HIMACHAL PRADESH HILL STATION

Hill Station in Himachal Pradesh India A holiday in Himachal Pradesh typically begins somewhere on the drive to shimla, when one is greeted by the first gust of fresh mountain air.

Shimla continues to charm tourists with its unique ambience, a blend of the colonial and the Himachali. As one absorbs the vista from the top of Jakhu Hill, it becomes apparent that Shimla is also ideally located to step into the rest of the state. Roads lead north to Kullu and Lahual, east to Kinnaur and Spiti, and west to Kangra and Chamba. To the south lie the lower districts of Solan and Sirmaur. The upper valley of the Beas is amongst the most beautiful places on earth. Known as Kullu-Manali after its popular tourist destinations, it offers bewitching countryside, excellent trekking and climbing routes. Across the Pir Panjal range, north of Kullu-Manali, lies Lahaul. Together with its twin sub-division of Spiti, this unspoilt mountain enclave is a preserve of ancient Buddhist heritage, and contains some of the most sacred centres of Tibetan Buddhism. Chamba, tucked away behind the Dhauladhar ranges, remained relatively insulated from strife and change.

In contrast to Lahaul and Spiti, two districts that offered easy access both to the monsoons as well as to visitors, are Kangra and Chamba. Kaangra's rain-drenched slopes are dotted with numerous temples once renowned for their legendary wealth and now amongst the most sacred places of pilgrimage in Himachal Pradesh.

Perhaps the star of Himachal is Kinnaur, that curious amalgam of Buddhist and Hindu customs, with its spectacular landscape, succulent ruits and exquisite local wine, the beauty of the Kinnauras and their dance and music.

SHIMLA HILL STATION

To experience some of the most dramatic scenery in the Himalayas, visit Shimla, once the summer capital of the British in India. Its salubrious climate, verdant greenery and picturesque views entice people from all over the world, from all walks of life. Today, Shimla is the state capital of Himachal Pradesh, where one can discover the lingering echoes of a bygone era and the youthful vigour of the present. Shimla's seductive climate, easy accessibility, well developed tourist facilities and numerous attractions have made it one of India's most popular hill resorts.

Discover unforgettable walks, a variety of shopping and entertainment, and charming architecture. One can also choose from gold in summer, skiing and ice-skating in winter, or use Shimla as a base for numerous exhilarating excursions to nearby destinations. The monsoons in Shimla provide an opportunity to see some of the most magnificent sunsets in the world. Winter here is known as the 'long moon nights', when the city glistens with frost and icy winds weep through the city.

Places of Interest

Walks to Jakhu Hill, Summer Hill, Chadwick Fall and Prospect Hill. Taradevi Temple, Sankat Mochan and the Tibetan Monastery are havens of tranquillity.

Other Places To See

Kufri, Narkand where splendid slopes spread out invitingly for the skier. Food and accomodation are available at Hotel Himview, Narkand. Alternate destinations for exursions around Shimla could include Fagu with its unfolding panorama of the Himalayas or Naldhera with its picturesque, sylvan surroundings where visitors can enjoy a game of golf at a nine hole golf course. Then there is Chail, once the summer seat of the rulers of Patiala and now a beautiful holiday resort with the highest cricket pitch in the world and keen possibilities for the angler. There is also a wildlife sanctuary at Gaura. Midway between kalka and shimla is Barog. Fast turning into a popular convention venue, Hotel Pinewood at Barog lends its special charm to conference conveners. Also not to be missed is Kasuali, with its breathtaking view points where magic mountains spin a web of enchantment. Peace and tranquillit pervade this region.

How To Get There

By Air : The airport is at Jubbarhatti, 23km from Shimla town, and conneted to Chandigarh, kullu and delhi.

By Rail : Shimla is connected by a broadguage line up to Kalka. The shatabdi Express train is a superfast connection between Delhi-Kalka. From Kalka to Shimla, a narrow guage line covers 96km of track. The train journey, which takes about 6 hours, is one of the finest ways of enjoying the landscape. The delightful railcar, which runs on this stretch takes about four hours. The trains are as follows: Shivalik Express, Holiday Special, Rail Motor and Himalayan Queen.

By Road : Shimla is connected by road to all major centres of north India. Some important distances are, Kalka 90km., Chandigarh 117km., Ambala 166km. and Delhi 370km. Important distances within Himachal Pradesh are Narkanda 65 km, Mandi 165 km, Dharamsala 280 km, Kullu 240 km and Manali 280 km. During summers, the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation runs deluxe services from Delhi, Chandigarh, Manali, Dharamshala, Rewalser, Hatkoti and Leh. A/c coaches are available from Delhi to Manali.

Accomodation

Hotels : The Cecil, The Oberoi Clarke's, Chapsless, Woodville Palace, Madankunj, Springfields, Combermere, Pineview, Sngeet, Peterhoff, Holiday Home (HP Tourism), Asia the Dawn, East Bourne, Harsha, Baljees Regency, Shingar, Surya, Woodrina Tourist Complex.

KULLU HILL STATION

Kullu may well be among the narrowest valleys in the world, edged between the river Beas on one sie and the towering Himalayas on the other. Shrines dot the countryside and apple orchards abound. This little ttown celebrates the Dussera festival in a very unique manner. At its furthermost tip, this region includes the barren snowlands of Lahual and Spiti. In Keylong, the more adventurous visitor can explore a primitive terrain with winter snows and summer browns.

Places To See

Raghunath Temple, Bijli Mahadev Temple, Manikram Hotsprings, Shoja.

How To Get There

By Air : The access to the Kullu Valley and its various tourists centres is rom a common base, the Bhuntar airport, which is 9km from Kullu and 49km from Manali. Taxis and public transport buses are available for transfers to various points in the city.

By Road : The Kullu Valley is also covered by an extensive network of buses with all major centres in the northern region. Airconditioned and non A/c deluxe coaches are run by Himachal Road Transport Corporation and other transport corporations.

Accomodation

Hotels : Apple Valley Resort, Sidhartha, Sarvari (HPTDC), Span Rsorts, Silver Moon (HPTDC), Vaishali, Shobla, Blue Diamond, Empire, Amit, Trans Shiva, Sunbeam, Cottage River View (HPTDC).

MANALI STATION

Beyond Kullu, Manali is a major resort in the valley. Set amidst lovely forests of towering cedars, encircled by snowy peaks and the unending roar of the Beas as a constant companion, Manali also offers unparalleled opportunities for trekking, rock climbing, angling, and winter sports. Closer treks are Solang Nalla, Beas Kund and Naggar; the more serous treks are Keylong, Chandratal Lake (4200 mt) and across Baralacha Pass (4800 mt) trout fishing in the river Beas and its tributaries; skiing at Solong and Manali and heli skiing at Rohtang are some of the popular tourism opportunities here.

Trekking

Though Manali is a major trekking base, enthusiasts can trek from Kullu via Jari (32km by bus) Malana (15km) and Naggar (15km) to Manali (20km, by bus) a trail that is both strenuous as well as exciting and safe for beginners.

Places of Interest

Hadimba Devi Temple, Tibetan Slet, Jagatsukh, Vashisht, Solang Valley, Kothi, Naggar Castle, Rohtang Pass, Keylong.

How To Get There

By Air : Bhuntar airport, 45km from Manali and 10km from Kullu, is the closest airport connected by regular flights to Chandigarh and Delhi.

By Rail : Convenient rail-heads are Chandigrh or Jogindernagar (narrow gauge with a change at Pathankot).

By Road : Shimla is connected by road to all major centres of North India, including Kalka, Chandigarh, Ambala, Delhi, Narkanda, Mandi, Dharamsala, Kullu and Manali.

Accomodation

Hotels : Ambassador Resorts, Quality Inn Snowcrest Manor, Piccadily, Holiday Inn, Manali Ashok (ITDC), Manali Resorts, Shingar Regency, Kanishka, Regent Holiday Home, Apple Country, The Manali Inn, Manali Heights, Banon Resorts, Out Town, Pankaj, John Banon's, Log Huts (HPTDC), Kunzam (HPTDC), Hadimba Cottage (HPTDC), Hamta Huts (HPTDC), Rohtang Manalsu (HPTDC), Beas (HPTDC), Tourist Lodge (HPTDC), Sterling Himalayan Continental, Sagar Resorts, Kalinga Intercontinental, Whispering Rocks Resort, Ram Regency Honeymoon Inn.

KANGRA VALLEY HILL STATION

Kangra is a lush valley with rich harvests of grain and a plentiful produce of fruit that includes peach, pear, plum and apricot. Famed for giving rise to the Kangra school of paintings, the Kangra valley has many temples and shrines. Prominent among them are Jwalamukhi, Chintpurni Chamundadevi, Brajeshwari Devi, and Baijnath temple.

Accomodation

Hotels : Surya Resorts, McLeodganj, Taragarh Palace Hotel, Alhilal, Judge's Court, Pragpur, Masand Motel and Silver Oak Resorts, Palampur.

JWALAMUKHI STATION

Thirty four kms from Kangra is one of the most popular Hindu pilgrimage sites in Himachal Pradesh. Jwalamukhi is recognised as one of the 51 Shaktipiths of India. The Devi temple, tended by the followers of Gorakhnath, is set against a cliff. From the fissure comes a natural infalmmable gas which accounts fro the blue flame.

How to Get There

Buses and taxis connect Jwalamukhi to Chandigarh. Regurlar buses ply to and from Jwalamukhi and other places in Himachal Pradesh.

Accomodation

Apart from Hotel Jwalaji (HPTDC), Dharamshalas, Guest Houses and Tourist Bunglows cater to travellers.

BAIJNATH HILL STATION

Lord of Physicians

By the roadside on the Mandi Palmpur road, within a vast enclosure, is the Baijnath temple. Known as Kirangama, the temple is a good example of the Nagari style of architecture. Every year during on Baijnath for the colourful fair and festivities.

How to Get There

Baijnath is only 16kms uphill from the tea garden town of Palampur, which is situated on the Pathankot Manali road and is connected by road with Pathankot (115kms).

Accomodation

A few small dharamsalas and Guest Houses cater to travellers.

DHARAMSALA HILL STATION

Dharamsala is primarily known for its natural beauty and the panoramic views of the Dhauladhar Mountains and the Kangra Valley. Talnu View Point near Naddi Village is a convenient spots for admiring the raw graneur of the Dhauladhars. Nearby is the Dal, a small lake. Teh Museum of Kangra Art in Lower Dharamsala is also worth a visit. Kangra Fort and Brajeshwari Devi Temple in Kangra town (18km), Chamunda Devi Temple (14km), Masrur rock cut temple (44km) and Haripur are important excursions.

McLeod Ganj : Now popularly known as Little Lhasa is a settlement of Tibetan Buddhists who sought refuge here following their exile from Tibet. The Buddha Temple is situated opposite the residence of the Dalai Lama, keeper of the faith, and around it are located a monastery and a nursery. Here are images of Buddha, Padmasambhava and Avalokiteshwara.

How To Get There

By Air : The nearest airport is at Gaggal, 9km from Dharamsala and 18km from McLeodganj. Regular services to Gaggal from Chandigarh and Delhi are available. Airport/City transfers by taxi are also available on request.

By Rail : The Kangra Valley is also on the rail network and is served by a narrow gauge that runs between Pathankot (the nearest broadgauge railhead) and Jogindernagar. Kangra Mandir Railway Station is the nearest point for Dharamsala.

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