W for Weekend tourist destinations in HP

This post is written for A to Z Challenge.

W for Weekend tourist destinations in HP

Himachal is at a very approachable distance from the plains. It is also connected by one of the best roads. So many of its hill station becomes an apt weekend destination when you can just rush away from the city life and spend a day in peace and scenic beauty,  then return for your work fresh and rejuvenated.  

Dharamshala Cricket Stadium

Some of these sites are Dharamshala,  Mcleodganj and Dalhousie in Kangra and Chamba region. All these are at a distance of about 110 KM from Pathankot in Punjab and can be reached in about 2 to 3 hrs drive.  I have already discussed about the activities and places of interest in these Dharamshala,  Mcleodganj in my earlier posts. Dharamshala / Mcleodganj can also be reached in five hours drive from Chandigarh which is about 270 kms. 

Mc Leod Ganj Market

Dalhousie is about 120 km from Pathankot in Chamba. Being very close to the plains of Punjab it was established in 1854 by the Britishers in India as a summer retreat for its troops and bureaucrats. It is situated in the Dhauladhar mountain range at height of 2700 mt and is surrounded by snow-capped peaks. The best time to visit is in the summer, and the peak tourist season is from May to September. Scottish and Victorian architecture is prevalent in the bungalows and churches in the town. It is the gateway to the ancient Chamba Hill State (now Chamba district).

Gandhi Chowk Dalhousie

One can just relax in Dalhousie and stroll in the mall to rejuvenate or do shopping in the Sadar Bazaar. The Churches especially St. Patrick church, here are also worth spending some time. Aside one can always spend time in the following places as well.


Khajjiar : Often referred to as Mini Switzerland is worth a visit for its mesmerising scenic beauty.

Khajjiar

Dainkund Peak: is the highest mount in Dalhousie from where one can enjoy 360° view of the entire valley. The sound of the breeze passing through the trees makes a musical sound, due to which this peak has also acquired the name, the singing hill.
The top of this hill is occupied by the Indian Air Force and from there a left turn takes us to the Pholani Devi Temple. One of the most interesting facts about this temple is that, except a trident there is nothing inside the temple premises. In addition, one  can also enjoy trekking on this hill.

Kalatop and Kalatop Forest :  It is a wildlife sanctuary just 6 km from Dalhousie. The entire forest is covered with the thick foliage of deodar trees and is inhabited by Leopard, Bear, Deer, Squirrel, Barking Goral, Serow, Langur, Jackal and Himalayan Black Marten etc.The other vegetation in this sanctuary are blue pine & fir.

From Chandigarh one can also go to Kasauli and Shimla in about four hours. 

Shimla

Kasauli : is a cantonment area just 65 km from Chandigarh en route to Shimla. and can be reached in hardly 2 hrs drive from here. One can enjoy the colonial architecture of the british era or can stroll on the lower and upper mall here. Aside from this one can temples like Monkey Point,  Nihri Temple, Churches and Gurudwara.

Kasauli

Manki point is situated in 'The Air Force Station' near the Lower Mall region about 4 kilometer from the center of town. According to myth at the Ramayana while Lord Hanuman was returning from the Himalayas after acquiring "Sanjivani Booty",touched the hill by one of His foot. Therefore top of the hill is in foot shape. On starry and clear night the stunning view of Chandigarh is seen from Manki Point. Cameras And Cell phones are not permitted inside the station and need to be given at the station gate. 

Manki Point

Manali can also be reached as a weekend destination from Chandigarh. It is at about 250 km and can be reached by overnight Volvo buses.

Manali

All these location can be reached by overnight Volvo (and private tourist buses) from Delhi as well.

So plan your weekends in these hill retreats. I can bet even if you visit repeatedly there would something new to be done always. 

That's all from W. Next is X.

For other posts on Himachal written as part of A to Z Challenge : List of post on Himachal Pradesh written as part of A to Z challenge.

Aditya Sinha

For other participants in the challenge visit : A to Z Challenge

H for Hidamba Temple and all about Manali.

This post is written as a part of A to Z Challenge

H for Hidamba Temple and all about Manali.

Ever thought India would have a temple in the name of a Rakshashi (Monster). Right Hidamba as per mythology and Mahabharata citation was the sister of Hidimb a fearless monster during Mahabharta Era. She had vowed that she would marry the person who would defeat his brother. While in exile, Bhima the second eldest of the Pandavas killed Hidimb and thus married Hidimba. She later gave birth to a son famous as Ghatotkacha in Mahabharata.

Hidamba Temple

Thus, in the land of Sage Manu (Sage who gave Law to India) from where Manali got its name, this Rakshashi is worshipped as a God and there is a temple built around the rock symbolic to Hidamba.

Built in the 16^th century Hidamba Temple is a cave temple covered surrounded by intricately carved wood and structured with a four layered pyramidal top. In the cave is a brass idol of Hidamba Devi. The area is surrounded by tall Cedars and has a magnificent view and gives serene and peaceful hours. Across the road there is another similar temple called the Ghatotkacha temple and is devoted to her son Ghatotkacha, with a feet carved on a monolithic rock symbolic to Hidamba.

The area, aside from the temple visit offers lifetime experience of Yak ride.

The temple is situated around 2km from main Manali Mall Road and can be trekked or by a car which can be driven up to its main entrance.

Aside from the Hidamba temple, Manali as one of the most sought hill station is the center to reach to other tourist spots. In itself Manali has a very short Mall which is thronged by the tourist and has life throughout. The city gets over crowded during the winters especially after a snow fall as it is easily accessible from Delhi, Chandigarh and Pathankot. The area stays covered with snow for most part of winter but can be reached easily.

The snow covered mountains after a snow fall in Manali

The nearest Airport is Bhunter about 50 kms south from where you can take a cab. Otherwise one can easily drive from Delhi (592km), Chandigarh (327 km) and Pathanlkot (325 km). The city is 44 km north of main Kullu city and is on the main NH21. The route is worth a drive and offers magnificent view of the valleys and the mountains.

Manali in Winter

Places you can reach from here are:

Rohtang Pass (56km) - a high mountain pass that connects Manali to the Lahaul Spiti and further to Ladakh region in J&K.

Solang Valley – about 14 km from Manali, on the way to Rohtang gets covered with snow in the winter and offers excellent opportunity for skiing. The giant lawn slopes of Solang Valley further provides great opportunities for other summer and winter sports like parachuting, paragliding, skating, zorbing and skiing.

Bhrigu Lake: name dafter Bhrigu Muni is a picturesque mountain lake located at an elevation of around 4,300 metres and can be reached by trekking from the Vashisht Temple.

Vashishta Temple – About 4 kms from Manali  is named after Vashishta Muni and is famous for hot water springs.

Bijli Mahadev: This is a sacred temple in Himachali culture located at an altitude of 2,460m across the Beas River and provides a panoramic view of Kullu and Paravati valleys. More about this temple when I talk about Q.

Manali Sanctuary is located 2 km from main Mall and is a dense vegetation which offers excellent opportunities for a nature walk, bird watching and observing hordes of the  Ibex migrate to glacial regions during summer.

(On the way to Manali you would come across the Pandoh Dam and The Aut Tunnel – both worth some time. From Aut, you can also go to the Pin Valley National Park (Also called Great Himalayan National Park. You can also enjoy river rafting in Beas at Kullu)

That’s all from H. Tomorrow it would be I.

For other posts on Himachal written as part of Ato Z Challenge : List of post on Himachal Pradesh written as part of A to Z challenge.

Aditya Sinha

For other participants in the challenge visit : A to Z Challenge