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| HIMACHAL PRADESH |
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With its fabulous natural beauty, the warm hospitality of its people and the dazzling variety of holiday experiences Himachal Pradesh -the 'Abode of Snow 'has been one of India's most exciting tourist destinations down the decades. Straddled amongst the Western Himalayan heights between Uttarakhand and the Kashmir Valley its easy access makes it one of north India's most user-friendly vacation options. Fed by the snow-fed waters of the Beas, the Sutlej, the Ravi and Chandrabhaga rivers and dominated by the higher Himalayan ranges towards Kinnaur and the trans-Himalayan cold deserts of Lahaul and Spiti, the Dhauladhar range in the Kangra region and the Shivaliks in its lower reaches bordering the plains of Punjab, the land is marked by dazzling variety of flora and fauna. It has seen the rise and fall of kingdoms big and small which have left their stamp on the architecture, the arts and crafts and the spiritual world. Shimla the state capital was the summer capital of the Britsih Raj and in the 60s His Holiness the Dalai Lama made Dharamsala/Mcleodganj the base of his Tibetan Government-In-Exile where he resides with the Tibetan community who fled Tibet with the Chinese takeover. Kinnaur rich in culture and diverse in natural beauty, is the home of some of India's most vibrant tribal people. In the barren splendour of Lahaul and Spiti valleys, set in the remote stretches of the Trans Himalayan, region you will discover ancient Buddhist monasteries and some of India's rarest species of flora and fauna. From adventure tourism to cultural trips, from wilderness safaris to botanical excursions, from honeymoon favourites to student adventure camps---it's all here for the asking.
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| ACCESS |
Getting there and around
Shimla's Jubbarhatti Airport,the Kangra Valley's Bhuntar airport and Chandigarh airport offer airlinks to the state. Flights can be disrupted due to bad weather however. Chandigarh is an important railhead, but access to the region is also offered from Pathankot. Shimla the meter
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gauge railhead is served by the toy train via Kalka and Barog stations. The region is well connected by interstate bus services as well as internally. The Mall area of the hill stations can only be travelled on foot unless you have a special permit for a vehicle. Taxis, jeeps and bus services are available for local travel.
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| GRAND TOUR |
Shimla
This erstwhile summer capital of the British from where they ruled their subjects of the sub-continent when they set up base here in 1864 in the small village named after the goddess Shyamala and avatar of Kali. Steeped in Raj lore and architectural gems the state capital today is one of India's most popular hill stations. Apart from exploring its heritage trail you can enjoy leisurely picnics in its forested glades and gentle hikes around the town. De rigueur is hanging out on the Mall which is lined with shops and restaurants and the famous Gaiety Theatre, where the likes of yesteryear actor Prithviraj Kapoor have performed plays, as part of the Shimla holiday experience. During the Raj, the Mall was out of bounds for Indians. Scandal Point, above the ice skating rink, is famous for the legend of the Maharaja of Patiala and the abducting of an Englishwoman in the heyday of the Raj. You can shop for souvenirs at the famous Lakkar Bazaar, and explore the outer reaches of the lower bazaar at Chhota Shimla. The monkeys continue to be a menace on Jakhoo Hill the site of the famous Hanuman Temple. Close to the Christ Church are benches where you can sit around and watch kids eat ice creams and enjoy pony rides. The famous Viceregal Lodge on Observatory Hill, where lavish balls were arranged by the Viceroy, was also the venue for some of the most important meetings regarding the partition of India were held. It is now home to the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies. You can visit the small museum here for a small fee..Some fine Raj-era mansions have been converted into heritage hotels. You can make excursions to nearby Mashobra, Kufri and Naldehra for their beautiful walks and picnic places. Kufri and Narkanda offer skiing in the winter while the golf at Naldehra are legendary.
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Kasauli
This sleepy hill station located in the Shimla hills in Solan district is famous for its walks, bracing climes and splendid natural beauty. The famous boarding school Lawerence School -Sanawar is pleasant hike from here. Kasauli is soaked in Raj-era nuances with its pretty cottages, the serene Kasauli Club, period hotels, and a pretty little Christ Church built in 1853. It's a stiff hike up Monkey Point to reach the Hanuman Mandir which offers good views of Kasauli environs, the Chur Chandni Peak and Dagshai hill
Manali
The second most popular hill station is an adventure enthusiast's paradise with trekking, paragliding and skiing on offer. Set in the picturesque Kullu region it is also a popular honeymooner's vacation spot with its stunning natural beauty. The hill station is thronged with tourists in the summer particularly. The Hadimba Temple, the hot sulphur springs of Vashist are must visit points around town. Trips to the Rohtang Pass and Solang Nallah the site of skiing in the winter and paragliding when the weather is more clement continue to attract of all age groups. Enroute from Mandi in the Kullu Valley, you can also travel to the gorgeous Seraj region with the iris covered-slopes of Shoja and the Jalori Pass with its fantastic snow views. The Great Himalayan National Park makes for another interesting excursion from here.
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