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Himachal Heaven With Golden Temple :------------------: 10 Days

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Delhi Shimla Manali Delhi Tour By Cab :------------: 6 Days

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Delhi Manali Delhi :-----------------------------------: 6 Days

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Located in the heart of Shimla is the famous tourist attraction known as The Ridge. The Ridge is the hub of all cultural activities of Shimla. It is situated along the Mall Road, which is the famous shopping center of Shimla. Most major places of Shimla like Lakkar Bazaar, Mall, Scandal Point, Jakhoo hill, etc. are connected through the Ridge. Read on more about the famous Shimla ridge in the following lines.

The main water supply of Shimla comes from the huge water reservoir that is located in the Ridge. The Ridge is famous for the various government functions and fairs that are held here. It is usually the venue for all such celebrations and events. The most famous festival that is held at the Ridge is the Summer Festival. This famous festival is held during the months of April or May and the whole of Shimla comes alive with colors and a riot of activities.

The most famous landmark of the Ridge is the Christ Church. This beautiful building is constructed in Neo-Gothic style of architecture. It is a famous tourist attraction of Shimla and should be visited when you come to Shimla.

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Situated near the Himalayan range, Kufri is a picturesque hill station situated 20 km from Shimla in Himachal Pradesh. Founded in 1819 by the British, the popularity of the hill station as a tourist spot grew only in the last few decades. Kufri derives its name from ‘Kufr’ which means lake. Especially popular among trekkers, Kufri is the starting point of treks to Manali, Shimla, Rewalsar and Fagu among others. Kufri, Shimla and Chail form the Golden Triangle of Himachal Pradesh. The cool and pleasant climate, along with stunning natural beauty, makes Kufri a perfect summer getaway.
Kufri is also the venue for annual winter sports festival held in February. Organized by the travel and tourism department of Himachal Pradesh, the festival is a major attraction with tourists. The skiing competition is the main event at the festival. It is also renowned for other adventures activities like tobogganing (sliding downhill on a sled). Kufri has the oldest skiing slopes in Himachal Pradesh. You can get your share of adrenaline rush by taking fast cuts and turns in the go-Karting circuit in Kufri.

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The top of the hill is 2 km away from the Ridge. Pranks of monkeys and panorama of Shimla town are added attractions besides the old temple of Lord Hanuman recently renovated. Known for Dussehra Day celebrations.
Jakhoo Temple, Shimla Jakhoo Hill is 2 km from the Ridge, at a height of 2500m. Jakhu Hill is the highest peak in Shimla and offers a beautiful view of the town and of the Himalayas. At the top of the Jakhu Hill, is an old temple of Hanuman, which is also the home of countless playful monkeys. The Hanuman Mandir at the top of Jakhu hill is the highest point in town. This Hanuman Mandir is one of the most favoured spots for tourists and pilgrims. The monkeys around the temple surprisingly do attack people; they however look for food from tourist and pilgrims. It is a steep 45 minute walk to the top of the hill, however for those who are not familiar with hill or mountain climbing it will take more than an hour. On the way to the top of the hill, there are beautiful views of hills, surrounding valleys, huge trees and of course the playful monkeys jumping from one tree to another.

The Jakhu Hanuman Mandir is believed to be in existence from the times of Ramayana. The Hanuman Mandir is said to be formed when Hanuman visited Jakhu Hill. According to the local legends, Hanuman visited this place during the famous Rama – Ravana fight. Lakshmana, the younger brother of Rama, was critically injured during the fight with Indrajit, the mighty son of Ravana. Only medicinal (Sanjivi) herb can save Lakshmana’s life. Jambavan requested Hanuman to fetch the herb. The herb is only available in the Himalayan range. Hanuman came to Himalayas to search for the herb, but got confused, so as to which was the particular herb. Out of desperation, he uprooted the whole mountain, which contained the herbs and flew to Lanka, where injured Lakshmana with Rama, Sugriva, Vibhishana, Jambavan and
others warriors were waiting for him. With just the smell of the herb, Lakshmana and the other warriors became conscious.
Jakhu temple on Jakhu Hill, ShimlaThe Jakhu Hanuman Mandir is believed to be in existence from the times of Ramayana. The Hanuman Mandir is said to be formed when Hanuman visited Jakhu Hill. According to the local legends, Hanuman visited this place during the famous Rama – Ravana fight. Lakshmana, the younger brother of Rama, was critically injured during the fight with Indrajit, son of Ravana. Only medicinal (Sanjivani Buti) herb can save Lakshmana’s life. Jambavan requested Hanuman to fetch the herb. The herb is only available in the Himalayan range. Hanuman came to Himalayas to search for the herb, but got confused, so as to which was the particular herb. Out of desperation, he uprooted the whole mountain, which contained the herbs and flew to Lanka, where injured Lakshmana with Rama, Sugriva, Vibhishana, Jambavan and others warriors were waiting for him. With just the smell of the herb, Lakshmana and the other warriors became conscious. On his way back, Hanuman rested on the Jakhu Hills, and the top of the hill got flat by his and mountain’s weight. The place where he sat has been converted into a small temple, where his footprints are preserved till today. The Jakhu Temple has since been highly revered by the locals. The entrance of Hanuman Mandir at Jakhu Hill, inside the temple there are several beautiful painting of various scenes from the Ramayana. Shimla is a must visit hill station while in India. Although there are several places to visit in Shimla, no visit to Shimla will be complete without hiking the Jakhu Hill and a visit to the Hanuman Mandir.

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Chail is the ultimate place for setting up summer camps in a snow-clad town. It is a small hill slope in Shimla that was built solely for the purpose of helping people escape from summer heats. And eventually, the place turned out to be one of the best places to visit in Shimla.

In fact, it’s a resort that offers people exposure to the spectacular deodar forests scattered all around the hilly slope. While deodar is the common tree found in this region, you can also find pine and fir forests complementing the majestic beauty of forests in the hilly region.

Location: Chailhas located 45 KM away from Shimla, at the foothills of Himalayan ranges.

Highlights: Nature lovers and peace seekers can find this place ideal for escaping from the hustle and bustle of city life. Besides enjoying the nature closely, you can also walk on the highest cricket ground in the world

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This magnificent building was built in 1888 as the residence of the British Viceroy Lord Dufferin. It is located at the observatory Hills and is surrounded by well-maintained gardens and lawns, ringed by beautiful pine trees & rose plants. The Viceregal Lodge, also known as “Rashtrapati Niwas” is now converted into Indian Institute of Advanced Study and students come here for higher studies. The building has an English Renaissance style of architecture, where the color of limestone is grey. Since it is located at a good height, the views from this place are enthralling and cannot be described in words.

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The literal meaning of the Tattapani is Hot Water. Tattapani is famous for the hot water sulphur springs which are located along the banks of the Sutlej River. The hot water contains a high percentage of sulphur which is mixed up with the other rare elements and is excellent cure for the skin. One amazing fact is that the water of river which flows nearby is very cold whereas the springs have the hot and boiling water. Tattapani Village has become a popular tourist attraction, which is just 50 km away from Shimla. It is located in the high attitude of the 655 meters above the sea level. Today, this village is very well known for its hot sulphur springs, which draws lot of tourists each year.
There are many hot springs which are situated along the cool waters of the Sutlej River. The sulphur springs have the medicinal value, which covers the area of 1 square kilometer. Most of the people believe that the hot sulphurous water have the power of cure which provides the relief from various ailments.
These ailments include the medical problems such as the skin diseases, constant fatigue and the joint pains. There are many people who visit this village regularly to take a dip in the hot springs. The water in the springs is pure. The temperature of the water varies and depends upon the water level of the Sutlej River.
Along the banks of the Sutlej River, there are some unique rock formations, which are transformed into the natural bathtubs due to the natural springs. Some people, who visit this place also dig and make big holes in sand and give them the shape of the bathtub. Here, the new hot and boiling water arises from the underground and blend with the ice cold water of the river. It makes the water lukewarm and ideal for a long bath.
Tattapani also have many temples, which have religious significance for the local Hindus people. The people, who enjoy adventurous sports, can enjoy the trout fishing and river rafting in the Sutlej River. For the people, who like wandering and trekking in the forests, there are many protected forests around the Tattapani village. The tourists can visit these forests along with the nature guide. Some of the protected forests are Nalawan, Kiriya, Seri, Mahasha, Sunhi and Mandhor etc. these forests are declared protected by the govt. authorities. Also, there is an intermittent stream which completely dries up in the dry season.

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About 64 km from Shimla and at an altitude of about 2,470 meters lies Narkanda which is India’s oldest Ski-resort. Narkanda is famous for Skiing & Winter sports during winter and a trekking and adventure destination during summers.

What gives Narkanda its awe-inspiring view of the snowy peaks is the fact that it is located on the ridge of the last watershed before the Himalayan range.

Himachal Pradesh is famous for its apple orchards and you will find plenty of them all along the route and also in Narkanda and rest of the places as well during the fruit season in June to September. Narkanda is considered to be an important horticultural centre. The other place of tourist interest is the Hatu Peak, which is the highest peak in Narkanda at 3,400m.

The Hatu Peak Narkanda

This peak is 8 km from Narkanda, the road is surrounded by pine and spruce trees. The scenic beauty is absolutely breathtaking from that point and the road to this point is also equally treacherous and nerve racking one. You could see the complete Narkanda valley and town from the top and the surrounding majestic mountains.

The peak offers spectacular view of the entire Himalayan ranges, snow clad mountains and in depths are the dense forests, green fields and apple orchards. There is also a temple at the top.

Narkanda Climate

As the altitude of Narkanda is more than that of Shimla this place becomes colder at nigh and the temperatures are also low during the daytime as compared to Shimla. Heavy woolens are recommended in the winter season and light woolens will do in the summer months.

Skiing in Narkanda

Narkanda is famous for Skiing & Winter sports. During these days the slopes come alive with skiers. The skiing at Narkanda was started in 1980 and since then HPTDC is conducting skiing courses every year also hires out equipment, and provides everything from accommodation to transport.

The Directorate of Mountaineering and Allied Sports at Manali also plays a part in skiing at Narkanda: it organizes skiing courses from January.

It has a choice of slopes ranging from a beginners run and slalom slope, to sharper descents for the experienced skier.
Nearby tourist spots in Narkanda

Kacheri (1810m)

This place is located about seven kilometers from Narkanda on National Highway. This place is best known for ancient Mahamaya Temple.

Kotgarh and Thanadhar (1830m)

17 km link road bifurcating from Narkanda takes you to the Himachal’s horticultural heartland, Kotgarh and Thanedhar famous for apple orchards. The famous Stokes apple Farm is located at Thanedhar. Stokes came to India on a trip and while on a summer visit to Shimla, fell in love with its environments, which included the charming hill folk and settled down in Kotgarh. He started the apple farm which soon became renown with its red delicious, golden delicious and royal delicious apples.

Jallori Pass (3,550 m)

90 km from Narkanda, passing through the Sutlej Valley and crossing over to Luhri, Ani, Khanag through one of the best scenery in the Kullu Valley takes you to Jallori Pass. A 30 minute level walk from the Pass takes you to Sarolsar Lake among deep forests. See nature at it’s best at the Jallori Pass.

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Situated at a distance of 22 Km from Shimla, Naldehra is a beautiful paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. It forms a golf course perched at an altitude of 2,200 meters. It is an 18-hole course with 16 greens and 18 tees, constitutes a design resonant of Scottish links courses. The golf course was built under the supervision of Lord Curzon. Naldehra has got the name from the Nag Temple that lies bang in the middle of the course. This place is one of the oldest 9 holes golf courses in the country.

Earlier, it was a 9 Hole Course but later the Naldehra Gold Course was enlarged to 18 holes. There are large deodars that flank the links and make this region an enthralling sports venue in the midst of natural scenic beauty. Not only this, one may also take a leisurely walk through the woods and picnics in this region. However, Naldehra is a perfect place to unwind and relax amid serene ambience.

Sightseeing here is all about visiting temple or wondering at the lovely towering pine trees or relishing the day on the rolling greens. Worshippers may visit to the Mahunag Temple, which is dedicated to the snake god. So, plan for a holiday to Naldehra and explore the rolling greens of this small hill station.

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Set at a distance of 13 km from Manali city, Solang Valley lies between Solang village and Beas Kund. Offering stunning views of the snow capped mountain peaks and alluring glaciers. The Solang valley is popular for his fine ski slopes which makes it’s a perfect skiing destination of Himachal Pradesh. During summers, Solang Valley turns into best paragliding, Zorbing, and horse riding destination of Himachal Pradesh. In winters, the valley becomes a skiing paradise for all as it offers everyone to ski over fresh white snow.

There is a guest house, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports that offer skiing training to the tourists. On the hilltop of the valley, there is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva which is also major tourist attraction in Solang Valley. Most of families plan their trip to Solang valley in summer vacation because it is best destination to chill out in Himachal Pradesh during summer season.

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Rohtang Pass- a gateway to Lahaul and Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh, remains one of the most spectacular destinations in the entire Kullu region. This picturesque pass is located around 51 kms away from Manali, at a height of 3980 meters, on Manali Keylong highway. This mountain slope is so beautiful that people from every corner of the country visit this place to take part in adventure sports such as skiing, ice-skating, paragliding, etc. The Rohtang Pass is open for tourist from April to October and the permission to travel on this highway is given by the Indian Army, once they clear the snow.

Highlights
The Rohtang Pass is the same road, which connects to Leh Ladakh (State of Jammu & Kashmir) from Manali. It spot more than 25 lakh visitors every year, however, the routes here are completely covered in snow in winter and hardly anyone visit this place during the snowfall. In May, Rohtang become a place for nature enthusiast and adventure seekers, who can experience adventure sports such as skiing, skating, paragliding, snow scooter, and more.

Just beyond the stunning Rohatng pass is the Sonapani Glacier and the twin peak of Gaypan, which is known for its panoramic view and peaceful atmosphere. People visit this spot to have some refreshing moments purely in the arms of mother nature. Some people also visit the famous Beas Kund, the source of the Beas River and a holy site for Hindus as the same is easily accessible from the Rohtang Pass. It is believed that the sage Vyas used to meditate at this site.

Other Important Facts
The name Rohtang means ‘ground of corpses’ due to the number of people who lost their lives while crossing this difficult mountain range. It is located on the Pir Panjal Mountain Range of the Himalayas and serves as the gateway to Pangi and the valley of Leh. The Rohtang Pass is a natural divide between the humid Kullu Valley, which has a predominant Hindu culture and high altitude Lahaul and Spiti Calleys, which are predominantly Buddhist.

There is no option to stay at Rohtang Pass unless you have your own tent and set up camp by the roadside. However, Manali has many options and the tourists can easily stay here and relax in the midst of heaven that is Kullu and Manali.

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