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HILLSTATIONS OF HIMACHAL PRADESH

Bharmaur, Chamba

Bharmaur, a home to the semi nomadic Gaddis, the shepherds of this area, situated in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh at an altitude of 2,195 m. It is the base for the famed Manimahesh Yatra and for various marvelous treks in the region. It is a fascinating little town surrounded by high ranges, it's ancient temples endow it with the aura of a hallowed place. Himachal Tourism tents are available at Bharmaur and there is also a Tourist Rest House.

Bharmaur, 65 km away from Chamba & 80 km from Dharamsala. The way from Chamba is along an attractive hill road that follows the river for much of it's route. During the yatra days, the Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation (HPRTC) provides special bus services between Chamba and Bharmaur. Chamba is 56 km drive from Dalhousie. Dalhousie is well linked by road with public and private transport.

Chail, Shimla

To add to the beauty of Shimla, Chail is 43 kms away and 86 kms from Kalka via Khandaghat along with the picturesque Sadhupul village and with a lush green setting, with the pride of the former summer capital of the Patiala state. At 2,250 mts it has the world's highest cricket pitch which is now mainly used by local schoolboys and polo ground. A steep road up from the bazaar leads one to the small gurudwara and to the military school, surrounded by Himalayan oaks. The old Palace, now a hotel, and the rich deodar forests are added attractions.

Dalhousie

This hill station spreads over five low level hills at the western edge of the Dhauladhar range, just east of the Ravi river. Dalhousie is situated in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh at an height of 2,039 mts. It's population size is 8,600. It receives an annual rainfall of 214 cm. Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation's (HPTDC) hotels, private hotels, cottages, guest houses, PWD & Forest rest houses provide a variety of accommodation in and around the town, in all ranges. There is quality restaurant at Gandhi Chowk, Milan, Metro and Moti Mahal in Subhash Chowk, which offers Indian, Continental and some Chinese food. For more authentic fare there is a small Tibetan restaurant, The Snow Lion, behind the Dalhousie cinema on the footpath which leads from the bus stand to the Mall. There are no buildings of great interest but a number of pleasant walks over the five hills.

Dharamsala

Dharamsala, spiritual place situated between 1,250 m and 2,000 m altitude in Himachal Pradesh, divided into two parts, Dharamsala is the lower section, three km (10 km by road) away from it's higher settlement, McLeodganj, which is 500 m above. It is home the home of his holiness Dalai Lama, spiritual head of the Buddhists, who is now quartered at McLeodganj. Also known as `Little Lhasa', it is an enchanting world where spinning prayer wheels and fluttering prayer flags spread the message of peace and universal harmony. It is a beautiful town set amidst forests of pine. It is a hill station with a difference- for the several separate areas of the town are located at the different levels up a spur of the Dhauladhar range- the "white mountains". Dharamsala is a hill station with great variations not only in levels and temperature but also in character. Temperature varies between 35 degree Celsius in summer to zero degree in winter.The place is pleasant in summer and cold in winter.

Suggested clothing - cotton and tropical in summer, heavy woolens and jackets in winter. Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation's (HPTDC) hotels and other private hotels and guest houses, PWD and Forest Rest Houses are available in and around the place. It's population size is 8,600. It receives annual rainfall of 2,900-3,800 mm, mostly in June-September

Kasauli

1,927 metres above sea level, is the first hill station one sees as one approaches Shimla hills. Easily recognisable by a huge television tower, it runs along the first high ridge of the Himalayan foothills. It is 77 kms from Shimla, 15kms from Dharampur, 64 km from Chandigarh and 35 kms from Kalka. The colonial ambiance of the town is reinforced by cobbled paths, tiny shops, gabled houses with magnificent facades and scores of neat little gardens and orchards. Kasauli is encircled by a mixed forest of Chir pine, Himalayan Oak and huge horse-chestnut.

It's narrow roads slither up and down the hillsides and offer some interesting vistas. Even at the peak of summer, Kasuali cannot be called crowded. The Upper and Lower Mall are the two main roads which run along the length of Kasuali, bordered by Chir pine, horse chestnuts, Himalayan Oaks and the odd juniper. Traffic is restricted on these roads which helps to keep Kausali one of the quietest hill stations. A number of Tibetan stalls offer bargain woolens of the best quality. A arts center has also been set up at Ivy Cottage by a nephew of the celebrated Indian artist, Amrita Sher-Gill. The center organises occasional seminars and exhibitions.

A vantage position for the views is Monkey point, 4 kms from the bus stand. Close by is Subathu, whose old fort is a major attraction.

Kufri

Kufri is just 16 kms from Shimla, at the height of 2,633 mts. It is famous for it's ski slopes, and panoramic views where deep valleys and forests rise towards the lofty Himalayas. Through thick cedar woods one can walk up to the Mahasu Peak, or visit the little zoo. At Kufri, National Snow Statue Competition is held in the month of January. From Kufri, a fascinating drive leads on to Chail. 6 kms from Kufri, along the Hindustan-Tibet road, is Fagu. It presents breathtaking scenery.

Kullu

Kullu (also known as Kulu) is the district headquarters of the same name in the state of Himachal Pradesh. It is situated at an altitude of 1,219 m. It's population size is 14,500. Kullu is located along the west bank of the Beas river. The town is divided into three parts. In the South is the Dhalpur Maidan, a large grassy area where the Dussehra festival takes place. On the edge of the maiden are the tourist office and one of the two bus stations in Kullu. From the Dhalpur bazaar the main road crosses the Sarvari river. Across the Sarvari is the Adhara bazaar. On the hill above is the tranquil Sultanpur, where Raja Jagat Singh built his capital in the 17th century.

Lahul-Spiti-Kinnaur

Lahul and Spiti lies north of the Himalayan axis in a rain shadow area. The area gets little rain and the region is dry and, for the most part, barren. Kinnaur is a transition zone between the forested valleys of west and dry Tibetan region of east. Upper Lahul comprises the Bhaga and Chandra valleys, Lower Lahul is the region below the confluence of Chenab river. Keylong is the main town in the Lahul and Spiti region.

Manali

Manali is situated at an altitude of 1,829 m in Himachal Pradesh. It is the main tourist destination of the Kullu Valley. Suggested clothing - heavy/light woolens in winter & summer. It receives an annual rainfall of 1,780 mm. In summer Manali is packed with Pahari speaking Kullus, Lahaulis, Nepali labourers, Tibetan refugees and foreign and Indian tourists. Apple growing has been the mainstay of the local economy. Manali is the center of a flourished orchard industry. A host of small shops, restaurants and small hotels provide the necessities of daily life. Every year more hotels are opened in and around Manali.

Shimla

Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh and is the most popular and established hill station of Northern India. It is situated at an altitude of 2,130 m. in winter to in summer. It has a wide range of accommodation and all tourist facilities. Shimla is pleasant in summer and cold in winter. October and November are exceptionally pleasant, December-February is cold and there are snowfalls. March-April is pleasant but the weather can be quite changeable, storms are not infrequent and the air can feel very chill. It's population size is 119,000. There are many hotels, suiting all pockets.

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