National parks in Himachal Pradesh

 

The North Indian state of Himachal Pradesh is located in the Himalayas. The untouched densely forested valleys, snow-capped mountains, and gushing rivers make up for the best natural habitat for many wildlife. The wooded landscapes of the Himachal Pradesh are blessed with some of the endangered and indigenous species of animals and reptiles and rare – migratory species of birds. The natural vegetation also hides a plethora of unique flora many of which have medicinal value too. These wonders of nature are preserved and protected within areas that have been identified and demarcated as national parks in Himachal Pradesh. If you ever visit this gorgeous heaven in the Himalayas, make sure you also explore these national parks to witness the real beauty and richness of this India state.

Best Time To Visit Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh is a destination that can be visited throughout the year and you can rest assured that the experience will be different in a good way each time you visit. But the best time to explore places in Himachal Pradesh is in the season of Spring and Summer which is between the months of February and June. This is the time when the valleys are at their greenest, the flowers bloom adding more colour to the whole landscape, and ice melting from the snow-capped mountains swell the rivers. It is also a great time to explore the wildlife of the Himalayas as many animals that were hybernating come out and can be spotted.

Himachal Pradesh is addressed to be amongst the most gorgeous states in North India.  Himachal Pradesh is acknowledged as one of the best and beautiful places for weekend getaways. In the summer season, Himachal Pradesh is the most visited places and the most appropriate time to visit is between April to June. In winters, if you are in a mood to experience the snowfall then the best time is between October to February.

1. Great Himalayan National Park – Admire Wildlife

Great Himalayan National Park is one of the well known national parks in Himachal Pradesh. Located in the Banjaar sub-division of Kullu district, Great Himalayan National Park is natural heaven in Himachal Pradesh. Constituted in 1984, GHNP was officially declared as a National Park in 1999. Located in the far Western Himalayas, this national park is one of the newest additions to the grid of wildlife reserves in the Himalayan region.

In 2014, the Great Himalayan National Park received the status of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its wonderful contribution towards biodiversity conservation. About 10,000 plant species are found here, including herbs that have medicinal value. The national park is also home to a huge fauna including 31 mammal species, 209 bird species, and many other amphibians, reptiles, and insects. Species which are found here are like Greater Blue Sheep, Indian Pika, Rhesus monkey, Himalayan black bear, Himalayan brown bear, Red fox, Mongoose, Rufous-gorgeted flycatcher, Plum-headed parakeet, Black-chinned babbler, Crimson Sunbird, and Grey-hooded warbler

Location: Forest Office Rd, Shamshi, Himachal Pradesh 175126

Entry Fee: INR 50

Timings: 10 am – 5 pm

2. Pin Valley National Park – Relax In Natural Beauty

Located within Lahaul and Spiti District, the Pin Valley National Park is a lush hilly landscape in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The park that extends towards the South of Dhankar Gompa close to the Tibetan border, was established on 9 January 1987 by India. Pin Valley National Park comes within the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve of the Himalayan Region and is located at an elevation ranging from approximately 3,500 meters (11,500 ft) near Ka Dogri to above 6,000 meters (20,000 ft) at its highest point.

Various endangered species including the snow leopard and Siberian ibex find their natural habitat in the higher altitudes within the area that remain snow-capped and unexplored. The higher altitudes also limit the growth of vegetation which is limited to the Alpine trees and Himalayan Cedar groves. Around 22 rare and endangered plant species with high medicinal value have also been identified in the region. The Pin Valley National Park also sees some rare bird species during summer. Pin Valley National Park is the second most popular national parks in Himachal Pradesh.

Species found here,Snow Leopard, Siberian Ibex, Himalayan snowcock, Chukar Partridge, Snow Partridge, and Snowfinch.

Location: Kaza, Valley, Himachal Pradesh 172117

Entry Fee: Free

Timings: 6 am – 6 pm

3. Inderkilla National Park -View Flora and Fauna

Inderkilla National Park in Himachal Pradesh was established in 2010. It is spread across an area of 104 square kilometers (40 square miles). The national park is located in the Kullu district and 46.1 kilometers away from the Kullu Manali Airport. Located in the Himalayan region, the Inderkilla National Park preserves a wide variety of flora and fauna.

The densely forested and hilly terrain of this national parks in Himachal Pradesh is home to many rare and endangered plant, animal, bird and insect species. A trail through the Inderkilla National Park will provide you the chance of spotting these animals in their natural habitat. You would also find plants that have rich medicinal value. This is one of the least explored national parks in Himachal Pradesh.

Location: Kullu, Himachal Pradesh 175140

Entry Fee: N.A

Timing: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

4. Khirganga National Park – Thrill of Wild Bears

Khirganga National Park is located 50.5 kilometers away from the Kullu Manali Airport in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh. The national park is situated at a height of around 5,500 meters and is spread across an area of about 710 square kilometers (270 square miles) of the Parvati Watershed. Khirganga National Park was established in the year 2010.

The park shares boundary to the North of the Great Himalayan National Park and was going to be merged with it to make the supervision easier. It protects a wide biological diversity. You can combine your visit to this national park with your Kheerganga trek. The best time to visit this place is either April to June or between September to November. October is a month that has pleasant weather and does not see much of a crowd. Species like wild bears are found here.

Location: Kullu, Himachal Pradesh 175134

Entry Fee: N.A

Timing: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM

5. Simbalbara National Park – Sustenance of Nature

Located in the Paonta Valley of Sirmour District, Simbalbara National Park is a protected area in Himachal Pradesh. The national park was established in 1958 as the Simbalbara Wildlife Sanctuary covering an area of 19.03 square kilometers. In 2010, it was turned into a national park by merging an additional 8.88 square kilometers of the area to its boundaries. The Simbalbara National Park is now spread across 27.88 square kilometers (10.76 square miles).

The park has been preserved in its natural form by the Himachal Pradesh Travel and Tourism department. The perennial stream in the valley also comes within the boundary of the national park. Simbalbara National Park features thick Sal forests with grassy undergrowth. The best time to visit this national parks in Himachal Pradesh is in the months of October and November. You can also enjoy walking trails through the nearby forested area.Species like are Goral, Sambhar, Spotted Deer, Chittal, Himalayan black bear, Hanuman langurs, Indian muntjacs are found here.

Location: State Highway 6A, Dhaula Kuan, Himachal Pradesh 173021

Entry Fee: N.A

Timing: N.A

Festivals of Himachal Pradesh

 

Himachal Festivals.

Himachal in fact can be termed as a mini India. Here people of different racial stocks have come together and mingled in the main stream of national life, to make this land a composite of different cultures. Festivals enliven social life and unite the people by bringing them together in joyful celebration of significant events and in shared remembrance of a common past. All the fairs and festivals celebrated in Himachal Pradesh are the result of cultural values, economic needs and time, which have been realised by the inhabitants from time to time and later given the shape of tradition. The main population in Himachal Pradesh consist of Hindus and the percentage of Hindus in Himachal Pradesh is 98%. That is why festivals and fairs here have direct origin in religion and in the myths and legends of popular faith.On the day of festival, people in Himachal Pradesh generally keep themselves free from routine work. They cook special food, must bath, wear neat and clean clothes and worship at the temple with traditional identity. Songs and dance are common features on such occasion. For them, even a small event is big enough to be celebrated. Some of the important festivals of Himachal Pradesh are given one by one.

List of Important Festivals in Himachal Pradesh :

Chet Festival :

(Dholru) is the first month of the lunar year and the first day of the month is cellebrated with a belief to bring hapiness and prosperity. This festival is known as Chatrali in Kullu and Dholru in Bharmaur area of Chamba district. In district Kangra, Hamirpur and Bilaspur, first day of Chet month hold special importance.

Navratras :

Navratras are celebrated with great interest in Himachal Pradesh. Durga Ashtami is of great importance all over the state. People visit nearest Durga temple to offer prayer during Navratras.

Baisakhi :

It is knows as Bisowa in Kangra, Bissue in Shimla hills and Lisshoo in Pangi-Chamba. This festival is generally celebrated on 13th of April. Preparation for the festival starts much early. The houses are white washed. People take holy dip at Haridwar, Tattapani near Shimla, Banganga near Kangra, Markanda near Bilaspur. During day time, Baisakhi fair is held at many places with traditional gaiety and attraction. Women's participation in large number add special color to the festive mood of the people.

Haryali :

It is also known as Shegtsum in Lahaul, Dhakhrain in Jubbal and Kinnaur. This festival is celebrated on the Ist Sawan - 16th July. Few days before the festival, seeds of five to seven kinds of grains are sown together in small basket full of earth by any member of the family near the place of the household deities. Stems are offered to household deities and are also placed on the upper frame of the door. Farmers do not yoke oxen on this day. Blood sucking insects like Lice, Bugs, Flees etc. are burnt with cowdung balls. People in Kinnaur district garland village deity with wild flowers. Dancing and singing is a common practice during the festival.

Rakhi :

Rakhi is one of the major festivals celebrated all over India. It is known as Rakhrunya in Mandi district, Salunnu in Sirmaur district and Rakhpunya in Shimla district. It is well known as 'Rakhri' in most of the Himachal Pradesh. It is celebrated on the moon full in Shrawan, when sister ties sacred thread round the wrist of her brother and seeks protection and affection in exchange. Brother too give her, either money or some other gift with sweets.

Chrewal :

It is also known as Prithvi pooja in some places. It is celebrated on the Ist of Bhadon - middle of August. This continues for full one month. The farmers do not yoke oxen during this month. In Kullu, this festival is known as Badranjo. In Chamba, it is called Pathroru. It is a festival of flowers here. This is an occasion of great celebration, particularly for girls who dance on this day.

Jagra :

It is a rite offered to any village deitiy. This is commemorated each year on the fourth day of the month of September. Mahasu Devta (deity) is worshipped in upper Shimla hills, Kinnaur and Sirmaur regions of the state. Singing and dancing is the common feature of the festival.

Phulech :

Celebrated only in Kinnaur region in the month of Bhadon or in the beginning of Asauj. People from each household proceed towards hilltops to collect flowers, which are offered to village deity and afterwards these flower garlands are distributed among the people. Priest makes forecasts about crops and changes in seasons etc. Priest's words are taken for granted by local people.

Sair :

It is celebrated in the month of September in new Himachal. This is a Bara-Din (Big day) of the hillmen. Rich food is prepaired on the first day of the month and people worship their local deity for prosperous future.

Jidjed :

It is a religious festival, takes place in the month of October at 'Thang-gyud Monastery' In the month of October, a similar festival called Guitor is held in the Monasteries at Ki, Tabo, Dankar and Pin Spiti subdivision.

Dushehra :

Celebrations of Dushehra are same in all the places of India. It is celebrated on the month of Spetember or October. On Dashmi - 10th day of celebration, people make a bonfire of effigies of Ravna, Kumbhkarna and Meghnatha. It symbolises victory of good over evil. Dushehra of Kullu is famous all over the world.

Diwali :

Diwali is the most famous festival of India. It is the festival related to returning of Lord Rama to home after killing Ravna. It is celebrated in the month of October or November. The festival is locally known as 'Diali. Preparation for the festival starts much early. The houses are white washed. People buy new clothes and new toys for their children. People exchange sweets and other things with each other. Alomost all the bazar are overcrowded on this day and there are celebrations in the air. At night people perform Lakhshami Pooja and after that whole state comes to a new life when children and young ones indulge in Fireworks.

Lohri :

In some areas, it is also known as Maghi or Saza. It is celebrated on the Ist of Magh - mid January. People celebrate it more as a continuation of the season of festivals. After finishing agricultural activities, they feast and celebrate and avail themselves of the time to meet their relatives. This festival continues for 8 days. On 8th day, people make get together and show social solidarity. Dance and music goes on for the whole night.

Gochi :

It is a festival organised in Gumrang Kothi in Keylong and adjoining areas, falling sometime in January or February. Date for the celebrations is decided by the Lamas on the basis of their astrological calculations. This festival is celebrated jointly by all the families, where male child were born in the preceding year.

Lossar :

This festival is celebrated in the entire tribal belt of Himachal Pradesh and in the Tibetan colonies at Manali, Shimla, Dharamshala, Solan and Baijnath. The old Buddhist shrine, celebrating Padamsambhava's marriage with a local Princess at Rewalser in Mandi district also emerges as a pivotal attraction for these religious celebrations. This festival means a beginning of a new year and is held in the last week of February.One can witness a Chham dance, various mask dances and dramas remniscent of the post Buddhist culture with traditional orchestra.

Shivratri :

It is celebrated in the month of February. The western part of India is influenced greatly by the mythology of Lord Shiva. This festival is given the greatest importance even in temples. Some people keep fast on this day. Images of Lord Shiva and Parvati are made from cowdung or earth soil for worshipping. Songs in praise of Shiva and Parvati are sung. This is the festival of great significance in the life of hill people. Shivratri of Mandi ranks above all in Western Himalayas. Mandi town is tastefully decorated and thousands of hill fork arrived in their traditional dresses participate in the fair.

Halda :

It is celebrated especially by the people of Chandra and Bhaga Valleys in December or January in Lahaul and Spiti district. It is like a Diwali festival for them. Though it is a festival of light, no lamps or candles are lighted except that two or three persons from every household carry burning sticks of pencil, thin cedar in their hands to be piled together to make a bonfire and later to be ceremoniously thrown towards the villages of Gushal and Kardang.

Nawala :

Gaddis of Kangra, Chamba, Mandi and Kullu celebrate this festival, when a household individually collects enough money for celebration. Nawala, in fact, is a thanks giving ceremony to Lord Shiva, who is worshipped at the time of misfortune and clamiti. Devotional songs in praise of Lord Shiva are sung throughout the night.

Traditional dresses of Himachal Pradesh

 

Traditional Himachal Pradesh Dresses - The Cultural Identity of Himachal

Himachal Pradesh is the Indian state which resides in the lap of mighty Himalayas. The natives of the state are known as 'Pahari'. The culture of Himachal Pradesh is rich in diversity and traditions, and thanks to the lofty terrains and challenging reach, it is not yet influenced by the western glitters, largely. There are many communities, many religions, and people from different castes that dwell in harmony in this state. Their cultures are exhibited in their traditions, rituals and their dresses.

The attire of Himachal people is very beautiful and vibrant. And it's made according to the harsh weather conditions that linger all year round. Warm and cosy, the handwoven dresses are an attraction for people who visit the state from other parts of the country and world. Right from the caps to the dresses to the footwear, most of it is weaved manually. The handloom has risen to become the cultural identity of Himachal Pradesh.

Traditional Himachal Pradesh Dresses of Men

There are mainly two classes in which the community of Himachal Pradesh has been divided: Rajput and Brahmins. The attires are largely identical, but some differences can be noted. Rajput Men wear tight Churidar Pyjamas with kurta and long silk overcoat over it. The overcoats are designed with yak leather and gold threads which help them keep warm. They wear a turban on their heads which are colour-dyed and starch-stiffened. Himachali topis along with moustaches are considered as a symbol of pride and honour among the Rajputs. Brahmin Men can be seen wearing kurta and pyjama along with a waistcoat or an overcoat and. Priests mostly wear white clothes and a small soft towel-like cloth on their shoulders.

For occasions and festive ceremonies, men wear new kurta pyjamas along with embroidered caps or topis and sometimes shawls.  

Pahari Topi (Source)http://

Traditional Himachal Pradesh Dresses of Women

Rajput women wear long kurtas stretching from their neck to their toe. This began following the purdah (veil) system which is no more prevalent in the region. They also wear Ghaghris, Salwar-Kameez and Cholis. Cholis are the shirts which are worn on the upper part with a long skirt and a lot of bangles.

Brahmin women also wear similar clothing like salwar kameez and ghagra choli. For occasions and celebrations like weddings, they wear long pyjamas, traditional ghagra choli woven at homes with intricate embroidery and new rings and bangles. Footwear is designed by grass and animal skin to keep the feet warm.

Source

Traditional Jewelry & Ornaments of Himachali Women

There are many ornaments and jewelry that are worn by both Brahmin and Rajput women: Chakk (silver domed and worn on the top of head), Chanderhar (necklace or pendant worn in weddings), Chiri (similar to maangtika), Toke (wristbands), Pari (foot necklace), Jhumka (earrings), etc.

Pashmina Shawl

It is a kind of Shawl that is made from the hair of Pashmina goat. These shawls are demanded all over the world throughout the year. The special trait of this shawl is that it is very light weighted and soft but still keeps warm in harsh and cold winter. They are sold in different colour shades with intricate embroideries and delicate designs which make them very costly at times. To the Pashmina fibre, some soft silk is also added to make it feel smoother and shine brighter.

Source

Caps and Shawls from Kullu

The best souvenir to take home when you visit Himachal are the caps of Kullu. The traditional but stylish and trendy headwear is worn by most people in Himachal and is sold to many tourists as well. It is circular in shape with some beautiful design facing the front weaved in wool or cotton and sometimes velvet. They get the name from the source Kullu, a place in Himachal but are now available across the state. Kullu is also popular for its shawls which come in many designs and shades. They are designed geometrically and often on the boundaries. Some designs are inspired by plants and animals which are woven on the base of lighter colours like white, grey, lime or off-white. They are made from lamb wool, pashmina fibres, Angora or Yak wool. The costs depend on the availability of the wool.

Tribal Himachali Dresses

There are many tribes that exist in Himachal Pradesh in regions like Kinnaur, Lahaul, Spiti and few areas of Manali. Kinnaur is a beautiful valley in the northeastern part of Himachal Pradesh, and dresses are Kinnaur are quite popular all over the country. Some popular items are Dohru, stall, and Bushehri topi. Women can be seen wearing bulky silver ornaments, especially in functions and events like marriages and religious gatherings. Tribal people from Lahaul- Spiti district also wear attractive garments in eloquent colours. Traditional attire for men in Manali includes 'Sultan' (on the lower part of the body) and 'Chola' (on upper part) with a belt called 'Dora'. Women wear long shawl called 'Pattoo' and Dhatu' or 'Thipu' on their heads. The tribal dresses are mostly hand woven and are therefore so popular. People of Himachal Pradesh are fond of wearing traditional and ethnic costumes. They feel pride in it and want to protect and safeguard their ethnicity and diversity which has made its mark across the world. Alongside Brahmins and Rajputs, there are many tribes which dwell in the hilly state. Some of them are Gaddis, Gujjars, Kinnars, lahaulis and Pangawals. Their ethnic costumes are also similar to Rajputs and Brahmins.

Kinnauri Woman (Source)

The western influence is not yet prominent but has become visible in the young generations. Shirts and Jeans among males and tops and skirts among females are worn by the younger people of the state.  Ethnic attire is preferred during rituals and ceremonies, The dresses and attires which are worn are not only derived from their rich culture but also help them to tackle rough weather conditions of the Himalayas. And this brilliant creativity has now turned into a prospering handloom business exporting products around the world.

Traditional and famous dishes of Himachal Pradesh

 

Famous dishes of Himachal PradeshMittha

Sidu

Babru

Chana Madra

Auriya Kaddoo or Kadoo Ka Khatta

Chha Gosht

Patande

Kullu Trout

Akotri

Tudkiya Bhath

Bhey

Mash Daal

Himachal Pradesh apart from being blessed with breathtaking natural beauty, is also a tasteful blend of exquisite Pahari cuisine that gives any traveller more than just one reason to fall in love with this beautiful mountains dotted state. Himachali or Pahari cuisine has a unique aroma and flavour to it due to the usage of a lot of yoghurt and cardamom and cooking on slow flame. One can clearly see that the Himachali dishes have a lot of influence of Punjabi and Tibetan style of food.

The availability of vegetables is a challenge in the hilly and cold terrain of Himachal Pradesh hence, most of the traditional dishes are either non-vegetarian, make use of different types of lentils in them or both. The use of varied spices like chillies, cardamom, cinnamon, turmeric and coriander powder is common and make the food rich and spicy; very much to the delight of the tourists that flock to this part of the country almost all year long. The Pahari folk also use a lot of dairy products, especially buttermilk, curd and ghee to make their food even more delectable.

There are a lot of restaurants all over Himachal Pradesh which serve authentic Pahari food for you to enjoy and imprint on your minds. So, if you are planning to go to the land of the majestic Himalayas for your next vacations, you should definitely give a try to these amazing dishes from Himachal Pradesh.

1. Dham

No festivities of Himachal are considered complete without Dham. It is a dish prepared by the Brahmins of the regions of Chamba by cooking red kidney beans (rajma), green lentils (moong daal) and rice in curd. It is served teamed with mash daal, boor ki kari and sweet and sour sauce made from tamarind and jaggery (gur). It is traditionally served on plates made out of leaves.

2. Mittha

Mittha as the name suggests is a local dessert of Himachal Pradesh. It is prepared with sweetened rice mixed with a generous helping of raisins and other dry fruits.

3. Sidu

Sidu is a local bread made from wheat flour. The flour is kneaded and set aside for some hours for the yeast to settle and the dough to rise. This dough is put on direct flame of bonfire to be par-cooked and then later steamed to complete the cooking. This distinct bread is usually enjoyed with ghee or butter alone or can be savoured with mutton or daal as well.

4. Babru

Babru is like a Himachali variation of the popular kachoris. It is made by stuffing soaked and ground black gram daal paste to kneaded dough patties. These patties are then rolled and deep fried and served with tamarind chutney.

5. Chana Madra

Madra is a form of yoghurt and chickpea flour based gravy popular in pahar cuisine. Chana Madra is one such dish made with kabuli chane or white chickeas cooked in the gravy seasoned with assorted spices, ginger, garlic and onions.

6. Auriya Kaddoo or Kadoo Ka Khatta

The name itself brings a tangy taste in our mouths. Khatta is indeed a very sumptuous dish made with pumpkin cooked in a spicy and tangy madra gravy and dried raw mango powder or amchoor along with other spices. Other popular vegetable preparations of the region are Sepu Vadi and Gucchi Mattar

7. Chha Gosht

Another of Himachali delicacy, Chha Gosht is a dish that is made with marinated lamb meat cooked in a gravy of gram flour, yoghurt and spices such as cardamom, red chilli powder, coriander powder, bay leaf, asafoetida and ginger-garlic paste.

8. Mash Daal

Mash daal or kali daal is made with split black lentils or ma ki daal. It is soaked overnight, pressure cooked and then simmered in a heavy bottomed pan along with thinly sliced onions, ginger, garlic and spices shallow fried in hot mustard oil to give the comforting mash daal.

9. Patande

A popular breakfast dish of Sirmour district, Patande can rightly be called as Indian pancakes. Ladle full of smooth batter made from wheat flour, milk and sugar are poured on a ghee laden hot griddle and a thin pancakes like those resembling dosa(s) are cooked to make sweet and yummy Patande.

10. Kullu Trout

This fish delicacy made with marinated trout shallow fried in mustard oil with spices is a much loved dish of the Kullu region. Cooked in minimal spices, the dish brings out the natural flavours of the delicious trout.

11. Akotri

Akotri is a typical delicacy of the Northern Hills. It is a type of cake made with buckwheat mixed with wheat that is usually prepared on occasions of festivities.

12. Tudkiya Bhath

A type of pulao, Tudkiya Bhath is made with rice cooked with lentils, potatoes, onions, ginger, garlic and yoghurt and spiced with bay leaf, cardamom, cinnamon, red chilli powder etc. This spicy rice dish is usually served with mash daal.

13. Bhey

A unique dish made from the lotus stems, it is truly a scrumptious. The stems are thinly sliced, washed and boiled then stir fried with onion, ginger-garlic paste, gram flour, cayenne pepper and other spices that renders the dish a distinct taste and texture.