Types of tourism: religious, adventure, heritage, Important tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh

Adventure Tourism

Himachal Pradesh has several option for adventure tourism like Paragliding (Solang-Manali), Trekking (In Himachal Kullu-Manali area is best for trekking and addition to this tribal area is also having several trekking roots. Main trekking routs of Himachal are Kinner-Kailash, Pin-Parbati, Manali-Padam-Leh etc.), Hang-gliding (Bir and Billing of Kangra district), river rafting (River Beas in Kullu and Satlej river at Tatapani), mountaineering (all the high peaks of Himachal), angling (Beas and Satlej), water Sports (Kayaking, Canoeing, surfing etc.) at Pong Dam, Govind Sagar. In addition to these adventure activities Himachal Pradesh is known for its snow related activities as Skiing (Solang Area, Narkanda, Kufrl), Ice skating (Shimla) and Hell Skiing (Narkanda). Himachal Pradesh is having a large scope for the development of adventure tourism in the state.

Heritage Tourism

Himachal Pradesh is blessed with a lot of Heritage sites, natural as well as cultural. In Himachal Pradesh there are 40 monuments, which are identified as the monuments of national importance. These are as follows in Chamba district (Ganesh temple, Taxana Devi temple, Mani Mahesh temple, Narsingh Temple, Bansi Gopal temple, Chamunda temple, Harirai temple, Narain Temple, Shailusbonit idols, Sita Ram temple, Champa Devi temple, Shakti Devi temple and Brajeshwari temple, Chatrari temple; In Kangra District (Kangra fort, Masroor temple, Kotia fort, paintings on Khniyara stone, Pathiyar stone writing, Nurpur fort, Katoch Mahal, Narbdeshwar temple, Ashapur temple, Vaidyanath temple, Sidhnath temple, Vridh stup of chhitru,; in Shimla (Viceregal lodge); In Mandi (Birsila Smarak, Trilokinath, Panchvaktra temple, Ardhnarishwar temple; In Lahul (Marikula temple, ki monastery, tabo monastery) in Kullu (Hidimba temple, Visheshwar mahadev temple, Gauri Shanker temple) in addition to this the stone age places in Bilaspur and Kangra districts. Shimla- The summer capital of the erstwhile British Raj, the Indian National Trust had identified 372 heritage buildings in Shimla and surrounding areas. These heritage buildings have been divided into three categories. The first category includes the buildings with their architecture intact, the second category is of the buildings with little changes in their structure and third category comprises those in which alteration have been made in the basic structure itself. About 113 such buildings have been identified on the Mall and the adjoining areas. The buildings under the heritage category include some of the brilliant examples of British architecture. Among them are Chalet Day School, Christ Church, Gaiety Theatre, GPO, Banatony, Gorton Castle and US Club buildings.

Important tourist destinations

Shimla region

There are several important tourist places in this centre like Naldehra, Kufri, Narkanda, Sarahan, Hatkoti, Rampur, Tatapani, Karsog, Chindi, Nirmand etc. These places are blessed with immense tourism potential.

Kullu – Manali region

The Kullu-Manali tourist complex is spread in the entire Kullu valley, which is lavishly gifted with superb scenic wealth. Kullu, also ‘known as valley of Gods’, has numerous temples.

There are several tourist places in this circuit like Nagar, Jagatsukh, Naggar, Raisan, Katrain, Bajaura, Banjar, Shojha, Bhuntar, Kasol, Manikaran, Malana, Solang, Kothi, Rohtang. This circuit is having a lot of potential for adventure tourism, religious tourism, fairs and festivals etc.

Chamba region

Chamba circuit is having several beautiful tourist places like Dalhousie, Khajiyar, Bharmaur, Manimahesh, Hadsar, Banikhet, Pangi, Churah and Kilar etc. The whole Chamba area is very rich in its culture and heritage.

Kangra-Dharamshala

Some magnificent old temple, marvellous places for adventure activities, Maharana Pratap Sagar lake. Some of the main places of this circuit are Dharmshala, Kangra, Bir, Billing, Andretta, Jawalaji, Chintpurnl, Pong Dam, Paragpur, etc.

Mandi

Mandi is situated on the banks of the river Beas. It has a rich culture and history represented by its temples, which are a major tourists draw. Mandi is an important trading centre situated on the Pathankot-Kullu road. The town is also the gateway to Himachal’s most famous valleys – Kullu, Manali, Lahaul and Spiti. Mandi is also on the Kullu-Shimla road via Bilaspur. Mandi is known as Kashi of Himachal Pradesh because of its Shiva temples. There are about 81 old temples of Lord Shiva. Rewalsar is a sacred place of Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists, Other places in this circuit are Jogindernagar, Parashar, Janjehli, Shikari Devi, Kamrunag, Barot, Sundernagar etc.

Nahan-Paonta-Renuka region

Nahan was founded by Raja Kama Parkash in 1621 A.D. as his capital city. It is crowned by the 3,647 metres high choordhar peak. Nahan’s close proximity to plains makes it an all weather holiday resort.

Other important places in this circuit are Paonta Sahib, Choordhar, Naura Dhar, Haripur Dhar etc.

Lahaul & Spiti and tribal region

Villages of Kalpa, Peo, Nako, Lakes- Chanedrtal & Sraj Tal, Glaciers – Bara Sigh and Chhota Sigh, Temples at Udaipur and Triloknath, and the most famous rout to Ladakh through Keylong and Sarchu.

Himachal Pradesh is a state in northern India. It is known for its beautiful Mountains, valleys, and rivers. The state is also home to a number of important religious sites, including the temples of Shimla and Manali. Himachal Pradesh is also a popular destination for adventure tourism, with activities such as trekking, mountaineering, and white-water rafting.

The following are some of the most important tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh:

Shimla: Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh and is a popular tourist destination. The city is located in the foothills of the Himalayas and is known for its colonial architecture, its views of the mountains, and its pleasant Climate. Shimla is also home to a number of important historical sites, including the Viceregal Lodge, which was once the summer capital of British India.
Manali: Manali is a town in the Kullu Valley and is a popular destination for adventure tourism. The town is located in a beautiful valley surrounded by mountains and is a great place to go trekking, mountaineering, and white-water rafting. Manali is also home to a number of temples and monasteries, making it a popular destination for religious tourism.
Dharamshala: Dharamshala is a town in the Kangra Valley and is the home of the Dalai Lama. The town is a popular destination for Buddhist pilgrims and is also a great place to learn about Tibetan culture. Dharamshala is also home to a number of beautiful temples and monasteries.
Kullu: Kullu is a valley in Himachal Pradesh and is a popular destination for adventure tourism. The valley is home to a number of rivers, making it a great place to go white-water rafting. Kullu is also home to a number of temples and monasteries, making it a popular destination for religious tourism.
Spiti: Spiti is a valley in Himachal Pradesh and is one of the most remote and sparsely populated regions in India. The valley is located in the Himalayas and is known for its stunning scenery. Spiti is a popular destination for trekking and mountaineering.
Leh: Leh is a town in Ladakh, a region of Himachal Pradesh. Leh is a popular destination for adventure tourism, with activities such as trekking, mountaineering, and white-water rafting. Leh is also home to a number of Buddhist monasteries, making it a popular destination for religious tourism.
Kinnaur: Kinnaur is a district in Himachal Pradesh and is known for its beautiful scenery. The district is located in the Himalayas and is home to a number of temples and monasteries. Kinnaur is a popular destination for trekking and mountaineering.

Himachal Pradesh is a beautiful and diverse state with a lot to offer tourists. Whether you are looking for adventure, culture, or relaxation, you will find it in Himachal Pradesh.

Types of tourism

Religious tourism is a type of tourism that involves traveling to places of religious significance. This can include visiting holy sites, temples, mosques, and other religious buildings. Religious tourism can be a way for people to connect with their faith, learn about different religions, or simply experience the beauty and history of religious sites.
Adventure tourism is a type of tourism that involves activities that are physically or mentally challenging. This can include hiking, biking, rock climbing, white-water rafting, and other outdoor activities. Adventure tourism can be a way for people to push themselves to their limits, experience the thrill of adrenaline, or simply enjoy the outdoors.
Heritage tourism is a type of tourism that involves visiting places that have historical or cultural significance. This can include visiting museums, historical sites, and other places that tell the story of a particular place or culture. Heritage tourism can be a way for people to learn about the past, appreciate different cultures, or simply enjoy the beauty of historic buildings and sites.

Important tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh

Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh and a popular tourist destination. The city is known for its colonial architecture, scenic views, and pleasant climate. Shimla is a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
Manali is a town in the Kullu Valley and a popular tourist destination. The town is known for its beautiful scenery, temples, and monasteries. Manali is a great place to go hiking, trekking, and white-water rafting.
Dharamshala is a town in the Kangra Valley and a popular tourist destination. The town is home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile. Dharamshala is a great place to learn about Tibetan culture and Buddhism-2/”>Buddhism.
Kullu is a valley in the Himalayas and a popular tourist destination. The valley is known for its beautiful scenery, temples, and monasteries. Kullu is a great place to go hiking, trekking, and white-water rafting.
Leh is a town in Ladakh and a popular tourist destination. The town is known for its beautiful scenery, Buddhist monasteries, and high-altitude desert landscape. Leh is a great place to go hiking, trekking, and camping.

Which of the following is not a type of tourism?
(A) Religious tourism
(B) Adventure tourism
(C) Heritage tourism
(D) Shopping tourism
Which of the following is not a popular tourist destination in Himachal Pradesh?
(A) Shimla
(B) Manali
(C) Dharamshala
(D) Agra
Which of the following is not a popular adventure sport in Himachal Pradesh?
(A) Trekking
(B) Mountaineering
(C) Paragliding
(D) Shopping
Which of the following is not a popular religious destination in Himachal Pradesh?
(A) Vaishno Devi
(B) Mata Chintpurni
(C) Naina Devi
(D) Agra
Which of the following is not a popular heritage destination in Himachal Pradesh?
(A) The Kangra Fort
(B) The Shimla Palace
(C) The Naina Devi Temple
(D) The Agra Fort

Answers:
1. (D)
2. (D)
3. (D)
4. (D)
5. (C)