The earliest known inhabitants of the region were tribals called Dasas. Later, Aryans came and they assimilated in the tribes. In the later centuries, the hill chieftains accepted suzerainty of the Mauryan empire, the Kaushans, the Guptas and Kanuaj rulers. During the Mughal period, the Rajas of the hill states made some mutually agreed arrangements which governed their relations. In the 19th century, Ranjit Singh annexed/subjugated many of the states. When the British came, they defeated Gorkhas and entered into treaties with some Rajas and annexed the kingdoms of others. The situation more or less remained unchanged till 1947. After Independence, 30 princely states of the area were united and Himachal Pradesh was formed on 15th April, 1948. With the recognition of Punjab on 1st November, 1966, certain areas belonging to it were also included in Himachal Pradesh. On 25th January, 1971, Himachal Pradesh was made a full-fledged State. The State is bordered by Jammu & Kashmir on North, Punjab on West and South-West, Haryana on South, Uttarakhand on South-East and China on the East.
In fact, the Department has laid a special emphasis on the development of activity-based tourism and opening up of new sub destinations. To promote tourism in the countryside and to unexplored areas, appropriate infrastructure is being developed within available resources. By focussing on quality tourists, the Department aims at promoting sustainable tourism and encouraging private sector to develop tourism related infrastructure in the State without disturbing the existing ecology and environment.
In fact, the Department has laid a special emphasis on the development of activity-based tourism and opening up of new sub destinations. To promote tourism in the countryside and to unexplored areas, appropriate infrastructure is being developed within available resources. By focussing on quality tourists, the Department aims at promoting sustainable tourism and encouraging private sector to develop tourism related infrastructure in the State without disturbing the existing ecology and environment.
| Chief Minister | Area | Name of Capital | No of Districts | People | Language Official |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jai Ram Thakur | 55,673 km2 | Shimla | 12 | 6,864,602 | Hindi |
One of the best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh is Kullu and Manali. If you are on a lookout for fresh air and green mountains amidst the snow covered ranges then Kullu Manali, indeed should be on the top of your list.
Ideal for: Everyone! But it is a hot favorite amongst newlyweds.
Ideal duration: 4-5 days
Best time to visit: May-July. November-January for snowfall.
One of the most famous hill stations of Northern India – Shimla which is the right mix of Indian glory with British sophistication.it is consecrated stunning landscape and fresh climate all through the year.
Ideal for: Family and friends
Ideal Duration: 3-4days
Best time to visit: May –July and November-January for snowfall.
Dharamsala definitely has to be on your list of best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh. Famous not only because of its climate but also you get to see how multicultural Indian community lives in harmony with the Indo Tibetan community.
Ideal for: Friends or Solo Travelers
Ideal duration: 2-3days
Best time to visit: May –July and November-January for snowfall
Kasauli is a perfect getaway from the hustle bustle of the city, and is one of the most serene places to visit in Himachal in June. Almost on the outskirts of Punjab and Haryana it is well connected by roadways.
Ideal for: Friend and Family
Ideal duration: 3-4 days
Best time to go visit: November – March & December – January for snowfall.
If you’re an adventure seeker, Bir Billing is the mecca for adventure sports and it has to be on your list of places to visit in Himachal Pradesh. Bir is a small village which is located in the western side of Himachal Pradesh and is blessed with some refreshing climate.
Looking for digital detox, then Malana is the place you must visit in Himachal Pradesh in August. Situated near the Kullu Valley, Malana provides spellbinding views of the Deo Tiba and Chandrakhani crests.
Dalhousie is yet another hill station in Himachal Pradesh which is ideal for de-stressing in the serene, tranquil troposphere. Away from the hustle-bustle of the city life, sit back and enjoy the nature in Dalhousie.
Spiti Valley is one of the most attractive hidden gems of North India. Straddling the river Spiti, it is home to numerous of the divinest of Buddhist destinations as well as some of the most widespread tourist destinations.
Ideal for: friends and family
Ideal duration: 2-3 days
Best time to visit: May-July
Known as the little Israel of India in Himachal Pradesh, based in the Parvati Valley is this beautiful hill station called Kasol. Its just on the way to the holy town of Manikaran.
Ideal for: Backpackers and trekkers
Ideal duration: 3 Days
Best time to visit: May and June
Things to do:
Located in the Chamba district, this gorgeous valley is one of the best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh. Its indeed a great place to relax and unwind in the beautiful and refreshing environment.
Ideal for: Friends and family
Ideal Duration: 3 Days
Best time to visit: May to June
Located just 13 km away Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, Mashobra is a well-kept secret for someone who’s done with tourist places in Himachal Pradesh. Though the distance is not much, this is a new world in itself, sprinkled with deodar trees through and through. Get going in the jungles during the day, try out various adventure activities like zip lining and spend the night under the stars camping; do whatever you please in this paradise!
Listed among rather offbeat places of Himachal, Palampur is famed for its tea gardens and zoo. This is an ideal place to visit with family, as children and parents will find many attractions equally interesting. The scenic splendour will have you bewitched and thanks to easy accessibility and number of accommodation options, it is a perfect weekend getaway from Delhi.
Known for its apples, Kinnaur is often called the Land of Gods. The paradise is 235 km away from Shimla, in the northeast ends of Himachal Pradesh. Bestowed with vibrant cultural scenario, Kinnaur’s landscape is bejeweled with gigantic snow-clad mountains. Currently it is not under tourists radar, so if you want to go off the beaten road, Kinnaur it is!
Dalhousie, Spiti and Khajjiar are perfect Himachal Pradesh destinations for couples looking for a peaceful getaway. However, if you both are adventurous head over to Bir Billing.
| University | Location | Type | Establised | Speciala |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Solan | Solan | Private | 2010 | Technology, management |
| Baddi University of Emerging Sciences and Technologies | Baddi | Private | 2009 | Technology |
| Chitkara University, Himachal Pradesh | Solan | Private | 2009 | Technology |
| Himachal Pradesh Technical University | Hamirpur | State | 2010 | Technology |
| Jaypee University of Information Technology | Waknaghat | Private | 2002 | Information technology |
| Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry | Solan | State | 1985 | Horticulture, forestry |
| Indus International University | VPO Bathu, Tehsil Haroli,Dist. Una | Private | 2010 | General, technology, management, science and humanities |
| IEC University | Solan | Private | 2012 | General, technology, management, pharmacy, law, computer application |
| ICFAI University | Solan | Private | 2011 | General, law, management, technology |
| Abhilashi University | Mandi | Private | 2015 | General |
| APG Shimla University | Shimla | Private | 2012 | General |
| Arni University | kathgarh | Private | 2009 | General |
| Bahra University | Waknaghat | Private | 2011 | General |
| Career Point University, Hamirpur | Hamirpur | Private | 2012 | General |
| Central University of Himachal Pradesh | Dharamsala | Central | 2009 | General |
| Eternal University | Baru Sahib | Private | 2008 | General |
| Himachal Pradesh University | Shimla | State | 1970 | General |
| Manav Bharti University | Solan | Private | 2009 | General |
| Shoolini University | Solan | Private | 2009 | General |
| Sri Sai University | Palampur | Private | 2011 | General |
| Maharaja Agrasen University | Solan | Private | 2013 | Applied Sciences,Architecture,Humanities,Law,Management,Pharmacy,Technology |
| Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya | Palampur | State | 1978 | Agriculture |
| # | Code | Station Name | Place |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | UHL | Una Himachal | Una Himachal |
| 02 | AADR | Amb Andaura | Amb Andaura |
| 03 | MTPR | Rai Maihatpur | Raimehatpur |
| 04 | CHTL | Churaru Takrala | Churaru Takrala |
| 05 | CHMG | Chintpurni Marg | |
| 06 | DLPC | Daulatpur Chowk | Daulatpur |
| 07 | TLRA | Talara | Talara |
| 08 | GULR | Guler | Guler |
| 09 | NDBT | Nandpur Bhatauli | Nandpur Bhatauli |
| 10 | NGRS | Nagrota Suriyan | Nagrota Suriyan |
| 11 | HRDR | Harsar Dehri | Harsar Dehri |
| 12 | NUPR | Nurpur Road | Nurpur Road |
| 13 | JWLS | Jawanwala Shahr | Jawan Wala Shehar |
| 14 | BRMR | Bharmar | Bharmar |
| 15 | TRPL | Tripal | Tripal |
| 16 | BRHL | Baryal Himachal | Baryal Himachal |
| 17 | LNS | Lunsu Halt | Lunsu |
| 18 | MGRP | Megh Raj Pura | Megh Raj Pura |
| 19 | PLMX | Palampur Himachal | Palampur Himachal |
| 20 | PHRH | Panchrukhi | Panch Rukhi |
| 21 | NGRT | Nagrota | Nagrota |
| 22 | JMKR | Jwalamukhi Road | Jwalamukhi Road |
| 23 | KGRA | Kangra | Kangra |
| 24 | PRAR | Paror | Paror |
| 25 | BLDL | Balle da pir larath | Balle da pir larath |
| 26 | KGMR | Kangra Mandir | Kangra Mandir |
| 27 | KPLR | Koparlahar | Koparlahar |
| 28 | CMMG | Chamunda Marg | Chamunda Marg |
| 29 | SMLT | Samloti | Samloti |
| 30 | BOF | Barog | Barog |
| 31 | KAWL | Kandwal | Kandwal |
| 32 | SLHP | Sulah Himachal Pradesh | Sulah Himachal Pradesh |
| 33 | MNHL | Majhairan Himachal | Majhairan Himachal |
| 34 | PTRJ | Patti Rajpura | Patti Rajpura |
| 35 | SHZ | Summer Hill | Summer Hill |
| 36 | TVI | Taradevi | Taradevi |
| 37 | DMP | Dharampur Himachal | Dharmpur Hmchl |
| 38 | JTO | Jutogh | Jutogh |
| 39 | KDZ | Kandaghat | Kandaghat |
| 40 | SOL | Solan | Solan |
| 41 | SLR | Salogra | Salogra |
| 42 | SGS | Shoghi | Shoghi |
| 43 | KMTI | Kumarhatti Dagshai | Kumarhatti |
| 44 | CTZ | Chauntra Bhaterh | Chauntra Bhater |
| 45 | AHJU | Ahju | Ahju |
| 46 | BJMR | Baijnath Mandir | Baijnath Mandir |
| 47 | BJPL | Baijnath Paprola | Baijnath Paprola |
| 48 | KANO | Kanoh | Kanoh |
| 49 | KEJ | Kathleeghat | Kathleeghat |
| 50 | SWO | Sonwara | Sonwara |
| 51 | TSL | Taksal | Taksal |
| 52 | GMM | Gumman | Gumman |
| 53 | KOTI | Koti | Koti |
| 54 | PH | Panoh | Panoh |
| 55 | KNDI | Kandrori | Kandrori |
| 56 | JDNX | Joginder Nagar | Joginder Nagar |
| 57 | SML | Shimla | Simla |
