Saturday, September 10, 2011

Himachal Hill Station Tourism Attractions | India Hill Stations to visit in Himachal Pradesh | Places to visit in Himachal Pradesh | Shimla tour by train | Shimla - Mandi - Manali - Rohtang Pass - Dharamsala - Dalhousie Valley Tour | Summer Special Tour to Himachal Hill's and Valleys


Visiting Himachal Pradesh


Himachal Pradesh located in the Western Himalayas, offers to locals and tourists, what they can expect from nature shall offer to them.  There are many tourist attractions, a tourist may like to visit in Himachal Pradesh, including destinations for adventure sports like skiing, river rafting, para-gliding, surfing, trekking and mountaineering, honeymoon spots like Shimla and Manali, religious places like the Dharamsala known as abode of Dalai Lama, Temples of Chamba, lush green valley’s all around - and to crown it all, the Queen of all Hill Stations, Shimla. Himachal borders on Jammu and Kashmir, Uttrakhand, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana

Shimla

Always fresh and a pleasant climatic city, Shimla, is the capital of Himachal Pradesh. Once a summer capital of British India, Shimla is situated at an elevation of 2159 meters above sea level, is a hill station and a hot favorite with tourists, particularly in summer. The British called Shimla the 'Queen of Hill Stations'. Shimla is well connected by air, road and rail with all parts of Himachal Pradesh, and the neighboring states of Punjab, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir and Union territory of Chandigarh and Delhi.

Shimla's well developed buildings, reminiscent of the British architectural excellence, easy accessibility and numerous attractions make it one of India's most popular and hottest hill-stations. Shimla is surrounded by pine, deodar, oak and rhododendron forests, giving the city abundant greenery, to make Shimla one of the India’s destinations for physical rejuvenation and mental tranquility.

The town of Shimla rose in the nineteenth century when, the  Gurkha’s dream to rule over this part, were ended in the battle of Malaon on 15th May 1815 and the victorious British decided to retain certain pockets as military outposts and sanitaria. After the defeat of Gurkhas they were forced to sign the 'Treaty of Sanjauli'.

In 1864 the Viceroy, John Lawrence anointed Shimla – then spelt Simla, as the summer capital of British India. And while the British Empire may have ceased to exist, its echoes linger on in the architecture and ambience of this hill resort. There are many unforgettable walks, day-excursions by the dozen, a variety of convenient shopping and entertainment museums, and ice-skating in winter. Shimla is the base or the unwinding point for numerous exhilarating routes to the state interior.

Today the town is distinctive for its variety of architecture. It has one of the rare surviving urban forests, made all the more unique, for its species are temperate to alpine ones in what is otherwise a tropical zone. And then Shimla’s famous Mall offers one of the longest stretches of pedestrian shopping in the world.

Within and around Shimla, the public and private sector offer an enormous range of accommodation that range from modern to heritage hotels. Like satellites placed around the centre, there are many resorts in Shimla’s periphery that are full-fledged destinations in their own right. These are located at Mashobra, Naldehra, Kufri, Shilon Bagh and Chail. En route by road from Kalka there are Parwanoo, Dharampur and Kasauli.

Manali

Manali is 40 kms away from Kullu to the north. Is an important hill station in the mountains of Himachal Pradesh, India, near the northern end of the Kullu Valley, on the national highway going to Leh.  Manali city is located about 250 kms north of state capital Shimla. Manali is extremely popular with tourists for its breath taking landscape. Manali is set amidst the climbing Himalayan peaks, breathtaking view of snow capped peaks and landscaped greenery.



Manali and the surrounding area is of great significance to Indian culture and heritage as it is said to be the home of the Saptarshi or Sven Sages.

Dharamsala

The dharamshala hill station lies on a spur of the Dhaola Dhar, 17 kms  north-east of Kāngra, in the midst of wild and picturesque scenery. Dharamsala is famous as the abode of the Dalai Lama all over the world. It originally formed a subsidiary cantonment for the troops stationed at Kāngra, and was first occupied as a station in 1849, when a site was required for a cantonment to accommodate a Native regiment which was being raised in the District.

In 1905, the Kangra valley suffered a major earthquake. On April 4 of that year, the earth shook, demolishing much of the cantonment and the neighbouring city of Kangra as well as the Bhagsunag temple. The Gurkhas rebuilt the town along with the temple, which today is acknowledged as the 1st Gurkha Rifles' heritage.

In and around Dharamshala, one can visit the Kangra Art museum at Kotwali bazar, War memorial, Kunal Pathri temple and tea gardens on way to Kunal Pathri. There is also a beautiful Cricket stadium in the city facing mighty Dhauladhala 

Dalhousie

Dalhousie is a hill station in Himachal Pradesh,established in 1854 by the British Empire,  India as a summer retreat for its troops and bureaucrats.

It is built on and around five hills (Kathlog, Potreys, Tehra, Bakrota and Balun) and is named after the 19th century British Governer General Lord Dalhousie. Located on the western edge of the Dhauladhar mountain range of the Himalayas, it is surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Dalhousie is situated between 6,000 and 9,000 feet (2,700 m) above sea level. The best time to visit is in the summer, and the peak tourist season is from May to September. Scottish and Victorian architecture is prevalent in the bungalows and churches in the town.

Dalhousie is a gateway to the Chamba District of the Himachal Pradesh of India. This hill region is a repository of ancient Hindu culture, art, temples, and handicrafts preserved under the longest-running single dynasty since the mid-6th century. Chamba is the hub of this culture. Bharmour, the ancient capital of this kingdom, is home to the Gaddi  and Gujjar  tribes and has 84 ancient temples dating from the 7th–10th century AD.

Dalhousie has many places to visit. A favorite spot for tourists is the area near Alla. It is a potato field and it offers mesmerizing scenic landscape. Another popular spot is the area of Karelanu. It is famous for its precious water which healed a great leader, Subhash Chandra Bose. He was suffering from tuberculosis and he regularly drank the water from the natural spring in Karelanu and was healed.

Rohtang Pass

Rohtang Pass is situated at an altitude of 4,111 mts and is 51 kms from Manali on the Highway to Keylong/ Leh. Rohtang Pass is a site which offers spectacular Mountain View, hanging glaciers and snowfields. The pass is open from June to October each year although trekkers can cross it earlier.

It is a gateway to Lahaul Spiti, Pangi and Leh valley. There are a beautiful sight of glaciers, peaks and Chandra river flows down in the Lahaul valley. Slightly to the left are the twin peaks of the Geypan. Rohtang Pass is best visitable between May/June to October/November.

Mandi

The present District of Mandi was formed with merger of two princely states Mandi and Suket on 15th April 1948, when the Himachal State came in existence. The entire history of both states Mandi and Suket is littered with wars among themselves and other adjoining states. These two states had always been rivals and enemies, but there was no great result of their warfare. The fertile valley of Balh was the common ground of desire and dispute.

On 21st February 1846 the chiefs of Mandi and Suket visited Mr. Erskine, Suprintendent of the Hill States for the British Government, owing their allegiance to the Britishers and securing their protection. On 9th march, 1846 a treaty was concluded between the British Government and the Sikh Durbar whereby the whole of the Doab area between the Beas and the Sutlej was ceeded to the British Government, and this included the states of Mandi and Suket also.

On 1st November 1921, both the state of Mandi and Suket were transferred from the political control of Punjab Government to that of Government of India till 15th August 1947, India's Independence Day.

In the central part of Himachal Pradesh, the historic town of Mandi (800 m) is built along the banks of the river Beas.  Mandi was named after its resident saint Mahdavya Rishi.  The climate of Mandi District is sub-himid tropical and very pleasant. It has long been an important commercial centre and the sage Mandva is said to have meditated here. This one time capital of the princely state of Mandi is a fast developing town that still retains much of its original charm and character. Today, it is a district headquarters. Mandi is one of the oldest town of the Pradesh having about 81 temples of different deities in its periphery. The town has remains of old palaces and notable examples of 'colonial' architecture. The Victoria Bridge presents picturesque view of the old town. The temples of Bhutnath, Trilokinath, Panchvaktra and Shyamakali are among the more famous ones. The week long international Shivratri fair in Mandi is the major attraction of the area every year. In the year 2011 the fair was celebrated from 3rd-9th March. In the fair the activities like cultural programmes in the evenings, exhibitions, sports etc. are the major attractions for the tourists as well as locals. Sikh pilgrims visit the historic Gurudwara Guru Gobind Sahib, which is also situated on the bank of Beas.

Chamba

Chamba town is the headquarters of the Chamba district, is situated in the western Himalayas. The town average elevation is of 1,006 metres (3,301 ft). The town, the district and the valley where the town is located, share the name of Chamba. The town of Chamba is located at the right bank of the Ravi river valley and its tributary, the Sal River, built on successive flat terraces, with the Shah Madar hill forming the backdrop on its eastern side. This town was founded by Raja Sahil Varman when he conquered the lower Rani valley from the petty chiefs called Ranas and Thakurs in the beginning of 10th Century. With a rich history that dates back to the 6th century, Chamba is one of the fabulous tourist spots in Himachal Pradesh.


The town has a large number of temples and palaces, and hosts two popular jatras (fairs), the "Suhi Mata Mela" and the "Minjar Mela", which last for several days and involve music and dancing. Still intact a fine group of six ancient shikhara style stone temples (dating back to 8th Century) are dedicated to lord Shiva, Vishnu and Other Deities. Among them the richly carved Lakshmi-Narayan temple is the oldest Structure. Other Evidence of Chamba’s heritage can be seen in the famous paintings from the Kangra, Basholi and Chamba schools at the Bhuri Singh Museum, as well in the murals and the other artifacts at the Rang Mahal Palace.

Chamba is also well noted for its arts and crafts, particularly its Pahari paintings, which originated in the Hill Kingdoms of North India between the 17th and 19th century and its handicrafts and textiles.

Chamba, despite its hill location, is well connected by road to the rest of the state and country, including Shimla, Delhi and Chandigarh along several routes. The nearest broad gauge railway stations are at Chakki Bank (around 5km from Pathankot) and Pathankot.

Chamba is 122 kms fromPathankot - (the nearest railhead), 378 Kms from Shimla and 56 Kms from Dalhousie.

Other Main Attractions of Himachal Pradesh

Situated amongst the lower reaches of the ponderous Himalayas, the small town of Kullu is famous for its temples and apple orchards and attracts hordes of tourists who come to see the magnificent greater Himalayas and the silver valley bisected by the Beas River. Spend time in Chail that is a great favorite with holidaymakers particularly during summer months. Experience “Heaven on Earth" in Chail - a little village set in the midst of luxuriant forest greens. People say Chail is a place where time stands still and nature is at her exuberant best.

If one wish to visit Himachal Pradesh, it would be then advisable to first go to Simla and then from there to visit other places of this Himalyan state and explore the beauty of this state. There is very good railways link from Delhi to Simla.

Trains between Delhi and Kalka


Train No.
Train Name
Origin
Dep. Time
Dstn.
Arr. Time
Class (Fare Rs)
Days of run
14095
HIMALYAN QUEEN
Delhi, Rohilla
05:45
Kalka
11:10
CC (317), 2S (90)
All days
12011
KALKA SHTBDI
New Delhi
07:40
Kalka
11:45
1AC (885), CC (465)
All days
22925
PASCHIM EXPRESS
New Delhi
11:45
Kalka
16:45,
3AC (434), SL (175)
All days
12005
KALKA SHTBDI
New Delhi
17:15
Kalka
21:20,
1AC (860),
CC (450)
All days
12311
HWH DLI KLK MAI
New Delhi
21:15
Kalka
04:30,
1AC (919),
2A (551),
3A (404),
SL (155),
2S (90)
All days



Train between Kalka and Simla


Train No.
Train Name
Origin
Dep. Time
Dstn.
Arr. Time
Class (Fare Rs)
Days of run
52457
KLK SML PASS
Kalka
04:00
Simla
09:20
FC (189)
All days
72451
RAIL MOTOR
Kakla
05:10
Simla
09:50
FC (247)
All days
52451
SHIVALIK DLX EXP
Kalka
05:30
Simla
10:15,
CC (280)
All days
52453
KALKA SIMLA EXP
Kalka
06:00
Simla
11:05,
FC (228), 2S (48)
All days
52455
HIMALYAN QUEEN
Kalka
12:20
Simla
17:20,
CC (167)
All days





Train between Simla and Kalka

Train No.
Train Name
Origin
Dep. Time
Dstn.
Arr. Time
Class (Fare Rs)
Days of run
52458
SML KALKA PASS
Simla
14:25
Kalka
20:10
FC (189), 2S (31)
All days
72452
RAIL MOTOR
Simla
16:25
Kalka
21:35
FC (247)
All days
52452
SHIVALIK DLX EXP
Simla
17:40
Kalka
22:25,
CC (280)
All days
52454
SML KLK EXP
Simla
18:15
Kalka
23:20,
FC (228), 2S (48)
All days
52456
HIMALYAN QUEEN
Simla
10:30
Kalka
16:10,
CC (167)
All days

Trains between Kalka and Delhi

Train No.
Train Name
Origin
Dep. Time
Dstn.
Arr. Time
Class (Fare Rs)
Days of run
14096
HIMALYAN QUEEN
Kalka
16:50
Delhi S Rohilla
22:40
CC (317), 2S (90)
All days
12012
KALKA SHTBDI
Kalka
17:45
New Delhi
21:55
1AC (890), CC (535)
All days
22926
PASCHIM EXPRESS
Kalka
10:20
New Delhi
16:25,
3AC (434), SL (175)
All days
12006
KALKA SHTBDI
Kalka
06:15
New Delhi
10:25,
1AC (885),
CC (465)
All days
12312
KALKA MAIL
Kalka
23:55
Delhi
06:30,
1AC (919),
2A (551),
3A (404),
SL (155),
2S (90)
All days

For more train details or latest time table, visit Indian Rail official website