Himachal Pradesh

Jubbal situated in Himachal Pradesh this is the Headquarters of the erstwhile Princely State, Jubbal has a superbly maintained Palace which was designed by a French architect in the 1930 and is remarkable mix of European and indigenous styles.

This is one of the beautiful places which attract tourists from all over. This former hill kingdom is in the hills east of Shimal, near the valley of the Pabbar River, 444 km north east of Delhi. This is one for lovers of reclusive and exclusive natural retreats, connoisseurs of the eccentric a declectic with a yen for the good life. Headquarters of an erstwhile princely state, Jubbal’s newest claim to fame is its superbly refurbished palaceturned heritage property.

You almost expect to walk in and find a sleeping beauty, but it is snow white’s bane that is the fruit of this valley of temples. When your palate wants refreshing after the local dainties, walk into the region’s renowned orchards for a bite of the local crop non pareil apples.

You will be torn between the orchards on the slopes and the river nearby. If you are not that keen on nature, you could sample the thousand year old temples of Durga and Siva. Also consider the challenge of driving almost 22 km in the hills before setting out on shank’s pony to a mountain lake or tribal villages not linked by road.

A 3 half hours drive out of Shimla brings you to this fairy tale palace. Perched in a little hollow amid the hills, Jubbal Palace looks gingerbread enough to eat. Himachali Gothick, Architecture buffs can debate it through, but you won’t care once firmly ensconced in its art deco interiors.

Hatkeshwari Temple and Shiva Temple

The Hatkeshwari Temple is not one of those five-by-five bathroom-titled rooms that are passed off as “ancient” temples in tourist brochures. Locals believe the Pandavas first built this temple during their exile. However, experts date it to between 800 and 1000 AD. It was originally built in the Shikhara Style, but was later restyled by a ruler of the erstwhile Jubbal princely state in the late-19th century. It now looks like a two-story pagoda in slate and deodar wood. However, the sanctum sanctorum and the idol remain unchanged.

The Shiva Temple, though built a little later, actually looks older because of its stonewalls and the idols carved on them. Here, the restyling was limited to the roof andthe temple remains a squat, single story structure. Check out the five deols, or devalayas – small stone temples — to its left. They represent the shikhara style and remain unchanged. Hatkoti is a very small village and its inhabitants begin and end their day at these temples. VIPs and devotees from other parts of the state pass through from time to time. but crowds are practically unknown. Try not to miss the evening aarti. It is a very soothing experience, sans loudspeakers and bhajans that are parodies of Bollywood numbers.

Famous Palace Around Jubbal

Khara Pathar 9 km

Just before Hatkoti, Khara Pathar towers at 8,770ft. Apart from the apple orchards, deodars and pines crowd its slopes. A 7 km jeep track from here leads up to the Giri Ganga Temple, near the source of the Giri.

Rohru 31 km

Rohru is Shimla district’s apple hub and the hills surrounding this town and Hatkoti are covered with orchards. Though the best time to see ripe fruit is in April, a breathtaking sight of pale white blooms. Just be careful not to trespass.

A modest town 31 km beyond Jubbal, this is a major centre for the apple trade and has the only running HPTDC hotel in this belt. Rohru also has a temple dedicated to Shikhru Devta, a local deity.

Kotkhai 33 km

At a height of 5,774 ft, this is the point of entry to the apple country stretching past Rohru. But the major attraction in Kotkhai is its beautiful palace with exquisite, heavily cared wooden pillars.

Chirgaon 40 km

The motorable road ends here. Two small streams, Andhra and Gumma, join the Pabbar River. Adventure seekers can take off from here on a long trek to Dodra Kwar, the remotest village across the 13,845 ft Chansal Pass, which remains open from May to October. Chirgaon also boasts a trout hatchery.

Getting There

Road Ways: The only way to reach Jubbal from Shimla 97 km is by road NH22 via Kufri and Theog, then SH10 to Chhaila, 13km away, then on to Kothai, another 19km away, then Khara Pathar 24 km away an dthen another 9 km to Jubbal. The drive from Delhi takes 11 hours.

Nearest Railway Station: Kalka 191 km/ 6 hours. Taxi to Jubbal Costs Rs 2,000.

Where to Stay and Eat

The Jubbal Palace (Telephone: 01781-252001-02. Tariff Rs 4,500)

Para gliding is the fundamental form of human flight and here in the essentials are on porous sail cloth with collapsible wing made of light wright space age material. While para gliding you can sail up to a height of 12 mts. The best time to enjoy this sport in Himachal Pradesh is when the Himalayan Para Gliding Open Championship is in its full swing.

The most celebrated destination for para gliding in Himachal is Bir and Billing, proudly known as the paragliding capital of India. The bald peaks of Billing and the Buddhist monastery at Bir in Kangra Valley are the host of three international and five national hang gliding rallies. Though this sport might be categorized as recent and nascent, but with due course of time it has gained huge recognition in the world. Due to the deep valleys this sports is possible all over the state. The other major spots that provides the options for this adventurous sport regularly are Bundla Dhar near Bilaspur, at Intkali in the Pabbar Valley near Rohu and in Kangra Valley. Other options for para gliding in Himachal Pradesh are In Kullu, you enjoy para gliding at hill tops like Bijli Mahadev, Rohtang Pass, Kothi and Solang Nallah. All the beginners should try their hands in Solang and Bijli Mahadev. Bilaspur is also one of the most favored destination for this sport.

Paragliding in Himachal Pradesh

Kangra valley is the main center for paragliding in Himachal Pradesh. Bir and Billing in Kangra are considered to be among the hottest venues for enjoying both paragliding and hang gliding. The sport is possible at various other places in the state too including Bundla Dhar near Bilaspur, in the Kullu valley and at Intkali in the Pabbar valley near Rohru in Shimla district.

The Himachal Aero Adventure Institute Bilaspur runs paragliding courses for Bilaspur, which is fast turning into one of the most popular sites for paragliding all over the world. You can enjoy paragliding in Himachal Pradesh even if you are not an accomplished para glider. Not only do you get to witness professional and amateur pilots glide to glory, you can also soar with them.

Himachal Tourism conducts paragliding training programs and events from time to time, at different parts of the state. Equipments for paragliding are available at Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation. The department also provides guides and instructors for tourists’ benefit.

If you wish to enjoy Paragliding in Himachal Pradesh, keep the following things in mind.

1. Physical and mental fitness are of utmost importance for the sport.
2. You should refrain from indulging in the sport if you are a patient of high/low blood pressure or are overweight.
3. Follow the safety instructions given by the instructor under all circumstances.

Chadwick Falls of Shimla is one of the beautiful tourist attractions in the state. The place attracts most of the tourists that visit Shimla round the year. It is just 7 km from Shimla. The Chadwick Falls is located 45 minutes walk away from the Summer Hills of Shimla. Sheltered by dense woods, the cascade falls in its glorious splendour, from an awesome altitude of 1586 meters. The best time to visit the falls is after the monsoons. Private taxis are available from Shimla to Chadwick Falls.

The surrounding environment of pine and deodar trees adds serenity and beauty to the Chadwick Falls. The water of the falls is chilly and refreshing, the quantity of which is generally increased after the monsoon is over in the month of September. After the monsoon, the cascade looks dazzling; like scattered crystals. The view of this sparkling waterfall eases eyes of everyone and surprises them at the amazing gift of the nature. This beautiful gift of nature pleases tourists for years and invites them to Shimla repeatedly.

There are some ancient temples in the vicinity of the Chadwick Falls. Local people of the region also celebrate an annual festival in the month of April. Succinctly, Chadwick Falls is an ideal place to savour nature in its quiet glory, where woods which are lovely, dark and deep, whisper to you that there are many promises to keep, to the world, but more importantly to yourself.

Angling is a fast developing sport in India, and the northern state of Himachal Pradesh at the foothills of the Himalayas, is fast emerging as the prime angling destination in the country.

Angling is a form of fishing which is often used synonymously with terms like ‘sport fishing’ and ‘recreational fishing’. Angling in Himachal Pradesh can be nothing short of superb!

The streams of Himachal Pradesh can be categorized as General-Water streams and Trout-Water streams. The main fishes that are available in these streams include Trout and Mahseer, besides some other varieties like Nemacheilus spp, Barilus sp, Schizothoracids Crossocheilus sp, Glyptothorax spp. Etc.

Angling in Himachal Pradesh

One of the major activities, which is favorite among the visitors, is the angling in Himachal Pradesh. Over the years, angling has become a fast developing sport in India, particularly in the northern states of India. Himachal Pradesh is one of the prime angling destinations in India. It is basically a kind of fishing, more of a recreational fishing or sport fishing.

There are numerous small streams and lake that provide superb venue for angling in Himachal Pradesh. These streams can be categorized under General-Water streams and Trout-Water streams, based on the types of fishes found on the stream. The various types of fishes, which are available on the streams for angling, include trout, mahseer, nemacheilus, barilus, schizothoracids crossocheilus and glyptothorax. Brown and Rainblw trouts are the major fishes on the streams.

The state of Himachal Pradesh with numerous streams is a paradise for the anglers.

The streams of Himachal Pradesh teem with numerous fishes, which make it ideal for the anglers to try out their favorite sport. There are various resorts in Himachal Pradesh, which are ideally suitable for angling. The strategic spots for angling, Himachal Pradesh are Rohru, Chirgaon, Tattapani, Katrain, Largi, Banjar and Kasol for trout fishing. For the angling of Mahasheer, the favorite spots are Dehra, Nadaun, Pong Dam and Barot.

For a remarkable and memorable angling experience, you can reach up to the upper streams of Beas and Kullu Valley. Sarvari, Parbati, Sainj, Hurla and Tirthan offers excellent prospect for the angling lovers. There are reservoirs, which offer opportunities for angling in Himachal Pradesh. The major streams of the Himachal Pradesh state , which offers several angling opportunities are Beas, Sutlej, Ravi, Tirthan, Sainj, Uhl, Baspa, Pabar, Lambadug, Giri, Rana, Nugal Gai, Baner and Bata.

For angling in Himachal Pradesh, you need to pay a nominal amount. The best season for trout angling is between 31 March to 31 October. If you are in to Mahaseer angling, the best time for it are January, February, March, April, September, October, November and December.

You will definitely enjoy angling in Himachal Pradesh as there are numerous options for it. Next time, when you visit Himachal Pradesh make sure to try out angling in the streams. Other then angling, you can have various other things to do in Himachal Pradesh.

Himachal is the hub of adventure activities in India, has something to offer for every one. The adrenaline pumping skiing to mountain biking, tiring trekking and adventurous gliding adds to the glamour of Himachal Pradsh. But for those who want to spend some quite time, with small group of family or friends, Himachal Pradesh has something different on its platter of sports activities. Golf, the favorite past time of people globally has a strong presence in Himachal Pradesh. There are few Golf courses in Himachal Pradesh, which are among the best Golf courses in India. The Golf courses in Himachal Pradesh are carved out on the plain surfaces between Himalayan mountains. The Golf links are very well maintained. Not only Golf lovers, but also tourists visit the Golf grounds, as the courses are very picturesque.The view of towering Himalayan range from these Golf grounds is awesome.

While other destinations in India also boast of reasonably good golf clubs, Golf in Himachal Pradesh can be nothing short of superb!

Golf in Himachal Pradesh is complemented with some excellent facilities and the standards set at the premier clubs are quite high. Enjoy an exciting golfing experience at Himachal Pradesh amidst the cheer and support of your family and friends!

Some of the most popular destinations for Golf in Himachal Pradesh are:

Annandale in Shimla

There is a nine hole golf course managed by the army in Annandale in Shimla.

Khajjiar in Chamba

Another wonderful option for enjoying Golf in Himachal Pradesh is the magnificent dale at Khajjiar, located 22 km from Dalhousie and 24 km from Chamba.

Naldehra Golf Course

Naldera lies at an altitude of 3,044 at a distance of about 22 km. from Shimla. The place offers one of the oldest and finest golf courses in India. This par 68, nine-hole course is set amidst thick forests and ranks as one of the most challenging in the country. The course was originally set up in 1903 by Lord Curzon, the then viceroy of India. He was so enthralled by this scenic spot, that he named one of his daughters ‘Naldera’ after the spot. Besides the above mentioned spots, there are various other golf courses coming up in other parts of Himachal Pradesh.

The most important buildings are churches in Himachal Pradesh. As Christianity made a late appearance in Himachal Pradesh, after the arrival of the British. The churches in Himachal Pradesh are not more than 150 years old. Tall churches-the relics of the Raj, are to be found mainly in the small hill stations that the British created as summer retreats. The second oldest church of Northern India’s also in Himachal Pradesh. Churches IN Himachal Pradesh are the main tourist attraction. Churches of Himachal Pradesh show the history of state. Main churches in Himachal Pradesh are Christ Church, Kasauli, Christ Church, Shimla, St. Johns Church, Dalhousie, and St. Patrick’s Church.

Christ Church – Shimla

Situated on the Ridge is Christ Church in Himachal Pradesh, which is the second oldest church in NorthernIndia. It has a very majestic appearance and inside there are stained glass windows which represent faith, hope, charity, fortitude, patience and humility. Christ Church in Himachal Pradesh is a place all visitors should spend some time in. It was designed by Colonel JT Boileau in 1844, but consecrated only after 1857.The clock was donated by Colonel Dumbleton in 1860, and the porch added in 1873.In fact it has become synonymous with Shimla and no picture of two Town is complete without it. The Christ Church, with its tall spire dominates the ridge in Shimla. This imposing structure is visible from as far away as Tara Devi, 8 km away. The Christ Church of Himachal Pradesh was designed to accommodate the entire Shimla congregation. Various memorials and stained glass windows fill the somber interior with color and light of Christ Church in Himachal Pradesh.

Christ Church – Kasauli

Kasauli is still unspoilt and very much as the British left it fifty years ago. Christ Church is very fine old church in Himachal Pradesh. It is a typically angular structure of representing the old time. Its foundation stone was laid in 1884. Well proportioned, its spires, buttresses and gothic arches are framed against the stately deodars.

St. John’s Church – Dalhousie

This Church stands on the Gandhi Chowk approximately 2 kms. from the main bus stand of Dalhousie. Church was the first to be built after the town of Dalhousie was founded. The church building stands in a good condition but its surroundings demand much better care. Service is conducted on every Sunday. There is a library situated just at the left side of the enterance gate. You can relax and find some really useful material regarding Dalhousie here. You can see many old and rare photographs of the British time. This library is worth visiting for those who seek a good knowledge about Dalhousie. Reverend John H. Pratt was its first paster in 1863. Its architectural design is Victorian.

St. Patrick’s Church

This Church is situated in Baloon, Dalhousie Cantt., on Military Hospital road approximately 2 kms. from main bus stand. St. Patrick’s Church is the largest church in Dalhousie having a seating capacity of 300 persons in its main hall. The Church was built in the year 1909 and the dressed-stone building is still in good condition. This Church was built exclusively from contribution made by officers and ranks of the British Army. At present the Church is managed and maintained by the Catholic Diocese of Jalandhar.