Himachal Pradesh – A Travel Guide by Indian Tourister

Introduction

Himachal, the Land of Gods is also known as “Devbhumi”, a beautiful hill state in northern India. IndianTourister will take to each an every part of Himachal. Many of the parts in the Himachal are covered with snow under the ranges of various mountains.

About Himachal Tourism

It is very popular state in northern india among tourists as it offers several natural attractions, landscapes, landmarks, activities and many other things to do and see.  

Tourist Attractions in Himachal - Label

Restaurants in Himachal

Himachal Hotels and Accommodation

Festivals and Events

Travel Tips

Activities to Do in Himachal

There are several activities to do and things to explore in Himachal. Travelers who are visiting Himachal have many options to enjoy the adventurous activities during the trip. Some of the most popular adventure activities are:

Golf: is one of the most popular games and only found in Naldhera, which is the oldest golf course in India. It is located around 23Km from Shimla and visited by thousands of new travelers every year. Basically, this golf course was established by British victory of India, Lord Curzon. It is a course with 9 holes regarded as most challenging in the country. It is well maintained by Himachal Tourism.

Trekking: Start your trip with trekking when you will reach Himachal. Himachal is full of adventure and offers you various options of trekking in all over the Himachal. Shimla, Kullu valley, Kinnaur, Lahaul and Spiti are added as most popular trekking areas in Himachal.

Skiing: If you are planning any trip to Himachal during winters, then skiing will be the best adventures activity to do. Kuffri is one of the most popular places located near Shimla. It is India’s oldest place which is associated with skiing activities in winters. Manali also offers you skiing in the Solang area, which is associated with skiing activities.  

Camping: Himachal is the best option if you are planning for camping. It is one of the best ways to explore the natural resources. There are several popular places for camping in Himachal. Many of the camping activities are done under the Himachal Tourism. For camping you need to carry a tent for accommodation and catering for your leaving. You can do various activities during your camping like hikes, fishing, nature tours, rafting and many others.

Para-Gliding: Riding with warm thermal currents of the air, is the best and most adventures activity to explore. It also offers Para-Gliding in various parts of the state including Billing (Kangra), Bundla Dhar (Bilaspur), Kullu Valley, Pabbar Valley (Rohru). Among all, billing is most popular as it has been served by five national and three International hang-gliding rallies since 1984. It is also rewarded as best para-gliding place by Indian Tourister. During winters billing is full of snow and diverts its identity into an attraction. Several touristers visit billing to enjoy the snowfall and to see the panoramic view of all Kangra Valley from the height.

Mountaineering: Another most adventures activity to do is Mountaineering. If you are in Himachal and looking for mountaineering, then you are at right place. Start your trip from Chandra Bhaga ranges and Deo Tibba area as a beginner. Manali offers you perfect mountaineering places like, Hauman Tibba, Shitidhar Peaks etc. you may be treated as most adventures person if you are doing mountaineering. You have to use your hands, feet and the safety rope that will help while climbing on a rock.  

Transportation in Himachal

The best ways to reach Himachal are roadways, airways and railways, but buses are most common and easiest way to reach Himachal. However buses are slow but cheaper too than other medium of traveling.

By Roadways: There are several bus operators which are offering excellent bus services with world class facilities. Ac and non Ac buses are easily available in all bus stations. HRTC (Himachal Road Transport Corporation) is the local bus transport service of Himachal Pradesh, which will help travelers to travel to/from any destination. HRTC has connections with all the major destinations of northern India including Chandigarh, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttrakhand.

By Airways: There are three most commonly used airports, Bhuntar Airport, Gaggal Airport and Jubbarhatti Airport.

• Bhuntar Airport is located in the Kullu district of Himachal, which is around 10Km from the centre of the city and 50Km from Manali. Jagson flights run on regular basis from Delhi to Bhuntar.
• Gaggal Airport is located in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, which is about 8Km from centre of the city. Dharamshala is about 13Km from the airport. This airport is also known as Dharamshala Airport linked by Air Deccan and Kingfisher Red flights on daily basis to/from Delhi. Basically flights are based on whether conditions.
• Jubbarhatti Airport (23Km from Shimla) is well linked with Air Deccan and Jagson Airlines to/from Delhi. It is always full with heavy rush of travelers visiting shimla. This airport is located in the city of beautiful hills of Himachal.

By Train: Himachal is located in the northern side of India and being a hilly area it is not possible to maintain train network, but still there are narrow gauge train links, which is also known as queen of hills. Two train networks in Himachal are very popular one is Kalka – Shimla and second one is Jogindar Nagar – Pathankot. Travelers can travel by trains if they really want to explore Himachal. It is one of the cheapest ways to explore any part of Himachal.

Useful Details:

Capital: Shimla

State Bird: Monal

Population: 6,856,509 (2011 Census)

Area: 55,673

Districts: 12

Major Tourism office: is located in Shimla, capital city of Himachal Pradesh.

Tel +91-177-78302 Fax 212591

Airports: Kullu, Shimla, Dharamshala

Major Rivers: Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, Parbati

Language Spoken – Hindi, Punjabi, Pahari (Boli), Mandyali (Boli)

Best Time to Visit: Mid May to Mid October, late December to March

Facts about Himachal

Life in Himachal

Districts in Himachal

 

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Maha Shivratri (महाशिवरात्रि) - Popular Indian Festival

Maha Shivratri (महाशिवरात्रि) is one of the most popular Hindu festivals. Shivratri means the night of Lord Shiva, which is celebrated on 13^th/14^th day of Maagha or Phalguna month of Hindu calendar. This festival is celebrated with all day fasting and all night long vigil in according to spiritual traditions. In this year 2012, it is to be celebrated on 20^th of Feb.

A week long Maha Shivratri festival held at Mandi, the Indian state of Himachal Parades every year. This fair has also got its existence at international level and particularly known as International Mandi Shivratri fair.

There are several facts to display that why Indian Shivratri Festival is so popular at international level. Here is the guide, which will let you know about all the facts.

1^st Fact: It is said that Lord Shiva get married with Goddess Parvati on this very day.

2^nd Fact: On this holy night of lord Shiva, it is said that lord Shiva has revealed Tandva. Tandva is dance of primordial conception, preservation, sustenance and destruction.

3^rd Fact: Lord Shiva is known with various attributes like Mahayogi, Chandrashekhar, Shiv Ji, Mahadeva, Neel Kanth and many others.

4^th Fact: It’s a real fact that, who worship lord Shiva with dedication and devotion, lord Shiva grants them desired fruits in their lives.

You should also worship Lord Shiva with full dedication and concentration on this auspicious night of Maha Shivratri. God will sure take care of you.

More about Lord Shiva or Attributes of Lord Shiva:

Cremation Ground	Tiger Skin
Ganga	Varda Mudra
Half Open Eyes	Matted Locks
The Crescent Moon	Nandi
Kundalas	Vasuki Naga – Snake
Kamandalu	Rudraksha Neclace
Snake Around the Neck	Trident or Trishula

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List of all Districts in Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh covers a total area of about 55,673 km2 including 12 districts named as below: According to the latest census 2011 Himachal has population about 6,856,509. Shimla is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh which is covered wtih Himalyan mountain ranges. For further information you can click on specific district to know more about Himachal. You will be able to find all the details about attractions, shopping, nightlife, hotels, travel options and many more.

S. No.	District	Population	Area in km2	Headquarters
1	Bilaspur	3,82,056	1167	Bilaspur
2	Chamba	5,18,844	6528	Chamba
3	Hamirpur	4,54,293	1118	Hamirpur
4	Kangra	15,07,223	5739	Dharamsala
5	Kinnaur	84298	6401	Reckong Peo
6	Kullu	4,37,474	5503	Kullu
7	Lahaul and Spiti	31528	13835	Keylong
8	Mandi	9,99,518	3950	Mandi
9	Shimla	8,13,384	5131	Shimla
10	Sirmaur	5,30,164	2825	Nahan
11	Solan	5,76,670	1936	Solan
12	Una	5,21,057	1540	Una

Click on links for more information...

Last Updated - 17-2-2012

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Facts About India - Proud to be an Indian

Jai Hind: - I Specially Need Comments on Following questions and later I will add top answers on this website with your name and specifications of your answer, So be reliable to your answer and let the world know about India:

1. Why are you proud to be an Indian?
2. What Makes you love India like crazy?
3. Do you think that Saying Mera Bharat Mahan is enough?

Answer at Comments below_

Let the world know about real India:

According the facts book of India and online Research, we have found some facts which you may really want to know:

More than 3.22 Million Indians are working in America.

• 38% of Doctors in America are Indians
• 12% of Scientists in America are Indians.
• 36% of NASA employees are Indians.
• 34% of MICROSOFT employees are Indians.
• 28% of IBM employees are Indians.
• 17% of INTEL employees are Indians.
• 13% of XEROX employees are Indians.

All of above facts were published in a German Magazine, which world history facts.

• India has invented the Number system.
• Aryabhatta Invented Zero.
• The world’s first university was established Takshila in 700BC. There were more than 10,500 students from all over the world who studied more than 60 subjects.
• The University of Nalanda was built in the 4^th century BC. It was one of the greatest achievements of India in education.
• Sanskrit is the mother of all European languages. It is also most suitable language for computer software reported in Forbes magazine, July 1987.

…

• Ayurveda is developed by Indians and known as earliest school of medicine. Charaka, the father of medicine consolidated Ayurveda 25000 years ago.
• India was the richest country on earth until the time of British invasion in early 17^th century.
• The art of Navigation was born in the River Sindh 6000 years ago.
• The world navy is taken from Sanskrit ‘Nou’.

…

• Bhaskaracharya an Indian calculated the time taken by the earth to orbit the sun hundreds of years before the astronomer smart. Time taken by earth to orbit the sun: 5^th century (365.258756484 Days).
• Budhayana first calculated the value of pi, and also explained the concept of Pythagorean Theorem in 6^th century. It’s all been founded by Budhayana before the European mathematicians algebra, trigonometry and calculus came from India.
• The largest used number is Tera 1012 (10 to the power of 12). Sridhanaracharya found these equations in the 11^th century.

…

• According to the Gemological Institute of Ameraica, up until 1896, India was the only source for diamonds to the world.
• According to Saka King ruradaman I of 150 CE a beautiful lake called ‘Sudarshana’ was constructed on the hills of Raivataka during the Chanddragupta Maurya’s time.

…

• Chess (Also known as Shatranja or AshtaPada) was invented in India.

…

• The place value system and the decimal system were developed in India in 100 BC. India also established Harappan culture in Sindhu Valley (Indus Valley Civilization).

And so on...the list is endless...

We Just need to see at the glimpse of Great India that it really have, if it is not, then it means that we are not working up to the potentials and need something more to make India shine once again. Lets make India ever shining and inspiring country.

Thanks for your attention...Give your Comments 

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Indian States Information - Population | Area | Pin Codes | Capitals | Districts | Divisions | Tourist Guide

There are 28 States in India making it one of the most populous countries in the world. Every information about particular state is given as below. You can also get all the latest information about Indian Satates on IndianTourister.com. IndianTourister also  offers you latest updates of 2011 census population. India has total 35 Divisions, which includes 28 States and 7 Unions Territories.

Division	Dist	Population	Area(km.²)	PIN	Capital
Andaman and Nicobar Islands	2	379,944	8,249	744	Port Blair
Andhra Pradesh	23	84,665,533	275,068	50-53	Hyderabad
Arunachal Pradesh	15	1,382,611	83,743	790-792	Itanagar
Assam	23	31,169,272	78,438	78	Dispur
Bihar	37	103,804,637	99,200	80-85	Patna
Chandigarh	1	1,054,686	114	16	Chandigarh
Chhattisgarh	16	25,540,196	135,194	49	Raipur
Dadra and Nagar Haveli	1	342,853	491	396	Silvassa
Daman and Diu	2	242,911	112	396	Daman
Delhi	1	16,753,235	1,483	11	Delhi
Goa	2	1,457,723	3,702	403	Panaji
Gujarat	25	60,383,628	196,024	36-39	Gandhinagar
Haryana	19	25,753,081	44,212	12-13	Chandigarh
Himachal Pradesh	12	6,856,509	55,673	17	Shimla
Jammu and Kashmir	14	12,548,926	222,236	18-19	Srinagar, Jammu
Jharkhand	18	32,966,238	74,677	814-835	Ranchi
Karnataka	27	61,130,704	191,791	56-59	Bangalore
Kerala	14	33,387,677	38,863	67-69	Thiruvananthapuram
Lakshadweep	1	64,429	32	673	Kavaratti
Madhya Pradesh	48	72,597,565	308,252	45-48	Bhopal
Maharashtra	35	112,372,972	307,690	40-44	Mumbai
Manipur	9	2,721,756	22,327	795-796	Imphal
Meghalaya	7	2,964,007	22,429	793-794	Shillong
Mizoram	8	1,091,014	21,081	796	Aizawl
Nagaland	8	1,980,602	16,579	797-798	Kohima
Orissa	30	41,947,358	155,707	75-77	Bhubaneswar
Puducherry	4	1,244,464	492	605	Puducherry
Punjab	17	27,704,236	50,362	14-15	Chandigarh
Rajasthan	32	68,621,012	342,239	30-34	Jaipur
Sikkim	4	607,688	7,096	737	Gangtok
Tamil Nadu	30	72,138,958	130,058	60-64	Chennai
Tripura	4	3,671,032	10,486	799	Agartala
Uttarakhand	13	10,116,752	51,125	246-263	Dehradun
Uttar Pradesh	70	199,581,477	243,286	20-28	Lucknow
West Bengal	19	91,347,736	88,752	70-74	Kolkata
Total = 35 divisions

PIN: Indian postal codes (postal index numbers) are of six digits.

Capital: Srinagar is the summer capital, and Jammu the winter capital, of Jammu and Kashmir.

Area: Jammu and Kashmir includes areas claimed by Pakistan and China.

Dist: Find Number of districts in each division.

Population: Latest 2011 census, final figures.

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