Kangra

THE CAPITAL OF THE CHAND RULERS

The small town of Kangra was the capital of the erstwhile rulers of the Chand dynasty. It is set amongst the picturesque settings of the Kangra valley at the foothills of the majestic Dhauladhar range. The area around Kangra is known for its ancient temples and picturesque surroundings, which attract the tourists.

LOCATION 

Kangra is located in the western part of the state of Himachal Pradesh, in the northern region of India. It is 18 km south of Dharamshala. The weather in Kangra is alpine. Summers (April-June) are mild and winters are cold (November-February). It experiences southwestern monsoon rains in July-September. The Kangra region receives the second highest rainfall per annum.

THE PAST

The town of Kangra has a chequered past. It has been sacked a number of times because of the wealth accumulated within the Vajreshwari temple. The immense wealth of this temple attracted Mahmud of Ghazni, the famous plunderer from Central Asia. He looted an enormous treasure trove of gold and silver and jewelry from this temple in 1009 A.D. The Tughlaq rulers of the Delhi Sultanate again plundered it in 1360. However, the town made a good recovery, and during the reign of the Mughal emperor Jahangir in the early 17th century, this temple was paved with plates of pure silver. This area was ruled by local rulers and was later annexed by the British, who established a garrison in Kangra.

TOURIST SPOTS

The small town of Kangra is famous for its Vajreshwari Devi (Kangra Devi) temple. Though the original temple was destroyed in a devastating earthquake, the present one is rebuilt on the same site. A large number of devotees throng this temple during various Hindu festivals. The ancient fort of Nagar Kot is located 2.5 km south of the town, perched on a high windswept ridge. Although this fort is in ruins, the travelers can enjoy the panoramic view of the surroundings, which includes the confluence of Manjhi and Baner rivers.

SITES NEARBY 

There are a number of important temples near Kangra. The small town of Masrur, 15 km from Kangra, is known for its intricately carved temples. Masrur has a group of 15 sandstone-hewed monolithic rock-cut temples belonging to 10th century A.D. The carvings and sculpture found in this group of temple reminds one of the world-famous rock-cut temples of Ellora in the state of Maharashtra. Though most of the temples and sculptures are in a bad shape, yet they reflect the glory of the bygone era. The road from Kangra to Masrur offers magnificent views of the Dhauladhar range. The temple of Jawalamukhi is 34 km south of Kangra. A marvel in itself, it is perhaps the only temple in India where natural jets of flame flare out from the hillside covered by the ancient, holy edifice. The temple has been a major attraction for an assortment of people down the centuries.

FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

Pilgrims flock to Kangra in the month of April for the Navratra celebrations, and in September-October, before the Dussehra festival, to pay their homage to Goddess Durga at the Vajreshwari (Kangra Devi) temple.

HOW TO REACH

Kangra does not have an airport. It has two railway stations: Kangra station, which is 3 km south of the town, and the Kangra Mandir station, 3 km east of the town. Indian Railways has introduced the “Kangra Queen” between Pathankot and Palampur. This luxury train running on narrow gauge covers a distance of 128 km in 4½ hours with two halts-Jawalamukhi and Kangra. The entire route provides panoramic view of the snow-capped Dhauladhar range. The Kangra bus stand is located north of the Bazaar, along the Dharamshala Road. Bus service from Kangra to Dharamshala (45 minutes) and Palampur is frequent.

Palmpur

Palampur is the tea capital of North India. This hill station is not only known for its numerous tea gardens and paddy fields but it also known for its colonial architecture and temples. One can enjoy the scenic beauty of the Dhauladhar range and the slopes of the Kangra valley from Palampur. Palampur and places around it are popular for adventure sports like hang-gliding and trekking.

LOCATION 

Palampur is located in the northwestern part of the state of Himachal Pradesh, in the northern region of India. It is situated in the Kangra valley, near the Dhauladhar ranges. It is located on an altitude of 1,220 m above sea level. Palampur is 30 km from Dharamshala. The weather in Palampur is moderate. Summers (April-June) are mild and winters (November-February) are cold but pleasant. It experiences southwestern monsoon rains in July-September.

  
VISITING TIME

Palampur has a mild climate and can be visited throughout the year. However, the best time to visit Palampur is between March to June and mid-September to November.

THE PAST

Palampur got its name from the word pulum that means abundant water. It was a part of the local Sikh kingdom and later came under the British rule.

TOURIST SPOTS

The tourist can take a walk in Palampur and enjoy its colonial architecture. The tea factory and St John’s Church are important places to visit in Palampur. A walk beyond the town will take one to the Bundla Chasm, where a waterfall drops into the Bundla stream. One can see the captivating Dhauladhar range from Neogal Park, which is 1 km from Palampur. One can go on innumerable promenades along the tea gardens and the nearby forests or into the Dhauladhars.

SITES NEARBY 

There are a number of places of tourist importance near Palampur: The village of Andretta is 13 km from Palampur and is an important craft center, which is known for its pottery. A number of well-known artists had made their base in Andretta. Sujanpur Tira, which is 42 km from Palampur, is famous for its fort and old temples. The town of Baijnath is 16 km from Palampur and is famous for its Shiva temple. A mini zoo is also located at Gopalpur, which is at a distance of 13 km from Palampur. The Chamunda Devi Temple located on Baner River, 10 km from Palampur, is an important place to visit. There is a Tibetan monastery at Tashijong, which is 12 km away from Palampur. The monastery complex is famous for producing traditional Tibetan handicrafts.

ADVENTURE 

Several trek routes lead out of Palampur, particularly over the Dhauladhar Mountains towards the town of Chamba. Some important treks are over the Sanghar pass to Bharmaur via Holi and from Baijnath over the Jalsu pass to Bharmaur. A 4-day trek will lead the traveler to Holi, via Waru La.

28 kilometers from Palampur is an important center for the adventure sport of hang/paragliding. It also has numerous Buddhist monuments and is famous for its Tibetan handicrafts. The town of Billing, which is 42 km from Palampur and 14 km from Bir, is also an important center for hang-gliding. 

SHOPPING

Palampur is an ideal place for the purchase of exquisite Kangra tea, local handicrafts, Tibetan carpets and pullovers.

HOW TO REACH

Palampur does not have an airport or railway station. The nearest railway station is at Maranda, which is 2 km from Palampur and on the narrow-gauge line between Pathankot and Jogindernagar. The main bus station is located 1 km south of the main Bazaar. The bus service from Palampur to Dharamshala (2 hours), Mandi (4 hours), and Pathankot (4 hours) is frequent. Travelers can also make use of taxis to travel to these towns from Palampur.

Kufri

KUFRI: A HILL STATION NEAR SHIMLA 

Kufri is a tiny hill station located near Shimla. It is famous for its trekking and hiking trails. Adventure-seeking travelers throng Kufri in winters to enjoy skiing and tobogganing along its snow-covered slopes. Kufri is also famous for its nature parks and picnic spots. Kufri’s proximity to the hill station of Shimla makes it an important place to visit.

LOCATION

Kufri is located in the southern part of the state of Himachal Pradesh, in the northern region of India. It is perched at an altitude of 2,510 m above sea level amongst the foothills of the Himalayas. It is 13 km from Shimla. The weather in Kufri is alpine. Summers (April-June) are mild while winters (November-February) are cold. It experiences southwestern monsoon rains in July-September. It experiences heavy snowfall in December-January.

VISITING TIME

The best time to visit Kufri is in summers, between April and June. However, one may also visit the place between December and February to enjoy snowfall and skiing.

THE PAST

The region around Shimla including Kufri was once a part of the Kingdom of Nepal. This region remained obscure from the rest of the world until the British ‘discovered’ it in 1819. The British made Shimla their summer capital in 1864 and it remained so until 1939. As Shimla gained importance, Kufri also began to be recognized as an important place to visit near Shimla.

TOURIST SPOTS

Kufri is a tiny hill station. It is famous for its beautiful environs and the cool refreshing atmosphere that pervades it. In summers, travelers can enjoy the panoramic view of the surrounding verdant valleys and snow-capped peaks. There are a number of picnic spots, hiking and trekking trails in and around Kufri. Travelers can explore Kufri and its surrounding areas also on horseback. They can hike through thick forest around Kufri to the Mahasu Peak. The other places to visit in Kufri are the Himalayan Nature Park, which has a collection of animals and birds found only in Himachal Pradesh, and the Indira Tourist Park, which is near the Himalayan Nature Park and provides panoramic view of the locations around Kufri. In winters, the snow-covered slopes of Kufri come alive with skiers and other visitors.

SITES NEARBY

Shimla, the capital city of the state of Himachal Pradesh is only 13 km from Kufri. It is an important destination on the tourist map of India. The British developed Shimla as an important hill station and the summer capital of India to escape from the heat of Delhi. This sprawling hill station set amongst the picturesque Shivalik range and Shimla hills has a number of tourist spots and important temples, apart from its beautiful natural surroundings. Travelers visiting Kufri generally travel via Shimla. Fagu, which is 6 km from Kufri, is an interesting picnic spot set amongst forests and orchards.

FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

A winter sports festival is organized every year in the month of February in Kufri. Skiing enthusiasts and adventure seekers participate in this festival.

HOW TO REACH

Kufri does not have an airport or a railway station. However, regular buses ply from Shimla, Narkanda, and Rampur to Kufri. Travelers can also hire taxis from Shimla to reach Kufri. The area around Kufri can be explored on horseback.

Manali

Manali is an important hill station of northern India and is the destination of thousands of tourists every year. Its cool atmosphere provides a perfect haven for the ones afflicted by the hot Indian summers. Besides offering quite a few places for sightseeing, Manali is also famous for adventure sports like skiing, hiking, mountaineering, paragliding, rafting, trekking, kayaking, and mountain biking. In brief, Manali --- the veritable “valley of the Gods” is an ideal place for the ones in search of both adventure and comfort. The Kulluis in brightly patterned puttoos, Tibetan women wearing ankle-length rainbow-striped pinafores, Nepali porters, Buddhist monks, and even the odd party of Zanskaris, swathed in fusty woolen gonchas, muddled together with souvenir hunting Indians and Western tourists, all add up to the welcoming hubbub of Manali.

Location

Situated in the central parts of the northern state of Himachal Pradesh, Manali is at the head of the Kullu valley, 280 km north of the state capital Shimla and 108 km from Mandi. Manali is perched at an altitude of 2050 meters above sea level and is spread along the banks of the river Beas. In winters, the temperature can drop below freezing point when heavy woolens are required. Summer temperatures are mild and light woolens/cottons are recommended. In Manali, one can find high mountains shrouded by silent snows and deep boulder strewn gorges. The surrounding thick forests are filled with cool breezes and bird songs. There are fields of wild flowers, small picturesque hamlets and fruit-laden orchards, especially apples.

The Mythical Past

Manali has a pre-historic legend behind its name. Vaivasvata, the seventh incarnation of Manu, the first creation according to Hindu mythology, found a tiny fish in his bathing water. The fish told him to look after it with devotion for one day and on its part it would do him a great service. The seventh Manu cared for the fish until it grew so huge that he released it into the sea. Before departing, the fish warned Manu of an impending deluge when the entire world would be submerged and bade him to build a seaworthy ark. When the flood came, Matsya (fish), the first avatar of Lord Vishnu, towed Vaivasvata and the Seven Sages to safety. As the waters subsided, the seventh Manu's ark came to rest on a hillside and the place was named Manali after him.

Sites to Visit

The oft-visited site in Manali is the Hidimba or Dhungri Temple. Erected in 1533, this temple is dedicated to the local deity Hidimba, wife of the Pandava prince, Bhim. A major festival is held here in the month of May. The temple is noted for its four-storeyed pagoda and exquisite wooden carvings.

Manali is known for its shiny gompas or Buddhist monasteries. With the highest concentration of Tibetan refugees in the entire Kullu valley, it is famous for its Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa, built in 1969. The monastery is maintained by donations from the local community and through the sale of hand-woven carpets in the temple workshop.

The smaller and more modern Himalayan Nyingamapa Gompa stands nearer the bazaar, in a garden blooming with sunflowers. Its main shrine, lit by dozens of electric bulbs and fragrant with Tibetan incense, houses a colossal gold-faced Buddha, best viewed from the small room on the first floor.

The Museum of Traditional Himachal Culture, near the Hidimba temple, is worth a visit, which houses artifacts of folk art of the entire Kullu valley.

Sites Nearby

At a distance of 3 km, northwest of Manali is Old Manali, famous for its orchards and old guesthouses. There is a ruined fort here by the name of Manaligarh. There is also the Manu Maharishi Temple, dedicated to sage Manu.

Vaishisht, around 3 km from Manali, also boasts a pair of old stone temples, opposite each other above the main square. Dedicated to the local patron saint Vashista, the smaller of the two opens on to a partially covered courtyard, and is adorned with elaborate woodcarvings. Those lining the interior of the shrine, blackened by years of oil-lamp and incense smoke, are particularly fine. The temple tanks are underground hot-water/sulfur springs.

Rohtang Pass, at an altitude of 13,050 feet above sea level, is another adventure tourist site where it can be chilly even on a summer day. Close by is a small lake called Dassaur Lake. Beas Kund, the source of river Beas, is also nearby.

Solang Nullah, 13 km northwest of Manali, is famous for its 300-meter ski lift. It is a picturesque spot and offers splendid views of glaciers and the snow-capped mountains. Jagatsukh, the former capital of Manali, is also an important spot.

Kullu

THE TOWN OF THE SILVER VALLEY

Kullu is located in the charming Kullu valley and is set amongst the backdrop of the mighty Himalayas. This town is famous for its temples and the annual Dussehra festival, both of which attract thousands of tourists. It is also known for its handicrafts.

LOCATION

Kullu is located in the central part of the state of Himachal Pradesh in the northern region of India. It is located amidst the Himalayas at an altitude of 1200 m above sea level at the confluence of Beas and Sarvari rivers. It is 240 km north of Shimla. The weather in Kullu is alpine. Summers (April-June) are mild and winters are cold (November-February). It experiences southwestern monsoon rains in July-September.

VISITING TIME

The best time to visit Kullu is in summers, between April and June. It is also visited in October during the Dussehra festival.

THE PAST

Formerly, the Kullu valley was known as Kulanthapitha, meaning the end of the habitable world. The earliest recorded information of this area goes back to 1st century AD, when this valley began to be inhabited. In the medieval period, Kullu and the area around it was ruled by a number of local rulers. The Kullu valley was isolated from other parts of the country for many centuries until it came under British rule.

TOURIST SPOTS

Kullu is famous for its temples and festivals. The main tourist attraction of Kullu is the Raghunath Temple, dedicated to Lord Ram, who is one of the principal deities of the Hindu religious pantheon and the patron deity of the entire Kullu valley. Raja Jagat Singh, the erstwhile ruler of Kullu, built this temple in 1660 to atone for his wrongdoings. He obtained a statue of Lord Ram from Ayodhya and established it within this temple.

Jagannathi Devi Temple or the Bekhli temple is 3 km from Kullu and is located in the village of Bekhli. It is a stiff 1½-hour climb to reach this temple, but it provides a panoramic view of Kullu.

The Bijli Mahadev Temple is located on a spur at a height of 2460 m. True to its name the temple is often stuck by lightning (bijli, lightning).

SITES NEARBY

There are a number of shrines around Kullu. The Basheshwar Mahadev Temple at Bajura (15 km) from Kullu is famous for its exquisite carvings. The Vaishno Devi Temple (4 km) and the Vishnu Temple at Dayar (12 km) are other important shrines worth visiting.

There are a number of tourist spots as well. The small town of Manikaran (45 km) is famous for its hot sulfur springs. It is located at an altitude of 1737 m in the Parvati River valley. These hot springs are famous for their healing powers. This place is both revered by the Hindus and the Sikhs. Travelers can visit the Shri Ramchandra Temple and the Shri Guru Nanak Devji Gurdwara in Manikaran. Manikaran offers hiking and trekking facilities to the tourists.

Kaisdhar (15 km) and Kasol (42 km), the latter located amidst pine forest, are important picnic spots.

SHIMLA

Shimla one of India’s most famous hill stations, derives its name from Goddess Shyamala (an incarnation of Goddess Kali, the deity of power and wrath). However, unlike its name, Shimla is a perfect heaven for the ones in search of tranquility. Nature has blessed this capital city with innumerable gifts and man has used them to make Shimla one of India’s best locales.

LOCATION

Perched at an altitude of 2159 m above sea level, Shimla is located towards the southern parts of the north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is the state capital and is at a distance of 343 km from Delhi, 260 km from Manali, and 119 km from Chandigarh. The temperature range is not very high and the maximum temperature rarely crosses 25°C during summers. Winters are cold due to the chilly winds from the upper Himalayas. Around Christmas, Shimla experiences snowfall. The best season to visit Shimla is between September and November.

THE PAST

The British discovered Shimla in the form of a little village in 1819. Until then, it was a part of the Nepalese kingdom. It was during Lord William Bentinck's time that Shimla was truly acquired by the Government of India. The British persuaded the local Raja to part with the land in 1830, and the settlement became the subcontinent's most fashionable summer resort. In 1864, Shimla was declared the summer capital of India. After the independence of India, Shimla became the capital of Punjab until 1966, when it came under Himachal Pradesh.

SITES TO VISIT

The hub of Shimla is the Mall, which runs along the Ridge and is crowded with tourists. It is the city’s most famous shopping center, with shops selling all items, from clothes to junk food. The Ridge is a large open space in the heart of the town and presents excellent views of the mountain ranges. Most of Shimla's landmarks are located here. The Mall further joins the Ridge at the ‘Scandal Point' of Kipling's Shimla, where a statue of the nationalist leader Lala Lajpat Rai has been erected.

The six-storeyed Vice-Regal Lodge or Rashtrapati Niwas, about 4.5 km from Scandal Point, attracts many visitors. It was built in 1888 and was formerly the residence of Lord Dufferin, the British Viceroy. The style of architecture is English Renaissance, the masonry of the wall is light blue limestone and the wrought stonework is done in sandstone in a beautiful light gray tint. It has magnificent lawns and houses the Indian Institute of Advanced Study. Nearby is the Himalayan aviary that has a good collection of birds, including the Monal pheasant, Himachal’s state bird.

About 2.5 km from Scandal Point is the State Museum, which has a good collection of statues, miniatures, coins and photos from in and around Himachal Pradesh. It was built in 1974.

Another of Shimla’s major landmarks is the Christ Church and St. Michael’s Cathedral. It is the second oldest church in Northern India built between 1846 and 1857. It is located just off the Mall, below the District Center and is known for its stained glass windows.

Jhaku temple, dedicated to Hanumanji, the attendant of Lord Rama, is to the east of the town center, near the highest point of the Shimla Ridge. It is at a height of 8048 feet above sea level and offers a panoramic view of the city.

The temple just below the Grand Hotel is the temple dedicated to Shyamala Devi, an incarnation of Goddess Kali.

Southeast from Jhaku is the long spur of Chotta Shimla, with Barnes Court. Once the residence of the Governor General of Punjab, it is now the official residence of the Governor of Himachal Pradesh.

About 4 km from the Ridge, a sprightly stream flows through the Glen forests at an altitude of 1830 meters. It is a secluded picnic spot.

Beyond the Glen is Annandale, another picnic spot. It is covered with deodar forests and was once the playgrounds of Shimla, where racing, polo and cricket entertained the Britishers.

Elysium Hill, on the road leading through Lakkar Bazaar, houses the famous Auckland House, the former residence of Viceroy Lord Auckland. It is a well-known girls’ school now. Nearby is the Stirling Castle, now an orphanage for the Tibetan children and a center for the Tibetan exiles who have settled locally.