Himachal Pradesh-The Land Of the Gods

Himachal Pradesh literally means ‘Land Covered in Snow’. This North Indian state nestled in the Himalayas is basically divided into two halves with Shimla, the capital in the centre. The area above it is mountainous; while the area below it is plains. The state is also home to the exiled Tibetan Government that operates out of Dharamshala, a beautiful town also called the winter capital of the state. The spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhists, His Holiness The Dalai Lama; also lives here. Himachal Pradesh was created after bifurcation of Punjab.

The state is especially famous for its apples. It is credited to Satyanand Stokes who was born Samuel Stokes in the USA for introducing the apples in the state. The apples of Himachal Pradesh are well-known for their taste. The apples are a must buy for every tourists visiting the state, and the most important horticulture export item of the state. Himachal Pradesh is also famous for its tea gardens, spread around the slopes of Shimla. Apart from Shimla and Dharamshala, other places worth visiting are Lahaul-Spiti valley, Mandi, Kullu, Manali, Dalhosie, Chail, Kufri, Mcleodganj, Manikaran, Solan and more. However, visit to Shimla, ‘Summer Capital of British India’ and Kullu-Manali, the ‘Valley of Gods’ is the most important part of any tour itinerary for tourist visiting Himachal Pradesh

The visit to Himachal Pradesh is incomplete without a ride in the Kalka Shimla narrow gauge toy train, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008. Shimla also called ‘Queen of the Hills’, for its mild weather throughout the year. It is the hub for visiting other parts of the state. Another important destination worth visiting is the Rohtang Pass, the gateway to Ladakh. Among the festivals that draw huge crowds to the state are the Kullu Dusshera Festival and the Shimla Summer Festival. The state is also well known for its wildlife, lush green valleys, thick jungles, hot springs, rivers, deep gorges, and numerous temples. 

The state is especially favourite for adventure seekers for snowboarding, skiing, white water rafting, paragliding, bike riding, and trekking. Himachal Pradesh is especially favoured by back packers who go on various treks across various trekking routes. The wilderness and pristine nature have made the state a hub for backpacking international tourists, especially those from Israel, USA, Spain and Germany; who mostly come to the state on a shoe string budget. A visit to the Great Himalayan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Pin Valley National Park are must for wild life lovers visiting Himachal Pradesh.