Rajgarh Sirmaur Tourist Guide - Peach Valley in Himachal
Popularly known as the Peach valley, Rajgarh is a lush green valley in Sirmaur district. Rajgarh is a place of great natural beauty and is about 40 km from Solan. One can camp and trek in the valley. At Rajgarh, rest house of PWD and Forest Department are available for staying, besides private hotels and guest houses.
The people of this valley are dynamic and hardworking. They are religious and worshippers of Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga. The local Shaya temple of Lord Shirgul has a mammoth following.
According to a legend, Lord Shirgul had first come to Shaya village and later settled in Churdhar Mountain at height of 12,000 feet.The famous Baru Sahib Gurdwara also lies in this valley and is worth a visit. It is 29 km from Rajgarh and is situated beyond Kheri, a picturesque spot on the banks of a tributary of the Giri River.
Habban Valley Rajgarh Guide
It is an enchanting destination and the area has thick pine fir, kail, baan and deodar forests besides orchards of apples and peaches. The climate is pleasant round the year and in winter, Habban occasionally has snow. Habban is about 70 km from Solanvia Yashwant Nagar and Rajgarh.
Haripurdhar Tourist Guide
Haripurdhar is about two hour journey from Rajgarh and is famous for the temple of Bhangyani Devi, a god sister of Lord Shirgul, the principal deity whose seat is at Churdhar. For staying PWD rest house (3 sets) and newly constructed trekkers hut is available, besides the Sarai in the temple.
Nohradhar Tourist Guide
On way to Haripurdhar from Rajgarh, Nohradhar is one hour journey and is a base for trekking to Churdhar. There are many trek routes in the valley to Churdhar, like-Sailpaw-Dokhta-Churdhar (7 km), Haripurdhar-Churdhar (17 km), Nohradhar- Churdhar (14 km), Sarahan-Churdhar (7 km), Habban-Churdhar (15 km). For staying rest house of PWD (3 sets), IPH (2 sets) and some Guest houses are available.
Pragpur Tourist Guide
Located at an elevation of 2000 feet above sea level, heritage village Pragpur is ideally suited to explore the Kangra valley. The area has several streams that drain into the river Beas. Many places of historic, religious and cultural importance are with in easy reach.With its equitable climate, easy access, safe passage and rich flora and fauna, Pragpur and its surroundings offers an ideal location for village tourism. The ambience of the heritage zone of Garli-Pragpur is zealously protected by the local residents. In their endeavour thatGarli-Pragpur retains its unique character, panchayats preserve their heritage buildings. Several heritage structures are now being restored using original techniques but with modern facilities to facilitate tourist.
The Taal
Dating before 1868, the Taal or pond forms the core of Pragpur village and serves as a recreational space for young and aged alike. The Taal is surrounded by heritage structures.
The Judge's Court: Pragpur Tourist Guide
Completed in 1918, this is a splended country manor designed in Indo-European tradition. The visionary behind this bold structure was Justice Sir Jai Lal. It stands in 12 acres of greens, and is just a short walk from the village core and the Taal. It isnow run by the owning family as a heritage hotel. The residents of Garli-Pragpur are hospitable. There is always a warm welcome for tourists and the area provides a safe passage. The area is round the year visitable.Sixty five km from Dharmshala, this small village seems to hold the kernel of much of Kangra’s rural beauty. Pragpur has been notified as a Heritage Village by Himachal Pradesh Govt. in December 1997. Pragpur is 175 km from Chandigarh & 25 km from Jwalaji.
Sujanpur Tira Tourist Guide
24 km from Hamirpur town and close to the district border of Kangra is the fort of Sujanpur. This place was the capital of Katoch Dynasty and the old fort is worth visiting. Popularly known alongwith its twin title 'Tira', this fort was built by Raja Abhaya Chand of Kangra in1758. In the early 19th century this was the home of the famous Raja Sansar Chand - renownded patron of the Kangra school of miniature paintings. The fort has a Barahdari Hall', where Sansar Chand used to hold court, some shrines and excellent wall paintings.
Remanants of Sujanpur Fort
There is a huge ground, where the annual Holi fair is held for 3-4 days, besides being used for sport activities. A Sainik school is also located here. It is also a religious centre. Narbadeshwar, Gauri Shankar and Murli Manohar are the three well known temples in thetown. By the waters of the river Beas, the town has a charming setting and the river stretch offers good angling opportunities. This place is suitable for other adventure sports as well, such as angling, rafting and trekking.
Chail Tourist Guide
Chail was the summer capital of the former princely state of Patiala. It came into being in the late nineteenth century when it’s handsome and dashing Maharaja Bhupender Singh was banished from Shimla, the summer capital of British India for a dalliance with the BritishCommander –in-Chief’s daughter. Smarting at this insult, Bhupender Singh began exploring the neighbouring hills with a single guiding force – to find a hill that was within sight of Shimla but higher. The little village of Chail seemed perfect. Shimla lay within direct vision,and most important, Chail was higher than the British controlled Shimla town. Large tracts of the land here already belonged to him. This had been given to his ancestors for services rendered during the Gurkha wars which had come to an end in 1815-16. A site was selected and the Maharaja began building his summer palace. But an ill omen seemed to hang over the construction area. Local legend has it that the moment anything was built, it would collapse over night. Dozens of snakes would appear from nowhere and attack thelabourers. Then Bhupinder Singh had a dream. A sage appeared before him and declared that the site the Maharaja had chosen was where he had meditated till he was taken by the earth, and his peace should not be disturbed. The Maharaja had the sage’s blessingto build on any other spot. Bhupinder Singh moved to another site and at the original spot – which is about a kilometre from the Palace Hotel – he had a temple built to the sage. Here the stone embodiment of the sage may still be seen along with the iron tongs and trident.The shrine is known as the Sidh Baba Ka Mandir and is revered by many who claim that the sage has the power to grant boons. Meanwhile Bhupinder Singh had another site levelled out and a splended mansion was built and sumptuously furnished. And at 2226 m, agood hundered meters above Shimla’s average height, Bhupinder Singh’s summer capital was prepared to taken on the British one at equal terms.
Chail Palace Hotel Tourist Guide
In 1972 the property set in about 75 acres of land – including peripheral cottages, woods, sport and recreation facilities and even an orchard – passed into the hands of Himachal Tourism. This is now the Palace Hotel – a full- fledged destination resort. This retains thegrandeur of its princely past and a large elegant lawn, complete with pavilion and fountain, adjoins the Hotel. Chail’s famous cricket ground was built in 1893 after leveling out the top of a hill. This stands at 2444.4 m and is perhaps the highest cricket pitch and the pologround in the world. Maharaja Bhupinder Singh was an avid cricketer and the teams that have played here include the MCC. Bhupinder Singh was not averse to a spot of fun in cricket too. This once included a match with all the players dressed as women; the Maharajatook the crease in a nun’s black habit sporting and equally black beard. Several easy walks can be done in and around Chail. The small wild life sanctuary has a variety of wild life that includes the ghoral, kakkar, sambhar, red jungle fowl, and the khalij and cheerpheasents. There are Machan-like sighting posts near ‘Blossom’ at Khariun and on the blade pate of the prosaically named Roda Tibba. Fishing is possible on the Gaura river 29 km from Chail and there are several trek routes that lead out of the resort, including the oneto the Choor Chandni mountain which is visible from Chail and poetically translates as “The Mountain Of The Silver Bangles”. Chail is 86 km from Kalka via Kandaghat and 45 km from Shimla via Kufri.
Maharana Pratap Sagar Tourist Guide
Named in the honour of the great patriot Maharana Pratap (1572-97 AD) the Maharana Pratap Sagar (Pong Lake) is situated at an altitude of 450 metres above sea level, 32 degree north and 76 degrees east, in district Kangra. It is 170 km from Chandigarh, 110 kmfrom Amritsar and 55 km from Dharamshala. The closest railway stations are at Mukerian 30 km, and Pathankot at 32 km. The settlements of Nagrota Surian and Jawali-which are located on the sagar's periphery-are connected by the charming narrow gauge Kangrarailway line that connects Pathankot to Jogindernagar. The closest airport is Gaggal 40 km. The lake is well served by a network of roads. Maharana Pratap struggled valiantly for freedom of Mewar-as for the principle of independence. In words of chroniclers James Tod and william Crook, "He spurned every overture that had submission for its basis". Over the river Beas, the Pong dam was completed in 1976. Its reservoir covers an area of about 45000 hectares at maximum possible flooding.The level varies every season and averages around 30000 hectares. Over 200 villages with a population of over 85000 people lie along the wetland.
This lake sanctuary is a big attraction for migratory ducks from Siberian region during winter. One can see thousands of ducks in the swamp area between Shahnahar barrage and Pongdam and the surrounding shallow waters of the lake. Clean blue water all around with the panoramic view of Dhauladhar Ranges and Kangra Valley make the visit to Ransar Island an unforgettable experience. Black buck and Cheetal on the island along with Surkhab, Cranes, Pintails and variety of water birds welcome the visitors on the Island. The best season to visit the Pong Lake is between September to March. The nearest other visitable places are Masroor rock-cut temple 10 km from Nagrota Surian railway station, Haripur fort, near to Guler railway station.
Kangra Fort Tourist Guide
The torrential Banganga river deep in the valley forming a formidable sheer and the Kangra Fort lurking atop the flat mountain range is a scene that one encounters on nearing Kangra town when you drive from Shimla-Mataur national highway. A feeling of awe mixedwith joy pervades you as you look back in time. The Kangra Fort is approximately 3 kilometer from the town and is also known as Nagarkot. The fort is historically significant; its massive size, and the beauty of its structure lend it an added charm. At the entrance is amuseum containing some valuable old photographs of the fort prior to the devastating earthquake of 1905 and some exquisite stone sculptures, carvings, idols and other artifacts. The climb leads through seven gates; en route there are some idols embossed in the walls of the fort; the ramparts open out to the fascinating valleys below and one can recreate the past and glide the corridors of history as one climbs up slowly through cobbled path.There are three richly carved temples in the vicinity-- Lakshmi Narayan temple, the Ambika temple and a Jain temple of Adi Narayan.
The view of gushing streams of Banganga and Manjhi rivers from the Fort is charming. The Kangra Fort was the seat of power of the Katoch Raja's and is believed to have been founded by Shusharma Chand Katoch. It was the ancient capital of the Katoch Kingdom andsymbol of power in the Punjab hill states. The Fort of Nagarkot (Kangra) stands as a mute witness to the ravages of conquerors from Mahmud of Ghazni (1009 AD) to the emperor Jehangir (1619 AD) and the disastrous earthquake of April, 1905. Emperor Akbar mademany attempts to capture this fort but could not succeed. This place is now called as " Purana Kangra". One can enter the fort by a narrow path. It was protected by a number of gates named after its winners like Jehangir, Ranjit Singh.
The fort remained neglected during the British period but now the Archaeological department maintains it. The Fort is still an attraction to the tourists and the pilgrims visiting Kangra.
The historical Kangra Fort is 3 km from the Kangra town. One can reach Kangra town by road, rail & air. Kangra is 17 km from Dharamshala, 220 km from Shimla and 235 km from Chandigarh.
Great Himalayan National park Tourist Guide
The National Park with an area of 754 sq. km. is located in Kullu District and has the representative area of temperate and alpine forests of Himachal. It has some the virgin coniferous forests of the State. Vast areas of alpine pastures and glaciers cap this park. This areahas many important wildlife species of Western Himalayas, like Musk deer, Brown bear, Goral, Thar, Leopard, Snow leopard, Bharal, Serow, Monal, Kalij, Koklas, Cheer, Tragopan, Snow cock etc. Trekking of Rakti-Sar, origin of Sainj river and camping in alpinepastures is unforgettable. Similar is the trekking route to Tirath the origin of Tirthan river. Visitors can contact Director, Great Himalayan National Park at Shamshi or Range Officer wildlife at Sainj or Range Officer Wild Life at Sai Ropa (Banjar) for assistance and guidance.Camping equipment and guides are provided by the Forests Department.
Bir Billing Tourist Guide
Bir, surrounded by tea gardens and an amphitheatre of low hills, is an ideal landing ground for para-gliders. Bir has Buddhist monasteries that are worth visiting. Fine Tibetan handicrafts are also produced here. Billing, up in the hills 14 km from Bir with an arena of 200km for high altitude and cross country flying, is one of the best aero sports sites in the country. This site is regarded as among the best in the world for Paragliding. Billing (2290 m) is the take-off site and Bir (1400 m) is the village at the landing site.The road distance between the two is 14 km. Bir is sheltered by the Dhauladhar mountains and the ridges behind keeprising to 3000 mtrs, 4000 mtrs, 5000 mtrs and one after the other so as pilot can fly at 4000 mtrs and still watch the mountains tower above. Bir is a beautiful village surrounded by tea gardens and spectacular scenery, whereas Billing offers unique opportunities for highaltitude and cross country flying and flights of 180 kms have been achieved from here.
All along the bottom of the ridges runs a parallel road from Mandi to Dharamshala and beyond which assures easy recovery for pilots after landing. The most important feature of this region is its weather. On bad weather days one can still fly 20-30 kms and on good days100 kms is not difficult. October & November are the ideal months for flying in autumn and March to May i.e spring is also flyable but conditions are very strong in spring with thermals of 6-12 mtrs/sec and cloudbase of 4000 to 6000 mtrs. Palampur is 29 km and Baijnath is
13 km from Bir.
Manali Tourist Guide
Just 40 kms away from Kullu to the north, Manali is situated near the end of the valley on the National Highway leading to Leh. The landscape here is breath taking. One sees well-defined snow capped peaks, the Beas river with its clear water meanders through thetown. On the other side are deodar and pine trees, tiny fields and fruit orchards. It is an excellent place for a holiday, a favorite resort for trekkers to Lahaul, Spiti, Bara Bhangal (Kangra), and Zanskar ranges. From temples to antiquity, to picturesque sight-seeing spotsand adventure activities, Manali is a popular resort for all seasons and for all travellers.
Place to visit around Manali
Jagat sukh
Arjun Gufa
Rohtang pass
Rahala water falls
Solang valley
Nehru kund
Vashist hot water springs and temples
Mountaineering Institute, Manali
Tibetan monasteries
Club house
Manu temple
Hadimba temple
Kothi
Great Himalayan National Park
Manali sanctury
Distence from Manali
Places to visit Km
Arjun Gufa 4
Club house 2
Hidimba Devi temple 2.5
Jagatsukh 6
Kothi 12
Manu temple 3
Mountaineering Institute 3
Nehru kund 5
Rahala water falls 16
Rohtang pass 51
Solang valley 13
Tibetan monasteries
Vashisht hot water springs and temples 3
Mandi 110
Keylong 120
Trilokinath 152
Kaza 200
Kangra 240
Shimla 260
Chhatru (L&S) 81
Batal (L&S) 110
Kunzum Pass 122
Approch To Manali
Rail: Nearest convenient rail head are at Chandigarh and Pathankot. Manali can be reached from road from these stations.
Road: Manali is well connected by road with Delhi, Ambala, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Haridwar, Shimla, Dharamsala and Chamba/Dalhousie. Regular buses ply between these stations. It is connected with Leh during July to October.
Shimla Tourist Guide
Height: Most of the town lies between 2,100 m and 2,300 m
Languages spoken: Hindi. Also English, Punjabi and Pahari.
Religion: Mostly Hindu. Also Sikh, Muslim and Christian
Medical Facilities: Good
Telecommunications: Worldwide links by the net, telephone and fax, code: 0177
With all its intricacies, history seems to have been the mortar for every brick and stone that has built Shimla. As the summer capital of British India for well over a century it was the seat of one of the most powerful governments in the world. From its cedar-shaded heights,one fifth of the human race was ruled and the decisions made those decades ago affect our lives to the present day.
The town of Shimla rose in the nineteenth century when the Gurkha Wars came to an end in 1815-16 and the victorious British decided to retain certain pockets as military outposts and sanitaria. In 1822 the most rigorous of dandies and the greatest of sticklers for formCaptain Charles Pratt Kennedy, Political Agent to the Hill States directed that a house be built for him at the village whose name is variously reported as Sheyamalaya Shumlah, Shimlu and Shemlah. Kennedy House led the vanguard of the hundred-odd houses thatwere to scatter themselves by 1841 over every level or gently inclining space. Lured by the climate and terrain scores of European invalids began moving to the station and the only stipulation of the local chief who owned the land was that no tree be cut or cattleslaughtered.
In 1864 the Viceroy, John Lawrence anointed Shimla – then spelt Simla, as the summer capital of British India. With Lawrence came the Viceroy Council, the Imperial Secretariat, representatives of the Indian princes and foreign envoys. As the town grew to become theworkshop of the Empire, an awed visitor observed, every pigeonhole cradled an embryo of a war or death. Despite the fact that up to the time of Indian independence in 1947, Shimla officially remained only the summer capital, yet the Government spent more time inthese hills than at the actual capital Calcutta and later New Delhi. As the bearer of the Viceregal sceptre this tiny pocket became the cynosure of British Empire. Imperial grandeur, and all the panoply and trappings of power came along for the ride. And there was apopular local saying that went, “You cannot sleep the nights in Simla for the sound of grinding axes”. A social whirl of parties, gymkhanas, balls, fancy fairs and affaires du Coeur ensured that a heady mixture of scandal and intrigue constantly wafted through the town. Quite inevitably the freedom movement had a close connection with Shimla. Ornithologist and former Civil Servant, Allan Octavian Hume created the Indian National Congress which spearheaded the struggle while living in the town. Stalwarts like Mahatma Gandhi, PanditNehru, C. Rajagopalachari, Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya and Maulana Azad regularly visited Shimla. Major events that took place in the town were the Simla Conference in 1942, the deliberations of the Cabinet on and finally the decision to partition India.And while the British Empire may have ceased to exist, its echoes linger on in the architecture and ambience of this hill resort. The elements of nostalgia may be strong but Shimla also has a youthful vigour in its pace. Its easy accessibility and several other attractionshave made it one of India’s most popular hill resorts. 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 longeststretches 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 theirown right. These are located at Mashobra, Naldehra, Kufri, Shilon Bagh and Chail. En route by road from Kalka there are Parwanoo, Dharampur and Kasauli.
Places to visit in Shimla
Kamna Devi Temple
The Glen
Anadale
Chail
Chindi (2010 m)
Tattapani (680 m)
Naldhera (2044 m)
Craignano (2149 m)
Mahsobra (2148 m)
Hatkoti (1400 m)
Kharapathhar (2673 m)
Sarahan (1950 m)
Rampur ( 924 m)
Kotgarh (1830 m)
Narkanda (2708 m)
Fagu (2450 m)
Tara Devi (1851 m)
Sankat Mochan (1975 m)
Chadwick Falls (1586 m)
Summer hill (1983 m)
Prospect hill
Indian Institute of Advanced Study - Viceregal Lodge
State museum & other museum
Jakhoo Temple
The Mall
Kaali Bari temple
The Ridge
Distence from Shimla
Places to visit Km
Chadwick Falls 7
Chindi 94
Craignano 18
Fagu 22
Hatkoti 109
Indian Institute of Advanced Study 4
Jakhoo Temple 2.5
Jubbal 90
Kharapathhar 85
Kotgarh 82
Mashobra 12
Naldehra 23
Narkanda 65
Prospect Hill 5
Rampur 130
Recong Peo 231
Sankat Mochan 7
Sarahan 171
State Museum 3
Summer Hill 7
Tara Devi 11
Tattapani 53
If you are fond of walking, Shimla will unfold parts that remain hidden to vehicles. Combinations by car and then on foot are possible in several areas. It is suggested that you take a direction for the day and cover the places of interest. The area around the Institute of Advanced Study has several walks. Combine these with visit to the State Museum and expand if you will towards Kamna Devi. Tara Devi and Sankat Mochan can be linked with a short train ride to Tara Devi station. The Himalayan Queen that leaves Shimla at 10.15 am is recommended. Jakhoo can be combined with a stroll and shopping on the Mall and in Lakkar Bazaar. The Lower Bazaar that runs parallel to the Mall at a lower level has the flavour of a typical Indian market place. Trinkets that can be purchased here include silver jewellery. You can also walk towards Chotta Shimla and Raj Bhavan the residence of the state Governor. The recently created rooms of Himachal Darshan offer a glimpse of the various district in the state. Jakhoo has several paths that criss-cross the hill a good walk is along the old FiveBenches Road near the microwaves link tower. The Bharari spur also has many walks that can be done in a few hours or carried over the day Special Interest Nature Some routes offer a greater variety of Shimla trees, shrubs, wildflowers and ferns. If you are lucky some bird species can also be sighted. Some suggested places are: The Glen, and the narrow forest trail that runs above it and loops around Summer Hill. The Bharari spur. Towards the villages of Kamina and Pabo. Trek route down from Kamina to Tattapani.Colonial Architecture Most of Shimla has diverse colonial forms culled from all over Europe. English Renaissance: With a castle-like appearance is the former Viceregal Lodge which is now the Indian Institute of Advanced Study. This is surrounded by assorted cottages.
English Home Counties Marketplace: The MallNeo-Gothic: Gorton Castle now the office of the Accountant General and formerly the Imperial Civil Secretariat; the Secretariat of the Himachal Government at Ellerslie; and the Gaiety Theatre on the MallNorman- Baronial: District Courts.Swiss- Bavarian chalets: The Chalet Day School and Cedar Lodge (Punjab Government Rest House). Tudor: The Library on the Ridge and Barnes CourtChurches: Christ Church, St. Andrew and the deconsecrated churches of St. Andrew’s (now, the Evening College) All Saints Chapel 9nearthe gates of the Indian Institute of Advanced Study).Cemeteries: Adjoining Oakover, the residence of the Chief Minister of Himachal has the oldest one. The largest ‘old-one’ is below St. Edward’s school and is approached via the Potato Research Station. The one at Sanjauli also dates back to colonial times and is still in use. Others: Yarrows, various schools and college and cottages all over town.
Shopping in Shimla
Handicrafts. Shawls and tweeds. Fruit juice and jams. Honey. Quality woollens. Silver jewellery. Rare books and etchings. Contemporary pahari miniature paintings. Metalware. Rugs and carpets. Handmade footwear. Wooden items like walking sticks.
Planning a Week in the Shimla Sector-A week’s time will give you a healthy sampler of Shimla. Dividing your time between the town and suburbs is suggested. You can also divide your stay between the town and the peripheral region. A good time to do the walks are the mornings. A visit to the Mall is theideal plan for the evenings. When visiting the suburbs plan for most of the day. In season, an appropriate activity like activity – like ice-skating can be pursued. Let your hotel or an approved travel agent help you plan your itinerary – those few minutes will add a great deal to your stay.
Dharamshala Tourist Guide
This is a hill station lying on the spur of the Dhauladhar range about 17 kms north- east of Kangra town. This hill station is wooded with oak and conifer trees and snow capped mountains enfold three sides of the town while the valley stretches in front. The snowline is perhaps more easily accessible at Dharamshala than at any other hill resort and it is possible to make a day's trek to a snow-point after an early morning's start. Dharamshala is also the headquarter of the Kangra district.
Naddi Village near Dharamshala
In 1905, tragedy struck Dharamshala when an earthquake levelled it completely. After its reconstruction, Dharamshala flourished as a quiet health resort. It is divided into two distinct parts. Lower Dharamshala has civil offices and business establishments with courts.Kotwali bazar and Upper Dharamshala comprise of places with names which bear witness to its history like McLeod Ganj and Forsythe Ganj. Since 1960, when it became a temporary headquarter of His Holiness The Dalai Lama, Dharamshala has risen to internationalfame as "The Little Lhasa in India". Mcleodganj is 9 km from Dharamshala.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 Dhauladhar.
Dharamshala - General information
Languages Spoken: Hindi, Punjabi, English and Pahari are understood and spoken by the people engaged in tourism tradeShopping centres: Kotwali Bazar, a general shopping area, and McLeod Ganj for Tibetan handicrafts
Area: 5739 sq. km
Population: 13.39 lakh
Altitude: Between 1250 m to 1550 m (Dharamshala)
Temperature: Max. 38 C in June; Min. 0 C in Jan.
Annual rainfall: Varies between 290 cm to 380 cm second highest rainfall in the country.
Best season: January to June; September to December. July-August is rainy season.
Clothing
Winter: Heavy Woollens
Summer: Light Woollens and tropical
Approach
Air: The nearest airport at Gaggal is 14 km away after which it is accessible by road.
Rail: Pathankot is the nearest broad gauge railway terminal to Dharamshala. From Pathankot there is a narrow gauge railway line up to Kangra (94 km) and from here Dharamshala is 17 km by road.
Road: Direct and regular bus service from Delhi (520 km), Chandigarh (250 km), Jammu (210 km), Shimla (238 km), Chamba (185 km) and Manali (240 km).
Places to visit near Dharamshala
Pragpur
Taragarh Palace Hotel
Bir and Billing
Chamunda Devi temple
Andreta
Palampur
Baijnath Shiv Temple
War memorial
Masroor rock cut temples
Nurpur
Trilokpur
Dehra gopipur
Kareri
Jawalamukhi temple
Kunal pathri
Triund (2975 m)
Dharamkot
St. John's church
Dal lake
Bhagsunag falls
Mcleod Ganj
Maharana Pratap Sagar
Kangra Fort
Kangra town
Baijnath temple
Bajreshwari Devi temple
Masroor Rock-cut Temple
Known for its monolithic rock-cut temples, Masroor is 38 km from Kangra Town. There are 15 rock-cut temples in Indo-Aryan style and are richly carved. It is a unique monolithic structure in the sub-Himalayan region and is a protected monument.
Masroor rock-cut temple
The main shrine contains three stone images of Rama, Lakshmana and Sita. The temple complex is located on a hill and also has a large rectangular water pond. The view of snow clad Dhauladhar is amazing from the temple premises.
The nearest visitable places includes Pong lake near Nagrota Surian, 10 km from Masroor and hot water springs at Tattwani village, on the bank of Gaj rivulet near Salol village on Lunj- Gaggal road, 15 km from Masroor. It is accessible from Gaggal (30 km) on Nagrota Surian link road and 22 km from Ranital road.
Mcleodganj Tourist Guide
A number of residential buildings, restaurants, antique and curio shops, together with famous Tibetan institutions have lent importance to McLeod Ganj. The Budha temple is situated opposite to the present abode of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama and is worth a visit. TheTibetan Institute of performing Arts(TIPA) is 1km. walk from McLeod Ganj and preserves a number of musical dance and theatrical traditions of Tibet. It holds an annual 10-day folk opera commencing on the second Saturday of April. There is also a Tibetan handicraftcentre situated at McLeod Ganj and a Sunday market is organized at about 10 minutes walk from here.
Dalhousie Tourist Guide
Dalhousie (2036 m) is a hill station full of colonial charm that holds lingering echoes of the Raj. Spread out over the five hills (Kathlog, Potreys, Tehra, Bakrota and Balun) the town is named after the 19th century British Governer General Lord Dalhousie. It was popular with the British Army personnel in 1860's. The town’s varying altitude shades it with a variety of vegetation that includes stately grooves of pines, deodars, oaks and flowering rhododendrowns. Rich in colonial architecture, the town preserves some beautiful churches. St.John church is the oldest one built in 1863, St. Francis was built in 1894, St. Andrew in 1903 and St. Patric in 1909.
There are also magnificent views of Chamba valley and the mighty Dhauladhar range with its awe-inspiring snow covered peaks filling an entire horizon. By road Dalhousie is about 555 km from Delhi, 52 km from Chamba via Banikhet and 46 km via Khajjiar and thenearest railhead at Pathankot is 85 km away.
In & around Dalhousie the visitable places are:
Subash Baoli: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose spent a large portion of 1937 contemplating here. A nice secluded place.
Panjpulla: It means five bridges. It is a picturesque spot with water flowing under the five small bridges. A samadhi of Sardar Ajit Singh, uncle of Bhagat Singh, adds to its importance. A small fresh water spring Satdhara is close by.Bakrota hills: Visit for a brisk walk round the hills and have a view of snow clad peaks. It is 5 km from Dalhousie.Kalatope: It is a picnic spot and a wild life sanctury, 10 km from Dalhousie and offers a fine view of the countryside.Bara Pathar: It is 4 km from Dalhousie enroute Kalatope. In village Ahla here, there is atemple of Bhulwani Mata.Dainkund: It is 10 km from Dalhousie. On a clear day this tall peak (2745 m) affords a birds eye-view of the hills, verdant valleys and the Beas, Ravi and Chenab rivers threading their silvery passage down to the plains.
Spiti Valley Tourist Guide
Spiti is the sub division of Lahaul & Spiti district with its hqrs. at Kaza. It is called "Little Tibet" because it has almost the same terrain, vegetation & climate . Spiti also means "Middle Country". It lies between Tibet, Ladakh, Kinnaur, Lahaul & Kulu. From Shimla via Kinnaurthere is a motorable road which remains open upto Kaza for 8 to 9 months. About 10kms. ahead of Pooh, satluj enters India near Shipki la & Spiti river joins it at Khab. The road then goes to Sumdo via Hangrang valley. From Sumdo Spiti valley starts. The Spiti riverflows fast through deep gorges at some places. The valley is not wide but there are villages and some fields where people grow barley, buck- wheat, peas & vegetables. It has an area of 4800 sq. kms. Some inhabitants have adopted Budhism as there faith and Bhoti isthe spoken language. The people are simple and honest. The main Spiti valley is split into eastern and western valleys. They are connected with Ladakh & Tibet on eastern side & Kinnaur and Kulu on western side through high passes.
Places to visit in Spiti Valley
Chander tal
Kibber
Kaza
Losar
Kunzum pass
Dhankar monastery
Kungri Gompa
Thang Yug Gompa
Distances from Kaza
Places to visit Km
Dhankar monastery 34
Gete 24
Langza 18
Hikkim 28
Comic 31
Keylong 197
Kibber 19
Kungri 40
Kunzum pass 78
Kye monastery 12
Losar 60
Manali 200
Tabo monastery 50
Thang Yug Gompa 13
Mud 56
Giu Village Tourist Guide
Located near the Indo-Tibet border, the village has a naturally preserved unique Mummy, which is more than 500 years old and is an attraction for the visitors. The village Giu is situated at a height of approx 10,000 feet above the sea level. The mummy inthe village is placed in a room constructed on a hilltop. It is believed that this mummy is of a Lama, who died at the age of around 45 years and was found in a sitting posture. Presently, the mummy is kept in an open glass box. Giu village is approximately 10 km from Giunallah and village is connected with link road. Giu nallah is between Sumdo and Tabo.
Approach
There are two routes to enter Spiti- From Manali via Rohtang Pass to Kaza, the hqtr. of Spiti. Manali is connected by Air, Rail and Road. From Manali, there is a regular bus from July to October.
From Shimla via Kinnaur. Shimla is connected by Air, Rail & Road. From here by buses to Kaza from May to October.
Lahaul and Spiti are two remote Himalayan Valleys of H.P. lying on the Indo-Tibet border. Strange, exciting, primitive, these valleys are unsurpassed in mountain scape, in the rugged beauty of their rocky escapements and the splendor of their snow covered peaks.
Lahaul is marked by a central mass of uniformly high mountains and massive glaciers. The two rivers, Chandra and Bhaga which rise on either side of the Baralacha La, flow through the narrow Chandra and Bhaga valleys. Lahaul is a land of fascinating Buddhist artand culture. The monasteries of Lahaul-Spiti are rich repositories of ancient murals, thankas, wood carving and golden images of Padmasambhava. The valley lies at a height of 2745 metres above sea level. Summer in this valley is cool and pleasant with green grassand alpine flowers. There are little monsoon in both these valleys and this enables climbers & trekkers to enjoy a long and unbroken season in perpetual sunshine to explore the wilderness and grandeur of the inner Himalaya. This unique feature makes Lahul-Spiti as an ideal destination for tourists and trekkers in the month of July, August and September. Keylong is 115 kms. from Manali and is the District Headquarters of Lahul-Spiti District.
General Information
Area: 13835 sq. km
Population: 33,224
Altitude: 3340 m (Keylong)
Clothing: Light woollen in Summer / Heavy woollen in Winter.
Temperature: Maximum:26.8 C Min 1.38 C Summer / Maximum:6.1 C Min (-)19.38 C Winter
Visiting season: June to October
Languages: Lahauli, English, Hindi, Bhoti are understood and spoken by the people engaged in tourism trade.
Religion: Hinduism & Budhism
Approach
Lahaul is connected with road from all parts of the country. Manali is the point where buses from various stations come. From here, one can take bus/taxi to any destination in Lahaul-Spiti, Pangi & Leh during the months between June to November depending uponopening and closing of Rohtang pass (3979 m), the gateway to this valley. National highway 21 is passes through this valley enroute to Leh.
Located in the dizzying heights of the Himalayas, with passes that remain closed for six months linking them with the rest of the world, Kinnaur, Spiti & Lahaul were till now a forbidden land. Only a chosen few were granted permission to visit this secret world, officials,Moravian missionaries who settled here in 1853 and a few mountaineers.
Places to visit around Lahaul
Udaipur
Triloknath temple
Shansha
Sarchoo
Baralacha La
Darcha
Gemur
Jispa
Koksar (3140 m)
Sissu (3120 m)
Tayul Gompa (3900 m)
Shahshur monastery
Kardang Monaestry (3500 m)
Keylong
Guru Ghantal Monastery
Tandi
Gondla (3160 m)
Distances from Keylong
Places to visit Km
Gondla 18
Guru Ghantal Monastery 12
Kardang Monastery 05
Darcha 37
Shahshur Monastery 04
Sissu 33
Tandi 08
Tayul Gompa 06
Bara Lacha La 82
Sarchu 114
Udaipur 55
Kilar 140
Kaza 185
Now this area has been opened for the daring and adventurous to discover what had been hidden from the world for centuries.
Kinnaur Tourist Guide
From the riotous green of the Sangla Valley filled with orchards of apricots, peaches, chilgozas and apples to the magnificent desolation of the Hangrang Valley, Mother Nature's portrait is an ever changing one in Kinnaur. This land lying on the ancient trade routebetween India and Tibet, ringed by the majestic mountain of the Himalayan and Dhauladhar range is the land of plenty. The gushing rivers of Kinnaur abound in Trout-the angler's prize catch, their waters have over the centuries chiseled beautiful gorges across thispicturesque land and nurtured one of the most unique societies on there banks. In the lush land live the descendants of the Kinners-the demi gods of the Hindu pantheon, whose deeds have been immortalized in epics and the poems of ancient Sanskrit poets.
Places to visit near Kinnaur
Kothi
Sumdo Kaurik
Kinner Kailash
Nako (3662 m)
Morang (2591 m)
Chango (3058 m)
Lippa (2438 m)
Leo
Ribba (2745 m)
Rakchham (2900 m)
Puh
Nichar (2150 m)
Chitkul (3450 m)
Sangla valley
Kalpa (2759 m)
Recong Peo (2670 m)
Distances from Rekong Peo
Places to visit Km
Chango 114
Chitkul 64
Kalpa 13
Ribba 25
Sangla 38
Khab 79
Leo 112
Spello 43
Morang 48
Nako 105
Nichar 65
Puh 68
Karchham 20
Wangtu 40
Sangla 38
Shimla 231
Sumdo 132
General Information
Area : 6401 sq. km
Population: 78,334
Languages: Kinnauri, Hindi, English, Tibetan are understood and spoken by the people engaged in tourism trade.
Altitude: 2670m (Kalpa)
Clothing: Light woollen in summer
Heavy woollens in winter
Visiting season: May to October
(July to October for a circuit from Shimla to Manali & Jeep Safaris as well as trekking and climbing or vice versa )
Kullu Tourist Guide
The most charming and beautiful Kullu valley spreads out its charm on either side of river Beas. The valley runs north to south of this river and is 80km long and about 2km at its broadest. Yet with awe inspiring glens and mossy meadows encircled by the rushingstreams and meandering brooks, flung east & west, a fairly wide area is open to the tourists, the trekkers, the mountaineers, the artists and to anyone who wishes to escape the heat & dust of the plains to breathe the exhilarating air of the Himalaya and enjoy the spectacleof the variegated mountain scenery. The valley is also famous for its exquisitely woven colourful hand made shawls and kullu caps.
Places to visit near
Banjar
Larji
Bajaura
Malana
Manikaran
Kasol
Naggar
Katrain
Camping site Raison
Vaishno Devi temple
Raghunathji Temple
Bijli Mahadev temple
Great Himalayan National Park
Distances from Kullu
Places to visit Km
Bajaura 15
Banjar 58
Bijli Mahadev Temple 10
Camping site Raison 16
Kasol 42
Katrain 20
Larji 34
Malana 50
Manikaran 45
Naggar 25
Raghunathji Temple 1
Vaishno Devi Temple 4
Kullu General information:
Area: 5,503 sq.kms
Population: 381,571
Altitude:1230 m (Kullu)
Climate: Pleasant temperature in summer and cold below 0 C with heavy snow fall in winter
Visiting season: March to June for relaxation and visiting the places of sight seeing and enjoy short and long excursions as well as climbing and river rafting
Rainy season: July and August
Autumn: September to November for trekking, climbing, sight seeing and river rafting
Winter: December to February- snow-skiing and heli-skiing in Manali and above
Languages: Hindi, Punjabi, Pahari, English are understood and spoken by the people engaged in tourism trade
Clothing:Cotton and tropical in summer and heavy woollen in winter
Approach:
Air: Kullu is connected by Indian Airlines and Air Deccan with Delhi. The airport is at Bhuntar, 10kms. from Kullu.
Rail: Nearest convenient rail heads are Kiratpur and Chandigarh on Broad Gauge and Jogindernagar on Narrow Gauge from where Kullu can be reached by road.
Road: Kulu is well connected by road with Delhi, Ambala, Chandigarh, Shimla, Dehradun, Pathankot, Dharamsala & Dalhousie etc. Regular direct buses ply between these stations including deluxe, semi-deluxe and air conditioned buses during tourist season.
Local transport Local buses operate between Kullu-Manali and Manikaran regularly. Taxis are also available.
places to visit around Kullu
Banjar
Larji
Bajaura
Malana
Manikaran
Kasol
Naggar
Katrain
Camping site Raison
Vaishno Devi temple
Raghunathji Temple
Bijli Mahadev temple
Great Himalayan National Park
Solan Tourist Guide
Blessed with a pleasant climate all the year round. Solan is a district headquarter and has the famous temple of Shoolini Devi and from Solan the Jatoli village (15 km) and the temple of Lord Shiva and on Rajgarh road the Buddhist Monastery (18 km) may be visited.Known as the "Mushroom city of India" Solan has an old brewery (11 km) and a sprawling horticulture and forestry university at Nauni (16 km). HPTDC hotel at Barog and other pvt hotels & restaurant are available at Solan.
Places to visit around Solan
Kuthar fort
Arki Fort
Nalagarh Palace
Darlaghat
Kiarighat
Parwanoo
Chail
Barog
Kasauli
Manjathal sanctury
Chail sanctury
Distances from Solan
Places to visit Km
Barog 07
Chail 45
Kiarighat 23
Kasauli 27
Arki 53
Subathu 22
Rajgarh 38
Parwanoo 45
Solan - General information
Altitude:1350 meters
Area:1936 sq km
Population:5.00 lakh
Temperature:Max. 35°C Min. - 2°C
Clothing: Cotton clothes in Summer and light woolen to woolen in winter.
Language: Hindi, Punjabi, English are understood and spoken by the people engaged in tourism trade.
Approach
Rail: The nearest broad gauge railway station is at Kalka and nearest narrow gauge railway station is at Solan, which are connected by regular bus services.
Road: Solan is approachable by road from Shimla and Chandigarh
Chamba Tourist Guide
The town of Chamba, the district headquarter of Chamba district is situated in the western Himalayas between north latitudes 32°10' and 33°13' and east longitudes 75°45' and 77°33'. The town stands on a plateau on the right bank of the Ravi river valley betweenDhauladhar and Zanskar ranges south of the inner Himalayas. 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. It seems the original name of thetown was Champa as mentioned in Kalhan's Rajtarangani. In the bansauli or genealogical rolls of the Chamba Rajas a reference occurs of place which was adorned with highly fragrant Champaka trees and guarded by Goddess Champavati or more popularly knownas Chameshni. The temple was built by Sahil Varman in the honour of his daughter Champavati who is worshipped as a goddess in Chamba. Champavati temple became the family temple of the ruling family.
Places to visit around
Pangi valley
Chattradi
Bharmour
Khajjiar
Kalatop
Saho
Bhuri Singh Museum
Rang mahal
Akhand Chandi palace
Chaugan
Hari Rai temple
Chamunda Devi temple chamba
Sui Mata temple
Vajreshwari temple
Champavati temple
Masroor rock cut temples
Manimahesh
Chaurasi temples
Lakshmi Narayan Temple
Distances from Chamba
Places to visit Km
Akhand Chandi Palace 1
Bhuri Singh Museum 0
Bharmour 65
Champavati temple 0
Chamunda Devi Temple 3
Chaugan 0
Dalhousie 45
Hari Rai Temple 0
Kilar (Pangi Valley HQ) - 173
Laxmi Narayan Temple 0
Manimahesh Lake 92
Rang Mahal 1
Saho 20
Sui Mata Temple 2
Vajreshwari temple 1
Chhatrari 45
Chamba General information
Area: 6528 sq. km
Population 4.60 lakh
Season: The best tourist season to visit Chamba is round the year. Adventure tourists may like to undertake winter trekking from November to March when the higher reaches of the district are snow clad and access to most of the villages is on foot.
Climate: The climate of Chamba in general is tempreate with well defined seasons. However, there may be variations because of micro-climatic systems depending upon altitude and mountain aspect. The winters last from December to February. March and April generally remain cool and dry but snowfall does occur at higher elevations during these months. The temperature begins to rise rapidly from the middle of April till last week of June or first week of July when monsoon breaks-in. Monsoon continues till the end of August or mid September. During the monsoon, the weather remains misty, humid and cloudy. October and November are comparatively dry but cold. The maximum temperature in Chamba town in summers is 38°C and the minimum in winter is 0°C.
Approach: Chamba is approximately 52 kms from Dalhousie. The distance is reduced by 6 kms. via Upper Barkota and Khajjiar road. Bus and taxi service is available from Chamba to Pathankot, Delhi, Dharamsala, Shimla, Chandigarh, Jammu and most of the Punjab cities along the national highway.
Hamirpur Tourist Guide
This is another area situated at lower elevation and comparatively warmer but has some hilly ranges covered with Pine forests. These hills can be developed for trekking and camping during winter months. This district was made in 1972 by carving it out from theKangra district. It is well connected by roads from all sides and thus can be promoted as a tourist destination by developing some historical and religious places. At present the known attractions are Deot-Sidh, Temple of Sujanpur Tihra and Nadaun. Hamirpur town is the Headquarter of this District, which lies on Shimla-Dharamshala road.
A view of Sujanpur Fort
General information
Area: 1118 sq. km
Population: 4.12 lakh
Clothing: Cotton clothes in Summer and light woollen in winter.
Language Hindi, Punjabi, English are understood and spoken by the people engaged in tourism trade.
Approach
Rail: The nearest broad gauge railway station is Una and nearest narrow gauge railway station is Ranital (Pathankot-Joginder Nagar railway line) and is connected by regular bus service.
Road: Hamirpur is approachable by road from Shimla, Chandigarh and Pathankot.
places to visit around Ha`22mirpur
Sujanpur Tihra
Nadaun
Deotsidh temple
Distances from Hamirpur
Places to visit Km
Awa Devi 25
Deotsidh temple 45
Nadaun 27
Sujanpur Tihra 24
Kangra 75
Una 82
Nahan Tourist Guide
Nahan is situated on an isolated ridge in the Shiwalik hills, overlooking greenfields. Nahan is a well laid-out picturesque town, known for its cleanliness and dust free streets. Saint and princes are linked with the origin of Nahan. The city was founded as a capital by Raja Karan Prakash in 1621. Another version recalls a saint who lived with a companionable Nahar on the site where the Nahan palace now stands "Nahar" means a Lion and probably the town takes its name from this saint. Nahan situated at an altitude of 932 meters, is a good base for visits to the surrounding areas viz. Renuka, Paonta Sahib, Trilokpur temple and the Suketi Fossil Park. It has a pleasant climate throughout the year and is watered by man made lake and decorated with temples and gardens. It is the headquarter of Sirmaur district.
Lytton Memorial, Nahan
There gently level walks; Villa Round, Military Round and Hospital Round are evocative of the city's past. The hub of Nahan's activities is Chaugan, Bikram Bagh and Khadar-Ka-Bagh. Gift shops, Rosin & Turpine factory and local temples are among the other major attractions. Nahan celebrates Bawan Dwadshi towards the end of the monsoon when fifty two idols of local gods are carried in procession to Jagannath temple where they are floated ceremoniously in a pool and are restored at midnight to their niches. In the heart of Nahan town is Rani Tal, where a large temple and a tank from the days of ex-rulers of Sirmaur State can be seen. Ducks and Cranes are seen playing in the Ranital Tank, and Ranital Garden further adds to the charm.
General Information
Altitude: 932 meters
Area: 2825 sq km
Population: 4.58 lakh
Temperature: Max. 38°C Min. 6°C
Clothing: Cotton clothes in Summer and light woolens in winter.
Language: Hindi, Punjabi, English are understood and spoken by the people engaged in tourism trade.
Approach
Rail: The nearest railway stations are Ambala, Chandigarh and Kalka which are connected by a regular bus service.
Road: Nahan is approachable from many directions by road
1. via Dehradun (Uttrakhand) through Paonta Sahib
2. via Kala-Amb from Haryana and
3. via Solan from Shimla ( H.P.)
There are regular bus services linking it to the other towns like Manali, Delhi and Haridwar.
Places to visit around Nahan
Rajgarh valley
Churdhar
Paonta Sahib
Dhaula Kuan
Balasundri temple, Trilokpur
Suketi Fossil Park
Renuka Lake
Distances from Nahan
Places to visit Km
Dhaula kuan 20
Giri Nagar 27
Paonta Sahib 45
Renuka 38
Suketi Fossil Park 21
Balasundri temple, Trilokpur 23
Rajgarh (via Bagthan) 99
Ambala 63
Palampur Tourist Guide
The town of Palampur (1219 m) is situated in a idyllic valley priding itself with tea gardens, and hills covered with pine trees. The place enjoys a year-round pleasant climate and the pine scented air is said to have curative properties. The scenery presents a sublime and beautiful contrast- the valleys presents a picture of rural innocence and repose, while the hills are majestic. Overlooking this town are the majestic Dhauladhars, whose tops remain covered with snow for most of the year. This place is thronged tourists and is now being developed as a large tourist centre. A ropeway and an amusement park is also on proposed to be constructed. An Agricultural University and a Cenral Scientific Research Institute’s IHBT are pride of the town. Some tea factories are also coming up here.
While in town one could go for one of the several pleasant walks around the town. A short walk from here takes one to the awe inspiring Bundla Chasm which has a fall of over 100 meters to the Bundla stream. The stream is a thin streak running over stony ground far below the cliff. During the monsoon season, it swells and rages madly over the entire width of the chasm taking stones and boulders along with it making thunder like loud roaring noise.
Saurabh Van Vihar:
In order to enable the visitors to enjoy the nature & make them aware of the importance of nature & environment, a nature park namely "Saurabh Van Vihar" at Palampur over 13 hactare area has been established. It is located on the right bank of Neugal Khad near Kandi bridge in the lap of Dhauladhar ranges, in village Kwat, 4 km from Palampur town. Saurabh Van Vihar is developed in the memory of Martyr Lt. Saurabh Kalia, who sacrificed his life during Kargil operation on 9th June, 1999. This tourist park is bounded by majestic and picturesque Dhauladhar mountain ranges in the north and north-east. It is being managed by H.P. Forest Department through a registered society called "Saurabh Van Vihar Management Society, Palampur". Picnic Sheds, Childern Park, Water bodies, Health trails, Open Air Theatre, Bamboosetum, Tiger Hill Bridge and tree, shrubs and 151 species of herbs/medicinal (including seasonal) plants are existing in the Saurabh Van Vihar. Facility for Visitor: Reception block, Ticket Ghar/Control room, Canteen & toilet block. The park is linked with road. For more details, please contact at tel: 01894-232630 or mail at dfoplphp@gmail.com
Approach
Air: Nearest airport is at Gaggal 40 km.
Rail: Palampur is connected by Pathankot-Jogindernagar narrow gauge railway line.
Road: Palampur is also accessible by road and there are many buses from Dharamshala 40 kms, Kangra 38 kms, Kullu 205 kms & Shimla 259 kms.
places to visit around palampur
Taragarh Palace Hotel
Bir and Billing
Chamunda Devi temple
Andreta
Neugal Khud
Palampur
Baijnath Shiv Temple
Masroor rock cut temples
Trilokpur
Dehra gopipur
Jawalamukhi temple
Maharana Pratap Sagar
Kangra Fort
Kangra town
Baijnath temple
Distances from Palampur
Places to visit Km
Andreta 12
Baijnath Shiv Temple 16
Bir 29
Billing 43
Chamunda Devi Temple 25
Jwalamukhi temple 60
Kangra fort 40
Neugal Khad 3
Taragarh Palace Hotel 11
Paonta Sahib Tourist Guide
Paonta Sahib is a sacred town built in the memory of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs. The road passes through Sataun and follows the Giri River along the beautiful scenery. Situated on the banks of Yamuna River, Paonta Sahib is a bustling township with growing industries. It is one of the important holy places for the Sikhs. It retains tangible memories of Guru Gobind Singh in the form of his weapons and a majestic Gurudwara. It recalls his presence even in the name of the city which is derived from Paonta meaning "foot", either because he set foot on this place or, according to an alternate story, he lost an ornament which he wore on his foot called "Paonta" while bathing in the Yamuna river.
There is a legend in this town that surrounds the ruins of this old capital of a princely state. Sirmouri Tal, not very far from Paonta Sahib was destroyed by the curse of a court dancer when the the ruler went back on an oath to give half of this kingdom in case she crossed a narrow gorge on a rope. This, she did but the wily ruler the offered her the entire kingdom if she could dance her way back. She started back but as she was half way across, he cut the rope hurling the helpless girl into the stream. Floods followed which swept away the city, the ruler and the royal house, as a result of dancer's curse. Vishawkarma temple and few other Hindu temples are also located in Paonta Sahib. The water of river Yamuna is being dammed down stream of Paonta which will soon have a water reservoir where water sports will be organised.
Approach
Road: Paonta Sahib is easily approachable from Nahan (45 km) and there is regular bus service connecting the places. One can also come from other routes by bus or car/taxi from Dehra Dun (45 km), Haridwar (117 km) and Shimla (180 km).
Accomodation
There is adequate accommodation in Paonta Sahib. visitors can stay at the HPTDC Hotel Yamuna, PWD Rest House, Paonta Sahib gurudwara, Mata Bala Sundri Sarai and in some private lodges and hotels.
Distances from Paonta Sahib
Places to visit Km
Gurudwara Kafota 42
Renuka via Sataun 50
Nahan 45
Yamunanagar 60
places to visit around paonta sahib
Khodri Dak Pathar
Sahastra Dhara
Ancient Temples around Paonta Sahib
Paonta Sahib
Dhaula Kuan
Una Hiamchal Tourist Guide
Una
Una has been carved out of Hoshiarpur district of Punjab in 1966 where the hilly areas of Punjab were transferred to Himachal Pradesh and the whole area is warm. It has borders with Kangra Hamirpur and Bilaspur and then acts as a gateway to these regions. Efforts are being made to develop same places in Nangal and Bhakra areas.
General information
Area: 1540 sq. km
Population: 4.48 lakh
Clothing: Cotton clothes in Summer and light woollen in winter.
Language: Hindi, Punjabi, English are understood and spoken by the people engaged in tourism trade.
Approach
Rail: Una is well connected by broad gauge rail.
Road: Una is approachable by road from Shimla, Chandigarh and Pathankot.
Una Himachal Places to visit
Dera Baba Bharbhag Singh
Bangana Lathian Piplu
Chintpurni Temple
Distances from Una
Places to visit Km
Bangana 26
Chintpurni temple 53
Dera Baba Bharbhag Singh 40
Jwalaji temple 80
Kangra 105
Deotsidh 70
Shimla 240
Kangra Tourist Guide
The Kangra valley is one of the most picturesque valleys of lower Himalayas. The valley, sheltered by the sublime Dhauladhar range, is green and luxuriant. It provides a tremendous contrast in nature of places to be visited. Dharamshala is full of Buddhist air whereas ancient Hindu Temples like Bajreshwari Devi, Chamunda Devi, Baijnath Shiv temple and Jwala Devi ji dot the country side.
The history of Kangra valley dates back to the Vedic times more than 3500 years ago. The area was exposed to successive invasions, the last being the British domination of the princes of many small the hill states. Despite the onslaughts and political upheavals, the arts and crafts of the region continued to develop and found lyrical expressions. Crafts like the exquisitely designed shawls and miniature paintings of this region are internationally appreciated.
places to visit around Kangra
Pragpur
Taragarh Palace Hotel
Chintpurni Temple
Nadaun
Chamunda Devi temple
Palampur
Baijnath Shiv Temple
Masroor rock cut temples
Nurpur
Trilokpur
Dehra gopipur
Jawalamukhi temple
Maharana Pratap Sagar
Kangra Fort
Baijnath temple
Bajreshwari Devi temple
Distances from Kangra
Places to visit Km
Baijnath Shiv Temple 54
Bajreshwari Devi temple 01
Chamunda Devi Temple 24
Chintpurni temple 59
Dehra Gopipur 37
Dharamshala 17
Jwalamukhi temple 35
Kangra fort 03
Masroor rock cut temple 38
Mahrana Pratap Sagar 52
Nadaun 50
Nurpur 63
Paragpur 48
Taragarh palace 45
Gopalpur nature park 28
Trilopkpur 38
