HIMACHAL PRADESH

Himachal Pradesh : is situated right in the lap of the Himalayan ranges. The state is almost entirely mountainous with altitudes ranging from 460 to 6600 metres above sea level. Physiographically, the southern part of the state is almost as hot as the plains, while northern region is almost temperate summer & a winter with extreme cold and heavy snowfall. The state is drained by a number of perennial rivers, namely Chenab, Ravi, Beas, Satluj and Yamuna.

Himachal Pradesh is studded with a number of hill stations which are refreshingly cool in summer. Khajiar in Chamba district has earned the name 'Mini Switzerland' because of the striking similarity in landscape. The state abounds in wildlife with some rare species of animals and birds. The rivers offer ideal fishing grounds. The state also offer a sportman all he wants, from sking and trekking, to water rafting and mountaineering. Agriculture and horticulture are the mainstay of the state's economy. The agroclimatic conditions in the state are more suitable for growing a wide variety of cash crops and fruits in its beautiful orchards.

State Government : http://www.himachal.gov.in

Capital :	Shimla
Area :	55,673 square Kilometers
Population :	6,077,900 (2001 census)
Literacy :	76.48% (2001)
Language :	Hindi, Pahari
Roads :	29,610 Kms
Railways :	269 Kms
Airport :	Shimla, Kullu, Kangra
Seaport :	Nil
Climate :	Summer (33° - 14° C), Winter (15° - 0° C), Monsoon : July to September
Best Season :	April to October (in Summer) & December to February (in Winter)
Places of Interest :	State Tourism : http://www.himachaltourism.nic.in / http://www.hptdc.nic.in
	Bhakra : dam site picnic spot. Bilaspur : Caves, temples, View of Anandpur Sahib, Lake, Cattle Fair. Chail : Highest cricket ground in the world, Hill station, Palace, woods ideal for trekking and bird watching, Fishing. [Chail SanctuaryBirds and wildlife in plenty (March - December).] Chamba : Temples, Museum, Gateway to Tisa and Pangh Valleys, Gardens, Murals and Paintings. [Bharmaur (66 Kms) : Ancient capital, Temples.] Dalhousie : Hill station, Handicrafts, Picnic spot. Dharamshala : 'Queen of Hills', Tibetan handicrafts, Headquarters of Dalai Lama, Tibetan Monastery, Bhagsunag Temple. Fagu : Scenic Beauty. Jwala Mukhi : Temple, Festival of Flame goddess. Kalpa : Gateway to Kinnaur district (Inner line entry - permit needed), famed for its Handloom shawls, Folk dances, Forest flora and fauna. Kangra : Ancient town, Miniature paintings, Temples. Kasauli : Hill station, Medical Research Institute. Khajiar : Lake-side valley, Golf, 'Switzerland of India'. Khoksar : Gateway to Lahaul and Spiti valleys, the land of lamas. [Kyelang (48 Kms) : Buddhist monastery, Frescoes, last town before the picturesque Lahul and spiti valleys. [Trilokinath (30 Kms) : Buddhist pilgrim centre, Monastery] Kotgarh : Orchards. Kullu : Orchards, Temples, Scenery, Trekking, Trout fishing (at Banjar 52 Kms; Katrain 20 Kms, and Larji 34 Kms). [Baijnath (22 Kms) : Pilgrim centre. Bajaura (15 Kms) : Temples, Orchards. Gobind Sagar (107 Kms) : Boating. Manikaran (45 Kms) : Hot springs. Naggar (30 Kms) : Roerich's home (now a museum), Temples.] Manali : Hill resort, Trekking, Temples, Himalayan Montaineering Institute, Orchads, Four-tiered wooden temple with pagoda shaped roof. [Bashista (3 Kms) : Hot springs.] Mandi : River-side hill station, Pilgrim centre, Temples, Floating islands, Pilgrim centre, Sculptures. [Naduan (60 Kms) : Palace, Boating and Fishing. Rewalsar (24 Kms) : Pilgrim centre of all faiths, Lake.] Nahan : Hill station, Temples. Narkanda : View of Himalayan Peaks. Nurpur : Fort, Handlooms. Palampur : Hill station, Plantations. [Baijnath (15 Kms) : Temples, Scenic beauty.] Paonta Sahib : Sikh pilgrim centre, Fort. Renuka : Sacred lake, Lake-side Wildlife Sanctuary, Fair (in November), Handicrafts. Shimla : Year-round Holiday resort, Meadows and Forests, Handicrafts. [Chharaba (13 Kms) : Scenic beauty, Gardens. Kufri (16 Kms) : Winter sports resort area. Mashobra (13 Kms) : Hiking, Picnic spot. Naldera (19 Kms) : Golf, Fair in June. Tattapani (50 Kms) : Sulphur springs. Theog (32 Kms) : Trout fishing. Wild Flower Hall (7 Kms) : Floral beauty.] Solan : Hill station.
Festivals :	Holi (March), Minja Mela (April), Dussehra (October), Jwala Mukhi Mela (October), Diwali (October / November).