Himalayas: Himachal Pradesh

Himalayas: Himachal Pradesh: Himachal Pradesh is a state in Northern India. It is spread over 55,670 sq kms (21,495 sq miles), and is bordered by the Indian states of ...

Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh is a state in Northern India. It is spread over 55,670 sq kms (21,495 sq miles), and is bordered by the Indian states of Jammu & Kashmir on the north, Punjab on the west and south-west, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh on the south, Uttrakhand on the south-east and by the Autonomous region of Tibet on the east. The literal meaning of Himachal Pradesh is a state in the lap of Himalayas. Land of Gods, Dev Bhumi, Himachal Pradesh is entirely mountainous with altitudes ranging from 460 to 6600 metres. There are five mountain ranges that run across Himachal namely the Shivalik, the Dhauladhar, the Pir Panjal, the Great Himalayan and Zanskar ranges. It has a lot to offer for those looking to experience the Himalayas. In 1950 Himachal was declared as a union territory. On 25th January, 1971, Himachal Pradesh became the 18th state of India.

The history of areas constituting the current Himachal Pradesh goes back to the times of Indus Valley Civilization (between 2250 and 1750 BC). A number of tribes inhabited the region from pre-historic era. During the Vedic period, a number of small republics (Janapada) existed which were later conquered by the Gupta Empire. After a brief rule by king Harshavardhana, the region was once again divided into several local powers headed by chieftains and some Rajput princely states. Hindi, Pahari (dialect), Punjabi and English are the main languages found in the state. Every district has its own dialect e.g. bilaspuri mandyali, kinnauri etc. Himachal Pradesh the highest literacy rates in India after Kerala.

Himachal Pradesh has 12 districts:

• Bilaspur
• Chamba
• Hamirpur
• Kangra
• Kinnaur
• Kullu
• Lahaul &Spiti
• Mandi
• Sirmaur
• Shimla
• Solan
• Una

Bilaspur

Bilaspur district situated in Satluj valley in the outer hills covers an area of 1,167 sq km. Its bounders Una, Hamirpur, Mandi and Solan districts. Satluj is the main river divides the district into almost equal parts. The district is mostly hilly and altitude ranges from 290 mtrs to 1980 mtrs. Many centuries ago, Rishi Vyas came to the bank of the Satluj river here to do reparation. Bilaspur has a Vyas Gufa which is a very popular tourist destination and pilgrimage. Bilaspur also has the ancient Lakshmi Narayan and Radhey Shyam temples.

Bhakra Dam: It is the highest straight gravity dam in the world. Bhakra Dam is situated in Naina Devi, about 14 Kms. from Nangal. It is one of the predominant places of tourist interest in Bilaspur. In the year 1938-39 the districts of Rohtak and Hissar (then Punjab) experienced harsh drought which resulted in great loss of human life and cattle. On 17th November, 1955 late Prime Minister Sh. Jawahar Lal Nehru placed the first bucket of concrete at the foundation of this dam. The construction was completed in October, 1962. It has a height of 226 mtrs, length at the top is 518 mtrs and width 9 mtrs. At the bottom, it has a length of 99 metres and width 402 metres. Bhakra dam was described as a “New Temple of Resurgent India”, by the late Prime Minister Mr. Nehru.

Gobind Sagar Lake: The Gobind Sagar lake on river Sutlej, has been created by the Bhakra dam and is named in honour of Gobind Singh the 10th Sikh guru. To maintain the level of water, the flow of river Beas was also channeled to Gobind Sagar by the Beas-Sutlej link. The Gobind Sagar reservoir is 90 kms. long and encompasses an area of approximately 170 sq. km. Gobind Sagar Lake has provisions for water sports speed boats and ferry rides. Water-skiing, sailing, kayaking and water scooter racing are popular water sports activities during October and November.

New Bilaspur Town: The old Bilaspur town, now submerged in the Govind Sagar Lake, was founded in year 1663. New Bilaspur Town is situated just above the old town of Bilaspur at a height of 670 metres above the mean sea level. The New Township has been conceived, planned and built on modern lines and is regarded as the first planned hill town of the country. The pleasure of a visit will be enhanced manifold when a motor launch is preferred as the means of travel, gliding through cool and enchanting waters of the lake. The best time to visit this place is from September to December.

The Nalwari (Annual cattle fair) fair is held at Bilaspur for 4-5 days in the month of March. The occasion is marked by wrestling and other amusements. Cattle are brought from Nalagarh and neighboring parts of Punjab sell over here. This place is easily accessible as regular bus services are maintained from and to Shimla, Mandi, Hamirpur and Chandigarh.

Kandrour Bridge: Very beautiful and intriguing Kandrour Bridge is only 8 kilometres from Bilaspur on National Highway No-88. It is across the river Satluj. Its construction started in April,1959 and completed in 1965. This bridge has a span of about 280 meters with a breadth of about 7 meters and the height of about 80 meters which makes it one of the highest bridge in the world. It is ranked 1st in Asia in terms of height. It provides a link between Bilaspur, Ghumarwin and Hamirpur district, and is an example of stunning engineering accomplishment.

Deoli Fish Farm: Deoli Fish Farm which came into existence in 1962 is situated at a distance of 15 Kms from New Bilaspur township (towards Mandi). With two big brood stock tanks and 14 nursery ponds, it encompasses 4.4 hectares of area. This farm not only has historic importance but is also known as a center for breeding excellent training in fish culture and research programmed. The Deoli fish farm has played a major role in breeding fish population in Gobind Sagar reservoir. Due to regular stocking in Gobind Sagar reservoir for the last decade, it has a unique capacity of fish production per hectare in the country and this credit goes to Deoli farm.

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Swarghat: Swarghat (1128 meters from the sea level), once the summer capital of Raja Bilaspur, is situated at a distance of about 42 Kms. from Bilaspur on the Bilaspur-Chandigarh NH 21. This beautiful place is surrounded by pine trees is also the tehsil headquarters of Naina Devi. Naina Devi Ji temple and Bhakra Dam, are also approachable from here. Swarghat also has a Lakshmi Narain Temple in the village. This is an ideal spot for a fairly over night stay. At night, the view, while lights twinkle in the plain of Punjab, are worth seeing. It is a perfect halting place for tourists traveling from plains which once can take the breath of cool breeze. Hotel Hill Top here is a good option for stay.
Sri Naina Devi Ji: Shri Naina Devi Ji is the most distinguished place of worship in the district of Bilaspur. It is one of the 51 'Shakti Pithas'. About 70 Kms. from Bilaspur, the temple was built by Raja Bir Chand in the eight century. It is at an altitude of about 1219 Mt. height from sea level.

According to a belief, Shiva after the self-immolation of 'Sati' picked her dead body and gyrated his horrific dance. Then Vishnu, the preserver unleashed his discus and cut the body in 51 pieces to save the earth from Shiva’s wrath. Naina Devi is where Sati's eye are believed to have fallen. From its situation at the top of the triangular hillock it gives a grand view of the holy Anandpur Sahib Gurdwara on the one side and the Gobind Sagar on the other.
According to one of the legends Shiva after the self-immolation of 'Sati', in the sacrifice of 'Daksha' carried the body of his wife over his shoulder roaming about here and there. Then in order to pacify the lord, 'Shani' and 'Indra' a stealthily entered the body of 'Sati' and dismembered it piece by piece. Whenever any of the limbs of 'Sati' was dropped, it was converted in to a powerful "Sakti-Pitha". One of the eyes of 'Sati' was believed to have been dropped at this place, earning it the name of Naina Devi.

Laxmi Narayan Mandir: Old Bilaspur town was known as town of temples. There were many temples having various styles of paintings. After the new town came into existence the Laxami Narayan Temple was built near the bus stand. This temple is of Top Style (Shikhar Shailly). The Shiva Linga of Lord Shiva brought from the old town has been established here. This temple has idols of Laxami Narayan, Lord Shiva, Rangnath, Maa Durga and Baba Bangali. The idol of Rangnath has also been brought from the old town. The attraction of this temple increases on the occasion of Janmashtmi and Shivaratri.

Chamba

Chamba, situated at an altitude of 996 m. above sea level on the south bank of the River Ravi is the land of antiquity, art and scenic beauty, and is a wonder in itself for every visitor. Chamba district has an altitude ranging from 2,000 to 21,000 feet. Chamba was founded in 920 A.D. by Raja Sahil Verma, who named it after his favourite daughter Champavati. Chamba is also known as the land of lord Shiva. Chamba is bounded on north-west by Jammu and Kashmir, on the north-east and east by Ladakh area of Jammu and Kashmir state and Lahaul and Bara-Bangal area of Himachal Pradesh, on the south-east and south by the District Kangra of Himachal Pradesh and Gurdaspur District of the Punjab. Chamba valley is noted for the magnificence of it's scenery-touching the periphery of the Shivaliks and three snowy ranges, the Dauladhar, the Pir Panjal, and the Zanskar range.

Chamba's tranquil beauty, refreshing air, lofty mountain passes and slopes makes it the ideal holiday retreat. The place and adjoining areas have immense scope of leisure pursuits.

The main tourist destinations of the district are Dalhousie, Khajjiar, Chamba Town, Pangi and Bharamour. There are five lakes, five wild life sanctuaries and countless number of temples. The Chamba 'Rumal' or handkerchief also known as Kashida, about 2 to 6 feet in length is an important part of a Chamba bride's trousseau.

Places of interest

Bhuri Singh Museum: Bhuri Singh Museum named after Raja Bhuri Singh was opened on 14th September 1908. it was initially started with the paintings donated by Raja Bhuri Singh This museum is very near to to Chaugan town of Chamba

Champawati Temple: Champawati Temple is close to the royal palace at Chamba, there is a stone sikhara temple dedicated to Goddess Champavati. Tradition holds that the town of Chamba was named after her.

Chamera Lake: Chamera lake is a reservoir of Chamera dam and is built over the river Ravi. This artificial lake is a visual delight. It offers various water sports activities to the visitors. If you are visiting Chamba or Dalhousie, this spectacular lake is a must see. If you are an enthusiastic nature lover you can also book the tourist guesthouse in the vicinity of the lake.

Chaugan: This grassy public boulevard is situated in the heart of the town and is less than one-kilometre in length and about seventy-five metres wide. It acts as a busy local trading centre for villagers from the nearby areas. Each year Chaugan is the site for the Minjar fair which lasts a week and involve of good number of sports and cultural activities.

Chaurashi Temple: Chaurasi Temple, is located in Bharmaur. It was built approximately in 9th century. It is assumed to contain 84 Shivalingams. The main temples of Lakshmi Devi, Ganesh and Manimahesh and Narasimha in Bharmour are known as Chaurashi temples.

Ghadhasaru Lake: Ghadhasaru Lake is in the Churah tehsil of Chamba district. It is a high altitude lake located at an altitude of 3,470m. above sea level. This lake is considered sacred and has a circumference of about 1 km.

Kalatope Khajjiar Sanctuary

The Kalatop Sanctuary is one of the most popular sanctuaries in Himachal Pradesh and spreads over 1962 hectares. The splendour of the deodar forest is at its best here. The Kalatop-Khajjiar Sanctuary is a main attraction for the wildlife tourist. The floating island in a small water body amidst an captivating meadow at Khajjiar has become well-known scenery. Khajjiar is little less than a paradise on earth and is also known as mini Switzerland.

The flora inside the sanctuary consists of blue pine, deodar and oak forests. The sanctuary also boasts of a wide variety of wildlife. Bear, Himalayan Black Marten, Leopard, Deer, Barking Goral, Squirrel, Serow, Jackal, Langur are frequently spotted. A number of tributaries of the River Ravi flow through the sanctuary.

The nearest railhead is at Pathankot 86 km. Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary is 6 km from Dalhousie and 24 km from Chamba. It is well connected to other towns in Himachal like Dharmshala, Noorpur etc.

Katasan Devi Temple: Katasan Devi Temple is a popular palace of pilgrimage. This calm and peaceful spot is ideal major picnic spot in the district. A full vision of the Chamba valley is visible from the premises of this temple. Journey to Katasan Devi Temple is incomplete without visiting the famous temples of Laxna Devi and Shakti temple of Chatrari between Chamba and Bharmaur. The place is only 30 Kms from Chamba and can be reached by bus from the Chamba Bus Station.

Lakshmi Narayan Temple: The Laxmi Narayan Temple constructed in the Shikhara style is regarded as the oldest as well as the largest one in Chamba, Himachal Pradesh. It was built in 10th century but was decorated by Rajas who ruled Chamba afterwards.

The Laxmi Narayan Temple attracts a whole lot of visitors. It houses six different temples in its complex. All the temples in the complex are dedicated to either Lord Shiva or Vishnu. The main idol of Lord Vishnu is made up from a rare piece of Marble that has a glittering appearance.

The legend of the temple states that Raja Sahil Verma, who constructed this temple, sent nine of his sons to the Vindhyas mountains to get marble which was suitable for the construction of the Vishnu idol.Legend states that the image of Lord Vishnu in this temple was made of a rare marble brought from Vindhyachal Mountains. King Sahil Verma, who constructed this temple, lost eight of his sons to get the marble. Finally, his eldest son, Yugkara succeeded to fetch the marble with the help of a saint.

Lama Dal: Lama Dal, a High Altitude Lake is held sacred to Lord Shiva, Lamba Dal means "a long lake". It is situated at an altitude of 3,960m (approx 13,000 feet) above sea level and has a circumference of about one and half miles. This lake is 45 kms. from Chamba town.

Maharaja's Palace: This palace belongs to the former rulers of Chamba. It is the most outstanding buildings in the town. Of these, Rang Mahal or 'the Painted Palace', with towers on both side, is certainly the most interesting one. One of the room in the building has the walls painted with murals depicting episodes from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.