» Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh is an enchanting part of the Indian Himalayas and is often referred to as the magical showcase of nature's splendors. Verdant green meadows and wide valleys set against imposing snow-clad mountains; limpid lakes, torrential rivers and gushing streams; fruit laden orchards and gentle terraces of corn and tea all characterize this state. Honeymoon Resorts in Himachal Pradesh are great places to stay. Honeymoon Resorts in Himachal Pradesh offer a luxurious stay with the lap of Mother Nature. Honeymoon Resorts in Himachal Pradesh are romantic owing to their ideal setting.

So, the next time you are planning to spend the golden time of your life in Himachal check out the Honeymoon Resorts in Himachal Pradesh. During the peak season Honeymoon Resorts in Himachal Pradesh are pre-occupied and advance booking is advisable.

After India became free in 1947, a number of princely hilly states were integrated into a single unit to be administered by the Government of India through a Chief Commissioner. As a result, Himachal Pradesh came into being as a part C state of the India Union on April 15, 1948, by integrating 31 big and small hill states of the region. In 1956, following the recommendations of the State Reorganization Commission, it was converted into a Union Territory. Subsequently, some more hill areas of the erstwhile Punjab state were added to this Union Territory and it was made into a full-fledged state, the status that it continues to have now.

Location
Punjab on the west, Uttar Pradesh on the southeast, China on the east, Haryana on the southeast, and Jammu and Kashmir on North border the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It extends from the latitudes 30°22'40" North to 33°12'40" North and longitudes 75°45' 55" East to 79°04' 20" East.

The entire region of Himachal Pradesh is hilly with the altitude ranging from 350 meters to 7000 meters above sea level. Forming a part of the Punjab Himalayas, the altitude increases from west to east and from south to north. Geographically, Himachal Pradesh can be divided into three distinct regions, the Shivalik or outer Himalayas, middle Himalayas or inner Himalayas, and greater Himalayas or the alpine zone.

History
There are evidences of pre-historic humans existing in this region. It is also believed that a large number of people inhabiting this region had actually migrated from Central Asia and the Indian plains time to time. The first race to enter this region was Proto-Australoid, the second was Mongoloid, and the third was Aryan. There is mention in the Rig Veda of Dasyus and Nishads living in this region and their powerful king Shambra who had 99 forts.

The Aryans, who were superior in war tactics, defeated the local tribes and settled here permanently. This period also saw the establishment of small Janpadas (republics) in Himachal. They had a good relationship with the Mauryans, which made sure that they remain independent for a long time. Their independence lost with the rise of the Guptas in the North Gangetic plains.

After the decline of the Guptas, several small kingdoms came to rule this hilly state and established their power in its different regions. They continuously fought with each other and the history of Himachal Pradesh is full of the stories and legends related to these kingdoms.

The British established many hill stations in this region to protect themselves from the extreme heat and dust of the northern plains in the summer. Shimla became the summer capital of India and even today, many old houses and buildings tell the story of English grandeur. Himachal Pradesh, which had the status of a union territory after independence, was granted statehood in 1971.

» Major Attractions of Himachal Pradesh

Manali : One of the most beautiful hill stations of the country, Manali is basically a small town in the Kullu valley of Himachal Pradesh. Termed sometimes as the cradle between the lesser Himalayas, Manali is extremely popular with tourists for its lavish display of unspoilt natural beauty. Rich in its scenic splendor, Manali draws a good number of tourists from within the country and abroad every year.

Shimla : Shimla, one of India's most famous hill stations, derives its name from Goddess Shyamala, an incarnation of Goddess Kali, the deity of power and wrath. However, unlike its name, Shimla is a perfect heaven for those in search of tranquility. Nature has blessed this capital city with innumerable gifts and man has used them to make Shimla one of India's best destinations.

Chamba : The small town of Chamba is located in a picturesque valley, amidst the Shivalik ranges and is famous for its medieval temples. The architecture of the temples of Chamba reflects the glory of its erstwhile rulers. It is also known for its local festivals.

Dalhousie : Compared to other hill stations, Dalhousie, 80 winding kilometers from Pathankot, is markedly different and as yet unexplored. Spread over five hills, Dalhousie has a serenity of its own. Attractive cottages and villas cling to the deodar and pine mantled hills of Dalhousie while pink and red rhododendrons bloom and trees dress in different shades of green.

Kufri : Kufri is a tiny hill station located near Shimla. It is famous for its trekking and hiking trails. Adventure-seeking travelers throng Kufri in winters to enjoy skiing and tobogganing along its snow-covered slopes. Kufri is also famous for its nature parks and picnic spots. Kufri's proximity to the hill station of Shimla makes it an important place on the tourist circuit of the state.

Chail : Located in the northern state of Himachal Pradesh, the small hamlet called Chail is a place where time stands still. Nature is at her exuberant best and words like pollution and deforestation have never entered the dictionary of a person living in Chail. It is place worth a visit if one wants to enjoy fresh, crisp dawns and soft, quiet dusks in the lap of nature.

» How to Get there

Air : The three airports of the state at Bhuntar, Gaggal, and Jubbarhatti connect the state with Delhi and Chandigarh with regular flights from Indian Airlines. There is no international airport in Himachal Pradesh.

Rail : Only few places in Himachal Pradesh are connected by trains, as the construction of new lines are very difficult in the rugged, high altitude regions. The longest railway line is from Pathankot in Punjab to Jogindernagar in Himachal Pradesh. Other railway tracks touch Shimla, Solan, and Una.

Road : Despite problems in constructing new roads and maintaining them, most of the important places in the state are connected with a good road network. Some of the roads are closed during the winter and monsoon seasons due to the heavy snowfall and landslides that occur in this region regularly.