According to 2003 Forest Survey of India report, legally defined forest areas constitute 66.52% of the area of Himachal Pradesh, although area under tree cover is only 25.78%. Vegetation in the state is dictated by elevation and precipitation. The southern part of the state which is at lower elevation has both tropical and subtropical dry broadleaf forests and tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests. A part of the Himalayan subtropical broadleaf forests, the vegetation is dominated by sal, sisham, chir pine, dry deciduous and moist broad-leafed forests. The temperate region grows oaks, deodar, blue pine, fir and spruce. In the uppermost region, trees are sturdy with a vast network of roots. Alders, birches, rhododendrons and moist alpine scrubs are there as the regional vegetation. The rhododendrons can be seen along the hillsides around Shimla from March to May.

Himachal is also said to be the fruit bowl of the country with orchards scattered all over the place. Meadows and pastures are also seen clinging to steep slopes. After the winter season, the hillsides and orchards bloom with wild flowers, while gladiolas, carnations, marigolds, roses, chrysanthemums, tulips and lilies are carefully cultivated. The state government is gearing up to make Himachal Pradesh as the flower basket of the world.

Himachal Pradesh is a well known habitat to a variety of animals. There are around 1200 bird and 359 animal species in the state. This includes the leopards, ghoral, snow leopard, musk deer (the state animal) and Western Tragopan (the state bird). It has 12 major national parks and sanctuaries – the largest number in the Himalayan region. The Great Himalayan National Park in Kullu district was created to conserve the flora and fauna of the main Himalayan range, while the Pin Valley National Park to conserve the flora and fauna of the cold desert.

Himachal is situated in the western Himalayas. Covering an area of 55,780 kilometers (34,660 mi), Himachal Pradesh is a mountainous state with elevation ranging from about 350 meters (1,148 ft) to 6,000 meters (19,685 ft) above the sea level.

The drainage system of Himachal is composed both of rivers and glaciers. Himalayan rivers criss-cross the entire mountain chain. In fact the rivers are older than the mountain system. Himachal Pradesh provides water to both the Indus and Ganges basins. The drainage systems of the region are the Chandra Bhaga or the Chenab, the Ravi, the Beas, the Sutlej and the Yamuna. These rivers are perennial and are fed by snow and rainfall. They are protected by an extensive cover of natural vegetation.

There is great variation in the climatic conditions of Himachal due to extreme variation in elevation. The climate varies from hot and sub-humid tropical in the southern tracts to cold, alpine and glacial in the northern and eastern mountain ranges with more elevation. The state has areas like Dharamsala that receive very heavy rainfall, as well as those like Lahaul and Spiti that are cold and almost rainless. Broadly Himachal experience three seasons; hot weather season, cold weather season and rainy season. Summer lasts from mid April till the end of June and most parts become very hot (except in alpine zone which experience mild summer) with the average temperature ranging from 28 °C (82 °F) to 32 °C (90 °F). Winter lasts from late November till mid March. Snowfall is common in alpine tracts (generally above 2,200 meters (7,218 ft) i.e. in the Higher and Trans-Himalayan region).

The Chaugan is
the heart and hub center of all activity in Chamba. According to Dr. J.
Hutchison, “ The town is built on two terraces. On the lower is the Chaugan
a fine grassy sward, about a half a mile long by eighty yards broad.
Tradition is silent as to its use as a polo ground and the name is
etymologically distinct from Chaugan, the Persian name of Polo, being of
Sanskrit origin and meaning ‘four-sided; Besides being a public promenade
and recreation-ground, the Chaugan was utilized for State Darbars and
sports”.

These large
spaces are unique of their vastness in a hill station. Initially the five
Chaugans were a single patch of meadow which was used for purpose mentioned
above. In the 1890 the leveling of chaugan was done. It become a public
promenade and Cricket ground for the British. Annual Minjar Mela is held in
the Chaugan when most of it is converted into a Bazaar. Local people
including men, women and children can be seen promenading in the chaugan
till late night. During summer many families bring food from home to chaugan
and dine in open air. A large number of people can also be seen sleeping
during night in the chaugan. Gaddies with their dears can also be seen
camping on the outsidrats of this beautiful public promenade. Chaugan is
closed for public after Dushera to April to carryout maintenance.
 Laxmi Narayan Temple

Laxmi Narayan Temple, which is the main temple of
Chamba town was built by Sahil Verman in the 10^th century A.D.
The temple has been built in the Shikhara style.

The temple consist of Bimana i.e.
Shikhara and Garbhgriha with a small antralya. Laxmi Narayan Temple has a
Mandapa like structure also. The wooden Chhattries, the wheel roof,  atop
the temple were in response to the local climatic conditions as a protection
against snow-fall.

There are several
other temples within this complex. The temple know as Radha Krishan was
erected as late as 1825 A.D. by Rani sarda, queen of Raja Jeet Singh. The
Shiva temple of Chandergupta was also believed to have been built by Sahil
Verman while the construction of Gauri Shankar Temple is ascribed to his son
and successor Yugkar Varman.

The temple of
Lakshmi Narayana continued to be embellished by the Rajas who succeeded to
the throne of Chamba. Raja Balabhadra Verma perched the metallic image of
Garuda on a high pillar at the main gate of the temple. Raja chhatra Singh
placed gilded pinnacles on the temple tops in 1678 as a reaction against the
orders of Aurangzeb to demolish the temple. Later Rajas also added a shrine
or two thus enriching the complex.

 Champavati Temple

This temple is located behind the City Police Post
and Treasury building. As mentioned earlier the temple was built by Raja
Sahil Varman in memory of his daughter Champavati who is believed to have
influenced her father to set-up Chamba at its present location. The temple
is in the Shikhara style with elaborate stone carving and the wheel roof.
The size of this temple is equivalent to the largest of Laxmi Narayan
Temple.
 Vajreshwari
Temple

This ancient temple is believed to be 1000 years old and is dedicated to
Devi Vajreshwari-Goddess of lightning. The temple is situated on the
northern most corner of the town at the end of Jansali Bazaar. No historical
record of the temple is available. The temple is built in the Shikhara style
with wooden Chhattries and stands on the platform. The Shikhara of the
temple is elaborately carved. There are two other minor temples on either
side of the main shrine.

 Sui Mata Temple

This temple can be divided into three parts which can physically spread
apart. The temple of  Sui Mata is on an elevation of Shah Madar Hill. A
steep flight of steps comes down to a small pavilion just above the Saho
road. From the Saho road the flight of steps continues down to the main town
a little to the east of Chauntra Mohalla. At the end of the flight of steps
there is another small pavilion with gargoyles with running water. The
flight of stone steps to the aqueduct from the Sarota stream was built by
Sarda, the Rani of Raja Jeet Singh (1794-1808). According to the legend when
Raja Sahil Varman founded the town and made this aqueduct for water supply
to the town the water refused to flow. It was ascribed to supernatural
causes. It was prophasised that the spirit of the stream must be
propitiated, and the Brahmins, on being consulted replied that the victim
must either be the Rani or her son. Another tradition runs that the Raja
himself had a dream in which he was directed to offer up his son, where upon
the Rani pleaded to be accepted as a substitute. Thus on a appointed day the
Rani along with her maidens was buried alive in a grave. The legend goes on
to say that when the grave was filled in the water began to flow.

  In memory of her devotion a small shrine
was erected at that spot and mela
called Sui Mata Ka Mela was also appointed to be held annually from 15th of
Chait to the first of Baisakh. This fair is attended by women and children
who in their best attire sing praises of the Rani and offer homage to the
Rani for her singular sacrifice.
 

Chamunda Devi Temple

This
temple is located on the spur of the Shah Madar Hill overlooking the town to
its south east. The temple stands on a raised platform. The temple has
artistic carvings on its lintel, pillars and the ceiling. Behind the main
temple is a small shrine of Lord Shiva in the Shikhara style. There is
another platform in front of this temple where two very old peepul
trees provide shelter to the visitors. From this platform a bird’s eye view
of most of the land marks in the town including Chaugan, Circuit House, most
of the temples and river Ravi can be had. The temple is being looked after
by Archaeological Survey of India.

This temple can be approached by road from
Chamba (3 kms). It lies on the right hand side of the Chamba-Jhamwar road.
School going children and pilgrims prefer to take the flight of steps from
Sapri to this temple. There steps were got constructed by Raja Raj Singh
(1764-1794 AD).

The temple is an ideal picnic spot throughout the year because it has an
easy approach and a commanding view.

 Hari Rai Temple

This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and
dates back to 11th century. It was probably built by Salabahana. This temple
lies in the north-west corner of the main Chaugan, which had became


the official entrance to the town by the end of 19th C. A steep path leads
to the old Shitla bridge, which was constructed in the year 1894. The temple
is built in Shikhara style and stands on a stone platform. The Shikhara of
the temple is finely carved. This is one of the major old temples, which is
away from the old township and the only one near the Chaugan.

Much of this temple is hidden behind some
unimaginative structures of the British period behind the Gandhi Gate and
the Fire Station Building. The Gandhi Gate was built in the year 1900 to
welcome Lord Curzon, Viceroy. It is the only structure that has been coated
with saffron colour and stands out because of its prominent colour.

The temple enshrines a marvellous bronze
image of Lord Vishnu in the form of Chaturmurti. The temple of Hari Rai is
believed to be of great antiquity and legend affirms that the Ravi once
flowed in a shallow stream across the Chaugan and the temple had to be
approached by stepping.
 Akhand Chandi Palace

Construction of this residential building of the Chamba family was started
by Raja Umed Singh sometimes between 1748-1764 AD. The place was rebuilt and
renovated during the reign of Raja Sham Singh with the help of British
engineers. The Darbar Hall (Marshal Hall) was built in 1879 by Capt. Marshal
and the Zanana Mehal was added in the reign of Raja Bhuri Singh. The
subsequent additions and alterations clearly betray the Mughal and the
British influence. In 1958 the Palace building was sold by the descendants
of the royal family to the Himachal Government. The latter handed it over to
the Education Department for the purpose of starting a Government College
and District Library. The beautiful structure of the palace with its painted
walls and glass work, ceiling, intricate woodwork are fast deteriorating,
since sufficient funds are not available for the maintenance of this
monument. The palace has a commanding view of the Chaugan, Laxmi Narayana
Temple, Sui Mata, Chamunda Devi Temple, Rang Mehal, Hari Rai Temple and
Bansi Gopal Temple.
 Rang Mahal

One of the largest monuments, Rang
Mahal is located in Surara Mohalla. The foundation of Rang Mahal was laid by
Raja Umed Sing (1748-1764). The super structure of RangMahal, which is in
brick belongs to a later date with its southern portion built around 1860 by
Raj Sri Singh. The architecture of Rang Mahal is an amalgam of Mughal and
British styles. This palace was the residence for a branch of the ruling
family. Its fort like looks justify its use as royal granary and treasury
which is on its western side. Once the palace must have hummed with activity
of busy servant and the frolics of the royal blood but now under the aegis
of Handicrafts Department of the State Government, most of the rooms of this
palace are being used as work-shops for making shoes, chapples and rumals. A
number of decorative and colorful wall painting have been removed and taken
to National Museum of Delhi. Some of the wall paintings and richly painted
doors of the palace can be seen preserved in the Bhuri Singh Museum of
Chamba.

 

Bhuri Singh Museum

Bhuri Singh Museum at
Chamba opened formally on 14-09-1908, it is named after Raja Bhuri Singh who
ruled Chamba from 1904 to 1919. Bhuri Singh donated his family collection of
paintings to the museum. The idea to open a public museum came from J. Ph.
Vogel, an eminent Indologist who was serving A.S.I. and who through an
intensive exploration had discovered, read and analyzed old inscriptions
dispersed far and wide in the territory of Chamba state. These inscriptions
mostly in Sarda script shed important light on the mediaeval history of
Chamba. The parasites of Sarahan, Devi-ri-kothi and mul Kihar are now
preserved in the museum.

Paintings of Bhagwat Purana and Ramayana in
peculiar style are inspired by Basohli idiom of painting whereas Krishna,
Sudama, Rukmini vivah and Usha-Anirudh and portraits in prime Guler-Kangra
style were executed by the artists who were patronized by the Chamba rulers.
The embroidered Chamba-Rumals are related in style since their drawings were
made by pahari painters though the embroidery was done by the household
ladies.
 

Besides these major items of collections,
there are coins, hill jewelry and costumes- both traditional and royal, arms
and armour, musical instruments and various decorative objects.

The old museum building which merged well
with the landscape of Chamba was pulled down and the present concrete
monolith was inaugurated in 1975. The museum remains open from 10:00 AM to
5:00 PM throughout the year except on Monday and other gazetted holidays.

Church
of Scotland

Over the hundred years old this Church was founded by a mission of Church of
Scotland. This Church is remarkable for its fine stone work and buttress and
lancer arch windows. The Church was founded by its first missionary the Rev.
William Ferqueen in Chamba from 1863 to 1873.  

 Art Garden / Minjar Camping Site

The proposed site is located at the entrance of the entrance
of the town on the bed of Ravi river.
This site has been built by the Department of tourism by making 3 lawns
which has been covered with green grass and a good place for picnic also.
Presently wall statue are being build on wells to depth the culture of
Chamba which has recently been appreciated by the Minister of Tourism during
his recent visit to Chamba from Tourism angle. There is a proposal to
provide Restaurant facility in the vicinity. The site is approachable by
road. One can have a charming view of the Ravi river flowing from the site.
Particularly in the evening time during summer season.

 Rock Garden At Devi Dehra

The proposed site is located on main road
from Banikhet to Chamba at a distance of 10 kms from Banikhet. It is just
near the Devi Dehhra temple and is located on both sides of the main road.
In one site the Tourism Department have built 3 grasses lawns for use of the
tourists. On other site there is a proposal to built a Café to the tune of
Rs. 31 lakhs approximately to provide seating facilities to the tourists on
way to Chamera reservoir and Chamba town. Besides this small picnic spots
with green grass have been built up for use of the tourists. Not only this a
small water fall by diverting a water kul has been constructed to attract
more and more tourists. It has been noticed that the passing tourists are
enjoying these picnic spot and water falls. With the passage of time the
spot will become one of the picnic spot on way from Banikhet to Chamba and
Chamera enable the tourists to stop over for at least a day. Thus after its
completion the stay of tourists is expected to be extended by another one
day, in Chamba Division.


 

Rajpura and the Famous Majar of Sai Jamal Shah  

Rajpura is a small village located on Chamba-Tissa
road at a distance of 10 kilometers from Chamba town. The village has gained
significance owing to the location of majar of Sufi faquir called Sai Jamaal
shah which is venerated with great religious fervor by both Hindus and
Muslims. The majar comprises of four square brick pillars over which rests a
slate conical roof with gables at each side. Every Thursday the people from 
Chamba and from places outside Chamba throng to this place to offer their
prayers. A chadar is laid on the majar or floral tributes paid by the
devotees.  

Dayanand Math, Chamba 

The
Dayanand Math based on the principals of Arya Samaj is functioning in Chamba
since 1970. Situated in once abandoned place called Julhakri, Dayanand Math
was founded by Swami Sarvanand Maharaja of Punjab. The rems of the math were
later handed over by Sarvanand Maharaja to his brilliant disciple Swami
Sumedhanand.

Dayanand Math has since turned out to be a great
religious centre. People from far and wide visit the place for their
spiritual gratification. Swami Sumedhanand besides being a spiritual giant
is a good administrator and the Math is progressing in its aim by leaps and
bounds. The Math has to its credit, a Sanskrit college, a school called
Adarash Bal Vidyalaya, an Ayurvedic Pharmacy and a Vedic library.

Chowari Jot (Chowari Pass)

Chowaari jot is located almost midway between Chamba
and Chowari. On one side of Chowari road is nature’s wonder Khajjiar and on
the other is Kainthli Dhar full of deoder and kail trees. Its altitude from
main sea level is 8000 feet. It snows heavily in winter but it is quite
pleasant in summer. The blossoming rhododendron fill the place with
beatitude in April-May. The Gujjars/Gaddis generally use this route while
migrating to and from plains. The nature seems to be at its best. Apart from
sightseeing the place is idel for treeking. A beautiful view of sun set is
obtained from this place. It is a shortest route from Pathankot to Chamba.
The place is located at a distance of 18 kilometres from chowari and Chamba
respectively.

From ANI

Kullu, June 10: Trekking season is at its peak in Himachal Pradesh and several enthusiastic trekkers from different parts of the country and abroad are making a beeline for a thrilling experience here
Thousands of trekkers have thronged to Kullu valley to enjoy its mystic and scenic beauty.
“I have come to Kullu Manali for the first time. I just love the mountains. The place is so fascinating and spectacular that I don’t have words to express my feelings. The most important thing is that whosoever thought of and managing the complications and vastness of these adventures must be great minds behind this,” said Ankita Shrivastava, a trekker from Uttar Pradesh.

Many international tourists appreciate this place for trekking for being quite reasonable in rates.

“I did a lot of trekking in Himachal Pradesh and I really liked it because it is cheap as you can arrange water and everything, a price that is payable for us,” said Isabel, a trekker from Belgium.

One can find trekkers belonging to Africa, Europe, the Middle East and different regions of Asia who arrive here to enjoy and explore the Himalayas.

The long treks are in the regions of Chandertal, Surajtal Lake and Pin Parvati Pass, and Spiti valley as well as the Ladakh region towards Leh in Jammu and Kashmir.

There are world famous trekking routes like Chanderkhani Pass, Beas Kund, Bhrigu, Hamta Pass.

“We have around thousands of people participating in trekking every year. Here we have loads of organisations, which promote these adventure activities. The famous places for trekking and adventure courses are Chanderkhani Pass, Hamta Top, Vyaskund Trek, Saarkund Trek, Saar Pass trek and many more,” said Amar Chand, one local trekking organiser. By Prem

Copyright Asian News International

Travel Tips

Himachal Pradesh The Eco-friendly State,
Breathtaking Scenery, Culture, History and Heritage, Celebrations, Fairs and
Festivals, Wild life and Nature. Adventure and Sport. Comprehensive Facilities.
And Always a Warm Welcome.

DO’s

• Foreigners who wish to
  overstay, should contact the nearest Foreigners’ Regional Registration Office
  or the Sadar Police Station in the towns.
• Unleaded petrol
  is available at select stations only
• If travelling in
  Kinnaur, Lahaul and Spiti:
  

1. Petrol pumps on the route
   are at Shimla, Theog, Narkanda, Rampur, Powari, Recong Peo, Kaza, Keylong,
   Manali and Sarchu.
2. If driving, essential spares
   and extra fuel are recommended. A sturdy vehicle (Jeep/Gypsy), is suggested.
3. If crossing the high passes,
   good health is essential
4. Government hospitals are at
   Keylong, Kaza and Recong Peo. Dispensaries are available elsewhere.
5. Prescription medicines and
   sun-screen lotion should be carried along
6. The best time to travel in
   these areas is between April and October. While planning your trip, it is
   suggested that you check on general road conditions and confirm if the high
   passes are open to traffic.

While trekking, picnicking or visiting wild
life sanctuaries:

Do not leave
behind any non-bio-degradable litter like plastic bottles and cans

1. Bury all bio-degradable
   litter.
2. Use only dry fallen twigs
   for firewood.
3. Avoid big bonfires
4. Do not wash clothes or rinse
   soap in water holes. Animals use this water to drink.
5. Avoid loud music and noise.
6. Use vehicles to a minimum
7. Do not damage or remove
   plants.
8. Do not disturb animals
   

Conserve nature today and it
will protect our tomorrows:

• Where
  available, it is advisable to use pre-paid taxis/auto rickshaws or, pay by
  meter or ask for the fare chart.
• Himachal has an
  enormous range of weather conditions. Most areas of Bilaspur, Solan, Sirmour,
  Hamirpur, Kangra and Una, are largely warm to hot in summer, and mild to
  pleasant in winter. The districts of Chamba, Kinnaur, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti and
  Shimla, are largely mild to pleasant in summer and cold in winter. Do check
  the type of clothing and other equipment you may require for the region you
  are visiting.
• Stay only in
  hotels/guest houses registered with the Department of Tourism. A certificate
  to this effect is prominently displayed by them. In the main tourist centres,
  the rates of porters are fixed. For hiring porters and pack animals -
  especially for treks – these are normally negotiated. Let the Department of
  Tourism help you.
• Shop at Government
  emporia. The prices are reasonable and the quality ensured – ‘Himachal
  Emporium’ outlets are located at Bilaspur, Chamba, Dharamsala, Kangra,
  Jwalamukhi, Palampur, Recong Peo, Bhabanagar, Mandi, Kullu, Manali, Keylong,
  Nahan, Solan, Arki, Shimla, New Delhi, Bombay, Bangalore and Chamdigarh. You
  can also buy directly from craftsmen located throughout Himachal.
• For electrical
  appliances, check voltage 220V, which is the standard in Himachal.
• For sight-seeing and
  excursions, contact Himachal Tourism offices or Government approved Travel
  Agents and Tour Operators, Himachal Tourism has its own fleet of coaches and
  taxis.
• Some monuments and
  buildings require permission for photography and filming. Contact the nearest
  Tourism Office or the concerned District Administration for guidance and
  assistance.
• Change money only at
  Authorised Foreign Exchange outlets/Banks/Hotels. Insist on receipt for money
  changed.
• Credit cards are
  accepted at most shops, restaurants and hotels in the main towns. Their use is
  minimal outside them and all payments are in cash.
• If any document is
  lost, immediately contact the nearest Police Station or Himachal Tourism
  Office.
• Dispose all litter
  carefully. The use of plastic bags is banned in Himachal.
• Keep your valuables in
  hotel lockers/safe deposit vaults. STD/ISD/FAX facilities are available.
• For medical assistance contact
  Government hospitals and dispensaries, your hotel or accredited nursing
  home/clinics/hospitals.
• Observe local
  traditions and customs – especially while visiting religious places. Contact
  your nearest Tourist Office/hotel for guidance.
• For guide maps and
  information, contact Himachal Tourism Offices.
  

DONT’s

• Don’t leave non-biodegradable
  material behind.
• Don’t encourage beggars.
• Don’t be coerced into shopping
  by touts, guides, taxi drivers or strangers.
• Don’t buy articles made from
  rare or endangered species or animals which are protected.
• Don’t buy antiques to carry
  overseas. The export of all artiches over a hundred years old is banned.
• Don’t disfigure or scribble
  over rocks, trees, buildings etc.
• Don’t get lured into
  sightseeing by touts. Let the Department of Tourism, the Himachal Pradesh
  Tourism Development Corporation, Approved Travel Agents and Tour Operators or
  your hotel help you.

Permits for foreigners visiting
Kinnaur and Spiti are available from:

1. Resident Commissioner of
   Himachal Pradesh, Himachal Bhawan, 27 Sikandra Road, New Delhi-1. Telephone:
   011-23716124 to 23716127.
2. Deputy Commissioner,
   Shimla-171001. Telephone: 0177-2651201 to 2651204 or 2653535.
3. Deputy Commissioner, Kinnaur,
   Rekong Peo-172107. Telephone: 01786-222252.
4. Deputy Commissioner
   Lahaul-Spiti, Keylong-175132. Telephone: 01900-222501.
5. Deputy Commissioner,
   Kullu-175101. Telephone: 01902-222727.
6. Additional District
   magistrate, Shimla-171001. Telephone: 0177-2657005.
7. Additional District
   magistrate, Kinnaur, Puh-172111. Telephone: 01785-232222.
8. Sub Divisional Magistrate,
   Urban, Shimla-171001. Telephone: 0177-2657007.
9. Sub Divisional Magistrate,
   Rural, Shimla-171001. Telephone: 0177-2657009.
10. Sub Divisional Magistrate,
    Rampur-172001. Telephone: 01782-233002.
11. Sub Divisional Magistrate,
    Nichar-172103. Telephone: 01786-252222.
12. Sub Divisional Magistrate,
    Kalpa-172108. Telephone: 01786-222253.
13. Sub Divisional Magistrate,
    Kaza-172114. Telephone: 01906-222302.
14. Sub Divisional Magistrate,
    Keylong-175132. Telephone: 01900-222225.
15. Sub Divisional Magistrate,
    Udaipur-175142. Telephone: 01909-222224.

For Further Information please contact:
           Commissioner,
           Tourism & Civil Aviation,
           Govt. of Himachal Pradesh,
           Block No. 28, SDA Complex,
           Kasumpati, Shimla-171009.
           Telephone: 0177-2625864 / 2625924 / 2623959 / 2625511
           FAX: 0177-2625864 / 2623959