Shimla is bounded by Mandi and Kullu in the north, Kinnaur in the east, and Solan & Sirmaur to the south. Shimla is well known as a hub for India's tourism sector as it is among the top 10 preferred entrepreneurial locations in India. In 1864, Shimla was declared as the summer capital of British India and after independence; it became the capital of Himachal Pradesh. Name of Shimla has been derived from the goddess Shyamala Devi, an incarnation of the Hindu Goddess Kali. As a large and growing city, Shimla is home to many research institutions in India. City has a large number of temples also well noted for its buildings styled in Tudorbethan and neo-Gothic architecture dating from the colonial era.
Kullu is the capital town of the Kullu District in Himachal Pradesh. It is located on the banks of the Beas River in the Kullu Valley north of the airport at Bhuntar. Kullu is a broad open valley formed by the Beas River between town of Manali and Largi. Kullu valley is sandwiched between Lower and Great Himalayan range. Kullu valley is famous for its beauty and its majestic hills covered with Pine and Deodar Forest and sprawling Apple Orchards. The course of the Beas River presents, a succession of glorious, clad with forests of Deodar, towering above trees of Pine on the lower rocky ridges.
Manali in the Beas River Valley is a beautiful hill station nestled in the mountains of Himachal Pradesh near the northern end of the Kullu Valley. It is located about 270 km north of the state capital, Shimla with a population of approx. 30,000. The small town is the beginning of an ancient trade route to Ladakh and from there over the Karakoram Pass on to Yarkand. Manali and the surrounding area are of great significance to Indian culture and heritage as it is said to be the home of the Seven Sages. Tourism is the most significant segment of the town's economy as tourist attractions of this hill station includes Hindu temples, Buddhist monasteries and adventure sports.
Manikaran is located in the Parvati Valley on river Parvati, northeast of Bhuntar in the Kullu District of Himachal Pradesh. It is at an altitude of 1760 m and is located 4 km from Kasol, about 45 km from Kullu and about 35 km from Bhuntar. It is a pilgrimage centre for Hindus and Sikhs. The Hindus believe that Manu recreated human life in Manikaran after the flood, making it a sacred area. It has many temples and a Gurudwara. There are temples of the Hindu deities Rama, Krishna, and Vishnu. The area is well known for its hot springs and its beautiful landscape.
Shimla
Shimla also known as Simla, the official name until 1972 is the capital and the largest city of the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh.
