Escaping to woods and drinking the nectar of nature” is the right phrase that best describes the beauty of Himachal Pradesh. Towards the northern region of India lies Himachal Pradesh, sitting in the lap of Himalayan mountain range. The “Land of Gods” is surrounded by Jammu & Kashmir in North, Punjab in West and Tibetan plateau in east. Himachal Pradesh is famous for its scenic beauty that is as refreshing as heaven.
With dense forests calling wildlife lovers to roaring waterfalls for adventure enthusiasts and quiet viewpoints for couples, Himachal Pradesh has something exotic for each visitor. The tourists with religious bent of mind gets a full retreat of richly cultured temples and monasteries. On entering the state of Himachal Pradesh, the tourists gets to experience an altogether different world that rejuvenates not just their body and mind, but the soul also.
Himachal Pradesh is not just another hill state; it is a bag full of excitement, thrills, peaceful atmosphere and tranquility. This state gives return gift of fond memories to every visitor. After all, lifetime experiences are something that can be caught only once in a while.
With dense forests calling wildlife lovers to roaring waterfalls for adventure enthusiasts and quiet viewpoints for couples, Himachal Pradesh has something exotic for each visitor. The tourists with religious bent of mind gets a full retreat of richly cultured temples and monasteries. On entering the state of Himachal Pradesh, the tourists gets to experience an altogether different world that rejuvenates not just their body and mind, but the soul also.
Himachal Pradesh is not just another hill state; it is a bag full of excitement, thrills, peaceful atmosphere and tranquility. This state gives return gift of fond memories to every visitor. After all, lifetime experiences are something that can be caught only once in a while.
Culture of Himachal Pradesh
Culture is the facet of any state and introduces that state’s identity to the world. The rich culture of Himachal Pradesh has seen the effect of various tribal clans, such as Kinnars, Sulehria, Pangawals and Lahaulis. Other important communities forming a part of Himachal’s population are Brahmins, Gujjars, Rajputs, Gaddis, Kolis and Rathis. The mix of all these casts and creeds makes Himachal Pradesh as a multi-cultural state.
Languages Spoken
With the diversity in cultural heritage, the use of language in Himachal Pradesh also differs from sect to sect. some of the commonly spoken languages are Punjabi, Dogri, Hindi, Pahari, Kangri, Kinnauri and Gojri. This multiplicity has been a very fine example of unity in diversity.Fairs and Festivals
Fairs and festivals are the reasons for the people of Himachal to come together and form a communal harmony. In fact, it is the right time to catch-up with the enthusiasm of Pahari people . Moreover, watching people dressed in their special attire makes the event even more colorful.History of Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh is located in the northern region of India with borders of Jammu & Kashmir on northern front, China on east, Punjab in west, Uttar Pradesh in southeast and Haryana in south. The history of Himachal Pradesh goes back to the time of Dasas, Koilis, Dhaugiris, Kinnars and Kirats, as first tribal inhabitants of the pre-historic times. These tribal clans were defeated by the powerful army of Aryans, who settled there.During this period, this state also witnessed the establishment of small republics that maintained cordial relations with the main rulers to retain their existence.
After the downfall of Aryans, Guptas took over as the rulers of Himachal state. With the rule of Guptas, the inhabitants of Himachal enjoyed certain amount of freedom as Guptas didn’t rule them directly. In this period, Chandragupta introduced Buddhism in the state and built many stupas. The collapse of Guptas was followed by the rise of Harshas. Harsha Vardhan was a vivacious ruler, who promoted the growth of art and culture in the state.
Subsequent to the death of Harsha, local feudal lords enjoyed the rule for more than 40 years. Afterwards, they were defeated by the Rajputs. During the rule of Rajputs, Himachal Pradesh witnessed the invasions by Mughal rulers. These invasions lead Mughals to expand their powers. Later on, when the Mughal rule began to break, Himachal Pradesh regained its independence under the rule of Maharaja Sansar Chand.
Subsequent to the death of Harsha, local feudal lords enjoyed the rule for more than 40 years. Afterwards, they were defeated by the Rajputs. During the rule of Rajputs, Himachal Pradesh witnessed the invasions by Mughal rulers. These invasions lead Mughals to expand their powers. Later on, when the Mughal rule began to break, Himachal Pradesh regained its independence under the rule of Maharaja Sansar Chand.
On the other side, Gurkhas were consolidating their power to establish their rule in this state. They managed to defeat Maharaja Sansar Chand and gain power. However, their effort to win over the fort of Kangra was crushed by Maharaja Ranjeet Singh. This lead to Anglo-Gurkha war and Gurkhas came in direct contact with Britishers. Gurkhas were, then, expelled from the states lying east of river sutluj. It led to the emergence of Britishers as a supreme power.
At the time of Britishers, Sikhs tried to invade British territory and fought Anglo-Sikh war. After winning this war, Britishers began to exercise their control over other territories also and this led to first revolt of 1857. British gained the official rule over hills after the proclamation of Queen Victoria. This period saw freedom struggles taking place in different parts of the country, including hilly regions.
After gaining independence, the chief commissioner’s province came into existence in April, 1948. After that, Himachal Pradesh was made a Union Territory in November, 1956. In January, 1971, Himachal Pradesh emerged as a new and independent state of India.
At the time of Britishers, Sikhs tried to invade British territory and fought Anglo-Sikh war. After winning this war, Britishers began to exercise their control over other territories also and this led to first revolt of 1857. British gained the official rule over hills after the proclamation of Queen Victoria. This period saw freedom struggles taking place in different parts of the country, including hilly regions.
After gaining independence, the chief commissioner’s province came into existence in April, 1948. After that, Himachal Pradesh was made a Union Territory in November, 1956. In January, 1971, Himachal Pradesh emerged as a new and independent state of India.
How to reach Himachal
Himachal Pradesh is one of the best Hill states in India, with a home to various cultures, traditions and customary practices. Each and every hill station in Himachal has its own style and distinctiveness that takes the tourists to the different world.
In fact, each of them has an altogether different kind of serene atmosphere that creates a magical attraction about the regions. This enables the tourists to come here throughout the year for becoming a part of its miraculous essence.
In fact, each of them has an altogether different kind of serene atmosphere that creates a magical attraction about the regions. This enables the tourists to come here throughout the year for becoming a part of its miraculous essence.
Himachal Pradesh is easily accessible through air, rail and road ways. There are a lot of flights that take off daily or certain days in the week to the different regions of Himachal. Similarly, there are numerous trains that run on the track of Himachal Pradesh almost every day.
To make the journey comfortable by road, Himachal Tourism runs semi-luxurious and luxury buses for the travelers that look for affordable mode to access the greenery in Himachal.
- By Air
- By Train
- By Road
