Sirmaur is located in outer Himalayas which is commonly known as Shivalik range.This district is bounded by district Shimla in North Uttrakhand in East, Haryana in South and Distt. Solan in North-West. Like other parts of Himachal Pradesh , it has beautiful landscapes, bracing climate, big and small game and legendry temples which hold abiding attraction for the tourists.
The river Giri is the biggest river in the district which originates from Kotkhai/Jubbal Tehsil of Shimla district and flows down in the south-east direction. It ultimately joins the river Yamuna near Paonta Sahib. Lot of tributaries join this river in its long course, most important of them being Jalal river which originates from Dharthi range near Pachhad and joins the Giri River at Dadahu from the right side. The river Giri is very useful as it a big source of livelihood fishermen in this district. Another important river which forms the eastern border of the Sirmour district is the river Tons.
Hidden in the southern Himalayas, Sirmaur is a land of untouched beauty, gentle hills, and deep-rooted traditions. Draped in emerald forests and terraced fields, this serene region offers a refreshing contrast to crowded hill destinations—quiet, green, and wonderfully authentic. Misty mornings, flowing streams, and panoramic mountain views create an atmosphere of calm and discovery.
Sirmaur is rich in cultural heritage, with ancient temples, historic forts, and charming villages that preserve age-old customs. The region’s slow pace of life and warm local hospitality invite travelers to connect deeply with the land and its people. Scenic trails, nature walks, and forested retreats make it a haven for hikers, birdwatchers, and seekers of peaceful escapes.
From tranquil hill stations to hidden valleys and spiritual sites, Sirmaur is ideal for travelers who value sustainability, solitude, and meaningful experiences. For foreign visitors looking to explore a lesser-known side of Himachal Pradesh, Sirmaur offers a rare blend of natural beauty, cultural depth, and quiet Himalayan charm—an experience that feels personal, pure, and unforgettable.
In 1573, a local shopkeeper named Lala Ram Dass dreamt of Goddess Bala Sundari, who revealed her disappearance from Devban (UP) and instructed him to build a temple to enshrine her "Pindi" form. The next day, Lala Ram Dass discovered the "Pindi" in a bag of salt brought from Devban. Miraculously, despite selling salt from the bag all day, it remained full. He shared this with Raja Dip Parkash of Sirmour, leading to the construction of the Mata Bala Sundari Temple in Trilokpur.
Raja Dip Prakash inhesitanly agreed and got constructed a temple for the installation of the Divine PINDI of Mata Balasundari jee at Trilokpur. The king invited some artisans from Jaipur [Rajasthan] in 1570 A.D. and a beautiful marble temple dedicated to Goddess Tripur Bala Sundri came by 1573 A.D. In 1823, the temple was renovated by Maharaja Fateh Prakash and by Maharaja Raghubir Prakash in 1851.
The worship of Goddess Bala Sundri became a tradition in the royal family. Over time, the temple was renovated in an architectural style that beautifully blends Indo-Persian elements. Today, the shrine of Bhagwati Bala Sundri attracts over 32 lakh devotees annually. Since the temple's inception, the descendants of Lala Ram Das have been entrusted with performing the main Pooja, maintaining the sacred rituals and traditions.
This Gurdwara was built in memory of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth guru of sikhs.[2] The gurdwara enjoys a high historic and religious importance among the followers of the Sikh religion world over. The Gurudwara has a palanquin "Palki" made of pure gold, donated by devotees.
Sri Talab Asthan and Sri Dastar Asthan are the vital places inside the Sikh shrine. Sri Talab Asthan is used for disbursing salaries and Sri Dastar Asthan is used for organizing the turban tying competitions. A legendary temple is also attached to the Gurdwara which is rebuilt recently in the vicinity of Gurdwara compound. Kavi Darbar, a prominent place near the Gurdwara is the venue for holding the poetry competitions. The weapons and pens used by Guru Gobind Singh are displayed in a museum near the Paonta Sahib Gurdwara. The Gurdwara is visited by tourists from different states. The site is situated on the bank of the River Yamuna. This gurdwara serves langar (parshada) for all. The gurdwara contains the Sahibzada Baba Ajit Singh Library and Museum.
Another place of religious and historical importance is the Gurdwara built at Bhangani Sahib, about 1 km from Gurdwara Tir Garhi Sahib. With its proximity to the river Yamuna, the whole area presents a picturesque sight.
Renukaji Temple is a popular Hindu religious site in Nahan, Himachal Pradesh. It is believed that Devi Renuka is the incarnation of Devi Durga. A large number of devotees from Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana come to visit Renukaji temple.
This temple was built in 1814 in memory of Devi Renuka, wife of sage Jamadagni and mother of Parashuram. It is said that Parashuram wanted to spend his life at the feet of his mother and that is why the mother-son duo meets every year during the beginning of the annual Renuka mela.
According to mythology, once sage Jamadagni became disappointed with his wife Renuka. As a result he ordered his son Parashuram to behead his mother. Parashurama followed his father's orders and killed his mother at the same place. Another legend describes that when King Sahastrarjuna was abducting Devi Renuka, she jumped onto the lake, which is today called Renuka Lake. Reportedly built overnight by the invading Gorkha army in the early 19th century, the original temple of Renukaji is located here.
The temple of Bhagwan Parshuram has been called by the name of Devi since ancient times. A few years ago the temple of Bhagwan Parshuram was renovated in Southern style.
Shri Naina Devi Ji, the chief ‘Shakti Peeth’ among the world famous ‘Peeths’ of India, is situated in Bilaspur District in the State of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is located eighty kilometers from the Bilaspur town, one hundred eight kilometers north of Chandigarh, thirty six kilometers south from Nangal and twenty kilometers from Bhakhra Dam.
The ‘Shakti Peeth’ is sited one thousand two hundred and nineteen meters above the sea level. The nearest airport to reach this place of pilgrimage is Chandigarh airport; and the nearest railway stations are Anandpur Sahib and Nangal in Panjab.
Shree Rukmani Kund is a water reservoir surrounded by mountains in the middle of the Sivalik Hills Forest in Bilaspur district, Himachal Pradesh, India. Rukmani Kund, 28 km from Bilaspur, was selected in HGKK (Har Gaon Ki Kahani Programme) for the year 2012–2013.Rukmani Kund is considered the place of sacrifice of Rukmani and a Mela (fair) has been started here since some years on the name of sacrificer. A small temple has also been constructed here. It is the source of water supply for so many villages in the area.
The entire Auhar region was in trouble because of dearth of water despite their repeated efforts to dig a well. Once the ruler of Barsandh had a dream that in case his son or daughter in law is offered as a sacrifice, water could come out. Legend is there that a newly married young lady named Rukmani of Taredh Village married to Rundh Family, Rajput ruler of Barsandh village, was buried alive by the side of the spot which was selected for digging a Baoli (Tank). The daughter-in-law, Rukmani offered herself in preference to her husband. She sacrificed her life and the present Rukmani Kund is a result of her courageous act. It is said that she was buried alive at the place where we have this Kund today.
According to Omacanda Hāṇḍā in Buddhist Art & Antiquities of Himachal Pradesh, Up to 8th Century A.D.,[4] such stories of Woman sacrifices were common instances in which women were sacrificed to Nāga Devta for the sake of water. Similar stories can be taken into consideration like Rupi Rani of Gushal Village in Lahul Valley, Rani Nayana of Raja Sahil Varman of Chamba, Bichi of Sirmaur and Kandi Rani of Kishtwar in Jammu who were sacrificed to Nāga Devta for the sake of water. Human Sacrifices to Nāga Devta has been one of the most conspicuous features of Austric Tribes.
Grass (baggad) hanging from the walls of the Kund is considered her hair. And it is there because of the magical power of the reservoir water. People tie ribbons, bangles to the grass to offer tribute to Rukmani. It is also believed that the waters of this reservoir can cure skin ailments.
Rukmani belonged to Auhar (erstwhile Tared Village) and even today people from Rukmani's village don't drink or bathe in the Kund's waters. Such is the pride they take in their daughter's sacrifice.
Kufri is a resort hill station in the district of Shimla, India. It is located 12 km (7.5 mi) from the state capital Shimla on the National Highway 5 (also known as Hindustan-Tibet road). On the Kufri Avenue, the main thoroughfare, boutiques and restaurants mix with Indian-style hotels and souvenir shops are to look for during a visit.
The name Kufri is derived from the word kufr meaning "lake" in the local language. The highest point in the surrounding region, Kufri has a Himalayan wildlife zoo which hosts rare antelopes, felines and birds including the Himalayan monal, the state bird of Himachal Pradesh until 2007. During winter a meandering path through the potato plantations turns into a popular ski track.
Kufri is located at 31.10°N 77.25°E. It has an average elevation of 2,720 metres (8923 feet).
The region around Shimla including Kufri was once a part of the Kingdom of Nepal until the area was ceded to the British Raj as part of the Sugauli Treaty. This region remained obscure from the rest of the world until the British 'discovered' it in 1819.
The British-era Bantony Estate in Shimla, a grand private castle once was the summer Palace of the erstwhile Maharaja of Sirmaur, a grandeur architectural landmark. The castle is located near Scandal point on Kali Bari Road.The Bantony Esttate is a heritage site built during the British era and is situated on the Bantony Hill of Shimla. The beautiful wooden architecture of the building amidst the sprawling lawns is a site worth exploring.
Bantony Castle is one of the historic and monumental buildings of Shimla town and has a very rich history. It was built over 145 years ago. Before the castle was built, the estate had only a cottage that belonged to Captain A. Gordan and later in 1880, the castle was built up and became the summer residence of Maharaja Sirmour. During the first World War it was handed over by Maharaja Sirmaur to the Govt. of India for housing additional temporary offices for army.
After independence, ‘The Tribune’ office was shifted here from Lahore. Later on it remained the office of the Director General of Police. The main building is a two-storeystructure constructed in the mockTudor style, part chalet and crowned with a sloping roof with mini-towers. The castle is said to have been designed by TEG Cooper. In the year 2017, the Himachal Pradesh Government acquired the Bantony Castle Estate from the owner and restored the heritage building to establish a digital Museum and Light & Sound Show to portray the history, Art and Culture of the State.
The Kalka–Shimla Railway is a 2 ft 6 in (762 mm) narrow-gauge railway in North India which traverses a mostly mountainous route from Kalka to Shimla. It is known for dramatic views of the hills and surrounding villages. The railway was built under the direction of Herbert Septimus Harington between 1898 and 1903 to connect Shimla, the summer capital of India during the British Raj, with the rest of the Indian rail system.
Its early locomotives were manufactured by Sharp, Stewart and Company. Larger locomotives were introduced, which were manufactured by the Hunslet Engine Company. Diesel and diesel-hydraulic locomotives began operation in 1955 and 1970, respectively.
On 8 July 2008, UNESCO added the Kalka–Shimla Railway to the mountain railways of India World Heritage Site.
Shimla (then spelt Simla), which was settled by the British shortly after the first Anglo-Gurkha war, is located at 7,116 feet (2,169 m) in the foothills of the Himalayas. The idea of connecting Shimla by rail was first raised by a correspondent to the Delhi gazette in November 1847.
Shimla became the summer capital of British India in 1864, and was the headquarters of the Indian army. This meant that twice a year it was necessary to transfer the entire government between Calcutta and Shimla by horse and ox drawn carts.
In 1891 the 5 ft 6 in (1,676 mm) broad gauge Delhi–Kalka line opened, which made the construction of a branch line up to Shimla feasible.
The earliest survey was made in 1884, followed by another survey in 1885. Based on these two surveys, a project report was submitted in 1887 to the government of British India. Fresh surveys were made in 1892 and 1893, which led to four alternative schemes being suggested - two adhesion lines, 67.25 mi (108.23 km) and 69.75 mi (112.25 km) long, and two rack lines.Fresh surveys were again made in 1895 from Kalka to Solan to determine whether a 1 in 12 rack or a 1 in 25 adhesion line should be chosen. After much debate, an adhesion line was chosen in preference to a rack system.
Construction of the Kalka–Shimla Railway on 2 ft (610 mm) narrow-gauge tracks was begun by the privately funded Delhi-Ambala-Kalka Railway Company following the signing of a contract between the secretary of state and the company on 29 June 1898.The contract specified that the line would be built without any financial aid or guarantee from the government. The government however provided the land free of charge to the company. The estimated cost of 8,678,500 rupees doubled by the time the line was opened. The Chief Engineer of the project was Herbert Septimus Harington and the Chief Contractor was Sujan Singh Hadaliwale.
The 95.68 km (59.45 mi) line opened for traffic on 9 November 1903 and was dedicated by Viceroy Lord Curzon. This line was further extended from Shimla to Shimla Goods (which had once housed the bullock cart office) on 27 June 1909 making it 96.60 km (60.02 mi).
The Indian Army were sceptical about the two feet gauge chosen for the line and requested that a wider standard gauge be used for mountain and light strategic railways. Eventually the government agreed that the gauge was too narrow for was essentially a capital city and for military purposes. As a result, the contract with the railway company was revised on 15 November 1901 and the line gauge changed to 2 ft 6 in (762 mm) with the track built to date being regauged. Some sources however state the regauging wasn't undertaken until 1905.
In 1905 the company took delivery of a 10-ton Cowans Sheldon travelling crane to assist with lifting rolling stock back onto the tracks after accidents and for general track maintenance. Due to the high capital and maintenance costs and difficult working conditions, the railway was allowed to charge higher fares than on other lines. Nevertheless, the company had spent 16,525,000 rupees by 1904 with no sign of the line becoming profitable, which lead to it being purchased by the government on 1 January 1906 for 17,107,748 rupees. Once it came under the control of the government the line was originally managed as an independent unit from the North West Railway office in Lahore until 1926, when it was transferred to Delhi Division. Since July 1987, the line has been managed by the Ambala Division from Ambala Cantt.
In 2007, the Himachal Pradesh government declared the railway a heritage property. For about a week, beginning on 11 September 2007, a UNESCO team visited the railway to inspect it for possible selection as a World Heritage Site. On 8 July 2008, it became part of the mountain railways of India World Heritage Site with the Darjeeling Himalayan and Nilgiri Mountain Railways.
Nichar is a village located in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh state, India, at an altitude of 2100 meters. It is located on the old Hindustan-Tibet road. Most of the people follows Hinduism as well as Buddhism. It is known for natural water body called "chhalang bayu". The Usha Mata temple is in Nichar. The people of Nichar celebrate a fair called 'HU HU mela' (BAATI mela in local language). Nichar is one of the three administrative areas of Kinnaur distt. The region has a variety of flora and fauna and is home to wildlife species such as red bears, antelopes, and Ghoral. Nichar has wide range of alpine forest. That's why it is called as green valley. It is most green village in distt Kinnaur. The temperature of Nichar remains moderate throughout the year and hence, tourist can visit here in any season. With its natural environment and wildlife, it has become one of the most sought-after places to visit in Kinnaur.
Moorang(3591m): Situated above the left bank of Satluj at some distance from the confluence of the Tirang and 39 kms away from the Kalpa. The location is very beautiful and approach to this picturesque village is through apricot orchard. The dell is encircled by the lofty mountains on every side, except westward open to the Satluj, on the bank of which there is an old fort believed to be built by Pandavas. The fort has a square structure situated on a knoll overlooking the Satluj. Its main gate is approachable by a detached ladder. It has a flat roof. The local deity is Urming and there are three structures dedicated to the deity each existing in Thwaring, Garmang and Shilling. Generally these are empty as the ark of the deity remains in the fort. On a sacred day the ark is taken to the above named places. The ark has got 18 'mukh', made of silver, gold and brass. The 18 mukh represents the 18 days of the great epic Mahabharat.
A must see tourist spot for the solitude lovers and avid worshipper of nature, Lipa Asrang Sanctuary is around at a height of 4,000 to 5,022 m. The sanctuary is spread over an area of around 30.89 sq km. The variety of flora found in this sanctuary includes dry coniferous forest, dry alpine scrub, dwarf juniper scrub, dry broad leaves, western Himalayan temperate forest, and coniferous forest.
The most commonly found fauna in this sanctuary are Yak, Leopard, Ibex, Goral, Brown Bear, Blue Sheep, Himalayan black Beer, Musk Deer etc. Random tourists are not allowed to enter this sanctuary. So they need to take prior permission to explore the sanctuary
The Shri Bagalamukhi Mata Temple (also known as Maa Baglamukhi Temple) is a prominent Hindu shrine located in Bankhandi (near Dehra), Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh, India. It is dedicated to Goddess Bagalamukhi, one of the ten Mahavidyas (great wisdom goddesses) in Tantric Shaktism. The goddess is revered as Pitambara (clothed in yellow) and is associated with paralyzing enemies, granting victory in disputes, protection from evil, and fulfillment of wishes—especially in legal matters, competitions, and overcoming obstacles.
Exterior view of the temple nestled in the scenic Kangra valley.
The temple is considered a Siddha Peeth (accomplished spiritual site) and one of the three most significant Bagalamukhi shrines in India (along with those in Datia, Madhya Pradesh, and Nalkheda, Madhya Pradesh). It attracts devotees, including celebrities from politics, sports, and entertainment.
According to legends, The goddess emerged from a turmeric lake to calm a cosmic storm at Lord Vishnu’s request. The Pandavas are said to have built the temple overnight during their exile in the Dwapar Yuga. Lord Rama worshipped here (guided by Hanuman) to obtain the Brahmastra for victory over Ravana. The site is ancient, with references to its power in Tantric texts.
Yellow is the goddess’s favored color: The temple is painted yellow, devotees wear yellow clothes, offer yellow sweets (like besan laddoo), and adornments are golden/yellow.
Known for powerful havans (fire rituals) and yajnas believed to yield quick results—especially nighttime havans.
Devotees seek blessings for stambhana (paralyzing foes), victory in court cases, and protection.
Interior views showing the idol of Goddess Bagalamukhi, adorned in yellow.
The sanctum features the goddess in the center (sometimes flanked by Lakshmi and Saraswati), with nearby shrines for Lord Shiva, Bhairava, and Hanuman.
Festivals: Crowded during Navratri, Guru Purnima, and Vasant Panchami.
Whispers of love, strokes of tradition, and threads of devotion come together in the delicate artistry of the Chamba Rumal—a ceremonial cloth that tells tales of royalty, mythology, and resilience.
Legend whispered that the town’s very foundation was inspired by the loving gesture of a father towards his daughter. Raja Sahil Verman, the founder of Chamba, christened the town in honour of his beloved daughter, Champavati. It was her gentle touch, it is said, that pointed to the spot where the town would rise. Little did they know that this town would one day become the cradle of an enchanting art form — the Chamba Rumal
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