History of Himachal Pradesh goes back to the pre-historic period, as the evidence of the existence of habitation is found from that period. The majority of population of this region had in fact come from Central Asia and the Indian plains over a long period of time. The first race to enter Himachal Pradesh was Proto-Australoid followed by Mongoloid and the Aryan. The mention of Dasyus and Nishads inhabiting this region can be found in the Rig Veda. It also state about their powerful king Shambra who had 99 forts. Tribes like the Kolis, Halis, Dagis, Dhaugris, Dasa, Khasas, Kinnars and Kirats have settled in Himachal Pradesh since the early period of its history.

The period of ancient history sees the rise of Janapadas or Republics in Himachal Pradesh. The Aryan influence over Himachal Pradesh can be found much before the period the Rig Veda. The Aryans were superior in their war plans and devices and thus conquered the local tribes and decided to settle here permanently. The small Republics were also established in Himachal Pradesh. The rulers of these Republics maintained a good relationship with the Mauryans in order to maintain their independence for a longer period of time. With the rise of the Guptas in the North Gangetic plains, these Republics lost their sovereignty. Several small kingdoms came up to extend their influence over the hilly state and establish their authority in different regions of Himachal Pradesh after the decline of the power of the Guptas. King of Kashmir, Sankar Varma, influenced Himachal Pradesh with his control in about 883 AD.

The period of medieval and modern history saw lot of development in culture and architecture in Himachal Pradesh. Mahmud of Ghazni marched into Himachal Pradesh in 1009 AD. The Rajputs extended their influence in the region in about 1043 AD. The Mughal period witnessed the erection of several works of art. When Maharaja Ranjit Singh attacked Himachal Pradesh to bring to an end the Rajput power in this region in 1773 AD, Himachal Pradesh was under the leadership of the Rajput ruler, Sansar Chand. The Gurkhas also subjugated this area and destroyed it. The history of Himachal Pradesh saw growth and development under the British rule. After the Gurkha War of 1815-16, the region around Shimla came under the occupation of the British. The credit of discovering and establishing several hill stations in Himachal Pradesh goes to the British who built several hill retreats to escape during severe heat of the north India during the summer season. Shimla was made the summer capital of India. Several buildings of colonial period have withstood the burden of time to tell their version of British glory in the city of Shimla.

Himachal Pradesh was initially declared as a centrally administered territory in 1948 with the integration of 31 hill states of Punjab province. Till 1966, Himachal Pradesh comprised of six districts, namely, Mahasu, Mandi, Chamba, Sirmaur, Bilaspur and Kinnaur. By November 1966, Shimla, Kangra, Kullu, Lahaul, Spiti, Nalagarh and a few areas of Hoshiarpur an Gurdaspur districts were added to Himachal Pradesh. On 25th January 1971, Himachal Pradesh was declared a state with 10 districts. In 1972, Himachal Pradesh was rearranged into 12 districts, namely, Bilaspur, Chamba, Hamirpur, Kangra, Kinnaur, Kullu, Lahaul and Spiti, Mandi, Shimla, Sirmaur, Solan and Una.

Holidays Hub-Himachal Pradesh offers online booking requests for tours and tour packages to Tour Himachal Pradesh. For any queries or for more information, kindly fill up the form given below.

In the late 15th century, Guru Nanak the first Sikh Guru, toured the Himalayas as far as Ladakh. He is said to have visited Kangra, Kullu, Lahaul, Spiti, Tibet, China, Sirmaur and Garhwal.

The 10th Sikh Guru was called Guru Gobind Singh. He shifted his centre of preaching to Paonta Sahib. He appealed for men and horses and warriors to join his crusade against the Mughals. The Rajas of Bilaspur and Nalagarh misunderstood this request and what happened was that the chiefs of the hill states decided to join forces with the Mughals against the Sikhs.

The beginning of the 19th century saw Maharaja Ranjit Singh in Himachal Pradesh. The Gurkhas of Nepal had at the same time established control over Chamba, Nurpur, Kotla, Jasrota, Basdhli, Jaswan, Mandi, Suket and Kullu. The jealousies and hatred amongst the different tribal chiefs of the hill states was the reason why the entire region was unable to fight in unity for its independence. This was why they were unable to hold on against the Sikh forces working against them.

Attraction of Himachal Pradesh:

Shimla:
the capital of Himachal Pradesh and one of India's most famous hill stations, derives its name from Goddess Shyamala, an incarnation of Goddess Kali, the deity of power and wrath. However, unlike its name, Shimla is a perfect heaven for those in search of tranquility. Nature has blessed this capital city with innumerable gifts and man has used them to make Shimla one of India's best destinations.

Dharamshala:
Set against the magnificent backdrop of the towering Dhauladhar ranges, which rise up to more than 4,000 meters, Dharamshala, which literally means 'the Holy Refuge', lies perched up on the high slopes in the upper reaches of the Kangra valley. Founded in 1855, it is one of the 80 hill resorts developed in the seventeenth century by the British to beat the heat and dust of the sweltering plains. Today, it is famous as the abode of the Dalai Lama and is known throughout the world as the Little Lhasa, because of the large number of Tibetans and their 'Government in Exile', which is headquartered here.

Kullu:
"Surely the Gods live here; this is no place for men", wrote Rudyard Kipling of Kullu, India's valley of the gods. Located in the charming Kullu valley in Himachal Pradesh and set amongst the lower reaches of the mighty Himalayas, the small town of Kullu is famous for its temples, apple orchards, and the annual Dussehra festival, all of which attract hordes of tourists. Kullu is also known for its handicrafts. Beyond the town's perimeter loom the magnificent greater Himalayas and the silver valley bisected by the Beas River.

Manali:
One of the most beautiful hill stations of the country, Manali is basically a small town in the Kullu valley of Himachal Pradesh. Termed sometimes as the cradle between the lesser Himalayas, Manali is extremely popular with tourists for its lavish display of unspoilt natural beauty. Rich in its scenic splendor, Manali draws a good number of tourists from within the country and abroad every year.

Rohtang Pass:
a few kilometers away from Manali, this is a site where one can view the most drastic of landscape variances. On one side, the lush green head of the Kullu Valley; to the other, an awesome vista of bare, brown mountains, hanging glaciers and snowfields that dazzle in the crisp daylight. It is in the district of Lahaul and Spiti-a place untouched by time. The tough terrain means that not too many tourists venture into this region, thus helping the virginal landscapes and simple people retain their lifestyle with its native charm.

Chamba:
The small town of Chamba is located in a picturesque valley, amidst the Shivalik ranges and is famous for its medieval temples. The architecture of the temples of Chamba reflects the glory of its erstwhile rulers. It is also known for its local festivals.

Dalhousie:
Compared to other hill stations, Dalhousie, 80 winding kilometers from Pathankot, is markedly different and as yet unexplored. Spread over five hills, Dalhousie has a serenity of its own. Attractive cottages and villas cling to the deodar and pine mantled hills of Dalhousie, while pink and red rhododendrons bloom and trees stand tall in different shades of green.

Kangra:
The small town of Kangra was the capital of the erstwhile rulers of the Chand dynasty. It is set amongst the picturesque settings of the Kangra valley at the foothills of the majestic Dhauladhar range. The area around Kangra is known for its ancient temples and picturesque surroundings, which attract tourists.