Showing posts with label Shimla. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Shimla. Show all posts

Friday, October 16, 2009

Wonderland Himachal proudly presents 'HOPE': An initiative for our motherland


Wonderland Himachal hereby proudly introduce you with the very first edition of HOPE (Himachal on Phone).We are working on a door-to-door survey of Himachal’s each commercial establishment as well as Industrial sector, either it is your next door Urban area or a distant tribal-ends of the State.

We aim at providing information on Himachal Pradesh covering all 12 districts with a vast and fresh data of every commercial and industrial sector. Beside this, it has many user friendly features which will help you in your day to day life as following:
 Geographical Surveys
 Eco-sense
 Exploring
 Rich cultural heritage
 Contacts of Embassies/high commissions/government help lines/offices.
 Exploring Himachal
 Data-based surveys.
Hope will surely be of great aid to any person with any interest.
We humbly invite everybody to help us so that we all together present a remarkable gift to our motherland, Himachal Pradesh.

Sunday, August 23, 2009

AYURVEDIC PANCHKARMA – For a better quality of life


The Himalayas have remained an inspiration for spiritual pursuits down the ages and many sages have come seeking refuge in its secluded and serene valleys. This vast mountain chain is also the source of many rare herbs that have medicinal properties and have been used to heal many an ailing soul.

Himachal Pradesh, sheltered in the Himalayas has a rich bio-resource of medicinal plants and a rich stream of Ayurveda, a system of treatment indigenous to the Indian sub-continent, has been developed in the state. Some of the rarest medicinal plants with unique curative and preventive properties only grow in the rarefied altitudes of the Himalayan landscapes and are procured with great difficulty.

Ayurveda takes an holistic approach to life in which the objective is to achieve balance of the mind, body and spirit for internal and external harmony. When translated ‘Ayurveda’ literally means ‘Science of Life’.

Ayurveda as a system of treatment approaches life as a union of body (Sharir), sense organs (Indriya), Psyche (Mana) and Soul (Atma).
It holds that disease erupts only when the equilibrium between three biological forces namely Vata, Pitta and Kapha breaks down. The treatment achieves results only when the balance in this ‘tridosha’ is established.

Of the varied ways of Ayurvedic treatment, Panchkarma therapy is unique and has become very popular. Panchkarma consists of five methods of treatment namely, Vamana, Virechana, Anuvasana Vasti, Niruhana Vasti and Nasya Karma. Panchkarma is a type of Shodhan Chikitsa where unlike Shaman Chikitsa, toxins are expelled out of the body and all the microcirculatory channels of the body get purified. This is a therapy based on three channels Purva Karmas, Pradhana Karmas and then Paschaat Karmas. Purva Karmas are the body preparatory procedures done before the actual process.

However, all five procedures are not always utilized. The treatment modality is based on the needs and circumstances of the individual,, so has Panchkarma always been an individual process. Therapies are chosen based on person’s innate constitution, strengths and weakness, imbalances, emotional state and even the season of the year. The digestive capacity of the individual is also considered. The Panchkarmas are intense treatments, done under the supervision of a qualified practitioner and require proper preparation.

Monday, May 4, 2009

SOLAN


Solan was the capital of erstwhile princely State Bhagat. The concept of Himachal Pradesh was here mooted in a conference of princes of various hill State of Western Himalayas and representatives of Prajamandal, fighting for independence from the yoke of princely rule, on 15th of April 1948. It remained a Tehsil of Mahasu district till 25th January, 1971 when Himachal Pradesh gained the status of full-fledged State and Solan became the headquarters of District Solan.

At a height of 1350m, it has salubrious climate throughout the year. It has been declared as the 'Mashroom City of India' in the nineties because here is produced a variety of button mushrooms. It has the famous Brewery that was established in the year 1835 by Dyer Meakins (Mohan Meakins today).

Temples of Shoolini Devi, Narsingh and open parks are the places to visit in the town. Karol Tibba (Peak), Meteol Tibba, Kotla Nallah (Stream), Saproon springhare other places of interest. Not so far, are Mareog, Gaura and Karkanu, the angling spots by river Giri. You can also enjoy the facility of HP State Library here.

Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry is situated at Nauni at a distance of 15km from the town. It nurtures 15,000 species of flora and has successfully domesticated an enormous variety of herbs.

Wander away from Solan

Chail:

The summer capital of the former princely State of Patiala built in the late 19th century at a height of 2226 m known for exquisite Palace Hotel of HPTDC and at 2444.4 m the Highest Cricket Pitch and Polo Ground in the World. Easy walks in and around Chail amidst green forests, stroll at wild life sanctuary and fishing along Gaura river can be interesting.

Shillon Bagh:

Not so far from here, it is a private hotel on Chail-Kufri road. Dochi, Maharaja Patiala's farmhouse, known for exotic gladioli and other flowers, is hardly few kms on Chail-Kandhaghat road.

Barog:

Just 7 kms from Solan, the small village at a height of 1680m is gradually developing into a township dotted with quite a few hotels and eateries. This little township has come up on top of a hill through which runs the longest tunnel in Kalka-Shimla Railway line. The northern end of the tunnel opens on a tidily kept railway station at Barog where exists a pretty, cozy dining room having a wall clock marked with 'Benson of London, NW Railways 1903'.

Kasauli:

Its proximity to plains,35 km away from Kalka, makes it more in demand of tourists who flock in here when there blazes the sun. Dainty English style cottages, oldy goldy shops, forests of pine and horse chestnut, magnificent view of the Gangetic plains which turns into a spread of twinkling lights under the cover of darkness, refreshing mountain breeze and much more is there at a height of 1927 m of Kasauli.

A vantage spot for views is Monkey Point. Dominating Choor Chandni (3647 m) standing majestically above all the lower hills leaves an imprint. Sanawar with a famous public school, Garkhal with Shirdi Sai Temple, Sabathu with a 19th century Gorkha Fort, Dagshai with a cantonment are other places worth visiting when in Kasauli.

Nalagarh:

A diversion from Pinjore, falling between Chandigarh and Kalka, towards west takes visitors to Nalagarh, an ancient town that has a look of any town in the plains. The best part of the stay at The Fort, Nalagarh, a Heritage Hotel, where one can enjoy the nostalgia of the past in the comforts of the present.

Arki:

The capital of princely State of Bhagal lies off Shimla-Bilaspur highway. Fine wall painting can be seen in the old palace. Visit to Kaliseli, Brampukhar, Bari Dhar, Ghagnu Ghat and temple of Vanya Devi may be interesting.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Culture and Village



The mountainous state of Himachal Pradesh is a multi-religional, multicultural and multilingual state. Nestled in the foothills of the mighty Himalayas, Himachal is blessed with some of the most spectacular landscapes. The culture of Himachal Pradesh is extremely rich, which is reflected in the day-to-day lives of the local people. Noted for their colorful dresses and distinguished physical features, the people of Himachal Pradesh exhibit a very warm and friendly nature and the ‘untouched’ simplicity about them constitute an integral part of the beautiful Culture of Himachal Pradesh.

 

The culture of Himachal Pradesh is also evident from the languages spoken in the state. Though Hindi is the state language, Pahari – a deviation of Sanskrit and Prakrit is spoken by many people in Himachal. There are many tribal dialects spoken in Himachal Pradesh too – including Chambyali, Pangwali, Lahauli, Kinnauri and others.

 

The typical house in Himachal Pradesh is constructed of clay bricks, with roofs being made of slate. In the traditional village houses, the lowest storey is used for household cattle, the middle for storing grain, and the top floor forms the living area.

 

Himachal is considered to be the abode of the Hindu God Shiva and Goddess Parvati – there are numerous temples of Shiva and Parvati scattered all around the state.

 



Music and Dance form a very important part of the Culture of Himachal Pradesh. Both these art forms revolve mainly around religion in Himachal Pradesh. Some of the popular dance forms in the state include Losar Shona Chuksam, Dangi, Gee Dance and Burah dance, Naati, Kharait, Ujagjama, Chadhgebrikar and Shunto.

 

Monday, April 6, 2009

Eco-Tourism in Himachal Pradesh


The Indian State of Himachal Pradesh is a mostly mountainous area, neighboring Tibet and China in the East, the Indian states of Jammu and Kashmir in the north and northwest, Punjab, Haryana, Uttaranchal and Uttar Pradesh to the south. It has a geographical area of 55,673 sq. Kms. and a population of 6.1 million people and is located at altitudes ranging from 350 to 7000 meters (1050 ft. to 21000 ft.). Nestled in the Western Himalayas, it has provided refuge and abode to the Buddhist leader, the Dalai Lama and his Tibetan followers. This majestic, almost mythic terrain is famous for its beauty and serenity.

 

The forests of Himachal Pradesh (H.P) constitute two-thirds of the state’s geographic area and are crucial to the region’s environmental and economic well-being---a storehouse of rich bio-diversity, vital in preserving the fragile Himalayan eco-system, and a primary livelihood source for its rural population. The ‘forest sector’ encompassing the entire biophysical and environmental components, highly sensitive to the uniqueness of the mountain environment, must place its people at the centre.

 

Accordingly a new course has been charted to shift forest policy in a way that recognizes the ecological and social value of environmental services as well as its economic values. Tapping environmental services through eco-tourism offers a way to lighten poverty and enhance livelihood options.

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Sarahan: In the Lap of Gods


23 kms from Rampur  is Jeori. From here leave the NH 22 and drive up in a road to Sarahan, 17 kms from here. At an altitude of 2165 meters the main attraction of Sarahan is Bhimkali temple. It is a three storey temple. Architecture is more like a Pagoda. The mixture of Hindu and Buddhist art has made this temple an unique piece of art. In the top floor there is an idol of Bhimkali Devi. Just beside the temple you can see the palace of Bushahar Kings.

Sarahan is the gateway to Kinnaur. Sarahan offers a spectacular view of the Srikhand range.Sarahan is 176 kilometers distant from Shimla.

Saharan is located on the Himalayan mountain slopes at an altitude of 1950 meters above sea-level. 

Sarahan lies on the Hindustan Tibet Road between Jeori-Sarahan and Kinnaur. Jeori is 17 kilometers distant from Sarahan. 

The road to Sarahan is lined with pine trees. Swift flowing mountain streams flow past the road. 

The fields and orchards in the vicinity of small villages with slate roofed houses impart a fairytale atmosphere to the ethereal surroundings. 

Many stately deodar trees rides the Himalayan mountain slopes.

Accompanying the deodar are trees of smooth birch and uncountable varieties of wild flowers. Medicinal herbs are also to be found on the Himalayan mountain slopes above Sarahan. 

Sarahan is sparsely populated. Many ancient legends can be heard in Sarahan. Sarahan overlooks a deep valley through which the river Sutlej flows to the sea. The snow-clad Srikhand peak lies across Sarahan 

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Wonderland Kinnaur


Kinnaur, The tribal District of Himachal Pradesh, has houses built of local architecture and the scenic beauty added to it by snow ranges and flowing Sutlej and its tributaries makes it one of the Districts high on the list of visitor to the State. Closer to the border with Tibet, foreigners have to register their entry into the district that is done immediately. 

Apple, apricot, walnut orchards around picturesque hamlets are eye catchers. Chilgoza or Neoza, kernal of Pine, is the dry fruit linked with Kinnaur. To be eaten raw or baked, it is a rewarding time-pass.

Both Hinduism and Buddhism are practiced here and every village has its own village diety. The national highway completed in 1960's is the life-line of Kinnaur because it joins with Shimla. 

Back to the Wilderness


The unexplored………! The unknown……..! The uncommon……!.

If you’re spirited enough, take the trail less traveled with

WONDERLAND HIMACHAL

What’s in a name? In our case, everything!

We promise to provide all - Indians and foreigners - an insight into the ‘real’ Himachal; its history, traditions, languages, culture, fairs, festivals and religions….

In other words, we want to provide you a complete insight & introduce you to the Beauty of Himachal, its Simplicity, Vastness along with the hidden treasures of this great land!

It is our endeavor to promote Himachal Pradesh to the outside world while striving to protect an age-old tradition as well as preserve the environment for generations to come.

We have committed ourselves to make every possible effort and cater you with an experience you will fondly look back upon, not caring of what it cost you, as you will be returning back a richer person full of memories.

At Wonderland Himachal, we lay stress on ‘off the beaten routes’, less traveled places and Himalayan tribal sectors to take the stress out of you.

All our packages & itineraries are flexible, amendments to the itineraries can be easily made and re-worked as per your preferences and interest. In fact, using your ideas together with our advice and expertise you can create your own itinerary, leaving the rest to us. We are pleased and proud to offer a quality and flexibility of service to organize your holidays.

We very much look forward to be a part of your travel plan & help you to discover the legacy of ancient heritage. It’s about exploring, seeking … not just nature, but also your inner being. We believe in giving good experience to our guest at reasonable cost. No hidden cost; No fine print… just an experience to treasure.

Impossible, as it may sound, but just plan one tour with us and it will illustrate our point. So, let us take you on a brief tour of Wonderland - “Himachal”. We guarantee that your journey will be quite unlike anything, you’ve experienced before.

Monday, March 9, 2009

Wonderland Himachal: Shimla



Shimla the queen of hills came into existence as most of us will call ferom the date it got its space on the world map in the year 1864 when the then ordinary but a mistical village became the summer capital of the British India. 
It kept its staus till the final days of british existence in India and also the place was a summer seat of Punjab government from the year 1871onwards. the place kept on to be the headqaters of the partioned punjab till 1966. though a small place but destined to be of extraordinary significance, during the last part of the second world war the exiled government of Burma took a reufge in this adorable landscape.

The place has witnnesed the signing of many agreements and accords in the years gone by with its british archetectual heritage and the splendid senic beauty the place really seems blessed.  a place which has  remained an excellent spectator of the past, wittenessing the making and breaking of history many times, looks so young and vibrant that it still holds its age old charm.
 
Shimla with all its  youthfulness realy has all the makes for a queen, the toy train railway station which recently has been included in the world heritage list of UNESCO, all of the heritage structures of the british Raj, its geographical vicinity, the Ridge opening up the penorama of the grendour of the snow clad mountain ranges The Great Himalayas, the web of some of the most beautifully knetted roads and paths through dense oaks, cedars, rhododendruns and the places and archetecture of the historical significance leaves an everlasting impact on a persons memories.