Tourism in Himachal Pradesh relates to tourism in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. [112], Other religions that form a smaller percentage are Islam, Sikhism and Buddhism. [13] According to a survey of CMS-India Corruption Study in 2017, Himachal Pradesh is India's least corrupt state. [125] The day-to-day cuisine of Himachalis is similar to the rest of northern India with Punjabi and Tibetan influences. The fair commemorates Sipi Devta, the local deity. Only when the British established their chain of hill stations did tourism receive recognition in the State. Moreover, there are sanctuaries which are tourist spots such as Naina Devi and Gobind Sagar Sanctuary in the Una and Bilaspur districts with an area of 220km2. The Zanskar range runs in the northeastern part of the state and the great Himalayan range run through the eastern and northern parts, while the Dhauladhar and the Pir Panjal ranges of the lesser Himalayas, and their valleys, form much of the core regions. The Kingdom of Gorkha conquered many kingdoms and came to power in Nepal in 1768. Date of Visit: Destination : Budget: Other Details : TOP DESTINATIONS Shimla under snow Shimla - A Queen of Hills Destinations near Shimla Naldehra, Fagu- Kufri, Chindi, Chail-Solan, Kiarighat, Darlaghat Solang Valley, Manali Kullu- Manali : Valley of GODS ( Famous for snow covered mountains, river rafting, temples, festivals etc.) With its Tibetan refugee camp, Buddhist monasteries, and large stupa, Bir is renowned for its peaceful atmosphere. Bir Billing is the collective name for paragliders who take off from Billing and land in Bir village. According to a statement from state authorities, the monetary loss has been estimated at Rs 785.51 crore. Held every year in April on the bank of River Pabbar at Rohru, the summer fair is held in honour of Shikru Devta, the local deity. The State itself is a post-independence creation. Air: There are daily flights from Delhi to Shimla Airport at Jubbarhatti, at a distance of 23 kms from the city. Check Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) Covid-19 travel guidelines, bus fares, time table and online bus ticket reservations with ZERO Booking Fees. Apple is the principal cash crop of the state grown principally in the districts of Shimla, Kinnaur, Kullu, Mandi, Chamba and some parts of Sirmaur and Lahaul-Spiti with an average annual production of five lakh tonnes and per hectare production of 8 to 10 tonnes. #WATCH | Himachal Pradesh | "There is 100% loss to the tourism business, I run hotels in Shimla, Kasauli, and Manali. At an altitude of 2,800 meters, Fun World in Kufri takes pride in having the highest go-kart track, along with other engaging activities thatll be rejoiced forever. [17] In the revolt of 1857, or first Indian war of independence, arising from several grievances against the British,[17] the people of the hill states were not as politically active as were those in other parts of the country. Tourism remains a key contributor to Himachal's economy with its current share of approximately 7% to the state GDP. While a tiny portion of line adjacent to Kandrori(KNDI) station on either side on Pathankot-Jalandhar Section, under Ferozepur Division of Northern Railway also crosses into Himachal Pradesh, before venturing out to Punjab again. Kali Bari Temple The neo-gothic towering architecture of the Christ Church, the state library in the vicinity, the statue of Mahatma Gandhi, the slate roofline of Gaiety Theater and the Town Hall are important landmarks on The Ridge. [91] Hamirpur district has the highest road density in the country. [19] On 18 December 1970, the State of Himachal Pradesh Act was passed by Parliament, and the new state came into being on 25 January 1971. The state animal is the snow leopard, which is even rarer to find than the jujurana. Pin Valley National Park, Inderkilla, Khirganga and Simbalbara are the other national Parks located in the state. Kasol. As well as being known as the Paragliding Capital of India, Bir in Himachal Pradesh is also a well-known destination for ecotourism and a hub for spiritual studies and meditation. Pollution is affecting the climate of almost all the states of India. There are a variety of festivals celebrated by the locals of Himachal Pradesh who worship gods and goddesses. Designed & Developed By : NETGEN IT SOLUTIONS. With the onset of winter in November, water begins to freeze at the ice skating ground located at a lower elevation on the northern slope from The Ridge. [138] [86] It is an electrified track since 1999. Book Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) bus tickets online at redBus. With over 241 million inhabitants, it is the most populated state in India as well as the most populous country subdivision in the world. During the first six five-year plans, most of the development expenditure in the education sector was utilised in quantitative expansion, but after the seventh five-year-plan the state government switched emphasis on qualitative improvement and modernisation of education. [65] According to the provisional estimates of Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, the annual apple production in Himachal for fiscal 201516 stood at 753,000 tonnes, making it India's second-largest apple-producing state after Jammu and Kashmir. The state is endowed with a high diversity of medicinal and aromatic plants. A sizeable minority does speak Punjabi. [88][89][90], Roads are the major mode of transport in Himachal Pradesh due to its hilly terrain. Rohru Fair This National Park is a trail to many hikers and trekkers too. For any query regarding this website, contact Sh.Surjeet Kumar,Nodal Officer Ph:0177-2625924. It includes a gallery of Kangra's famous miniature painting and a representative collection of sculptures, pottery and anthropological items. [37] It is one of the rarest living pheasants in the world. Garhwal Region Kumaon Region. Due to steps taken by governments to prevent pollution, Himachal Pradesh has become the first smoke-free state in India which means cooking in the entire state is free of traditional chulhas.[23]. The Council of Ministers reports to the Legislative Assembly. Annadale is also a major tourist spot in Shimla with an Army Heritage Museum, a Golf Course, helipad and lush green nature. The Ridge Universal suffrage is granted to residents. [17], During the Vedic period, several small republics known as Janapada existed which were later conquered by the Gupta Empire. Himachal became a part C state on 26 January 1950 with the implementation of the Constitution of India. The Buddhists, who constitute 1.15%, are mainly natives and tribals from Lahaul and Spiti, where they form a majority of 62%, and Kinnaur, where they form 21.5%. The state is one of the most literate states of India with a literacy rate of 83.78% as of 2011. [97] The sex ratio stood at 972 females per 1,000 males, recording a marginal increase from 968 in 2001. KalkaShimla Railway is a mountain railway in Himachal Pradesh. List of Registered Hotels/Homestay/Travel Agency..etc. [50] As of 2018, Himachal is the 22nd-largest state economy in India with 1.52 lakh crore (US$19billion) in gross domestic product and has the 13th-highest per capita income (160,000 (US$2,000)) among the states and union territories of India. [33] Great Himalayan National Park, oldest and largest National park in the state, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tenders/EOI Top Places to Visit In Himachal Pradesh. Kala, C.P. Corrigendum regarding extension of dates for e-tender for selection of agency for evaluation of works carried out under Compensatory Afforestation Fund . Uttar Pradesh (/ t r p r d /; Hindustani: [t pde] , lit. Executive authority is vested in the Council of Ministers headed by the Chief Minister, although the titular head of government is the Governor. [58] Centuries-old traditional Kuhl irrigation system is prevalent in the Kangra valley,[60] though in recent years these Kuhls have come under threat from hydroprojects on small streams in the valley. While traditionally Himachal was known as a summer destination, the Department of Tourism & Civil Aviation has taken special efforts to break the seasonality factor and has developed diversified tourism products to attract tourists in other seasons too. [17] Several hill states acknowledged Mughal suzerainty and paid regular tribute to the Mughals.[18]. The British territories came under the British Crown after Queen Victoria's proclamation of 1858. [52], The total GDP for 200506 was estimated at 254billion as against 230billion in the year 200405, showing an increase of 10.5%. Shimla, February 8 New initiatives, better marketing and quality improvement in service helped the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) to earn a revenue of Rs 10.35. With remarkable economic and social advancements, the state has changed rapidly. At an altitude of 2,872 meters, the mountain top Shali Tibba Temple has a 360 degree view of the high peaks around and the deep valleys in the foreground. Narkanda located in at an altitude of around 8850 feet is known for its apple orchards. Bhimakali Temple, Sarahan Public and private transport buses regularly ply on the Shimla to Rohru route, making a halt at Hatkoti to drop and pick up passengers. Hatu Peak, Narkanda [126] Non-vegetarian food is more widely accepted in Himachal Pradesh than elsewhere in India, partly due to the scarcity of fresh vegetables on the hilly terrain of the state.[127]. This is popularly renowned for its Himalayan landscapes and popular hill-stations. Ice Skating Carnival [6], There are a variety of festivals celebrated by the locals of Himachal Pradesh who worship gods and goddesses. [82] There approximately 6000 temples in Himachal Pradesh with a known one being Bijli Mahadev. The only broad-gauge railway line in the whole state connects Amb AndauraUna Himachal railway station to Nangal Dam in Punjab and runs all the way to Daulatpur, Himachal Pradesh. [128] The Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan is another HP government initiative that not only aims for universal elementary education but also encourages communities to engage in the management of schools. A rich cultural legacy with a diverse heritage and local traditions, Shimla celebrates life with local fairs and festivals that have a charm of their own. Himachal Pradesh was established in 1948 as a Chief Commissioner's Province within the Union of India. Introduction: In the 1890s, in remote locations such as railroad construction sites, lumber camps, turpentine camps, or coal mines, jobs often existed far from established towns. Summer Festival Agriculture, horticulture, hydropower, and tourism are important constituents of the state's economy. However the biggest boost to tourism occurred in the mid 80s and 90s. [72] The identified hydroelectric potential for the state is 27,436 MW in five river basins[70] while the hydroelectric capacity in 2016 was 10,351 MW. Till 19th century, Tourism in Himachal Pradesh was restricted only to a limited movement of pilgrims to a few spiritual destinations in around the hills. Tehsil. After the defeat, they expanded towards the south of the state. The predominantly mountainous region comprising the present-day Himachal Pradesh has been inhabited since pre-historic times, having witnessed multiple waves of human migrations from other areas. They came into direct conflict with the British along the tarai belt, after which the British expelled them from the provinces of the Satluj. The tourism sector of Himachal Pradesh contributes 7% to the state GDP. The State of Bilaspur was merged into Himachal Pradesh on 1 July 1954 by the Himachal Pradesh and Bilaspur (New State) Act, 1954. [116][117][118] Of late, the demand for these handicrafts has increased within and outside the country. Content on this website is published and managed by Department of Tourism & Civil Aviation, Block No. [98] The total fertility rate (TFR) per woman in 2015 stood at 1.7, one of the lowest in India. (2002) Medicinal Plants of Indian Trans-Himalaya: Focus on Tibetan Use of Medicinal Resources. The state has road network of 28,208 kilometres (17,528mi),[91] including eight National Highways (NH) that constitute 1,234 kilometres (767mi) and 19 State Highways with a total length of 1,625 kilometres (1,010mi). [66] The state is also among the leading producers of other fruits such as apricots, cherries, peaches, pears, plums and strawberries in India. Himachal Pradesh University is located at Summer Hill, the picturesque suburb of Shimla popularly known as HPU. Basking in the grandeur of the British era with apparent influences in its architecture, Shimla did charm the British colonisers of the 19th century so much that they elevated the small township into the summer capital of an empire sprawling the sub-continent. The fair attracts buyers from neighbouring parts of the region also. Rural Tourism in Himachal Pradesh According to the 2011 Census of Himachal Pradesh, 89.96 % of the state dwells in its villages. The governor is the head of state appointed by the President of India. From Narkanda one needs to take a taxi or do a 8 km trek through forest country to the mountain top destination. Parts of the Lodge are open to visit for people of all ages. In spring and autumn thin sweaters and hoodies are needed to beat the morning and evening chills. (2005) Health traditions of Buddhist community and role of amchis in trans-Himalayan region of India. [131] Himachal Pradesh is an exception to the nationwide gender bias in education levels. Tourism economy in Himachal amounts to 11,000 crore and contributes to 7.3% of the state's gross domestic product (GDP). Manali. Taxi services in the city is available on demand. Follow Us. "Snow-laden Mountain Province"[9]) is a state in the northern part of India. Himachal hosted the first Paragliding World Cup in India from 24 to 31 October in 2015. Swathed by cedar, rhododendron, fir and Himalayan oak trees, the state capital of Himachal Pradesh is one of the most popular hill stations of India. The nature park at kufri is 16 Km from Shimla. The site is informative, and has links to other State Government Organizations also. Held after the years harvest, Lavi is a historic trade fair held every year on November 11 with much fanfare for three days at Rampur Bushair in Sutlej valley. [12] Through its history, the region was mostly ruled by local kingdoms, some of which accepted the suzerainty of larger empires. Indeed, the name of the state is a reference to its setting: Himachal means "snowy slopes" (Sanskrit: hima, "snow"; acal, "slopes"), and Pradesh means "state.". [107][108], Hinduism is the major religion in Himachal Pradesh. The state also shares an international border to the east with the Tibet Autonomous Region in China. [49] The per capita income increased from 130,067 in 201516 to 147,277 in 201617. The daunting half-an-hour uphill climb from The Ridge finally ends at Jakhoo Temple. For the promotion and development of Tourism in the State, the Government of Himachal Pradesh has established H.P. Dedicated to goddess Bhima Kali, the divine place can only be reached after a gruelling uphill trek from Khatnol village. Himachal Pradesh is spread across valleys with many perennial rivers flowing through them. [111] Sikhs mostly live in towns and cities and constitute 1.16% of the state population. These were known as the Simla Hills States and four Punjab southern hill states under the Himachal Pradesh (Administration) Order, 1948 under Sections 3 and 4 of the Extra-Provincial Jurisdiction Act, 1947 (later renamed as the Foreign Jurisdiction Act, 1947 vide A.O. Kangra tea is grown in the Kangra valley. The Satluj Valley is formed by the Satluj river entering the state near Shipki La, while the Spiti and Baspa Valleys are formed by the river's two major tributaries in the state. of 1950). Heavy woollends and jackets are required for the winter which starts to set in from November and lasts upto March. The quiet get away prides in having a tulip garden which in bloom around March-April turns the place blissful. This informative Himachal Pradesh tourism guide tells you all about this gorgeous Himalayan state. Himachal became the 18th state of the Indian Union with Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar as its first chief minister. Tenders/EOI On auspicious days, the temple offers a free community lunch hosted by devotees. [51] More than 50% of this expenditure was incurred on transport and communication; while the power sector got a share of just 4.6%, though it had steadily increased to 7% by the Third Plan. [94], Himachal Pradesh has a total population of 6,864,602 including 3,481,873 males and 3,382,729 females according to the Census of India 2011. The curiosity of a traveller to explore all that the district has to offer is relentless because of the comforting climate and the picturesque sights, wherever one sets eyes on. They are usually bigger than a model village ("model" in the sense of an ideal to . Additional Indo-Aryan languages spoken include Punjabi (native to 4.4% of the population), Nepali (1.3%), Chinali, Lahul Lohar, and others. Clothing essentials: Bearing a temperate climate, cotton clothes with light woolens are worn from April to October. [71] Himachal's hydro-electric power production is, however, yet to be fully utilised. [17] During World War I, virtually all rulers of the hill states remained loyal and contributed to the British war effort, both in the form of men and materials. These rivers run through a maze of valleys separated by the mountain ranges of the state. The Himalayas are found in Himachal Pradesh. Content on this website is published and managed by Department of Tourism & Civil Aviation, Block No. Learn about tourist attractions in Himachal, things to do in Himachal Pradesh and the most frequented tourist spots in Himachal Pradesh. It is located between the river valleys of Giri and Sutlej. Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation. Situated in the Western Himalayas, it is one of the thirteen mountain states and is characterized by an extreme landscape featuring several peaks and extensive river systems. Chadwick Falls We have wide network of accommodation that comprises of Hotels, Restaurants and Cafeterias serving varied cuisine, including Himachali delicacies. 4.5. [128] By 2011, the literacy rate surged to 82.8%,[5][129] making Himachal one of the most-literate states in the country. Prior to India's independence from the British, Himachal comprised the hilly regions of the Punjab Province of British India. Languages spoken: English and Hindi are the dominant languages spoken in Shimla. Lavi Fair The fair is marked by cultural performances of local dances and trading in local produce and products. Till 19th century, Tourism in Himachal Pradesh was restricted only to a limited movement of pilgrims to a few spiritual destinations in around the hills. Annandale An underground reservoir build in the 1880s is still one of the major storage for meeting the cities everyday water needs. Himachali specialities include Siddu, Babru, Khatta, Mhanee, Channa Madra, Patrode, Mah ki dal, Chamba-style fried fish, Kullu trout, Chha Gosht, Pahadi Chicken, Sepu Badi, Auriya Kaddu, Aloo palda, Pateer, Makki di roti, Sarson ka saag, Chamba Chukh (Chouck), Bhagjery, Chutney of Til, etc. 897 Stay options. The temple here dedicated to Lord Hanuman manifest as a trouble solver deity was built in 1950. The Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation (MPSTDC) is a government agency that conducts and regulates the tourism activities of the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. They say that this is a way the Gods show their blessings. Among these were the states of Kangra, Jaswan, Datarpur, Guler, Rajgarh, Nurpur, Chamba, Suket, Mandi, and Bilaspur. [74] Manimahesh Lake situated in the Bharmour region of Chamba district is the venue of an annual Hindu pilgrimage trek held in the month of August which attracts lakhs of devotees. [120][121] The former has served six terms as the Chief Minister of the state while the latter is a two-time Chief Minister. List of Registered Hotels/Homestay/Travel Agency..etc. Kinnauri woolens garments, wool, pashmina, shawls, handwoven tweeds, metalware, pottery, jewellery, crunchy apples, Kinnauri horses, the dry fruits like chilgoza, walnuts, almonds and dried apricots are high demand products at Lavi. METHODOLOGY De, Anuradha & Khera, Reetika & Samson, Meera & Shiva Kumar, A. K., 2011. The Ridge and The Mall are still popular landmarks just as they were in the pre-Independence era. [80][81] The venue for the paragliding world cup was Bir Billing, which is 70km from the tourist town Macleod Ganj, located in the heart of Himachal in Kangra District. Himachal Pradesh has got a Himachal is known for its narrow-gauge railways. 'North Province') is a state in northern India. [48][49] The state government's advance estimates for fiscal 201718 stated the total GDP and per capita income as 1.359trillion and 158,462, respectively. This National Park is a trail to many hikers and trekkers too. The narrow roads of Kasauli (1951m) slither up and down the hillside and offer some magnificent vistas. [132] The state has a female literacy rate of around 76%. The state Government has formed the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation to promote economically, culturally and ecologically sustainable tourism in that state. They managed to defeat Sansar Chand Katoch, the ruler of Kangra, in 1806 with the help of many provincial chiefs. [136] The Rashtriya Madhayamic Shiksha Abhiyan launched in 2009, is a similar scheme but focuses on improving access to quality secondary education. Himachal Pradesh: 1100, 1070, and 1077 Uttarakhand: 9411112985, 01352717380, 01352712685. After independence, many of the hilly territories were organized as the Chief Commissioner's province of Himachal Pradesh, which later became a union territory. [17] Some areas of the Punjab State, namely, Simla, Kangra, Kullu and Lahul and Spiti Districts, Lohara, Amb and Una Kanungo circles, some areas of Santokhgarh Kanungo circle and some other specified area of Una Tehsil of Hoshiarpur District, as well as Kandaghat and Nalagarh Tehsils of erstwhile PEPSU State, besides some parts of Dhar Kalan Kanungo circle of Pathankot Districtwere merged with Himachal Pradesh on 1 November 1966 on the enactment by Parliament of the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966. Muslims are mainly concentrated in Sirmaur, Chamba, Una and Solan districts where they form 4.2-5.7% of the population. [17] Gradually, the Kingdom of Nepal annexed Sirmour and Shimla. 1880s to 1935. The total route length of the operational railway network in the state is 296.26 kilometres (184.09mi). In addition, around 5,000 private buses ply in the state. To identify the potential of tourism industry in Himachal Pradesh. Grievances about Adventure Activities in Himachal, Appraisal Report of Kangra Airport English, Appraisal Report of Kangra Airport Hindi, Himachal Pradesh Miscellaneous Adventure Activities (Amendment) Rules, 2021, Himachal Pradesh Water Sports and Allied Activities Rules, 2021, Revised Interest Subvention Scheme on Working Capital Loan for Hospitality Industry, Guidelines for Incentives and Concessions for Tourism Units, HP Tourism Dev. The front side of Gaiety Theater and Town Hall buildings are on this street. Overlooking the hill station at 2,445 meters altitude, Jakhoo Hill is Shimla citys acme and home to Lord Hanuman. The hill station is a year round destination with many visiting the place in winters from December-February to experience magical snowfalls and in summer from April to June for its cool climes. After the winter season, the hillsides and orchards bloom with wild flowers, white gladiolas, carnations, marigolds,[30] roses, chrysanthemums, tulips and lilies are carefully cultivated. Dining The 360 degree views from the mountain top are deep and expansive making the trek a worthy one. Winter lasts from late November until mid-March. Copyright 2023, Department of Tourism & Civil Aviation, Government of Himachal Pradesh. [41], Planning in Himachal Pradesh started in 1951 along with the rest of India with the implementation of the first five-year plan. Since its foundation, the temple has been a much visited prayer house for the towns Hindus and the visiting Bengali community. KANGRA ART MUSEUM, KOTWALI BAZAR : This treasure trove of the Kangra Valley displays arts, crafts and rich past, artifacts that date back to the 5th century. Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu was sworn in as Himachal Pradesh's 15th Chief Minister in Shimla on 11 December 2022. Source: Department of Information and Public Relations.[139]. [119] The colour of the Himachali caps has been an indicator of political loyalties in the hill state for a long period of time with Congress party leaders like Virbhadra Singh donning caps with green band and the rival BJP leader Prem Kumar Dhumal wearing a cap with maroon band. From the city center, the temple is at a distance of 5 kms. [5] Narkanda located in at an altitude of around 8850 feet is known for its apple orchards. Himachal is also known for its adventure tourism activities like ice skating in Shimla, paragliding in Bir Billing and Solang Valley, rafting in Kullu, skiing in Manali, boating in Bilaspur, fishing in Tirthan Valley, trekking and horse riding in different parts of the state. Siddharth Bakaria (@SidBakaria) July 11, 2023. Downloads Archive Baijnath An architectural gem, the stone temple of Baijnath was rebuilt at an existing temple site by two local merchants in 1204 AD. [1], Until the British reign, tourism in Himachal Pradesh was very limited to a few places around the hills and some spiritual destinations. Chitkul is a small village at the end of Sangla valley in Kinnaur, "Welcome to Bir, paragliding capital of India", "At Bijli Mahadev temple in Himachal, lightning strikes the Shiva lingam every year", "Himachal Pradesh to run vistadome buses inside Rohtang tunnel for tourists", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tourism_in_Himachal_Pradesh&oldid=1165628451, This page was last edited on 16 July 2023, at 11:32. Assembly meetings are presided over by the Speaker or the Deputy Speaker in the Speaker's absence. [128] To raise the number of the teaching staff at primary schools they appointed over 1000 teacher aids through the Vidya Upasak Yojna in 2001. There are over 2000 villages in Himachal Pradesh which celebrate festivals such as Kullu Dussehra, Chambas Minjar, Renuka ji Fair, Lohri, Halda, Phagli, Lossar and Mandi Shivratri. There is a frequent local bus service to Naldehra and taxis can also be hired. It was established by an Act of the Legislative Assembly of Himachal Pradesh on 22nd . Category. The shikhara style temple houses a divine Shiv Linga. Build by architect Henry Irwin, the overall appearance of the imposing structure is that of a Scottish castle.