Geographical features of Himachal Pradesh

Minerals in Himachal Pradesh

Important minerals of Himachal Pradesh are salt, gypsum, limestone, jbaryes, clays, mica, iron pirate and lead, but of these, salt and slate alone are of some significance, Rock salt deposits are located in Mandi district and gypsum in Sirmaur district. Vast deposits of slate are found in Mandi and chamba districts. Limestone is found in abundance in Bilaspur, Sirmaur, Mandi and Solan districts. Sirmaur and Bilaspur deposits of slate are of quickly suitable for cement industry. In a recent survey, uranium deposits have been reported to be found in Kullu valley and Hamirpur district. Traced of antimony, asbestos, bismuth, nickel, copper, glass-sand and china clay have also been found. At Jwalamukhi temples jets of combustible has have attracted people since long.

Famous valleys in Himachal Pradesh

Valley is the important feature of Himachal as Physiography they are the places where human civilization has flourished in this mountainous region. Some of the important valleysfound in Himachal Pradesh are given below

Satluj valley, Sangla valley, bhaga valley,Patton Valley, Malung Valley, Thrung Valley,Nishang Valley, Hangrangh or Leoparjial Valley, Swanb Valley, chauntra Valley, chuhar valley, Pangi Valley, Knihar Valley, Shami valley, sapron Valley, Lingti Valley, Dhami valley, Sapron Valley, Lingti Valley, Kiarda dun Valley, Kullu valley, Kangra Valley, Bara Banghal Valley, Balh Valley, Chamba valley Lahaul and spiti valley, Baspar Valley, Pabbar Valley etc.

Flora in Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh has a diversified and rich flora because of the existence of a variety of climates and a wide range of altitudes. Here we come across every type of West Himalayan Flora from Himalayan meadows and high level fir and rhododendron down to tropical scrub and bamboo forests of the low foot hills, there are three climatic altitudinal zones of natural vegetation.

Vegetation Zone                                                          Altitude in mts

1.       Tropical and Sub tropical ---300-1525

2.       Temperate-----1525-3650

3.       Alpine------3650-4650     

               

Principle Plants

Alder (Kunch), Alpine Oak (Kharashu), Birch (Bhojpatra), Common ton(Tuna), Dog wood(Kaksh), Edilele pine(Neoza), Evergreen Oak(Bre), fir, Long leaved (Chil or Salla) Hazel (Shuroli), Himalayan Cedar (Deodar), Himalayan Horse chestnut(Kanor), Himalayan Poplar (Challan), Himalayan Spruce(Rai), Lofty Pine (Kail), Oak (Ban), Pencil Cedar(Lewar or Talu) Poplar(Pahari Pipal) Rhododendron (Bras) Silver fur (Pindro or tos) Walnut(Akhrot). Wild cherry (Jamun) wild mulberry (Kemu)

Climate Type in Himachal Pradesh

Climate Type in Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh is a mountainous region with elevation ranging from 350 to 7000 meters. The climatic conditions here accordingly vary from the semitropical to semitropical. The climate of Kangra valley, Beas vallry, shiwalik areas and kiarda valley is severe in summer and winter is pleasant and bracing with only a moderate variation between the day and night temperature Snowfall is rare.

The climate in the mid or lesser Himalayan ranges of the Pradesh which convers one of Shimla ranges and the Ravi valley is pleasant in summer, very cold in winter and snowfall is heavy.

In the chandrabhaga and Kinnaur valleys the climate is temperate in summer and semi arctic in winter. Snowfall normally begins in October and after December the whole valley is under snow till March to April communication remain cut off the and the villages become almost isolated. In winter the inhabitants move to the lower hills.

Himachal Pradesh experience a wide variety of climatic conditions, ranging from areas, receiving very heavy rainfall to the cold, almost rainless deserts of Lahaul Spiti and Pooh. The areas like Dharamshala, Palampur, Mandi and Kullu receive good amount of rainfull during monsoon and winter seasons. The basic pattern of weather in Himachal Pradesh is governed by the following systems.

The south west monsoons which are gigantic land sea breezes that blow across the indian subcontinent once a year with clockwork regularity.

The winter monsoons system of the Asian continental mass

Himachal Pradesh experiences three well defined seasons viz. summer, monsoons and winter. Spring is the transition period between winter and summer and that between monsoon and winter is autumns.

Summer: Summer season begins in Himachal Pradesh from the middle of April and continues till the end of June. The Shivalik Hills, Beas Valley and Kiarda Valley is quite hot in summer with average temperature ranges from 28 degree Celsius to 32 degree Celsius  during  this season the snow on the higher peaks starts melting, which increases the level of water in the perennial rivers.

Monsoons: South-West monsoons remains active in the lower and mid hills from june to September. These rains are heavy on the south facing slopes of the hills. The average rainfall of Himachal Prasesh is 160 cms. The most wet part of the state is dharamshala which has record of having on average 340 cms. Rainfall in year, only second to cherapunji, which has heighest rainfall in india.The rain shadow areas of Himachal Pradesh are:

The Lahaul valley across the Pir Panjal upto Udaipur.

The tract along the Chenab river

The Spiti valley

The upper Satluj valley upstream at Wangtu.

Autumns: The weather cleats in Himachal Pradesh by the end of September and early October. This is the best season in Himachal Pradesh , lasting for two months October and November.

Winter:  The winter season follow autumn and continues form November end to March. During winter most parts of the state remain snow covered. The higher tracts of Lahual Spiti , Pangi valley, Shimla hills, chamba, Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges experience heaby snowfall . the areas above 2200 meters receive heavy to moderate snowfall. The remoter parts of the state remain cut off form test of the world during winter for weeks together and life becomes quite isolated there. Avalanches and snow stormes are common in tracrs lying above the snow line.

Spring: The spring season commences in the state from March and concludes by the end of April. In Spring and autumn maximum trade activities are performed by the people of the state.

The state can aptly be divided into four climatic regions on the basis of climatic conditions like temperature, precipitation. Latitude and altitude.

Arctic : over 4500 meters

Sub arctic:  3500-4500 meters

Temperate: 2000-3500 meters

Tropical: below 2000 meters

Soil Type in Himachal Pradesh

Soil in Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh has wide variety of soils found in its valleys and tracts. Soil changes form place to place and with it changes the nature and type and with it changes the nature and type of vegetation it supports.

Soils found in Himachal Pradesh vary form rich deep alluvial soil of the dun type valleys to the thin and bare soils of the cold desert.

The type of soils found n third started are Himalayan

a) Alluvial soils,

b) Red and Black soils.

C) Ferruginous Red soils,

d) Brown soils,

e) Forest soils,

f) Podsolic soils,

g) Himalayan foothill/Terai soils,

h) Mountain and hill soils, and

i) High altitude meadow soils.

Soil formation in Himachal has a marked difference in character which is reflected in the vegetation patterns. Classification of soil in Himachal has been made according to five under mention zones.

Low hill soil zone upto and altitude of 1000 meter above sea level

The areas of this zone comprise Paonta Valley and Nahan thesil of Sirmaur district Kunihar area of Solan district, Balh valley of Mandi district and lower bhattiyat of Chamba district. The soils are not very deep and are embedded with stones. The areas under the zone are suitable for cultivation of wheat , maize , sugarcane , ginger, paddy and citrus fruits.

Mid hill soil zone areas between 1000 meter to 1500 meters above sea level

The soils are loam to clay, aoam in texture with greyish brown colour and well drained earth. Such soil is found in the lower parts of Pachhad and Rainka tehsuls of Surmaur district, Arki and Solan tehsils of Solan district Jogindernagar area of Mandi district, Kangra and Palampur tehsil of Kangra district, the Dalhousie, Chamba tehsil, upper bhattiyat and lower churah of chamba district, these areas are suited for growing table potatoes, wheat maize and stone fruits.

High hill soil zone areas between 1500 meters to 3000 meters above sea level

The soil layers are on steep slopes with good drainage. Soil texture ranges from silty loam to clay loam of dark brown colour. These soils are quite deep. The zone comprises the upper areas of the tehsils of Pachhad and rainka in Sirmaur district, upper Shimla Hills, chichot and Karsog  tehsils of Mandi and district. This soil is good for seed potatoes and temperate fruits.

Mountainous soils zone area between 3000 meters to 3500 meters above sea level

Area of Shimla district and higher altitudes of Sirmaur and Chamba comprise this zone. These soils are not much agricultural use. The soils are shallower in depth than high hill soil and its texture is salty loam to loam of dark brown colour.

Dry hill zone

This comprises Kinnaur district, Pangi sub tehsil of Chamba district and some area of Lahaul Spiti. The monsoon rainfall is almost negligible in the region. The soil is of high texture with variable soil fertility. The area is suited for dry fruit cultivation.

Forest and wild life of Himachal Pradesh

Forest and wild life

Himachal Pradesh has rich wealth of forest. Forests are contributing in generating our economy. Forest based industries are providing employment to the people of our state. Besides, forests are helpful in keeping ecological balance and healthy environment. At present Himachal Pradesh has 37033 sq kms of area under forests which is 66.5% of the total area.

Our govt. has launched various schemes to generate forestation and to avoid deforestation.

Forest Plantation: This programme is being carried out under Productive Forestry Schemes and Soil Conservation Schemes. This programme comprises introductory plantation, of quick growing species, economic plantation, pasture improvement, fuel and fodder and minor forest produce.

Wild Life and Nature Conservation: The Main objective of this scheme is to improve the habitat and facilitate provision of wild life sanctuaries, so as to afford protection to the various species.

Integrated Waste Land Development Project in Ravi Catchment Area : The aim of this project is to bring maximum area under forest. This project came into being in the catchment territories of Ravi river in Chamba district.

Forest Protection: The main objective of this scheme is to provide security of forests form fire, illicit felling and encroachment.

Indo- German economic Development Project : This scheme has been launched with the collaboration of Federal Republic of Germany. The aim of this scheme is to form multi-disciplinary approach by involving the departments of forests, agriculture horticulture and animal husbandry.

Forestry research Education and Extension Project: this scheme has been working with the assistance of World bank, in the state.

Watershed development Project for Himalayan Hills: This Scheme was launched with assistance of Wold Bank . this scheme aims at ecological rehabilitation of the surrounding territories of five revers Ghaggar and Sirsa (Solan) , Markanda(Sirmaur), Swan (Una), and chhaki (Kangra) to improve socio-econimic conditionsof farmeres living in these area.

 Wild lIfe Sanctuaries, National Parks , Zoo and Museum

1. Renuka Wild life Sanctuary-----Sirmaur

2. Churdhar wild life Sanctuary-----Sirmaur

3. Simble Bada wild life Sanctuary---Sirmaur

4. Tirthan wild life Sanctuary----Kullu

5. Rupi wild Life Sanctuary—Kinnaur

6. Lippa Asrang wild life Sanctuary---Kinnaur

7. Sangla wild life Sanctuary---Kinnaur

8. Sachoo Tuan Nala wild life Sanctuary---chamba

9. Tandaha Wild life Sanctuary---chamba

10. Kala top wild life Sanctuary—chamba

11. Kugit wild life sanctuary---chamba

12. Chitkul wild life sanctuary—chamba

13. Manali wild life -------Kullu

14. Kanawar wild life ----Kullu

15. Kalass wild life sanctuary—Kullu

16. Khohan wild life sanctuary—Kullu

17. Daran wild lfe Sanctuary—Shimla

18. Talra wild life Sanctuary---Darlaghat

19. Shimla water catchment -----Darlaghat

20. Area wild life sanctuary-----Shimla

21. Chail wild life Sanctuary---Solan

22. Wild life Sanctuary----Solan

23. Majathal wild life Sanctuary—Solan

24. Bandli wild life sanctuary—Mandi

25. Nagru wild life sanctuary—Mandi

26. Shikakri Devi wild life sanctuary—Mandi

27. Goplapur Zoo----Kangra 

28. State Mesuem---Shimla

29. Bhuri sing Meseum---Chamba

30. Suketi fossil Park—Sirmaur

31. Pin Valley National Park---Lahaul Spiti

32. Pong Dam or Maharana Pratap—or Sagar bird Sanctuary—Kangra

33. Goving Sagar bird Sanctuary--bilaspur

Fair and Festival in Himachal Pradesh

Fair and festival in himachal Pradesh

The following fairs and festivals are taking place in Himachal Pradesh

Navratra Fairs: Navratra Fairs held three times in a year April, July-August and September-October. Usually this fair lasts for ten days. Mainly these fairs are held on a large scale at Jwalamukhi  chantpurni, Kangra and Naina Devi. These fairs are held all over state also.

Deot Sidh fair: This fari is held at Baba Balak Nath Temple Deot Sidh and continues for three months April, Mauy, June.

Bharmour Jatra: This Jatra is held at Bharmour on the day of Krishan Janamashtmi and continues for six days. This fairs dedicated to Lord Shiv.

Sui Fair:  This fair is held on 11^th ,12^th , and 13^th of April every year at chamba. Only women and children take part in this fair.

Chhatrari Jatra: This jatra is held at Chamba in the month of September.

Nalwari fair: Nalwari Fair is held in different parts of the state in the month of March, April. Mainly this fair is held at Bilaspur. This fair is called animal fair because large number of animals are sold and bought in this fair.

Durgi fair: This fair is dedicated to Hidimba Devi and celebrated at Manali in the month of May.

Shoolini fair; This fair is held at Solan in the month of June-July.

Buffalo Fair: Mainly this fair is held at Arki in the month of September. Buffalo fair is celebrated at Mashobra also. This fair is known for buffalo fighting.

Sairi fair: This fair takes place at Sipur village near Mashobra in the month of May.

Sipi Fair : This fair takes place at Sipur village near Mahobra in th month of May.

Pathar Ka Khel:  This fair is held at Halog village, 30 kms. Form Shimal, on the next day of Diwali. People throw stones on each other.

Ladaracha Fari : This fair is held at Kibber village in Kaza in the month of July- August.

Baisakhi fair: This fair is called bisu or Basoa. It is celebrated on 13^th of April all over Himachal.

Haritalika : this fair is held in the month of August September all over the state, this fair is dedicated to Lord Shiv and Paravati.

Phool Jatra: This fair is held in the month of October at killer and Pangi in chamba district.

Bawan Dwadhi Fair; This fair is celebrated in the memory of Raja bali at Nahan in the month of September.

Lavi Fari: This trade fair is held in November at Rampur of Shimla district.

Minjar fair; This fair is held at Chamba in the month of July.

Holi Festival: Holi festival of Sujanpur tira is very famous

Shivratri Festival: Shivratri of Mandi is very famous.

Kullu Dussehra: This festival starts on the day of Dussehra and continues for seven days

Tuga Pir fair; Bilaspur

Popular folk Dances

Nati: this group dance is very popular in the territories of Kullu, Shimla, Kinnaur and Lahaul spiti.

Karthi :It is the famous Nati of Kulllu.

Ghugthi: This dance is very popular among youths are undertaken in upper hilly area.

Gidda: It is poplular in Kangra , Una and Hamirpur.

Kariala: Kariala has been played all over the state. It is called Swang in Bilaspur , Banthra    in Mandi and bhagat in Kangra districts.

                  Thoda dance : this dance is also called bidsu. Usually this dance is played by the people                    of Khash tribe Dancers play this dance carrying area, swords bow-arrows and other                              weapons in thrie hands.

                  Burah Dance:  This dance is very poplular in Sirmaur. The Dancer sings ballads.

                  Depak and Dangi: This dance is actged by Gaddi women of chamba.

                  Kiang, bakinang and Bonaganchyu Dance; these danes are popular in Kinnaur. 
                  Bakiang dance is played by women while bonaganchyu dance is played by men only.

                  Rawal and bura Sih: bura sih dance is popular in the area of Jubbal Kothai and rohru.                        while Rawal dance is based on great love stories.

   

Religion, Temple and Fair In Himachal Pradesh

Local Deity of Himachal Pradesh

Devi Worship: Goddess has been known by diffetent names Mainly Devi is called Durga, Jagdamba, Mahishasur mardini, Brajeshwari, Naina Devi , Jwala Devi, Chintpurni Devi, Kali Mata Tripura Sundri Marikula Devi etc. Devi worship is very popular all over the state.

Shiv Worship Shiv worship is popular all over Himachal Pradesh. Shirgul Devta, Mahesh Devta, bhutnath, Mahadev Narvedeshwar, Ardhnatishwar and Adi Nath are thediffetent names of  god Shiv.

Bheron Puja: Bheron Puja is popular along with devi Pooja Bheron has been considered the servant of Devi. Bheron is calles Lankra vir in many parts of the state.

Gugga Puja and Nag Puja : Gugga is considered theMaster of jNags. Therefore gugga and Nag Puja is very popular in this state.

Sidh Puja : The Devotee of God is called Sigh. People worshop these Sidha. Chhano Sigh, Mutton sidh and Deot Sidh are among those Sidha whom People worship.

Hanuman Puja : Hanuman Pooja is also very popluar in the state. In addition to the above , JakhPuja, PirPuja, Ram Puja , Krishan Puja are also popular in the state of Himachal.

Famous Temple of Himachal Pradesh

Kangra

-Jwalamukhi Mata famous for burning flames – Jwalamukhi

-Nagni Mata                                                             - Near Jwalamukhi

-Kaleshwar Mahadev                                      - Near jwalamukhi

-Chamukha Madadev                                  Near Garli

-Brajeshwari temple    dedicated to Durga Mata  -   Kangra Town

-gupt Ganga --------------------------------------------Kangra Town

-Amnika Devi--------------------------------------------Kangra Fort

-Jayanti Mata---------------------------------------------Kangra Fort

-Chamunda Devi---------------------------------------- Near Dharamshala

-Bhagsunath Temple----------------------------------Near Dharamshala

-shiv Mandir---------------------------------------------- Baijnath

-Buddhist Monastery--------------------------------- Mecleod ganj

-Masroor Rock cut Temples----------------------------Haripur

-Baba Balak rupi Temple-----------------=-----------Palampur

Una

-Chintpurni Mata----------------------------------------Bharwain

-Dera Baba Badhag Singh------------------------------Una

-Dera Sidh Baba rudru--------------------------------Una

-Dera Jogi Panga-------------------------------------Una

-Dron shiv Mandir ---------------------------------Gagrate

-Dhomeshwar Rishi Temple--------------------Banganga

Hamirpur

-Baba Balak Nath Ji-----------------------------------hamirpur

-gauri Shankar-----------------------------------------Sujanpur

-Narvvedeshwar------------------------------------Sujanpur

-Murli Manohar-------------------------------------Sujanpur

-Sujanpur tira Temple--------------------------Sujanpur

Mandi

-Bhutnath Shiv Temple------------------------------Mandi

-Ardhnarishwar(Shiv paravati)-------------------Mandi

-Panchvaktra Mahadev ---------------------------Mandi

-Triloknath shiv Temple-Madhav rai(Lord vishnu temple)----mandi

-Tarna Devi--------------------------------------Mandi

-Rewalsar Shrine-----------------------------24 km away form Mandi

-Prashar temple-----------------------------40 Kms away form Mandi

-Nabahi Devi----------------------------------Sarkaghat

-Kamru Nag-------------------------------Chachyot tehsil

-Mamleshwar Mahadev----------------------------Karsog

-Chandika Devi----------------------------Karsog

-Mahoonag temple----------------------Near karsog

-Shikari devi-----------------------------------Karsog

Kullu

-Raghunath Temple, dedicated to Lord Ram--------Kullu,Sultanpur

-Bishweshwar Mahadev --------------------------------Bajaura

-Hatkeshwari-----------------------------------Bajaura

-Bijli Madadev---------------------------------Near Kullu

-Adi Brahma Temple------------------------- bhuntar

-bhekhli Devi-------------------------------Kullu

-Historical Temples of Naggar--------------------Kullu

-Tripura sundari----------------------------------Kullu

-Jamlu dev Temple-------------------------------Malana

-Hidimba devi-------------------------Manali

-Manu Temple------------------------------Manali-

-Rishi Vashist Temple--------------------Manali

-Devi Ambika------------------------------Nirmand

-Sandhya Devi-------------------------Jagat Sukh

-Lord Parshu Ram Temple--------------Nirmand

-Rishi Shring Temple------------------Banjar

Bilaspur

Naina devi-------------------------------Naina Dhar, Bilaspur

-Laxmi Narayan temple----------------Bilaspur

-Markandya Temple---------------Jukhala

-Nar Singh temple-----------------------------Bilaspur

Shimla

-Hanuman temple Jakhu---------------Jakhu,Shimla

-Kali bari------------------------------------Shimla

-Sankatmochan----------------------------Shimla

-Tara Devi Ji--------------------------------Shimla

-Kamna Devi Ji------------------------------------Shimla

-chaturmukh Devta----------------------------Kotgarh

-Dom Devta Temple--------------------------Shilaru

-Shali devi---------------------------------Shali Mountain

-Nangal Devi----------------------------------Theog

-Deshu Mata----------------------------------Fagu Peak

-Surya Temple------------------------------Nirath on the bank of Satluj near Rampur

-Duttareya Temple--------------------Duttnagar, on the bank Satluj near Rampur

-bhimakali---------------------------------Sarahan

-Hatkoti or Hateshwari-------------In Rohru Tehsil, on the bankj of Pabbar river

Solan

-Jakholi Mata-------------------Arki

-Bhagwati Temple------------Subhathu

-Shodani temple-------------Solan

-Jotali temle---------------------Solan

-Shalooni temple------------------Solan

Sirmaur

-Renuka Shrine----------------------Near Nahan

-Bala sundari--------------------------Near Nahan

-Shirgul devta or chureshwar---------------Choor chandni

-Jagannath Temple------------Nahan

-Ponta Sahib Gurudwara---------------------At Ponta Sahbi

Kinnaur

-Usha devi temple---------------------Nichar

-Orming Devta----------------Morang

-Kamakhya Devi-------------------Sangla

Lahaul Spiti

-Trilokinath Temple----------------Lahaul Spiti

-Mrikula devi Temple-------------------Lahaul Spiti

-Sandhya Devi temple------------------Lahaul Spiti

Chamba

-Laxmi Narayan Temples-----------------Chamba

-Hariraior Vishnu Temple--------------------Chamba

-Bansi Gopal or shri Krishan Temple------Chamba

-Champavati devi--------------Bharmaur

-Mani Mahesh-----------------------Bharmaur

-Laxshana Devi----------------------------chamba

-Khajji Nag temple-----------Khajjar

LAKES AND HOT SPRINGS IN HIMACHAL PRADESH

LAKES AND HOT SPRINGS IN HIMACHAL PRADESH

SIRMAUR : Renuka lake near Nahan. The name of this lake is associated with Lord Parshu Ram, his father Jamadagini and his mother Renuka. This lake looks like human shape.

-          Suketi lake falls near Nahan. At present this lake dried up.

Kullu :  Dussehar lake near Manali

-          Bhrigu lake near Manali. The name of this lake has been related to Rishi Bhrigu.

-          Mantral lake near Manali.

-          Seravel lake near Jalori.

-          Hot Springs- Manikaran, Kasol, Khir Ganga, Vashisth Kund etc. These Springs fall in the surrounding Territories of Manikaran.   

               Kangra: Dal and Kaveri Lakes which fall in the catchment area of Dharamshala.

              Kinnaur- Nako lake which falls in Pooh Division

              Shimla : Chandernahan lake in Rohru tehsil. Pabbar river originates from this lake.

             -Karali lake in Theog tehsil.

             -Baramndosar lake near dodra Kwar.

             Mandi:  Kumarwah, Prahsar and Recalsar Lakes ar situated near Mandi town. Prashar lake is      

             famous for floating islands A temple, a Sikh Gurudware and Buddhist Monastery are locates on bank of Prashar lake.

             Hot Springs: On the bank of Sutlej river. This place is called Tatta-Pani which is in Karsog tehsil of   Mandi

         Lahaul Spiti : Chandertal Lake and Surajtal Lake in Spiti Valey

         Chamba : Lama Lake, Manimahesh lake in Bharmour, Ghadasru lake near Tisa, Maha Kali lake near  Chamba, Khajjiar lake near Dalhousie.

Himachal ‘s rivers and places distt

1.       Una :  Satluj, Swan, Hatli and Lunkhari Khad.

2.       Kangra:  Beas, Banganga, Neogal, Benerkhad, Gaj, Dehar, Chakki , Binwa etc.

3.       Kullu :  Beas, Sanj, Tirthan, Malana Nala etc.

4.       Kinnaur: Sutluj, Bhava and Baspa

5.       Chamba: Ravi, Chenab, Baira Siul and Saiba Khad

6.       Bilaspur:  Satluj, Ghambar, Ghambrola, Aali, Seer, Sukar and Sarhali Khad

7.       Mandi: Beas, Ghagar, Sikandra,  Janetri, Kanda, Shikari etc.

8.       Lahul-Spiti: Chandra Bhaga, Malung Nala and Gonda Nala.

9.       Shimla: Satluj, Pabbar and gjiri river.

10.   Sirmaur: Yamuna, tons, giri, Pabbar, choordhar etc.

11.   Solan: Junga Ki Ashvani,Ali, Ghambhrola and Ghambar etc.

                                  12.   Hamirpur; beas, Maan, Kunah, bekar, Pungkhad, Gasoti and Sundran.                                                                              

Geographical location of Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh is situated in the North of India below Jammu and Kashmir. Sirmaur district falls in the South of Himachal while Kinnaur is in Eastern stretch and Kangra, Una lie in the Western territories of Himachal Pradesh. China and Tibet have their boundaries with Kinnaur and Lahual-Spiti. Kinnaur, Shimla and Sirmaur touch the boundary of Uttaranchal. Solan and Sirmaur have their boundaries with Haryana while Solan. Bilaspur and Kangra districts lie with the boundaries of Punjab. Chamba and Lahaul Spiti touch Jammu and Kashmir. Hamirpur, Mandi and Kullu districts do touch the boundaries of any other state.

The average altitude of Himachal Pradesh is between 300 to 7000 mts   from sea level.

Mountain Ranges

Long stretches of Hills are called mountain ranges . Himachal Pradesh has following mountain ranges falling in its territory

1.       Shivalik Mountain Ranges

2.       Solasinghi Hills

3.       Dhauladhar Mountain Range

4.       Pir Panjal Mountain Range

5.       Great Himalayan Range

6.       Zaskar Mountain Range     

                          

Shivalik Mountain Range the ancient name of this stretch was Mainak Hills. The lowest hills of Himachal falls in this range. The Western territories of Knagra, Una Bilaspur and Solan districts fall in kthis range, Shivalik range separated Kangra, Una, Bilaspur and Solan from Hishiarpur (Punjab), Chandigarh and Haryana, Kalka and Parwanoo are in the lap of this range. The average altitude of this range is 600 to 1100 mts. Form sea level.

Solasinghi Hills:  This small range of hills is located in Una district. It separates the northern edge of Kangra, Hamirpur and Bilaspur from Ina. Govind Sagar falls in this range. The average height of these hills is 300-600 mts. From sea level.

Dhauladhar Mountain Range: Dhauladhar means white coverage. These hills remain covered with white snow throughout the year. The small stretch of this range passes through chamba district. This range separates Chamba district form Kangra district. Dharmashala, Mecleodganj, Palampur and bara bhangal of Kangra district, Banikhet, Dalhousie, Chauri khas and bakloh of Chamba district and Manali of Kullu district are situated in the foot hills of Dhauladhar range.

Pir Panjal Mountain range: The largest part of this range falls in chamba district, it separated Chamba from Lahaul Spiti, Kilar, Dharwas, Sach Pass, Cheni Pass, churah, Tisa, Bharmour, Kugti, Kailash  of Chamba district, Rohtang Pass of Kullu district and Tindi, triloknarth, Tandi, Udaipur, gondla , Sissu and Khoksar of jLahaul-Spiti fall in this range, ravi river flows between Pir Panjal range and dhauladhar Range,Ravi originated from the foot hills (Bara Bhangal) of Pir Panjal range. Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar range join together near rohtang Pass. Chenab River flows beside Pir Panjal range. The average altitude of this range is between 4000 to 5500 mts. From sea level.

The Great Himalayas: Most part of this range is devoid of life or is lifeless. This range passes through the centre of Lahaul Spiti and touches the inner regions of Kinnaur. Zingizingbar, Darcha, Kunzam-la Pass. Kalaksar, Bara Shigri  Glacier, tiling of Lahaul-Spiti and Lang-Thang, change-math, Kangi, rispe, Kinner Kailash of Kinnaur district fall in this range. The elevation of this range is between 5000 to 6000 mts. from sea level. Sutlej River carved this range near rispa in Kinnaur. Miar Nadi, Chandra Nadi, bhaga Nadi and Spiti Nadi of Lahaul-Spiti sprout from this range.

Zaskar Mountain range: This is the highest mountain range in Himachal .it falls in the Eastern stretch of Lahaul and Spiti and Kinnaur districts. It separated Lahaul Spiti and Kinnaur from china Tibet. The highest peak of Shilla(7025) falls in this range. Lingti Nadi  bifurcates this range before joining Spiti River. The average height of this range is 7000 mts.

Rivers

There are five chief rivers flowing through himachal Pradesh

They are

1.Sutlej

2.Beas

3.Yamuna

4.Ravi

5.Chenab or chanderbhaga

1. Sutlej : Anciently this river was known as Sutadri, Shatdru or Shatdui. This river originates from Mansarover(Tibet) and enters Kinnaur near Shipki. It flows nearby Pooh, Jangi, rispa, Kalpa, Tappari, Wangtu and Karchham. Sutlej enters Shimla district near Jeori and flows alongh with the boundaries of Shimla and Mandi Districts. Near Dehar it enters Bilaspur district, it leaves Himachal near Nangal and covers the area of Punjab.

Tributaries : Spiti, Baspa, Bhaba (Kinnaur) are the chief tributaries of Sutlej. Ali Khan (Bilaspur) is also thetributary of Satluj.

Town : Pooh, Kalpa, Tappri, Wangru, Rampur, Duttnagar, Dalash, Basantpur, Tattapani and Bilaspur towns are located on the bank of Sutlej.

Dams : Govind Sagar and Bhakra Dam.

Bridges : Kundraur (Bilaspur-Ghurnawwin road), Luhri(Shimla –Kullu- Ani), Wangtu(Kinnair) and Gambhar(Bilaspur-Chandigarh)

2. Beas: This river has been called bipasa or Arzikia anciently. In 326 B.C The army of Alexander failed to cross this river due to heavy flow of water. It starts form Beas Kund. Beas Kund is situated at the foot of Rohtang pass near Larji it enters Mandi District After flowing through jMandi District it touches the boundaries of Hamirpur and Kangra jSistricts. Near Nadaun it enters Kangra District beas leaves Himachal near Mirthal and goes into Punjab.

Tributaries: Parvati, Malan-nala, Pin , Solang, Servery (Kullu), uhal, Luni, bina, Tirthan, Hansa, Rama, Suketi, Panodi, Son Bated, Juni (Mandi), Man, Kunah(Hamirpur) and Joul Khad, Loond Khad, Nakkehar, Tara, Binwa, Neogal, Gaj, Naner, chakki, Ban Ganga etc. Of Kangra.

Dams: Pandoh(Mandi), Pong Dam(Haripur), Garli Chamukha, Ghalore, Bari, Dehra, Haripur, Guler , Mangowal, Dada siba etc. towns and villages of Kangra fall on the banks or near Beas.

3. Yamuna: the ancient name of this river was Kalindi. This river has emotional relations with Lord Krishna. It originates form Yamnotri (Uttranchal) and flowing toward West & South it enters Sirmaur. Aftger flowing with the boundaries  of Sirmaur and Haryana ti enters Haryana near Tajewala.

Tributaries:  Giri, Bata(Sirmari), Rupon, Pabbar (Shimla) and Tons (Uttaranchal)

Bridges: Link bridge between Nahan and Dehradun.

Towns: Hat Koti, chirgaon, Rohru and Khara Pathar town’s villages fall on the bank of Pabbar River. Ponta Sahib falls on the bank of Yamuna.

4.Ravi:  Anciently the river had been known as Iravati Purushani. This river takes shape with the confluence3 of two  rivers Bhadar and Tantfiri near bara Bhangal (Dharam-shala) in the foothills of Dhauladhar Mountain Range. It flows through Chamba and enters Jammu and Kashmir.

Tributaries : Bhdhal, Rundehan , Chhitari, Seul, chamera, Sal, chirchand and Baljedi etc.

Towns : Khajjar, Chhitari, Rakh, Sherpur, Bhanot, Chamba etc. Chamba falls on the right back.

5. Chenab: The vedic name of Chenab (Chanderbhaga) is Asikani. It takes shapes near Keylong (Lahaul & Spiti) after the merger of Chandra and Bhaga rivers. It enters Chamba and finally it goesinto Jammuy& Kashmir.

Towns: Therot, shansa, Sissu, Triloknath, Udaypur, Khoksar, Namu (Lahual & Spiti) Kilar (Chamba)etc.