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Himachal Pradesh Tourism
Himachal Pradesh, India’s snow-laden province, is the 21st largest state in India and there are records to show that this hilly region has been inhabited since pre-historic times. All through its history, the region has been ruled by local kings and empires.
The main occupation of the people is agriculture, horticulture and hydropower, all made possible because of the several perennial rivers that flow through the state. It is the same rivers that have lent their charm to the picturesque vistas that the land is dotted with.
The famed Silk Route of days of yore passed right through Himachal Pradesh, and connected the far corners of China, Tibet, Ladakh and Kashmir. And even today the Himachal tourism pulls in tourists for its rich handicrafts and culture, and the beautiful, undulating landscape with its mountains, valleys and rivers.
| Himachal Pradesh Tourism: A Quick View of the state | |
| Capital | Shimla and Dharamshala (its winter capital) |
| Official Language | Hindi |
| Dial Code | 177 |
| Population | 7.6 million (as of 2018) |
| Currency | Indian Rupee (INR) |
| Time Zone | UTC+05:30 (IST) |
| Area | 55,673 square km |
There is much to do and see in Himachal Pradesh, and tourism in Himachal offers you myriad opportunities to do exactly that which your heart desires. You can choose to relax and enjoy its stunning beauty. Or you can spend a romantic getaway with the love of your life. Perhaps you wish to heed the spiritual call and discover yourself. Or if you are an adventure junkie, the many winter sports options are what will create the perfect holiday for you.
Once you know what you wish to do in Himachal, it is simply a question of planning your itinerary. Along with some of the more popular destinations like Kullu-Manali, Shimla, Dalhousie and Dharamshala, do go on an offbeat vacation by picking one of these unexplored places:
Himachal Pradesh is also known as the Land of the Gods. Nearly every town has its own deity, and each has a rich mythological past. These sacred shrines attract devotees from across the world and also contribute to tourism. When in Himachal, do try and visit these popular places of worship, among others.
The jungles of Himachal Pradesh offer a thrilling wildlife experience that is unparalleled, simply because of the presence of rare wild animals that are indigenous to this region. The state has numerous national parks and sanctuaries where you can get a glimpse of these untamed creatures. You can either go on a trek, book a spot on a safari or even camp out in the open to truly enjoy the state’s wildlife. Add these fabulous sanctuaries to your itinerary.
Himachal Pradesh is a fine example of the arts and culture of the hilly regions of India. Its unique topography means it has developed its own distinct style of handicrafts and that can be spotted across the state. Travel anywhere in Himachal Pradesh and you should be able to pick up some amazing piece of this beautiful land.
Himachal tourism also offer a long list of dances performed for various occasions, many in front of temples and its presiding deity. People dress up in their traditional finery and dance to their heart’s content.
The people of Himachal Pradesh love festivities, and there is a reason to dance, feast and celebrate life every day. Do not miss the many fairs and festivals of the state and enjoy the elaborate rituals and traditions that are unique to this region.
Himachal Pradesh has a distinct flavour and that is captured brilliantly in its cuisine. Whether you eat at a street joint or sit down at any of the authentic cafes, you will taste the heart and soul of Himachal in the food. Some of the typical dishes that you cannot miss when in Himachal Pradesh include the dhaam, chana madra, kaale channe ka khatta, tudkiya bhath, bhey or spicy lotus stems, siddu, babru, aktori, chha gosht, kullu trout fish and of course the Tibetan dishes. End your sumptuous meal with mittha, a preparation of sweetened rice and dry fruits.
Himachal Pradesh is a mountainous state in the western Himalayas, and most of it lies in the foothills of the Dhauladhar range. On its north is the state of Jammu & Kashmir, to its west is Punjab, Haryana lies towards the southwest and Uttarakhand to the northeast. It rubs international borders with Tibet on the east.
Himachal Pradesh is a snow-laden land and it is spread across numerous valleys, with meandering rivers, deep valleys, and stunning vistas. The perennial rivers Chenab, Ravi, Beas, Sutlej and the Yamuna pass through the state, irrigating its fertile lands. Many adventure seekers are also drawn to Himachal for the numerous sports activities that they can indulge in.
Click here to view Himachal Pradesh on Google Map
Himachal Pradesh has tremendous variation in its elevation, and that affects the climatic conditions in the state greatly. The southern parts experience hot and humid weather, and as you move up north and to the east, the weather gets steadily cold and glacial. Dharamsala receives heavy rainfall, while Spiti and Lahaul are cold and receive almost no rain.
Himachal Pradesh has three broad seasons – summer, winter and the monsoon.
Summer is from mid-April till end June, and this is when it can get very hot except high-altitude areas which experience a mild summer. Late November until mid-March is the Himachal Pradesh winter and there is snowfall in the northern regions of the state.
The best time to visit when winter is waning, and summer is yet to hit with its full fury. The months from February to end of April are considered to the best for travellers.
By flight: Himachal Pradesh is connected to Delhi and Chandigarh from its three domestic airports in Kangra, Kullu and Shimla districts.
By rail: Himachal is known for its quaint narrow-gauge railways – the Kalka-Shimla Railway and the Pathankot-Jogindernagar line, of which the former is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Riding on these lines gives you spectacular views of the surrounding landscape and is a treat you don’t want to miss.
A broad-gauge railway track connects Amb and Una to Delhi.
By road: Himachal Pradesh has an extensive road network that connects every part of the state to the rest of the country. Many people opt to drive down from neighbouring states. Alternatively, there are several private and state-owned buses running through and outside Himachal Pradesh.
Himachal Pradesh is home to many tribes. These include the Dagi, Khasa, Hali, Koli, Dhaugri, Kanaura, Dasa and Kirat tribes, who have occupied these lands from the time of the Indus Valley civilization.
A series of kings and empires came, conquered and have lived in Himachal Pradesh since then. Some of the more noteworthy were the Gupta Empire, King Harshavardhan, Rajput princes, Timur, Sikander Lodi and even the Delhi Sultanate. However, on the whole, the provinces of Himachal Pradesh enjoyed their independence to quite an extent. Then came the Kingdom of Gorkha, who conquered Shimla and slowly expanded their empire. But their rule was not to last too long once the British came in. The Gorkhas were expelled and the British became the dominant force in the region.
It was after Independence, in 1948 that 28 princely states of the region were integrated into the province of Himachal Pradesh. Finally, in 1971 the state of Himachal Pradesh was born.
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