Hill Station in Punjab

Himachal, nestled in the Himalayas in North India, the world's mightiest mountain ranges, Himachal is called Abode of Snow; the state is surrounded by Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttaranchal and the Chinese territory of Tibet.

This beautiful state is blessed with some of the most picturesque and amazing landscape anywhere, it is tourist’s paradise- high snow peaks of great Himalaya, lush green valleys, deep gorges, fast flowing rivers, misty woods, enchanting lakes and flower filled meadows. Its high mountains and valleys are connected by winding roads and high altitude passes. While the splendid valleys of Kullu and Kangra are a riot of colours, in marked contrast the stark and barren terrains of Lahaul-and-Spiti at altitude of 6500m. Lahaul and Spiti have stunning lunar and scape like beauty. For centuries, the place has been called 'Devabhoomi' means Abode of God. When it comes to the religious and spiritual places sites, surprisingly almost mountains have a highly revered and beautiful temple. Most of the temples are built in 'Shikhara' mode or Indian Dravidian architectural pattern. On the other side, the Buddhist monasteries are built in pagoda style of architecture. Chamunda Devi Temple of Chamba, Naina Devi Temple in Nainital, and Shitla Mandir of Jangla are most popular Hindu pilgrim in this region. Shimla, the state capital of Himachal once summer capital during British rule. Kullu-Manali are neighbouring hill stations surrounded by pine covered hills and lush meadows. The state is also blessed with wildlife places, offers 32 sanctuaries, 2 National Parks and 3 Games Reserves. Here one can spot a number of species of the rarest of animals and birds. There are 3 beautiful rivers originated from glacier of Himalaya the main rivers are Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, and Parbati.

Here, the local people lead a simple and calm life, tending their orchards, fields and flocks. Keeping alive their rich art and culture. They remain interested in the annual rounds of fairs and festivals, full of music, song and dance. There are also great opportunities for trekking, mountaineering, fishing, river rafting, skiing and paragliding. Recent history of Himachal takes us to post independence era when 30 princely states were united to form Himachal Pradesh. Later in 1966, when Punjab was partitioned into Punjab and Haryana, some parts of Punjab were merged with Himachal Pradesh. The state as it is known today came into being in 1971, when it became the 18th state of the Indian Union. The state lies in the north of India and is bordered by Jammu & Kashmir on North, Punjab on West & South West, Haryana on South, Uttar Pradesh on South-east and China on the East.

Shimla is popularly known as “Queen of Hill Stations." Situated in the north-West Himalayas, Shimla the summer capital of India before independence is now the capital of Himachal Pradesh. Shimla derives its name from "Shyamala"; the goddess Kali, whose temple existed in the dense forest that covered Jakhu Hill in the early 19th century. The name Shimla is derived from the Himalayan Goddess Shamla a synonym of Kali. The English named it Simla. Shimla is Covering the area of 18 sq. km. at a height of 7,238 ft. Shimla is surrounded by pine, deodar, oak and rhododendron forests. It’s well developed facilities, easy accessibility and numerous attractions make it one of Indian's most popular and biggest hill-stations.

During the monsoon, we see some of the best sunsets in the world. Surrounded by spectacular mountains and gorgeous valleys, Tourists can visit the Christ Church, the snow-covered Himalayas of Jakhu hills, Shimla State Museum and the township of Summer Hill. There's also an option to drive down to other close by destinations of Chail, Kufri, Naldhera and Mashobra.

Area: 18 sq. km.,
Altitude: 2,213 meters,
Climate: (deg C)--Summer- Max.27, Min.14.5, Winter- Max.16.5, Min.5.2,
Clothing: Summer - Light woollens, winter - Heavy woolens,
Best Season: April to Mid-July, Mid-September to Mid-November,
Languages spoken: Pahari (Local Dialect), Hindi, English.