Travel to Old Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh has been favorite for inhabitation since the dawn of civilization as per historical tales. From Epic Mahabharata era, it has rich history with varied traditions. With several changes on constitution and commissioning process of state, the new state of Himachal came into being on 25th January, 1971 as 18th state of India.

INTRODUCTION
Due to progressive developments of Himachal full statehood, it is seen as combination of two parts: Old Himachal and New Himachal. Old Himachal consists of Chamba, Kinnaur, Bilaspur, Mandi, Sirmaur and Shimla districts while New Himachal consists of Kangra, Kullu, Solan, Lahual and Spiti, Hamirpur and Una districts. The state is almost mountainous with high altitudes ranging from 350 metres to 7000 metres above the sea level.
The beautiful state Himachal got the big shot of tourism during 80’s and 90’s. Traditionally Himachal was well known as summer destination of India because of tranquil hills and serenity. But gradually with infrastructure development and diversified tourism products, Himachal is now known as “A Destination for all seasons & reasons”. Blessed with sacred peaks, pristine water bodies, five famous rivers and deep forest, Himachal is adobe of God. With good facilities of 5 airports, connecting highways and Railway stations at Kalka, Pathankot, Himachal provides easy accessibility to and from the state.

Here in this Himachal Travel blog, we bring charm of old Himachal Pradesh tour at a glance.

1) Chamba- Chamba district’s charm is dotted with its architectural landmarks & medieval past which gives sought of reason to travellers to explore it. Situated at the crossroads of Dhauladhar and Zansakr ranges, Chamba shares border with J&K and perhaps the loveliest valley of state. Chamba is hoard of scenic sites, dazzling streams of fast flowing rivers, pristine lakes, dense forest range of alpine trees and rich wildlife. On a trip to Chamba, you will feel warm hospitality by natives who endow vibrant culture and expert in exquisite architecture of ancient temples, paintings, embroidery works.

Famous attractions of Chamba are:
Chamera lake at the Chamera Dam backwaters where tourists can enjoy boating, kayaking, canoeing, sailing and fishing activities. Glipse of sunset view by sitting at the shore of lake when water reflects back various colors of sun will win your heart.

Khajjiar is a picturesque destination surrounded by dense pine, Cedar and deodar forests. Designated as Mini Switzerland of India is situated on 6500 feet above the sea level. For a memorable photography tour, trekking is famous from Chamba to Khajjiar.

Bharmaur is an historical township at 65 kms form Chamba and exemplified for Chuarasi temple complex from many centuries. Exhibiting the serene beauty of Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal range, it can be best destination for mountaineers, trekkers and rock climbers.

Bhandal valley and Salooni- Travelling across stunning landscape of Ravi River, the valley is rich in flora and fauna. Gamgul Siahehi Wildlife Sanctuary, Salooni are nearby places to must visit for nature watch.

2) Kinnaur- Lost in history, Kinaur is emerging land of attraction in Himachal for adventure seekers. Road trips are awesome in this area with ever changing landscapes at each turn. Kinnaur lies on India-Tibet Road and surrounded by majestic Himalayan mountains, possess eye-catching beauty of well deserved culture, sound of gushing rivers-Sutlej, Spiti, Baspa and tributaries. April to October is ideal time to visit Kinnaur. Important locations to visit in Kinnaur are:

Sangla Valley- Also known as Baspa valley, it is the most enchanting valley of district with eternal scenery. Greenary of Valley woth dense orchards of apricots, apples, Valley boasts toweing hill fort Kamru. With your Motorcycle trip in Valley, end your motorable trip at Chitkul-last inhabitated village. Get unique experience with camping by side of Crystal-clear Baspa River.

Kafnu-The gateway to tough treks among nature trails, proceed for Bhawa Valley. Kafnu acts as base point to go over Pin-Parwati-Bhawas pass through different routes.

Nako-One of the most alluring hamlets of Kinnaur, Nakp Village is popular spot among tourists with a small lake and most visited Buddhist Monastery

Kalpa, Chango, Ribba, Pooh, Lippa are some other famous stops on Kinnaur and Spiti Valley tour.

3) Bilaspur- Tourists can find many popular as well as offbeat destination in Bilaspur. Most famous for Naina Devi Shaktipeeth situated on hilltop sharing with Punjab. From darshan of Naina Devi, view of Bhakra Dam, Anandpur Sahib And Gobind Sagar Kale id easy from here.

Gobind Sagar Lake- One of the largest manmade lakes of India has changed the perception of Bilaspur among tourists. One can enjoy water sports and activities as swimming, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, water skiing and shikara rides. For more adventure, take part in water scooters and motor boat rides.

Visit Kandrour Bridge and Bhakra Dam to see the engineering marvel of most ambitious projects.

4) Mandi- Mandi is situated widely across River Baes banks. The town still retain its old-world charm and eminent beauty. With important temple of Lord Shiva, Mandi is also stated as Choti Kashi. During the festival celebration of Mahashivratri, you will experience enough rush, cultural programmes, exhibitions and sport events.

Topmost attractions of Mandi are:
Janjehli- Engrossing views of snow-covered mountains, lush greenery of forests, farms and orchards offers a delight to trekkers. For easy trekking experience, visit Shikari Devi trapped in splendid panoramic views.

Lakes trip near Mandi- Many pristine lakes as Prasahr lake, Kamru nag lake, Rewalsar lake are paradise for backpackers and family outings. Camping and picnic near lakeview gives a best option to explore nature.

Religious sites of Mandi- Syamakali temple at Tarna Devi hill, Gurudwara Palang Sahib, Panchvaktra Temple and Trilokinath Temple are most important religious sites for must visit.

5) Sirmaur- Sirmaur is fascinating place of Old Himachal towering over the Churdhar. Trekking experience amid abundant beauty of Himachal is surrounded with thick Pine forests. Travellers can see varied flora and fauna with locals devoted to lord Shiva. If you are planning to visit in November, be a part of the largest festive gathering of Sirmaur at the side of Renuka lake which is the largest natural lake. It is said that lake is in the shape of reclining lady. Other prominent places of Sirmaur are:

Nahan: Lying in the low Shivalik hill ranges, it has a rich culture and heritage with temples, gardens and historical monuments. At 21km from Nahan, visit Suketi Fossil Park dedicated to dinosaur’s world. Various models of extinct species of giant tortoise, elephants, crocodiles, hippos, dinosaurs are illustrated here with fibre glasses. The museum also exhibits fossils of those animals. From Nahan, you can visit Trilokpur, The Jaitak Fort, Sarahan and Solan.

Haripurdhar: It ia a beautiful hill station with mesmerizing backdrops and Bhangayani temple. It also serves as a base camp for trekking to Churdhar.

6) Shimla- The most popular and most visited hill stations of India, Shimla is capital of state. Enveloped by Cedar, Himalayan Oak trees, Shimla boasts architecture influence of British era, colonial structure. Mall road, the ridge and toy train of Shimla are famous among tourists. With 1 or 2 days stay tourists travel to beautiful attractions near Shimla as:

Kufri - The snow world at just 16 Km from Shimla, Kufri rejoices travellers with nature bounty and the great Himalayan national park. It is blessing for wildlife lovers to witness more than 180 species of birds and animals. Get a cherishing experience with escapade to Fun World of Kufri and enjoy highest go-kart track.

Naldehra- The lovely place near Shimla with expansive meadows, 18-hole golf course complements to the hill stations with amazing scenic views, fragrance of woods and birds chirping.

Hatu Peak, Narkanda- Hatu Peak is one of the highest peaks near Shimla towering over Sutlej Valley. With a great road constructed, climbers can trek better than previous experience. From the top of mountain, view the 360-degree views of dense Oak forests. With a road trip of 64 km from Shimla, you will reach Narkanda.

Conclusion:
Whether it’s a tour to New Himachal or Old Himachal, travellers will experience the best trail of nature and activity base tourism motive. From crowded and famous destinations, you can go for a tour of offbeat places of Himachal for a isolated vacation. Travel to Old Himachal Pradesh for trekking, skiing amid Himalayas, witness rich flora and fauna, cultural face in festivals of Himachal, Mountain cuisine, adventure treks and Heritage tour at one place.