Places To Visit In Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh is a most popular tourist destination of India and home to some of the most popular hill stations of India, Himachal Pradesh is a province that is sure to charm all the visitors to the land. Snow clad peaks of the mighty Western Himalayas welcome you to a land which has just about everything to offer to the tourists to the land. Winding pathways lead you to lush, green valleys which seem to have come out straight from the pages of a picture book. There is no dearth of tourist attractions in Himachal Pradesh and thus a trip to Himachal Pradesh will have pleasant surprises for almost everyone. Whether it is newly weds planning their honeymoon in Himachal Pradesh or for families planning a holiday in Himachal Pradesh, the province is one of the most visited tourist destinations of India.

Enveloped by as essence of natural purity, almost the entirety of the province of Himachal Pradesh provides the tourists to her land with an experience of a lifetime. The tourist attractions in Himachal Pradesh include some of the most popular hill stations of India, led by Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh. Added to these are the various pilgrimage places in Himachal Pradesh, which includes some of the most revered temples of India, as well as a number of respected places of worship belonging to the other communities in India.

An important part of the tourist attractions in Himachal Pradesh are the various adventure sports which the spectacular topography of Himachal Pradesh provides to the tourists to her land with. Besides these, the state is also home to some of clearest blue lakes of Himachal Pradesh as well as a number of wildlife sanctuaries of Himachal Pradesh. The culture of Himachal Pradesh also forms one of the main tourist attractions of Himachal Pradesh, with a number of the famous fairs and festivals of Himachal Pradesh drawing to the state a huge number of tourists each year.

Top 10 Places to Visit in Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh can be a delightful Indian state sited throughout north India in the hills with the Great Himalaya. Endowed with bountiful natural beauty, the state will certainly leave you spellbound using its impressive sprit of travel and leisure sites, peaceful atmosphere as well as exciting routines. Some famous cities to spend summer vacations are:

Shimla

Shimla is 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. he 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 form Captain 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 that were 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 cattle slaughtered.

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 the workshop 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 in these 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 a popular 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, Pandit Nehru, 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 attractions have 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 longest stretches of pedestrian shopping in the world.

Plan Your Sightseeing

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 Five Benches 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

Dalhousie

Dalhousie is located in the outer slopes of hill Dhauladhar range is another important hill resort in Himachal. A number of picturesque walks run through the oak, pine and deodar forests around the town and offer excellent views of the Chenab, the Ravi and the Beas valleys. It is thicky wooded with stately pines and oaks and has lovely picnic spot all around. Dalhousie is the gateway to Chamba. Originally conceived as a sanitorium by its founder Lord Dalhousie, it is today one of the most quiet hill stations. Extending over an area of 13 sq. km., Dalhousie comprises five distinct hills, Balun, Kathlog, Petreyn, Tehra and Bakrota with heights ranging between 1,525 and 2,378 metres. It is known for its Church buildings and other landmarks erected by the British. The town has old Churches like St. John’s Church ( made in 1903 A.D. ), and St. Patrick’s Church ( 1909 A.D. ).

Tourism in Dalhousie

Dalhousie still has a touch of British rule, which is reflected by its colonial style buildings and houses, which bring back the flavour of an earlier era. Dalhousie has famous churches like St. John’s Church, St. Francis’ Church, St. Andrew’s Church, and St. Patric. A Temple of Lakshami Narayan enshrined a beautiful image of Vishnu, stands in a Sadar Bazaar was built more than 150 years ago. Guru Rabinder Nath Tagore visited Dalhousie in his boyhood with his father, Pt. Jwahar Lal Nehru visited Dalhousie twice. He first visited Dalhousie in the year 1925 and his second visit was made in the year 1954 when he was the Prime Minister of India. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose stayed in Dalhousie in the year 1937. Dalhousie with its breath taking mountain chains, healthy climate and thick forests of deodar trees attracts a lot of tourists from near and far. Tourism in Dalhousie is soul refreshing as Dalhousie is the quietest hill station in India. A visit to Dalhousie is suitable in all seasons as Dalhousie offers unique experience to tourists in all seasons. In Summer, the beauty of majestic Bakrota Hills and other areas of Dalhousie cast a magical spell on the tourists. In Winter, Dalhousie offers a memorable experience of fun in snow as the place receives heavy snowfall in winter. In Rainy season, Dalhousie offers memorable experience of passing clouds and heavy fog, especially the fog during rainy season in Dalhousie is so wide spread that one feels like walking through clouds.

Dalhousie is easily approachable from Delhi, Punjab and Chandigarh as well as from other important places of Himachal. Any kind of transportation is easily available.Dalhousie has a number of famous places i.e. Bakrota Hills, Ajit Singh Memorial, Kalatop, Malls, Dain or Dayan Kund, Subhash Baoli, Jandari Ghat etc. which provide tourists with a memorable experience together with fine healthy climate and breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains.

There are two very beautiful lakes around Dalhousie i.e. Chamera Lake and Khajjiar Lake, among the two, Khajjiar lake falls under the kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary and set amongst thick deodar forest. The area around this beautiful lake is natural paradise. There is a wildlife sanctuary in Dalhousie area named Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary which starts from Kalatop area of Dalhousie and extends up to Khajjiar area. This is an easily approachable wildlife sanctuary. Dalhousie with its unsurpassed scenic beauty, healthy and soul refreshing climate, breathtaking Dhauladhar mountain ranges is a place where one can easily find himself lost in the unbelievable natural beauty. These are some key qualities which show why Tourism in Dalhousie has always been the choice of many tourists from near and far. Dalhousie is sure one of the finest and must visiting places of Himachal.

Dharamshala

Dharamsala is a peaceful town situated on the high slopes of Kangra Valley. It is the seat of holiness of the 14th Dalai Lama, with Dhauladar Mountains at the backdrop of the town, making it a mesmerizing tourist spot. The town is divided into two parts, namely the Upper Dharamsala and the Lower Dharamsala with difference of about 1000 m in altitude. It is a charming town of the refugees from Tibet. Dharamshal, the small beautiful town of Himachal Pradesh falls in the Kngra valley, at a distance of 185 km from Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh. Attractions
Himachal Pradesh is one of the most beautiful states in Northern India, Dharamshala is like a small piece of diamond, which multiplies its beauty manifold. The landscape is splendid, with green surroundings, swift rivers, and the mighty hill ranges, the small city is a perfect resting destination after some rush hours of journey. If one goes to Dharamshala the main attractions would be as follows.

Tourist Attractions in Dharamsala

The Kangara Art Museum : This museum houses some rare artifacts, miniature paintings and other cultural objects representing the richness of the past of this small town. Some of these belong to the 5th century, and the artifacts are quite well preserved.The library of Tibetan arts works and archives is also a good place to visit, especially for the Scholars and the enthusiasts of ancient art and literature. St. John’s Church : The most exciting memorial building of the British Raj in this town is the St. John’s Church, which also houses a memorial of Lord Elgin, the Viceroy who died in 1963.

Dal Lake
11 km away from lower Dharamshala and 3 km away from upper Dharamshala is the beautiful Dal Lake. Adjacent to the Tibetan children’s village, Dal lake is the starting point of trekking in the region. The oval shaped artificial lake, surrounded by fir trees is a must visit destination of the hill station. A casual stroll around the lake is also immensely enjoyed by tourists visiting Dal lake. The Dal lake every year comes to life in the month of September when an annual fair is held at the banks of the lake.

Chamunda Devi
Located at a distance of 15 km from the main town of Dharamshala, Chamunda Devi temple is dedicated to goddess Durga also called ‘Chamunda’. The pilgrimage site holds immense reverence for devout Hindus and whenever in Dharamshala people of the faith make it a point to visit the shrine. The shrine also holds significance due to the belief that praying here gives moksha or salvation to one’s ancestors. The shrine perched on a hill top gives a breathtaking view of the mountains and the surrounding forests which will surely remain etched in your mind.

Church of St. John In The Wilderness
Situated in the tranquil forest near Forsyth Gunj, the Anglican church is just fifteen minutes of walk away from McLeod Ganj. The British Viceroy Lord Elgin who initiated the development of the Church in Dharamshala died here and is buried in the cemetery close to the church. Built in 1852 the church is constructed in neo-Gothic style and has some superior Belgian stained glass windows. The church is open between 10 am to 5 pm and provides one immense peace of mind on a visit here.

Triund
Triund is a perfect destination for the adventurous lot of people. McLeod Ganj to Triund is a fascinating 9 km trek which involves crossing Rakkar and Dharamkot villages. On this interesting trekking journey one comes across Galu Devi which is a small shrine and a water point. On the way to Triund you will have to pass through jungles of rhododendrons and oaks. Here you can find avian population along with wild goats, black bear and pigs which are also found in the region. Finally on reaching Triund you will find a forest bungalow which was built a few years ago.

Manali

Manali – is one of the most crowded & famous tourist destinations in India. Tourists from different parts of world especially from India loves to visit Manali.

The Kullu valley has an ancient town in its lap called Manali. Surrounded by towering peaks at an arm length, Manali’s major asset is its proximity to the snowline. It is a flourishing orchard industry, a popular honeymoon destination and trailhead for numerous treks as well as a great countryside ideal for adventure sport lovers.

Manali literally means the ‘Home of Manu’. Manu is the mythological character who is supposed to have survived when the world was drowned in Flood. He then came to Manali and recreated human life. Thus, the area of Manali is sacred and Hindus treat the temples over here as pilgrimage and present time we are organizing holiday package in manali.

Best Time to Visit Manali

In winters, the temperature can drop below freezing point when heavy woolens are required. Summer temperatures are mild and light woolens/cottons are recommended. In Manali, one can find high mountains shrouded by silent snows and deep boulder strewn gorges. There are thick forests, filled with cool breezes and bird song. Best Time to visit is throughout the year.

Tourist Attractions in Manali

Hadimba Devi Temple: Hadimba or Dhungiri temple in Manali is one of the most important temples in the region. This four-story wooden temple is located in the middle of a forest called the Dhungiri Van Vihar.

Gadhan Thekchoking Gompa: This Gompa dominates the Tibetan area around the bottom of the Mall in Manali. The Tibetan refugees built the Gompa in the late 1960’s. The Gompa is covered with brightly colored frescoes and a mid size Buddhist statute. It also carries a list of the martyrs killed in occupation of Tibet of 1987 to 1989.

Old Manali: The old Manali area is located some 3-km from the present day Manali. The old Manali is covered with guesthouses, which look ancient now, and orchards where the livestock move at will.

Temple of Manu: Slippery stones paths lead through the old village houses up to the temple of Manu. Manali is named after the sage Manu who meditated when he came in this area.

Rohtang Pass: Rohtang Pass is the highest point, 4,112m, on the Manali-Keylong road, 51-km from Manali town. It provides a wide panoramic view of mountains rising far above clouds, which is a sight truly breath-taking.

Tibetan Temple: Tibetans have a base in Manali too. There is a large modern Tibetan temple to the South of the bus stand and also a small handicrafts center.

Arjun Gufa: On the left bank of the Beas, 5-km from Manali near the village of Prini, is the ‘Arjun Gufa’ or the cave of Arjuna. In here Arjuna practiced austerities to get Pashupata Ashtra or weapon from Lord Indra.

How to reach Manali

By Air :The nearest airport is Bhuntar, 52 km south of Manali.
By Rail : The closest narrow-gauge railhead is at Jogindernagar, 135 km away.
By Road : It is connected by a motorable roads and regular bus services connect Kullu & Manali to most of the important places in Himachal Pradesh and the neighboring states.

Khajjiar

Khajjiar, a hill station in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh is known for its mesmeric beauty that attracts tourists from different regions of India and the world. Situated at a small distance of 24 km from Dalhousie, another famous hill station, it is one of the admired destinations for summer vacations at Khijjiar. Due to its eye-catching hills cloaked by verdant greenery and cottages; Khajjiar is often referred as the Mini Switzerland of Himachal Pradesh.

Gorgeously nestled on a small plateau with a small lake in the center this beautiful summer resort is cloaked by verdant greenery and a canopy of forests. With an altitude of around 1981m this lovely hills station offers a climate that is highly loved by travelers. Calmly located in the foothills of the Dhauladhar ranges of mountains the place leaves tourists stunned with its snow clad peaks and verdant green meadows.

The summer destination of Khajjiar features a judicious amalgamation of three ecosystems: lake, pasture and forest. Khajjiar is not a town even not a village but there are some good accommodations here that offer quality accommodation to the guests who come form different parts of the world to bask in its immaculate beauty. This tourist destination of Khajjiar can be easily reached from Dalhousie, by road networks. This summer destination of Khajjiar can be best explored on foot however a ride on pony can be a better option. While on tours to Khajjiar the tourists can go to visit the various places of tourist interest situated around Khijjjar like Khajinag temple also known as the Golden Devi temple, Khajjiar Lake, Golf Course and Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary. So steal some moments to explore Khajjiar in its raw hues.

Best time to visit

Khajjiar is an all weather destination. Summers are pleasant with temperature hovering around 10-39 degree Celsius. The hill station serves as a perfect summer getaway. Winters can be severe with minimum temperature dropping as low as -10 degree Celsius. However, Khajjiar carpeted in pristine white snow is a sight to behold. The hill station receives moderate rainfall. Khajjiar looks most stunning during the rainy months. March-October is the best time to visit Khajjiar.

Bharmour

Bharmaur is a beautiful hill station at an altitude of 2195 m in Chamba District, Himachal Pradesh. It was the ancient capital of Chamba till 920.

Bharmaur is known for very old archaeological temples. All these temples stand on a level area which call the Chaurasi after the 84 Siddhas who are believed to have meditated in Bharmaur over 1000 years ago. The oldest temples in the complex are those of Lakshna Devi and Ganesh. Both these temples are made in the hill style with gable roofs and rubble masonry.

The area around Bharmour is regarded as belonging to Shiva and is sometimes called Shiv-Bhumi. Being the home of nomadic shepherds Gaddies it is also called Gadderan.

Bharmour is surrounded by high ranges, and delicious apples are grown here in abundance. The best period  to visit Bharmour is \ March to december.

Places To Visit in Bharmour

Bharmani Devi

Bharmani Devi, is the patron Goddess of Bharmaur and is located 4 km from Bharmaur, on a ridge among the forest and has a facinating view of Budhal valley. According to a legend Goddess was residing in the Bharmaur Chaurasi, before the advent of pilgrims. When Lord Shiva first appear in Bharmaur, the Goddess shifted her seat to the hill top known as Bharmani.The Lord Shiva granted a boon to Brahamani Devi that all persons intending to go on pilgrimage to Manimahesh must have a dip in Brahmani pool. Failing this, their pilgrimage would not be acceptable to Lord Shiva. Since then it is a ritual to visit Bharmani Devi, before the journey to Manimahesh.

Manimahesh

Manimahesh is located in the Bharmour region of Chamba district in Himachal Pradesh, India. The place holds its significance as a pilgrimage spot for Hindus. Manimahesh yatra and Manimahesh fair are conducted every year in this region. During Manimahesh yatra thousands of devotees throng the place every year. As the yatra is very difficult and exhausting, only staunch believers and nearby villagers(used to this kind of terrain) take up this trip. Occasionally, trekkers and chance travellers visit the place once and get enamored by the place so much that they keep coming back to this spiritual and beautiful place.

The place attributes its name ‘ManiMahesh’ to the mythological belief that there is Mani (a jewel) on Lord Shiva’s crown and locals believe that the moon rays reflected from the Mani can be seen from ManiMahesh lake on clear full-moon nights. Infact, the light reflected from the glacier that adorns the peak really looks like a shiny jewel on the head of the mountain. There are many other interesting mythological stories popular among locals associated with this place.

The water of Manimahesh lake is believed to be holy, and pilgrims take a holy dip and pray to the reflection of the Kailash Peak in the lake.

Chhatrari

The Shakti Devi temple in Bharmour is of great archaeological importance. This place is 40-km away from Bharmour and 45-km from Chamba via road. Situated at a height of 6,000 feet, it’s famous for its remarkable hill-style temple of Shakti Devi. The outer walls of the sanctum are covered with frescoes which are of recent origin and represent scenes from Purans. The village is inhabited mostly by the Gaddis who are semi-postral lot, engaged in rearing of sheep and goats.

Near the Shakti Devi Temple is the temple of Gauri Shankar. The work can be attributed to the 10th century AD which indicates a long period of sculptural activity in the region.

Dhanchho

Dhanchho is the mid-point of the trek to Manimahesh. Dhanchho is perched at an elevation of 2,440m above sea level at a distance of 24kms from Bharmour. A 13km drive from Bharmour to Hadsar and then trek of 7km from Hadsar will lead you to the scenic Dhanchoo. Dhanchho waterfall is perfect place for picnicking. After 5km from Dhancho Gourikund comes. Gauri is another name of Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. A dip in this lake is considered sacred because it is believed that Parvati used to bath in this lake. About one kilometer ahead is the Shiva Kalotri spring-said to have its source in Lord Shiva’s feet. After a short run reaches the Manimahesh Lake in this shallow circular lake gives it an enchanting appearance.

Banni Mata Temple

The legend behind Banni Mata dates farther back than any of those I have heard till now. Right upto the Panadavas and Mahabharata. It is said that all the 5 Pandava brothers, having ruled their kingdom departed for the Himalayas. While roaming in the Himalayas in search of Swarg (the Hindu heaven), they reached somewhere near the Pir Panjal range. Spring was setting in and they decided it was time to go a little higher and start farming for food. So, they headed towards Charola (near Kali Chho Pass). While on their way up, they encountered multiple obstacles. The mountains were difficult to walk on, snow was all over. There were treacherous slopes and crevices. Suddenly, it started snowing. One after another, four of the Pandavas and Draupadi succumbed to the weather and terrain. As each one started dying, the others found a reason for his/her death in his karma during that incarnation. All but Yudhishtira, who was known for his righteousness, died on the way. Yudhishthira reached Swarg.

When 4 of the brothers and Draupadi had died and Yudhisthira had reached Swarg, Draupadi, whose mortal flesh is believed to have been inhabited by Goddess Kali at times, appeared in the incarnation of goddess Kali. It is believed a huge rock in high Pir Panjals at Charola split vertically to reveal 3 Trashuls, which can still be seen there. After this, the goddess found her next home at Lyundi, at the base of the Pir Panjals and finally settled in the village of Banni. Since then, there has been a temple dedicated to Banni Mata (an incarnation of Kali) at this village. I was not able to find much history about the current structure but it looks quite recent as compared to how dated the legend is.

The temple and the goddess are both very important in the Bharmour region. Shepherds crossing Kali Chho pass to Lahaul (Kali is for Goddess Kali and Chho is waterfall, the pass has a waterfall close to it) visit the temple to seek the goddesses blessings for a safe crossing and have done so for ages now. Pilgrims from all over the Bharmour region and other parts of Himachal find their way to the temple to pay obeisance to the goddess. It is believed Goddess Kali grants all wishes to anyone making the journey with total devotion and fervour. Sometime around August, in the Bhadrapad month of the Hindu calendar, a fair is organized at the temple and it attracts devotees from all around. The fair, in typical Kali Puja style involves severing the heads of many goats. As soon as a goat’s head is severed, the temple priest, called Chela in local language and bestowed with special powers by the goddess drinks the blood of the severed goat. It is said he can drink blood from as many goats as are severed at a time and that this ability is a reflection of his being in direct communion with the goddess. Liquor is another common offering and the Chela takes a gulp from each bottle offered.

chamba

Chamba Himachal Prades, the land of lord Shiva is famous for its untouched natural beauty. The district has Dalhousie, Khajjiar, Chamba Town, Pangi and Bharamour as main tourist destinations. There are five lakes, five wild life sanctuaries and countless number of temples.
Chamba, is a small but attractive tourist destination of Himachal Pradesh, is known for its exquisite natural beauty. The place, located amidst picturesque and verdant valleys, is visited by tourist round the year. Sub-Himalayan range of mountains, full of diverse flora and fauna, make Chamba an exhilarating experience. Pleasing climate of the place is another factor why Chamba is one among the popular tourist destinations in the whole of India. In the following lines, we will provide you more information on the weather and climate of Chamba.
The summer season in Chamba starts from the middle of April and lasts till the last week of June. Even in summers, when the plains are boiling with high temperatures, the weather here remains quite pleasing. This is the time when majority of tourist takes shelter in the place. Days are a little warm, but nights are romantic and cool. Light cotton clothes are ideal during summers.
Rains in Chamba start in the month of July, when the monsoon breaks-in, and continue till late August or mid September. This is the time when the weather is misty and cloudy. During this time, the entire valley is covered in a hue of light green, with newly washed leaves shining in the glory of after-rain sunshine.
The winter season in Chamba starts in the month of December and lasts till the month of February. During this season, Chamba generally remains cool and dry, but snowfall does occur at higher elevations, during these months. In the winter season, the temperature might drop to freezing point in the lower region too and snowfall may happen. Tourists should go with heavy woolen clothes during this season and enjoy snowfall.

Manikaran

Located in the most superior peeth of India , the kulant peeth, manikaran is considered to be the prime place in this peeth as per the brahmand puran. The beauty of this place lies in the peaceful and, green surroundings, towering mountains, the rushing river parvati and most of all the hot water springs unique to this locale. The magnificence of this place is said to have so captivated lord shiva that he spent 1100 years here with his wife parvati . Lord Shiva was so pleased with this place that he had a Manikaran Ghat made at Kashi.The surroundings and environment are such that all the daily needs of a person can be fulfilled naturally here. When a person gets up in the morning, hot water is available in the form of hot water springs for taking a bath. The tea that is made with this water needs only half the sugar normally required to make tea. For food you can cook potatoes, pulses and sweet kheer and rice in a natural way, in less time, with the steam from the hot water springs. The whole process of cooking food takes less than half an hour.

According to the Brahmand Puran Manikaran was called Hari Har. Another name for this place is Ardhnareshwar.

Legend has it that Lord Shiva and his wife Parvati, on their sojourn of the world, were so enamoured by this spot, that they stayed here for 1100 years. During their stay, one day, Parvati who owned the chintamani jewel, the jewel that fulfils all wishes, dropped it while playing in water. The chintamani went straight to Sheshnag who resides in the subterranean world. When Parvati could not find the chintamani, she requested Lord Shiva to help locate it. Despite searching high and low the chintamani could not be found. The fiery temper of lord shiva started rising. He started getting into stance for performing his tandav dance and opening his third eye, which meant destruction all round. From the eyes of Lord Shiva Naina Devi appeared. Naina Devi sought out Sheshnag and informed him that Lord Shiva was angry because he could not locate the chintamani and that if sheshnag had the chintamani he should return it to lord shiva. Sheshnag presented the chintamani to Lord Shiva through a hot water fountain . That is how this place got the name manikaran. Not only this, sheshnag showered many other manis here, to please lord shiva. But lord shiva asked parvati to recognize and collect her mani. The rest of the manis he turned into stone so that people in the kalyug man not be lured by the wealth of manis and start fighting with each other for their possession.

Mcleod Ganj ( Dharamshala )

The town of McLeodganj is situated in Himachal Pradesh, India. The town dates back to the mid 19th century when it was established as a British garrison. Mcleodganj was initially the home of the semi-nomadic Gaddi tribe. Today, it serves as the residence of His Holiness, The 14th Dalai Lama – Tenzin Gyatso. However, even now, a considerable number of Gaddi families live in the villages around Mcleod Ganj.

Tourist Attractions in McLeodganj

Residence of the Dalai Lama
The Dalai Lama lives on the south edge of town. He came to Macleod Ganj in the year 1960 and since then, he has been living here only. Most of his house has been transformed into government offices, while he occupies only a small portion of the entire complex.

Tsuglagkhang
Tsuglagkhang, the main Buddhist temple of Dharamsala, is situated just opposite the private residence of The Dalai Lama. It houses the images of Shakyamuni, Padmasambhava and Avalokitesvara, all of them sitting in meditation postures.

Gompa Dip Tse-Chok Ling
Gompa Dip Tse-Chok Ling is a small monastery situated at the foot of a sharp road. The main prayer hall of the monastery is adorned with the image of Shakyamuni. The other attractions of the monastery include its beautiful and intricate mandals.

Library of Tibetan Works & Archives
There is also a library of Tibetan works and archives in McLeodganj. It comprises of a rich collection of almost 40 % of the original Tibetan manuscripts. There is also a photographic archive in the library.

Lahaul Spiti

Lahaul Spiti  became the district of Himachal Pradesh in 1960 and is one of the frontier districts of India. It is 120 km. away from Manali and has snow fed glaciers and barren mountains. Keylong is the headquarter of Lahaul-Spiti and oasis of green fields. The two valleys at Lahaul and Spiti have a tenous link over the Kunzam Pass ( 4,520 metres ). The two twin valleys, Lahaul and Spiti in the North-Eastern corner of Himachal, protected by distance is a region of nature at its wildest which has lent it much enchantment. The threshold of one of the Lahaul plateau is nourished by the Chandra and Bhaga rivers and is surrounded by high mountains on all sides, the Great Himalayas to the North, the Pir Panjal to the South and the Spiti and Chandra watershed to the East. Lahaul has curious mixture of Buddhist and Hinduism. There are a number of Monasteries and Temples. Lahaul Spiti is an emerging tourist place in Himachal having beautiful landscapes and interesting blend of Buddhism and Hinduism. Tourism in Lahaul Spiti offers a place which seems to be frozen in time. Although spoken as Lahaul Spiti, Lahaul and Spity are actually two valleys which are completely different from each other in almost everything. Where Lahaul is blessed by nature and nurtured by chandra and bhaga rivers, Spiti on the other hand is like a cold desert. Geologically and archaeologically, Spiti is a living museum. There are breathtaking valleys, trekking areas and some very famous monasteries here.

A number of fairs and festivals are celebrated in Lahaul Spiti i.e. Ladarcha fair, Pauri fair, Tribal fair, Tsheshu fair, Festival of light, Fagli festival and Gochi festival. Tourism in Lahaul Spiti offers a number of beautiful temples to visit around i.e. Trilokinath temple and Mrikula Devi temple. There are a number of Monasteries in Lahal Spiti i.e. Kie Monastery, Tabo Monastery, Yang Yud Gompa, Kungri Gompa, Guru Ghantal Gompa, Gemur Monastery, Sashur Gompa, Kardang Gompa, Dhankar Monastery etc. which provide tourists with a completely different tourism experience in Trans Himalaya.

Tourism in Lahaul Spiti offers a number of famous places to explore around i.e. Keylong, Tandi, Khoksar, Gondhla, Jispa, Udaipur, Darcha in Lahaul Valley and Kaza, Dhankar, Spiti, Kunzum, Lossar and Kibber village in Spiti valley. As the two places Lahaul and Spiti are far different from each other, they provide completely different tourism experience. The curious mixture of Buddhism and Hinduism is the main feature of tourism in Lahaul and Spiti. Tourism in Lahaul Spiti offers a number of beautiful lakes to visit around i.e. Chandra Tal lake, Suraj Tal lake and Dashir lake. All these lakes are among the most beautiful lakes in Himachal. Especially the Chandra Tal lake is worth a visit. There is an important wildlife park in Lahal Spiti named Pin Valley National Park.Pin Valley National Park contains a variety of rare animals such as woolly hare, Tibetan gazelle and snow Leopard. The entire area is a cold desert, interspersed with a few alpine meadows.

Lahaul Spiti offers something completely different to all the tourists who visit here. It is another important tourist destination in Tribal Voyage of Himachal. The lush green valley on one side and the cold desert on the other side, curious mixture of Buddhism and Hinduism make Lahaul Spiti a place worth a visit.