Popularly known as “Dev Bhoomi”, the land of gods and goddesses. Himachal Pradesh is filled with beautiful valleys, breath-taking mountain ranges, scenic hiking trails, mystical rivers, and peaceful monasteries. There is so much to see and do in Himachal Pradesh, so plan your activities before you visit this heavenly abode that no one can forget.
Himachal Pradesh has pretty much everything for everyone. Being one of the most popular tourist places in India, Himachal also has many hidden gems and unexplored places.
Why you should visit Himachal Pradesh?
Himachal Pradesh remains an enigma for Indian travelers who have witnessed this magical land up close and countless more planning to visit anytime soon. After all, there is something about the rugged yet heavenly Himalayan terrain, a melange of charming and popular hill-stations, outdoor pursuits and adventures galore, and of course.
Along with exploring the magical wonderland that is Himachal Pradesh, if you’re into adventure activities like trekking, mountain biking, rock climbing, rafting, ice-skating (yes it is possible in India!), or heli-skiing, you are considering the right place. The state has a wealth of adventure offerings for travelers willing to literally embrace the adrenaline rush amidst picture-postcard worthy surroundings.
Culture, Festivals, and Crafts
Culture
Himachal Pradesh is a multiregional, multicultural as well as multilingual state like other Indian states. People of Himachal Pradesh are proud of their culture and embrace it very well. You can see people wearing their ethnic dresses resembling their tradition for example Brahmins can be seen wearing their dhoti, kurta, and turban with hand towels. Himachali topi (cap) is an identity of being Himachali. Although the people have started wearing western clothes still the culture is preserved in the hearts of every Himachali.
Festivals
Himachal Pradesh is a land of cultural diaspora! Words fail to define the mixture of different cultures one can see here. For the people of Himachal Pradesh, every day is nothing much less than a celebration or jubilation. The festivals vary in terms of scale but a lot of them are attended by huge crowds who want to carry forward the rich legacy and rituals of their ancestors.
In addition to this, the state holds a raft of bucket-list-worthy festivals and fairs, reflecting its rich and also colorful heritage, culture, traditions as well as beliefs. Some of the famous festivals celebrated in the Himachal region are:
1. Halda festival – Invite the New Year
2. Chet Festival 3. Navratras
4. Baisakhi 5. Haryali
6. Rakhi 7. Chrewal
8. Jagra 9. Phulech
10. Kullu Dussehra
Crafts
Throughout the centuries, wood became an essential material that was used by the local population for the building of structures and buildings. To this day, local craftsmen use pine, walnut, horse chestnut, and Cedrus deodara when crafting statues, sculptures, and goods like chess sets, trays, and jewelry boxes. If you visit the district of Kinnaur and Kullu, you will see that a lot of the homes are constructed with carvings on their balcony panels, windows, and doors. If you are after the best wooden crafts of Himachal Pradesh, we would recommend that you head to Chamba, Kalpa, Tisza, and the Kinnaur district.
The state of Himachal Pradesh is also globally recognized for its metal crafts that are handmade specifically for the ritualistic needs of the local population. Tales say that in 600 AD, the courts of the Himachali kings mastered the craftsmen who were specialized in metalware to fulfill the needs of the royalty.
Food
The snow-clad mountains, the lush green valleys, the freshness in the air, tranquillity in the environment, are few things that describe Himachal Pradesh at its best. And, there you go missing a big surprise that Himachal has got for its loyal travelers. The scrumptious food. From the road vendors to the authentic cafes and restaurants, the Himachali people will pour their hearts out into their dishes. So, on your next trip to this beautiful state do not miss out on some of the mouth-water dishes that they have to offer you.
Some famous cuisines of Himachal Pradesh are:
- Dham
- Regional bread – Sidu
- Mittha
- Anardana chicken
- Babru
- Tudkiya Bhath
- Akotri
- Kullu Trout
- Kadoo Ka khatta
Language
Although every former princely state within Himachal Pradesh has a local dialect named after it, Hindi (the official state language) and Pahari are the principal languages. Both are Indo-Aryan languages. In Lahaul and Spiti and in Kinnaur, however, the most widely spoken languages belong to the Sino-Tibetan family.
Places that you must visit in Himachal Pradesh
• Shimla
• Dalhousie
• Parwanoo
• Sirmaur
• Kasauli
• Kasol
• Tirthan Valley
• Sangla
• Una
• Kaza
• Nako Lake
• Chandra Taal
• Lama Dal
• Malana
• Spiti
• Dharamsala
• Chail
• Kalpa
• Solan
• Hamirpur
• Thanedar
• Shoja
• Barot
Major Airports in Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh has its fair share of airports that have been used by tourists traveling to the state. It not only saves travel time but also allows travelers more time to explore the travel destination.
1. Bhuntar Airport – Kullu Manali
2. Gaggal Airport – Kangra, Dharamshala
3. Jubbarhatti Airport – Shimla
Himachal Pradesh is one of the best destinations to visit with everything in store for any tourist who is daring enough to face the heights of the Himalayas, crazy enough to sail on the snow, and keen enough to explore herself. If you are a woman and want to travel solo, feel free to contact us by filling the below forms. Her expeditions team is ready to help you in arranging a solo women’s trip for a group of 4-7 with full safety and proper guidance.