The earliest known inhabitants of the region were tribals called Dasas. Later, Aryans came and they assimilated in the tribes. In the later centuries, the hill chieftains accepted suzerainty of the Mauryan empire, the Kaushans, the Guptas and Kanuaj rulers. During the Mughal period, the Rajas of the hill states made some mutually agreed arrangements which governed their relations. In the 19th century, Ranjit Singh annexed/subjugated many of the states. When the British came, they defeated Gorkhas and entered into treaties with some Rajas and annexed the kingdoms of others. The situation more or less remained unchanged till 1947. After Independence, 30 princely states of the area were united and Himachal Pradesh was formed on 15th April, 1948. With the recognition of Punjab on 1st November, 1966, certain areas belonging to it were also included in Himachal Pradesh. On 25th January, 1971, Himachal Pradesh was made a full-fledged State.
It is a favorite tourist spot and has picturesque hill stations. It is a perfect tourist destination when it comes to natural beauty. These misty, mystical and serene hill stations in India are a perfect holiday option . Most of the hill stations or resorts here are situated at heights ranging from 600 m above the sea level to 3500 m above the sea level. These Hill stations are popular with both Indian and foreign tourists and offer a relaxing and wholesome break from the heat and dust of the cities. To make these hill stations a luxury trip for tourists, there are various hotels and resorts to cater to their lodging requirements. Hill Resorts offers world-class accommodation facilities to the travelers at most reasonable rates and invite them to enjoy a relaxing holiday . These hill stations act as travel guides to the world of peace and serenity.
Here one can walk across the fields of wild flowers and see the blooming apple orchards, witness the rushing streams cascade down the mountainside, and watch the serenity of the snow-capped Himalayas in the distance. Go mountaineering, camping, trekking and paragliding in these hills and have a holiday of a lifetime.
General Location
| Latitude | 300 22' 40" N to 33o 12' 40" N |
| Longitude | 750 45' 55" E to 79o 04' 20" E |
| Height (From mean sea Level) | 350 meter to 6975 meter |
| Population [2001-Census] | 6077248 persons |
| State Capital | Shimla |
Himachal Pradesh has a varied topography, climate and forest cover and is endowed with a vast variety of flora and fauna. From times immemorial, this tract is known for its wilderness, landscapes, beautiful forests and wildlife. In Himachal Pradesh, out of the total geographical area of 55,670 sqkm, the forest area as per legal classification is 37,691 sqkm. At present there are 32 Sanctuaries, 2 National Parks and 3 Games Reserves.
Himachal was known since the earliest of times as "Devabhoomi", the abode of the Gods. The splendid heights of the Himalyan ranges, with its great scenic beauty and aura of spiritual calm seem the natural home of the Gods. Two thousands or more temples all over the State, reiterate this fact.
Being a State full of isolated valleys and high ranges, several different styles of temple architecture developed and there are temples with carved stone shikharas, pagoda style shrines, temples that look like Buddhist Gompas or Sikh Gurudwaras etc. Several of them are important places of pilgrimage and each year attract thousands of devotees from all over the country.