Information on Himachal Pradesh Road Trip
Chandigarh-Nalagarh-Pragpur-Palampur-Dharamsala-Dalhousie-Amritsar
Chandigarh-Nalagarh
A journey through the mountain state of Himachal holds the promise of a deep communion with nature. The Kangra and Chamba valleys are luxuriant and green and the heady mountain air along with the backdrop of the ‘white ranges’ of Himalayan peaks should make this a rewarding road holiday.
Leave Chandigarh and join NH 22. It is worth stopping at Pinjore to see the Mughal style gardens that are replications of the gardens of Kashmir. The complex also contains three palaces, the Sheesh Mahal, the Rajasthani style Rang Mahal and the cubical Jal Mahal. Pass the Pinjore market and turn left onto SH 21A. Although this highway is not as wide as NH 22, it is smooth and relatively traffic free. On the right are the foothills of the Shivaliks, and Kasauli is easy to spot because of its prominent TV tower. The road also passes by the scenically situated Pinjore Flying Club. Just before the industrial town of Baddi, it crosses a small bridge and enters Himachal, the enchanting state that is locked in the embrace of river valleys and mountains. The road gradually climbs up to the palace at Nalagarh, regal retreat in the hills. Also Visit – Manali Volvo Packages
Nalagarh-Pragpur
The narrow mountain road meanders through the foothills of the Shivaliks and offers driving enthusiasts many opportunities to test their cornering skills. At Swarghat, a reasonable sized town with some facilities, it meets up with NH 21, which is a wide and smooth highway that takes you to Punjab and the ‘Valley of Gurudwaras’.
The first gurudwara is at Kiratpur Sahib, which was once the stronghold of Sikh gurus. Here you leave NH 21 and proceed on SH 22 to Anandpur Sahib. The 9th Sikh guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur, founded this historical town that has 40 gurudwaras. Anandpur Sahib is also the birthplace of the Khalsa Panth and it recently played host to thousands of Sikhs from all over the world, when the 300th anniversary of the Khalsa was celebrated here.
At Nangal, you drive along one of the main canals of the famous Bhakra-Nangal Dam and at Mehatpur, a decent sized town with facilities, the road passes through an archway that reflects the Pagoda-style architecture of the region, and enters Himachal Pradesh. Motor on the smooth road to Amb, a town that Babur and even the Great Alexander is said to have passed through. At Amb, take the road on right that climbs through the hills and then descends down to the heritage village of Pragpur.
Pragpur-Palampur/Taragarh Via Kangra
Leave Pragpur and drive to the Kangra Valley that is located between the lush green Shivaliks and snow white Dhauladhars. It is known for its Kangra School of miniature paintings and the Kangra Fort that is perched on a precipitous hill overlooking the confluence of the Banganga and Patal Ganga Rivers. Some of the earlier remains of this ancient fort date back to around the 9th century and it also contains some temples.
It is now geography’s turn to cast its spell. Pretty vales, emerald green plantations, sparkling rivers, silver cascades, cedar and oak forests and the glorious snow capped Dhauladhars, all make it a memorable drive to Palampur, the tea town, that enchants instantly. Taragarh is just 11 kms down the road and if you want to park yourself in an elegant and atmospheric heritage mountain resort, this is where you should head.
Palampur- Dalhousie via Dharamshala
From the tea covered slopes of Palampur drive to Dharamshala, from where the Dalai Lama rules over the hearts of millions of Tibetans. Thanks to the numerous foreign visitors that are drawn here, a plethora of cuisines is available – Tibetan, Indian, Italian, Himachali, Western, and it are also a great place to pick up some superb confectionery. Also Visit – Best of Himachal Tour
So far the Dhauladhars just loomed large in the background, but now, the road heads straight for them. It may not be the widest or smoothest of roads, but despite this the drive is delightful. Clouds dance between the mountains, the air is crisp, redolent with the scent of summer flowers, cottage gardens contribute their special fragrance and rhododendrons riot in pink and green.
From Tunahatti begins the ascent up to Dalhousie, a peaceful hill-station with many hotels vying for the pleasure of your company.
Dalhousie-Kalatope-Khajjiar-Chamba-Dalhousie
When you have had your fill of the local attractions, drive to Kalatope and discover a magical forest rest house set amidst the serene natural beauty of rich Himalayan forests. Drop anchor here or motor on to Khajjiar, which is the closest you will get to Switzerland without flying. Then drive on a high mountain road that offers terrific views to Chamba, the ancient capital that is richly endowed with both history and natural beauty.
Having explored the lesser visited areas of Himachal, retrace the route to Dalhousie.
Dalhousie-Amritsar
From the high hills drive downhill to the plains of Punjab. Backtrack till Tunahatti and then take the road to Pathankot, which is a trading centre on the main road to Kashmir and is also a big base for the Indian defense forces. Carry on via Gurudaspur and Batala to the holy city of Amritsar, which is also known for its delectable and unique North Indian cuisine.
For more information on Himachal Pradesh road trip and Himachal Pradesh tour packages contact Swan Tours one of the leading travel agents in India.
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