The mountainous kingdom of the Gods, Himachal Pradesh has been referred to as

"Dev Bhoomi" - the land of the Gods - in ancient Scriptures. It is blessed by great natural beauty, spiritual calm, lush green valleys, lofty snow-clad peaks, and rivers roaring through gorges or flowing gracefully in the valleys and dense forests of deodar and oak.

Himachal Pradesh rises from the plains to the high Himalayas and beyond, moving across montain ranges north to the Lahaul and Spiti Valleys . Shimla, the capital of the state, is a beautiful hill station. The three main river valleys in the state kullu, Kangra and Chomba have their own magical allure. Nestling in the Kullu valley is Manali and there is Dharmashala in the Kangra valley, which was chosen by His Holiness Dalai Lama as his home. In the Chamba valley is Dalhousie - a quaint, charming hill station. And finally, there is Lahaul ond Spiti, adjoining Ladakh, in a world of its own. Very Buddhist, very snowbound.

REACHING THERE

SHIMLA
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air - Indian Airlines and Jagson Airlines services connect Jubbar-Hatti Airport (23 kms) with Kullu and Delhi.

Rail - Shimla is connected by a narrow gauge line with Kolka (96 kms) which in turn is connected with the major cities in India. The Toy train journey from kolka to Shimla is entrancing with 107 tunnels and lofty arched bridges.

Road - Regular bus services connect Shimla with Chandigarh 117 kms, Kullu 220 kms, Manali 280 kms, Delhi 343 kms, Mandi 150 kms, Pathankot 380 kms, Ambala 151 kms, Chail 45 kms, Dehradun 240 kms, Dharamshala 235 kms, Dalhousie 336 kms.


DHARAMSHALA
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air - The nearest airport, Gaggal (13 kms), is connected to New Delhi by Jagson Airways.

Rail - The nearest railhead Pathankot (85 kms) is connected to major cities in India. There is a narrow gauge train from Pathankot to Kangra (17 kms) from Dharamshala.

Road - Direct & regular bus services link Dharamshala with Chandigarh 239 kms, Delhi 470 kms, Dalhousie 143 kms, Hoshiarpur 128, Jwalamukhi 55 kms, Jammu 197kms, Kangra 18 kms, Kullu 214 kms, Manali 265 kms, Mandi 147 kms, Nangal 145 kms, Palampur 35 kms, Chamba 192 kms and Shimla 300 kms.


KULLU
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air - The nearest airport Bhuntar (10 kms) connected by Jagson Airlines with Delhi.

Rail - The nearest most convenient railhead is Chandigarh (357 kms). The other nearest narrow gauge railheads are Jogindarnagar (126 kms) with a change at Pathankot and Shimla (220 kms) with a change at Kalka.

Road - Kullu is on the National Highway No.21. Motorable roads and regular bus services connect Kullu to Delhi 530 kms, Pathankot 278 kms, Palampur 164 kms, Dolhouie 334 kms.


MANALI
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air - The nearest airport Bhuntar (50 kms) is connected by Jagson Airlines with Delhi.

Rail - The nearest most convenient railhead is Chandigarh (397 kms). The other nearest narrow gauge railheads are Jogindarnagar (166 kms) with a change at Pathankot and Shimla (260 kms) with a change at Kalka.

Road - Manali is on the NH No.21. Motorable roads and regular bus services connect Manali to Delhi 570 kms, Palampur 204 kms, Dalhousie 374 kms.

For access options and bookings, please visit: http://hptdc.nic.in/access.htm

DHARAMSHALA
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The High snow clad Dhauladhar ranges of the Himalays from a magnificent Backup to the hill resort of Dharamsala is the principal township of Kangra district and overlooks the wide spread of the plains. With dense pine and deodar forests, numerous streams, cool healthy air, attractive surroundings and the nearly snowline. Dharamsala has everything for a perfect holiday. It is full of life and yet peaceful. And therefore the headquarter of His Holiness the Dolai Lama is here. Covering a wide area in the form of twin settlement, Lower Dharamsala (1380 m) is a busy commercial center, while Upper Dharamsala (1830 m), with suburbs of Mcleodganj and Forsytheganj, retains a British flavour and colonial lifestyle.


Kangra Art Museum
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This treasure trove of the Kangra valley's arts, crafts, and rich past, displays artifacts that date back to the 5th century. The museum also includes a gallery of Kangra's famous miniature paintings and a representative collection of sculptures, pottery, and anthropological items.


Temple Bhagsunath (10 kms)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------There are many fresh water springs close to the temple, which are considered sacred by the Hindus.


War Memorial
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Set amidst the pine groves is a war memorial, built on the entry point to Dharmsala to commemorate the post independence war heroes of Himachal Pradesh.


Dal Lake (11 kms)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Surrounded by high and green Deodar trees is the lake, which fills a mountain.bowl. It makes an enchanting and serene picnic spot.

St. John's Church (8 kms)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This beautiful church is situated amidst green trees. This church was made in memory of Lord Elgin, former Viceroy of India. Highlight of this church are its attractive stained-glass windows.

Tatwani & Machhrial
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------There are hot springs situated at Tatwani, 25-km from Dharamsala but on the way, at Machhrial, is a waterfall twice as big as the one near the Bhagsunath temple.

Kunal Pathri
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------These are the rock temples from which the place derives its name. Kunal pathri is a 3kms flat walk from Kotwali Bazaar.

Dharmkot (11 kms)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Located on the crest of hill lie this attractive picnic spot, which present a panoramic view of the Kangra valley and Dauladhar ranges.

McLeodganj
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Originally home of the semi-nomadic Gaddi tribe. McLeodganj is the residence of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama . Today the place has developed as headquarter of the exiled Tibetan Govt. The impressive monastery has larger than life size image of Buddha, Padmasmbhava and Avalokwshwara.

Chinmaya Tapovan (10 kms)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It is on ashram complex established by the late Swami Chinmayananda, a noted exponent of the Geeta. The complex includes 9m high image of Lord Hanuman, a magnificent Rama temple, a meditation hall, a school, and an health and recreation center.

Masroor (40 kms)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Fifteen richly carved monolithic rock temples sculpted in the splendid style of the Kailash temple at Ellora are to be found at Masrur. Images of Ram Sita and Lakhsman can be found in the sanctum of the main temple.

Kareri (22 kms)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A scenic spot with a rest house. Surrounded by green open meadows and forests of tall oak & pine is situated the picturesque Kareri Lake.

Trilokpur (41 kms)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
They are the unique cave temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Jawalamukhi (56 kms)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Dedicated to the "Goddess of light", the temple is one of the most popular Hindu temples in northern India . In this temple there is a copper pipe through which natural gas comes out, the priest of the temple lights this and the blue flame emanating is worshipped as the manifestation of Goddess. The temple is topped by o golden spire, a gift from the Emperor Akbar.

Chamunda Devi (15 kms)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It is the famous temple with the majestic Dhaulandhars as a backdrop ond glorious views of the mountains.

Chintpurni Temple (80 kms)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The idol of Chhina Mastaka, the killer of the demon Nishumbha ,is in the Chintpurni Temple . Revered by the Hindus in Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh, the Goddess of Chintapurni is known as the remover of all troubles. A ten day fair is held here in the month of Aug. each year.

Nupur (66 kms)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Named after Nurjehan the consort of the Mughal Emperor Jehangir, it has an ancient fort and an exquisitely carved Krishna temple. Nurpur is also famous for its fine Pashmina shawls and textiles.

KULLU
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kullu was once known Kulanthpitha, which means the end of the habitable world. Beyond rose the forbidding heights of the Greater Himalayas, and by the banks of the shining river Beas , lay the fobled'SilverValley'.

Here is the core of an intricate web of numerous valleys-each of which is a visual delight and seems more beautiful than the other. The mountain scapes remain spectacular whether in brilliant sunshine or in the haze of the mist.


Raghunathji Temple (1 km)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In the 17th century, Raja Jagat Singh of Kullu had sent a senior courtier to Ayodhya for a statue of lord Raghunath -Lord Ram. This temple was built by Raja Jagat Singh to house the image.

Bijli MahadevTemple (13 kms)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This temple is famous for its 20m high rod that periodically draws lightning, which shatters the 'Shivalinga' and scorches' the building. Using only butter as adhesive, the linga' is then carefully pieced together by the temple pundit.


The Vaishno Devi Temple (4 kms)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This temple has a small cave with an image of goddess Vaishno or Durga in it.


Naggar (28 kms)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For 1400 years Naggar remained the capital of Kullu. Its 16th century stone and wood castle is now a hotel run by Himachal Tourism.


Parvati Valley/Manikaran (45 kms)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At 1737 m, here hot sulphur springs that bubble next to the by waters of the Penal river. The place is revered by both Hindus and Sikhs Treks from here lead to Pulga, Khirganga and Mantolai a stretch of considerable natural beauty. The route finally reaches the Pin Parvati Pass (4802 m), which opens in to the Sutlej valley.


Akhara Bazaar
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Known as one of the main bazaar, where Kullu cops, shawls 'pattoos', gudmas or rugs are sold in plenty.

Bajaura Temple (15 kms)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A massive pyramidal structure temple, decorated with images of Durga, Vishnu and Ganesh in the outer 3-sided shrines! Floriated scrollwork can be seen on the exterior walls. Inside this Shiva temple is a large is a yoni-lingam.


Bajaura Temple (15 kms)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A massive pyramidal structure temple, decorated with images of Durga, Vishnu and Ganesh in the outer 3 - sided shrines. Floriated scrollwork can be seen on the exterior walls. Inside this Shiva temple is a large is a yoni- lingam.

Kaisdhar
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A picturesque spot, situated across a steep hill known for its magnificient scenery and innumerable walks.


Kasol (42 kms)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
An open glade by the banks of the river Parvati, Kasol makes a good holiday destination.


Raison (16 kms)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A camping site runs here. This place is ideal for a taste adventure and for spending a quiet holiday in solitary splendour.


Katrain (20 kms)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This is the home of lush orchards and famous for bee-keeping and trout fishing.


Largi (34 kms)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Largi is a small hamlet which offers the best trout fishing and scenic beauty in the valley.


Jagatsukh
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jagatsukh is the most ancient Kullu capital. There are two ancient temples - the small shrine of Gaurishankar and the larger chalet-roofed temple to the goddess Sandhya Devi.


Deo Tibba
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Also known as Indralika, this 2,953 meters (9,687ft.) high snow dove Jagatsukh has a legend around it, with Arjuna. He started performing meditation at this mountain, under the advice of Maharishi Vyas, in order the powerful Pasupata Astra from India.


Banjar (58 kms)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It is famous for its panoramic beauty and trout fishing in river Tirtham.


Malana (16 kms)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A little hub of hundred houses. The village is basically famous for its temple of Jamlu and its distinct and fully reserved social and cultural setup.


Pulga, Khiranga and Mantalai
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On right side of river Parvati lies Pulga, which looks like the twin sister of Manali. Khiranga hot water fall is situated in beautiful natural setting and its water contains medicinal property. Covering another two kilometres from Khiranga lies Mantalai.

Chandra Khanni Pass
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The tough climbing trek-route of Chandra Khani Pass lies east of Khatrain. The whole area looks wonderfully striking and colourful when the flowers in various brilliant hues, are in blossom.

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 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.


Temple of Manu
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 kms from the main bazaar in old Manali lies the temple of Manu Rishi , Believed to be the only temple of Manu in India. Arjun Gufa (5 kms)

The gufa or cove of Arjuna where he practised austerities to get Pashupata Ashtra or weapon from Lord Indra.

Hadimba Temple
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hadimba or Dhoongiri temple is dedicated to Goddess Hadimba, wife of Bhima of Mahabharata fame. This four-story wooden temple is located in the middle of a forest called the Dhoongiri Van Vihar.


Vashisht Kund (3 kms)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This pyramid shaped temple is dedicated to sage Vashisht. Around this temple there are hot springs and waterfalls. The both houses here a made in the Turkish style.


Club House (2 kms )
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It has indoor game facilities. It is located on the left bank of Manaslsu Nallah. There are some picnic spots near it.


Tibetan Monasteries
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There are 3 newly constructed colourful monasteries, where visitors can buy carpets and other Tibetan handicrafts. Two are located in the town and one on the left bank of the Beas river.


Kothi (12 kms)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
One km away from here, the River Vyas flowing out of a 30 mts. deep pit, to surrounded by rocks, offers a beautiful sight. On these rocks reside innumerable pigeons.


Rahla Waterfalls
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It is a picnic spot with the view of the river Vyas folling from a height of 50 mts is breath taking.


Solang Valley (13 kms)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Snow-capped peaks and glaciers make this majestic valley an ideal place for winter games.


Nehru Kund (5 kms)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This is a beautiful picnic spot surrounded by cold waterfalls, springs and a peaceful atmosphere.

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


FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dhoongri Fair - May gushes in with a whole series of river rafting festivals and water sports. Regattas are conducted throughout the state. Focused around the goddess Hadimba Devi,Kullu celebrates the Dhoongri fair.

Summer Festival - They are held at Shimla and Dharamshala in the month of June. A variety of programmes like folk dance, sports tournament, rnushairas, golf and flower shows add colour to the summer season.

Kullu Dussehra - When Dussehra celebrations come to on end in the rest of the country, they begin at Kullu. Over 600 local deities come to pay homage to Lord Raghunathji. Folk dances, exhibitions, cultural programmes are held to mark the festivities.

Ice Skating Carnival - It is the most important event held in Shimla in the month of December.

SHIMLA
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There is an enormous range of goods that Shimla has to offer. This includes handicrafts, wood and metal work, shawls, pullovers, local tweeds, caps, Tibetan carpets and pickle jams, and squashes. Himachal Pradesh Govt. has a Emporium at the Mall which exhibits all these products for sale. Lakkar Bazaar adjacentto the ridge is popularfor its wood craftsand souvenirs.

For more information: http://hptdc.nic.in/cir0103.htm#shimla

DHARAMSHALA
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For local handicrafts visit Kotwali Bazar, Tibetan handicrafts and carpets are available at Mcleodgani.

For more information : http://hptdc.nic.in/cir0302.htm#dharamshala


KULLU
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kullu is famous for woolen clothing, shawls, caps, sweaters, carpets etc. Handmade artifacts can also be purchased from the state Govt. Handicraft Emporium.

For more information: http://hptdc.nic.in/cir0201.htm#kullu

MANALI
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Mall, New Shopping Centre Market and Government Emporium offers many interesting items to be purchased. These include the famous Kullu Topis, Woolen goods and Tibetian curios.

For more information: http://hptdc.nic.in/cir0203.htm#hhami

TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tourist Information Centre, Govt. of Himachal Pradesh,
Near Victory Tunnel, Shimla, Tel: 2654589
Tourist Information Office, HPTDC, Dharamshala, Tel:221205.
Tourist Information Office, HPT0C| Dhalplur, Kullu, Tel: 222349
Tourist Information Office, HPTDC, the Mall, Manali, Tel-252175

MONEY CHANGERS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
State Bank of India - Shimla, Tel: 2652265, Dharamshala Tel: 224963, Kullu Tel: 222473, Manali Tel: 252405

Panjab National Bank - Kullu Tel: 222480, Shimla Tel: 2813355

Bankof Baroda - Dharamshala Tel: 223175

IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS

Government Hospital - Shimla, Tel: 2803073, Dharamshala, Tel: 222189, Kullu, Tel: 223077

Police Station -Shimla, Tel: 2652860, Kullu , Tel: 222775, Manali, Tel: 252326

Post Office - Shimla, Tel: 2652472, Manali, Tel: 252324,

Railway Enquiry - Shimla, Tel: 2652915, Dharamshala. Tel: 226711


GENERAL INFORMATION
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Temperature Max Min

Shimla 27°C 0°C

Dharamshala 33°C 0°C

Kullu 32°C -5°C

Manali 25°C -10°C


Clothing
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summer Light Woolens, Winter Heavy woolens, Best Season April to Mid-July, Mid-September to Mid-November, Languages Pahari, Hindi, English

STD Code
----------------------------------------------------------
Shimla 0177, Dharamshala 01892, Kullu-Manali 01902

WHERE TO UNPACK
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For specific and detailed information or assistance, contact your approved travel agents or nearest India Tourism/State Tourism Office.

SHIMLA
Hotel Holiday Home (HPTDC) Near High Court, Tel: 2812890

DHARAMSHALA
KashmirHouse (HPTDC), Tel: 222977 YatriNiwas (HPTDC), Tel: 223163

KULLU
Hotel Silver Moon (HPTDC) Gandhinagar, Tel: 222488 Hotel Saravari (HPTDC) Dhalpur, Tel: 222471

MANALI
Hotel Kunzum (HPTDC), Tel: 253197/98 Hadimba Cottage (HPTDC), Tel: 252334

WHAT TO SEE AND EXCURSIONS

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHIMLA
One of India 's most spectacular hills stations, Shimla is called the Queen of Hills. It is situated at 2,130 meters above sea level. In 1864, the Britishers made it the summer capital of India . In 1903, the Kalla- Shimla railway line was constructed paving way for easy access to the world. Shimla was formerly the capital of Punjab before it become the capital of Himachal Pardesh in 1966. Shimla is named after its local Goddess Shyamala (Goddess Kali). Its green valleys, the beauty of its trees, pine, oak and deodar, golf facility in the lap of nature at Naldehra and skiing at Kufri and Narkanda attract the tourists throughout the year.


Christ Church
Built in 1846-1857, Christ Church is the second oldest church of Northern India. The Church's exquisite beauty comes with the stained glasses that are fitted on its windows.


Himachal State Museum & Library (3 kms)
The museum opens daily except on Mondays and public holidays. It has got a good collection of ancient historica sculptures, painting, coins, photos and other items from al over the state as well as outside it. It has also got a library, whicl houses many historical books and manuscripts.


The Mall
This is the main shopping center of Shimla with restaurants. The Gaiety Theatre, on the mall is a reproduction of an old Britis theatre is a center of cultural activities.


Jakhu Hill
Shimla's highest Peak, this is situated 2kms from the town. One can have a breathtaking view of Shimla from here. A Hanuma Temple is also found on this peak.


Viceregal Lodge & Botanical Gardens (4 kms)
This magnificent building was the residence of the British Viceroy Lord Dufferin. This lodge was completed in 1888 and it is said that every brick for the building was carried by mules. This is a six-storey building and is surrounded by well-maintained gardens and lawns. The lodge has now been converted into Institute of Advanced Study .


Prospect Hill
It is crowned by a temple dedicated to Kamna Devi. Sunrise and the moon are spectacular sights from here.


The Ridge
The large open space in the heart of town presents excellent view of the mountain ranges.


Summer Hill (4 kms)
This hill is a picturesque spot on Shimla - Kalka Railway line offering shady walks in quiet surroundings. It has a beautiful temple of GoddessTaradevi .


The Glen (4 kms)
At 1830m, this is a thickly wooded ravine through which a stream flows. It is a popular picnic spot.

Sankat Mochan (7 kms)
This is a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman.


Mashobra (12 kms)
At 2149m, this beautiful suburb is surrounded by thick forest.

From here, a track leads down to Sipur which is an exquisite glade shaded by ancient deodar trees. There are old temples on a side and a fair is held every April.


Himalayan Bird Park
Situated 11 kms from the Mall rood, this park is a natural habitat of numerous species of rare birds found in Himachal.


Chadwick Falls (7 kms)
This is an ideal picnic spot, it is surrounded by thick forests and waterfalls.


Kufri (16 kms)
Kufri is also called the "Chinese Bungalow". Many games are organised here from February to March. In winter one can ski on its snow-covered slopes and in the summer have a raid on the back of the yak. Kufri is well known for its natural scenic beauty.


Chail (45 kms)
Anotherscenicsportwherespotwherethe river Asani flows. This adds to its beauty. The world's highest cricket field is situated here. A story goes that due to some differences, the British had forbidden the Maharaja of Patiala from going to Shimla. Therefore, he laid the foundation for the town of Chail and since he loved the game of cricket, a field was speciallylaid.


Naldehra (22 kms)
It has the oldest golf course in India. The pine and deodar add to its beauty.


Fagu (22 kms)
It is located 2,510 nits, above sea level. Winter is extremely beautiful here. Dense forest and apple orchards have their unique attraction. The snow-capped mountains can hold anyone spell-bound.


Tattapani (51 kms)
At 656 m, there are hot sulphur springs here.