Unexplored

Hatkoti

Hatkoti, called as the Valley of Stone Temples, is situated on the banks of the river Pabbar and is abode of Goddess Mahishasurmardidni (incarnation of goddess Durga) and has many stone temples. According to the Hindu mythology makes Hatkoti a place fit to be a pilgrimage with the convergence of the three water streams.

History

Hatkoti is believed to be the place where a fight took place between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

In the Mahabharat epic, the Pandava brothers are believed to have lived here.

Accessibility

Air: The nearest airport to Hatkoti is Jubbarhatti in Shimla, which is at a distance of 126 km from Hatkoti. Taxi cabs are available from airport to Sarahan at a rate of Rs 1,600. The nearest International Airport is Delhi.

Rail: The nearest major railway station is at Shimla, which is at a distance of 104 km from Hatkoti. Taxi and Jeep services are available from Railway station to Hatkoti. It costs about Rs 1,400.

Road: Hatkoti is connected to nearby cities through Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation buses. Buses are available from Rampur (103 km) and also from Dehradun, Shimla and Jubbal.

Accommodation

One can stay at the Forest Rest House nearby or in one of the few hotels, which have mushroomed lately. Those looking for luxuries can go to Rohru, 10-km away from Hadsar.

District
Shimla
STD Code
0177
Termperature
Summer 13 to 23°C, Winter -4 to 13°C
Best time to visit
March to November

Hamirpur

Hamirpur, closely associated with the Katoch dynasty Hamirpur was the part of old Jallandhar-Trigarta empire, is located in a relatively warmer region with a lower altitude as compared to the other places of the state.

History

The history of Hamirpur is closely associated with the Katoch dynasty. Hamirpur was a part of old Jallandhar - Trigarta Empire. The Katoch dynast became predominent during the period of Raja Hari Chand who ruled from 1700 A.D. to 1740 A.D. It was Raja Hamir Chand who built the fort at Hamirpur and the present town derived its name from this ruler. Hotel Hamir is named after Raja Hamir Chand.

Accessibility

Air: The airport at Gaggal (Kangra) is 83 km.

By Rail: The closet braod gauge railhead is at Pathankot 185 km at Kangra. Taxis and buses are available at all these places.
The nearest broad gauge railway station is Una and nearest narrow gauge railway station is Ranital (Pathankot-Joginder Nagar railway line) and is connected by regular bus service.

By Road
Hamirpur is approachable by road from Shimla, Chandigarh and Pathankot. By road it is 94 km from Dharamsala 206 km from Chandigarh.

Distances : Hamirpur is approachable by road from Shimla, Chandigarh and Pathankot. Good road from Kiratpur via Bilaspur-Ghagas-Gumarwin and from Shimla via Bilaspur-Ghumarwin have a large number of buses running regularly from all places within the state as well as from Delhi and important towns from Punjab and Haryana.

Accommodation

Hotel Hamir of Himachal Tourism is located at distance of 1/2 km away fromHamirpur Bus stand on Bilaspur - Jwalaji Highway. Hotel Hamir has been designed with all modern facilities for the tourists and amidst of in Pine Forests.

District
Hamirpur district
Topic
Best time to visit
July To September

Parwanoo

Parwanoo, a small hill station situated near the border that the state shares with Haryana. This was a sleepy little village a couple of decades ago but today, it is a pulsating industrial town. It also serves as the base station to the nearby attractions, such as Renuka Lake, Subathu cantonment area, Dagshai, Pinjore Gardens, Kasauli, etc.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Timber_Trail_at_Parwanoo,_Himachal_Pr…

Accessibility

Air: The nearest airport to Parwanoo is at Chandigarh, located around 22 kms away from Parwanoo.

Rail: The nearest railway station to Parwanoo is at Kalka, located around 4 kms away from Parwanoo. The station is well-connected to Parwanoo as well as the other railway stations of India.

Road: Well connected to major cities of India such as Amritsar, Chandigarh, Delhi and Manali by a network of well- maintained roads, reaching Parwanoo by road is one of the easiest ways of reaching the town.

District
Solan
STD Code
01792
Termperature
Summer 8 to 30°C, Winter -10 to 10°C
Best time to visit
July to September

Narkanda

Narkanda, surrounded by the Shivalik Ranges, is a town perfectly endowed with sheer natural beauty and is famous for its wide views, forests and as a destination for a quiet holiday. It is a skiing resort in winter offering an awe-inspiring view of the snow-clad Himalayan peaks.

History

The small town of Narkanda owed its initial importance to the construction of the Hindustan Tibet Road. Styled ‘The Great Hindostan Thibet Road’, this road connected the Gangetic plains from the town of Kalka to the Tibetan border. It was Governor-General of India, Lord Dalhousie (1848 - 1856) who ordered work to begin on this in June 1850. Various reasons are cited for the initiation of the road. The system of ‘begari’ prevalent in the hills, where unpaid labourers were pressed into service - including for the transport of timber and files to Shimla - is said to have upset the Governor-General so deeply that he wanted to improve the track these men trudged. It is also believed that Lord Dalhousie wanted to create trade ties with Tibet – and this is felt to be the real reason for building the road. Narkanda was an important staging post on this road and was the highest point between Shimla and the valley of the river Satluj. From this point on, till it began rising again, the road was largely downhill.

The second impetus of growth came in the first half of the twentieth century, when apple production began in Kotgarh-Thanedar belt a few kilometres from Narkanda.

Accessibility

By Air: The nearest airport from Narkanda is the Jubbarhatti Airport, which is located at a distance of 87 km. Jagsons Airlines provides the maximum flights between Shimla and the rest of India, including Chandigarh and Delhi. Indian Airlines, Jet Air and Kingfisher Airlines also provide services to the aiport.

By Rail: The nearest broad gauge railway station is Kalka, at a distance of 152 km from Narkanda. It is well connected with the key cities of India, like Chandigarh, Shimla and Delhi, by regular train services. From there, taxis are easily available for reaching Narkanda. Hiring a taxi will cost you somewhere around Rs 2,200-2,500.

By Road: Shimla forms the major road link near Narkanda. There is no shortage of state run buses from Shimla, to most of the key cities in and around Himachal Pradesh. From Shimla, it's just 2 hrs drive to Narkanda and private taxis can also be hired. A drive from New Delhi will take over 8 hours. You have to follow the NH1 route to Ambala and then NH 22 to Narkanda.

Shopping

If you''d like to complete your holiday with some shopping The Mall Road in Shimla offers a variety of things you can take back home. From clothes to jewellery to woollens to great handicraft items can be found here.
This is limited to a couple of small shops that have a few handicrafts, shawls and other woolens.

Accommodation

Narkanda''s list of tourist accommodation facilities is rather modest. You can either stay at Hotel Hatu or at the hotel operated by Himachal State Tourism Development Corporation. The town has a pretty- but otherwise fairly unpretentious- rest-house, and a handful of other properties. Most are clean and comfortable but nowhere near luxurious.

Accommodation options in Narkanda are rather limited. The Himachal Tourism Corporation hotel, a bit away from the settlement, and the P.W.D.Rest House located just below a pine forest on a mountain slope, offer luxury and the warmth of Himachali hospitality.

Things to do

Trekking: Trekking and hiking is an exciting activity to do in Narkanda as it is surrounded by hills. Trekking on the Hatu peak can be a good option for capturing a beautiful view of the Himalayas. There are many opportunities for long, short and rigorous trekking in Narkanda. The Jalori Pass trek begins from just beyond Narkanda and goes northwest over the Jalori pass in the Seraj region. One can begin from the Ani village where one can reach by bus or jeep from Luhri in the Sutlej valley below Narkanda. The road from Narknada follows down the Sutlej valley to enter Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur.

Skiing: Narkanda is famous all across India for skiing and winter sports. The mountain slopes come alive with skiers during the winter season in Narkanda skiing in Narkanda began in 1980 and ever since then HPDC is conducting skiing courses every year. It hires skiing equipments and provides everything from accommodation to transport to the tourists. The Directorate of Mountaineering and Allied sports also organize skiing courses from January. The choices of slopes vary from a beginners and salom slope. For the experienced skier, there are sharper descents.

Nature Walks: The scenic beauty of Narkanda is nothing less than incredible and awe-inspiring. Nature walks in this beautiful backdrop will be ideal for a spectacular view of the sturdy Himalayas. In fact, you will get to see some of the most beautiful sights through these walks, like the one to Hatu Peak. Explore the place in early morning walks and long strolls in the evening. Take care not to disturb nature and make minimum noise while on your walk, so as to absorb the soothing calmness of the natural environs.

District
Shimla district
STD Code
01782
Topic
Termperature
Summer 8 to 20°C, Winter -10 to 10°C
Best time to visit
December to March

Sarchu

Sarchu, located on the border of J&K, is a famous camping site for tourists en route to Ladakh. The place offers marvellous views of the majestic Himalayas and spellbinding scenery and is also a gateway to Leh District. It is the starting point for a typical trek to the Zanskar region in Ladakh, gives a pleasant Tibetan feel to the tourists.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ashugarg/5675015259/in/photostream

Accommodation

Sarchu is a great stopover for travellers. Despite being an isolated destination, it offers a lot of accommodation options including tourist bungalows and tented camp sites. These camps provide luxurious stays even at such a high altitude. These camps are scientifically designed and consist of intact canvas rooms with warm beds. The guests are offered medical assistance, transportation for emergency, meals etc. Specially designed Swiss Cottage Style Tents are waterproof and windproof with electricity backup.

You can pitch up your own tent if you are prepared, or you can choose between the state-run HPTDC camps and the private operators. Tented accommodation is reasonable and includes camp beds and blankets or sleeping. Food on offer here is not at all bad, ranging from a basic meal to tea to a shot of chang (millet beer). Camps are scattered over an area of about 15 km.

District
Lahaul and Spiti District

Sarahan

Sarahan, flanked by Himalayan mountain slopes, is situated on a table land above a valley and with Sutlej River in close proximity. It is the gateway to Kinnaur district. It is often referred as "apple country" given the lush apple and peach orchards through the region. Marvelous legends and myths about this beautiful landscape enhance the divinity of Sarhan to a great extent. It is believed to be the abode of Mother Goddess who benevolently blessed this hilly terrain with a blissful look.

History

The Rampur Rajas of Bushahr who once ruled Kinnaur, made Rampur Bushahr their new capital. Sarahan was their new summer capital after the Rajas left Kamru in Sangla valley.

Accessibility

Air: The nearest airport to Sarahan is Jubbarhatti in Shimla, which is at a distance of 175 km from Sarahan. Taxi cabs are available from Shimla to Sarahan at a rate of Rs 2,000. The nearest International Airport is Delhi at a distance of 564 km from Sarahan.

Rail: Kalka is the nearesrt railway station to Sarahan. It is connected to Shimla by train. Shimla is connected to all major railway stations in India.

Road: Bus Services are available from Sarahan to Delhi, having a distance of 564 kilometers. A/C Volvo buses charge Rs. 700 per head. Bus Services are available from Shimla frequently, which is at a distance of 174 km. A/C buses charge Rs 275 per head. Buses operated by the Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) are also available to Sarahan Taxis and jeeps are also available to reach to Sarahan from Shimla, Chandigarh and Delhi.

Getaways
Shopping

There is not much scope for shopping in this small hamlet other than some interesting puja equipment for worship and trinkets of jewellery. Shopping is very limited in Sarahan. Some locally made jams, pickles and preserves are available. Shawls, woolens, caps and some handicrafts are sold in the shops near the temple.

Accommodation

Sarahan has a luxurious Circuit House where you can stay with permits. The HPTDC run Hotel Shrikhand has a fabulous view of the Shrikhand Mountain and is a comfortable place to stay; it caters to middle and low budgets. Privately organized campsites, hotels and farmhouses are also available.

District
Shimla
STD Code
01782
Termperature
Summer 10-25°C, Winter 4-15°C
Best time to visit
April to October

Rohru

Rohru, nestled among majestic mountain ranges, is a bustling beautiful and calm town famous for trout fishing and is ideally located on the banks of the Pabbar River. It is known for splendid natural beauty and many tourist destinations in and around is a perfect summer retreat for the travelers. The place has amazing and dynamic tourist activities like camping, hang gliding, para gliding and trekking apart from fishing and also a paradise for anglers. The city is also known for Apple cultivation producing varieties of apples like Royal Delicious and Rich Red.

Accessibility

Air: Nearest airport to Rohru is Shimla’s Jubbarhatti Airport .Taxi is available from airport to City and fare is about Rs 750. The airport is connected to Delhi airport by daily flights. Delhi International airport is the nearest major airport. Delhi airport is connected to all major cities in India and many cities abroad. The distance of Rohru to Delhi is about 443 km. A/C taxi services are available from Delhi to Rohru, costing about Rs 4500.

Rail: Nearest major railhead is at Kalka, at a distance of around 165 kms. Taxi services are available from Rohru to Kalka for a fare of about Rs. 2000. Kalka is connected to all major cities in north India by regular train services.

Road: Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation connects the Rohru city with other cities in the state and also with major cities in neighboring states. Regular bus services are available from Shimla to Rohru. The transport bus fare is about Rs. 50 between Rohru and Shimla.

Things to do

Fishing: Majestic mountains, splashing streams, natural beauty of shimmering lakes and breathtaking landscapes, Pabbar valley is a paradise of travelers. This valley is known for the dynamic and adventurous tourist activities. The amazing opportunities of trekking like Kuper Valley Trek and Chanshal Trek in Pabbar valley are praise worthy.

There are options for Jeep Safaries and natural walks in the spectacular valley of Pabbar. The banks of Pabbar River are ideal for fishing activities including trout and Mahasheer fishing. Pabbar valley is a virgin land waiting to be explored. This valley is an ideal retreat from the busy life in the urbanized regions.

District
Shimla
STD Code
01781
Termperature
Summer 14 to 22°C, Winter -5 to 18°C
Best time to visit
Mar - Nov

Shoghi

Shoghi, away from the hustle and bustle of Shimla, is an intriguing and tranquil hill station offerring peace, short nature walks guaranteed to bear sights of wildlife or challenging treks down forested trails.

Accessibility

Air: Shimla’s Jubbarhatti Airport is nearly 33 km away from Shoghi and is the nearest airport. Taxi is available from airport to City and fare is about Rs 650. The airport is connected to Delhi airport by daily flights. Delhi International airport is the nearest major airport. Delhi airport is connected to all major cities in India and many cities abroad. The distance of Shoghi to Delhi is about 340 km. A/C taxi services are available from Delhi to Shoghi, costing about Rs 7500.

Rail: Shimla is the nearest railhead to Shoghi. Shimla is a meter gauge railway station. It connects to the nearest broad gauge station at Kalka, which is at a distance of 90 km from Shoghi. Taxi services are available from Kalka to Shoghi and charge is about Rs 2000. Kalka is well connected to all major cities in India by rail.

Road: HRTC buses offer bus connectivity from all cities in Himachal Pradesh to Shoghi. Shoghi is well connected with Shoghi by regular bus services. Frequent ordinary and deluxe bus services are available from Delhi to Shimla. Deluxe buses charge about Rs 1300 from Delhi to Shimla.

District
Shimla
STD Code
0177
Termperature
Summer 15 to 24°C, Winter -4 to 10°C
Best time to visit
Throughout the year

Shoja

Shoja is a wonderful hidden splendor amidst Banjar valley, fast gaining popularity as a tourist destination because of its pristine beauty, salubrious climate and limited tourist crowd.

Accessibility

By Air: The nearest airport is at Bhuntar, which is 10 km south of Kullu and 80 km from Shoja.

By Rail: The nearest rail head is at Jogindernagar on a narrow gauge track, 95 km form Kullu and 164 km approx from Shoja.

By Road: Shoja is well connected via Kullu with all the major towns and cities.

Accommodation

The Banjara Retreat located 5 km from the Jalori Pass is a good option to stay.

District
Kullu
STD Code
01903
Topic
Termperature
Summer 10 to 30°C, Winter -3 to 10°C
Best time to visit
April – October

Yamunanagar

State

Yamunanagar is a town known for the cluster of plywood units. has a unique blend of basic modern amenities like shopping malls, ATMs network, Health Care, Education but still it has a very sweet charm of old city, relaxed life and smiling people, who love good food and small talks. It is a green, clean and prosperous industrial town.

STD Code
01732
Topic