Himachal is Switzerland of India. Himachal Pradesh has some of the most spectacular and beautiful landscapes. It has lofty snow peaks, deep gorges, lush green valleys, fast flowing rivers, enchanting mountain lakes, flower bedecked meadows, beautiful temples and monasteries. The beautiful state is an ideal place for relaxing, sightseeing, trekking, mountaineering, fishing, paragliding, skiing, ice skating and golf.
Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, Himachal Pradesh is a beautiful hill station in India. Literally meaning “Dev Bhumi” or the Land of Gods, Himachal tourism is highly promoted by scintillating natural beauty, rich culture and heritage, adventure tourism and the cool amiable climatic conditions. It is truly a traveler’s paradise as one can enjoy holidays in the bliss of nature with an everlasting experience. Tourism in Himachal Pradesh offers you with whole world of new experiences to make your tours of Himachal Pradesh really and event of lifetime. The capital of this beautiful state is Shimla and other hill stations include Kullu, Manali, Dharamshala, Dalhousie, Solang, Kangra, Chamba, etc. All these hill stations are immensely blessed by nature and appealing attractions which are worth visiting on tours to Himachal Pradesh.
The British called Shimla the "Queen of Hill Stations." Situated in the north-West Himalayas, Shimla the summer capital of India before independence is now the capital of Himachal Pradesh. Shimla derives its name from "Shyamala";- the goddess Kali, whose temple existed in the dense forest that covered Jakhu Hill in the early 19th century. The English named it Simla. Shimla is well connected by air, road and rail with all parts of Himachal Pradesh, and the neighbouring states of Punjab, Haryana, Jammu and Kashimir and the Union territory of Chandigarh. Covering the area of 18 sq. km. at a height of 7,238 ft. Shimla is surrounded by pine, deodar, oak and rhododendron forests. Its well developed facilities, easy accessibility and numerous attractions make it one of Indian's most popular and biggest hill-stations.
Shimla is the best market for the handicrafts of Himachal Pradesh. Woollen and pashmina shawls, decorative items, handmade shoes, dolls, woollen caps, carved wooden sticks, toys and other items made form wood are made in Shimla itself and are on sale in the Lakkar Bazar. Tibetan jewellery and trinkets are found in the small Tibetan shops near the Ridge.
