Shimla The capital of Himachal Pradesh came into light when the British discovered it in 1819. Till then, it was a part of the Nepalese kingdom. In 1864 Shimla was declared as the summer capital of India. After Independence, Shimla became the capital of Punjab and was later named the capital of Himachal Pradesh. In 1903 a rail line was constructed between Kalka and Shimla. One of the most popular hill Resorts of the North. The town is situated at an altitude of 6810 ft, initially chosen as a sanatorium for invalid European officers, but soon developed into a big hill town and became the summer capital of the country. There are ample opportunities in Shimla for sports.

The snowfall during the winters attract many tourists and accommodation can prove to be difficult.  In the summers one can escape from the scorching heats of the plains and can enjoy the cool breeze at Shimla and in its vicinity.  In summer, Shimla has the attraction of excellent walks and treks against the backdrop of the scenic beauty of wooded ravines, flowers and pines.

Just 40 kms away from Kullu to the north, Manali is situated near the end of the valley on the National Highway leading to Leh. The landscape here is breath taking. One sees well-defined snow capped peaks, the Beas river with its clear water meanders through the town. On the other side are deodar and pine trees, tiny fields and fruit orchards. It is an excellent place for a holiday, a favorite resort for trekkers to Lahaul, Spiti, Bara Bhangal (Kangra), and Zanskar ranges. From temples to antiquity, to picturesque sight-seeing spots and adventure activities, Manali is a popular resort for all seasons and for all travellers.

Kullu was probably the most ancient state next to Kashmir and Kangra. Like other hill states, Kullu had its ups and downs till it was ceded to the British in 1846 according to Lahore agreement, along with other trans-Sutluj states. Kullu valley is gifted every thing that you can imagine. The Marvelous landscapes, hospitable, peaceful & co-operative people having distinct life style & culture are some of the points that separate Kullu from rest of Himachal Pradesh. Kullu has also become the center of many adventure activities like trekking, mountaineering, river-rafting etc. There are many places of pilgrimage like Manikaran, Hadimba, Bijli Mahadev, Vashistha etc....

Dharamshala is a popular hill station located in the Kangra district known for its idyllic surroundings amidst pine trees, tea gardens and snow capped mountains. It is also home to His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. The word Dharamshala means, an inn attached to a temple. Dharamshala's history has been influenced greatly by both Hinduism and Buddhism. Several monasteries were built in the 8th century by the Tibetan immigrants who settled here, though some slowly gave way to Hindu structures. The Hindu inhabitants of the region are the Gaddis who worship Shiva and Durga. Dharamshala was developed as a summer retreat for the British and their troops, who had seized control of the town in 1848.

It later became the administrative capital of Kangra in 1852. However, its days of glory were short lived, as the town suffered a serious setback and the loss of many lives with the earthquake of 1905. Dalhousie-A picturesque and popular hill station, Dalhousie was set up in 1854, as a retreat for the British soldiers and bureaucrats. Located atop the five hills of Kathalagh, Potreyn, Terah, Bakrota and Bhangora, it was named after the British Viceroy Lord Dalhousie. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, and situated on the western side of the mountainous ranges of Dhauladhar, it is known not only for its captivating beauty, but also for the ancient temples, the valleys of Chamba and Pangi which are great trekking grounds.

Chamba The beautiful town of Chamba was founded in the 10th century and is located on the riverbanks of Ravi. Once the erstwhile Pahari capital, Chamba is a popular stopover to the holy town of Bharmour. It has a stunning location sandwiched between the Zanskar and Dhauladhar ranges, and many well-known treks also start from here. Chamba is poetically named after the Champa flower, as well as the patron goddess of the area Champawati. The Chamba school of miniature painting is famous.

(2000 metres 22 km. from Dalhausie and 23 km. from Chamba ) A little out of Dalhousie is a beautiful, charming retreat that makes an ideal day excursion or even an overnight visit. Far from any major town, this tranquil spot has a small lake in the centre, on which is a floating island. Fed by slim streams, this small lake rests in the centre of the large glade of Khajjiar. The glade and the lake are held sacred to Khajjinag - after whom the place is named. Khajjiar has the thick forest of the Kalatop sanctuary surrounding its soft green grass.
It is 1.5 km long and 1 km wide. It is surrounded by cedar (deodar) forest. This is like a magical paradise. A temple dedicated to Khajjinag is also located there. Khajjiar is also called "Mini Switzerland". The lake remains full of water in all the seasons and requires no rain water for survival. Khajjiar is a fine place situated in the middle of dalhousie and Chamba and offers a memorable holiday experience, especially for honeymoon and peaceful stay in the lap of Himalaya. Khajjiar with its beautiful lush green ground, lake, fine walks and two nearby major destinations qualifies as a worthy place to visit. If you are visiting Dalhousie or Chamba, never forget to spend at least a day in Khajjiar.

High up under the snowy peaks, of the Parvati Valley is situated the hot springs at Manikaran. The water from the steaming springs is noted for its healing properties. The springs in the area are hot enough to boil rice in it. Manikaran, a place of pilgrimage for Hindus and Sikhs, has a temple and a gurudwara. It is also a good spot for trout fishing. Sri Ramchandra temple is located in the center of the town and one can have a very good look in and around this temple. The Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurudwara provides some extraordinary sights. One can enjoy a dip in the hot waters from the springs. There are altogether three baths, one is located under the Gurudwara itself and the other two are privately owned and located in guesthouses.

This is the place of Lord Shivanand Shakti, which is known as Chamunda Nandikeshwar Dham. Situated on the banks of Banganga, this Sidhapeeth is a place where Saints and Priests pray amidst natural surroundings. This is the place where the Demons Chand and Mund came to conquer Devi Mahakali and in the fight that ensues, the Devi cut their heads and presented these to Maa Ambika, who in turn told Mahakali that you will be worshipped as Chamunda Devi.

Jwalamukhi is 34-km from Kangra and 56 km from Dharamsala. Recognised as one of the 51 Shaktipiths of India, Jwalamukhi's Devi Temple, tended by the followers of Goraknath, is set against a cliff. The picturesque temple, built against a wooded spur, in the Indo-Sikh style, has a dome that was gilded by Mughal Emperor Akbar. An eternally burning flame that issues from a hollow rock in the sanctum is considered the manifestation of the goddess Devi. During March-April and September-October every year colourful fairs are held during the Navaratra celebrations.

The Brajeshwari Devi temple, located in the old Kangra Township, is said to have been built over the charred breasts of Sati. This shrine, once renown for its great wealth, has been plundered relentlessly over the ages. The first of the plunderers was Mahmud of Ghazni, who looted it in 1009.

A mosque was built on the ruins and a garrison was left behind. 35 years later, the local king regained its possession. The shrine was repaired and a replica of the idol was enshrined. The temple was filled with gold, silver and diamonds only to be ransacked again in 1360 by Firoz Tughlaq. Later Emperor Akbar visited the shrine with his Dewan, Todar Mal and restored it to its former grandeur. The temple was razed to the ground by an earthquake in 1905, but a new one came up the very same year

One of the fiftyone Shakti Peeths, Maa Jwalaji Temple is famous as Sati's tongue fell at this place. Jwala Maa is represented in the form of perpetual Jyotis - the ‘flames".
These flames come out from nine different rocks in the temple. Popularly known as Mahamai Jawala Ji, this place is situated in Kangra Distt. of Himachal Pradesh and connected with Pathankot and Hoshiarpur cities of Punjab.

Naina Devi History of Naina Devi Temple: Near the Shivalik mountain- According to legend, Lord Shiva’s consort Sati once burnt herself alive in Yagna to avenge an insult to Lord Shiva. The distraught Shiva picked her corpse and gyrated his horrified dance.

Then Lord Vishnu unleashed His Chakra and cut the Sati’s body into fifty one pieces to save the earth from Shiva’s wrath. All the fifty one places - where parts of Sati's body fell, became known as Shakti Peeths.It is believed that Sati’s eyes fell at the place where this temple is situated. Therefore, this temple is called Naina Devi. The word Naina is synonymous with Sati’s eyes.Since then, devotees started visiting this temple.. It's surrounded by Govind Sagar lake and Bharka Dam.

Baijnath Temple The District Gazetteer of Kangra has the following observations regarding the Baijnath Temple : * One of the most remarkable monuments of the Bias valley is the temple of Baijnath. The village of that name is situated 23 miles east of Nagarkot, as the crow flies, close to the Mandi border and on the main road which leads from the Punjab plains through Kangra, Kulu, Lahul, and Ladakh to Central Asia.