|
Main Cities:
The main cities of Himachal Pradesh are Shimla, Kangra, Kullu, Lahaul & Spiti, Manali, Mandi, Palampur, Dalhousie, Dharamshala, Solan and Sirmour. Some are easily accessible; some are remote and require a sense of adventure to reach. Each city has its own charm and is well worth a visit.
Climate:
HP experiences three seasons; the hot, cold and rainy seasons. The climate varies from hot and sub-humid tropical in the southern tracts to cold, alpine and glacial in the much higher northern and eastern mountain ranges. Summer lasts from mid April till end June and most parts become hot (except in alpine zones which experience mild summer) with the average temperature ranging from 28 to 32 °C. Winter lasts from end November till mid-March. There is great variation in the climate due to very wide variations in elevation. Dharamsala receives very heavy rainfall, but Lahaul and Spiti are cold and almost rainless.
Demographics:
The population of the State has risen at a relatively low rate. Total literacy of the State rose to 79.7% from 77.1% in 2001. The main communities are Brahmins, Rajputs, Gujjars, Rathis, Gaddis, Ghirth (Choudhary), Kanets, and Kolis.The Ghirth community is found mainly in Kangra. Himachal also has a fair number of Tibetans. HP has the highest proportion of Hindu population in India (95%), with Buddhism and Sikhism of any sizeable percentage. Buddhists make up close to 75% of the inhabitants of the Lahaul and Spiti region. Sikhs live in the cities, mostly descended from the refugees from West Punjab (now Pakistan). The major spoken languages include Hindi, Punjabi, English and regional dialects.
Cities to Visit:
All cities listed above are worth visiting, though travel is tedious in some areas.
Shimla
• By Air: Jubbarhatti airport is 23 km from Shimla town, connecting to Delhi and Kulu. Taxi cabs are available.
• By Rail: The rest of India is connected by a broadgauge line up to Kalka. Further travel is by a 96 km long narrow gauge line to Shimla.
• By Road: Shimla connects with all major cities in north India by road. All kinds of buses and taxis ply round the clock.
Dharamshala and Palampur
• By Air: The airport at Gaggal is 14 km from Dharamshala. Taxis are available to take you to Palampur, 38 km away.
• By Rail: Pathankot is the closest railhead, 85 km from Dharamshala and 124 km from Palampur. Taxis are available. You can opt for the narrow gauge railway also. Called the Kangra Valley Railway it connects Pathankot to Jogindernagar. Kangra Mandir routes passengers to Dharamshala and Maranda to Palampur.
• By Road: Dharamshala is just off a National Highway and well linked to the region. Palampur, 38 km from Dharamshala, is well linked of its own.
An interesting departure from the beaten track can be made by taking the train from Delhi up to Jalandhar or Una and then traveling by road. Chintpurni, Jawalamukhi and Kangra shrines are on the link. The distance from Jalandhar to Dharamshala is 165 km and to Palampur, 198 km along this route.
Kulu and Manali:
• By Air: The airport at Bhuntar is 10 km from Kulu and 50 km from Manali. Public transport buses and taxis are available.
• By Road: Kulu and Manali are connected by an extensive network of road with the northern region. Buses and taxis ply on this route. A National Highway runs through the valley and connects Chandigarh and Delhi.
Dalhousie and Chamba:
• By Air: The closest airport at Gaggal is 112 km from Dalhousie and 172 km from Chamba via Banikhet route. Rail is the best option. Taxis are available.
• By Rail: The distance between Pathankot, the nearest railway station and Dalhousie is 85 km, and Chamba, 120 km. Taxis are available.
• By Road: Both Dalhousie and Chamba are well connected by road. Taxis and coaches ply regularly.
Other places worth visiting are Mandi, Bilaspur, Una, Hamirpur, Solan, Paonta Sahib, Nahan, Spiti and Lahaul valleys, Kinnaur and Kangra, Churches and cemeteries of Himachal Pradesh, Legacy of the warrior Guru, The Hindustan Tibet Road, Churches of Himachal, Journey with the Buddha, Jwalamukhi, Chintpurni and the shrine of Naina Devi
Events: International Shimla Summer Festival, Ice Skating Festival, Lavi Fair, Paragliding Pre-World Cup, Gemur, Winter Carnival Manali, Renuka Fair, Hamir Utsav, Tribal Festival, Kullu Dussehra, Ashwin Navratra Mela, Sair Festival, Phulaich Fair and Minjar Mela.
Trekking:
The following routes are some of the many treks available:
• Baralacha-Chandratal Trek — starts from Manali, ends at Chandratal Lake ("Moon" Lake);
• Bhabha Pass Trek — known for lush green flower strewn meadows, picturesque and dense forests.
• Bir Bhangal Trek — This is a challenging trekking trail which starts from Kulu valley and is recommended only for experienced trekkers.
• Darcha Padum Trek.
|
