Roads are the major mode of transport in the hilly terrains of Himachal Pradesh. The state has road network of 28,208 km (17,528 mi), including eight national highways (NH) that constitute 1,234 km (767 mi). Some roads get closed during winter and monsoon seasons due to snowfall and landslides. Regular bus services connect Shimla with Chandigarh, Kullu, Manali, Delhi, Mandi, Pathankot, Ambala, Chail and Dehradun. Local taxis are the major local transport here. District Hamirpur has got the highest road density in the country.

Railway track is accessible only to a few places in Himachal Pradesh. The Pathankot–Jogindernagar line connects Punjab with Himachal Pradesh. The other railway tracks pass through Shimla, Solan and Una. Shimla is connected with Kalka by a narrow gauge railway line, which in turn is connected with the major cities in India. Himachal has two narrow gauge rail tracks. The Kalka-Shimla Railway track has a length of 96 kilometers. It passes through 102 tunnels and crosses 864 bridges.

There are three domestic airports in the state – Shimla Airport, Bhuntar Airport serving Kullu and Manali, and Gaggal Airport serving Kangra and Dharamsala. The air routes connect the state with Delhi and Chandigarh. There are no international airports in Himachal Pradesh. Jagson Airlines has flights from Delhi to Shimla.

Location : 81-km via Nahan, Sirmour District
Altitude : 3,98m
Houses : Gurudwara Paonta Sahib and Paonta
Fort
Famous As A: Sikh Pilgrimage

Paonta Sahib, a city sacred
to the memory of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs, is also a
bustling township with growing industries. It retains tangibly memorials to
the martial Guru in the form of his weapons and a majestic Gurudwara and
recalls his presence even in the name of the city which is derived from "paon"
meaning "foot" either because he set foot in this place or according to an
alternative story, because he lost an ornament which he wore on his foot
called a "paonta" while bathing in the river Yamuna which flows here.

HOW TO GET
THERE:

CLIMATE:
In winter, the temperature can hover around freezing point when heavy
woolens are required. Summer temperatures are quite high and cottons are
recommended.

Location : Parvati Valley near Kullu-Manali
Altitude : 1,737m
Houses : Ramchandra temple & Sri Guru Nanak
Dev Ji Gurudwara
Famous For: Hot Springs
Famous As a : Hindu & Sikh Pilgrimage

 High up under the snowy
peaks, of the Parvati Valley is situated the hot springs at Manikaran. The
water from the steaming springs is noted for its healing properties. The
springs in the area are hot enough to boil rice in it. Manikaran, a place of
pilgrimage for Hindus and Sikhs, has a temple and a gurudwara. It is also a
good spot for trout fishing.

WHERE TO STAY: Hotel Parvati, Manikaran
Apple Valley Resorts, Kullu
Ambassador Resorts, Manali
Manali Resorts, Manali
Holiday Inn, Manali
Sagar Resorts, Manali
 

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.

A narrow-railway
links Kalka with Shimla. This important rail-link was built in 1924 and its "toy
trains" still ply between the two stations, passing through 105 tunnels and
beautiful rail-road stations. Half-way through the journey, after Solan, the
lights of Shimla flow in the distance, looking like glimmering jewels studding
the dark green of the mountains. The train takes six hours, and at every stop on
the journey are smiling faces giving a warm welcome.

Situated in the
North-West Himalayas, the climate of Shimla varies from a maximum of 10-11
degrees in winter to a maximum of 25-26 degrees
in summers. Shimla never allows the gods to raise the temperature above that
limit and the gods always oblige. Shimla changes its moods with the seasons. In
spring we see flowers of all kinds, both wild and cultivated, smiling in each
garden. During the monsoon, we see some of the best sunsets in the world.

Winter in Shimla is
known as the season of "Long moon-night." It becomes a frost glistening silent
city. A gathering of dark clouds tells us of the approach of snow generally a
slight fall first, followed by a heavier one when the snowflakes sweep down
through the fine-needles bending long branches to the ground. The following
morning sees the town as a fantastic fairyland of white beauty.

Places of
Interest in and Around Shimla

The Mall: The Mall is the
main shopping centre of Shimla. It also has many restaurants, clubs, banks,
bars, Post Offices and tourist offices. The Gaiety Theatre is also situated
there. People walk up and down the Mall slowly, stopping to gossip, as it is the
main meeting place for everyone. The Ridge and Scandal point are the two main
meeting points at the Mall.

Christ
Church: Situated on the Ridge is Christ Church, which is the second oldest
church in Northern India. It has a very majestic appearance and inside there are
stained glass windows which represent faith, hope, charity, fortitude, patience
and humility. Christ Church is a place all visitors should spend some time in.

Jakhu Hill: 2 kms.
from Shimla, at a height of 8000 ft, Jakhu Hill is the highest peak and offers a
beautiful view of the town and of the snow-covered Himalayas. At the top of the
Hill, is an old temple of Hanuman, which is also the home of countless playful
monkeys waiting to be fed by all visitors.

Shimla State Museum:
The Museum, which was opened in 1974, has tried to project hill-out and the
cultural wealth of the state. There is a collection of miniature Pahari
paintings, sculptures, bronzes wood-carvings and also costumes, textiles and
jewellery of the region.

Indian Institute of
Advanced Studies: This institute is housed in the Viceregal Lodge, which was
built in 1884-88 during the British times. It has spacious gardens and is ringed
by beautiful pine trees. All is calm and serene just the right atmosphere for a
student of literature or politics.

Summer Hill:
Situated at a distance of 5 kms. from the Ridge is the lovely township of Summer
Hill at a height of 6,500 ft. on the Shimla-Kalka railway line. Mahatma Gandhi
lived in these quiet surroundings during his visits to Shimla. Himachal Pradesh
University is situated here.

Annandale:
Developed as the playground of Shimla, Annandale is 2-4 kms. from the Ridge at a
height of 6,117 ft. It is a favourite spot for cricket, picnics and the princely
game of polo.

Tara Devi: 11kms.
from the Shimla bus-stand. Tara Devi has a temple dedicated to the goddess of
stars on top of the hill. There is a military Dairy Town here as well as the
headquarters of Bharat Scouts and Guides. At a height of 6,070 ft. Tara Devi is
an ideal place for a person wanting peace and some rest.

Sankat Mochan: A
popular Hanuman temple is located here. We get an excellent view of Shimla from
the temple. It can be reached by car or on foot.

Mashobra: 13 kms. away from
Shimla, Mashobra has several excellent picnic spots. Mashobra is the site of the
annual Sipi fair in June. The nearest rest house is at Craignano which is 3 kms.
from Mashobra, and is a beautiful holiday resort.

Kufri:
16 kms. from Shimla at a height of 8,600 ft. Kufri is the winter sports capital.
During winter, visitors have the facility for skiing. The skiing season is at
its best during January and February. Equipment for sking is available from
HPTDC winter sports club at Kufri. Apart from skiing, Kufri is a lovely picnic
spot with a beautiful view of the hills around and the snowy peaks. There is
also a zoo that delights children.

Naldehra: 22 kms. from Shimla and surrounded by beautiful deodar trees.
Naldehra has a well kept nine-hole golf-course. It is a lovely, popular picnic
spot. The annual Sipi fair in June is held in Naldehra.
 

Chail: Chail is a little mountainous heaven 45 kms. from Shimla. It was
the summer capital of the Maharaja of Patiala before Independence. The forests
near Chail have many species of birds and deer. Chail is known for its cricket
pitch, which is the highest cricket ground in the world.

General Information

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.

Shimla has the only natural
ice-skating rink in India. An Ice-skating Carnival is arranged every year by the
Ice-skating Club during January. During this festival, members display their
skill on ice and participate in a fancy dress competition.

The summer festival in
Shimla offers the best entertainment of the year. Artistes are invited from all
parts of Himachal Pradesh and from other parts of the country to entertain
visitors with song, dance and music both Indian and Western.

Besides the summer
festival, regular cultural programmes are organised in Shimla during the tourist
season.

Climate

Shimla is situated at an altitude of about
2100 m. All the seasons of nature visit Shimla during the year. The isotherms of
Shimla happen to match with that of London throughout the year and is the reason
for Britisher’s choice of Shimla as its summer capital. The duration and
temperatures of different seasons are as follows:

Language

Shimla has a multilingual, cosmopolitan
character. People speak and understand both Hindi and English. Punjabi and
Pahari languages are also spoken and understood in and around Shimla.

Once
called Brahmpura as the ancient capital of Chamba State for probably four
hundred years, Bharmour proper is now the headquarters of Bharmour sub-
division. The site Kothi destroyed in the earthquake of 4th April 1905, was
believed to occupy the site of old places. Situated at an altitude of 7000
feet in the Budhil valley (32′ 26" and 76′ 32" E), forty miles to the
south-east of Chamba, Bharmour is known not only for its scenic beauty but
also for ancient

temples.

As
the whole country around Bharmour is supposed to belong to lord Shiva, it is
popularly spoken of as Shiva Bhumi, abode of lord Shiva. Being the home of
an interesting Gaddi tribe, it is also called Gadderan. Meru, the father of
the first recorded prince Jaistambh in the Chamba Vanshavali was the first
to settle at this place. He belonged to a ruling family of Ayodhya.

Accompanied by his youngest son Jaistambh, Meru penetrated to the upper Ravi
valley through the outer hills. He defeated the patty Ranas holding the
territory there and founded the town Brahampura and made it the capital of
new state. This event is believed to have taken place  in the middle of 6th
century A.D.

According to one legend, the name Brahampura was in use at a still earlier
period for the more ancient kingdom of Bharmour which existed in the
territories of Garhwal and Kumaon, and that Maru Gave
the same name of Brahampura to the state that he founded with present
Bharmour as his capital.

After
Maru several Rajas ruled in succession till Sahil Varman who conquered the
lower Ravi valley and transferred the seat of government from Brahampura to
the new capital which he had founded at Chamba.

The
original State was of very small extent and in all likelihood comprised at
the most the present Bharmour sub-division i.e. the valley of the Ravi below
Bara Bangahal, with its tributaries, the Budhil and the Tundah as far down
as Chhatrari.

According to a local legend, the place Brahampura was older than Maru’s time
and as per common belief this used to be the vatika (garden) of goddess
Brahamani who used to reside where her shrine now stands on the ridge at a
distance of 3-4 kilometers. Brahamani Devi was having a son who was very
fond of his pet choker or (birds). One day the choker was killed by a
peasant and the son was shocked to death by this loose . Grief-stricken,
Brahmani Devi also sacrificed by burying herself alive. The spirits of these
trio dead souls started haunting the people awfully who raised Brahmani Devi
to the status  of deity and built her a temple. The people believe that the
place was called Brahmpura after Brahamani Devi.

The
legend further says that God Shiva with 84 Sidhas while on his way to
Manimahesh happened to visit Brahmpura, the Vatika of the Goddess Brahmani
Devi and settle there for the night. When Brahmani Devi, the presiding deity
of the place saw the smoke of fires lit by the Sidhas, she felt very angry
at this trespass. She came down to the place and ordered Shiva and the
Sidhas to get out of the place. Shiva importuned in all his humility for
allowing them to spend a night there. Goddess Brahamani condescended to
their wishes. The 84 Sidhas transformed themselves in to 84 Lingas because
they wished to settle there.

The
Lord Shiva granted a boon to Brahamani Devi that all persons intending to go
on pilgrimage to Manimahesh must have a dip in Brahmani pool. Failing this,
their pilgrimage would not be acceptable to Lord Shiva.

Pangi Valley

Pangi
Valley is the remotest and yet the most beautiful valley of Chamba
district. Sandwiched between pir-
panjal range and Zaskar range,
Pangi valley holds a great fascination for the trekking enthusiasts as it
provides several unbeaten tracks. The valley is no less important from the
scenic point of view.

Dr.
Hutchison has rightly remarked that the Pangi valley is unique in its grandeur
and beauty. The scenery is sublime and imposing . Nature appears in her wildest
and grandest moods. Everything is on stupendous scale. The great river
Chandrabhaga rolls along in a deep and narrow gorge, lashing itself in to fury
against the adamantine cliffs that confine it. Precipices spring from the brink
in places almost perpendicular to a height of one or two thousand feet. On the
lower ranges are the grassy slopes of rich pasture with dense forests of pine
and cedar, and the majestic mountains piled on one another, attain an altitude
of 18000 to 21000 ft. rising far beyond the line of eternal snow. Every few
miles the traveler reaches fairly open nooks of surprising beauty which may have
been small lakes in some bygone age, while the river was cutting its way through
a rocky barrier in front. There some villages are to be found which are few in
number and of small size, for the country is sparsely inhabited. The roads are
just what one might except in Such a region, narrow and dangerous.

The valley can be approached through different routs. One route is
through Chamba side when one has to cross difficult passes i.e. either Sach pass
with an altitude of 14,478 feet or Cheni pass with an altitude of 14,382 feet.
this route is the shortest for those attempting from Churah and Chamba side.
These passes remain snow-clad for most part of the year and it is only for a
small period in summer that one can attempt them. Even during summer , much
caution and care has to be exercised while crossing the passes. The weather is
unpredictable and the tracks are dangerous , mostly on glaciers. There is always
an impending fear of avalanches enroute. Perhaps for the reasons of risks
involved, a funeral allowance used to be granted to the employees serving in
Pangi by the Rajas as their survival was never a met of certainty.

The other
route is via Lahaul. This route has been opened through road and a Jeep can ply
right up to killar, The headquarters of Pangi valley in fair weather i.e. in
summer. The route is comparatively easier even if attempted on foot from Rohli.
This distance involved is just 45 kilomatres.

Still
another route is through Kistwar (part of J&K State). Distance involved is much
larger by this route. Killar is 116 kilometers for on-foot journey from Kistwar.
The road link has now been provided and small vehicles can ply from this side up
to the boundary of Pangi. This route has of late acquired more dangerous
ramifications owing to terrorist activities in the area.

When the
valley is locked from all sides in winter , aerial route is the only way left to
and fro movement. Periodical helicopter service is there through it rarely
matures on time owing to uncertain weather on the mountains and in the valley.

Chandrabhaga

The river
Chandrabhaga flows through all the length of the valley. The river rises from
the mountains of Baralacha pass two heads, the stream with its source on the
south-eastern side of the pass being called the Chandra and the other one which
rises from the north-western side is called the Bhaga.
After the confluence of these stream at Tandi (Lahaul) the river is generally
known as Chandrabhaga. Earlier, it was believed that the water of the river came
from China and that is why the name Chanab was coined for this river which
etymologically means water of China (Chin+ab). The Vedic name of the river is
Askini.

The river
valley is quite exposed and extensive up to Mudgraon. Beyond this it narrows in
to a gorge with precipitous cliffs right up to Tindi. From this place onwards,
there is an open expanse for several miles along the left bank. A stretch of 17
miles beginning at Tindi is wild and rugged. At shour and Purti, these are
villages on the right bank and the river valley again narrows down as far as
Sach and Mindhal. From there the valley spreads out and the river flows in a
north-westerly direction pasta Killar and Dharwas where it departs from Pangi
territory to enter in to J&K State. Various streams contribute to water of
Chanab. Those on the right bank include Sechu Nallah, Huddan Nallah, Sural
Nallah and Sansari Nallah, Chaini Nallah and Sach Nallah are the major
tributaries on the left bank. This river has been used for floating timber to
the plants. The river is almost fishless.

Killar

Killar is
the headquarters of Pangi valley . Pangi valley is coterminous with the
territory sub-division, tehsil and development block. Killar was originally a
cluster of villages but gradually it has taken the shape of a town with more and
more offices and shops added from year to year . In the midst of grove of
cedar
trees near Forest Rest House, is the temple of Det Nag. The legend has it that
Det Nag was originally enshrined in Lahaul. It took human sacrifice turn by
turn. Once the lot had fallen on the only son of the poor widow. She was in
utter grief when a Gaddi happened to pass by. The Gaddi sympathised with the
lady and offered to sacrifice himself in place of her son. The Gaddi laid down a
condition before Det Nag that he should be devoured alive and presented parts of
his body in succession but without any result. The Gaddi is said to have thrown
Det Nag in to the Chandrabhaga where it got out of river at Killar and was
discovered by a cowherd. Det Nag was then carried to the site of the present
temple when it fell from his back with the face on the ground. A shrine was
erected and the image set up with its face looking inwards and clump of cedar
trees at once grew up around the shrine. previously a buffalo used to be
sacrificed at this place which practice has no been discontinued. Goat of sheep
are however sacrificed at the temple even now.

A temple
devoted to lord Shiva is located near Government Hospital. Another Shiva temple
has recently been built in the official colony near Government Senior Secondary
School.

Other
Important Places in Pangi Valley

Other
Important places mention in Pangi are Dharwas, Luj and Sural towards J&K side.
Dharwas is the biggest village of the Pangi valley and in famous for natural
spring of mineral water called Tilmili. It is said that water was daily sent to
the Raja from this spring. There is a thick forest of widely grown thangi
(hazel-nut). Luj is just at a distance of three kilometers and is the only
village where chilgoja trees are found.

Sural
is a beautiful sub-valley comprising of a cluster of villages namely Kanwas,
Ganmas, Rusmus, Sural Tai and Suraal Bhatori. It lies at a distance of 12
kilometers from Dharwas towards its north-east. The ideal time to visit this
sub-valley is in July-August when flowers of different kinds blossom. There is a
small Gompa at Sural Bhatori. The Bhots inhabit Sural Bhatori which is the
highest village in the part of the valley. A fine grove of bhoj patra trees (Butila
utilis) are found to exist at this place which is rather uncommon phenomenon for
a height of this place.

Hudan,
Parmar and Sechu are other beautiful sub-valley of Pangi. Hudan lies at a
distance of eight kilometers towards east of Killar. It is a combination of
village like Seri Bhatwas, Tundrow, Ichhwas and Hudan Bhatori. Near Bhatori is
the famous water spring called Nagni spring. A beautiful view is obtained from
here. Parmar sub-valley consists of villages called Kumar, Parmar and Parmar
Bhatori. The highest villages in the sub-valleys are Hudan Bhatori and Parmar
Bhatori where the Bhots live. There is a Gompa in each Bhatori where the Bhots
worship. Sechu sub-valley is towards east and is at about 17 kilometers from
Sach village. Kuthal, Hillor and Sahli are the prominent villages falling on the
way before we reach Sechu proper. Sechu proper is characterised by the
confluence of three nallahas namely Hillutwan nallah, Chasak Nallah and Sechu
Nallah. Other important places surrounding Sechu are Hillutwan, Chesk and Chasak
Bhatori. Hillutwan is 7 kilometers from Sechu and is constituted of two hamlest,
Hillu and Twan situated on the left and the right bank of Hillutwan Nallah. The
Bhots inhabits these villages. To the opposite side at a distance of 4
kilometers from Sechu lies the Chasak village preceded by thick lush green
forest of cedar trees. At a distance of 8 kilometers from Chesah is located the
last village of this stretch and is called Chasak Bhatori. This village is
inhabited by the Bhots and is highest inhabited place in the valley. Except for
trees of bhoj patra, no other tree is visible at this place.

Mindhal is another important place of pangi valley at a distance of about 12
miles from Killar towards south. It is famous for Devi temple which has an
interesting legend attached to it. (for legend places see chapter on ‘Famous
Temples’.

Purti
and Shour are the last two big villages towards Lahaul-Spiti which
mark the end of inhabited area of Pangi valley on this side. Purti is known for
a forest rest house where the spirit of Mr. Tudd, a British forest ranger is
said to haunt. Mr. Tudd died due to a slip on the snow while on duty. The people
say that the ghost of Tudd comes out of chimney during the thick of night. A few
claim to have seen the phantom face to face.

Forest
Rest House is set in the beautiful surroundings River Chandrabhaga is flowing
just by its side. Approach to the rest house is flanked by the popular trees.

Shour
is known for jhula- a swing-bridge made of twigs of willow tree or other
twigs of similar twistable bushes or plants. It is a rare experience to cross
the river from over the jhulla. Jhulla is directly above the torrent and it
swings to and fro while one crosses over it.

Sidh
ka Dera and Cherry bungalow are the other two important places we find on
trek from Killar to Shour. Sidh ka Dera is known for the temple of Sidh Devta
where a fair is held every year. A lot of thangi trees are found here .
Sidh temple has very beautiful carvings to its credit. Cherry bungalow is a
small PWD rest house down the Sach village at a distance of 13 kilometers from
Killar and is picturesquely situated on the right bank of the Chanab. It is a
good halting place while coming to or going from the valley.

-
hpchamba

Himachal Pradesh has become India’s most popular
hill resort owing to its easy accessibility and diversity of hill stations which
are known for cool and salubrious climes, seats of much worshipped religious
deities and adventure sports. Dalhousie is one such hill station which is
increasingly becoming popular among home and foreign tourists. Nestled on the
spur at the western end of Dhauladhar, Dalhousie in its present shape was
founded in 1850’s when the British acquired five hills from the ruler of the
Chamba State for developing the area as a sanatorium. The project originated
with Lt. Col. Napier, then Chief Engineer of Punjab; (‘afterwards Lord Napier of
Magdala”). In 1851 a spot where the Dayan Kund Ridge breaks in to spurs was
selected for the project and Kathalagh was identified for the construction of
Convalescent Depot. Dr. Clemenger of the 49^th Native infantry was
deputed to make necessary observations on the site. In 1853 the five hills of
Kathalagh, Potreyn, Terah (now called Moti Tibba by the locals), Bakrota and
Bhangora were acquired by the Govt. of India from his Highness the Raja of
Chamba who was allowed a reeducation of Rs. 2000 from the annual tribute of Rs.
12,000 paid by him. Since the estate was founded in the time of Lord Dalhousie
the sanatorium was recommended to be called “Dalhousie” by Sir Donald McLeod.

In the year 1866 more land was required in Bahloon and Bakloh
hills for the construction of barracks of the Convalescent Depot and as
Cantonment for the 4^th Gorkhas respectively. For these two portions
of the Chamba State, a further deduction of Rs. 5000 a year was made from the
tribute payable by the Chamba Raja. With the expansion of the estate which
started during the British raj, the whole area has come to be known as
Dalhousie. After acquisition in 1850s Dalhousie was a made a part of Kangra
district of Punjab state. Later it was transferred to the Gurdaspur district in
August 1861. Only  after recorganisation of the states, Dalhousie became a part
of Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh on Ist Nov., 1966.

Unlike several other hill stations of Himachal Pradesh,
Dalhousie is favourite among those who seek solitude and restfulness. Off late
some aggression of Punjab can be seen in the behavior of tourists who take a
Maruti hop from Ludhiana, Jalandhar and other parts of Punjab to this serene and
quiet hill station. However, their uproarious laughter, loud manners, singing
and bhangra dancing remain far from creating any sort of law and order
situation. The place is remarkably crime free.

The greatest activity in Dalhousie is on and around the three
level Malls which were laid in the early 1860s for promenades, carriages,
horses, dandies, etc. these roads and the steeper by-lanes which connect them to
the bus-stand are still the arteries of the town. The Malls around Moti Tibba
and Potreyn hills are the most popular among the tourists as the two are level
and most of the business activity and hotels are around them. Gandhi Chowk,
Upper bazaar. Subhash chowk, Catholic church of St. Frances, Sadar bazaar and
the Convent founded by an Order of Belgium nuns and their Sacred Heart School
are on these two malls. Dalhousie’s third and highest mall was built around the
upper Bakrota hill nearly a 1000 feet above the G.P.O. (Gandhi Chowk). This mall
was the favourite of Dr. Hutchison: “of these Upper Bakrota mall is finest and
the longest being fully 3 miles round and from it extensive views are obtained
of the low hills and figure of eight walk on the two malls encircling Moti Tibba
and Potreyn hills is very pleasant and popular among local people and tourists.
 

An ardent admirer of the scenic beauty of Dalhousie Dr.
Hutchison would like a visitor to stand on Dayan Kund at 9000 feet where the
magnificent panorama greets the beholder. He writes, “ Facing south-west the
Kalatop spur is on the right with the Dalhousie hills, Bakrota, Terah, Porain
and Kathalag – stretching away towards the Ravi. Bakloh is seen at a greater
distance on the left and beyond are the ridges and valleys of the siwaliks,
running parallel to one another and losing in distinctness as they recede
towards the plains. Far in the distance is the outermost ridge, with the cut
near its extremity to allow the Chakki to flow in to the Beas. Near this is
Pathankot, with Shahpur a little farther to the north-west, on the Ravi.

Within the siwalik area two wide river beds are seen running
parallel, the one to the east being the Chakki and that to the west, the Ravi.
East of the Chakki are the siwalik hills round about Nurpur; and across the Ravi,
to the west, the same ridges and valleys, stretch away in the direction of
Jammu.

On a clear day three atleast of the great Punjab rivers are
visible glittering in the sunshine and losing themselves in the plains beyond,
which seems to melt away into infinite space. These are the Sutlej, the Beas and
the Ravi, even the Chenab may sometimes be seen.

Turning to the north the gaze rests on an amphitheater of
lofty ranges, with foreground of mountain and valley, forest, gorge and stream.
Closing in the horizon to the west and the north-west are the rounded summits of
the Kund Kapalas and Daganidhar, which in summer are entirely free of snow.
Beyond them are Bhadrawa and Balesa in Jammu. To the north and north-east the
snowy pinnacles of the mid-himalaya or Pangi range stretch out in majestic
array, many of them rising to an altitude of 18,000 and 19,000 feet. Beyond them
are Pangi and Lahaul. Towering up from behind them are two lofty peaks, covered
with snow, one slightly rounded and the other pointed and precipitous, which
among Europeans are known as the Bridge and the Bridegroom. These are in the
Gurdhar range in Pangi, and are about 21,000 feet in height, being the highest
peaks in Chamba state. Far to the south-east the eye can trace the line of the
Dhauladhar till the ranges is lost in a mighty maze of snowy mountains, chief
among which is the Kailas at whose base rest the sacred lake of Manimahesh.”

As Shimla finds its focus in the mall, in Dalhousie action
gravitates in the evening to the G.P.O. which presents a riot of colours and
activity. Sometimes it even becomes difficult to surge ahead without jostling
and elbowing. Most of the good eateries and handicraft emporia, hotels and of
course the ever attractive Tibetan market are all around the G.P.O. There is a
library and a reading room at the G.P.O. for the convenience of the tourists.
 

The Post Office is also located at the G.P.O. It remains open
from 10a.m. to 5 p.m. Conversion of currency is possible at Punjab National
Bank. The business hours in the Bank are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Dalhousie has a number of period buildings. Most of them are
occupied by state Government offices officials. Jandrighat, the summer palace of
the Raja of Chamba is a well maintained edifice.

There are a number of good public schools in Dalhousie. The
best is the Sacred Heart School of the Belgium nuns. Besides there are another
half a dozen schools which attract the wards of the affluent and well to do
families from India and abroad.

Even during the pre-partition days, Dalhousie attracted large
number of tourists. Some of the distinguished personalities like Ravinder Nath
Tagore, Subhash chander Bose and Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru visited Dalhousie in
their formative period to immerse themselves in the leisurely quiet of this hill
station. The calm and compose walks of the thick forests stirred the poet in
Ravinder Nath Tagore. Some of his early poems are set against the backdrop of
Dalhousie. Sardar Ajeet Singh, chacha of Sardar Bhagat Singh and a freedom
fighter himself came to rest his tired limbs in Dalhousie and he breathed his
last just before declaration of India’s Independence on 15^th August,
1947. there is a samadhi in the memory of Sardar Ajit Singh at Panchpula which
is a place frequented by every tourist.

Pt. Nehru visited Dalhousie in 1925 and Subhash Chander Bose
convalesced in Kynance near the Post-Office for about seven months in 1937.
Dalhousie Centenary Celebrations were held in August, 1954. Late Pt. Jawahar Lal
Nehru, the then Prime Minister presiding over the occasion, drew the attention
of government and people of India for rehabilitation of this beautiful hill
station. He said,”One of the finest hill station in is Dalhousie from the beauty
point of view, climate and agreeable surroundings. It is not a flashy hill
station like some other and there are few amusements there… for my part, I would
rather go to Dalhousie than almost any hill station in India, Kashmir apart…”

When Bhupinder Singh, Maharaja of
Patiala was expelled from Shimla – The Summer Capital of the  British India, he
  decided to create  his  own capital for  the  warm months.   The little
village of
Chail was perfect.  It lay surrounded by magnificent deodar forests, Shimla was 
in direct  vision and  most importantly, Chail at 2226 m was  somewhat  higher
than British controlled  Shimla.

Today,  the Maharaja’s creation can
be experienced by everyone.  And for Himachal Tourism, now owner of the gracious
mansion, every visitor  is a Royalty.  Here is a resort in  the true sense of
the word. A beautiful Palace  with ornate  furniture, charming cottages,
delightful log huts, thick forests, quiet walks, a ‘lovers hill’, an orchard of
its own, elegant lawns, badminton and lawn tennis court, billiards and even a
children’s park.   Each regally appointed room, each quaint cottage  and  every
warm log hut  offers a memorable holiday.  Whether you are  on a honeymoon and
in search of seclusion or wish to  organize a conference, Chail offers it  all.
Then, there are good sightseeing places and possibility of some fishing and
trekking. Chail also has the world’s highest cricket  pitch and polo ground.

ACCESS:
Chail is connected by road. From Shimla via Kufri the distance is 45 km and via
Kandaghat is 61 km. Kalka is 86 km away.  Regular buses for Chail leave from
Shimla, Chandigarh and Delhi. The closest airports are at Chandigarh (120 km)
and Shimla (63 km).

CLIMATE:
In winter, the temperature can drop below freezing point when heavy woolens are
required. In summer the climate is mild and light woolens / cottons are
recommended.

Built in 1891, the Maharaja’s palace is set in approximately 75 acres and has a truly regal setting with spectacular views.   A wide variety of cottages, suites and rooms with different tariffs can accommodate every visitor who wish to savor this majestic hill station. ADDRESS: The Palace, Chail Distt. Solan (H.P.)-173217.  Tel:  (01792) – 248141, 248143 Fax: (01792) – 248140. Email: palace@hptdc.in CLASS: A Premium Heritage Hotel.

• The suites, rooms and
  cottages are sumptuously furnished with ornate and antique furniture and wall
  to wall carpeting with fire place. The bathrooms are luxurious with bath tubs
  provided.
• The regular rooms and
  log  huts have wall to wall carpeting.  They are airy, spacious, well
  furnished with attached baths and running hot & cold water.
• 
  Satellite Television
• Room service, Laundry
  and Dry Cleaning facility
• Firewood or room heaters
  provided. Gift shop.
• Parking within
  premises.  Taxi on demand.   Doctor on call.  Safe deposit facility.
• Bar & Restaurant serving
  Indian, Chinese, Continental and Himachali cuisine
• Conference facility for
  70 person.
• Children’s Park,
  Billiards, Lawn Tennis.
• 
  MasterCard / Visa / American Express Credit Cards accepted

CAFE PALACE:
HPTDC runs Open air Cafe Palace.

PLACES OF
INTEREST

SIDH BABA
KA MANDIR (1.5 km): Maharaja Bhupinder Singh originally began
building his palace at this site.  It is said that a Sidh – saintly person -
appeared before the Maharaja in dream and declared that this was the place where
he had this temple built.

CRICKET
GROUND (3 km): Built in 1893, after leveling top of a hill, it stands
at 2444m and is the highest cricket pitch and polo ground in the world.

WILDLIFE
SANCTUARY  (3 km): The Chail sanctuary has ‘ghoral’, ‘kakkar’, ’sambhar’,
red jungle fowl and ‘khalij’ and ‘cheer’ pheasants.  Machan like sighting
posts have been built at Khuruin.

KUFRI:
An enjoyable drive through forests and small villages leads to this small but
popular station.  The Nature Park here is a great attraction.  A short trek
leads to the Mahasu Peak with breathtaking views.

SADHUPUL:
Between Kandaghat and Chail is this village and bridge astride the
Ashwani stream.  A good picnic spot.

ADVENTURE
AND FISHING: A dozen or so trek routes lead out of Chail.  Trails
lead upto the Choor Peak and to Shimla.  There is fishing on Giri river at Gaura,
29 km away.

Transport
Service

Discover Himachal
by HPTDC Transport having a large fleet of well maintained luxury coaches
operating within and outside the state. HPTDC provides Luxury Coaches and
organizes Sight-Seeing Tours, Special Tours and Packages to meet the exclusive
travel needs of tourists.

SIGHT SEEING TOURS AROUND SHIMLA

SIGHT SEEING
TOURS AROUND MANALI

Transport reservations
available at HPTDC Marketing Offices &
General Sales Agents
(Transport reservations are not available online)

SPECIAL
TOURS

HPTDC arranges Special Tours by luxury coaches to
suit exclusive tourist needs. The
charges for hiring HPTDC Luxury coaches is as following:

The minimum condition of  200 km
per day would be chargeable for hill area and 250 km per day for plain area.
The tariff is subject to change without notice. The minimum coverage condition
does not apply for local sight seeing tours.

PACKAGE TOURS FOR GROUPS :
HPTDC conducts package tours to Leh and Kaza from Manali and Shimla.
This journey through rugged mountains across cold deserts and high passes offers
a unique experience.

LEAVE TRAVEL TOURS:

HPTDC organises LTC / LTA Tours for
Holiday destinations in Himachal Pradesh and all over India