Himachal Pradesh is a mountain state, of charming crystal lakes, pretty flowers, ancient shrines and beautiful people. This state lies in the northern part of the country, in the lap of the mighty Himalayas, at an altitude that varies from 460 to 6600 metres above sea level. It is surrounded by Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab and Tibet. Himachal Pradesh is enveloped by the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges in the northwest, dominated by the great Himalayas in the north and east and marked with lower ridges of the Shivalik ranges in the south-east.
Himachal has five mighty snow-fed rivers flowing through it - the Chenab, Ravi, Beas, Sutlej and Yamuna. Climatically, this state is divisible into two regions - the south which is as warm as the plains, and the north where the summers are temperate and winters are extremely cold. 

The earliest known inhabitants of this region were tribals called Dasas, who entered the hills from the Gangetic plains, between the third and second millenium B.C. They were joined by the Aryans around 2000 BC and a number of tribal republics, called the janapadas, began to emerge in geographically separate regions of this state. The close of the 10th century saw the entry of Muslim rulers, in North India, through the north western passes. The Mughals were followed by the British, who were so taken up by the beauty of the state, that they made it the summer seat of the British viceroy. After Independence, 30 princely states of the area were united and Himachal Pradesh was formed on 15 April, 1948. With the reorganisation of Punjab on November 1, 1966, certain areas belonging to it were also included in Himachal Pradesh. It was declared a state of the Indian Union with Shimla as the capital, on January 25, 1971. 

After independence of India, Himachal was declared as Union territory but later on its status was raised to part 'C' state till 1966 when some hilly areas of Punjab wre merged in this due to re-organzation of Punjab state. However, it was declared a fullfledged state on 25.1.71 with 12 districts. It is larger in area than Punjab, Haryana and Kerala. It is located in the north-west of India in the lap of Himalaya. It is surrounded by Jammu-Kashmir in the north, Uttar Pradesh in the south-east, Haryana in the south and Punjab in the south-west. In the east it has borders with Tibet. It has an elevation from 450 to 6800 mts. and can be divided into southern and northern regions. Southern region is warm in summer and the northern is extremly cold with heavy snow.

It is located in the North West in India right in the lap of Great Himalayas Ranges. In the North border is 
Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and Haryana in the South Utter Pradesh in the South East and East side is bordered by Tibet. Its highest point is Kinnuar and Lahaul Spiti. It can be divided into two parts Southern 
and Northern Himachal. The southern Himachal also known as lower Himachal IA as hot as plain areas where as upper is Northern Himachal less hot in Summer and extreme cold and heavy snow in Winter.

Himachal is self sufficient in almost everything and now is leading in the production of fruits. It is therefore known as an Apple State. Apple Orchards have grown to a large extent in the Kullu Valley, Kotgarh and other areas of upper Shimla. Best quality apples are being exported. A lot of research on horticulture and forestry is being done by the University of Solan, which will add to the prosperity of the state. Seed potatoes are the other cash crop which is adding to the enrichment of the economy. It is taking a great step forward in harnessing the potentials of snow fed rivers for hydle power and many projects are already in the final stage. Even the private firms are being persuaded to take up such projects. It has also a name in the mineral water and beer produced by the known firm Mohan Meakin Breweries at Solan. 

Himachal is known for some very interesting and distinctive items of art and handicrafts. The inhabitants of a particular region can very easily be recognised from thier dresses, especially the women. Kullu caps have become an insignia of HImachal and many people throughout the country like it. Busheri caps of Rampur Busher is another head covering similar to the Kulu cap. Himachal is known for woollen shawls, socks, gudmas, patti (woollen thick cloth for coats) rumal (handkerchief), chappels (slippers), honey, silver ornaments and wooden articles of Shimla etc. Paintings of Chamba and Kangra are known all over the world for their style. 

The State can be divided into two regions: the Southern part which is almost as hot as the plains and the northern region having a temperate summer You Can Advertise Here and a winter with extreme cold and heavy snowfall. The rainfall is around 180.cms. Best time to visit: Mid-May to mid-October