Archive for the ‘Himachal Pradesh’ Category
February 7th, 2007 | 
Author: Shopping
The Mall in Manali offers many interesting items to be purchased, from cloths to decorative pieces and gift items. Woollen goods are the town’s real forte, particularly the brilliantly patterned shawls for which it is known for. The NSC or ‘New Shopping Centre’ Market near the bus stand sells a good selection. Another reliable emporium is the government – sponsored Bhutico, which has an outlet on the Mall, just opposite the tourist office. Around the bazaar there are innumerable stalls stacked with hand-woven goods and pillbox Kullu Topis. Manali’s other specialty is Himalayan handicrafts, mainly assorted Tibetan curios such as prayer wheels, amulets, dorjees or thunderbolts, masks, musical instruments, jewellery and thangkas.
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Center Attraction Of Manali
Rohtang Pass
Rohtang Pass is the highest point, 4,112m, on the Manali-Keylong road, 51-km from Manali town. It provides a wide panoramic view of mountains rising far above clouds, which is a sight truly breath-taking.
Mountaineering
Himachal Pradesh has some challenging peaks and each year expeditions are organised by the Mountaineering Institute at Manali. The Mountaineering Institute has regional centres at Dharamsala, Bharmour and Jispa, which organise adventure courses as well.
Manali Sanctuary
This sanctuary is located in District Kullu’s nearest town, Manali. The area of this sanctuary is 3,180 hectares. The sanctuary wasnotified on 26th February 1954, under the Punjab Birds and Wild Animals Protection Act, 1933.
Temple Of Manu
Slippery stones paths lead through the old village houses up to the temple of Manu. Manali is named after the sage Manu who meditated when he came in this area.
Tibetan Temple
Tibetans have a base in Manali too. There is a large modern Tibetan temple to the South of the bus stand and also a small handicrafts centre.
Hadimba Temple:
Hadimba or Dhungiri temple in Manali is one of the most important temples in the region. This four-story wooden temple is located in the middle of a forest called the Dhungiri Van Vihar. Winding paths through forests and glades of whispering Deodars form the setting for the majestic wooden temple of Hidimba Devi in Manali. The motorable road is shaded by Chestnuts,Chinars and tall deciduous Deodars. This forested backdrop enthral one’s spirit and refresh one’s mind all along the uphill path.
Malana Valley
In the valleys of Kullu and Manali below Chanderkhani Pass, situated at an altitude of 2,76m is a little hub of hundred houses. The village, which consists of 1,000 tribals, has an immaculate system of self-governance.
Vashisth Village
Famous for the sweeping valley views and sulphurous hot-water springs, the large settlement of Vashisht, formerly known as Bashist, just 3km from Manali, is an amorphous jumble of traditional timber houses and modern concrete cubes, divided by paved courtyards and narrow muddy lanes.
Old Manali
The old Manali area is located some 3-km from the present day Manali. The old Manali is covered with guesthouses, which look ancient now, and orchards where the livestock move at will.
Hotels And Resorts
Ashiana Regency Hotel:
It is 3 star hotel, located 25 km from Airportand 5 km from Railway station.
Asia The Dawn, Tara Devi:
Located in Kachi Ghati, Tara Devi, offering 38 spacious rooms and luxury suits.
East Bourne Resort:
It is 3 star hotel offering luxurious rooms. East Bourne Hotel is well within driving distance from shopping centre, the railway station and the Air Port. Free transfers by Resort Courtesy cab from Resort to Bus Stand, Railway Station, Main Town & Vice Versa
Honeymoon Inn:
Luxury resort in Shimla with conference facilties, executive lounge, discotheque, multi cuisine restaurant, indoor recreation facilities and also offers honeymoon packages, horse riding, trekking tours in Himachal Pradesh.
Hotel Kufri Pacific:
It is situated on Kufri-Chail road at an altitude of about 8500 feet from the sea level. It is at 30 minutes drive from both from Shimal & Chail, on Kufri Chail Road and it is approachable in all seasons.
Hotel Surya:
Just round the bend, on the Circular Road, stands the majestic structure of Hotel Surya. Offering 56 luxuriously designed rooms, studded with individual telephone, attached bath with 24 hours running hot & cold water.
Hotel Shingar:
It is just 2 kms. from Railway station and 22 kms. from Airport. This Shimla hotel is 1 star equivalent hotel offering modern accommodation and amenities.
Hotel Taj Palace:
It is an ideal place for real nature lovers amidst deodar and kail trees away from the hustle bustle of crowd, but still very close to the main shopping centre ” The Mall”.
Hotel Victory:
This hotel is located 5 minutes walking distance from the main Bus Terminus and Shimla Railway Station. 20 Kms from Shimla Airport.
Sukh Sagar Resort:
This Hotel in Shimla provides all types of luxurious facilities and amenities located Cart Road, Across Victory Tuneel, Near Tara Hall Kaithu.
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 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.
Lakkar Bazaar It is highly popular for its wood crafts and souvenirs.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.
Major Attractions:
There is a vast variety of tourist attractions in shimla. Shimla is a perfect tourist destination that endorses many travel attractions, breathtaking highways, inaccessible mountains, colorful people.
Jakhoo Hill It is the city’s highest peak and a vantage point giving breathtaking view of entire Shimla and of Himalayas.
St. Michael’s Cathedral It is dressed-stone church with fine stained glass and a cruciform design. It is located just off the Mall, below the District Courts.
State Museum It is the representative collection of Himachal Pradesh’s rich heritage. Exhibits include archaeological artifacts, carvings, paintings and sculptures. The Glen is a thickly wooded ravine through which a stream flows. It is a popular picnic spot. For devotes ones, Sankat Mochan temple is the ideal place worth visiting.
Kufri: It is 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.
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.
Tara Devi: It is 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.
Naldehra: It is 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
It is located 92 km from Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh. This hill station spread over five hills at the western edge of the Dhauladhar range, east of the river Ravi. The town has a colonial touch in its buildings. The architecture of the place reflects the colonial era. The slopes are covered with pine forest. The British governor-general Lord Dalhousie established the colonial town of Dalhousie in 1854. It covers an area of 14 sq km, which is surrounded by alpine vegetation.
Main Attractions of Dalhousie
Bakrota Hills: The Bakrota hills at the altitude of 2085 meters and around 5 km from the G.P.O.Square.The Bakrota Mall a popular walking around these hills has a panoramic view of mountains.It is the perfect place for the nature lovers. They are sure to enjoy the beauty and serenity of this place.
Subhash Baoli: A view of the snowcapped mountains, 1.6-km away from the G.P.O. (check spelling) Square, the spring of Subhash Baoli is situated at an altitude of 2,085 metres (6,678 ft.).
Jandhri Ghat: Jandhri Ghat enfolds an elegant palace in the midst of tall pine trees. It is around half a kilometre away from the Subhash Baoli. Chamba’s erstwhile rulers governed from here till the advent of Lord Dalhousie. The palace houses a number of shikhar trophies. Beside the palace, Jandhri Ghat offers heavenly spots for picnicking-gushing streamlets in the midst of fragrant pine-scented breezes. Bakrota Hills and the ‘Round’ (2085m): Less than 5 km from the town centre, the Bakrota Hills frame a breathtaking view of the further snow-clad peaks. The ’round’ is a walling circuit around the hill, very popular with residents
The Catholic Church Of St. Francis: Dalhousie is another hill station with a number of old churches. The Church near the G.P.O looks untouched by time. The Catholic Church of St.Francis, built in 1894.
Dalhousie Resorts
Alps Holiday Resort ( 4 Star Equivalent Hotel )
Address: Bakrota Hills, Khajjiar Road , Dalhousie
Location: City Center
Accessibility: Airport: 0.1KM., Railway Station: 80KM., Bus Station: 4KM.
Approx. Price Range: $30 – $72 (Rs. 1500 – 3600)
Hotel Mount View ( 3 Star Equivalent Hotel )
Address: The Mall, , Dalhousie
Location: Suburban
The only hotel in Dalhousie set amidst scenic splendour in 6 acres of sprawling gardens. Hotel Mount View with the best and easily accessible location invites you to be in a romantic hideaway, viewing the majestic Dhauladhar, Pir Panjal and Bathri Valley. It provides all the comforts that you expect in a deluxe hotel.
Accessibility: Airport Domestic: 180KM., Airport International: 560KM., Railway Station: 80KM., Bus Stand : 0.2KM.,
Approx. Price Range: $50 – $75 (Rs. 2500 – 3750)
Climate – Dalhousie
Dalhousie ranges between 1,525m and 2,378m high from sea level. The maximum temperature of Dalhousie in summers is 30*C and the winter temperature comes down to almost O*C. Heavy woollens are required in winter and light woollens or tropicals in summer.
The best time to visit Dalhousie is Mid May To Mid Octobar
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.