Lahaul / kalpa

Lahaul

, Himachal Pradesh

Tourist Spots in Rural Himachal – Lahaul and Spiti 

Himachal Pradesh is very famous for its many tourist destinations and people from all across the country travel to this state in order to catch nature at its pristine best. Apart from the major destinations, Himachal Pradesh also has interesting villages

Kalpa

, Himachal Pradesh

               

 

 

Fast Facts

State: Himachal Pradesh District: Kinnaur Famous for/as: Hill Station Languages: Himachali, Hindi Best Season: Jan - Mar, Jun - Oct Weather: Summer 15-20°C, Winter 0-15°C Altitude: 2976 m Pincode: 172108 STD code: 01786

The town of Kalpa is located in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Kalpa is a quaint little town that can be an ideal tourist destination if you’re looking for a place to relax and unwind in. Many tourists from around the country flock to Kalpa during the peak tourist season, as there are many interesting places to see in the region. Kalpa lies in close proximity to other hill stations in Himachal Pradesh, and for this reason the town can be used as a base when travelling through the state.

While visiting the town of Kalpa, you can go to Rekong Peo, which is located at a distance of thirteen kilometres from the town. Rekong Peo is a very beautiful place that provides excellent views of the valley below from an altitude of 2670 metres. This is one of the must visit destinations in the region.

You can also visit Kothi, which will lie a further three kilometres from the region of Rekong Peo. This region has a very famous temple that is dedicated to Goddess Chanadika Devi. The temple is an exquisitely constructed structure which also has a backdrop of towering mountains, and it can provide you with excellent views and breathtaking scenery. Nako, Puh and Jangi are regions that lie near Kalpa, and these are also famous for their beautiful natural locales.

Nature Walks , Kalpa

Kalpa is laden with some of the most mesmeirisng natural attractions. Since the village is very small and untouched by modern amenities, walking is the perfect way to explore the area.

Trekking

, Kalpa

Trekking is one of the beast way of exploring the beautiful locales of Kalpa. Kalpa is very close to Recking-Po and also serves as an excellent base for trekking to the nearby towns and valleys.        

Kasauli , Himachal Pradesh                             Fast Facts State: Himachal Pradesh District: Solan Famous for/as: Hill Station Languages: Hindi, English, Himachali Best Season: Throughout the year Weather: Summer 8 to 30°C, Winter -10 to 10°C Altitude: 1927 m Pincode: 173204 STD code: 01792 A tiny locale situated in the state of Himachal Pradesh, Kasauli presents the charisma of an unperturbed tourist destination. A gorgeous hill station, Kasauli is renowned for its picture perfect environs and graceful Victorian mansions. This appealing hill resort denotes serenity, embedded in the magnetism of evergreen trees like oaks, willows and firs. Paved boulevards that are lined with stunning oak, chestnut and pine forests, once acted as a sanatorium for the British. Kasauli owes much to the illustrious English for its crowning glory. The snow clad mountains, dense forests and lush foliage attribute to the unspoiled beauty of this hill station. It is quite amazing that this undulating picnic spot still retains its colonial heritage and charm in its entirety. Bestowed with dense woody forests, Kasuali is the abode of numerous endangered species of Himalayan fauna. The gurgling torrents, the captivating alpine meadows and towering blizzard enclosed peaks provide an everlasting delight to the tourists. The most important place in Kasauli is the intersection of Upper and Lower Malls where one can find an array of shops and commercial establishments. These roads are flanked by beautiful trees that tend to seem as green umbrella. A relaxed walk through this imposing greenery is a marvelous experience making Kasauli, a popular picnic spot. This quiet little hill-station is also famed for the Pasteur Institute that manufactures vaccine against Rabies Monkey Point , Kasauli                                               The most popular tourist spot in Kasauli, Monkey point is at a distance of 4 km from the city bus stand. Besides offering panoramic views of the plains of Chandigarh and river Sutlej, the point is also famous for a small temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The peculiar shape of the rock has also earned it the name ‘Tapp’s Nose’. A trip to the monkey point on a clear night enables to enjoy a mesmerizing view of Chandigarh. This is the highest point in Kasauli and one should beware of the herds of monkeys that keep raiding the place. Also note that this area is under the authority of Indian Air Force hence a prior permission is required. The point is easily accessible by conveyance such as taxi/car or on foot. It takes nearly 2 hours to walk to reach the point from the Mall Road. Visitors can enjoy exploring the destination within 2 to 3 hours.   Christ Church (Anglican Church) , Kasauli                                Christ Church is the most imposing monument in the town. Reminiscent of the British era, this church was constructed in 1884 and reflects the classical Gothic style of architecture. The church, also known as Anglican Church, is the most prominent structure in Kasauli and an inevitable place for the tourists to visit. Situated on the Lower Mall, near main bus stand one can easily reach on foot.   Shri Baba Balak Nath Temple , Kasauli                             This is the one of the most popular pilgrim center in Himachal Pradesh. Dedicated to Baba Balak Nath, an ardent follower of Lord Shiva, this cave temple is located just 3 km from the main road on Graner hill, which is accessible by bus or taxi. Legends believed that if childless couples visits and pray here, they are blessed with children. The first ceremonies of the children are also conducted here. Females are not allowed inside the cave but can have the glimpse of idol and offer Roti with sugar or gur (jaggey). Navratra is the most important festival which is celebrated here with great pomp and show. Very close to the temple is the Shah Talai which is connected by a ropeway and draws lot of tourists. Himachal Pradesh government provides accommodation in tents and also render to the basic needs of the travelers.

Kullu

, Himachal Pradesh

         

 

             

 

Fast Facts

State: Himachal Pradesh District: Kullu Famous for/as: Hill Station Languages: Pahari, Hindi, English Best Season: Sep - June Weather: Summer 24 to 36°C, Winter 1 to 25°C Altitude: 1220 m Pincode: 175101 STD code: 01902

Amidst the loftiness of the majestic Himalayas, and the serene ambience of the unpolluted River Beas, Kullu is in the state of Himachal Pradesh also known as the "Valley of Gods".

Formerly renowned as Kulanthpitha, translating to 'the ending point of inhabitable world', this fabulous valley has its mention in epics like Ramayana, Mahabarata and Vishnu Purana. Kullu was not an easily accessible place till independence, which helped to preserve its unspoiled charm and centuries old tradition. A cluster of beautiful valleys, Kullu presents an enjoyable tourist spot where one can feel the rejuvenating warmth of Mother Nature.

Bestowed with abundant natural resources, Kullu valley offers everything that tickles the tourist’s imagination. The awe-inspiring landscapes, friendly people with varied culture and traditions makes Kullu a favourite picnic spot. Challenging trekking, river rafting and mountaineering are activities you can enjoy in this serene valley. Words would not suffice to explain the downright excitement of descending from the sky, paragliding over subterranean mountain, rafting in the deafening crystalline water, or hiking the glaciers and mountain acmes of Himalayas.

At an altitude of 1230 meter, this valley of gods commands the beauty of nature at its zenith. Its picturesque views dotted with snow clad mountain peaks, verdant grassy fields, soaring deodar jungles, gurgling rivers and the apple orchards are awe inspiring spectacles.

With the awesome views of lush evergreen grazing lands, engulfed by the gushing streams and twisty rivulets, tossing all around, Kullu offers a rather broad area which is ideal for everyone who wishes to get away from the trappings of the hectic city life.

Besides these blessed beauty spots, Kullu valley is also famed for its finely carved temples, brilliant artistries and cultural festivals. In a nutshell, Kullu Valley offers a variety of amazing attractions which gather large crowds year after year.

The Great Himalayan National Park , Kullu                              Great Himalayan National Park, also known as Jawahar Lal Nehru Great Himalayan National Park, is an ideal place for wildlife buffs. Located amidst the spectacular natural vista, the park is home to some of the most elusive and endangered species of animals. Sprawling on an area of 50 sqkm, there are around 180 species of bird and mammals that tourists can sight here. Some of the most popular animals tourist can look forward to sights include musk deer, brown bears, Himalayan Tahr, Ibex, black bears and rare species of snow leopard. The best way to explore the park is by taking up a five day trek that is organized by the park authorities. Park rangers accompany the tourists. Hence safety is not a concern. The arrangements can be made at the Sai Ropa Tourist Center, located 5 Kms before Gushaini. The best time to visit the park is from the months of April to June and again from September to November. Tourists are advised have a travel insurance that covers emergency helicopter evacuations. To reach the Himalayan National Park, tourists can catch any bus on the Mandi-Manali route to Aut, and further take a taxi to the park entrance.       Bijli Mahadev Temple , Kullu                     Situated atop of a majestic hill, Bijli Mahadev Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple houses the pictorial view of the luxuriant valley below. The Pahari style temple architecture offers an eye-catching scenario to visitors. Placed at a height of 2450 meters, this temple holds an amazing but true story of its own. It says that Shivlinga in the temple had broken into pieces due to lightning and the temple priest adheres it with butter. It is quite unbelievable that this strange phenomenon recurs every year. A holy darshan of the temple requires a hefty voyage of three kilometers on foot, which is quite tiresome. The uphill path towards this sacred shrine is flanked by pine trees that make the stride a pleasant one.   Raghunath Temple , Kullu   This famous Rahgunath temple is renowned for its seven day long Dussehra festivals. This temple is dedicated to Raghunath Ji. The idol in the temple is taken from Tretnath temple and the popular belief is that it is the same idol that was used by Lord Rama. Raghunath Temple was built in the year 1650 AD. The temple architecture is a curious blend of Pyramidal and Pahari style. The deity in this shrine is believed to be the safe guarder of the entire valley and it is believed that King Jagat Singh constructed this temple to get rid of his sinful past. Situated on a hillock, this majestic shrine gives panoramic views of Kullu valley, which fascinates every one who comes here for darshan.

Dalhousie

              
            

Dalhousie

Fast Facts

State: Himachal Pradesh District: Chamba Famous for/as: Hill Station Languages: Hindi, Pahari Best Season: Throughout the year Weather: Summer 16 to 42°C, Winter -2 to 19°C Altitude: 1954 m Pincode: 176304 STD code: 01899

One among the most demanded hill stations in the state of Himachal Pradesh, Dalhousie is very popular for its scenic beauty and pleasant climate. This fast emerging hilly destination offers a pleasant holiday amidst calm and serene surroundings. A popular sanatorium during the time of British rule, this hill station owes much to its founder Lord Dalhousie for its fame and glory. Nestled in the lap of the Himalayan mountain range, this hill station is placed at an average height of 8000 feet.

An astounding hill station, Dalhousie is abuzz with its old charm and embraces enduring ricochets of the 'British Raj'. One among the favourite places of the British, this hilly terrain houses a large number of Victorian style mansions, which proudly testifies its former grandeur.

Spread over an area of 14 sq km, Dalhousie is built on five hills, which offers a pleasant trekking experience to toddlers as well as serious trekkers. This picturesque spot is a tiny hospice, which lies at the base of the Dhauladhar mountain range. This scenic valley offers impressive views of hills concluding in the flurry of mountains and verdant valleys . Its majestic rivers that twirls and spins amidst the lush dense woods of the planes makes for picturesque views.

Besides an alluring picnic spot, Dalhousie provides excellent shopping delights at the mall road where all the activities of the town are centered. A shoppers delight the shops offer a great time for the shopping buffs. Apart from these, the interlacing lanes of this magnificient hill resort are a perfect location for promenades and sight seeing. A charming location at a height of 9000 feet, Dalhousie is blessed with outstanding attractions and its salubrious weather with moderate accommodation facilities make it a thriving tourist center of modern times.

Khajjiar Lake

, Khajjiar

  (part of Dalhousie region)

 

The Khajjiar Lake is one of the prime attractions of Khajjiar, located around 20 kms from Dalhousie. This perennial Lake is fed by small streams and is panoramically situated amidst the cedar forests and hills. The lake is located at a height of 1950 mt above sea level and is ideal for picnicking.       

 

 

 

  

Horse Riding

, Khajjiar

  (part of Dalhousie region)           

 

Horse riding is one of the most common means of travel in Khajjiar. This activity can be enjoyed around the lake and cost Rs 100 to 200. Pony and horse rides can only be enjoyed during the summer season.

Trekking

, Khajjiar

  (part of Dalhousie region)

 The scenic village of Khajjiar is best explored while trekking. The hills surrounding enclosing Khajjiar offer some of the most exotic and breathtaking views of the surrounding and these hill tops can be reached only via trekking.

Khajjiar also serves as the base for trekking excursions for Dalhousie, Chamba and Kalatop Wildife sanctuary. The trekking routes in Khajjiar are categorized as easy and can be undertaken by people of all ages.

Dal Lake

       Dal Lake                  

Dal Lake, which is 2km walk westwards from Mcleodganj market, is renowned for its scenic beauty and the cool ambience. With an altitude of 1775 m, the lake is situated at the vehicular road between Mcleodganj and the village of Naddi. Surrounded by deep green Deodar forests, it is also a base camp for trekkers in Dharamsala and Mcleodganj.

The Lake can be reached by bus, taxi or on foot, taking around half an hour to 2 hours to explore the whole area. The annual fair held every year in September on the banks of this Lake is a great attraction to the tourists.

Taking a holy dip in this lake is considered to remove all miseries. It is a common belief that the dip in this holy lake will bring blessings of Lord Shiva. Even though the lake is small, the surroundings make it charming and dynamic. The temple located close to the Lake which is dedicated to Sage Durvasa is also a worth place to visit.                              

               Palampur is the only destination in Himachal Pradesh that boasts of tea garden attractions. Lush tea garden sprawling over vast acres of land are enough to captivate the senses of onlooker. Palampur is also known is the ‘Tea Capital of Northwest India’, and the splendorous virgin beauty of the place is the USP of this holiday destination.

The tourists can not only enjoy the beauty of the tea gardens but can also watch the tea making process at the Palampur Tea Cooperative, located on Mandi side of the town.

                            

                 Neugal Khad is located around 2 kms from the main town and serves as an ideal picnic spot. Also called as Bundla Chasm, there is a 300 mt wide stream where tourists can enjoy picnicking. The spot also offers scenic views of the Dhauladhar ranges. The place receives rainfall throughout the year, but the beauty increases bounty times during the monsoons.

A fine restaurant of the Himachal Tourism Board is perfect for enjoying some mouth watering snacks

 

 

                     

A legendary temple that boasts of a rich tradition, Baijnath temple is the most magnificent monument in Kangra Valley. Directed westwards, the temple encompasses astonishing structural designs that resemble the Jagannatha Temple at Puri. The temple architecture shows an adytum or puri of 8 to 18 feet width where the Lingam is depicted.

Mandapa and its pyramidal roof of the temple is the other alluring attractions.

Lord Shiva is seen in the Vaidhyanatha form or the Lord of physicians and it is from this temple the town got its name Baijnath. The temple holds the legendary belief that it was here that Ravana attained immortality by worshipping Lord Shiva. A marvel in architecture the temple is unparallel in all ways. Apart from its elegant designs and carvings the temple precincts displays extreme solitude and serenity. Its pretty ambiance of the snowy peaks and the lustrous greenery attributes its charm.

Dharamsala- Himachal Pradesh

Fast Facts State: Himachal Pradesh District: Kangra Famous for/as: Hill Station, Pilgrim Languages: Hindi, Pahari Best Season: Sep - June Weather: Summer 8 to 34°C, Winter -1 to15°C Altitude: 1457 m Pincode: 1762xx STD code: 01892 Dharamsala is famed as the holy abode of Tibetan Charismatic Leader Dalai Lama and houses the Tibetan Government in exile. Dharamsala is a synonym for Buddhism in India. Situated on the upper hilly terrains of Kangra valley and set against the scenic backdrop of exquisite Dhauladhar Mountains. The gorgeous city is distinctively divided as upper and lower divisions with two altitude ranges. Home to the Tibetan leader, this is the perfect place to learn about Buddhism and the Tibetan struggle for Freedom. The city is dominated by the Tibetan populace while still retaining the British fervor and English lifestyles. Numerous Buddhist Viharas or Gompas, presenting great cultural values and Tibetan architectures, are the main attractions of Dharamsala. Dharamsala has a vibrant environment with dense green forests with Deodar trees and pine trees. Blessed with many clear and unpolluted streams it is an ideal retreat for nature lovers. This place has been renowned as one of the best picnic spots in India. Kotwali Bazaar is a perfect shopping place where one can view the color and lifestyles of the entire Dharamsala community. The market is considered as the base camp for tourists’ travelling to upper Dharamsala. The tourists who love nature walks and trekking can stay in this base camp and explore the hilly forest regions. One of the tourist attractions in Dharamsala is the Kangra Art Museum, displaying the rich past of Dharamsala and its cultural supremacy of the Tibetan people. There are some institutions as well which are established to preserve the grand old Tibetan traditions, cultures and arts. This little hill town is indeed a must visit to every traveler coming to this region.

Himachal Pradesh

About Himachal Pradesh  Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh is a state in the northern portion of India. The state is famous for its scenic hill stations and natural beauty. Himachal Pradesh was earlier a union territory, but was declared as a state in 1971. The state has many perennial rivers. Shimla is its capital city and the languages spoken are Hindi, Dogri, Punjabi, Pahari and more. Tibetan language is also used in the upper Himalayas. The major industries in the state are tourism, agriculture and hydroelectric power. The total area covered by the state is over 55,670 sq. kilometers. Hindus constitute most of the state’s population. Himachal Pradesh is also the second least corrupt state, the first being Kerala. Why Visit the State Himachal Pradesh is one of the most exotic tourist destinations in India. Shimla is the state capital and also was once the summer capital during the British Raj. The city has many tourist spots, such as Jakhoo Hills, Potters Hill, Mall Road, Tara Devi and many more. Bir and Dalhousie are home to many Buddhist monuments and British era buildings. Dharmasala is a thriving centre for the Tibetan community and also is the home of the Dalai Lama. Kullu and Manali are some of the popular hill stations in India and they give you glimpses of the mighty Himalayas. Joginernagar and Keylong are home to some of the most scenic hill stations in the state. Sundernagar, Mandi and Bilaspur are other tourist destinations in the state. The Rewalsar Lake is a sacred place for both Hindus and Buddhists. Narkanda and Kunjum Pass are two major places on the Hindustan and Tibetan roadway. Exploring the Culture of Himachal Pradesh Himachal Pradesh has a very multicultural, multiregional and multilingual culture. The languages spoken include Pahari, Hindi, Dogri, Gojri, Mandeali Kangri, Kinnauri and Punjabi. The various castes in Himachal Pradesh include Rajputs, Brahmins, Gaddis, Gujjars, Rathis, Kohlis, Kannets and Girth. The tribal population in the state comprise of the Pangawals, Kinnars, Lahaulis and Sulehria. The state is famous for its craft work. Himachali shawls, leather works, carpets, metal ware, paintings and woodwork are well known and the Pashmina shawl is one of the famous works of the Himachali weavers. Almost every household in Himachal Pradesh has a pit-loom. The shawls made in Kullu are widely popular throughout the state. Dharamshala and Kangra are known for the famous Kangra miniature art work. The folk dance and music mirror the cultural identity of Himachal Pradesh. A number of festivals are celebrated in the state apart from the ones that are celebrated all over India. Shimla houses a natural ice skating rink, which is one-of-its-kind in Asia. Some popular dishes in Himachal Pradesh include Chuck, Jhoul, Sidku, Patrode, Pateer, Bhagjery, Mahni, Khatti Dal, Madra, Pahri Aloo, Ambua and more. Adventure tourism is also extremely popular in Himachal Pradesh. Facts for Tourists The climate is generally cold; hence carrying warm clothes is a good option. Shawls and leather clothes are famous in the state and are of good quality. The use of narcotic substances is prohibited and is punishable in the state.