Himachal Pradesh is a state in north-western India, and offers much for
those looking to experience the Himalayas. While it does not claim the
highest peaks in the range, there is plenty to do aside from
mountaineering. Its name literally means "Adobe of snow". Dalhousie
is a world-famous hill station, located in the western part of Himachal
Pradesh. Dalhousie is basically built on five different hills called Balun,
Tehra, Kathlog, Patreyn and Bakrota, and covers an area of 14 sq. Km.
Dalhousie is named after one of the British Governor Generals, Lord
Dalhousie. Dalhousie has many beautiful churches and charming colonial
architecture. Kullu Valley is very well known as Valley of Gods. It
is situated on the Beas river bank in the lower reaches of Himalayas.
Rudyard Kipling has written: "Surely the Gods live here; this is no place
for men". Kullu is very well known for its ancient temples, festivals and
apple orchards. This place is also famous for its handicraft work and
woollen work of puhla, shawls, patoos, caps and namdas. The best time to
visit Kullu is during Dusshera in the month of October. Spiti Valley
is also known as the Little Tibet due to its vegetation, terrain and
climate which are similar to Tibet. Spiti also means Middle Country.
Lahul Valley is green compared to Spiti Valley. It is covered with
snow for most of the year. Roads are closed from late October to early
May. Its main attractions are Patten Valley and Sri Trilokinath Temple, as
well as lots of monasteries.
