Himachal Pradesh Capital City, Shimla
Area: 55673
Population: 5170877

Introduction:
The state is bordered by Jammu and Kashmir in the North, and Uttar Pradesh in the South-East. Haryana is in the South and Punjab is in the West.
History
The nomadic early inhabitants of Himachal Pradesh were forced to submit to the authority of a succession of empires. However, after the decline of the Gupta Empire in the 6th century, 30 independent kingdoms emerged, which eventually became tributary states of the Mughal Empire. The Mughals, the Shah dynasty of Nepal, and the Sikhs all occupied the area before the British took over in 1815. In 1819 Simla was founded as the summer headquarters of the British. Himachal Pradesh became a union territory in 1948 and India's 18th state in January 1971. 
Geography
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.
Places of Interest
Dalhousie
Standing at the foot of the spectacular Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas, is the popular hill - station of Dalhousie, that covers an area of around 14 sq.km, and is sprawled over five hills - Kathlog, Portreyn, Moti Tibba (formerly known as Tehra), Bakrota and Balun. Dalhousie also houses many fine specimens of colonial architecture especially, its old churches. 
Shimla
Shimla was the most important British hill resort, prior to India's independence. It is named after its patron goddess, Shamla Devi. Simla, located at an altitude of 7,267 feet, is inhabited around a crescent - shaped ridge, which is blessed with perennially cool air and amazing views.
Mcleod Ganj
Mcleod Ganj is charming Tibetan settlement with bustling bazaar that sell carpets, Tibetan handicrafts, and delicious Tibetan foods. His Holiness Dalai Lama also resides in Mcleodganj, which is now major culture centre of Tibetan culture.
Manali
Manali, located at an altitude of 2050 m, is situated along the banks of the Beas, close to the Rohtang Pass and Solang Valley. It is the main holiday destination in the entire valley
Flora and Fauna
Himachal Pradesh is home to over 15,000 general flora species. The forests in and around Nauni are replete with a variety of wild flowers. According to the scientists more than 30 wild flowering species have been listed in and around Solan. Common among them are the wild rose, wild pomegranate, wild poppy, hypericum, albizia, coral tree, flame of forest etc


Rivers and Lakes
Himachal has five mighty snow-fed rivers flowing through it - the Chenab, Ravi, Beas, Sutlej and Yamuna
Major Crops
The main crops are wheat, rice, maize (corn), barley, and potatoes
Weather and Climate
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.
People
The population of Himachal Pradesh consists of various hill tribes, all of which speak their own languages. These tribes include the Gadis, Gujaris, Kinnauris, Lahulis, and Pangwalis.
Most of the people in Himachal depend on agriculture for livelihood. Many people derive their income from sheep, goats, and other cattle. In many parts of the Himachal the village Gods are carried on palanquins to village fairs. On Dassera the largest congregation of village Gods takes place at Kullu.
Religion
More than 95 percent of the people are Hindus, although the caste system of social groupings is less rigid than elsewhere in India. Sikh, Muslim, Buddhist, and Christian minorities total about five percent of the population.
Festivals
Halda
Halda festival is specially celebrated in Lahaul, which is more of a private celebration. Along the valleys of Chandra and Bhaga rivers, family members of every household step out with lit cedar twigs to a west oriented place selected by the "Lamas". These slender branches form the first flames of a bonfire which is then dispersed. Shiskar Apa, the goddess of wealth is worshipped, and dances continue for a couple of days.
Phagli
Phagli begins in Lahaul's Pattan valley with snow being packed in a conical basket - kilta.
This is upturned on the roof, this resembles a Shivalinga. Shiva, Naga and the goddess, Hadimba are worshipped, and the younger generation mark this by venerating the village elders. Chhang and lugari, locally brewed liquors flow freely, and ritual dishes are eaten. Kinnaur's Sazi (or Sazo), also comes at around this time.
Rali
In April, Rali with its clay models is marked in Kangra. Legend has it that the beautiful Rali was married against her wishes and on the way to her husband's home, she leapt into a stream. The husband jumped in after her and trying to save both, Pali's brother also dived info the fast flowing waters. All three died. Today, clay models are made in every house to mark that day, while unmarried girls pray for grooms of their choice and the newly wedded ask for happiness and prosperity.
Culture
Natti
The Natti is Himachal's most popular folk dance, of which there are thirteen varieties, depending on the tempo. Earlier danced only by men, women now partake in the Natti which is performed with the accompaniment of four to eight musicians, and is a part of all celebrations. 
Folk Songs
The folk songs of Himachal Pradesh are full of charm. They are usually based on a religious or a romantic theme. People gather in a circle in village fairs and dance to the tune of these songs. The dancing is usually spontaneous during a village fair and is symbolic of the peace and joy of the people. 
Costume
The clothes of the Himachalis are vibrant, and each region is characterised by a typical dress. The headgear worn by both men and women is the unique feature of their attire. Exquisitely designed shawls of Kinnaur, the distinctive woolen caps of Kullu, and the embroidered handkerchiefs of Chamba accent their colourful, festive clothing. 
Language
Hindi is the State Language but people mostly converse among themselves in Pahari. The various dialects of Pahari spoken in region are Mandiali (in Mandi), Kulvi (in Kullu), Kehluri (in Bilaspur), Hinduri (in nalagarh), Chameali (in Chamba), Sirmauri (in Sirmour), Miahasvi (in Mahasu region) and Pangwali (in Pangi). 

Food
Handicrafts 
Shawls
Extremely fine and valuable shawls, made from the wool shed by the pashmina goat are popular in Himachal. These shawls are both plain and designed. The right mix of wool can give beautiful shades of grey, blue, mustard and black. Shawl in Kullu are often woven from the wool of angora rabbits. Borders in bright geometric design are also used to add interest to plain coloured shawls.
Carpets
Carpets and blankets are an essential part of Himachali furnishing, and carpets in brilliant colours are woven with a variety of traditional motifs. There are Garudas on flowering trees, dragons, swastikas, and flutes to symbolize happiness and lotus blooms to mean purity. Carpets are woven as furnishing, as carpets saddles for horses and as blankets or chutkas. They are part of every bride's trousseau.
Metalcraft and Jewellery
Matalcraft is one of the traditional crafts of Himachal Pradesh. The more commonly used metals are silver and copper. The local craftsmanship in casting, ornamenting and engraving of silver has evolved into classic designs. The locally available items include carved silver lamp stands, teapots, wine cups and metal sculpture. These follow indigenous shapes and are decorated with finally carved patterns depicting flora and fauna as well as stories from legends.
Wood Craft
The most abundant wood in Himachal's forests are the pine and deodar, besides walnut, horse chestnut and wild back mulberry. Intricately carved seats, doors, windows and panels are some examples of the dexterity of Himachal's craftsmen. Fruit-bowls, beer mugs, wooden jewellery and carved images are part of their modern range of products.