The charming state of Himachal is located in the north of India and is surrounded by Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Chandigarh, Haryana, Uttarakhand and Tibet Autonomous Region. Its surroundings are popular for its hill stations and temples.
Some interesting things you need to know before visiting Himachal Pradesh
The word Himachal Pradesh is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Hima‘ meaning snow. The name of the state means “in the lap of the Himalayas“.
The state was formed on 15 April 1948 from 28 princely states and Chamba, Mandi, Sirmur and Mahasur. It became 18 states of the country on January 25, 1971.
Kalka-Shimla Railway
The most popular, favorite and enjoyable way to go to Shimla is to use the Kalka-Shimla Railway, popularly known as the Toy Train. The site has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and holds the world record for traversing the highest point (5,816 feet) in the shortest distance of 96 kilometers.
The State with the Least Corruption
Himachal Pradesh is known as the second least corrupt state of India after Kerala. So, leave your worries behind when you experience the beautiful Himachal Pradesh tourism for yourself.
Kasol
Kasol in Himachal Pradesh is called “Mini Israel”. Because there are so many fascinating coincidences. Most of the tourists who visit here are of Israeli origin. Even most shops and hotels have signs in Hebrew. The mouth-watering pita bread and hummus definitely take the Israeli idea to the next level!
Shigri Glacier in Lahore-Spiti
Shigri Glacier in Lahore-Spiti is the largest glacier in Asia! The glacier attracted attention years ago due to the valuable antimony deposits in the region.
Great Himalayan National Park
Toy train is not the only World Heritage Site Himachal Pradesh is blessed with. The Great Himalayan National Park in Kullu is also one. Established in 1984, it is home to more than 375 fauna species and various flora.
Malana
Malana is an ancient village in the north-east section of Kullu Valley. Being cut off and unaffected by modern civilization altogether, it is considered to be one of the oldest democracies in the world and has its own set of Greek-resembling beliefs and ways. The fairly unexplored and untouched village is also known as The Village of Taboos as there is a strict rule of no outsider touching any belonging of a resident of the village!
Culture
Did you know that Himachal Pradesh is known as the land of deities? Almost every village in the state is known to have its Gods, Goddesses, rituals, and worship methods!
Solan
Solan, a lovely hill town in Himachal, is popularly known as the ‘Mushroom City’ due to its unrestricted mushroom production. It is also one of the largest mountain cities in Asia.
Khajjiar
Khajjiar is a hill station in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. Mr. Willy T. Blazer, Vice President and Director of Switzerland, has put this beautiful summer mountain on the world travel map. The mission also has a channel with a floating island in the middle!
Apple Production
Not many people know that Himachal Pradesh is the second largest apple producer in the country after Jammu and Kashmir. There are more than 450 varieties of apples in the state. Himachal Pradesh produces more than 4 lac tons of apples every year!
Jakhoo Temple
Even the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata could not escape these lands! Jakhoo temple in Shimla is believed to be the place where Lord Hanuman rested before finding the Sanjeevani booti.
Manimahesh Kailash
Manimahesh Kailash Peak is said to be the abode of Lord Shiva and is an important place in the state.
