Himachal Pradesh at a Glance :

Area : 55,673 sq. km (approx.)

Capital : Shimla

Languages : Hindi, Pahari,English

Population : 6077248 persons (2001)

Literacy : 77.13 %

Himachal Pradesh : Shilla (7026 m)

Rivers : Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, Parbati

Industrial Employment : Over 3 Lacs

Airports : Jubbarhatti (Shimla), Bhuntar (Kullu) and Gaggal (Dharamsala)

No. of National Highway : 8

Road density in Himachal Pradesh : 40.50 km. (Approx.)

Climate : Cool temperature with humidity

Monsoon : July to September

Temprature : Summer : 33 C. To 14 C.(approx.), Winter : 15 C. To 0 C.

Avg. Annual Rainfall : 1469 mm (approx.)

Best Time to visit : Cold - October to February, Hot - March to June

About Himachal Pradesh :

Nestled in the Himalayas, the world's highest mountain ranges, Himanchal is blessed with some of the most spectacular and beautiful landscapes anywhere, it is a travellers paradise. The earliest known inhabitants of the region were tribals called Dasas. Later, Aryans came and they assimilated in the tribes.In the later centuries, the hill chieftains accepted suzerainty of the Mauryan empire, the Kaushans, the Guptas and Kanuaj rulers. During the Mughal period, the Rajas of the hill states made some mutually agreed arrangements which governed their relations. In the 19th century, Ranjit Singh annexed many of the states. When the British came, they defeated Gorkhas and entered into treaties with some Rajas and annexed the kingdoms of others. The situation more or less remained unchanged till 1947.

After Independence, 30 princely states of the area were united and Himachal Pradesh was formed on 15th April, 1948. With the recognition of Punjab on 1st November, 1966, certain areas belonging to it were also included in Himachal Pradesh. On 25th January, 1971, Himachal Pradesh was made a full-fledged State.The State is bordered by Jammu & Kashmir on North, Punjab on West and South-West, Haryana on South, Uttar Pradesh on South-East and China on the East. Himachal Pradesh can be divided into two regions, Northern and Southern. The southern region of Himachal is almost as hot as plains with a mild difference in temperature in different areas. Northern region has a temperature summer and very cold winter with heavy snow fall.

Himachal Pradesh Festivals :

Moghi : Lohri or Moghi comes along in mid-january. This is the traditionary mid-winter day and also commemorates the last sowing of the Rabi crops. Community bonfires, folk songs and dancing mark the festival.

Republic Day : Republic day near the end of the month is of course a national festival that is celebrated not only in Himachal but all over the country with enthusiasm.

Winter Carnival : Snow continues to play a major part in February's festivals and Himachal's Winter Carnival is also

Basant Panchami : Basant Panchmi makes the arrival of spring in the lower areas, and every town seems to keep a reserve of colour for the occasion and the skies are filled with a medley of kites.

Wildlife Attraction in Himachal Pradesh : Simbalbara Sanctuary, Renuka Sanctuary,Churdar Sanctuary, Chail Sanctuary, Majathal Sanctuary, Maharana Pratap Sagar, Pin Valley National park, Great Himalayan National Park, Kanawar Sanctuary, Wild Life Park, Simbalwara Wildlife Sanctuary

The Major Tourists Attraction of Himachal Pradesh : The Ridge and The Mall ( Shimla ),Kufri (Shimla), Baspa Valley (The beautiful valley of Kinnaur),Sangla Valley,The Ridge and The Mall (Shimla),Tabo (Lahaul Spiti) , Pin Valley, Lingti Valley , Kunzum Pass, Ki, Kie or Key Monastery , Keylong , Gondhla , Tandi , Suketi Fossil Park , Khoksar , Rakchham , Nako , Kaza , Kibbar Village , Baralacha La , Kullu , Manali , Manikaran , Vashisht , Pangi Valley , Manimahesh (Mountain Kailash), Killar,Kasauli ,Timber Trail Parwanoo.

How to Reach at Himachal Pradesh :

By Air : There are airports in Jubbarhatti (Shimla), Bhuntar (Kullu) and Gaggal (Dharamsala)

By Rail : Nearest Railway Station (Broad gauge) Chandigarh, Kalka, Pathankot and Nangal. (Narrow gauge) Shimla, Jogindernagar.

By Road : The cities are connected by good roads and you can either take a bus or taxi.