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• The word Himachal is a combination of the Sanskrit words, “Hima” and “Anchal”, which means “snow” and “lap” respectively. It is no coincidence that the state is located in the lap of the Himalayas.
• The integration of four districts, Mandi, Chamba, Mahasu, and Sirmour, with 30 princely states, led to the formation of Himachal Pradesh as a Union Territory in 1948. Eventually, in 1971, the province attained statehood and become the 18th state in India.
• The capital of Himachal Pradesh is Shimla. The city sits atop seven hills, and is popularly referred to as the Queen of Hills.
• Dharamshala is the winter capital of the state.
• The area of Himachal Pradesh is 55,673 square kilometres.
• As per the 2011 census, the population of the state is 68,56,509.
• There are 68 assembly seats in Himachal Pradesh.
• There are 4 Lok Sabha seats in the state.
• The number of Rajya Sabha seats from Himachal Pradesh is 3.
• The state has 5 national parks.
• The principal languages spoken in Himachal Pradesh are Hindi and Pahari.
• The animal symbol of Himachal Pradesh is snow leopard.
• The bird symbol of Himachal Pradesh is Western Tragopan.
• The flower symbol of Himachal Pradesh is Pink Rhododendron.
• The Indian Cedar or Himalayan cedar is the tree symbol of Himachal Pradesh.
• Majority of the local populace is employed in the agricultural sector. Agriculture provides direct employment to over 65% of the state’s working population.
• Roughly 22% of the total state domestic product is attributed to income from agriculture and allied sectors.
• The Kalka-Shimla Railway fondly known as the Toy train is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• The Kalka-Shimla Railway traverses the steepest slope (over 5800 ft) in least distance (roughly 95 kms). The train crosses over 800 bridges and 100 tunnels.
• Followed by the southern state of Kerala, Himachal Pradesh is the least corrupt state in the nation. Tourists can enjoy a leisurely holiday without worrying about being overcharged. The beauty of Himachal Pradesh attracts many but the sincerity and goodness of locals adds to the visitor experience.
• As per government records, Himachal Pradesh is the third best state in terms of performance and overall development.
• Himachal Pradesh is home to nearly 17,000 educational institutes, including two medical colleges, three universities and one engineering college.
• Literacy refers to the ability of people to read and write in any language. As per the census of 2011, with a literacy rate of 83.78%, Himachal Pradesh has the 11th highest literacy rate in India.
• Among India’s greenest states, Himachal Pradesh has a staggering 37,033 square kilometres of forest area, which makes 66.52% of the total land area.
• Himachal Pradesh is home to 33 Wildlife Sanctuaries and 2 National Parks.
Kullu : -
1. Basheshwar Mahadev Temple
2. Sultanpur Palace
3. Parvati Valley
4. Great Himalayan National Park
5. Kasol
6. Bijli Mahadev Temple
7. Manikaran
8. Bhrigu Lake
Manali
1. Rohtang Pass
2. Solang valley
3. Hadimba Devi Temple
4. Vashist Hot Water Springs
5. Tibetan Monasteries
6. Beas River
7. Gulaba
8. Kothi
9. Manu Temple
Shimla
1. The Ridge
2. Jakhoo Hill
3. Mall Road
4. Kalka–Shimla Railway
5. Christ Church
6. Indian Institute Of Advanced Study
7. Summer Hill
8. Kufri
9. Annandale
10. The Shimla State Museum
11. Chail
12. Solan
13. Daranghati Sanctuary
14. Naldehra And Shaily Peak
15. Arki Fort
Chamba
1. Akhand Chandi Palace
2. Champavati Temple
3. Lakshmi Narayan Temples
4. Chamunda Devi Temple
5. Bhuri Singh Museum
Dharamshala
1. Tsuglagkhang Complex
2. Namgyal Monastery
3. Masrur
4. Attractions in Mcleodganj
5. Kareri Lake
6. Gyuto Monastery
7. Kangra Museum
8. Kangra Fort
9. Dal Lake in Dharamshala
10. Naddi Village
Dalhousie
1. Khajjiar
2. Kalatop Wildlife Reserve
3. Dainkund Peak
4. Ganji Pahari
5. St. Francis Church
6. Panchpula
7. Chamera Lake
8. Garam Sadak
9. Subhash Baoli
10. Sach Pass
Kangra
1. Kangra Fort
2. Nadaun
3. MaharanaPratap Sagar Lake
4. Taragarh Palace
5. Gopalpur Nature Park
6. Nurpur
7. Nadaun
8. Indrahar Pass
9. Tatwani Hot Spring
10. Kareri Lake
Kasauli
1. Kasauli Brewery
2. Christ Church
3. Sunset Point
4. The Mall
5. Manki Point
6. Krishna Bhavan Mandir
7. Gilbert Nature Trail
8. Shri Baba Balak Nath Temple
9. Barog
10. Gurkha Fort
Hamirpur
1. Deotsidh Temple
2. Sujanpur Tihra
3. Awah Devi Temple
4. Bilkeshwar Temple
Parwanoo
1. Kalka
2. Pinjore
3. Mughal Gardens
4. Fruit Orchards
5. Gurudwara Nada Sahib
6. Cactus Garden
7. Timber Trail
Solan
1. Mohan Shakti National Park
2. Karol Tibba
3. The Mall Road
4. Shoolini Mata Temple
5. Motilal Nehru Central State Library
Pragpur
1. Chamba Pattan
2. The Taal
3. The Judge’s Court
4. Jwalamukhi Temple
Sirmaur
1. Shivalik Fossil Park
2. Churdhar Peak
3. Renukaji
4. Haripur
5. Habban Valley
Chail
1. Maa Kali Temple
2. Chail Palace Hotel
3. Sidh Baba Ka Mandir
4. Chail Wildlife Sanctuary
Una
1. Pong Dam
2. Chintpurni Temple
3. Thaneek Pura
4. Kaleshwar
5. Kila Baba Bedi Ji
Losar (late Jan to late Feb) - Tibetan New Year, marked with dancing and music in areas with large Buddhist populations, principally Dharamsala/McLeod Ganj and Spiti.
Suhi Mata (early April) - Four-day local festival celebrating the legend of Rani Sunena in Chamba.
Baisakhi (usually April 13)- Fairs are held throughout the state and people take dips in holy waters. Women are especially prominent with colourful dress.
Minjar (early Aug) - A week-long riot of singing and dancing in Chamba to celebrate the growth of maize.
Flaich Ukhayang (Sept, date varies) - Colourful festival of flowers throughout Kinnaur, marked by a procession of the village deity and goat sacrifice.
Dussehra (late Sept to late Oct) - Important throughout India, in Himachal this ten-day festival is particularly spectacular in Kullu.
1. Shimla
The city has commonly termed the Queen of hills and has a lot of shopping spots. If you have an idea beforehand, you will get a good variety of products at a reasonable price.
• The Mall Road: This place is located at the heart of the city and is the most happening place in Shimla. This place is famous for its shops, cafes, and restaurants. There are a lot of shops here where you will get items depicting the local culture and customs. It is famous for traditional products and antiques, pottery, Kangra, silk items, shawls, etc.
Top Pick: Shawls
• Himachal Emporium: You will get all the local products at a reasonable price. Be it shawls, caps, all other winter items, apparels, and handicraft items are available at a reasonable price. You will also find unique pieces of jewelry here.
Top Pick: Handicraft items
• Tibetan Market: This market is located on Shimla’s slopes and is a perfect destination to shop for beaded accessories and other authentic jewelry. If you have good bargaining skills, then you might get the best products at the most economical prices. One can also pick up some souvenirs from here either to decorate their home or to give someone. You may also find jackets, shawls, and some funky stoles over here.
Top Pick: Jewellery and funky stoles
• Minchy: This place is famous all across the country for its authentic jams and preserves. They have a wide range of fruit-based jams, which you can take home and give to everyone who loves eating jams. Many different fruits are available in this state, and they utilize them to make a high-quality gourmet. Apart from jams, their product range consists of quashes and fruit wines as well.
Top Pick: Fruit jam
• Lower Bazaar: This bazaar is mostly known for its budget shopping located in crowded lanes and old buildings. The list of items available here just goes on, which includes bangles, hangings, home décor items, shawls, jackets, woolen accessories, traditional products and antiques, winter clothes, books, carpets, metal wares, etc. Once you are tired of visiting numerous shops, you can just grab some tasty snacks; do not miss the chole kulcha they have to offer!
Top Pick: Winter apparels
• Lakkar Bazaar: The location is adjoining the Ridge in Shimla. This market is known for its wooden articles. If you are looking forward to some wooden decorative items and souvenirs, then this is the right place for you. In the maze-like alleys, you will find the best pieces of wooden carvings.
Top Pick: Wooden decorative item
2. Kullu
This place is located at the backdrop of the Great Himalayas. The markets here are vibrant and full of life, offering traditional things.
• Akhara Bazaar: This place is famous for the best winter items. You will find comfy woolen items, sweaters, different wool products, and cute socks as well. The shawls here are unique with floral designs and geometric patterns, which surely cannot be missed, and they won’t even prove to be heavy on your pockets.
Top Pick: Shawls
• Himalayan Craft: This is the right place for the art lover and one who adores bohemian culture and items. This place has unique bohemian items where you can select what you want them to paint, be it your name, addresses, etc. The nameplates painted over here are eye-catching, and the quirky designs make them more amazing. You will also find a variety of handicraft products.
Top Pick: Hand-painted items
• Tibetan Market: We know that Tibetan markets have resided in every city of Himachal and each city’s market has something different to offer. This market in Kullu is known for the decorative pieces, shawls, and its variety of ornaments.
Top Pick: Ornaments
• Sultanpur Market: This market is one of the main markets in Kullu. If you are looking for some traditional North Indian jewelry, then this is the place you should land first. You will also find dazzling paintings. The elegant miniature Buddhist painting is something you will love to take home if you are an art lover.
Top Pick: Buddha painting
• Mohal: This place is known for selling different varieties of dry fruits. You will get good quality dry fruits at low rates as compared to the market rates. So, don’t miss to taste them.
Top Pick: Dry fruits
Manali: This favorite destination to visit in Himachal Pradesh has a lot of places to wander around and full of adventures. Apart from the famous river rafting, paragliding, etc., it also has numerous places for shopping.
• Old Manali Market: You can optimally utilise your bargaining skills here and get a variety of fashionable products, such as accessories, t-shirts, stylish woolen clothes, etc.
Top Pick: Accessories and apparels
• Manu Market: This market is famous for selling the most attractive and colourful products, which include books, clothes, footwear, handloom, utensils, crockery items, artificial jewellery, etc. Once you are tired of shopping for different ranges of products, you can always have delicious food from different vendors.
Top Pick: Footwear
• Mall Road: You will find attractive products at a reasonable cost which includes Kashmiri shawls, sarees, and antiques. You will also find food that has a delightful taste.
Top Pick: Kashmiri shawl
• Bhuttico: This shop is found all across the state. Their products are of high quality and have ISO certification. You will find trendy jackets, winter accessories, handloom products, etc.
Top Pick: Handloom products
3. Dalhousie
The renowned holiday destination is famous for its beauty covered between the dense forest. It also has very popular shopping markets, which are worth a visit while having a tour of this beautiful city.
• Tibetan Market: You will find a variety of bags, dolls, purses, beautiful carpets, handicraft items, etc., in this market.
Top Pick: Carpets
• Tibetan Handicraft Centre: Looking for the finest traditional handicrafts? Then this place has all of the items, including ornaments, momentums, Chinese goods, mats, etc.
Top Pick: Handicraft
4. Dharamshala
This city is surrounded by a cedar forest and resides on the edge of the Himalayas. The home city of Dalai Lama has a spiritual center and a few markets which are worth looking for and buying stuff.
• Kotwali Bazaar: If you are visiting the bazaar, do not forget to have momos and thukpa from here. Apart from this, you will get woolen garments, shawls, sweaters, Buddha made of stone, crystals and Tibetan rugs, carpets, etc.
Top Pick: Buddha
• Jogibara Road Bazaar: All fashionable items like neckpieces, jewelry, religious items, etc., are available at this place.
Top Pick: Neckpiece
1. Madra
Where to find? Chamba and Kangra
Madra is originally a delicacy that belongs to the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. The dish mainly consists of the soaked chickpeas (chana) or vegetables. Cooked well in the oil and various spices such as cloves, cinnamon, cardamoms, cumin, coriander powder and turmeric powder enhance the taste of this dish. Madra is one of the dishes that represents the food culture of Himachal Pradesh. Every restaurant, every occasion, and the festival will have Madra offered to you with utmost love.
2. Dhaam
Where to find? Manali and Chamba
Dhaam is a complete food that along with a great taste promises a healthy dose of nutrients. The dish includes dal, rajma, rice, curd, boor ki Kadi and is very well complemented with gur (jaggery). Dhaam is a plate full of delicious delicacies that are a must-serve on the occasions and festivals. The distinctive feature about this dish is that it is prepared by special chefs known as ‘botis’. To grab the best taste of Dhaam you must visit Himachal during festivals.
3. Tudkiya Bhath
Where to find? Chamba
Tudkiya Bhath is the authentic pulao of Himachal Pradesh that pahadi people cook in their own very style. What’s unique? The dish is not only cooked with Indian spices but an extra add up to the lentils, potatoes and yoghurt along with onion, tomatoes, garlic, cinnamon, cardamom provides this dish such a great taste that will make you want it again and again. For the best taste, Tudkiya Bath is complemented with mash dal and few drops of lime juice.
4. Bhey or Spicy Lotus stems
Where to find? All over Himachal
A famous dish of Himachal Pradesh that is fondly eaten in the households of the Himachali people. Bhey is a delicious dish which is prepared with the lotus stems. Thinly sliced lotus stems are then cooked in the ginger-garlic, onions and gram flour which adds the unique and great taste to the dish.
5. Chha Gosht
Where to find? Chamba
If you are a hard-core vegetarian then nothing can serve you better than Chha Gosht. A typical Himachal delicacy, Chha Gosht is a scrumptious dish prepared with the marinated lamb which is further cooked in the gravy of gram flour and yogurt.The taste of this dish is highly enhanced when it is well cooked in the Indian spices such as cardamom, red chili powder, coriander powder, bay leaf, asafoetida and ginger-garlic paste.
6. Siddu
Made from wheat flour, Sidu is a local side- dish of Himachal Pradesh which greatly complements the main course of mutton or some vegetables. The preparation of Sidu is difficult and time-consuming, but for the taste that it renders, every minute of preparation is worth it. The wheat flour is kept for 4-5 hours for the yeast to settle down. Later, the dough is filled with fat and put on the direct flame to get the half-cooked dough. This partly cooked dough is then steamed to keep the taste and nutrients of the ingredients intact. Sidu can easily be found in the local restaurants of Himachal Pradesh to give tourists a flavour of Himachali cuisine.
7. Babru
Where to find? Shimla
Himachal have added a unique twist to popular Kachoris of North India. Babru is a flat bread which is prepared with the stuffing of black gram paste which is added to the kneaded dough. The crisp and the scrumptious taste that this dish has to offer will make you forget the conventional Kachoris of North India. Babru is best enjoyed with Tamarind chutney and it also complements the famous Chana Madra of Himachal cuisine.
8. Aktori
Where to find? Lahaul- Spiti
Aktori is a festive dish which is very much enjoyed by the people of Himachal Pradesh during their festive time. Aktori is prepared in the form of a cake or pancake made with the buckwheat leaves which is further cooked in the wheat flour. Although, the dish originates in Spiti Valley but it is frequently prepared and fondly eaten all over Himachal Pradesh.
9. Kullu Trout fish
Where to Find? Kullu
Himachal Pradesh promises a great number of non-vegetarian delicacies. Kullu trout is a famous dish of Kullu region which is prepared with trout fish. The marinated fish is cooked in the minimal spices to keep the nutrients and the original taste of Trout intact. The dish is best coupled with the number of boiled vegetables, and hence it remains one of the healthiest delicacies of Himachal Pradesh.
10. The Tibetan dishes
The food talk of Himachal Pradesh cannot be completed without including the Tibetan cuisines. Being an important Tibetan colony, the regional food of Himachal Pradesh is highly inspired by the Tibetan culture. The best of which can be found in Mcleodganj and Dharamshala. Momos remains the all the time favorites of Himachali people that. Apart from that, Thukpa, Tingmo , LuchiPoti, Thentuk, Naizha Cake are some of the dishes that can be enjoyed in the kiosks of Himachal Pradesh.
11. Mittha
Mittha is the sweet dish of Himachal Pradesh prepared on special occasions. It has sweetened rice mixed with dry fruits and raisins.
12. Kaale Channe ka Khatta
Where to find? Kangra
It is a traditional Pahari Dish which is sour in taste and is usually served with rice. This dish is usually served with Madra.
