Himachal Pradesh is situated on the lower surface of the Himachal range. This state is like a cultural heritage of the country. It is one of the most preferred destinations for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
There are many interesting facts about this state that most people are not aware of. Today we will tell you some interesting facts about it, knowing which you will also be surprised and if you have not yet made an idea to visit here, then you will definitely make it now.
- The word Himachal is a combination of the Sanskrit words ‘hema’ and ‘anchal’. Which means ‘ice’ and ‘lap’ respectively. It is no coincidence that this state is situated in the lap of Himachal. That’s why it got its name Himachal.
- The integration of the four districts of Mandi, Chamba, Mahasu and Sirmaur with 30 princely states led to the establishment of Himachal Pradesh as a Union Territory in 1948. The province finally attained statehood in 1971 and became the 18th state of India.
- The capital of Himachal Pradesh is Shimla. This city is situated in the middle of seven hills and many people also know it by the name of ‘Queen of Hills’. Dharamshala is the winter capital of this state.
- Kasol, situated in Kullu, is a quaint hill town, which is also known as ‘Mini Israel’. It is frequented by Israeli tourists and many of the city’s dignitaries are seen singing in the Hebrew language.
Also Read: Kasol – Mini Israel of India
- Fossils more than 85 million (eight and a half million) years old have been found in the ‘Shivalik Fossil Park’ of Sirmour district.
- ‘Kullu Dussehra’ is a 7-day long festival which was started by Raja Jagat Singh in the 17th century and is celebrated with great pomp even today.
- The famous ‘Jakhu’ temple of Hanuman ji is in Himachal Pradesh only. It is said that while bringing Sanjivani herb, Hanuman ji had stopped and rested here.
- It is believed that the ‘Chamba Kailash Shikhar’ in Himachal Pradesh is the abode of the Hindu God Shiva. This area overlooking the Manimahesh Lake is considered holy and very auspicious by the Hindus.
- There are 5 National Parks in Himachal Pradesh.
- About two-thirds of Himachal Pradesh is covered with forest.
- The major languages spoken in Himachal Pradesh are Hindi and Pahari.
- Snow leopard is the symbolic animal of Himachal Pradesh. As well as pink rhododendron, It is called the symbolic flower of Himachal Pradesh.
- Most of the local population of Himachal Pradesh is employed in agriculture. Agriculture provides direct employment to more than 65% of the state’s population.
- Kalka-Shimla Railway is also known as Toy Train. Which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Also read: Kalka-Shimla toy train remains favourite with foreigners
- The Kalka-Shimla railway crosses the deepest gradient (which is more than 5800 ft) in at least a distance of about 95 km. Trains cross over 800 bridges and 100 tunnels.
- Himachal Pradesh has a road network of more than 28,000 km which includes 8 National Highways and 19 State Highways.
- Himachal Pradesh is one of the least corrupt states in the nation, along with the South Indian state of Kerala. Tourists can enjoy their holidays comfortably here without any worries. The beauty of Himachal Pradesh has been attracting many people to come here. Also, the sincerity and kindness of the local people helps in turning the experiences of the visitors into sweet memories.
- As per government records, Himachal Pradesh is the third best state in the nation in terms of performance and overall development. There are about 17,000 educational institutions here. These include two medical colleges, one engineering college, and one university.
- Literacy refers to the ability of people to read and write in any language. According to the 2011 census, Himachal Pradesh ranks 11th among the total states of India with a literacy rate of 83.78%.
- Among the greenest states of India, Himachal Pradesh has 62.52% of its total land, which is an area of 37,033 square kilometers, is forest area. Himachal Pradesh has 33 wildlife sanctuaries and 2 national parks.
- Himachal Pradesh has the largest glacier in Asia, which is known as Shigri Glacier. The Shigri Glacier is located in the Lahaul-Spiti region and is connected to the Chenab River.
- The Manali-Leh National Highway is famous for being the most motorable road in the world. A boon for motorcycle enthusiasts, he can often be seen traveling alone or in groups with his friends.
- The Great Himalayan National Park located in Kullu has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. This park is spread over an area of about 1200 square kilometers. It is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna.
- Reo Purgil is the name of the highest mountain peak in Himachal Pradesh at an altitude of 22,362 feet above sea level.
- The Chail Cricket Ground (2444 meters above sea level) built in 1891 is located in Chail, Himachal Pradesh. It is the highest cricket ground in the world.
- The people of Malana believe that it is one of the oldest democracies in the world. What is interesting about this is that they have their own set of Greek-like beliefs and practices. They also consider themselves to be descendants of Alexander the Great.
- The names of the famous food of Himachal Pradesh are as follows – Madra, Dham, Tudkiya Bhath, Bhe, Chha Gosht, Siddu, Babru, Aktori, Mittha and Black gram sour. Tibetan food items are also very popular here.
- Himachal is also known as the land of Gods. Himachal Pradesh has been mentioned in many ancient Hindu texts and is also the center of many religious places. Despite all this, it is surprising to know that in this culturally rich state, the local people of each village have their own customs and deities.
- According to the 2017 data, Himachal Pradesh was the least corrupt state in India.
- There are total 9 hydroelectric power plants in Himachal Pradesh. Himachal Pradesh has immense potential for hydropower generation. It is also estimated that about 27,000 MW (which is 1/4th of the national capacity) can be harnessed by building power plants here.
- In 2013, Himachal Pradesh was declared India’s first smoke-free state. This state passed a law to ban smoking in public places, which was completely followed by the local people.
- There is a complete ban on all types of non-biodegradable polythene bags. The production, use, sale and distribution of polythene are all prohibited under the law. It is a matter of praise that the local people follow this law completely and try their best to make their state a polythene free state.
- Himachal’s Solan city is famous for its extensive production of mushrooms and that is why it is also known as ‘Mushroom City’.
- Himachal Pradesh is home to 463 species of birds, 77 mammals, 44 reptiles and 80 fish species.
- Due to its unique natural beauty, the city of Khajjiar in Himachal Pradesh is also known as ‘Mini Switzerland’.
Also read: You will be Mesmerized by seeing 5 Tourist Places of Khajjiar
- Himachal is the second largest state in apple production in India after Jammu and Kashmir. More than 450 apples are cultivated in this state. Himachal produces an average of 4,00,000 tonnes of apples every year.
- The state of Himachal Pradesh is connected through 9 National Highways (1208 km), 9 State Highways (1625 km) and 45 major district roads (1753.05 km).
- There are 3 airports in Himachal Pradesh. Jubbar Hatti Airport (Near Shimla) Bhuntar Airport (Near Kullu) and Ganggal Airport (Near Kangra). Due to extreme weather conditions, these airports are less frequented than other airports. The short runway is used for small aircraft like 42 seater ATR and 18 seater Dornier.
- Himachal Pradesh is also the birthplace of many prominent Indian personalities. Like Preity Zinta, Kangana Ranaut, Anupam Kher, Mohit Chauhan and Yami Gautam. Players from Himachal who have represented India include Vijay Kumar (Shooting), Anuja Jung (Shooting), Deepak Thakur (Hockey), Samaresh Jung (Shooting), Suman Rawat (Athletics) and Ajay Thakur (Kabaddi). He has illuminated the name of Himachal not only in India but in the whole world.
- You will be surprised to know that Himachal’s capital Shimla has the only natural ice skating rink in Asia.
- With the abundance of greenery in Himachal Pradesh, it is no wonder that it is home to over 350 animal species and over 450 bird species.
- As per government reports, Himachal Pradesh has achieved 100% cleanliness. A toilet is available in every household in the state.
- In 2015, Himachal got the opportunity to host the first Paragliding World Cup, which it did well.
- India’s oldest voter, Shyam Sharan Negi, hails from a place called Kalpa in Himachal Pradesh. He is a retired army school teacher who cast his vote in the 1951 general election and has always voted in every general election since then.
- Himachal Pradesh is also known as the ‘Fruit Bowl of India’. It is not said for nothing, Himachal Pradesh has a wide range of fruits like pears, apricots, peaches, plums, apples and many more that are produced here.
- Among the famous temples of Himachal Pradesh, the temples of Tara Devi, Jakhu, Hidimba Devi, Naina Devi, Baba Balak Nath, Jwala Devi, Chintpurni Devi and Chamunda Devi are very famous. Not only Hindu temples, Himachal Pradesh also has many famous churches such as St. Michael’s Cathedral Church, Christ Church and St. John’s Church. Gurdwara Bhangani Sahib, Paonta Sahib and Rewal Sahib Gurdwara are very famous among the famous Gurdwaras here.
- The famous dances of Himachal Pradesh performed by the natives are Gugga, Lohar, Sona, Chuksam, Ghurhi and Kullu Nati.
- The state of Himachal Pradesh came into existence only after independence, so it does not have any prior constitution in history.
- Being adjacent to the border of Punjab, Himachal Pradesh can be seen to have a deep impact on its culture and cuisine.
- Himachal Pradesh is the first Indian state to launch a paperless e-governance solution known as e-vidhan.
