Best Places In Himachal Pradesh

Kullu

Welcome to the hill resort of Kullu. The Kullu valley is also known as the valley of Gods in India. Kullu, the town is one of the most preferred summer destinations. The sun-scorched souls of the plains take refuge in the Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh. The temples, apple orchards and the Dussehra festivals are what have attracted thousands of tourists time and again to Kullu. The local handicrafts top the list of must buys from Kullu. Check out the hill resort of Kullu with the majestic mountains and the beautiful Beas River.The hill resort of Kullu is located in the Kullu valley of Himachal Pradesh. The height of Kullu is 1230 M above sea level. Kullu lies in the lower reaches of the Himalayan range The Kullu valley was earlier referred to as Kulanthapitha. Kulanthapitha literally meant 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 capital was at Jagatsukh, 5 km to the south of Manali. In the 17th century, the capital was shifted to Kullu and the boundaries of the kingdom extended up to Lahaul and Spiti and the river Sutlej in the east. Though the valley was strategically located on important trade routes from north India to Ladakh and beyond, it was isolated from other parts of the country for many centuries till it came under British rule. The British governed the Kullu valley from Dharamshala.

There are ample gift items offered at Kullu. The local handicrafts of Himachal Pradeshtop the list of must buys from Kullu. You can take your pick from the woodcarvings, bamboo andwickerwork, Chamba rumals and chappals, Himachali dolls, and woolen shawls.

The gudmas are the soft but heavy woolen blankets, generally with red and black trimmings, thobis or the floor coverings and kharchas or the mattresses are the other items you must check out at Kullu in Himachal. The colorful caps from Kullu are the other items that make excellent souvenirs.

The hill resort of Kullu remains pleasant, all through the year. The mild summers last from April to June. The cold winters last from November to February. Kullu experiences monsoons from July to September. This makes the summer months between April and June the best time to visit Kullu. The Dussehra festival in October is another favored time to visit Kullu.

Manali

Is having my thological importance as it is the home of sage Manu. Manu is the mythological deity who is supposed to have survived when the world was drowned in flood. He then came to Manali and recreated human life. Thus, the area of Manali is sacred and Hindus treat the temples over here as pilgrimage.
The best places to visit around Manali are
Naggar – This pleasant Village is located at an hours drive from the main city of Manali. The former capital of Kullu, people visit this village to see the castle which still holds testimony of the lost glory of the capital.
Vaishisht – This place is one among the must visit places around Manali and houses two old stone temples which are dedicated to Vashista, a local saint.
Kothi – A perfect location to retreat, Kothi is located amidst a picturesque setting and overlooks the valley and the mountains.

Shimla

Shimla located in Himachal Pradesh is a beautiful hill station. Also known as Simla, your travel to this place will be one event of your life that you shall never forget. This beautiful hill station derives its name from “Goddess Shyamla”, who is supposed to be an avatar of Goddess Kali. This lovely hill station was ‘discovered’ by the British who immediately fell in love with this place. Infact, they went to the extent of declaring Shimla as their summer capital. Read about Shimla tourism and know more about Simla travel.

Shimla abounds in natural bounty and looks picture perfect. The small hill station amidst the lofty snow-clad Himalayan ranges, surrounded by lakes and lush green pastures look as though an artist has painted them. The unique thing about Shimla is that it still retains its colonial charm and this creates an ambience that is not found anywhere else inIndia. Shimla is one tourist destination that can be visited any time during the year. Summers are warm with cool and pleasant evenings while winters are bone chilling and the temperatures can fall below zero. But this difference is what makes Shimla all the more special!