Formation of Himachal Pradesh

In 1947, when India became free the demand for merging the quarters of Hill states began to take a hype. Ancient history was all about the trade routes. The major part of Himachal Pradesh was under the rule of the Tibetan people during the 10th century. The characteristics of Lahaul and Spiti Valley (a mountain desert) are still defined by the Buddhist culture. The southern and the western areas were ruled by hosts of Ranas, Rajas, and Thakurs (The noblemen) by forming a patchwork by including tiny states and also Kullu, Kangra, and Chamba being the major states. In the 19th century, the large area was captured by the Sikh rajas, but they lost in the Anglo-Sikh war of 1840, and as a result, Himachal Pradesh came under the control of Britishers.

Britishers began to transform Dharamshala, Dalhousie, and Shimla into a miny England and later in the year 1864 it became the Summer capital for Britishers. The railway network was constructed from Shimla to Kangra Valley having a Narrow Gauge railway track. The part that was under British rule was considered and administered as the part of Punjab, while Southern princedoms and the Chamba region were free and were known as the Punjab Hill state. After Independence Himachal Pradesh was formed from these Princely states. The administration from Punjab was added in the year 1966 and in the year 1971, Himachal Pradesh Achieved full statehood. Later, the Hydropower plant was constructed which is now producing power for half of the country.

Temperature

During the summer season: 16°C to 35°C

During the rainy/ monsoon season: 14°C to 28°C

During the winter season: 0°C to 15°C

Food of Himachal Pradesh

There are several authentic dishes in Himachal Pradesh, which are made up of healthy vegetables and herbs. Like Madra, Dhaam, Tudkiya Bhath Bhey, Chaa Gosht, Siddu, Babru, Aktori, Kullu Trout Fish, The Tibetan Dishes, Mittha, Kaale Channe ka Khatta, etc to name a few most healthy and tasty dishes which are authentic from Himachal Pradesh.

What is Himachal Pradesh famous for?

Himachal Pradesh is the state of India where adventure, spirituality, and romance are all in one place. This helps the people of Himachal Pradesh to increase their economy and provides tourists with a true taste of authenticity, for people seeking peace of mind there are leisure places also where the resorts are built so that people can take some time from their busy lives and experience a calming stay in the lap of nature and experience the nature and culture of Himachal Pradesh at its best. Kullu and Manali are the best places that can be visited in Himachal Pradesh.

This place has majestic mountain ranges that are covered with snow. The glorious hill station Shimla, which is having a mix of British sophistication and Indian Glory. The resident of the Dalai Lama in Dharamshala, where people live with the Indo-Tibetan community in harmony. The most scenic place which is located on the outskirts of Haryana and Punjab is Kasauli. Kasauli is well connected with a motorable road. Bir Billing which is located on the western side of Himachal Pradesh is a small village that is like Mecca for adventure enthusiasts.

Malana which is located near Kullu Valley is a place of digital detox, it provides a magnificent view of Chandrakhani crests and Deo Tiba. Dalhousie can also be referred to as the Mini Switzerland of India. It is the best place to get destress from your busy city life. There are various offbeat destinations like Spiti, Kaza, and Tabo which are like hidden gems in the Northern part of India. These places are famous for their Buddhist destinations. Kasol which is also referred to as little Israel is blessed with a beautiful valley Hill station which is Parvati Valley. Khajjiar located in the Chamba district is an astonishing valley where you can relax and unwind in the beauty of the environment.

Mashobra which is at a distance of 13km from Shimla is like a well-kept secret place in Himachal Pradesh and appropriate for those who are done with visiting all places in Himachal Pradesh. Palampur which has alluring tea gardens and a zoo is an ideal place that can be visited with family. Kinnaur, which is famous for apples, is the best offbeat destination that can be visited in summer. Kufri which is located close to Shimla is the best place for Honeymooners as it is covered with snow and many activities can be enjoyed here. Chail is the paradise famous for the highest cricket ground in the world. Hikers can also enjoy the ultimate nature of this place which is incomparable to any other part of the world. McleodGanj which has a number of Tibetan people is also referred to as “Little Lhasa”. Here you can have a view of the perfect blend of Indo-Tibet culture. You can also visit the last village located on the Indo-China border which is Chitkul. The major part of this area is covered with snow during the wintertime.

Adventure activities can be well enjoyed in the Solang Valley located between Rohtang Pass and Manali. Here one can enjoy Paragliding, skydiving, skiing, and horseback riding are examples of some activities that can be enjoyed here. Shoghi is a small town with mountains located at a distance of 13 km from Shimla. Tirthan Valley, which is famous for its fishing activity, has lush green forests and fascinating locations. Chamba, which is famous for its caves and temple, has a wow view of the Dhauladhar range, Zanskar, and Panjal range. Mandi is also considered to be the Varanasi of Hills as it is a temple town lying on the bank of the Beas River.

Kangra and Bhuntar can be visited to experience some peace as many holy temples are spread across the area as well as National Parks. Kalpa is a village in Kinnaur that is famous for its beautiful Monasteries. Manikaran Sahib is a Sikh pilgrimage site located near Kasol. There are three hot springs where devotees can have a bath. Solan is referred to as the Mushroom Capital of India as it has the highest cultivation of Mushrooms. Ponta Sahib which is another religious site of Himachal Pradesh located on the banks of River Yamuna. 

Things to do in Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh has a vast choice of tourism. In Himachal Pradesh, you can go Heli-skiing at the Hanuman Tibba. This sport needs a lot of courage since Hanuman Tibba is the highest peak in the Dhauladhar range in Manali that is having powder snow which is perfect for Heli-skiing. You can also watch opera in Dharamshala which has Drama, dance, and songs of Tibetan culture. It can last up to 6 hours depicting the historical events and life of people. You can visit Asia’s oldest brewery located in Kausalya.

One can perform hill cycling to Naggar. The UNESCO World Heritage site Great Himalayan National Park can also be visited by trekking which goes through Sainj, Parvati, Tirthan, and Jiwa Nal Valley. You can also fly like a free bird in Bir Billing through paragliding. Rafting in the water Beas river in Kullu is also an interesting adventure sport that can be enjoyed in Himachal Pradesh. Trekking to Malana and camping in the snow of Mashobra is the wild experience of Himachal Pradesh. In Spiti Valley, you can enjoy mountain biking as well. Golf lovers can also enjoy playing Golf at Naldehra which is 22 km from Shimla.

Popular Tourist Attraction in Himachal Pradesh

The most major tourist attractions in Himachal Pradesh are the temples and monasteries that are located at high altitudes and have many stories. Himachal Pradesh is the most admired tourist destination that soaks the mind and the soul of tourists. It is located between the snow-covered mountain peaks in the Himalayan range in the Northern part of India. Himachal Pradesh has mountains, valleys, monasteries, heritage sites, lakes, and a lot more that is to be explored by tourists. Tourism to Himachal Pradesh is like an open door for adventure seekers, honeymoon couples, nature lovers, pilgrims, and history buffs. This state has various diversification among its towns, villages, and cities.

Where to stay in Himachal

Himachal Pradesh has a huge variety of accommodations to choose from, there are many Dharamshala and also many decent 1-star and 2-star hotels that fulfill the basic needs of the guests. In places like Dharamshala, Dalhousie, and Chamba you will generally find these categories of hotels. Himachal Pradesh is also having many luxurious properties from 3-star to 4-star hotels in places like Shimla, Manali, Kullu, Mcleodganj, Khajjiar, etc. If you want your trip to be a memorable one and also enjoy the luxury of Himachal Pradesh you can visit these places which are among the most visited places of Himachal Pradesh.

Since Himachal Pradesh is also famous for adventure tours most people can also opt for camps in places like Jibhi, Jalori Jot, Kangra, Chandratal, Spiti, Bir Billing, Solang, Malana, Kheer Ganga, Bhuntar, Manikaran, etc.

There is also the concept of homestay in Himachal Pradesh where the tourists can spend their holiday by being in the house of the local people and also adjusting to their routine. Homestay is vitally promoted in areas like Shimla, Kullu, Jibhi, Ratnari, Kangra, Tirthan, Kotkhi, Kasauli, Andretta, Sirmaur,  etc.

How to reach Himachal

By Road

The most preferable way to reach Himachal Pradesh is by road, you can opt for the bus that is driven on the highway having the best connectivity of Himachal Pradesh to other states. Many National Highways (20) including NH-1A connect Himachal Pradesh well to other states of India. You can also opt for a direct private taxi system from your place to Himachal Pradesh. You can take HRTC buses from Kashmiri Gate ISBT, Anand Vihar ISBT, and Majnu Ka Teela which will take you to Himachal Pradesh within 8 to 18 hours of the journey.

By Rail

For trains, good connectivity is done to major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and other major cities. There are few railway stations in Himachal Pradesh due to mountain terrains which are located in Kangra Valley which is connected to Pathankot in Punjab and to Jogindernagar. From these railway stations, you can take a local taxi or bus to reach your respected destination.

By Air 

There are three domestic airports in Himachal Pradesh namely Bhuntar Airport near Manali, Jubbarhatti Airport near Shimla, and Gaggal Airport in Kangra. For international passengers, they can first fly to Indira Gandhi International Airport and then they can board a domestic flight to Himachal Pradesh. The two International airports near Himachal Pradesh are Delhi and Chandigarh airports.

Best Time to Visit Himachal

Himachal Pradesh has pleasant weather throughout the year. In summer you can enjoy water sports activities and other trekking activities and also visit monasteries, exploring the valley.  In winter the thing that attracts most of the tourists is snow and the activities that are held in the snow including skiing in Kufri and Narkanda. but in the monsoon season, it becomes a bit risky as due to heavy rain landslides occur in hilly areas which can hamper the trip.