India is a country of diversity. It has got everything, from beaches to mountains and from deserts to thick forests. It is indeed a complete package for a tourist. For tourists venturing for hilly regions, Himachal pradesh is the place to go. Its serene and exotic picturesque makes one wonder how different the paradise would be.
Himachal pradesh is situated in the western Himalayas. Since, the middle ranges of Himalayas, also known as “Himachal”, run through this state, hence the name Himachal Pradesh. Its cool temperate climate makes it a perfect destination for tourists from all over the world. According to a study by Hindustan Times, the number of domestic tourists visiting Himachal Pradesh every year is about 5 million and that of foreign tourists is 1.5 lakh. Its appeal lies in the fact that it provides something to every age group and every section. Be it your love for wildlife or for adventure sports or a family outing or pilgrimage for any religion, you name it and you get it in Himachal.
The best part is, no matter what the season is Himachal Pradesh tops the list of tourist destination. Different seasons offer different things without depriving you of its beauty.
Spring season shows you the colorful side of Himachal with entire valley blooming and smiling in various colors. Spring offers fishing and low-altitude trekking to adventure seekers. This is the time when snow starts melting from mountain peaks. However, the peak tourist season is summers. Kullu, Chamba, Kinnaur, Shimla, Manali etc. are the traditional tourist destination. River rafting in Manali, skiing in Rohtang pass and paragliding in Bir-Billing are the attractions for adventure sports freaks. The ideal time for trekking is the monsoon season. The trans-Himalayan areas of Spiti and Lahaul, and much of Kinnaur remain dry, as the rain clouds are unable to cross the high mountains making it an apt time for trekking.
Autumn is a wonderful time to go trekking, fishing or simply exploring. It is an eventful season for Para gliders and anglers. Paragliding Pre world Cup is held at Bir-Billing and angling festivals are held at Maharana Pratap sagar, Govind Sagar etc. Though in winters,
people are laidback, the adventurers love this season. As the manes of snow and riders of ice pass, they leave a trail that holds the entire ranges of winter sports- skiing and heli-skiing and ice-skating. You can share the peace of fresh fallen snow and feel its tranquilizing effect on your senses.
Government is trying to explore other avenues of tourism, as it is the biggest revenue fetcher for the state. About 90% of state’s revenue is generated by tourism. Now government is promoting eco-tourism. It is a new concept that encourages appreciation of nature’s beauty in its pristine state. Nature enjoyment and cultural appreciation opportunities to visitors develops ecological and cultural sensitivity. It is also promoted to minimize the negative impacts of tourism and promote conservation. Eco-tourism also backs the involvement of local communities hence supporting their livelihood needs by creating their direct stake in conservation of local culture, ecology and environment. 400 forest bungalows are located at vintage points
Himachal is nature’s treasurer of its flora and fauna. It can boast of having 3240 plant species with oaks, cedar, morples birdcherry etc.as the major ones. Its fauna is a big draw in eco-tourism. It has 32 wildlife sanctuaries with 1200 species of birds, 64 species of mammals, 43 reptiles and 516 varieties of aquatic fauna. Its aquatic fauna makes it angler’s paradise. The most famous sport fish Trout (both brown and rainbow trout) is found in abundance in the streams of Himachal Like Uhl River and Rohru in the shimla valley to name a few. Himachal National Park, Renuka wildlife sanctuary, Simbalbara and Pong lake sanctuaries are the major reserves of species like snow leopards, ibex. Musk deer, snow cock etc.
Himachal is equally significant from religious point of view. Himachal provides shrines to every religion. For Hindus, Jwala Devi temple near Kangra, Chamunda Devi near Dharamsala, Naina Devi in Bilaspur, Chintpurni Devi 75km from Una and Jhaku and Sankat Mochan at Shimla are the major ones. Christians can visit the Christ Church in kasauli, St. Michael’s church in shimla and St.John in Dharamsala. Sikhs can go to Paonta Sahib in Sirmour.
In short, Himachal Pradesh has answers to all the requirements of a tourist. Hospitality of Himachal people is like an icing on the cake. So now you know where to head when you have your next vacations. And of course season does not matter.
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