What are some of the interesting facts about Himachal?
· Shimla in Himachal is also known as the 'Queen of Hills'.
· Himachal changes its capital according to seasons- Shimla is the summer capital and Dharamshala is the winter capital.
· Khajjar in Himachal has a lake with an island floating in its center.
· Malana, the 'village of taboos' is known for not allowing the visitors to touch the resident's house, walls, or belongings.
· Did you know? The Toy Train or the Kalka-Shimla train is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
· The Shigiri Glacier in Himachal is the largest in Asia.
· The Chail cricket ground in Chail, Himachal is known as the highest cricket ground in the world.
· Himachal's almost every village has its own Gods and Goddesses.
Thus, Himachal Pradesh is not only home to diverse tourist spots, but also to various interesting facts, that make the state more intriguing.
What can you do in Himachal?
Resting in the laps of the Western Ghats, Himachal Pradesh not only has breathtaking landscapes but also offers some exhilarating activities. A trek to Triund Hill is one of the major activities, tourists visiting Himachal do. Explore the 'Mini-Switzerland', Khajjiar Lake, and rejuvenate your senses. If you want to explore the rich wildlife of Himachal, The Great Himalayan National Park might be the best place. Naldehra Golf courses allow you to test your golfing skills. Other activities like Heli-skiing, camping, paragliding, river-rafting can also be enjoyed in Himachal. Or you can just walk along the streets of this beautiful state and relish the Himachal cuisine to satisfy your taste buds.
What is Himachal cuisine?
The cuisine of Himachal is very similar to the North-Indian cuisine but with a blend of Tibetan and Punjabi cuisine that adds a twist to the taste. Dals, Rice, Roti, Sabzi comprise the staple meal of Himachal. Red Meat is a favorite of the cuisine, with rich gravies prepared with an elaborate process and unlimited spices. Spicy Lotus stems, Aloo palda, Sidu, Patande, Khatta Kali Daal, are some of the popular Himachal foods. The twist if Tibetan cuisine brings with it Momos and Thukpas to the Himachal Cuisine. If you are a foodie, do visit the Food Festival of Dham hosted in Himachal, where you can witness the richness of the local cuisine.
What is the best time to visit Himachal?
Himachal Pradesh can be visited during Winters as well as Summers. Winters in Himachal brings with it the beautiful "snow-scapes" with snow activities like skiing and ice-skating. Ideally, the best time to visit Himachal is during Spring and Summer, i.e between February and June. During summers, the temperature is ideal for sightseeing, and you can enjoy many adventure activities like paragliding, camping, and trekking. Monsoons in Himachal should be avoided since the land becomes prone to landslides and accidents. Thus, you should plan your Himachal tour in a season when you can enjoy the most out of it.
How to reach Himachal?
Himachal Pradesh is connected through roadways to every part of the country. Several government and private buses run throughout the state. Flights from Chandigarh and Delhi connect to Himachal at three domestic airports, in Shimla, Kangra, and Kullu. The Kalka-Shimla 'Toy Train' is the best way to reach Himachal through railways.
What are the festivals celebrated in Himachal?
Himachal is very popular for the numerous festivals that are celebrated throughout the year. With elaborate rituals and celebrations that are unique to the land, the fairs and festivals give an insight into the rich culture, tradition, and history of Himachal. Some of the important festivals that are celebrated here with great enthusiasm and zeal are the Lohri festival, Dusshera in Kullu, Lohra Festival, Basant Panchami, Halda Festival, and Summer Festival. Other than these unique festivals, festivals that are celebrated in the rest of the country, like Diwali and Holi are also celebrated in Himachal with great zeal
What is the median accommodation budget of Himachal?
Himachal offers a variety of hotels for the tourists, from backpackers' hostels at INR500 to family accommodation at a budget of INR2,500 to INR7000. For luxury five-star resorts, the budget comes from around INR15,000 to as high as INR22,000, depending on the luxuries and amenities available. Meals are comparatively cheaper in Himachal, ranging from INR400 to INR1000, for a day. Usually, hotels in Himachal tour packages include complimentary breakfast, so you can dine out in restaurants for lunch and dinner.