Himachal Pradesh  *

 

 

    Himachal Pradesh was formed by integrating thirty princely states scattered in the hill region of Punjab.

 

    The State has progressed rapidly since its formation as an independent political unit. It is richly endowed with natural resources like water for electricity generation. A state-of-the-art fruit processing plant has been set up at Parwanoo at the cost of Rs. 40 million. Agriculture and horticulture are the mainstays of the state’s economy. The agro-climatic conditions favour cultivation of fruit, vegetables and flowers.

 

    Shimla at one time was the summer capital of British India and finds rich mention in the Raj memorabilia. Dharamshala is where the Dalai Lama has settled down after arriving in India.

 

    Kullu, Kasauli, Chamba, Solan, Chail and Kufri are other favourite summer resorts. The tribal districts of Lahul and Spiti have only recently been opened to tourists.

    Himachal is the home to some of the most exotic fauna in India – musk deer, snow leopard, Himalayan brown bear, thar monal and tragopan.

 

    The festival of Dussehra at Kullu is very famous. The other fairs are the Harvest festival at Minjan and the annual pilgrimage to Manimahesh.

 

    The temples at Baijnath provide an excellent example of north Indian temple architecture and although smaller in scale compared to the temples at Khajuraho and Bhubaneshwar, are no less beautiful.

    Himachal has a rich crafts tradition and the Chamba roomal (scarves) and the colourful caps and shawls are very popular with souvenir hunters.