Main tourist are Shimla, Palampur, Dharamsala, Kullu-Manali and Chamba-Dalhousie. Temples at Bhima Kali, Sarahan, Hatkoti, Jwalajee, Chamunda Devi, Chintpurni, Renuka and Rewalsar, Deoth Siddh and Naina Devi are major attractions for pilgrims. Hang-gliding competitions are held in Kangra valley. Solang Nallah slopes are getting popular for winter sports. There is an art gallery in Naggar and museums in Chamba, Shimla and Dharamsala.The beautiful tourist resort of Khajjair in Chamba district has been christened as the Switzerland of Himachal
| State Capital | Shimla |
| Population ('000s in 1991) | 5,171 |
| Area ('000 sq. km) | 56 |
| Females per 1000 males (1991) | 976 |
| Literacy rate (1991) | 63.9 |
| Ratio of urban population (1991) | 8.7 |
| Net Domestic Product (Rs. million at current prices in 1992-93) | 27,980 |
| Per Capita Income (Rs. at current prices in 1992-93) | 5,355 |
| Principal Language | Hindi and Pahari |
Himachal Pradesh the land of eternal snow peaks, is a charming mountain state. Blessed with charming crystal lakes, pretty flowers, ancient shrines and beautiful people, Himachal Pradesh is one of the loveliest states in India. Himachal Pradesh is bordered on the north by Jammu and Kashmir state, on the west and southwest by Punjab state, on the south by Haryana state, on the southeast by Uttar Pradesh state, and on the east by Tibet (an autonomous region of China). Himachal Pradesh is enveloped by the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges in the northwest, dominated by the great Himalayas in the north and east and marked with lower ridges of the Shivalik ranges in the south-east.
Himachal has five mighty snow-fed rivers flowing through it - the Chenab, Ravi, Beas, Sutlej and Yamuna. Climatically, this state is divisible into two regions - the south which is as warm as the plains, and the north where the summers are temperate and winters are extremely cold.
Himachal Pradesh has a single-chamber legislative assembly with 68 seats. The state sends seven members to the Indian national parliament: three to the Rajya Sabha (Upper House) and four to the Lok Sabha (Lower House). Local government is based on 12 administrative districts. Shimla, also a beautiful hill resort is the capital of this state.
History
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The earliest known inhabitants of this region were tribals called Dasas, who entered the hills from the Gangetic plains, between the third and second millenium B.C. They were joined by the Aryans around 2000 BC and a number of tribal republics, called the janapadas, began to emerge in geographically separate regions of this state. The close of the 10th century saw the entry of Muslim rulers, in North India, through the north western passes. The Mughals were followed by the British, who were so taken up by the beauty of the state, that they made it the summer seat of the British viceroy. After Independence, 30 princely states of the area were united and Himachal Pradesh was formed on 15 April 1948. With the reorganisation of Punjab on November 1, 1966, certain areas belonging to it were also included in Himachal Pradesh. It was declared a state of the Indian Union with Shimla as the capital, on January 25, 1971. Society and culture The population of Himachal Pradesh consists of various hill tribes, all speaking their own languages. These tribes include the Gadis, Gujaris, Kinnauris, Lahulis, and Pangwalis. More than 95 percent of the people are Hindus, although the caste system of social groupings is less rigid than elsewhere in India. Sikh, Muslim, Buddhist, and Christian minorities total about five percent of the population. Himachalis lead a simple and quiet life, tending their orchards, fields and flocks. Hindi (the official state language) and Pahari are the principal languages. Economy and Infrastructure The state. s economy is almost entirely based on the land, with about 80 per cent of the people depending on farming, horticulture, and livestock raising for their livelihood. The main crops are wheat, corn (maize), barley, rice and potatoes. One of the chief fruit and vegetable producing states in India, Himachal Pradesh produces apples, plums, peaches, apricots, and pomegranates, as well as ginger and mushrooms. Hotels of Himachal Pradesh The State has hotels of star and non star category catering to the needs of the tourists visiting Himachal Pradesh. Besides it has resorts, restaurants and cafés which cater to the needs of all segment of travelers. | |
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