Himachal Pradesh

Foothills of the Himalayas

By Patanjali Somayaji

Foothills of the HImalayas

Himachal Pradesh is a predominantly mountainous state of India at the foothills of the Himalayas. The state is spread across mountains and valleys with perennial rivers flowing through and providing water to both the Indus and Ganges basins since ancient times.

Valleys, villages and roads seen against the backdrop of mountains as far as the eye can see.

"DevBHOOMI"/LAND OF THE GODS

Himachal Pradesh is home to innumerable temples giving it the nickname - "Devbhoomi", which translates to "Land of the Gods".

The "Baijnath" Shiva Temple near Kangra is an old temple that has been continuously under worship since its construction in 1204 AD. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva in his avatar as "Baijnath" - Physician of the Gods.

Dharamshala cricket stadium

At an altitude of 1457m, and with the Himalayas as the backdrop, the picturesque Dharamshala Cricket Stadium is one of the most beautiful places to watch the gentleman's game.

INDIA MEETS TIBET

McLeodganj, north of Dharamshala, is home to a large Tibetan population. It is home to the 14th Dalai Lama, who took refuge here after escaping from Tibet in 1959. He is the spiritual leader for Tibetan buddhists, and a unifying symbol of nationhood for Tibetans in exile. The area attracts thousands of national and international tourists for various activities like Yoga, trekking, meditation and volunteering with the local Tibetan community.

St JOHN IN THE WILDERNESS

"St John in the Wilderness" - This Gothic church set amidst tall Deodhar trees on the way up to McLeodganj dates from 1852.

GURUDWARA MANIKARAN SAHIB

On the right bank of the roaring Parvati river is the holy sikh shrine Manikaran Sahib. In true Sikh tradition, the "Langar" or community kitchen feeds visitors to the shrine, supported entirely by the "seva" or voluntary service by disciples. To this day, food at the Manikaran Sahib is cooked in the natural hot water spring which flows next to the shrine. The hot boiling sulphur springs are revered by lakhs who come here for a dip in the holy curing waters.

PEOPLE AND CULTURE

Himachal Pradesh is a land of warm people with a rich cultural heritage. It is largely untouched by external customs due to its difficult terrain and inaccessibility.

Ayurvedic medicinal herbs for sale at a street stall - Manikaran, Himachal Pradesh

DHAULADHAR - THE "WHITE" RANGE

Most of Himachal Pradesh lies to the south of Dhauladhar, a part of the lesser Himalayan ranges which run to the south of the greater Himalayas.

THE NORBULINGKA INSTITUTE AND GYUTO MONASTERY

Dharamshala is also home to the Norbulingka Institute of Tibetan art and culture and the Gyuto Monastery, the temporary home for the current "Karmapa", who made a dramatic escape from Tibet in 2000.

The Norbulingka Institute, dedicated to the preservation of Tibetan art and culture

Spectacular SIGHTS AND LANDSCAPES

Gorgeous mountain, valleys, rolling hills, gushing rivers and lush green surroundings provide a spectacular backdrop and offer a photographer many beautiful photo opportunities.