A brief info of Himachal Pradesh Tourism

Himachal Pradesh means "Snow-land" is a state of India located in Northern India. It is bordered by Jammu and Kashmir on the north, Punjab and Chandigarh on the west, Haryana on the southwest, Uttarakhand on the southeast and by the Tibet Autonomous Region on the east. The roots of name comes from Sanskrit him 'snow' and anchal 'mountain', by Acharya Diwakar Datt Sharma, one of the state's most eminent Sanskrit scholars.

Himachal Pradesh is famous for its natural beauty, hill stations, and temples. Himachal Pradesh has been ranked tenth in the list of the highest per capita incomes of Indian states and union territories for the year 2014-15. Many perennial rivers flow in the state, and numerous hydroelectric projects set up. Himachal produces surplus hydroelectricity and sells it to other states such as Delhi, Punjab, and Rajasthan. Hydroelectric power projects, tourism, and agriculture form important parts of the state's economy.

The state has several valleys, and about 90% of the population lives in rural areas. Practically all houses have a toilet and 100% hygiene has been achieved in the state. The villages have good connectivity with roads, public health centers, and now with high-speed broadband.

Shimla district has the largest urban population in the state at 25%. It has incorporated environmental protection and tourism development has been aided with a government ban on the use of polyethylene bags, reducing litter, and tobacco products, to aid people's health.

Tourism in Himachal Pradesh is a major contributor to the state's economy and growth. The mountainous state with its diverse and beautiful Himalayan landscapes attracts tourists from all over the world. Several hill stations like Shimla, Mandi, Manali, Dalhousie, Chamba, Kasauli, Dharamsala and Kullu are popular destinations for both domestic and foreign tourists. The state has many important pilgrimage centers with prominent Hindu temples like Naina Devi Temple, Vajreshwari Devi Temple, Jwala Ji Temple, Chintpurni, Chamunda Devi Temple, Baijnath Temple, Bhimakali Temple, Bijli Mahadev,Manu Temple at Shenshar in Kullu district, Renuka Lake and Jakhoo Temple.  Like Uttarakhand, the state is also referred to as "Dev Bhoomi" (which meaning Abode of Gods) due to its mention in ancient holy texts and occurrence of a large number of historical temples in the state. Triund is a famous campsite for travelers and trekkers on the way to Indrahar Pass, Dhauladhar Mountain Range.

The state is also known for its adventure tourism activities like ice skating in Shimla, paragliding in Bir-billing and Solang Valley, rafting in Kullu, skiing in Manali boating in Bilaspur and trekking, horse-riding and fishing in different parts of the state. Spiti Valley in Lahaul & Spiti District situated at an altitude of over 3000 meters with its picturesque landscapes is an important destination for adventure seekers. Great Himalayan National Park (World Heritage site) has very good species of wildlife, Parvati hydro project and sainj hydro project are good tourist destinations. Shakti Maraud area is a very good tracking route, Shanghr  is a very beautiful place in Kullu district. The region also has some of the oldest Buddhist Monasteries in Asia.

The state is also a famous destination for film shooting. Movies like Roja, Henna, Jab We Met, Veer-Zaara, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani and Highway have been filmed in Himachal Pradesh.

Himachal hosted the first Paragliding World Cup in India from 24 October to 31 October in 2015. A venue for paragliding world cup was Bir-Billing, which is 70 km from famous tourist town Macleod ganj, located in the heart of Himachal in Kangra District. Bir-Billing is the center for aero-sports in Himachal Pradesh and considered as best for paragliding spot in India. Buddhist monasteries, trekking to tribal villages, mountain biking are other activities to do here.