Himachal Pradesh came into being after the separation of Punjab and Haryana. Although it is small and not very densely populated, it is a popular holiday resort. The Raj still lingers in Shimla, the state capital and former summer capital during British rule. Kullu and Manali are neighbouring resorts, surrounded by pine covered hills and lushy meadows. The soothing environs with the fresh air mingling with the fragrance of flowers and mingled with the singing of birds prove to be a heady combination. Subhash Baoli, provides a panoramic view of the snow covered mountains,while Satdahra, as the sparkling springs are known, are noted for their medicinal properties due to the presence of mica and other minerals. At Panjpulla you can get an interesting view of water from a natural tank flowing under five bridges.

The state capital is Shimla. Much of the state is mountainous with the Himalayas in the north and east and the smaller Shiwalik (or Shivalik) range in the south. The Ghaggar River originates in the Shivalik range. The main rivers are the Sutlej (home of the Bhakra Nangal Dam Project) and the Beas. The bridge on the Sutlej River at Kandraur, Bilaspur is one of the highest bridges in Asia.

Places of interest in Himachal Pradesh:
Kangra, Hamirpur, Mandi, Bilaspur, Una, Chamba, Lahul and Spiti, Sirmaur, Kinnaur, Kullu, Solan, Shimla.

Wildlife in Himachal Pradesh:
Simbalbara Sanctuary, Renuka Sanctuary, Churdhar Sanctuary, Chail Sanctuary, Majathal Sanctuary, Maharana Pratap Sagar, Manali Sanctuary, Kanawar Sanctuary, Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary, Daranghati Sanctuary, Great Himalayan National Park, Pin Valley National Park, Nature Park, Kufri, Nature Park, Manali, Nature Park, Gopalpur.

Lakes:
Beas Kund, Dashaur Lake, Dal Lake, Chandra Tal, Manimahesh Lake, Suraj Tal, Bhrigu Lake, Mantalai Lake, Prasar Lake, Rewalsar Lake, Renuka Lake, Khajjiar Lake, Bhakhra Lake, Seoralsar Lake, Kareri Lake, Nako Lake.

India Travel Destination Guide

Getting Around & Visiting Rajasthan

Getting around the state is rarely problematic, though there's no avoiding some tedious long hauls. The state-run bus company, RSTDC, has regular services between cities, but since it hiked its prices by fifty percent in 1997, private operators have become a more popular option, offering cheaper fares and greater comfort.

Electricity in India

Generally 220V 50Hz AC, though direct current supplies also exist, so check before plugging in. Most sockets are triple round-pin (accepting European-size double round-pin plugs). British, Irish and Australasian plugs will need an adaptor, preferably universal; American and Canadian appliances will need a transformer too, unless multi-voltage. Power cuts and

Brass and copperware in India

Buying gemstones can be something of a minefield; scams abound, and you would be most unwise to even consider buying gems for resale or as an investment without a basic knowledge of the trade. . Jaipur is a major centre for gems (and con tricks), while Hyderabad specializes in sorting

International Airlines Offices in New Delhi

Internation Airlines with thier office addresses: Aeroflot, Tolstoy House, 15-17 Tolstoy Marg; Air Canada, 1st floor, ALPs Building, 56 Janpath 0014; Air France, 7 Atma Ram Mansion, Scindia House, Connaught Place; Air India, Jeevan Bharati Building, opposite Palika Bazaar, Connaught Place; Air Lanka, Room 1, Hotel Janpath, Janpath Air Ukraine, C-37,

How to meet people in India

In India, generally in rural areas, foreigners are represented as the "rich sahib" (a rich and respectable person), whose culture dominates the world. English not being their first lan¬guage, they may not be familiar with the conventional ways of doing this, and thus their opening line may seem abrupt

Embassies & consulates in New Delhi

Embassies & consulates in New Delhi Afghanistan 5/50 F, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi-21 Algeria B-3/61, Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi-29 Angola C-17, Malcha Marg, New Delhi-21 Argentine B-8/9, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi-57 Armenia B, 8/2, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi-57 Austria EP-13,Chandragupta Marg,Chanakyapuri, New Delhi-21 Belgium 50-N, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi-21 Belize B-8/14, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi-57 Benin 43-A, Okhla Industrial Estate, New Delhi-20 Bhutan Chandergupta Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi-21 Brazil 8, Aurangzeb Road,

Visa Isses in Delhi

Visa extensions and permits For visa renewal and permits for restricted states, go to the Foreigners' Registration office is at Hans Bhavan, Mathura Road, near Tilak Bridge railway station i (Mon-Fri9.30am-1.30pm&2-4pm, with four passport photographs, Be sure to wait in the right queue - to pay either.

Harminder Bay Beach

This picturesque beach of Harminder Bay is situated 100-km from Port Blair at Hut Bay Island in Andaman and Nicobar. You can travel to this beach by ship from Port Blair. These beautiful beaches are situated at Hut Bay Island at a distance of 100-km from the city of

Hospitals in Delhi

Following is the list of major Hospitals in Delhi with their Phone Numbers AIIMS 91 - 11 - 2686 4851 Bansal Hospital & Res. Ctr. (P) Ltd. 91 - 11 - 2326 1072 Bara Hindu Rao Hospital 91 - 11 - 2291 9706 91 - 11 - 2291 9562 Batra Hospital & Medical Res.

Charities in India

Here are just some of the charities that accept voluntary workers: Denjong Padma Choeling Academy c/0 Sonam Yongda, Pemayengtse Gompa, West Sikkim 737 113 ©03595/50760 & 50141 The academy, with around 200 orphans and destitute children, relies on donations and welcomes voluntary teachers. Sikkim is a restricted area, so you will have