A place of unique cultural heritage, a heaven for nature lovers, charming hill resorts, endless adventure, and blessed nature making it a favorite holiday destination of all times
Himachal, a gift of Himalaya to the world; the land of beauty with so much to explore about this humble abode of snow, and there are many things yet to describe
Acharya Diwakar Datt Sharma, a renowned Sanskrit scholar coined the name Himachal, which is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Hima’ meaning ‘Snow’ and ‘Anchal’ meaning ‘Lap’ the literal meaning of the state’s name ‘in the lap of snow’
In the ancient era, Himachal was part of the legendary Silk Route; these routes passed along the north Indian Plains and the Himalayas to connect East Asia to Europe. Traders used this path to reach other countries for their businesses and trades. The Silk Route was the most famous network of trade routes connecting Tibet, Central Asia, China, and India. This route passed through many Indian states including the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh
Today this place becomes synonymous with tourism, home to scenic mountain towns and a paradise for nature lovers especially blessed by the nature making it a favorite destination of explorers…let us explore few of many gems of Himachal the beautiful hill destination….
This beautiful hill state of Himachal has 33 Sanctuaries and 2 National Parks of which The Great Himalayan National Park has been declared a heritage site by UNESCO. There you will find some rare species of animals including the barking deer and the snow leopard
The Kalka-Shimla Railway was built under the direction of Herbert Septimus Harington between 1898 and 1903 to connect Shimla, the summer capital of India during the British Raj, with the rest of the Indian rail system. UNESCO added the Kalka–Shimla railway to the mountain railways of India’s world heritage, and it holds the world record for being the train to cover the steepest slope (5816 ft) in the least distance of just 96 km. Toy Train is the most exciting way to commute to Shimla, the present capital city of Himachal, by the Kalka-Shimla Railway
The Kalka-Shimla express runs through a massive stretch of 806 bridges, 103 tunnels, and 18 stations. Kalka-Shimla Toy Train is said to be one of the most scenic railway journeys in India. This journey runs on a narrow gauge from Kalka to Shimla, treating passengers with breathtaking views of rugged mountains, lush pine forests, waterfalls, valleys, and picture-perfect hill stations along the way that will tempt you to disembark and bask in their beauty
Shimla city is one of the most beautiful hill resorts and a popular holiday retreat in India, the former summer capital of British and the present capital city of Himachal Pradesh state
The city of Shimla blessed with all the natural bounties that one can think of; the scenic locations surrounded by green hills with snow-capped peaks. The spectacular hill views accompanied by the structures made during the British era create an aura. The city of Shimla retains its colonial heritage, home to several buildings styled in the Tudorbethan and neo-Gothic architectures. The colonial architecture and the charming environment of the city fascinate the tourists and visitors to this place
Christ Church in the city of Shimla designed in the neo-Gothic style of architecture is one the oldest churches in India. The majestic appearance and stunning location of the church make it the prime attraction of Shimla city. The church is lit at night to illuminate it and contains five fine stained glass windows; that represent the Christian virtues of Faith, Hope, Charity, Fortitude, Patience, and Humility. The chancel window was designed by Lockwood Kipling (father of Rudyard Kipling). The pipe organ of Christ Church is the largest in the Indian subcontinent the church holds a great collection of books and ancient scriptures
Viceregal Lodge in Shimla is the most historically significant and architectural impressive landmark of the region; it was the summer residence of the Indian Viceroy, the British Raj leader who governed the whole of the Indian subcontinent between 1888 and 1946. In the Viceregal Lodge, many significant decisions about India were devised, discussed, and agreed upon. The heritage building surrounded by immaculately maintained gardens, and it is now transformed into an advanced university complex
Kufri is a small hill town at an altitude of 2510 m above sea level just around Shimla; it is a popular place for hiking and skiing trails, Kufri is at its natural best during winters
Chail is the picturesque hill town in Himachal, around 44 km (27 mi) from Shimla city, known for its breathtaking views, salubrious beauty, and virgin forests. Chail Palace is well known for its architecture, built as a summer retreat by the Maharaja of Patiala during the British Raj
Mashobra is tucked away at a height of around 7700 ft and the close proximity to Shimla makes it a perfect alternative for people looking for a peaceful site, this place ensuring minimal human obstruction in the course of nature to provide you with the purest and most liberating experience of your lifetime
Naldehra is a picturesque hill town of Himachal holding short proximity to Shimla at an elevation of 2044 m above sea level; British Viceroy Lord Curzon was so amazed by the surroundings that he decided to build a golf course in the region. This tranquil hill station was a favorite of the Viceroy Lord Curzon, who not only designed India’s first 9-hole golf course here but also named his third daughter Alexandra Naldehra after it
Fagu’s beautiful snowy retreat near Shimla serves as a basecamp for trekkers, nature lovers, and botanists who wish to explore Shimla’s gorgeous countryside. The deep valleys of Fagu are home to beautiful flower fields. Fagu attracts visitors for thrilling opportunities and adventures trips; in the winter season, it is covered with snow and boasts pristine surroundings
Solan the beautiful small hill town of Himachal just at the few miles from Shimla, an ideal place for travelers who need peace and want to be away from rush; the town attracts tourists and visitors, the backdrop of majestic hills the town of Solan has one of the oldest breweries in the country and is popularly known as the mushroom capital of the country and also called the city of red gold as it produces bulk quantities of tomatoes. This city also has a 300-year-old fort located at the top of a hill which is in ruins but has an awe-inspiring panoramic view of the countryside
Kasauli is a beautiful hill town in Himachal; there are a lot of unique attractions in Kasauli, and it is primarily known for its scenic beauty and serenity. This town is located in the foothills of the Himalayas and is situated just around 60 km away from Shimla
Kullu Valley is a broad open valley formed by the Beas River. This valley is famous for its breathtaking beauty and cultural heritage; its majestic hills are covered with pine and deodar forest and sprawling apple orchards. Ski touring and other many adventurous sports are gaining popularity in the surrounding of the beautiful green valley
Manali the famous hill town of Himachal; the landscape here is breathtaking, a rustic enclave known for its cool climate and snow-capped mountains, hilly slopes, and the fairy-tale-like fog surrounding the green shades. The town famous for being India’s honeymoon capital, the paradise for nature lovers with spell-binding views, charming streams, and a lingering scent of pines and freshness, the beautiful resort offers great experiences and is worth cherishing a lifetime. Manali suits the needs of every kind of travel interest, for the family looking for bonding time, for the couple for precious peaceful moments, for solo travelers for some solitude, and for the group of friends seeking an adventure. The beautiful town with scenic valleys, the high pass around, and the hub of winter sports
Solang Valley is a picturesque scenic spot; that is undeniable virgin charms located just around Manali. The place with lush green grass carpets the entire valley, while the backdrop is mighty mountains covered in scintillating snow. And if you visit this destination during the colder months, snow makes its way into the valley area too! Enjoy a laid-back day out with friends and family here as you enjoy the serene scenery with a bubbling burst of energy. Best known for its summer and winter sports also called the paradise for adventure lovers
Rohtang Valley is no doubt one of the most scenic places of the Himalayas; located at a height of around 3980 m situated around 50 km distance from the town of Manali. The beautiful pass once served as a crucial trade route providing breathtaking views of the entire surroundings. Rohtang pass provides a natural divide between the Kullu Valley and the arid high-altitude Lahaul and Spiti valleys
Dharamshala hill town in Himachal is a high snow-clad charming hill resort that overlooks the widespread plains. With the dense pine and deodar forests, numerous streams, cool healthy air, attractive surroundings, and the nearby snowline, Dharamsala town has everything for a perfect holiday. It is full of life and yet peaceful. Covering the area in the form of twin settlements is the lower Dharamsala (1380 m) and upper Dharamsala (1830 m) suburbs of Mcleodganj and Forsytheganj, which retains a British flavor and colonial lifestyle. The church of St. John in the wilderness is situated here, also the final resting place of Lord Elgin, a British Viceroy of India during the 19th century
Dharamsala town is best known internationally for reasons one is the home of the Dalai Lama of Tibet, and another reason is the highest fully functional international cricket ground in the world situated in Dharamshala. At an altitude of 1457 m above sea level and snow-capped Himalayan mountains in the background. It has hosted several tests, ODI, and T20 matches
McLeodganj is a suburb of Dharamsala known as “Little Lhasa” or Dhasa because of its large population of Tibetans, culture of this town is a beautiful fusion of Tibetan with some British influence. An excellent place for a holiday, from temples to antiquity to picturesque sight-seeing spots and adventure activities
Dalhousie is one of the most beautiful and historical hill towns of Himachal and a popular holiday retreat in India; the highest peak of this town is around 9000 ft. Named after Lord Dalhousie, the hill station of Dalhousie is famous for being home to the pristine and serene where magnificent panorama spread out. Three great rivers can be seen glittering in the sunshine and losing themselves in the plains beyond, which seem to melt away into infinite space. Dalhousie has managed to maintain a healthy green cover with the mountains covered with Oak trees, Devdars, Pine, Firs, and a variety of other trees and shrubs, forest areas of this site are full of wildlife which includes Leopards and Brown Bears. Dalhousie town is home to colonial-era buildings, including St. Francis and St. John’s church, which date back to the rule of the British Raj in the 1800s
Khajjiar located at a short distance from the town of Dalhousie, at the height of over 2,000 m surrounded by meadows and forests a picturesque sight in Himachal, sitting on a small plateau with a small stream-fed lake in the middle. In July 1992, Swiss Envoy Willy P. Blazer, Vice Counselor and Head of the Chancery of Switzerland in India brought Khajjiar onto the world tourism map by calling it ‘Mini Switzerland’
Chamba is a picturesque valley of Himachal, and one of the most ancient places in North India, a delight for scenery addicts and adventurers
The Lahaul and Spiti Valley in Himachal consist of the two formerly separate districts of Lahaul and Spiti. Famous for its breathtaking views, natural scenery and Buddhist monasteries. Spiti is one of the important centers of Buddhism and popularly known as the ‘land of lamas’ dotted by numerous Buddhist Monasteries or Gompas. For trekkers, the Spiti Valley is a paradise, offering challenging treks to explore the new heights of the Himalayas. There are some very high altitude treks also where one has to cross passes that connect Ladakh with Spiti Valley
With Shamrock Journeys, you’ll discover all these and much more; we design exclusive features for the best exposure and experiences that help you lift the lid on this spectacular land
Our tours aim to uncover cultural intricacies and connections across a wide range of subject areas and themes including art, architecture, archaeology, history, culture, and the natural image of this unique destination
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