From picturesque orchards and snowcapped peaks to dense forests, Himachal Pradesh is a fairytale come alive. Here we bring you some reasons why you must visit Himachal this season.
1. Queen of Hills
Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh has been bestowed with the epithet – Queen of Hills. True to its title, Shimla has been lording over since colonial times as the summer capital of colonial India. Probably the reason for this is that the isotherms of Shimla and London are on the same line which means both places have the same temperature throughout the year. So if you cannot travel to London, head for Himachal.
2. Bollywood’s Muse
In a country where Hindi films are a vehicle to be transported to the idyllic life – the place where these idyllic frames are shot has got to be a favourite. Shimla in 1960s was captured in Love in Shimla and in parts of Tere Ghar Ke Samne that still make one yearn for the nostalgic memory. Bringing a refreshing vision of Himachal are the more recent movies – Jab We Met, Three Idiots, Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani and many more. The Kalka-Shimla toy train has been widely popularized by Bollywood.
3. Haven for solitude lovers
Looking for a getaway that takes you far from the maddening crowd? Himachal has several quiet hamlets that offer a serene and tranquil holiday. There are also several non-intrusive romantic places for the honeymoon couple who want to stay away from the hustling tourist crowd.
4. Shoppers Delight
Not just mountains and fresh air, Himachal is also a shoppers delight. While the Lakkar Bazar in Shimla has showpieces made of wood, the souvenirs and trinkets from the Tibetan shops at McLeodganj delight you. Do check out the hand woven shawls of Kullu with their vibrant signature pattern. Also, the hand-embroidered rumals or handkerchiefs of Chamba are very popular.
5. A Fruitful Trip
Plan a tour to the fruit orchards. Be a part of apple-picking trek. Meet the workers. Visits can be organized to factories that make jellies, squashes and jams. If you happen to be there during harvest time, you can see the way fruits are picked, washed and packed before they come to you in your city home.
6. Venture out
Apart from being a premium trekking destination, the adventure activities in Himachal let you mingle with the natural elements in the most exhilarating way. Whether you participate for the joy of recreation or the thrill of competition – the experience makes you feel more alive and animated towards life.
7. Retreat within
Attend a service at a church – apart from the Victorian architecture and old world charm, take in the grace. Let the ancient drums and cymbals in the Buddhist monasteries resonate within you. Listen to stories of Shiva and Parvati, Raghunathji, Hidimba Devi and Shyamala Devi that connect mythology with geography blurring lines between myths and grounded reality. Or just tune in to your own nature amidst the pristine natural surroundings.
Pick any reason – what remains undisputed is that Himachal is the favoured getaway destination for Indians.
