HIMACHAL PRADESH – the land of powdered snow
The eclectic Himachal sits below Kashmir, being the major center of the ancient Silk Route. Visit this state to witness a unique mix of Indian, European & Tibetan elements visible in its architecture, culture & cuisine. The state experiences tropical, temperate as well as the alpine type of climate depending on the elevation of the location, which varies a lot throughout the province. Himachal is famous for its apple orchards, velvet valleys, honeymoon-worthy locations, ethereal temples and colonial pockets that transport you to back to pre-independence era.
A visit to Himachal is incomplete without halting in Shimla. Frequented and patronized by the British, this capital will find you cliché colonial lodges. It is an experience of a lifetime to gaze at the ethereal Himalayan vista from the window of your hotel room. The apple orchards of Himachal and the Tibetan settlements and diners are worth exploring too. Book yourself a ride in the Kalka-Shimla Toy Train as it passes through steep alleys, tunnels & breathtaking views of the cloud covered peaks.
Shimla, Pathankot & Kangra have airports that run flights to Delhi. The Kalka-Shimla Toy Train ferries you from Shimla & Kangra to Punjab & Haryana. Via road, Himachal is covered by the Delhi-Shimla-Kaza route. Other routes to check out are the Delhi-Manali-Leh & Delhi-Dharamsala route.