Kullu
Known as the ‘Valley of Gods’, Kullu is a cluster of beautiful valleys in Himachal Pradesh. Located between the majestic Himalayas and river Beas, Kullu is situated at an altitude of 1230 m. Kullu, along with Manali, are favorite hill stations with tourists especially honeymooners. Scenic views and snow-clad mountains, towering Deodar jungles, rivers and apple orchards have attracted several feature filmmakers too.
Kullu is a hot-spot for adventure sports. Trekking, river rafting, mountaineering, paragliding and hiking over the Himalayan glaciers are some of the activities that Kullu offers. Angling is another activity enjoyed a lot by locals as well as tourists. Mountaineering beginners can trek around the Beas Kund region, Hanuman Tibba and Deo Tibba.
Most of the trekking trails are situated beyond the Rohtang Pass in the valleys of Spiti, Lahaul, Zanskar and Ladakh and private companies organize expeditions for up to 12 days. The hot springs of Kheerganga , Manikaran, a pilgrimage and the Great Himalayan National Park are a few of the ‘touristy’ places worth visiting here.
Kullu was earlier known as Kulanthpitha, meaning ‘the ending point of inhabitable world’. The beautiful valley is also mentioned in epics like Ramayana, Mahabharata and Vishnu Purana. Chinese traveler Huien Tsang visited Kullu in 634 or 635 AD and described it as a region completely surrounded by mountains. King Ashoka had a stupa built here, which was eventually taken away by a Mughal king and installed in Ferozshah Kotla in Delhi.
In days of yore, Kullu had several Buddhist monasteries. There were Hindu temples too and people of both faiths lived peacefully together. Both Buddhist and Hindus inhabited the caves near the mountain passes. The valley is said to have been rich with gold, silver, red copper, crystal and bell metal. The first motorable road in Kullu was built only after Independence.
Manali
Manali is a high-altitude Himalayan resort town in India’s northern Himachal Pradesh state. It has a reputation as a backpacking center and honeymoon destination. Set on the Beas River, it’s a gateway for skiing in the Solang Valley and trekking in Parvati Valley. It's also a jumping-off point for paragliding, rafting and mountaineering in the PirPanjal mountains, home to 4,000m-high Rohtang Pass.
When sound of exhilaration seems to be coming far above from sky and only colorful para-gliders could be spotted above head, the site is most probably Solang Valley of Manali Hill Station, which has a uniqueness that stands out from any other paragliding site in India. What more this is one facet of this hill city, like honeymooner trying to pose wearing ski gears rather than actually willing to try the fun of skiing. Add to that elders on some sort of minor pilgrimage to various temples in Manali, individual getting holy dip in hot water springs, families bonding in picnic spots and many other images, and this hill city comes alive in front of eyes.
A part of Beas River Valley, Manali is situated at an altitude of more than 2000 m from where the eyes fall on the views of forests, orchards, river, mountains ranges and more, for nothing but sheer visual delight. The place once used to serve trade purposes via Manal - Leh route; now the same route is used for the purpose of adventure mainly for the bikers and jeep riders.
Having invitingly secured its history in its name, Manali is associated with legends of King Manu who had the responsibility to protect human civilization after the great flood meant to destroy the world; which he successfully shouldered. If unfolding stories entwined in myths and legend is a loved way to spend holidays, Manali rouses the need to explore the Himalayas with even more intensity.
Spirit of tourism is far from fading even after the consequence of popularity. Be it pleasantly cool months or duration of snowfall during the New Year or Christmas, this hill destination is revered by everyone with the intention or for the experience of Manali tourism.
Shimla
Shimla hill station is still the colonial summer capital (resort) to which British used to retreat in when heat of Indio-Gangetic plains used to become unbearable. Be it grey-stone work of Vice Regal Lodge, or Gaiety Theatre putting neo-gothic architectural excellence, the beauty of building seem to come alive and not only staying in eyes of beholder. The Elizabethan style mixed and merged with different other forms in buildings like Ellerslie, Christ Church, Gorton Castle, Wood Ville, etc are a must-see.
Spirits of that past attracts enthusiasts from India as well as abroad when this hill city has been made capital of state of Himachal Pradesh after India got its Independence. However, this is not the sole reason for why to come to Shimla. Smooth slopes of Snow-draped mountain peaks are absolute invitation to the skiers by spirit or profession. While camping and trekking trips, doing yoga facing the mild rays of waking sun might become the other reason. And this list is sure to go long, once tourists get to know what all they could do to make best time in Shimla.
The way it is nestled at a maximum altitude of 2200 m in the foothill of Himalayas, traveling Shimla is a perfect course to get to view this heaven in summer; and also in winter that brings a different glory altogether.
Named after Shyamala Devi, an incarnation of Goddess Kali, Shimla has emerged as a well developed city. Yet, the touch of Nature could be felt everywhere one goes too. The beauty of hill could be summarized by uttering the name of this place. It is no wonder why film Industry took to this city when shooting for some place abroad. Shimla tourism encompasses a complete experience, where entertainment, culture, sights like British architecture reminiscent of colonial era, temples and palaces could be spotted interspersed on its landscape.
Dharamshala
Dharamshala is located in the upper reaches of the Kangra valley in Himachal Pradesh and is placed at an average altitude of 1,475 meters above sea level. The city is surrounded a thick cover of deodar cedar trees and is one of the major strong holds for the Tibetan refugees and the seat of the 14th dalai lama of the Tibetan sect of Buddhism.
The town due to its picturesque surroundings and the presence of the Dalai Lama has made the town a popular tourist destination, both for the Indians and the foreign tourists. Here’s the list of the best places you must visit inDharamshala
Dalhousie
One of the most popular hill stations in Himachal Pradesh, Dalhousie is well-known for its natural beauty and pleasant climate. It is situated between 6,000 and 9,000 feet and is surrounded by scenic snow-capped peaks. Dalhousie gets its name from its eponymous founder Lord Dalhousie and houses a large number of Victorian-style mansions. It is spread over an 14 sq km and covers over five hills.
Lord Dalhousie was drawn to this region in 1854 because of its peaceful atmosphere and pleasant climate. Eventually, the British acquired five hills — Kathalagh, Potreyn, Terah (or Moti Tibba), Bakrota and Bhangora — from the ruler of Chamba State for developing the area as a retreat. In return, his taxes were reduced. Soon it became a popular resort for Englishmen, military officials and soldiers to escape the scorching summers of the plains.
There are several tourist attractions in Dalhousie. Khajjiar, a beautiful valley is quite a favorite among tourists. Tibetan market, Bakrota hills, Dainkund peak, Kalatop and Lohali village are few other popular places to visitin Dalhousie. Karelanu is a spot famous for its healing water spring. Subhas Chandra Bose, who was suffering from tuberculosis drank regular water from the natural spring in Karelanu. He recovered from the deadly disease!
Kangra
Kangra Fort was the seat and residence of the one of the oldest existing dynasties in the World. The Katoch rulers of Kangra belong to the lineage of the rulers of Trigata mentioned in the Hindu Epics Ramayana and Mahabharatha and also in Alexander the Great’s war records. The fort complex contains several well detailed halls and watchtowers along with a couple of temples that date back to the 9th century AD.
Kasauli
A small hill station in the Himalayas and is among one of the best holiday choices for people all over the globe. Gets its name from a flower called “Kasool” and best known for its pristine and unspoiled natural beauty. The small township is located in the hills ofHimachal Pradesh and is at the height of almost 1,927 meters from sea level.
The city, also synonym with “time wrap”, gives you an unforgettable experience in the rainy season. The light rain showers falling on the pine trees engross everyone’s mind and soul. The town was discovered by Britishers and their signs can still be seen through the quiet cobbled streets, the flower filled gardens in front of amazing and artistic bungalows. There are so many churches that add to the beauty of the place. The tinted glass windows and shining clocks captivates every person visiting the town.
“Himachal” is one such place in India where the god and the goddesses love to reside too. Nature’s beauty, serenity, peaceful surroundings and its cool weather attracts a huge number of tourists to this state in India year after year. “Kasauli” a small town in the state of Himachal is one such holiday destination that offers its visitors not only the scenic beauty and the weather to enjoy but also a relaxing holiday one would love to sneak out every now and them.
Parwanoo
Tourists visiting this place can enjoy a variety of activities including trekking and nature walks. Parwanoo is famous for its picturesque natural beauty and splendid fruit orchards. Chandigarh is situated at a distance of nearly 25 kilometers from Parwanoo.
This small town is easily accessible by road through private buses or taxis. How to reach Parwanoo by railways is also easy. Kalka railway station is the nearest broad gauge railway station to Parwanoo. Chandigarh airport is the nearest airport to Parwanoo.
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