined as chief Goddess with the title of Rudra in the battle between demon Jalandhra and Lord Shiva which made this place famous as "Rudra Chamunda".
Chintpurni Maa Temple
Chintpurni in the Una District of Himachal Pradesh is famous for Mata Chintpurni Devi Temple. The Chintpurni Temple besides having the idols of Mata Shri Chhinnamastika Devi and Mata Shri Chintpurni Devi also has the idol of Chhina Mastaka, the killer of the demon Nishumbha. This temple is revered by the Hindus in Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh and it is believed that the Goddess Chintpurni is the remover of all troubles. The devotees bring with them their worldly concerns and seek blessings from the Devi. It is said that if you ask something from the Devi with a true heart, your wish will be fulfilled. Devotees have been visiting this Shaktipeeth for hundreds of years to pray at the lotus feet of both the Devis. Though the temple is open all round the year, the best time to visit it is during the 10-day fair held every year in the month of August.
Nearby Places of Interest
Sheetla Devi temple - This temple is located in the village of Dharamsala Mahantan about 5 km west of Chintpurni. A winding, single lane road leads you there from Chintpurni.
Chamunda Devi Temple - Temple of Chamunda Devi is situated on the right bank of Baner river in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh. The famous Temple is connected with Dharamshala - Palampur National Highway.
Jwalamukhi Devi temple - Goddess Jwalamukhi is the deity of the flaming mouth. The temple is built over natural jets of combustible gas, believed to be the manifestation of goddess. About 35 km northeast from Chintpurni.
Vajreshwari Devi temple - This temple, which is one of the most famous Shaktipeeths of North India, is located in in Kangra town. About 50 km north from Chintpurni.
Dharamshala and McLeodganj - About 68 km north of Chintpurni is located Dharamshala, the principal township of Kangra district. Its dense pine and deodar forests, numerous streams, cool healthy air and the nearby snowline make it an attractive place. The Dalai Lama (with his government-in-exile) lives in the upper part of town called McLeodganj.
Masroor temples - Located 15 km south of Kangra, this village is known for its monolithic rock temples. There are fifteen richly carved temples in Indo-Aryan style. Only known example of rock-cut temples in North India.
Naina Devi Temple - Temple of Shri Naina Devi Ji is situated on a hill top in Bilaspur District of Himachal Pradesh in India. About 115 km southeast from Chintpurni.
Baba Balak Nath Sidhpeeth - Deot Sidh - Located in Hamirpur district, this shrine to Baba Balak Nath is visited by hundreds of thousands of people every year. Guru Adi Nath, who started the Siddha tradition, is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva.
Some Tips for Devotees
- It is customary to cover your head with a handkerchief, shawl or cap while you are in the temple. Please dress in a conservative way. Adults are expected to wear ankle-length clothing.
- Please leave your shoes and other leather items (e.g. wallet or belt) outside the temple. An attendant will look after them.
- Smoking, chewing paan, gambling or playing cards is not allowed in the temple. Please refrain from entering the temple if you have eaten meat or have consumed alcohol or other intoxicating drinks.
- It is extremely impolite to point you feet towards the deities while sitting or lying down in the temple.
- Please behave in a courteous manner towards the other devotees. Do not shout or make unnecessary noise in the temple bhavan.
- If you wish to make a donation, please put it in the hundi or daan-patra which is so marked. Please donot hand it over to any unauthorized person.
- Please help Temple management to maintain a healthy and clean environment. Please put rubbish in the appropriate containers.
Getting there and Around
By Air - The nearest airport is at Chandigarh, which is 120 km away from Shimla that connects Una to all the major cities of Himachal Pradesh and India. From the airport, tourists can hire private taxi to reach Una city. Generally rates are fixed by the taxi union of the local region but still one can go for bargaining.
By Rail - The nearest railway station is at Una, Tourists can hire private taxi or ride shared autos that frequently run between station and Una city.
By Road - Una is well connected by road to major cities of Himachal Pradesh and India. State transport runs their deluxe as well as semi-deluxe buses from Shimla, Chandigarh and Pathankot to Una covering the distance of 240 km via Una - Chandigarh - Shimla. From the capital city of India, Delhi, Una is 375 km away.
Chail
The former 'summer capital' of Patiala, Chail is 43-km from Shimla and dwelling in the midst of a lush green setting. At 2,250m, it has the world's highest cricket pitch and a polo ground, the old palace, now a hotel and the possibility of some angling are added attractions.
Chail is hiker's paradise. The area is very peaceful away from the hustle and bustle of Shimla. 3-kms from the hotel is the worlds highest Cricket ground. Close by is a National Park, which has limited number of birds and deers.
In 1891, Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala incurred the wrath of Lord Kitchener, the then Commander-in-Chief. As a result, he was banned entry into the summer capital of the Raj, Shimla. This enraged the Maharaja and he vowed to build a new and better summer capital for himself. He looked around and after quite some time realized it had all the while been in his possession. Chail, a little village close to Shimla, was a 'slice of heaven' surrounded by lush forests with a commanding view of the snow-capped Himalayas. He rebuilt the city according to his requirements and built himself a wonderful palace.
The picturesque resort located amidst scented forests of chir pine and gigantic deodars. Chail is built on three hills, the palace is on Rajgarh Hill, the Residency Snow View once occupied by British resident is on Pandhewa Hill and on the third hill Sadh Tiba where Chail is situated. Overlooking Satluj Valley, Shimla and Kasauli are also visible at night from here. Chail has also the highest cricket ground in the world. Well kept and well maintained the ground is surrounded by huge trees of deodar and pine. On the other side of the town are situated the massive Himalayan ranges spectacularly gleaming in the sun and snow-covered every thing under it.
Prime Attractions of Chail
Chail Sanctuary
Chail is a hill station visited by many tourists. The Deodar and Oak forests with grasslands around the township are the abode of wildlife. Chail sanctuary was notified on 21st March 1976 near Chail Town in District Shimla and covers an area of 10,854.36 hectares.
Palace Hotel
The little 'hill station' of Chail came into being when Bhupinder Singh, Maharaja of Patiala was banished from Shimla, the 'summer capital' of British India, after a dalliance with the Commander-in-Chief's daughter in the late 19th century.
Cricket Ground
Surrounded by gigantic deodar and well maintained Chail Cricket ground is the highest cricket ground in the world. Built in 1893, this cricket pitch located at the height of 2,144m is also used as polo ground.
Maharaja'S Palace
The magnificent Rajgarh palace, with elaborate furnishings, built in 1891. With comfortable log huts and cottages, dense forests and serene walks, sprawling lawns, a childrens park, a `lovers hill', and sports facilities, Chail is a resort in the real sense of the term.
Sidh Baba Ka Mandir
Maharaja Bhupinder Singh had originally intended this to be the site of his palace, and had even started building it, but as is believed, a 'sidh', saintly person appeared in the Maharaja's dream, and declared that this was the place where he had meditated. Consequently, Bhupinder Singh shifted his venue and built a temple on the spot.
Sidh Baba Ka Mandir
Maharaja Bhupinder Singh had originally intended this to be the site of his palace, and had even started building it, but as is believed, a 'sidh', saintly person appeared in the Maharaja's dream, and declared that this was the place where he had meditated. Consequently, Bhupinder Singh shifted his venue and built a temple on the spot.
Excursions from Chail
Sadhupul
(14Km.)
14-km from Kandaghat a beautiful tiny village of Sadhupul, and the bridge over the Ashwani stream, a popular picnic-spot
How To Get There – Chail
By Air
There is always the option of flying to Shimla.
By Rail
The ideal way of covering the Kalka-Shimla track is by the toy train. It takes five hours from Kalka to get to Kandaghat. The toy train with a maximum of half a dozen bogies chugs through the most thickly forested tracks, breathtaking bends, deep ravines and never-ending tunnels.
By Road
Chail is about 86-km from Kalka via Kandaghat. The approach of Chail is along the Kalka-Shimla route. One has to take a detour from Kandaghat. From Kandaghat, it is an hour and a half journey by road to Chail.
Climate – Chail
Chail and its surrounding areas are a delight for tourists in every season. It is charming in summer, fascinating in autumn when the fields and the forests are covered with a cloak of russet and gold and, of course, in winter it is nothing less than a paradise, when the snow casts its mantle and remains till the beginning of spring in April.
General Information – Chail
Location
Himachal Pradesh.
Altitude
2,250m.
Main Attraction
Cricket Ground, Chail Wildlife Sanctuary, Sadhupul.
Best Time
May-July & September - November.
Mandi Introduction
Mandi is almost the centre of Himachal, lying along the left bank of the river Beas in the foot hills of medium sized Shivalik ranges, Mandi at a height of 760 metres (2,495 ft) entails a rich heritage of culture, of both historical and theoligical significance. Comprising of the two erstwhile states of Mandi and suket, mandi derivesi name Mandi, or 'Market' from the Ladhakh traders who passed through it, on their way to Hoshiarpur. Here, in the days of yore, the pious rishi, Mandavaya, performed long and severe penance and practised unthinkable austerities on his body, on the right bank of the river Beas, near the present town, which, then took his name. Both stories indicate the age of the beautiful temple town, situated at the bottom of the valley, and with a hot climate, Surrounded by hills, clad in pines, there is a large plain which has grain fields and rochards, between Mandi and Sundernagar. Known for its temples, Mandi is the home of a number of beautiful carved stone edifices each with an elaborate shikhara, or spire, among them bhutnath, triloknath, Panchvaktra and Shyamakoli at Tarna hill. Also on the hill is a new temple dedicated to Tarna Devi, overlooking the valley and giving a panoramic view of the whole area. Near Mandi the Beas Valley is broad, but there are a number of strike vales such as those of uhl and Rana Khad. The area under fruit in Mandi is about 15 per cent of the total area under fruits in Himachal Pradesh. Mandi raw silk has acquired wide fame but the salt mines at Drang and Guma are the special features of the economy. With abundant deposit of salt and lime-stone, possibilities are being invetigated for the existence of magnasite coal and china-clay. A base for visitors to Kullu, Manali, Lahaul and Spiti, Dharamsala, Kangra, etc., it is approachable from Pathankot (215 Km or 132 mile), Chandigarh (202 or 125 miles) and Shimla (158 or 98 miles). From Mandi, the road, proceeding through the cool forests of aut, winds along the Beas, through the Mandi-Larji gorge for a distance of 40 Km (25 mile). Widening and narrow, on either side of the road are rock hill sides rising perpendicularly to more than 300 metres (1,000 ft). Emerging finally from the gorge "The Valley of Gods" opens out and ever mile up the river reveals the changing beauty of the region.
Palampur
Palampur (1249 m) is a major station, was the `Trigarta' of old. It was one of the leading hill states and was once a part of the kingdom of Jalandhara. In local parlance, the world for `lots of water' is `pulum'. This is what has given Palampur its name and it is water that has given the valley so much of its character. Countless streams and brooks criss - cross the landscape and in their intricate mesh, hold tea gardens and rice paddies. The town of Palampur came into being when Dr. Jameson, Superintendent Botanical Gardens, North-West Frontier Province. introduced the tea bush from Almora in 1849. The bush thrived and so did the town which became a focus of the European tea estate owners. Kangra tea, with its centre at Palampur, has been internationally acclaimed since then. To further bless the area with remarkable natural beauty, the Dhauladhar ranges rise dramatically from the earth, just beyond Palampur. The town itself has some interesting colonical architecture and the area around is richly garnished with historical temples and forts - and scores of picturesque tam lets.
Chamba
Chamba is bounded on north-west by Jammu and Kashmir, on the north-east and east by Ladakh area of Jammu and Kashmir state and Lahaul and Bara-Bangal area of Himachal Pradesh, on the south-east and south by the District Kangra of Himachal Pradesh and Gurdaspur District of the Punjab.
Chamba is the only state in northern India to preserve a well-documented history from circa 500 A.D. Its high mountain ranges have given it a sheltered position and helped in preserving its centuries old relics and numerous inscriptions. The temples erected by rajas of Chamba more than a thousand years age continue to be under worship and the land grant-deeds executed on copper plates by them continue to be valid under the law.
Dharamshala
Dharamshala came into being in 1849, when it was selected as a site to accommodate a native regiment that was being raised in the town. Dharamshala originally formed a subsidiary cantonment for the troops stationed at Kangra was fully occupied by its garrison and there was insufficient space for the civil station , a search for an alternate location was made. The ideal location for the cantonment was found at the slopes of the Dhauladhar, upon which stood an old Hindu sanctuary or 'Dharamshala' the name adopted for the town. 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 now really has become international, with a number of Tibetan settlements and the residence of Noble Laureate the 'Dalai Lama'. Dharamshala is devided into two distinct parts : lower Dharamshala the civil and business area with Courts and Kotwali bazar and upper Dharamshala composed of places like Mcleod Ganj and Forsyth Ganj,
dharamshala or dharamsala is one of the ace tourist spots in himachal pradesh. dharamshala offers the magnificent view of snow covered dhauladhar peaks. dharamsala has a number of famous places around i.e.mcleodganj, dharamkot, triund etc. dharamshala has always been the attraction for tourists from abroad. there is also a newely built world class cricket stadium in dharamsala. dharamshala is also one of the fastest growing cities in himachal pradesh. there are a number of good hotels and restaurants in dharamsala
Altitude :
varies between 1,250 meters to 1,650 meters.
Headquarter :
Dharamshala ( Headquarter of district Kangra )
Location :
In district Kangra, in the the heart of Dhauladhar range.
Access by Air :
Nearest airport is Gaggal airport located 15 km. from Dharamshala. Other airports having regular service are : Jammu 200 km., Amritsar 210 km. and Chandigarh 260 km.
Access by Rail :
Nearest broad gauge railhead is Pathankot 95 km. A narrow gauge railway line between Pathankot and Jogindernagar passes through Kangra, 17 km. from Dharamshala.
Access by Road :
Almost each and every part of the state is linked by roads. The Himachal Road Transport Corporation is running its buses covering the whole state. There is huge network of HRTC to cater the needs of the people.
Distance :Chandigarh 239 km., Delhi 514 km., Nangal 145 km., Jalandhar 166 km., Hoshiarpur 128 km., Mandi 147 km., Jwalamukhi 55 km., Kullu 214 km., Manali 252 km., Chamba 192 km. and Shimla 322 km. |
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