The car arrived sharp at 7.45 AM at my host's house in Sakat, New Delhi to take me to pick up Tommy Singh. We were heading towards our next exotic destination in Himachal Pradesh on a long sojourn. Tommy's place was a half an hour drive. A tall and a hefty figure with a radiant smile was the hallmark of Tomlmy which always pushes you to move on and on. Throwing his backpack and the newspaper in the front, he dumped his body next to me on the back seat . His trade mark identity-the perfume of
fahrenheit filled the interior of the car.
As the car raced passed the roads of Delhi, I started thinking about Himachal Pradesh. The name of the state was derived from 'Himachal' which means "
the home of eternal snows", identifying itself with the mighty Himalaya. The grandeur is a thrilling experience this state has to offer where nature has woven a combination of both majesty and gentleness!
Our first stop was supposed to be KASAULI, a small hill hamlet nestled in the Himalayan lap. An old world charm. A scene from a bygone era. A 6 hours drive from Delhi.
Removing a brochure on Himachal from my jacket, I started scanning it and soon was engrossed in it's contents. I realized that very little is known to me about this wonderful heaven on the earth. The state was blessed with breathtaking beauty, green forests, rich flora and fauna, blue and green lakes, mighty passes at the great heights, snow peaked mountains, heritage, spiritual abodes and an eco- friendly environment.
SOME FACTS:
Location: A northern state of India.Bordered by the states of Jammu and Kashmir(North), Haryana(South), Punjab(West) and an international border with Tibet(China)
Capital: Shimla
Area: More than 55,000 sq. km
Altitudes: Between 350 m and 7000 ASL
Climate: Summer(April-June) pleasant 20-25 Deg. Celsius though it may be hot in the plains in south and west. Winter could be very cold at the higher reaches minus 20 Deg. Celsius but in between areas are bearable. In the plains winter is around 15 Deg. Celsius.
Languages: Hindi, Pahari(Of mountains), Punjabi and English. 80% of the state population is literate!
Roads: Well connected
Airports: Shimla, Kullu and Dharamshala, all domestic.
Nearest Railheads: Chandigarh, Kalka and Pathankot
Mountain Ranges: Shiwalik, Dhauladhar, Pir Panjal, Great Himalaya and Zanskar.
Rivers: Yamuna, Satlej, Beas, Ravi, Chenab, Spiti, Giri and Pabbar
Lakes of immense beauty: Renuka, Rewalsar, Prashar, Bhrigu, Dashuar, Beas Kund, Nako Lake, Dal Lake and Kareri Lake
One of the most beautiful valley of the world: Sangla valley
Great Adventures: The region of Lahaul Spiti and a travel by road to Leh(Ladakh) from Manali
Note:
Himachal is a paradise for skiing, para gliding,river rafting, trekking and excursions, ice skating, golf besides camping and tenting.Wildlife: There are numerous wildlife sanctuaries and forest parks with beautiful forest rest houses. for reservations contact:
http://himachaltourism.gov.in/Hospitality: There are good private tour operators for Himachal and good private hotels all around. However, I would rank hotels and sports managed by Himachal Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) as A/ Security and Location: Excellent;B/ Comfort: Fair; C/ Service: Fair and polite; D/ Food: Simple and Modest.
HPTDC has 53 hotels and run 60 cafes and restaurants.
Foreigners: Some areas require permits. Check with HPTDC or District Magistrate, Shimla. Credit cards are accepted in major towns, resorts and big hotels including HPTDC hotels but not in smaller places or far flung areas.
Contact for travel needs:http://www.hptdc.gov.in (online reservations possible)
http://www.banjaracamps.com ( for camps in Sangla valley and hotels in the different parts)
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