Himachal
Pradesh - Overview
Himachal Pradesh, the hill state of India, is a small state by comparison
that lies in the north eastern region of Indian sub continent. The state is
dominated by the undulated chains of hills and mountains, which encompass
some of the best hill stations in India. The state shares its borders with
several others which include - Jammu and Kashmir in the north, Punjab in the
southwest, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh in the south and Uttaranchal in the
southeast.
The northern regions of Himachal Pradesh are more rugged with soaring
heights that form parts of the Greater Himalayas, Pir Panjal and Dauladhar.
Altitude gradually lowers as we move towards the west and into the plains.
Southern regions also see quite comparable altitudes and form the peripheral
parts of the Shivalik Range. Amidst all these are some beautiful hill
stations, rivers, gorges and picturesque villages. For the state tourism
nature plays the upper hand and if you happen to be interested in hill
stations, terrain, rolling waters, adventure sports, wildlife or romantic
destinations this place is for you.
Himachal Pradesh - History
Himachal Pradesh, for a long time in history, survived as a cluster of
small states that were ruled by the local chieftains. According to ancient
Hindu texts a small population of people inhabited the plains of north
India, who were forced out of their lands by Indus Valley Civilization into
the adjoining regions. These tribes settled in what constitutes Himachal
Pradesh today and the dates must have been some where near 1700 B.C. The
tribes - Dasas, Dasyus and Nishadas where the first inhabitants of the
state.
It was during the early historic period
that some organized settlements and states started developing. At that time
several Rajput rulers were in power and were fighting hard for the plains.
The ousted kings were forced out of the north and they too, like the
aborigines, sought these hills. These defeated kings soon began establishing
their hold on the lands here and consequently Himachal Pradesh became a big
bundle of princely states. Medieval and early modern periods further
witnessed the emergence of Muslim, Gorkha and Sikh occupation.
During British India days, the English defeated the Sikh rulers and
Himachal (short for Himachal Pradesh) came under the British power. Even
after Indian Independence these former princely states existed as union
territories. However, in 1966 and later in 1971 more regions were added
(some of the regions used to be parts of Punjab state) and combined to form
a single state. Himachal Pradesh at present exists as one of the states of
Indian republic and consists of 12 districts.
Himachal Pradesh -
Tourist Destinations
With some beautiful hill resorts, adventure sports venue and fascinating
villages Himachal Pradesh is not short of anything to attract the tourists
from far off lands. From low hills to soaring peaks, deep gorges, rivers,
parks and sanctuaries, orchards, forests, monasteries, rock cut shrines and
more, the list is a long one. The tourist destinations of Himachal Pradesh
are among the frequently visited places where travellers coming from
different continents amuse themselves. Some popular tourist destinations
include
Shimla,
Manali,
Dharamsala,
Kullu,
Mandi, Kinnaur, Chamba, McLeod Ganj, Kangra, Lahaul and Spiti.
Himachal Pradesh - Hill Stations
Hill stations lie at the heart of the tourism industry in Himachal Pradesh.
The state is gifted with some of the best hill stations in the sub
continent. These stations have long been tempting the travellers. Shimla,
the capital city of Himachal Pradesh and the best resorts in the state was
once the summer capital of British in India. The hill stations feature a
pleasant climate, panoramic views of places that lie far stretched, fresh
and clean air to breathe and privacy that often makes it ideal for a
romantic place.
Himachal
Pradesh - Adventure
The varied landscapes at Himachal Pradesh are more to enjoy than just
capturing the images. The rugged trains, mountain ranges, slopes and summits
offers ample opportunities for many adventure sports.
Trekking, Skiing, Heli
Skiing, Ice Skating and Paragliding are some popular activities you can
participate in. Every year hundreds of tourists, especially during winters,
can be seen marching towards the state with their equipment.
Himachal Pradesh -
Wildlife
As per the official records 78 percent of the total land area is covered by
the forests in Himachal Pradesh. The figures for total area amount to 55,670
sq kms and area under forests goes to 37,691 sq kms. This vast expanse of
vegetation land encompasses some 32 wildlife sanctuaries. One can have a
fair idea about the resources the state is bestowed with. Some important
wildlife reserves are named as
Great
Himalayan National Park, Simbalbara Sanctuary, Renuka Sanctuary,
Churdhar Sanctuary, Chail Sanctuary, Majathal Sanctuary and Maharana Pratap
Sanctuary.
How to Reach
By Air : Himachal Pradesh is served by three domestic
airports located at Bhuntar, Gaggal and Jubbarhatti. Flights from national
capital, Delhi, regularly provide the services.
By Rail : The undulating terrain makes it difficult to
construct railway tracks in Himachal Pradesh. That is why one selected
destinations are connected by railways. The Pathankot-Jogindernagar is the
longest railway line connecting Punjab and Himachal Pradesh.
By Road : Like railway lines there are only selected
destinations that are connected by well maintained roads. At some place and
because of landslides during monsoons and winters roads are temporarily
closed. Long distance services are applicable for places like Shimla,
Chandigarh, Kulu, Manali, Delhi, Mandi, Pathankot, Amble, Chail and
Pathankot.
