Location : North India
Major Attractions : Hill stations like Shimla, Kullu, Manali, Dharamshala
Best time to Visit : April to June


About Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh, the region of snowy mountains is one of the beautiful state in India. The sprawling state covers an area of 56, 019 sq km and offers thee emerald green meadows, snow-filled pathways to the towering mountains and the age-old culture and heritage. The state is confined with the Tibetan plateau to the east, Jammu and Kashmir to the north, and the Punjab to the west.The capital Shimla or the Queen of Hills is one of the popular summer destination within the state. Other then the rich Buddhist tradition in this hilly-land, most of the areas are dominated with tribal habitat.

Historical Background of Himachal Pradesh
The history of Himachal Pradesh indicates the Indus Valley Civilization (2250-1750 B.C). According to the epic Vedas, the early inhabitants of the region were the Dasas. Later, Aryans. In 647 A.D Rajputs set up their administration in every corner of the Himachal, which was later transfered to the Mughal Empire. Their dynasty began to break up and Kangra regained independence status under Maharaja Sansar Chand. In 1768, Gorkhas came into power and captured Shimla and Sirmour, but failed to achieve the Kangra Fort. The British then came and defeated Gorkhas and annexed the several kingdoms . Soon after the India received the independence (1947), 30 princely state of the region got united and lastly, Himachal Pradesh was formed on 15th April, 1948. By 1966, certain areas belonging to Punjab became a part of Himachal Pradesh and on 25th January, 1971, Himachal Pradesh was declared, a complete State.

Travel Attractions in Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh holds some of the key tourist destination like Kullu, Shimla, Manali, Kangra, Solan, Chamba, Kinnaur, Dharamshala, Mandi, Una, Lehul and Spiti. The cool atmosphere encircling the places offers the memorable hangout around the lofty snow-capped mountains, religious shrines like Raghunath Temple(Kullu), Christ Church( Shimla) etc. Adventures seekers can satisfy there thirst with adventure sports and jungle visit, while the sightseers can feast their hungry eyes with eye-catching hilly lands and historic monuments.

Heritage Travel in Himachal Pradesh
Kumru Fort
This 2,600m tower-like fort of Kumru is located in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. An image of Lord Buddha and Kamkhya Devi is the major attraction of this quiet lookout.

Kangra Fort
This 1000 years old fort is situated at the confluence of the Banganga and Manjhi rivers. It has various way to entrance and makes a note worthy historic visit to Himachal Pradesh

Rang Mahal
The Rang Mahal Palace in Chamba was constructed by Raja Umed Singh in the mid 18th century. The creative work of the palace depicts the fusion of colonial and Sarcenic architure styles and the wall paintings in the Punjab Hills style, express the life saga of Lord Krishna.

Sujanpur Fort
The Sujanpur fort was built by Raja Abhaya Chand of Kangra in 1758. The Fort complex has the outstanding ‘Baradari Hall' was once the hold court of Raja Sansar Chand. There are also a number of religious temples embellished with the excellent collection of ancient wall paintings.

Other majestic forts and monuments in Himachal Pradesh are Arki fort, Kuthar fort, Maharaja Palace and War Memorial.

Adventure Attractions in Himachal Pradesh
An adventure tourism in Himachal Pradesh lies in experiencing the sheer joy and thrill in challenging sports. Lahaul and Spiti are widely visited for their exotic trekking tracks. Rock climbers can explore the rough terrains at Bharmour, Patalsu and Manali. Enthusiast para gliders can approach towards their favorite hot spot at Pabbar, Kullu valleys and Bundla Dhar, close to Bilaspur. Visitors also gets the river-rafting opportunity in the snow-fed Himalayan rivers.

Wildlife Attractions in Himachal Pradesh
The enigmatic jungle tour in Himachal Pradesh offers the glorious knowledge about the wild flora and fauna, residing in the Himalayan foothills. The must-visit national parks are the Simbalbara Sanctuary, Pin Valley National Park, Great Himalayan National Park, Churdhar Sanctuary, Chail Sanctuary, Maharana Pratap Sagar Sanctuary, Kanawar Sanctuary.

Climate/ Best Time for Trip to Himachal Pradesh
Climatic pressure differs as per the altitude of the place. Summer Season dominates the state form the month of March to June, whereas rain rejuvenate the region from July to September. Chilly cold occupies the month of July to September. Therefore, the best time to visit the Himachal Pradesh is any time between the months from April to June.

Himachal Pradesh Travel (Air/Rail/Road) Information
By Air : The well equipped domestic airports in Himachal Pradesh are at Bhuntar, Gaggal and Jubbarhatti. Serviced flights connect the state to major Indian cities like Delhi, Chandigarh etc.

By Rail : The rail head in Pathankot( Jogindernagar line) conects Himachal Pradesh to Punjab. Other important railway stations are at Solan and Una. A joyful ride in the Kalka toy train not only offer the scenic view, but also aid visitors link the state from other major Indian cities.

By Road :
The fine network of roads facilitates, regular bus services from important cities like Amble, Chail, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Delhi to the favorite tourist destination within Himachal Pradesh.