The Land of Himachal
Popularly known as the Devbhumi – "Land of the Gods", Himachal Pradesh is a beautiful hill state in India, nestles in north-west region of western Himalayas. The state is landlocked with the Tibetan plateau to the east, Jammu and Kashmir to the north, and the Punjab to the west. However, the state stands apart from its neighbours in terms of its sheer topographic diversity and breathtaking pristine natural beauty. From vast tracts of high-altitude Trans-Himalayan desert to dense green deodar forests, from apple orchards to cultivated terraces, from snow capped high Himalayan mountain ranges to snow fed lakes and gushing rivers.
Brief Socio-Political History of the State
The earliest known inhabitants of the region were tribals called Dasas. Later, Aryans came and they assimilated in the tribes. In the later centuries, the hill chieftains accepted suzerainty of the Mauryan empire, the Kaushans, the Guptas and Kanuaj rulers. During the Mughal period, the Rajas of the hill states made some mutually agreed arrangements which governed their relations. In the 19th century, Ranjit Singh annexed/subjugated many of the states. When the British came, they defeated Gorkhas and entered into treaties with some Rajas and annexed the kingdoms of the others. The situation largely remained the same untill 1947. After Independence, 30 princely states of the area were united and Himachal Pradesh was formed on 15th April, 1948. On 1st November, 1966, certain areas belonging to Punjab were included in Himachal Pradesh. On 25th January, 1971, Himachal Pradesh was made a full-fledged State.
The State is bordered by Jammu & Kashmir on North, Punjab on West, Haryana on South, Uttar Pradesh on South-East and China on the East.
Himachal Pradesh Cities
Travel to Himachal Pradesh, the land of natural wonders. Set amidst snow capped mountains, luxuriant valleys, surrounded by pine, deodar, oak and rhododendron forests, Himachal Pradesh located in the northern part of India is a perfect haunt for the holiday makers. The cities of Shimla, Dharmshala, Lahual Spiti, Kullu Manali are some of the well known destinations of Himachal Pradesh, which are a must visit for refreshing vacations. Each of the cities have their own charm and something unique to offer to its visitors. The cities of Himachal Pradesh not only attracts tourists for its luring surroundings but also for some adventurous activities. If you are looking for a action packed adventurous tour, then this is the place for you.
Kullu
Kullu was once known as Kulanthpitha - 'the end of the habitable world'. Beyond rose the forbidding heights of the Greater Himalayas, and by the banks of the shining river Beas, lay the fabled 'Silver Valley'. Here is the core of an intricate web of numerous valleys - each of which is a visual delight and seems more beautiful than the other.
Manali
One day, Vaivasvata, tha seventh incarnation of Manu found a tiny fish in his bathing water. The fish told him to look after it with devotion for one day it would do him a great service. Vaivasvatatava cared for the fish till the day it grew so huge that he released it into the sea before departing,
Shimla
The British empire may have ceased to exist, but its echoes linger on in Shimla (2130m). As the 'Summer Capital' of the British in India.
Chmba
Chamba town stands on the bank of river Ravi. It is one of the oldest princely state and dates back to the sixth century
Kangra
Kangra is a town in Kangra District of Himachal Pradesh state in northern India, and lends its name to the district of the same name. Kangra was called Nagarkot in ancient history. It is a town at the confluence of the Bener River and Majhi River.
Popularly known as the Devbhumi – "Land of the Gods", Himachal Pradesh is a beautiful hill state in India, nestles in north-west region of western Himalayas. The state is landlocked with the Tibetan plateau to the east, Jammu and Kashmir to the north, and the Punjab to the west. However, the state stands apart from its neighbours in terms of its sheer topographic diversity and breathtaking pristine natural beauty. From vast tracts of high-altitude Trans-Himalayan desert to dense green deodar forests, from apple orchards to cultivated terraces, from snow capped high Himalayan mountain ranges to snow fed lakes and gushing rivers.
Brief Socio-Political History of the State
The earliest known inhabitants of the region were tribals called Dasas. Later, Aryans came and they assimilated in the tribes. In the later centuries, the hill chieftains accepted suzerainty of the Mauryan empire, the Kaushans, the Guptas and Kanuaj rulers. During the Mughal period, the Rajas of the hill states made some mutually agreed arrangements which governed their relations. In the 19th century, Ranjit Singh annexed/subjugated many of the states. When the British came, they defeated Gorkhas and entered into treaties with some Rajas and annexed the kingdoms of the others. The situation largely remained the same untill 1947. After Independence, 30 princely states of the area were united and Himachal Pradesh was formed on 15th April, 1948. On 1st November, 1966, certain areas belonging to Punjab were included in Himachal Pradesh. On 25th January, 1971, Himachal Pradesh was made a full-fledged State.
The State is bordered by Jammu & Kashmir on North, Punjab on West, Haryana on South, Uttar Pradesh on South-East and China on the East.
Himachal Pradesh Cities
Travel to Himachal Pradesh, the land of natural wonders. Set amidst snow capped mountains, luxuriant valleys, surrounded by pine, deodar, oak and rhododendron forests, Himachal Pradesh located in the northern part of India is a perfect haunt for the holiday makers. The cities of Shimla, Dharmshala, Lahual Spiti, Kullu Manali are some of the well known destinations of Himachal Pradesh, which are a must visit for refreshing vacations. Each of the cities have their own charm and something unique to offer to its visitors. The cities of Himachal Pradesh not only attracts tourists for its luring surroundings but also for some adventurous activities. If you are looking for a action packed adventurous tour, then this is the place for you.
Kullu
Kullu was once known as Kulanthpitha - 'the end of the habitable world'. Beyond rose the forbidding heights of the Greater Himalayas, and by the banks of the shining river Beas, lay the fabled 'Silver Valley'. Here is the core of an intricate web of numerous valleys - each of which is a visual delight and seems more beautiful than the other.
Manali
One day, Vaivasvata, tha seventh incarnation of Manu found a tiny fish in his bathing water. The fish told him to look after it with devotion for one day it would do him a great service. Vaivasvatatava cared for the fish till the day it grew so huge that he released it into the sea before departing,
Shimla
The British empire may have ceased to exist, but its echoes linger on in Shimla (2130m). As the 'Summer Capital' of the British in India.
Chmba
Chamba town stands on the bank of river Ravi. It is one of the oldest princely state and dates back to the sixth century
Kangra
Kangra is a town in Kangra District of Himachal Pradesh state in northern India, and lends its name to the district of the same name. Kangra was called Nagarkot in ancient history. It is a town at the confluence of the Bener River and Majhi River.
