Shimla Travel Information

The British empire may have ceased to exist, but its echoes linger on in Shimla (2205). As the summer capital of the British in India. This was the country's fcus for the better part of every year and now. It is the state capital of Hmachal Pradesh. Today, it has well developed facilities, easy accessibility and numerous attractions make it one of India's most popular hill resort. Placed in the lower ranges of the Himalaya mountains. It is surrounded by pine, deodar, oak and rhododendrom forests. Towards the north lie the snow - covered high ranges, while the valleys breathe whispering streams and swaying fields. Within the town are host of splendid colonial edifices, quaint cottages and charming walks. Shimla holds a variety of shopping sport and entertainment.

How to Get There

The airport is at Jubbarhatti, 23 km away. Shimla is connected to Kalka by an enchanting narrow gauge railway line - where even a quaint rail - car ply. By road, Chandigarh is 117 km. Manali is 280 km. Chail is 45 km and Delhi is at a distance of 370 km. From Delhi. The driving time is about eight hours. Form Delhi, Manali and Chandigarh, luxury coaches and taxis ply to Shimla.

Climate

In winter, the temperature can drop below freezing point when heavy woolens are required. Summer temperatures are mild and light woolens/cottons are recommended.

Places of Interest in and Around Shimla

The Ridge
This large open space in the heart of town presents excellent views of the mountain ranges. Shimal's landmarks - the neo - gothic structure of Christ Church and the neo - Tudor library building - are worth seeing.

Lakkar Bazar
Popular for its wood crafts and souvenirs, this is just off the Ridge.

Jakhoo Hill (2.5 km)
At 2455m, this is the town's highest peak and a vantage point for Shimla's famous views. The summit is crowned with a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The hill is full of paths and narrow roads which are enjoyable walks.

St. Michael's Cathedral
This dressed stone church with fine stained glass has a cruciform design. It is located just off the Mail, below the District Courts.

State Museum (3km)
This houses a representative collection of Himachal Pradesh's rich heritage. Exhibits include archaeological artifacts, carvings, paintings and sculptures. Closed on Monday and holidays.

Indian institute of advanced study (4km)
At 1983m, this magnificent English renaissance structure was the former Viceregal Lodge. Its lawns and woodland are added attractions. Entry by ticket (nominal charge). A portion of the interior is also open to the public, except on Sundays and holidays.

The glen (4km)
At 1830 m, this is a thickly wooded ravine through which a stream flows. It is a popular picnic spot.

Annandale ( 4.5km)
Surrounded by a thick deodar forest, this large glade has an ancient temple on an edge.

Prospect Hill and Kamna Devi (6km)
At 2125m and crowned by a temple dedicated to Kamna Devi, the Hill offers spectacular wide views of the city and its environs.

Sankat mochan (7km)
This is temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman.

Tara Devi (11km)
2044m, A thickly wooded hill whose peak has a temple dedicated to Tara Devi.

Mashobra (12km)
At 2149m, this beautiful suburb is surrounded by a thick forests. Form here, a track leads down to Sipur which is an exquisite glade shaded by ancient deodar trees. There are old temples on a side and a fair is held every April.

Kufri (16km)
At 2501m. this is famous for its wide view and ski slopes. An enjoyable walk leads up to the Mahasu Peak. At Kufri, Himachal Tourism runs the Café lalit.

Fagu (22km)
At 2510m. Fagu has some enchanting views. Himachal tourism runs the Hotel Peach Blossom here.

Chail (45km)
This was the former summer capital of the Patiala State. The palace in now run as a luxury hotel by Himachal Tourism.

Tattapani (51km)
At 656m, there are hot sulphur springs here, Himachal Tourism has a restaurant and Tourist Bungalow at Tattapani.
 

Spiti Travel Information

Spiti is the sub division of Lahaul & Spiti district with its hqrs. at Kaza. It is called "Little Tibet" because it has almost the same terrain, vegetation & climate . Spiti also means "Middle Country". It lies between Tibet, Ladakh, Kinnaur, Lahaul & Kulu. From Shimla via Kinnaur there is a motorable road which remains open upto Kaza for 8 to 9 months. About 10kms. ahead of Pooh, satluj enters India near Shipki la & Spiti river joins it at Khab. The road then goes to Sumdo via Hangrang valley. From Sumdo Spiti valley starts. The Spiti river flows fast through deep gorges at some places. The valley is not wide but there are villages and some fields where people grow barley, buck- wheat, peas & vegetables. It has an area of 4800 sq. kms. Some inhabitants have adopted Budhism as there faith and Bhoti is the spoken language. The people are simple and honest. The main Spiti valley is split into eastern and western valleys. They are connected with Ladakh & Tibet on eastern side & Kinnaur and Kulu on western side through high passes.

MONASTERIES

There are a large number of gompas in this valley but it has also some important and famous monasteries, a brief description is given.

KYE MONASTERY: It is situated 12 kms. north of Kaza and serves the western population of Spiti. It is the oldest and biggest monastery of the valley and located at (4116 m) above Kye village. It houses beautiful scriptures and paintings of Budha and other goddesses. Lamas practice dance, sing and play on pipes and horns. Many Lamas get religious training here. It has murals and books of high aesthetic value.

THANG YUG GOMPA: It is located 13kms. above kaza serving western part of central Spiti. Situated in a secluded place in the narrow gauge of Kaza Nallah, it generally has a Lama from Tibet. Above this there is a long plateau which leads to Shilla peak.

KUNGRI GOMPA: It is situated in the Pin valley about 10 kms. from Attargo where Spiti river has to be crossed to enter Pin valley. It is serves the population of Pin valley.

DHANKAR MONASTERY: It is situated about 25 kms. east of Kaza and serves eastern part of central Spiti. Dhankar is a big village and erstwhile capital of Spiti Kingdom. On top of a hill there is a fort which use to be the prison in olden times. The Monastery has about 100 Lamas and is in position of Budhist scriptures in Bhoti language. Principal figure is a Statue of " Vairochana" (Dhayan Budha) consisting of 4 complete figures seated back to back. It has relics in the shape of paintings and sculptures.

TABO MONASTERY: It is another big gompa for serving the population of eastern side. It belongs to the tenth century and is located 50 kms. from kaza. It is a famous gompa next to Tholing Gompa in Tibet. It has about 60 Lamas and a large collection of Scriptures, wall paintings etc. Murals of this gompa have a great similarity to that of the Ajanta paintings.

APPROACH

There are two routes to enter Spiti.

From Manali via Rohtang Pass to Kaza, the hqtr. of Spiti. Manali is connected by Air, Rail and Road. From Manali, there is a regular bus from July to October.

From Shimla via Kinnaur. Shimla is connected by Air, Rail & Road. From here by buses to Kaza from May to October.

WHAT TO SEE

KUNZUM PASS(4590 m): As Rohtang pass is a gateway to Lahaul so Kunzum pass is the gateway to Spiti from Kulu & Lahaul. After crossing Rohtang pass and driving 20kms, one has to turn right from Gramphoo. While going to this pass, the panoramic view of Bara-Sigri glacier (second longest glacier in the world) is enthrilling and inspiring.

There is a temple at the top of this pass dedicated to goddess Durga. After seeing this pass one can drive to Batal for a night stay in the Rest House. The view from the top is breathtaking. On one side is the Spiti valley and to the other are numerous C.B.(Chandra-Bhaga ) range peaks. On way back from Gramphoo one can either return to Manali (71kms.) or can go to Leh via Keylong , Darcha, Baralacha la, Sarchu, Tanglang la by road. From Tandi (8kms. short of Keylong) one can also drive to Pangi valley along the Chenab river to Udaipur, Trilokinath and Tindi and thereafter by trekking to Killar. From Killar to Chamba/Dalhousie/Delhi or to Kishtwar- Jammu-Delhi.

LOSAR(4080 m): It is situated near the confluence of Losar and Peeno streams. this village is worth a visit being the first big village and because of its Location. Yak and horse riding are other charms to add to its beauty and unique experience.

KAZA(3800 m): 224 kms. from Manali, 197kms. from Keylong and 425kms. from Shimla. Kaza is a Sub Divisional Hqtr. of Spiti Valley. It is situated at the foot of the step ridges on the left bank of Spiti river. There are PWD rest houses and a private hotels for the staying. Once it was the hqtr. of Nono, the chief of Spiti. It has all modern facilities and is connected by road with Manali & Shimla except in the winter months.

KIBBER(4205 m): It is locally known as Khyipur, one of the highest villages in the world at an altitude of 4205 m above sea level in a narrow valley surrounded by mountains from all sides. Rest Houses available for the visitors. Gette village, at a short distance away from kaza, is the highest in the world with a height of 4270 m.

Manali Travel Information

One day, Varvasvata, the seventh incamaiton of Manu found a tiny fish in his bathing water. The fish told him to look after it with devotion for one day it would do him a great service. The seventh Manu cared for the fish till the day it grew so huge that he released it into the sea. Before departing. The fish warned Manu of an impending deluge When the entire world would be submerged and bade him to build a sea worthy ark. When the flood came varvasvata and seven sages were towed to safety by Matsya, the fish-which is regarded as first avatara of Lord Vishnu. As the water subsided the seventh Manu's ark came to the rest on a hillside and the place was named Manali (2050m) after him.

As the earth slowly dried, here arose a place of breath taking natural beauty which was only appropriate for it was at Manali that life began again. Today this legendary cradle of all human kind is a prime holiday destination. There are high mountains surrounded by silent snows and deep boulder strew gorges. There are thick forests full of cool breezes and bird songs. There are fields of wild flowers, small picturesque hamlets and fruit laden orchards.

How To Get There

The airport at Bhunter is 50 km from Manali where taxis and buses are available. The closest narrow gauge railhead is at Jogindemagar. 135 km away. The closest broad gauge rail heads are Chandigarh ( 310 km) and Ambala (355 km). By road the distance from Delhi via mandi is 570 km, and from Shimla the distance is 280 km. From Shimla. Chandigarh and Delhi, Himachal Tourism plies luxury buses to Manali.

Climate
In winter, the temperature can drop to below freezing point when heavy woolens are required, Summer temperature are mild and light woolens/cottons are recommended.

Places of Interest in and Around Manali

Hidimba Temple
(1 km ) Built in 1553 and with a superbly crafted four tiered pagoda roof, it is famous for its exquisitely carved doorway.

Manu Temple :
(2 km) this is dedicated to the sage Manu.

Vashisth :
(3 km) : Well known for its hot springs. There are old temples dedicated to the sage Vashisth and to Lorde Rama. These are just beyond the Himachal Tourism baths.

Monasterires :
There are three recently built Tibetan monasteries at Manali.

Jagatsukh (6 km) :
The one - time capital of Kullu. Here are old temples deidicated to Lord Shiva and to Sandhya Gayatri. The Arjun caves are just ahead.

Solang Valley :
(14 km) : In a picturesque setting this has good ski slopes and picnic spots. SHPTDC organises ski packages during winter.

Towards the Rohtang Pass :
On the road to Keylong is the Nehru Kund (6 km) which is a clear water spring and scenic spot named after the late Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru. Kothi (12 km) is a picturesque village and has a thrilling view of the deep gorge through which the Beas swifty races. The beautiful Rahalla falls (16 km) are at an altitude of 2500 m. A crucial link on the old trade-route and still the gateway to trans Himalayan Lahaul. The Rohtang Pass is at height of 3980 m.
 

Lahual Travel Information

Lahaul and Spiti are two remote Himalayan Valleys of H.P. lying on the Indo-Tibet border. Strange, exciting, primitive, these valleys are unsurpassed in mountain scape, in the rugged beauty of their rocky escapements and the splendor of their snow covered peaks.

Lahaul is marked by a central mass of uniformly high mountains and massive glaciers. The two rivers, Chandra and Bhaga which rise on either side of the Baralacha La, flow through the narrow Chandra and Bhaga valleys. Lahaul is a land of fascinating Buddhist art and culture. The monasteries of Lahaul-Spiti are rich repositories of ancient murals, thankas, wood carving and golden images of Padmasambhava. The valley lies at a height of 2745 metres above sea level. Summer in this valley is cool and pleasant with green grass and alpine flowers. There are little monsoon in both these valleys and this enables climbers & trekkers to enjoy a long and unbroken season in perpetual sunshine to explore the wilderness and grandeur of the inner Himalaya. This unique feature makes Lahul-Spiti as an ideal destination for tourists and trekkers in the month of July, August and September. Keylong is 115 kms. from Manali and is the District Headquarters of Lahul-Spiti District.

GENERAL INFORMATION

AREA 13835 sq. kms.
POPULATION 30,820
ALTITUDE 3340 m (Keylong)
CLOTHING Light woollen in Summer
Heavy woollen in Winter.

TEMPERATURE Maximum:26.8 C Min 1.38 C Summer
Maximum:6.1 C Min (-)19.38 C Winter

VISITING SEASON June to October
LANGUAGES Lahauli, English, Hindi, Bhoti are understood and spoken by the people engaged in tourism trade.
RELIGION Hinduism & Budhism

APPROACH

Road: Lahaul is connected with road from all parts of the country. Manali is the point where buses from various stations come. From here, one can take bus/taxi to any destination in Lahaul-Spiti, Pangi & Leh during the months between June to November depending upon opening and closing of Rohtang pass (3979 m), the gateway to this valley. National highway 21 is passes through this valley enroute to Leh.

WHAT TO SEE

GONDLA(3160 m): It is 18 kms. from Keylong on the right bank of Chandra river. The location of royal houses of the village is interesting. In the month of July a fair is held when Lamas dance & enjoy. The Gompa of this village has historical significance and the fair attracts a large number of visitors. The residence of the Thakur of Gondla is an eight storey building of its own kind in the entire Lahaul valley. It is worth a visit. This is called Gondla castle or fort and was built in 1700 A.D.

TANDI: Tandi is 8 kms. short of Keylong and is situated at the confluence of Chandra & Bhaga rivers. A legend says that there were two lovers, Chandra being the daughter of the Moon and Bhaga the son of the Sun god. To perform there eternal marriage, they decided to climb to the Baralacha La & from there they ran in opposite directions. Chandra being active and smart easily found her way &reached Tandi after covering the distance of 115 kms. Soon Bhaga was found coming with great struggle through the narrow gorges to Tandi where consequently both met and the celestial marriage was performed. Bhaga covered about 60 kms. distance which was very difficult.

GURU GHANTAL MONASTERY(3020 m): This is on the right bank of Chandra river about 4kms. above Tandi and is believed to be the oldest Gompa of Lahaul having wooden structure with pyramidal roofs, wood carving and preserving the idols of Padmasambhava & Brajeshwari Devi. On the full moon night in mid-June a festival called "GHANTAL" is celebrated by Lamas & Thakurs together.

KEYLONG (3340 m): Keylong is the district Headquarters of Lahaul Spiti on the main road to Leh over Rohtang. It is an oasis of green fields and willow trees, water streams surrounded with brown hills and snow capped peaks. There are hotels, tourist bungalows and rest houses to stay.

KARDANG MONASTERY(3500 m): It is about 5kms. from Keylong across Bhaga river. It is believed to be built in 12th century. The Monastery has a large library of Kangyur and Tangyur volumes of Budhist scriptures in Bhoti. Kardang village was once the capital of Lahaul.

SHASHUR MONASTERY: Situated on a hill about 3 kms. far from Keylong towards north on the same slope. During June/July this monastery attracts lot of visitors when Lamas perform devil dance. It was founded in the 17th century a.d. It belongs to red hat sect and is located among the blue pines. The paintings are represent the history of 84 Buddha's.

TAYUL GOMPA (3900 m): Tayul Gompa is 6 kms. from Keylong and is one of the oldest monasteries of the valley having a big statue of Guru Padmasamhava about 5 m high and houses library of Kangyur having 101 volumes. In Tibetan language Ta-Yul means the chosen place. There is an interesting story behind this.

SISSU(3120 m): It is on Keylong-Koksar road over 30 kms. from Keylong. There is a big waterfall here. This is the seat of God Geypan, who is worshipped in the entire valley.

KOKSAR(3140 m): It is 21kms. beyond Rohtang pass in Lahaul and is the coldest place in Lahaul. HRTC workshop, Rest House, police assistance and eating places are available during the season.

JISPA: It is 20kms from Keylong on the bank of Bhaga river having a rest house and mountaineer hut. There is a big camping ground. Sufficient trout fish is available in the river.

GEMUR: It is 18 kms. from Keylong in Bhaga valley where devil dance is held during July in the Local Gompa. The place is situated on Manali-Leh highway.

DARCHA(3360 m): It is 24 kms. from Keylong on Leh road where a camping ground is available. From Darcha trekkers start their trek to Padem, via Shingola as well as Baralacha/Phirtsela. There is a police check-post for assistance. Beyond this point there are hardly any trees. Yotche and Zanskar Nallahs meet Bhaga river here from different directions.

BARALACHA LA(4883 m): It is about 73 kms. from Keylong on Manali Leh road. The name means pass with cross roads on summit (roads from Ladakh, Spiti and Lahaul join at the top). There is no road yet from Spiti. Only a path exists. This is also the point of origin of Chandra, Bhaga and, Yunam rivers. They flow to three different directions through the Chandra, Bhaga and Lingti valleys.

SARCHU: It is the last border point between Himachal and Ladakh, where HPTDC put up a tented colony for the convenience of the touristsduring summer season. It is situated at a distance of 116 kms. from Keylong.

SHANSHA: This is on the right bank of river Chandra-Bhaga (Chenab) at a distance of 27kms. from Keylong on Udaipur road. The Geypan, a powerful deity of Lahaul is believed to be born here. A shrine dedicated to the deity has also been built in this village.

TRILOKINATH TEMPLE: Trilokinath means the Shiva. A Temple is situated in the village which is about 4 kms. short of Udaipur on the left bank of Chenab river. Devotees from far off places come to pay their respects at this unique temple. This Shiva temple was given a look of Budhist shrine by Guru Padmasambhava by installing the 6 armed image of Avalokiteshvar. It is now sacred both to Hindus and Bhudhists alike and attracts many pilgrims from both these communities. In August, a big festival named Pauri is held for three days when people including the sadhus and followers of various religious sects gather to receive the blessings of Lord Trilokinath.

UDAIPUR(2743 m): In olden times this village was known as Markul and so the name of local goddess is Markula Devi. The temple here is unique and famous for its wooden carving on its roof and ceiling. Its name was changed by Raja Udai Singh of Chamba. This place is situated near the confluence of Chenab and Mayar Nallah. This place is therefore a starting point for Mayar valley and further on to Zanskar and other peaks. This is a green area rather the whole Chenab valley is greener than the Lahaul valley. It has a rest house and some hotels and is a good resting place.

Some years back the road was only upto this point and from here the trekking expeditions to different areas used to start. Now the road is under construction beyond this place and the bus is goes upto Tindi. This road has now been connected up to Killar, which is the meeting point of another roads; one from Kishtwar(J&K) and from Chamba over the Sach pass.

Kufri Travel

At a height of 2501 ms, girded by awesome pinncles, Kufri is a scenic hill resort 16 kms from Shimla. From December to March it wears its white winter garb, with snow trimmings on its undulating slopes are fashioned by nature to exhilarate lovers of winter sports. Skiing facilities and training for beginners are available during the best part of winter.



How to Reach Kufri
Special conducted bus tours can be hired from Kufri to Shimla. Regular buses and taxis are also available from Shimla. But to fully savour the scenic views between Shimla and Kufri nothing could be better than trekking the 16 kms way.

Kullu Travel Information

Kullu was once known as Kullanthapitha - the end of the habitable world. Beyond rose the forbidding heights of the Greater Himalaya, and by the banks of the shining river Beas, lay the fabled Silver Valley.

Kullu got its first motorable access only after independence. The long centuries of seclusion have however allowed the area to retain a considerable measures of its traditional charm. Here is the core of an intricate web of numerous valleys-each of which is a visual delight and seems more beautiful than the other.

The Silver Valley has nature's treasures that lie carelessly scattered as flowers on the high meadows. This wealth nestles by every tree in the splendid forests, it bursts forth in the blooms and in the fruit of every orchard. Here are riches which cannot be measured and echo down the ages with the words of every myth and ancient legend-and glow in the warm smiles of its gentle people. There is pleasure in every step you take in these enchanted valleys and is every gurgle you hear in the clear mountain streams.

How to Get There
The airport at Bhuntar is 10 km from Kullu, where taxis and buses are available. The closest narrow gauge railhead is at Jogindernagar, 95 km from Kullu. By road, the distance from Delhi via Mandi is 530 km and from Shimla this is 240 km. From Delhi and Shimla, luxury buses ply to Kullu.

Climate
In winter, the temperature gets quite low when heavy woolens are required. It is pleasant in summer and cottons are recommended.

Places of Interest in and Around Kullu.

Raghunath Temple :
In the 17th century, Raja Jagat Singh of Kullu committed a great wrong. To atone for the sin, he sent a senior countier to Ayodhya for a statue of Lord Ragunath - Lord Rama. This temple was built by Raja Jagat Singh to house the image and even today is greatly revered.

Bijli Mahadev Temple (14 km) :
At 2460 m, this is set on a spur that offers some spectactular views. The temple is famous for its high staff that periodically draws lightning which shatters the Shivlinga and scorches the building. Using only butter as adhesive, the linga is then carefully pieced together by the temple Pundit.

Basheshwar Mahadev Temple Bajura :
(15 km) One of the most charming temple in the Kullu Valley, this is renowned for its intricate stone carvings.

Other Temples :
The Vaishno Devi Temple (4 km), the Devi Jagannathi temple at Bekhli (5 km) and the Vishnu temple at Dayar (12 km) are other important shrines around Kullu.

Kaisdhar (15 km)
A high meadow fringed by deodar trees. A picturesque spot.

Kasol :
(42 km) An open glade by the banks of the river Parvati. Clean White sand separates the lush green grass from the water. A good spot for trout. Himachal Tourism has Tourist Hut here.

Dharmshala Travel Information

The High snow clad Dhauladhar ranges of the Himalayas from a magnificent backup to the hill resort of Dharamsala is the principal township of Kangra district and overlooks the wide spead f the plains. With dense pine and deodar forests, numerous streams, cool healthy air, attractive surroundings and the nearby snowline. Dharamsala has everything for a perfect holiday. It is full of life and yet peaceful. And the headquarters of His Holiness the Dalai Lama are here. Covering a wide area in the form of twin settlement, Lower Dharamsala (1380m) is a busy commercial center, while Upper Dharamsalal (1830m) with the suburbs of Mcleodganj and Forsy theganj, retains a British flavour and colonial lifestyle.

The charming church of St. John in the wilder ness is situated here and this is the final resting place of Lord Elgin, a British, a British Viceroy of India during the 19th century. There is also a large Tibetan community who have made this their home. Numerous ancient temples like Jwalamukhi, Brijeshwari and Chamunda lie on the plains below Dharmasala.

How to Get There :
Daramsala can be approached by air from Delhi. The nearest airpot is at Gaggal, just 13km away. Pathankot the nearest broad gauge railway station is 85 km away and the toy train station is just 17km at Kangra. Taxis, Buses for Dharmasala are available at both places. From Pathankot the drive takes about tree hours. Or you can drive from Delhi (526km) via Chandigarh, Kirtpur and Bilaspur. This should take around 12 hours. From Delhi and Shimla luxury buses ply to Dharmasala.

Climate

In winter the temperature can drop to freezing point when heavy woolens are required. During summer. The climate is mild and light woolens/cottons are recommended.

Places of Interest in and Around Dharamsala

The variety Dharamsala offers for sightseeing ranges from temples, churches and monsasteries to museums, ancient towns and places of natural beauty. Every season and every spot has its own special offering.

Kangra Art Museum, Kotwall Bazar :
This treasure trove of the Kangra Valley arts, crafts and rich past, displays artifacts that date back to the 5th century. It includes a gallery of kangra's famous miniature painting and a representative collection of sculptures, pottery and anthropological items. Shamlanas and dresses used by local royalty, old carved doors, jails, lintels and pandals are also on display coins. Jewellery and manuscripts are included. A section houses the work of contemporary artists, sculptures and photographers. The library is just below this.

War Memorial
At the very start of town, landscaped lawns and a web of narrow paths fill a pine grove where a monuments has been raised to commemorate the post Independence wr heroes of Himachal Pradesh.

Kunal Pathri
A 3 km level walk from the Kowali Bazar leads up to this rock temple.

St. John's Church
8 km from Dharamsala between forsythganj and Mcleodganj is the charming dressed stone church of St. john in the Wilderness. Under the Shade of deodar braches. A memorial has been erected over the body of the British viceroy. Lord Elgin who died at Dharamsala in 1863. There is a well tended old graveyard on these grassy slopes.

Mcleodganj
Often called the Little Lahasa at 1770 m, this is the residence of His Hgoliness Dalai Lama. The impressive monastery has larger than life images of the Buddha. Padmasambhava and avaloktwshwara. The large Tibetan community and the presence of traditional architectural designs drawn from Tibet every Sunday, the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts is just a km away and it organizes a ten day festival from the second Saturday of April.

Dal Lake
11 km from Dharmsala and surrounded by deodar trees, the lake fills mountain bown from Tibet every Sunday. The Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts is just a km away and it organizes a ten day festival from the second Saturday of April.

Bhagsunath
Close to fresh water springs, this ancient temple is 11 km from Dharamsala. It is a popular picnic spot and the famous slate quarries are close by.

Chinmaya Tapovan
10 km from Dharamsala on the banks of the rivulet Bindu Saras, is an ashram complex established by the late Swami Chinmayananda. A noted exponent of the Gita. The complex includes a 9m high image of Lord Hanuman, a magnificent Rama temple. A mediation hall, a School, and a health and ahealth and recreation center.

Dalhousie Travel Information

In western Himachal Pradesh, the hill station of Dalhousie is full of old world charm and holds lingering echos of the 'RAJ'. It covers an area of about 14 sq. km. And is built of five hills Kathlog, Potreyn, Tehra, Bakrota and Balun. It is named after the British Governor General of the 19th century, Lord Dalhousie.

The town's height varies between 1,525 m and 2,378 m, and it is surrounded by varied vegetation-pines, deodars, oaks and flowering rhododendron. Dalhousies has charming colonial architecture, including some beautiful churches.

Its location presents panoramic views of the plains-and like a long silver line, river Ravi twists and turns below Dalhousie. The spectacular snow-covered Dhauladhar mountains are also visible from this enchanting town.

How to Get There

Dalhousie is 485 km by road from Delhi and 52 km from Chamba. The closest railhead is Pathankot-80 km away. The airport at Gaggal in Kangra is at a distance of 135km. Taxis and buses are easily available from these places.

Climate

In winter, the temperature can drop to freezing point when heavy woolens are required. The summer temperature are mild and light woollens/cottons are recommended.

Places of Interest in and around Dalhousie

Churches:
There are four beautiful churches in Dalhousie. These are St. Andrew's Church and St. Patrick's Church at Balun, St. Francis Church at Subhash Chowk and St. John's Church at Gandhi Chowk.

Subhash Baoli (1 km) :
It was at this enchanting spot surrounded by majestic trees, that Subhash Chandra Bose spent a lot of time in 1937, contemplating and meditating.

Panchpula (3 km) :
This is a picturesque spot where a stream feeds a series of pools. A monument has been built here in memory of the freedom fighter, Sardar Ajit Singh.

Kalatop (10 km) :
This wild life sanctuary is a home to the 'ghoral' and Himalayan black bear.

Shopping
Tibetan handicrafts including pullovers and carpets at Dalhousie. Chamba slippers, 'rumals' and shawls at Chambe.

Chamba Travel Information

Chamba town (996m) stands on the right bank of the river Ravi. As a former princely State, it is one of the oldest in the country and dates back to the sixth century. It is well known for its splendid architecture and as the base for numerous excursions. It is also a district headquarters.

How to Get There

Chamba is connected by road and is 580 km from Delhi. It is 24 km from Khajjiar and from Dalhousie via Khajjar, the distance is 56 km.The closest railhead is at Pathankot, 118 km away. The airport at Gaggal in Kangra is at a distance of 170km. Taxis/buses are available from these places.

Climate

In Winter, the temperature gets very low because of cold winds, when heavy wollens are required. It is hot in summer-upto 380C and cottons are recommended.

Places of Interest in and Around Chamba

Laxmi Narayan Temple Complex :
With six main Shikhara style temples and several smaller shrines, this is renowned for its finely executed classical forms.

Hari Rai Temple:
This is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and dates back to the 11th Century.

Other Temples :
The profusion of temples in Chamba and their craftsmanship is remarkable. Some important shrines are Champavati, Vajreshwari, Sui Mata and Chamuna Devi.

The Chowgan:
Chamba's wide concourse is the hub of much of the towns activity and also serves as its promenade.

Rangmahal :
This old palace is an interesting mix of colonial and Saracenic architectural styles.

Akhand Chandi Palace :
Now a college, this imposing building once housed Chamba's ruling family. Much of the original craftsmanship can still be seen.

Bhuri Singh Museum :
Named after Raja Bhuri Singh of Chamba, this is a treasure house of Chamba's rich past. The exhibits include copper plates, murals, doorways, costumes, paintings and stone carvings.

St. Andrew's Church :
Over a century old, this is a charming dressed stone structure with lancet windows.

Bharmour (65km) :
Its 84 ancient temples at a height of 2141m are well known. It is also the summer home of the nomadic Gaddi people.

Manimahesh (93km):
This sacred lake (4183m) is associated with Lord Shiva and is the site of an annual pilgrimage.

Chatrari (45 km) :
An attractive temple to Shakti Devi is located here.

Chail Travel Information

Nestling in the shelter of virgin forests which cover many untoddle hills, Chail is a tiny resort in the shiwalik region of Himachal Pradesh, Chail has interesting history. Originally, it was a part of Keonthal State. Then it came under the sway of the Gorkha warrior Amar Singh. Finally it became a royal resort and summer seat of Maharaja of Patiala. The story behind the rise of Chail as the summer seat of Patiala state is quite interesting.

The year was 1891. Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala incurred the wrath of the Commander-in-Chief, Lord Kitchener, who banned his entry into the British summer capital of Shimla. Enraged, the Maharja resolved to build himself a new summer capital better than Shimla. The British Government had already gifted him Chail.

The present Chail is spread over an area of 72 acres on three adjacent hills-the Rajgarh Hill where the Palace is built, the Pandava Hill where the old Residency 'Snow View' is located and where the British Resident lived, and finally the Siddh Tibba, where the temple of Baba Sidhnath is located at a height of 2226 ft.

How to Get There :

Chail is connected by road, From Shimla via Kufri the distance is 45 km and via Kandaghat this is 61 km. Kalka is 86 km away. Regular buses for Chail leave from Shimla, Chandigarh and Delhi. The closest airports are at Chandigarh (120km) and Shimla (63km). HPTDC also organises sight-seeing tours from marketing office Shimla to Chail.

Climate

In winter the temperature can drop below freezing point when heavy woollens are required. In summer the climate is mild and light woolens/cottons are recommended.

Places of Interest in and around Chail

Sldh Bdbo KG AAondir ( 1.5 km) : Maharaja Bhupinder Singh orginally began building his Palace at this site. It is said that a "Sidh" saintly person appeared before the Maharaja in a dream and declared that this was the place where he had meditated, Bhupinder Singh shifted his Palace and also had this temple built.

Cricket Ground (3 km) :
Built in 1 893, after leveling the top of hill, this stands at 2444m and is the highest cricket pitch and polo ground in the world.

Wildlife (3km):
The Chail Sanctuary has "Choral", "Kakkar, "Sambhar" red jungle fowl and "Khalij" and "Cheer" pheasants. Machan-like sighting posts have been built near blossom and at Khariun.

Sadhupul
(1 360 m) : Halfway between Kandaghat (12 km) and Chail is this village and bridge astride the Ashwani stream. A good picnic spot.