The various agricultural practices, the celebratory festivals for river and mountain gods, the water management practices, etc. are all part of the Himachali Culture and are major aspects of Eco-tourism in Himachal Pradesh. The State Government of Himachal Pradesh has Janjehli into a eco-tourism spot. Janjheli village is in Seraj Valley in Mandi is surrounded by mountain ranges of abundant pines and offers a stunning view of Snowclad Mountains, filled with emerald green farms. The beautiful apple hamlets, and the wooden Himachali houses facilitate for a great eco-tourism destination.
Himachal Pradesh – A destination which echoes Hill Stations
The ‘Queen of hills, Shimla was the summer capital of British, and is the present capital of Himachal. Thus, the small hill towns of Shimla, Kullu, Manali, Chamba, etc. are some great Hill Station Tourism destinations within Himachal Pradesh. They facilitate for a great cool retreat during Indian summers.
Wildlife and adventure tourism
Himachal Pradesh is a landscape adorned with enchanting beauty, serenity, and calm. It is sacred for people as well as a number of flora and fauna, which make Himachal Pradesh a Great Wildlife Tourism destination. Just be ready to keep still, and capture the flight of that Himalayan Bird in your binoculars or camera lens, and be one with nature to spot these creatures which are already one with it. The Great Himalayan National Park in Himachal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The fertile, beautiful and scenic valleys which twirl with joy during festivities also facilitate as Adventure Tourism destinations within Himachal. The trekking along with ample of adventure sports facilities is available for all adrenaline junkies along the cold dessert valley of Spiti, The Solang Valley and Rohtang Pass. The tourists partaking in adventure tourism are those who are ready to take some risk along with travel. Himachal Pradesh’s call for adventure is so vast that in October 2015, it had hosted India’s 1st Paragliding World Cup at Bir-Billing. Chanshal in Shimla is a skiing and winter sports destination, Pong Dam in Kangra district and Larji Reservior in Mandi is a water sports destination, and Bir-Billing in Kangra is a paragliding spot i.e. an aero sports destination. Also, Shimla, in Himachal Pradesh has Asia’s only natural ice-skating rink.
Heritage and Cultural tourism
The British which preferred staying in Shimla, have left it a heritage scenic route on which runs the Kalka- Shimla toy train. The narrow-guage track runs uphill from Kalka to Shimla through deodar and pines. The train journeys through 919 curves, 869 bridges, and 102 tunnels which were designed during the British rule within 20 years. This is one Heritage ride that a tourist wouldn’t want to miss. It makes to the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The Heritage and Cultural tourism aims for being able to experience the cultural heritage of the tourism location. Himachal has 5 protected National Monuments. Also, Himachal shares its border with Tibet, so it’s no wonder that influences of Tibetan culture can be seen herein. McLeod Ganj (the home of the fourteenth Dalai Lama), in Upper Dharmasala or Mini-Tibet has refugee Tibetans settled here and touring it gives tourists a peak you into the Tibetan culture. Here, you can try some of the Tibetan cuisine such as the famous ‘Tibetan Butter Tea’ which is made of salt, yak butter, and tea leaves, and also the Tibetan bread.
Delicacies
When it comes to food, Himachali cuisine includes legumes, cereals, leafy vegetables, and even meat. Milk and milk products are liberally used in preparing sweet dishes. Also use of herbs, nuts, and fruits is also generous. Fruits are un-challengingly a major constituent of Himachali diet. This is simply because this region is well endowed with long stretches of fruit orchards and meadows. Hence, Himachal Pradesh is also referred to as the fruit bowl of India.
Festivals
The Himachali people are very fond of their festivals which tend to revolve around the various agricultural practices and the changes in the seasons such as the Basant Panchami, Lohri, Makar Sankranti. Lossar is celebrated in various Monasteries in Lahaul and Spiti Valleys, Halda is celebrated in the Chandra-Bhaga Valleys of Lahaul, Phagli in Pattan Valley of Lahaul, etc.
Art & Handicrafts
If you are a much appreciator of art, you will undoubtedly be magnated towards the various handicrafts for which Himachal is famous for – carpets, leather works, Kullu shawls, Kangra paintings, Chamba Rumals, stoles, embroidered grass footwear, silver jewellery, metal ware, knitted woollen socks, Pattoo, basketry of cane and bamboo, and woodwork, Himachali Caps, etc. So, when touring Himachal, don’t forget to get set go Shopping!
Himachal Pradesh is a dream land endowed with rustic charm and breathtaking beauty which leaves you craving for more!
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