In the days before independence, Shimla was the most important
British hill station, and in the summer season became the summer capital. Shimla
was first "discovered" by the British in 1819, but it was not until 1822 that
the first permanent house was erected and not until many years later that Shimla
became the summer capital. The name Shimla derives after the Himalayan Goddess
Shamla a synonym of Kali.
Places of Interest: Himachal
State Museum, Jakhu Hills and Temple, Institute of advance study, Tara Devi Temple,
Himachal State museum, Kamnadevi Temple, The Ridge, Lakkad Bazaar, St. Michael’s
Cathedral, Annandale, Wildflower hall, Mashobra, Fagu view point, Kufri snow point,
Chail Palace are places worth visiting.
Reach -
By Air: Nearest Airport is Jubarbhatti-23 kms. and is linked to
Chandigarh, Kullu and Delhi.
By Rail: Nearest broad gauge railhead
is at Kalka. Chandigarh is another alternative option.
By Road: Delhi:
343 kms, Chandigarh: 83 kms.
Manali is the northern
end of the Kullu Valley and is the main resort in the area. It is beautifully
situated and there are many pleasant walks around the town. Surrounded by towering
peaks at arm length, Manali’s major asset is its proximity to the snowline, never
more than few hours drive from the town nestling at comfortable 2,050 meters.
It is the center of flourishing orchard industry a popular honeymoon destination
and trailhead for numerous treks.
Places of
Interest: Hadimba Devi Temple, Tibetan Monastery, Jagatsukh, Vashisht
Kund, Kothi, Naggar Castle, Rahla Falls, Solang Valley, Rohtang Pass, Manikaran
and Jalori Pass Treks.
Reach -
By Air: Nearest airport is Bhuntar 49 kms.
By Rail: Nearest station are
Chandigarh 320 kms. and Jogindarnagar 180 kms.
By Road: Delhi: 611
kms, Shimla 267 kms.
Dalhousie
In
western Himachal Pradesh, It covers an area of about 14 square kms and built on
five hills. It is named after the British Governor - General of the 19th century
Lord Dalhousie. The town’s height varies between 1525m and 2378m, and is surrounded
by varied vegetation. Dalhousie has charming colonial architecture, including
some beautiful churches. The spectacular snow-covered Dhauladhar Mountains are
also visible from this enchanting town.
Places of Interest: Laxmi Narayan Temple Complex, Hari Rai Temple, The Chowgan, Rangmahal, St. Andrew’s
church, Akhand Chandi Palace.
Reach -
By Air: Nearest airport is Gaggal, in Kangra 135 kms.
By Rail: Nearest railhead is Pathankot 80 kms.
By Road: Delhi 485 kms Chamba
52 kms.
Dharamshala
Set against the backdrop of the dramatic
Dhauladhar Mountains, Dharamshala is perched on the high slopes in upper reaches
of Kangra Valley. It is charming town with elegant bungalows nestling in thick
conifer forests. Dharamshala is also the home of Dalai Lama, spiritual head of
Buddhists; Little Lhasa is an enchanting world where spinning prayer wheels and
fluttering prayer flags spread the massage of peace and universal harmony.
Places of Interest: War memorial, Kangra Art museum,
Kunal Pathri, Mcleodganj, Dal Lake.
Reach -
By Air: Nearest
airport is Gaggal in Kangra -13 kms.
By Rail: Kangra Mandir Railway
Station is nearest 22 kms.
By Road: Shimla -317 kms. Manali – 260 kms.
Delhi-526 kms.
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