109 Results found for Search: himachal
1. Himachal State Museum and Library, Shimla.
The Himachal State Museum and Library was established in 1974 in an endeavor to preserve Himachal Pradesh’s rich culture. While the museum is mainly known for its Pahari miniature paintings that depict the simple lifestyle of the hill folk during the pre-British eras, it also exhibits Mughal and Rajasthani miniature paintings, relics from the Stone Age, magnificent wall paintings from the palace of Chamba and stone sculptures. The building in which the museum is housed is an attraction in itself due to its colonial architecture. The library within the museum is a treasure-trove of ancient documents and manuscripts.
2. Tanglang La, Sarchu.
Tanglang La is one of the highest motorable passes in the world. While the veracity of highest pass is in a constant state of flux with newer passes opening up without the world at large getting to know of them, what remains untenable is that it is the highest pass on the Manali-Leh highway. At about 17,582 feet (5,359 meters), Tanglang La is beautiful in its serenity. Travelers enthusiastically take pictures with the happy thought that post Tanglang La Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) will begin to peter out. The thought of reaching the relative comfort of Leh adds to the heady feeling of scaling such a high pass.
3. More Plains, Sarchu.
The More (also pronounced as ‘Moray’ and ‘Moreh’) Plains are one of the highlights of the Manali-Leh highway. Soon after Sarchu one leaves the Himachal Pradesh border and enters Jammu and Kashmir. 70 odd kilometers from Sarchu is Pang, the next settlement in the region. Soon after Pang the narrow road rises to open up to a high altitude plateau. The 45 kilometer long stretch of seemingly endless landscape is referred to as More Plains. At an average attitude at 15000 feet, the panoramic vistas that travelers encounter are exhilarating. It very often sweeps most travelers off their feet. Encountering the More Plains forces travelers to redefine their idea of the plains! Flanked by distant mountains on either side, the enormity of these Plains in front comes as a pleasant surprise.
4. Baralacha La, Sarchu.
Post Rohtang Pass this is the first of the high passes that travelers encounter while driving in from the Manali side. Road condition starts to deteriorate after Darcha and the drive up to the 4,890 meter (16,040 feet) Baralacha La becomes a huge challenge. As the altitude rises sharply, many start noticing the first sign of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) in the form of nausea, loss of appetite, breathlessness etc. In addition one can also get a cold-stroke. While the thrill of reaching the summit is heady, it is advisable to take it easy and not over stretch oneself. Spend as much time here as possible to acclimatize. Do not overeat, the golden rule here is ‘eat less, drink more.’
5. Sarchu, Sarchu.
An otherwise high altitude, barren patch of land on the Manali-Leh highway, Sarchu comes into sharp focus from June to September every year when heavy snow on the highway begins to thaw. Adventure buffs (mostly on motorbikes) from the world over make a beeline to traverse this spectacular route. Sandwiched between two high mountain passes – Baralacha La and Nakee La – Sarchu is one of the two important night halts on the Manali-Leh highway along with Keylong. It becomes a transit camp site on one of the highest highways in the world that traverses five very high mountain passes. Travelers are advised to go slow and acclimatize at important points en route. The terrain both before and after Sarchu rises to dizzying heights and it becomes imperative for travelers to break journey here! Sarchu is generally the second night halt while driving from Manali, and the first while coming in from Leh.
6. Pin Valley, Tabo.
In 1987, the Pin Valley was declared as a National Park. This now has a core area of 675 square kilometers and a buffer zone of another 1,150 square kilometers. This is home to over twenty species of animals and birds. The highly endangered snow leopard is one – whose population is estimated at a bare dozen. Other species include the Ibex, Bharal, Red Fox, Maarten, Weasel, Snow Cock, Bearded Vulture, Chukor, Golden Eagle, Griffon and Himalayan Chough.
7. Kungri, Tabo.
It is a combination of a few very rare things that give Kungri a distinctive identity. There is, of course, the remarkable ‘high-desert and narrow-valley’ terrain that is the hallmark of Spiti. Add to this a monastery that is one of the oldest in the area, the location in valley of the river Pin (which is a part of the Pin Valley National Park) and that this valley is the home of the wandering monks, the ‘Buzhen’ whose feats of breaking rocks with their bare hands and impaling themselves on sword points without even a nick to show for it, are legendary. The monastery at Kungri was built in the fourteenth century and is under the Nyingma-pa order of Vajrayana Buddhism (the Nyingma-pa is considered to be the oldest of the four original orders).
8. Lha-lun (Lalung), Tabo.
Lha-lun or Lalung lies in Spiti’s marginally explored Lingti Valley and is at an altitude of 3,658 meters above sea level. This is fourteen kilometers from the main road and is the largest village in the valley carved by the Lingti stream. The place name, Lha-lun is a derivative of two words and means 'land or area of the gods'; this is from ‘Lha’ = deities or gods and ‘Lung’ or ‘Lun’, land or area. The mountain of Tangmar that towers over the village is said to be the residence of the primary deity and that the mountain changes color with the moods of the deity – it has a reddish hue when he is angry and a yellowish one when he is pleased. The picturesque village has around fifty houses.
9. Dhankar, Tabo.
Dhankar is seven kilometers from the turn off at Schichling on the Tabo-Kaza highway. Centuries old, Dhankar is an excellent example of how fort-monasteries were built in the area and speaks volumes for the building skills of its makers. Perched atop a series of outcrops along a spur, Dhankar has a formidable appearance as it rises tier by tier. The structures are connected, one to the other by passages cut along the rock face, sharp staircases and ladders and narrow corridors. For a long time, this was the old capital of Spiti and the seat of the ruler, the Nono. As Spiti was placed between relatively powerful neighbors – Ladakh, Kullu and Bushair – it was subjected to repeated attacks.
10. Tabo Monastery Complex, Tabo.
The primary complex at Tabo has the following temples – 1. The Temple of Enlightened Gods (gTsug Lha-khang). This is also known as the Assembly Hall (du-khang) and is the core of the complex. This has a vestibule, an assembly hall and a sanctum. The central figure in the assembly hall is the four-fold Vairocana. In Vajrayana Buddhism, he is regarded as one of the five spiritual sons of the Adhibuddha – who was the self creative primordial Buddha. 2. The Golden Temple (gSer-Khang). Once said to have been layered with gold, this temple was exhaustively renovated in the sixteenth century by Senge Namgyal, ruler of Ladakh. 3. The Mystic Mandala Temple or Temple of Initiation (dKhil-hKhor-khang). This is where the initiation of monks takes place. The wall facing the door has a huge painting of Vairocana who is surrounded by the eight Bodhisattvas. 4. The Bodhisattva Maitreya Temple (Byams-Pa Chen-po Lha-khang). This has an image of the Bodhisattva Maitreya that is over six meters high. The temple has a hall, vestibule and sanctum. The array of murals within depicts the monastery of Tashi-Chunpo and Lhasa’s Potala Palace. 5. The Temple of Dromton (Brom-ston Lha-khang). A small portico and a long passage lead to its hall. The doorway is intricately carved and the inner walls are covered with murals. This lies on the northern edge of the complex and is regarded to have been founded by Dromton (1008-1064 CE) an important disciple of Atisha.
These five temples are accepted as the oldest ones at Tabo and the following are later additions. The Chamber of Picture Treasures (Z’al-ma), The Large Temple of Dromton (Brom-ston Lha-khang), The Mahakala Vajra-bhairava Temple (Gon-khang), and The White Temple (dKar-abyum Lha-khang) came onto being in the next phase.
11. Chandra tal and Kunzam Pass, Kaza.
The lake of Chandratal is at an altitude of 4,300 meters above sea level and lies in the flood plains of the river Chandra between the Kunzam and Rohtang Passes. This is perhaps the most accessible high-altitude lake in Himachal Pradesh and is about twelve kilometers north and off the Kaza – Keylong highway. The Kunzam Pass at 4551 meters above sea level is what connects the two sub-divisions of the district, Lahaul and Spiti. The pass remains closed for a substantial portion of the year.
12. Komic, Kaza.
One of the highest villages in world and the highest permanently inhabited one in the region now to be connected by a vehicular road, the tiny hamlet of Komic is situated at an altitude of 4,275 meters above sea level. Temperatures in summer touch the high twenties (Celsius) and plummet to the minus twenties (Celsius) in winter. With a dozen or so families and little over a hundred residents, this village comes in the periphery of the Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary. The Sanctuary has animals like the ibex, blue sheep, red fox, Tibetan woolly hare, Tibetan wolf, lynx, the pika and the Tibetan wild ass; this sanctuary is also home to the rare and elusive snow leopard. Despite the altitude and the adverse climate, the villagers grow peas, some vegetables and barley in their fields and rear livestock.
Komic has a double storied Buddhist monastery dedicated to Gyawa Jampa or Matreya Buddha, the Buddha of the Future.
13. Langza, Kaza.
Langja is at an altitude of 4,400 meters above sea level and, in a manner of speaking, this provides a window to the evolution of the entire Himalayan chain. Millions of years ago the Earth's land mass consisted of two giant continents. There was Gondwanaland in the south and Laurasia in the north. A huge chunk of land severed itself from upper Gondwanaland and swept right across the mighty Sea of Tethys that separated them. Again, after millions of years, this giant engine crashed into the Asian continent. The force of the impact created the Himalaya mountains and the land that had pushed it ahead, is now India. Scattered all around Langja are ammonite fossils – that date back to the time when all this land was under the sea.
14. Hikim, Kaza.
One of the most remarkable of Spiti’s monasteries is located in the village of Hikim. This is one of the two Buddhist monasteries of Spiti under the Sa-kya-pa order. Unlike the second, which is of relatively recent origin and is located in Kaza, the one at Hikim is believed to date back to at least the fourteenth century. This is also known as the Tangyud Gompa or as the Sa-kya-gong-mig Gompa and is believed to have been the place where sacred texts, the eighty-seven volumes that form a part of the Tangyur texts were revised by a team of scholars under the venerable Sa-kya lama, Ch’os –Kyi-O’d-zer in c. 1310. An interesting sidelight to this scholarly enterprise was the fear the lamas generated in wrongdoers and robbers as they were supposed to be past-masters in tantra. This castle like monastery is located at an edge of a narrow and deep valley at a strategic height and overlooks the town of Kaza – the altitude is 4,587 meters above sea level. Its immense mud walls of this monastic keep have been visually accentuated by the simple but effective device of ochre and white stripes that make the walls seem higher than they actually are. As a castle of defense, there are minimal openings at the back and the main gate opens into a courtyard. This was also one the monasteries supposedly patronized and used by the Nono, the tutelary ruler of Spiti who expectedly, had his own cell – which was located to the right of the courtyard. The little village of Hikim lies at the foot of the monastery.
15. Kibber, Kaza.
Past the base of the Ki monastery the road climbs up to Kibber, which at 4,205 meters above sea level was, till recently, the highest permanently inhabited village in the area accessible by road; this position has been taken by the village of Komic that is somewhat higher. The road distance between Kibber and Kaza is sixteen kilometers. The village is a small one and has less than a hundred houses. This lies on top of a bare outcrop of limestone with terraced fields on the sides. There is one main street and narrow paths access the other houses as well as the couple of small basic home-stay places and hotels.
16. Ki, Kaza.
Backed by a high mountain and placed on a rise that juts out of its sheer face, is the setting of the Ki (Key, Kye) gompa, in Spiti. On the left bank of the river Spiti, the Ki gompa, is regarded as the largest in the sub-division. It is a collection of rooms and a labyrinth of corridors that do not follow any defined plan, but seem to have grown over the years. Portions of the structure are three stories high, while others are lower. No definite date can be ascribed to the construction of the gompa - that acted both as a monastery and as a fort. Some scholars believe this to have been built by Dromton (1008 - 64 CE). Others differ and place its origins in later centuries, but by and large, most concur that it was built before the fifteenth century.
17. Other monasteries around Keylong, Keylong.
Twelve centuries after the Buddha attained 'nirvana', the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo married Wen Cheng from the court of China's Tang dynasty and Bkrikuti Devi, a Nepalese princess. Under their influence, Buddhism slowly developed in the Central Himalayan and Trans Himalayan regions till it became the predominant faith. When the kingdom of Guge rose in western Tibet after the assassination of the king, Lang Darma, it encompassed the present day tracts of Spiti, Lahaul, Zanskar and upper Kinnaur. The strong cultural and religious identity of the region dates back to those years.Lahaul, and the area around the town of Keylong has twenty large and small Buddhist monasteries and Buddhist shrines.
18. Festivals, Keylong.
Many of the festivals around Keylong are family or community based ones and by and large, visitors are welcome to join in. Revelry and dancing mark practically every one of these events and their joyous celebration of life. Bhumskor is a religious - agrarian festival where the fields are blessed by the lamas. In January-February comes Halda, the New Year celebration. Along the valleys of the Chandra and Bhaga rivers, a few members of every household step out with lit cedar twigs to a west oriented place selected by the lamas. These slender branches form the first flames of a bonfire which is then dispersed. The goddess of wealth, Shiskar Apa is worshipped, flowers are offered by way of greeting and the festivities continue for a couple of days. On a mid-night towards the end of the month of Paush (December-January), Phagli begins in the Pattan valley, with snow being packed in a conical basket - kilta. This is upturned on a roof and resembles a Shivalinga. Shiva, Naga and the goddess Hadimba are worshipped, and the younger generation also marks the moment by venerating village elders. Chhang and lugari, locally brewed liquors flow freely and ritual dishes are eaten. Ritual dances and an unbelievably rich imagery mark Lossar in February. Lahaul's monasteries have some of the most spectacular dances.
19. Lahaul & Spiti Tribal Museum, Keylong.
To help preserve the distinct cultural and religious identity of the area, Himachal’s Department of Art and Culture established a community museum of tribal and folk art in Keylong in 2008. The museum has archaeological and anthropological artifacts. Other exhibits include utensils made of stone – which are still used in some homes; farm implements and traditional apparel. Handmade carpets are also on display. Other items include the collection of rare manuscripts in the Bhoti and Tankri scripts. Rare thangka paintings are there too.
20. Guru Ghantal Monastery, Keylong.
The Guru Ghantal Monastery is at a distance of eight kilometers from Keylong and is located in the village of Tupchiling – Gandhola; this is at an altitude of 3,020 meters above sea level. This lies high over the confluence of the rivers Chandra and Bhaga and is regarded as the oldest monastery in Lahaul. This is approached by a steep and somewhat daunting ascent. Two great figures of Trans Himalayan Buddhism were associated with it - Padmasambhava and Rinchensang-po.
21. Udaipur Trilokinath, Keylong.
Trilokinath and Udaipur are both approximately equidistant from Keylong and are about 53 kilometers away. In turn, both are separated by a distance of about eleven kilometers. Both lie in Lahaul’s Pattan valley and are just off the river Chandrabhaga – as the river Chenab is known in Lahaul. The shrine at Trilokinath is its primary draw and this is revered by both Hindus and Buddhists and both pay homage to a single image. Udaipur lies on the right bank of the river and has an ancient temple dedicated to Devi Durga in her manifestation as Markula (Mirkula ) Devi with some fine carvings.
22. Shashur Gompa, Keylong.
Shashur Gompa lies on the same slope as Keylong and is three kilometres from the town. In arid trans-Himalayan Lahaul, this monastery is surrounded by a rare patch of woodland and the name ‘Shashur’ means ‘in the blue pines’. The ‘gompa’ was founded in the seventeenth century by Deva Gyatso. The festival of Shashur Tseshe is held every June / July when monks dressed in masks and colourful costumes perform dances. The monastery is known for the images and paintings it houses. Thangka paintings at their simplest are painting on cloth - and can be rolled up. It is invariably a vertical image, usually painted on cotton or linen and occasionally, silk. Traditionally, the common images coming down to the present day, are episodes from the ‘Jataka tales’ or depict the life of the Buddha. Others have the Dhyanibuddha, Amitabha, the Bodhisattvas and female deities like Tara who appears - with variations - in five major forms of different colours and is regarded as the protector of her followers.
23. Khardang Gompa, Keylong.
Kardang is at a distance of five kilometers from Keylong and is clearly visible from most parts of the little town. This has a historic monastery that lies above the tiny village (also named Kargang) and is located across the river Bhaga. With a backdrop of bare mountains, the 'gompa', Buddhist monastery is believed to date back to the twelfth century and is one of the most revered places of the Drug-pa (Red Hat ) sect of Vajrayana Buddhism..
24. Hikes and treks, Sangla Valley.
The Sangla Valley has some of the finest easy hikes that can be done in the western Himalaya – and some grueling trek trails too. There are what an experienced trekker will call ‘easy walks’ like the ever popular Batseri to Raksham walk that takes a couple of hours and passes through woods of Himalayan cedar (deodar) and birch, or the somewhat more demanding Raksham to Chitkul hike.
25. Fishing, Sangla Valley.
n 1965, on the left bank of the river Baspa, a small trout farm was established and this now covers an area of an acre and a half. Located near the Hubra stream, whose waters finally flow into the Baspa, Brown trout (salmo trutta) fingerlings are raised in the farm and released into the Baspa.
26. Raksham, Sangla Valley.
A chocolate-box hamlet, Raksham is set before a mass of dark rock and moraine and is at an altitude of 3,115 meters above sea level. The place-name, ‘Raksham’ is supposedly a derivative from ‘rak’, a rock and ‘sham’, bridge - local lore has it that the Baspa’s waters corroded a stone dam leaving a span over the top - and thereby created a natural bridge at the spot. The village has some charming wood and stone houses and rests at the end of what can best be described as glen with thick forests.
27. Batseri, Sangla Valley.
The village lies along a hill slope and has narrow well marked paths – with a little marker at every little crossing. Along its slopes and level stretches, Batseri also displays some of the unusual traditional architectural methods of the area. The small temple of Badri Narayan is an exemplary piece of craftsmanship with superb carvings along its panels and finely worked slate for the roof. An interesting little piece of sacred architecture is the large prayer wheel housed in a little shelter high up the village; it is turned by stream waters.
28. Chitkul, Sangla Valley.
Chitkul is the last inhabited village in the valley. The drive to this is along a road that lies close to the river bank. Chitkul is a village where the wood and stone structures seem to have been inspired by a old-fashioned fairy tale. This also has three temples dedicated to the goddess Mathi. The main temple is believed to be around six hundred years old.
29. Sangla village, Sangla Valley.
The village has the main market of the valley where essentials are available. Apart from its size and the fact that some of the hotels and rest houses are based there, Sangla village on its own belies the true beauty of the area. Surrounded by houses, and placed in the center of the village is the old temple of Bering Nag. The temple is an attractive wood and stone structure that houses the principal image of the deity.
30. Kamru, Sangla Valley.
The village of Kamru lies at a height above the valley floor and is a kilometer or so from Sangla village. Here stands its famous tower-like fort. This wood and stone structure was the original seat of the rulers of the erstwhile princely state of Bushair - they later moved to Sarahan and then to Rampur which lie downstream of the Satluj. With a population of about a thousand people, Kamru is a dense cluster of houses and is surrounded by fields and orchards.
31. Nako, Kalpa.
For good reason it is often said that Nako is the most attractive village in Kinnaur – it is majestically sited and is a place where time seems to have stood still for centuries. Its hundred or so stone houses are built around a little lake and depending on where you stand, the visual perspective is such, that at times, many of them seem to be half buried under the soil. The lake is fringed with trees of willow and poplar and every bit of flat land has been made arable.
Nako is at an altitude of 3,662 meters above sea level and at a distance of a hundred and twenty-eight kilometers from Kalpa; the village is a couple of kilometers above the Hangrang valley road. The village deity is called Deodum. The main monastic complex of Nako lies towards the north of the village and has four temples. The site is believed to have been the site of a large Drugpa monastery and was founded by Lotsaba Rinchen Zangpo, during the reign of King Yeshe-Od of the western Tibetan kingdom of Guge. The complex is called the Locha lha-khang. On the southwest are the remains of some monks’ chambers and a few chortens.
32. Morang, Kalpa.
The village of Moorang is one the most beautifully located ones in the district of Kinnaur and lies on left bank of the river Satluj near the confluence with the Tirang. The river Satluj has played a considerable role in shaping the history and culture of Kinnaur. This river is sixteen hundred kilometers long and is a tributary of the Indus and has its source in a lake known as the ‘Rakshasa Taal’, literally ‘the lake of demons’. On the western highlands of Tibet, some three hundred kilometers east of the Indian border, its waters are separated by a bare two kilometers from its famous twin, the fabled tarn of Mansarovar - which is also referred to as Ma-fa-mu and Mapan Lake. At a height of just over 4,500 meters these lakes rest in the Nagari prefecture of China. Apart from the west, which faces the river, Moorang is surrounded by high mountains. The path to the village goes through apricot orchards and with the backdrop of the high hills, the river valley and traditional architecture, this creates a remarkable visual treat.
33. Kanum, Kalpa.
For all practical purposes, Kanam (Kanum) is a complete monastic village of Buddhists, though its heart is the Lundup Ganfel gompa, the ‘Temple of easy religious merit’ which is located on the top of the village. The temple may have been rebuilt on the old plinth but the structures adjoining this are of considerable antiquity. This mix of the old and not so old is apparent all over the village; for example the structure that houses the stucco statue of Manjusri Manjughosa is of relatively recent construction, but the image itself is much older.
The monastery is of considerable significance and dates back to time of Rinchensang-po, the ‘Great Translator’. This is located at the base of the Nessang valley – and is on one of the old trade routes that led to Tibet. Kanam is accessed by a side road from Spillo and is sixty kilometers from Kalpa at an altitude of 2699 meters above sea level. The village has seven large and small temples that date back several centuries and numerous reliquaries. The word ‘Kanam’ is believed to come from the first letter, ‘Ka’ of the sacred texts, the Kangyur and ‘nam’, or place – and thus, ‘a place of sacred books’.
34. Recong peo, Kalpa.
Recong Peo is the administrative headquarters of the district of Kinnaur. For a long time, these were at Kalpa and were shifted lower down the same hill a couple of decades ago. The turn off from the Hindustan-Tibet Road is at Powari and seven kilometers after a steady ascent, one comes to Recong Peo. Most of this small town has been built fairly recently. One has to pass through this on the way to Kalpa and the distance between the two is thirteen kilometers. As from Kalpa, the view from Recong Peo is of the majestic peak of Kinner Kailash, regarded as one of the mythical home of Lord Shiva and the seventy-nine foot high free standing rock by its side that resembles a ‘shivalinga’ and changes color as the day passes
35. Rampur, Sarahan.
By the banks of the river Satluj, Rampur was the seat of the former princely state of Bushair ( Bushahr, Bushehar ). This is forty-five kilometers from Sarahan. Apart from serving as the gateway to Kinnaur, today’s Rampur is famous for its grand traditions and the Lavi fair held every November and as the site of the huge hydro project, the Nathpa-Jakhri.
Legend has that when the town of Rampur was to be settled, three lamps were lit at different spots along the valley floor and it was at the place where the lamp remained burning through the night, that the town finally was finally built. The town may have been founded by Raja Kehri Singh in the seventeenth century or by Raja Ram Singh in the eighteenth. The rulers moved down from their traditional seat in Sarahan to the banks of the river. Bushair was one of the richest princely states in the hills and was an important centre for trade between Tibet, Kinnaur and the lower areas.
36. Pheasant Breeding Center, Sarahan.
Himachal is home to several rare breeds of pheasants. These roly-poly birds are visually stunning and have a rare plumage. The best known among these pheasants are the monal, the khalij, the koklas and the great western tragopan. Till recently, the monal was also the state bird of Himachal and the role has now been taken by the great western tragopan. This bird, the tragopan ( Tragopan melanocephalus ) is locally called the ‘Juju Rana’, or the king of birds. Local lore has it that when God finished making the world, he was still not happy with what he had made. The perfect creature had still not been created. He then took a color from every creature he had made and then brought into the world the delicately colored Great Western Tragopan. For a long time, these birds were hunted and their meat was prized – and the feathers were used to decorate clothing that varied from brooches to adornments on caps. Their habitat was also greatly encroached upon and the oak and cedar woods which support them were bordered by villages, farms and orchards.
37. Bhimakali Temple Complex, Sarahan.
The complex walls of the temple encase approximately an acre of land and hold buildings and courtyards. The temple itself may well be considered as the most resplendent example of a style that is considered indigenous to the area. Here, along with a host of other deities are the two images of Bhimakali; one portrays her as an unmarried maiden and the second, as a mature woman.
38. Manikaran, Manali.
Just 85 kilometers (52.81 miles) from the picturesque town of Manali rests one of the most sacred places for Hindus and Sikhs alike. Situated at a lofty altitude of about 1760 meters (5774 feet) in the Parvati Valley between the rivers Beas and Parvati is Manikaran, a place that’s best known for its hot thermal springs, which pilgrims believe to be laden with healing properties. Conflicts of opinions about the existence of minerals like sulfur and iron or radioactivity, for that matter, still looms at large even as the Gurudwara Manikaran Sahib obliges visitors with rice, dal (pulses) and vegetables cooked in this very hot water for langar (community meal) everyday. A day’s excursion to Manikaran is a must for people visiting Manali or Kullu as the sheer tranquility and spiritual ambience of the place will seep in to soothe your senses in a rather remarkable way.
39. Kumarsain, Narkanda.
The small village of Kumarsain lies along a side-road that branches off from the Hindustan Tibet Road between Narkanda and the valley floor of the river Satluj, en route to Rampur. Kumarsain was a small princely state with the same name. As a princely state, it was a feudatory of Bushair, immediately preceding the Gurkha Wars of the early nineteenth century. At the end of the Wars, its Rana, ruler was given independent charge by a ‘Sanad’ issued by the British in 1816. The tiny Ram-Sita temple in the little bazaar is worth a visit. Below the village, and quite clearly visible from its height, is the ‘Kot’ or Thakurdwara of Koteshwara Mahadev, a local manifestation of Lord Shiva. At some distance below the Thakurdwara, is a smaller temple, also dedicated to the same deity, Koteshwara Mahadeva.
40. Kotgarh and Thanedar, Narkanda.
The contiguous settlements of Thanedar and Kotgarh form the core of Himachal’s apple -growing heartland. This pocket of charming mountain countryside is also reputed to have amongst the highest per capita incomes in South-east Asia. And all this prosperity is due to Satyanand Stokes, who introduced the American varieties of apple in the area and modern systems of marketing and packaging. The collection of some half a dozen large and small villages that lie below Thanedar – and named after the main hamlet – give the name to the area below, ‘the Kotgarh valley.’ The little wooden church of St. Mary at Kotgarh predates the apples. A school was established here in 1843 and the church built in 1872; this was run by the Moravian missionaries and the Church Missionary Society. While this may be what more recent times have given the area, apart from the forests and magnificent views that hold the deep valley and the snow-ranges, nature has also given Kotgarh a small lake, Tani Jubbar and by its side is a small temple built of wood and slate. This is the site of a local fair held at the end of May.
41. Hatu peak, Narkanda.
The peak of Hatu towers over Narkanda and is at an altitude of 3136 meters (10,288 feet). This marks the line before the hillside moves down to valley of the Satluj river. The peak can be accessed by a narrow motorable road from Narkanda which is functional during the summer months. Alternatively, there is an 8 kilometer (5 mile) hike trail that passes through dense woods of cedar, spruce and oak; if you are a good walker, this is a far better option as it will unfold vistas that remain screened by windshields. The view from Hatu is absolutely breath taking. Below lies the river valley and the hillside that reaches down, is covered with thick forests, little villages, apple orchards and terraced fields. Across, is the magnificent spread of the Greater Himalaya with a permanent cover of snow; the Kinner Kailash (one of the legendary abodes of Lord Shiva), the Shrikhand and the Kullu ranges are all clearly visible from here. The temple of Hateshwari Mata on Hatu Peak is dedicated to a local embodiment of Devi Durga.
42. Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, Khajjiar.
The Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary surrounds Khajjiar. This rises from the glade to a point above the town of Dalhousie and in the other direction, goes down towards the valley of the River Ravi. The sanctuary covers an area of around 2,000 hectares (a little over twenty square kilometers) and within its confines, are a dozen little villages. These pockets of habitation share space with animals and birds like the Serow, Goral, Yellow Throated Marten, Leopard, Black Bear, Barking Deer, Flying Squirrels, Monal, Koklas and Chukor. Altitudes within the sanctuary vary between approximately 1200 m and 2800 m. Temperatures can drop to -10 degrees Celsius in the heights in winter and can touch 35 degrees Celsius in the lower sections in summer. The average precipitation (rain as well as snow) is around 670 mm per year.
43. Dalhousie, Khajjiar.
Dalhousie is 22 kilometers (13.67 miles) from Khajjiar. With its ' old world charm ' and lingering echoes of the Raj, today’s Dalhousie covers an area of about seventeen square kilometres. There are several good walks, excellent views in all directions and substantial measure of ‘unspoilt charm’. Apart from the overall ambience, Dalhousie has several places of interest. There are four churches in Dalhousie and its suburbs. These are - St. Andrew's Church and St. Oswald’s Church in Bakloh and Balun; St. Francis' Church, at Subash Chowk and St. John's Church, at Gandhi Chowk. Panchpula has an obelisk built in memory of the freedom fighter Sardar Ajit Singh. Fed by a stream, a series of water pools with small waterfalls surround the memorial. Subash Baoli is where the noted freedom fighter Netaji Subash Chandra Bose spent a large portion of 1937, walking and contemplating near this spot which is surrounded by deodar woods. A variety of carpets with traditional Tibetan designs are woven at the Tibetan Handicrafts Center. Bara Pathar has small open temple dedicated to Bhulwani Mata while the Laxmi Narayan Temple is dedicated to Bhagwan Vishnu. The town is fringed by the Kalatop Sanctuary which has a variety of wildlife and is covered with thick woods – primarily of Himalayan cedar, deodar; Khajjiar is a part of this sanctuary.
44. Chamba, Khajjiar.
The town of Chamba is 22 kilometers (13.67 miles) from Khajjiar and local lore has it that it that this was founded at the instance of Sahil Varman’s daughter, Chameshni . Replete with history and built and intangible heritage, Chamba has several attractions which include the Laxmi Narayan group of temples with six main 'shikara' style ones and several smaller shrines. The Hari Rai temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and stands by the Chaugan gate.The temple of Sui Mata lies on the Shah Madar hill. The Champavati Temple was also built by Sahil Varman, and there is reason to believe that this was named after his daughter who is now worshipped as a goddess. The Bansi Gopal temple is also built in the ‘shikara’ style and temple lies on the banks of the river Ravi. The Sita Ram temple is located in Chamba’s ‘Mohalla Bangota’. The Chamunda Devi Temple is built high on the hill above town. The Rang Mahal palace was built in the eighteenth century and additions were made later. The Akhand Chandi palace lies opposite the Lakshmi Narayan temples and this imposing building once housed Chamba's ruling family. St. Andrew's Church is over a century old and is a dressed-stone structure with lancet windows and epitomises the bare minimum of decorative devices used in Scottish churches. The Bhuri Singh Museum is named after Raja Bhuri Singh who ruled Chamba between 1904 and 1919; this was opened in 1908.
45. Temple of Khajji Nag, Khajjiar.
The temple of Khajji Nag lies along a mild rise within the glade of Khajjiar. The temple has a covered ‘verandah’ and a sanctum, ‘garba-griha’. Local belief has it that the temple was first built in the twelfth century, though many believe this to be older. This is dedicated to Khajji Nag - the Serpent of Khajjiar. The legend of the place goes back into the mists of antiquity to declare that a great sage once lived at this beautiful spot. One day, a powerful serpent, arriving there, liked the place and wished to make it his own. The sage tried to prevent this and a fierce struggle ensued. In the end the sage lost and had to give up the spot to the serpent. While conceding defeat, the sage declared, "Now you eat and you live" - "Kha aur ji". And that is how Khajjiar is said to have got its name. The serpent is worshipped in human form and there is a beautifully carved stone image of the 'Nag devta' - holding a mace in one hand and a khanda in the other - within the temple.
46. Subathu and Kuthar, Kasauli.
Subathu was a major recruitment center for Gurkhas in the British Indian army. This is now the Regimental Center for the Gurkhas. At an altitude of some 4,500 feet and 27 kms from Kasauli, Subathu is surrounded by scrub and bamboo forests and a few pines and huge eucalyptus trees. This little army town is quite spotless and its dressed-stone buildings are well maintained. One of the more remarkable structures in Subathu is the old ‘viceregal lodge’ designed in 1880 which was used by the Governors-General when they passed through the station. The old cemetery is also well worth a visit. About 20 kms from Subathu, the erstwhile princely state of Kuthar lies near the cantonment of Subathu above the banks of the Gambar stream. The oldest section of the palace, which is the main structure in the area, is regarded to be over 800 years old. Some sections are in a dilapidated condition but the frescoes on the walls are noteworthy.
47. Dagshai, Kasauli.
Along the little road that climbs up to Dagshai from the direction of Dharampur (and Kasauli) there is a fair bit of an old world look and the views of the valleys are quite delightful. The road goes under pine and elm trees and then turns off from the little tea shops at the incongruously named, Charing Cross, to rejoin the National Highway at Kumarhatti. At a height of some 6,000 feet above sea level, Dagshai is believed to have got its name as the result of the original village being where prisoners were branded with hot irons and thus,’ Dagh i Shahi’, or the ‘mark of the ruler’.
48. Hike along the railway track and Sanwara station, Kasauli.
This can be a long day-hike that starts in Kasauli and ends again in Kasauli, or can be a shorter one where you can drive a part of the way. Should you opt for the long hike, walk down from Kasauli to the railway crossing that lies between Dharampur and Koti and then turn off along the railway track up to Dharampur. From Dharampur, walk along the highway, till the turn-off that leads to the Lawrence School at Sanawar (this is well marked). You will cross the old cemetery on the side, near Sanawar, walk down to Garkhal and then climb back up to Kasauli past the old brewery. A shorter walk can be done by driving down to the railway crossing, walking along the track up to Dharampur and then taking a vehicle back to Kasauli.
49. Central Research Institute, Kasauli.
Not high on a touristy agenda, but one institution that has given Kasauli considerable importance down the years is the Central Research Institute, the CRI. This was established in the early years of the twentieth century and its first Director, from 1906, was Sir David Semple. In the late 1930s, the Pasteur Institute was merged with the CRI. The original brief of the Institute was to function in bacteriological and medical research. It was during the First World War that the Institute was pushed into high gear and churned out vaccines for the army. This capability of performing under pressure was tested again during the Second World War and up to a million doses of vaccine and sera were shipped out every month. Interestingly, one of the fields that the CRI has long specialised in is the treatment of snake and dog bites and people with serious cases – which once included the Viceroy of India, Lord Minto who was bitten by a stray dog - have been treated at the Institute. Today, the Institute continues its work in immunology, vaccines and sera and has added several research and collaborative projects to its fold.
50. Upper Mall and The Kasauli Club., Kasauli.
The Upper Mall veers sharply off behind the shops that lie just above the bus stand or takes a gentler incline past the shops, near the Tibetan stalls. Unlike the Lower Mall, which is more of less level, the Upper Mall is almost entirely uphill. And while the Lower Mall has shops, banks and other commercial establishments, the Upper Mall has almost none – barring the odd small vendor. This is also where the grand old man of letters, Khushwant Singh has his home and where he spends a fair bit of time (the other famous name connected with Kasauli is that of Ruskin Bond, who was born in Kasauli). Another well-known resident on this stretch is the artist Vivan Sundaram. The vegetation along the Upper Mall comes closer to what one would find in the mid-Himalayas and pines give way to stately cedars. The landmark Kasauli Club, which is about a hundred and twenty-five years old, is along the Upper Mall.
51. Lower Mall and Monkey Point, Kasauli.
The Lower Mall starts just after the bus stand and Christ Church that lies above it. Facing the town with your back towards the bus stand, this is the fork on the left. After a little rise and then a dip, the road is more or less level right up to Monkey Point, which marks its end. Snatches of colonial architecture come up right in the beginning.. Throughout this narrow stretch are large, colonial bungalows with little gardens and stone retaining walls covered with mosses and lichens. All along are pines, grassy slopes and occasional cedars and elms. During the monsoon months, this is all lush and packed with wild dahlias and morning glory. Some three kilometres from the bus stand, the Lower Mall comes to an end at Monkey Point.
52. Christ Church, Kasauli.
Held high by stone revetments and shaded by cedars and huge horse-chestnut trees, at Kasauli’s main crossroads stands Christ Church. This stately nineteenth century structure was church of the Anglican Communion and is now under the Church of North India. This has a cruciform floor plan and the stained glass windows over the altar depict the Crucifixion where the image of Christ is flanked by those of Joseph and Mary. This was opened for divine service on 24 July 1853 by the Chaplain Thomas John Edward Steel M.A., St. John’s College, Cambridge at Evensong. The church was consecrated on 8 January 1857 by Authority of the Bishop of Calcutta. There are several memorial plaques in the church.
53. Sidh Baba ka Mandir, Chail.
When the Maharaja of Patiala was expelled from Shimla, the ‘summer capital’ of British India, he began scouring the hills for a capital of his own. When he selected Chail as his own ‘summer capital’, the site he picked for his palace was the one where the Sidh Baba ka Mandir (the ‘True Sage’s Temple’), now stands. But an ill omen seemed to hang over the construction area. According to local legend, the moment anything was built, it would collapse overnight. A sidh, sage appeared before the Maharaja in a dream and declared that the site the Maharaja had chosen was where he had meditated till he was taken by the earth - and that his peace should not be disturbed. The Maharaja moved the position of his palace to another site and at the original place, he had a temple to the sidh built.
54. Chail Wildlife Sanctuary, Chail.
The Chail wildlife sanctuary was once the private hunting reserve of the Maharajas of Patiala and on 21 March 1976, was notified as a sanctuary. With altitudes ranging between 701meters ( 2300 feet) to 2,180 meters (7152 feet), the sanctuary has an area of approximately 11, 000 hectares (approximately a hundred square kilometers) and includes the town of Chail and several surrounding villages. The sanctuary has a variety of wildlife that include the rhesus macaque, leopards, the Himalayan black bear, the crested porcupine, the wild boar, the common langur, hares, 'ghoral', 'kakkar', 'sambhar', red jungle fowl, flying squirrels and the 'khalij' and 'cheer' pheasants. Decades back, a herd of European red deer was also introduced by the maharajas in the area. By the gate of the Sanctuary is a small breeding and rehabilitation center for pheasants.
55. Polo and Cricket Ground, the MES bungalow and Military School, Chail.
One of Chail’s famous landmarks, without any significant structure on it, is the polo and cricket ground. This was built in 1893 after leveling out the top of a hill. At 2444.4 meters (8019 feet) this is the highest cricket pitch and polo ground in the world – though it has its share of challengers. The label, ‘highest’ is at times applied to other places as competitive cricket is no longer played here and some polo grounds in Afghanistan and Ladakh claim a greater altitude. Polo too has not been played on this field for several years. Be that as it may, Maharaja Bhupinder Singh was an avid cricket player and the teams that have played here, have included the MCC. Bhupinder Singh was not averse to a spot of fun at cricket too. This once included a match with all the players dressed as women. The Maharaja took the crease in nun's black habit - sporting an equally black beard.
56. The Palace (The Palace Hotel), Chail.
A Maharaja of Patiala found himself expelled from Shimla the ‘summer capital’ of British India for a dalliance with the Commander-in-Chief’s daughter. He moved to Chail, where the land already belonged to him. The first site that he chose for his palace had to be abandoned and he chose another position atop the Rajgarh hill. The top of the hill was levelled out and a splendid mansion was built. Maharaja Bhupinder Singh and his successors used to spend a significant portion of the year at Chail - and their hospitality is recorded as magnificent. Many of the cottages surrounding the Palace were the residences of Patiala's ministers, senior officers and aides. In 1972, the property set in about seventy-five acres of land - including peripheral cottages, woods, sport and recreation facilities – like the tennis courts – and even an orchard, passed into the hands of Himachal Tourism. This is now the Palace Hotel.
57. Khajjiar, Dalhousie.
At a distance of 22 kilometers (13.6 meters) from Dalhousie, the attractive saucer - shaped glade of Khajjiar has a circumference of about five kilometers. Along the edges of the glade, thick forests of deodars, Himalayan cedars drape the slopes and are criss-crossed by narrow walk trails. These forests are part of the Kalatop wildlife sanctuary. Fringes over foreheads, the snow line frames this picture of pastoral beauty which is often enhanced by flocks of sheep and goats moving to different pastures. In the centre of the glade, rests a large pond which is fed by the springs and brooks that traverse the glade's green carpet. A mini-golf course maintained by the army is in one corner.
58. Kalatop, Dalhousie.
Kalatop is a wildlife sanctuary that rises past Dalhousie and then goes down towards Khajjiar and Chamba. This covers an area of around twenty square kilometers and within its confines, are a dozen little villages. These pockets of habitation share space with animals and birds like the Serow, Goral, Yellow Throated Marten, Leopard, Black Bear, Barking Deer, Flying Squirrels, Monal, Koklas and Chukor. Altitudes within the sanctuary vary between approximately 1200 meters (3937 feet) and 2800 meters (9100 feet). Temperatures can drop to -10 degrees Celsius in the heights in winter and can touch 35 degrees Celsius in the lower sections in summer. The sanctuary is criss-crossed by several brooks and streams that pour their wash into the river Ravi.
59. Bakrota (Bakhrote) Hills Walk and the Dainkund trail, Dalhousie.
This is a delightful walk of around 5 kilometers (3 miles) that encircles Lower Bakrota and can extend longer to the hill of Dainkund (Dhyankund). From the top of Dainkund, on a clear day, you can even see the three main rivers of the area the Ravi, the Beas and the Chenab as they flow in the distance. En route there are colonial houses, small attractive spots where you can stop for a breather or a snack and all the while, there are excellent views of the snow-ranges, woods and valleys. One of the spots en route is the Subash Baoli, where noted freedom fighter and creator of the Indian National Army (INA), Netaji Subash Chandra Bose walked and contemplated
60. Tibetan Handicrafts Centre, Dalhousie.
This is a handicraft centre run by Tibetan refugees and is a couple kilometers after Gandhi Chowk, en route to Khajjiar. Carpet weaving is the main industry. Tibetan carpets, apart from their distinct motifs that include the lotus or the conch, and even yaks, are heavy and chunky. The woolen yarn is also thick and the colors strong. The pile is normally half an inch thick. The knots per square inch vary between 30 and 80, with around 50 as the normal. The Tibetan handicraft shop at Gandhi Chowk has some of these on display and sale. At the Handicraft Centre you can also place an order; a catalogue with designs and prices is available.
61. Panchpula, Dalhousie.
Connected by a narrow but good road, Panchpula is about 3 kms from Dalhousie’s General Post Office. At Panchpula, is the clear stream that gushes down from the heights of Dainkund (Dhyankund). This stream still provides a primary source for the town’s water (this also was also the base of the supply for the Balun Cantonment) and was a part of the original master-plan when Dalhousie was being settled. By the roadside, a memorial in the form of an elegant obelisk, surrounded by water-pools fed by the stream, has been built at Panchpula in memory of the freedom fighter, Sardar Ajit Singh. En route, to the memorial, the waters of the Satdhara springs are believed to have therapeutic properties.
62. St Oswald's Church and St. Andrew's Church, Dalhousie.
St. Oswald’s Church is in the cantonment of Bakloh. The troops were Gurkhas, but the ten officers were British Christians. A cemetery was also established in 1872. The Chaplain of Dalhousie was directed to visit Bakloh on a Sunday once in six weeks and later, six times a year. The Archdeacon regularly visited Bakloh when he came to Dalhousie from Calcutta, or Lahore and a Military Church was built in 1893. The other cantonment in Dalhousie’s wings is the one at Balun; this has St. Andrew’s Church built by the Presbyterians who obtained a good site on the main road. The Centenary Service of St. Andrew’s Church was held on 30 November 2003.
63. St. John's Church and St. Francis' Church, Dalhousie.
The oldest record book of St. John’s Church dates back to 1863 though the church was not finished till 1882. This is the oldest church in Dalhousie and replaced an old wooden one. St. John’s is located at Gandhi Chowk. High stone revetments and a narrow path do not reveal much of St. Francis' church, the Catholic Church, from the road below. It is only when you reach the top, that the structure and the flattened hilltop are revealed. The church, which lies just above Subash Chowk dates back to 1894 and was built by contributions. The dressed-stone, dark woodwork and stained glass windows are finely done.
64. Kangra Fort, McLeodganj.
Kangra Fort was the largest fort in India north of Delhi. This was the arbiter of much of Kangra's history for a millennium. The earliest definitive reference of the fort is in 1009 AD in the chroniclers of the invader, Mahmud of Ghazni. Built on a rocky hill over the confluence of the Banganga and Manjhi rivulets, its high ramparts and walls have a circumference of approximately four kilometres. It was heavily damaged in the earthquake of 4 April 1905, but several gates, the shrines of Ambika Devi, Adinath and Lakshminarayan, and the remains of its palaces are still there. A small cemetery outside the fort has some seventeen graves that date to the time when it was under British control. There is a small museum near the entrance gate that has been established by the Archaeological Survey of India.
65. Chinmaya Tapovan and Ghaniara, McLeodganj.
At Sidhbari, on the banks of the rivulet Bindu Saras, Chinmaya Tapovan is an 'ashram' that was established several years ago by the late Swami Chinmayananda, a noted exponent of the ancient Hindu religious text, the Gita. The complex includes a 9 m high image of Lord Hanuman, a magnificent Rama temple, a meditation hall, a school, and a health and recreation centre. A short distance from Chinmaya Tapovan, the village of Ghanhiara is perhaps better known for its quarries of fine slate that have been used as roofing material for ages in the region. Close to the village, there is the temple complex of Shri Aghanjar Mahadev, dedicated to a local manifestation of Lord Shiva.
66. Haripur-Guler, McLeodganj.
Haripur is 55 km from Dharamsala via Ranital. This was the capital of the princely state of Haripur Guler - an offshoot of Kangra. Haripur fort has been ravaged by time and is not as well known or as large as the Kangra fort but it is strategically built. The location is picturesque and the Banganga rivulet gives it natural protection. Inside, there are a few carvings but they are blurred and difficult to reach – though eighteenth century travellers who visited the fort recorded that the Guler palace of Haripur fort had exquisite paintings and carvings. A major school of miniature paintings was also based here. After the construction of the Pong Dam and the flooding of the area by the waters of the Maharana Pratap Sagar, many people in Haripur had their lands submerged. Haripur yet holds several old temples and remarkable city gates with large stone carvings of deities from the Hindu pantheon that testify to a long gone creative impulse.
67. Jwalamukhi (Jwalaji), McLeodganj.
Jwalaji is revered as one of Hinduism's 'shaktipeeths'. Legend has it that the tongue of Sati - another name for Parvati, the divine consort of Lord Shiva - fell at this spot. The goddess is manifest as tiny blue flames that burn through rock fissures. It is said that a cowherd first saw the flames and worship began. The first structure at Jwalamukhi (Jwalaji) is surmised to have been built in the seventh century. Later years witnessed the addition of a gilded dome; a gold parasol is believed to have been presented by the Mughal emperor, Akbar which then debased itself into iron! The complex also holds the Devi's 'bedchamber'. Just above the temple is the shrine of Baba Gorakhnath.
68. Chamunda Devi, McLeodganj.
From the enormous religious lore of India, comes the story of the goddess Ambika who was harassed by two demons, Chanda and Munda. Enraged, Ambika knitted her brows and from those folds emerged a terrifying form of the goddess Kali who slew the demons. Pleased, Ambika declared that Kali would now be worshipped as 'Chamunda' – slayer of the demons, Chanda and Munda. In the Kangra area, her shrine is located on the banks of Baner rivulet. Chamunda Devi is said to have the power to grant boons and many come to her for succor. The shrine has a large water tank in which various images of Hindu deities have been placed on pedestals.
69. Nurpur, McLeodganj.
The remains of the fort at Nurpur hold a rare treasure in the Brij Raj Temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. Krishna is enshrined as a black marble image alongwith his devotee, Mira Bai - whose image is in white marble. The statues are regarded to have brought to Nurpur from Chittorgarh in Rajasthan, during the reign of Raja Jagat Singh in the early seventeenth century. The structure of the temple is unpretentious but this Spartan building has been endowed with a rare and lavish treasure in its verandah which is covered with magnificent wall paintings. Many of these paintings have lost their lustre over the passage of time, but are yet remarkable. Nurpur is also well known for its fine shawls of pashmina and silk.
70. Maharana Pratap Sagar (Formerly called the Pong Dam Lake), McLeodganj.
The Maharana Pratap Sagar was formerly called the Pong Dam Reservoir. This water-body came into being when the Pong Dam was built. Over the river Beas, this has an area of about 45, 000 hectares at maximum flooding. In 1983, this was declared a wildlife sanctuary and this water body acts as a stopover for a range of migratory birds - especially from Siberia. 220 species belonging to 54 families have been sighted. Twenty-seven species and sub-species of fish belonging to six families have been recorded in these waters. The land portion of the sanctuary that adjoins the waters holds deer, ‘sambar’, wild boars, ‘nilgai’, leopards and claw-less otters. The Directorate of Mountaineering and Allied Sports has a branch at the Sagar.
71. Masrur Rock Temple, McLeodganj.
The temple of Masrur dates back to the 8th century AD. This is a complex of fifteen temples carved out of a live monolith. Stylistically, the temples show the Nagara effect of the late Gupta period with the deeply sculpted figures bearing resemblance to the Kailash Cave of Ellora. Apsaras in dancing poses, amorous couples and Shiva in meditation are but a few of the figures depicted. The sculptures are finely etched but many appear worn by both weather and time. Facing the row of temples is a rectangular pond and beyond it, is an open valley dotted with cottages. In the distance, the snow clad ranges of the Dhauladhar are faintly visible. In front of the temples, large sculpted pieces are arranged along the parapet of the pond. Among these, the lotus and an elephant are eye-catching. These are the pieces that fell during the devastating earthquake of 1905.
72. Church of St John in the Wilderness, McLeodganj.
The Anglican church of St. John in the Wilderness lies between McLeodganj and Forsythganj on the road to Dharamsala. This small dressed-stone church was built in 1852. The interior walls of the church are also of exposed stone whose forbidding appearance is relived by fine stained glass windows, the polished wood of the altar rail, and the brass of the old oil lamps – which have been modified to hold electric lights. The church also has some memorial tablets which tell a story of their own. One large memorial plaque is dedicated to officers who fell in the Mesopotamian, Palestinian and French campaigns during the First World War, and in Baluchistan. On both sides, the church is flanked by a well tended cemetery over the grassy slopes. The most notable memorial and one which adjoins the church, is the elaborate stone memorial that was erected over the body of the British Viceroy, Lord Elgin who died at Dharamsala in 1863.
73. Dharamkot and the Triund Day Hike, McLeodganj.
On the crest of a hill above McLeodganj, Dharamkot is an attractive spot that presents a wide view of the Kangra valley and the Dhauladhar ranges. There are a couple of small (and interesting) eateries around. Dharamkot also has the Vipassana meditation centre, Dhamma Shikara, as well as the Tushita Meditation Centre which is a centre for the study and practice of Buddhism in the Tibetan Mahayana tradition. Past Dharamkot, at a distance of 9 km from McLeodganj, much of which is a steady climb, Triund is at the foot of the Dhauladhar ranges and is at a height of 2,827 m. The snow line, which is considered to be the most easily accessible in the entire Himalayan range starts from Ilaqua, 4 km from Triund.
74. Tibetan Library and the Men See Khang, McLeodganj.
Created in 1970, the Tibetan Library of Works and Archives (LTWA) is one the most important Tibetan libraries in the world. This lies a little below the Dalai Lama's complex within the premises of the Tibetan Government in Exile; this is along the sharp slope, the 'shortcut' to Dharamsala bazaar. The core of the collection is formed by the books and manuscripts that were carried to India during the great Tibetan exodus of 1959. The Library, the Gangchen Kyishong (commonly called 'the Gangkyi'), has around eighty thousand books, manuscripts, photographs and numerous papers and documents. The LTWA has a three-fold vision - preservation, protection and promotion. Opposite the Library is the Men See Khang, the Tibetan Medical and Astrological Institute that was founded in 1961.
75. Norbulingka, McLeodganj.
In 1754, the Seventh Dalai Lama created an institute to preserve Tibet’s arts and sciences within the Norbulingka Palace, the summer residence of the Dalai Lamas, which was located some two kilometres outside of Lhasa, Tibet’s capital. The Norbulingka Palace was constructed according to the foundation proportions of the Bodhisattva of Compassion, known as Avalokiteshvara. The same guiding principle underpins both the philosophy and architecture of the Norbulingka Institute located at Sidhbari, 18 kms from McLeodganj. The temple at Norbulinka is an impressively tall one and yet, is a very personal space wherein resides the true gem that is the visual and spiritual heart of the Norbulingka Institute; this is the gilded copper statue of the Shakyamuni Buddha - at once a radiant and serene, it is also a stunning piece of art.
76. Dal lake, McLeodganj.
The Dal Lake lies on the vehicular road between McLeodganj and the village of Naddi. This small ‘mid-altitude’ lake is at a height of 1775 m above sea level and is in the tiny village of Tota Rani. The lake is backed by thick woods of majestic deodar (Himalayan cedar) trees and there is a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva along its northern bank. Every September, this is also the site of a major local fair that is attended, among others, by large numbers of the transhumant Gaddi people. Beyond the Dal lake is the village of Naddi that offers some magnificent views. Past Naddi, is one of the most magnificently sited houses in all McLeodganj, ‘Talnu’.
77. Bhagsunag Temple and the Bhagsu Falls Day Hike, McLeodganj.
A sharp climb from McLeodganj past small cafes and shops and then through cedar woods leads to this old temple that locals claim has been in existence since the time of the Mahabharata, and the exile of the Pandava brothers. The temple, even if its exact age is open to speculation, is certainly a fairly old one and is dedicated to Shiva and to the local version of the serpent deity, Bhagsu Nag. The temple, in its present form itself owes much to the Gurkhas who had captured Kangra in the early nineteenth century and this was rebuilt by them. A mile or so from Bhagsu village, are the Bhasu falls. The waterfall is about twenty metres high.
78. War Memorial and Kangra Art Gallery., McLeodganj.
The town of Dharamsala is the administrative headquarters of the district of Kangra. This lies below McLeodganj along the same set of hills. The Kotwali Bazaar is the main thoroughfare which connects up to McLeodganj. Two of the area’s ‘must do’ places are located here – the War Memorial and the Kangra Art Gallery. The War Memorial commemorates the war heroes of Himachal Pradesh. The Kangra Art Gallery is located in the heart of Dharamsala. This has artefacts that date back to the fifth century. The displays include the area’s famous miniature paintings. The gallery also houses sculptures, pottery, anthropological artefacts, coins, jewellery and manuscripts. 'Shaminas', canopies, and dresses used by local royalty, old carved doors, intricately carved 'jalis' that once served a windows or railings, lintels and 'pandals' - small platforms - are also on display.
79. Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA), McLeodganj.
In August 1959, within a few months of arriving in India, His Holiness the Dalai Lama established the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA). To prevent ancient traditions and skills from vanishing and also to strengthen them, TIPA preserves and develops the skills of traditional Tibetan performing arts like dance, music and opera. Today, TIPA has over a hundred members. This includes artistes, instructors, administrative staff and craftsmen. TIPA sends its troupes to perform in different Tibetan settlements to keep the flame of its culture alive. Performances are also held at McLeodganj and other places in India. TIPA’s troupes have performed in twenty different countries and on an average, the artistes undertake five to six tours every year.
80. Thekchen Choling Complex or Dalai Lama Temple, McLeodganj.
The Namgyal Monastery is named after the original Namgyal monastery in Lhasa, Tibet. This is where novice monks are trained under the guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The monastery has nearly two hundred monks and the younger ones study the major texts of the Buddhist Sutras and Tantras. The Tsuglakhang is the main hall where prayers are conducted. This is encircled by large prayer wheels. Within are larger than life images of Shakyamuni Buddha, Avalokiteshwara and Padmasambhava. Just off this, is the Kalachakra Temple whose architecture and murals serve as a representation of Tibet's rich spiritual and artistic tradition. The residence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama is also located here.
81. Himachal State Museum and Library, Shimla.
The Himachal State Museum and Library was established in 1974 in an endeavor to preserve Himachal Pradesh’s rich culture. While the museum is mainly known for its Pahari miniature paintings that depict the simple lifestyle of the hill folk during the pre-British eras, it also exhibits Mughal and Rajasthani miniature paintings, relics from the Stone Age, magnificent wall paintings from the palace of Chamba and stone sculptures. The building in which the museum is housed is an attraction in itself due to its colonial architecture. The library within the museum is a treasure-trove of ancient documents and manuscripts.
82. Shimla Summer Festival, Shimla.
Come June, and Shimla gears for the summer festival with folk dance and music shows, lavish flower arrangements in every cranny, and shops exhibiting a new collection. A beauty pageant is also conducted during the Shimla Summer Festival. A five-day festival, the International Shimla Summer Festival celebrates the rich culture and heritage of Himachal’s state capital. This festival sees artisans from across the state come together to showcase their skills. The last day of this 40-year-old event is marked by a musical concert.
83. Christ Church, Shimla.
Dating back to the mid-19th century, Christ Church is the second oldest church in Northern India, and still retains its original grandeur. A towering neo-gothic structure, the Christ Church’s yellow façade is a prominent feature of Shimla’s skyline. Look out for its stained glass windows, brass plaques and tablets, bells and the largest pipe organ in the country. Sunday services are held at 0900 and 1100 hours.
84. Scenic Spots, Shimla.
This quaint hill station is filled with natural attractions, although much of its beauty has been marred by the recent emergence of high-rises. These scenic points at some distance from the bustling Mall Road and main Shimla, offer a green retreat to weary travelers. Some such natural wonders are Chadwick Falls, Glen Forest and Tara Devi Hill, Prospect Hill and Summer Hill.
85. Viceregal Lodge and Botanical Gardens, Shimla.
Nestled on Observatory Hills, the Viceregal Lodge and Botanical Gardens is another gem from Shimla’s colonial past. This magnificent building was the home of the then Viceroy Lord Dufferin, besides being a venue of conferences in Shimla. This was the place where the partition agreement brought about major alterations in the political boundary of the Indian sub-continent. Also known as ‘Rashtrapati Niwas’, the Viceregal Lodge currently houses the Indian Institute of Advanced Study. The lodge is worth a visit for its Scottish Baronial style of architecture and well-maintained botanical gardens. Visitors can get a glimpse into India's past through the half-hourly guided tours.
86. Bheemakali Temple, Shimla.
Dedicated to Goddess Durga, also called Bheemakali, the Temple is one of the fifty Shakti Peeths and is nestled amidst towering deodar trees on a hillock at Sarahan. Over 800 years old, the temple has a Buddha idol and several Hindu deities such as Goddess Durga, Lord Shiva and Parvathi, Ganesha, and Brajeshwari. The architecture of the temple is also an interesting blend of Hindu and Buddhist styles, with elements such as wooden-sloped concave roofs, golden towers, pagodas and silver-coated doors. Human sacrifice was made here until about 200 years ago, though animal sacrifices are carried out even today during festivals.
87. Sankat Mochan Temple, Shimla.
Built in 1966, the temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and was constructed by Raja Bajrang Bahadur Bhadari, who was the Lieutenant Governor of the state at that time. The temple was constructed according to the wishes of their Guru, Baba Neeb Karori Ji Maharaj, who had visited the spot in the 1950s, and experienced great peace in its surroundings. The temple also has shrines of Lord Rama and Hanuman, Lord Shiva, Baba Neeb Karori Ji Maharaj and Lord Ganesha.
88. The Mall, Shimla.
The Mall is a 5 kilometer (3.1 miles) pedestrian-only promenade that bustles with activity in all seasons. Along the Mall Road, you will see some of the architectural gems of colonial Shimla such as the Gaiety Theater, Christ Church and the general post office. Souvenirs such as handicraft, pottery, woolen garments, and wooden furniture can be bought at the shops lining the Mall Road. Some of the notable shops at the Mall include Books Emporium, Himachal Emporium and Tibetan Handloom Shop to name a few.
89. Annandale, Shimla.
Nestled at an altitude of 1864.5 meters (6117 feet), Annandale is a glade, and in fact the largest stretch of flat ground in and around Shimla. During the British rule, the place was used as a venue of their fetes, dances and other celebrations, which later became the Gymkhana club. Being the only flat ground for miles around, the glade served as the perfect playground and venue of horse races, archery competitions, croquet, and football tournaments. In the present day, Annandale is a popular picnic spot and a place to enjoy a game of cricket, football and polo. It also has a 9-hole golf course, which along with the cricket ground is maintained by the Army.
90. Jakhu Temple, Shimla.
Nestled atop the highest peak of Shimla at an altitude of 8202 feet (2461 meters), the century-old Jakhu Temple is Shimla’s most popular landmark. It takes a 2-kilometer (1.24 miles) trek to get to the temple - the path flanked by dense forests home to a large population of monkeys. As you approach the summit, the temple would seem as though jutting out of greenery. The architecture of the temple, the generous splashes of bold colors and the Hanuman motifs on its façade, bring character to its sedate alpine setting. Jakhu is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Visitors can also opt to cover the distance from the base of Jakhu Hill to the temple on horseback.
91. Tara Devi, Shimla.
Located about 15 kilometers (9.32 miles) from Shimla, the Tara Devi Temple dates back to early 19th century. Rising majestically from the summit of the densely wooded Tarav Parvat, the temple was constructed by Raja Balbir Sen of the Sen Dynasty in 1825. Legand has it that the kind dreamt of goddess Ma Tara who commanded him to build a temple for her on the hilltop of Tarav Parvat. Even today the temple gets hundreds of devotees. The locals say that the descendants of Sen Dynasty continue to patronize this temple, and visit it on the Ashtami of Shardiya Navratras.
92. Ice Skating, Shimla.
Shimla has the only natural ice-skating rink in Asia. Skiers of all ages head to the rink to enjoy ice-skating, ice-hockey, and take part in skiing, figure-skating and short track speed skating competitions, in addition to fancy dress shows for children. The ice-skating rink conducts two sessions per day one in the morning and one in the evening from December to February. Skates can be rented for a nominal fee and temporary membership for single sessions is also available.
93. Shopping Center, Shimla.
Shimla is a great place to shop for woolens. You get a variety of other things including tweeds, hand-woven carpets, embroidered pashmina shawls, wooden artifacts, antique furniture and an assortment of Tibetan handicraft. Though, at every step you will need to put up a bargain with the salesman.
94. The Mall, Manali.
The Mall is an interesting cluster of shops selling traditional handicraft, imported goods, knick knacks and curios. Situated along the Mall Road in Manali, it is a place to enjoy a leisurely saunter in the evening, shop for local souvenirs and soak up the local way of life. The main shopping zone comprises Hong Kong Market, Thai Market, Tibetan Market, Dragon Shopping Complex, Lama Underground, Shangri La Shopping Complex, New NAC Market and Snow Lion Underground Market. If you are looking forward to shopping for something ethnic, explore the Tibetan market famous for rugs, Kullu caps, shawls, local tweeds, woolen blankets, footwear, one-off Buddhist paintings, silver jewelry, bamboo souvenirs, metal craft and natural oil among others. The place can, however, get very crowded in the summer months.
95. Gadhan Thekchoking Gompa, Manali.
Gadhan Thekchoking Gompa located near the Mall is a popularly visited Tibetan monastery in Manali run by the locals. Built in 1969, the monastery has a Tibetan-style of architecture adorned with brightly colored frescoes and a mid-size statue of Lord Buddha. Explore the monastery, meditate in peace, and before leaving browse the souvenir shop for its collection of Tibetan handicraft and hand-woven carpets. If you are visiting in the evening, you will be in for a truly visual treat. The monastery is beautifully lit with electric bulbs, with the fragrance of Tibetan incense adding to the ambience.
96. Manu Temple, Manali.
Begin your Manali excursion with a trip to the famous Manu Temple, about 3 kilometers from the main bazaar in the old Manali region. A slippery pebbled trail leads you to the temple premise amidst lush surroundings on the bank of river Beas. This ancient temple is dedicated to sage Manu who is believed to be the creator of human race and the writer of Manusmriti. The only temple of Manu in India, legend has it that he saved the Vedas and the seven sages from a great flood. It is assumed that subsequent to the inundation, Manu meditated at this site in Manali after stepping on earth.
97. Solang Valley, Manali.
Lush green in summers and milky white in winters, the picturesque Solang Valley is about 13 kilometers (8 miles) from Manali between Solang Village and Beas Kund. Affording views of glaciers and the snow-capped Himalayan ranges, Solang Valley receives many adventure sports enthusiasts year round. When the snow melts in summer and the valley reveals a lush green carpet, holidaymakers camp on its slopes and take up zorbing - an adventure activity in which a giant ball with room for two people is rolled off a 200-meter-hill (667 feet), besides paragliding, parachuting and horse riding.
98. Club House, Manali.
At the old Manali village, on the left bank of Manalsu River is the quaint Club House managed by the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC). It is about one and a half kilometer from downtown Manali and is a great place to indulge in indoor and outdoor sports, and enjoy a host of other facilities. The house offers conference facility with a multi-purpose hall, billiards room, table tennis, card room, carom table, a restaurant specializing in local cuisine and a well-stocked bar. You can enjoy skating at its roller skating rink or browse the library for its collection of good reads.
99. Kothi, Manali.
An erstwhile base camp for a trek to the 3978-meter-high (13,260 feet) Rohtang Pass, Kothi is a 12 kilometer (7.5 miles) drive from Manali on the Lahaul-Spiti-Leh highway. Some years back travelers would stay overnight at this camping site before setting out on foot to Rohtang Pass, which is now accessible by bus, jeep and pony. You can still spend the night here at the PWD rest house perched atop a ridge overlooking a narrow valley, opening up stunning views of the frosty Himalayan ranges and the lush alpine wilderness. Interestingly, many Hindi movies have been shot in this beautiful locale surrounded by snow-capped pinnacles, glaciers and verdant valleys.
100. Rohtang Pass, Manali.
About 50 kilometers from Manali town, Rohtang Pass is situated at an altitude of 3,978 meters (13,051 feet) on Keylong-Leh Highway. A gateway to the twin valley of Lahaul and Spiti, Rohtang Pass remains open in summers from May/June (depending on the prevailing weather conditions) to October when regular buses ply between Manali-Keylong/Darcha, Udaipur, Spiti and Leh.
101. Beas Kund, Manali.
Beas Kund is a serene lake from which River Beas originates. A trip to Beas Kund can well be clubbed with a visit to Rohtang Pass. Sheltered by an igloo-like stone formation, Beas Kund is a sacred place of the Hindus and a popular trekking destination. This is an easy trek and does not require any high altitude experience. Starting from Manali, wind through Solang Valley and follow the trail via Dhundi and Bakartach to enter the Beas Kund glacier, the birthplace of holy Beas River. It opens up a vista of stark, rocky terrain devoid of vegetation, with the crystal clear water of Beas springing out from a tiny, roundish igloo-like rock. The waters of the Beas are chilly enough to numb your finger, so think twice before touching it!
102. Jagatsukh, Manali.
One of the most picturesque places in Manali, Jagatsukh is an erstwhile capital of Kullu, about 6 kilometers south of the main town. This beautiful hamlet is one of the biggest in Kullu District and opens up a bucolic scenery of lush farmlands, quaint country houses, ancient temples, alpine forests and stark hills silhouetted against a bright blue sky. The Shiva temple built in a peculiar shikhara style is a popular attraction here. Appreciate the architecture of this wooden temple standing against a splendid backdrop of the snow-capped Himalayas. Also explore the smaller shrine of Gaurishankar, the chalet-roofed temple dedicated to goddess Sandhya Devi and the Sharvali Devi temple in the nearby village of Shooru.
103. Rahala Waterfalls, Manali.
Rahala Waterfalls is a picture perfect getaway characterized by deodar forests, silver birch trees, a clear blue sky and fresh mountain air. This natural spectacle formed from the trickling of precipitous rocks and melting glaciers, is at the starting point of the snow-covered Rohtang Pass. The sight of water tumbling down from a height of 2,501 meters (8337 feet), with the frosty pinnacles of the Himalayas in the backdrop leaves you breathless. The surrounding area is ideal for a stroll and offers numerous photographic opportunities.
104. Arjun Gufa, Manali.
f you wish to take a half day excursion in Manali and enjoy spectacular views of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges and the surrounding alpine forests, Arjun Gufa (cave) is a good place to be! A 5-kilometer (3 miles) drive from Manali, Arjun Cave is nestled on the left bank of the gurgling Beas River, near the village of Prini. Legend has it that Arjun from the epic Mahabharat had meditated here to get Pashupata Ashtra (a weapon from Lord Indra).
105. Himalayan Nyingamapa Gompa, Manali.
Set amidst a beautiful garden of sunflowers, Himalayan Nyingamapa Gompa is pretty close to the Manali bazaar. Though smaller than Gadhan Thekchoking Gompa, it has a more modern façade. The monastery houses a huge gold faced statue of Lord Buddha. When darkness sets in, the place glitters with electric bulbs, with the fragrance of Tibetan incense enriching its peaceful ambience.
106. Nehru Kund, Manali.
Nehru Kund is a beautiful cold water spring named after India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, about 6 kilometers (3.75 miles) from Manali, on the Manali-Keylong road. It is believed that the former Prime Minister loved to visit this place and drink the crystal-clear water from the spring whenever he stayed in Manali. Even today Nehru Kund attracts travelers for its scenic beauty, serene atmosphere and lush greenery.
107. Vashisht Hot Water Springs And Temple, Manali.
About 3 kilometers from downtown Manali, across the gurgling Beas River, Vashisht is a tiny hamlet with natural sulphur springs. Emanating from the mountains of Vashisht, the sulphur springs gush hot and medicinal, endowed with great healing powers. Above the main square stand two old stone temples dedicated to sage Vashisht and Lord Rama. Legend has it that the great sage had narrated Yoga Vashishta, an ancient scripture to Lord Rama. This, ostensibly, was an extremely profound discourse that offered an insight into the inner world of consciousness. The smaller of the two temples dedicated to Vashisht opens to a partially covered courtyard with an ornamental shrine that has blackened by years of oil-lamp and incense smoke.
108. Hadimba Temple, Manali.
An absolute must-do on your Manali holiday is a trip to the iconic Hadimba Temple. After winding your way through forests of whispering deodars, you will be faced with a pagoda-like wooden structure seemingly shrouded in mystery and folklore. In the middle of a forest called Dhungri Van Vihar, the four-tiered Hadimba Temple stands 27 meters tall (90 feet), exuding an air of austerity. Walk through an ornate front gate displaying images of animals, gods and goddesses, legendary figures and symbols. Within the temple there are no idols, but a foot-print on stone. The structure was erected in 1553 by Maharana Bahadur Singh and dedicated to Hadimba Devi (a female demon).
109. Naggar, Manali.
About 25 kilometers (16 miles) from Manali at an altitude of 1760 meters (5867 feet) lies the picturesque Naggar village, an erstwhile capital of the Rajas of Kullu for about 1400 years. Naggar is on the left bank of Beas River and opens up a vista of wooded slopes, waterfalls, quaint homesteads and the snow-covered Himalayan pinnacles in the backdrop. The area is dotted with ancient temples, not to mention the popular, 16th century Naggar Castle from Pal Dynasty. Built by Raja Sidh Singh, this imposing stone edifice served as the royal residence and latter as the state head quarters of the kingdom till the middle of the 17th century. Now, converted into a hotel by the tourism department, the castle commands a majestic view of the Kullu Valley.