A mountainous state in the western Himalayas, Himachal Pradesh is abundant in the beauty of its landscapes. With tremendous natural and intellectual resources, this state is among the most lucrative in the country. Numerous perennial rivers provide abundant hydro-electric power to the country’s grid, thus balancing out many of the drier states in the center of the nation. With varied elevations and climate, the state enjoys broad regions of conifer, sub-tropical and tropical forests with two-thirds of the total surface area designated as forest. Himachal Pradesh is designated as the fruit bowl of India in addition to increased floral proliferation making it in the running for the floral basket of the world. Its mild and temperate climate makes it home to a plethora of animal species as well. Shimla is one of the more popular destinations of the state, being home to one of the country’s small gauge train routes. Affectionately known as a “toy train”, this small rail system was built by the British to service the hill stations located deep within the steep ravines of the Himalayan foothills. Dharamsala is also a major draw for the state, as it is the residence of the Dalai Lama and a very significant pilgrimage site for Buddhists worldwide. With its proximity to the mighty Himalayan mountain range, Himachal Pradesh also offers visitors opportunities in both trekking and mountainous sightseeing journeys. below is given famous tourist places to visit in Himachal Pradesh

Famous Tourist Places to visit in Himachal Pradesh

Shimla

Located in the southern end of the state, the capital city of Shimla is a popular center for international visitors. During British Raj rule of the 1800s, Shimla was heralded as the summer capital of India for its pleasant weather. This seasonal occupation created what became known as the Shimla Society; apparently the closest British India ever came to having an upper crust.

Kalka-Shimla Railway: Constructed in 1906, this narrow gauge rail line added to Shimla’s accessibility and popularity. The 100km long railway route from city of Kalka to Shimla during this Journey more than nine hundred bridges and one hundred fifteen tunnels, it was showed as an engineering achievement and came to be known as the “British Jewel of the Orient. Although its narrow gauge was essential for ease of traveling in the steep and curvy mountain route, the scale of it eventually earned it the modern moniker of a “toy train”.

Rashtrapati Niwas: In 1876, Lord Lytton, Viceroy of India, began plans for this extravagant viceregal lodge built on Observatory Hill. The Upper Bazaar area of the city was cleared for a Town Hall, with many facilities such as a library, a theatre and offices for municipal administration.

Dharamshala

This well-known hill station in the lush green forests of the Kangra Valley is actually two neighboring communities commonly referred to as one given their close proximity. Dharamshala  city is separated into two different sections. One part of dharamshala called Kotwali Bazaar and around the markets is referred to “Lower Dharamshala”, Further up the mountain is the more animated village of McLeod Ganj and the two are separated by the village of Ganchen Kyishong, the home of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile, His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The presence of His Holiness makes the small villages a frequent pilgrimage site for many Buddhists from India, Nepal, Tibet and elsewhere throughout the world. Other suburbs of Dharamshala include Dharamkot, Naddi, Forsyth Ganj, Kotwali Bazaar (the main market of the town), KaccheriAdda and Sidhbari.

Gangchen Kyishong: One of the most notable features of the Dharamshala region is the residence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The grounds of the monastery are open to visitors and those strolling through will certainly see dozens of monks amid their daily tasks, also stopping to have an animated chat over the subjects of their studies. Seeing the Dalai Lama is much rarer of an event, as guests may find themselves lucky to be in attendance for one of His addresses to the public gathered on the grounds. Apparently, the secretary for His Holiness receives over 1000 requests a day for a personal audience, so the likelihood of meeting Him privately is far beyond a rare occurrence.

Triund Hill: Known as the Jewel of Dharamshala, Triund Hill is one day trek departing at the upper reaches of McLeodGanj and providing amazing views of the Dhauladhar Mountains, part of the Himalayan foothills, towering high above.

Dharamkot: A small collection of buildings located at an intersection two miles above McLeod Ganj marks the small community of Dharamkot. Also known as “Little Israel” for its predominance of Israeli travelers among the many other nationalities, this small enclave boasts a number of meditation centers for those seeking a quiet solace from the busy world. For those just passing through, heed the signs asking for quiet as many of the meditators are following strict practices of silence as part of their retreats.

Regional trekking: Starting at a little less than1500 meters in elevation, the Dharamshala region is prime territory for trekking expeditions of varying durations and difficulty levels. Spectacular views of the surrounding Himalayas can be seen easily from most all trails.