The majestic coniferous trees from an enchanting backdrop to the mountains with broad-leafed species like the Oaks, Maples, Birdcherry, Hazelnut, Walnut, Horsechestnut and Rhododendrons adding grandeur to the landscape. Whereas the ivies clinging to the trunks of stately Cedars appear to veil secrets of Nature, the vines flowing from atop the trees seem to invite the visitors with open arms. The violas popping up from under the forest floor and the riot of colors provided by the anemones, primulas, buttercups and many other herbs in the alpine meadows lay a colorful feast before eyes of the beholder.

Besides plants. the State also provides a very congenial habitat to a wide variety of Himalayan fauna. The Himalyan Tahar and the Ibex can be spotted as silhouettes on the high ridges in the trans-Himalayas. The Brown Bear and Musk Deer roam happily in the temperate forests, in the company of colorful pheasants including the Monal, the Western Hornes Tragopan, the Koklas and the Kalij. The lucky ones can even be traeted to rare sight of critically endangered species like the Snow Leopard and Snow Cock.

Also known as the 'Abode of Gods', the State conjures up visions of ancient temples, with exquisitely carved wooden panels, occupying almost every hilltop and the festivities associated with these religious places. Even a casual glimpse at the traditionally attired local deities being carried in meticulously decorated palanquins, devotees dancing to the rhythmic play of traditional drums and clarions, leaves a lasting imptint on one's mind.

This natural and cultural richness of the State coupled with its simple peace loving people and traditional hospitality makes the State a most favoured tourist destination. Anybody with a zest for life, a spirit of adventure and a love for nature will find all that his heart desires amongest the pristine environs of Himachal Pradesh.

Traditional Tourism   Missed Opportunities

The State's wild frontiers have hitherto remained out of reach for tourists mainly due to lack of infrastructural availability. Moat of the tourism, till now, has been limited to the towns, with occasional stories to the nearby forests and other attractions. Unaware of what they are missing, the tourists wander amongst the shops and restaurants not much different from their native places. Many a tourist not finding the opportunities to their taste beat a hasty retreat from the State. The State not only loses the clientele and goodwill of the tourists but also loses an opportunity to spread its message of conservation of nature for and wide.

Eco-Tourism   A new era of nature enjoyment and learning

The State, live to the need for providing better opportunities to the visitors to enjoy its natural beauty and cultural heritage, now aims to allow the use of its infrastructure for the benefit of the tourists.

The State Forest Department alone manages more than 400 forest bungalows located at vantage-points across the lenghth and breadth of the State. It also manages a 5000 kilometers long network of bridle paths and inspection trails criss-crossing through the most beautiful forests of the State. This gives visitors a myriad opportunities to trek across mountain passes, to remote temples, crystal clear lakes and traditional villages. These facilities beckon the young and the old alike to come and enjoy the best of Himachal Pradesh in all its splendor. To assist the tourists, the State Forest Department is actively engagged in identification and development of eco-treks along these bridle paths. 'Nature Parks' are also being developed to provide tourists a nature education experience. These 'eco-tourism' - a tourism that is ecologically sustainable and culturally sensitive, and that provides insights to the tourists into natural beauty and cultural richness of the State.

Boarding and lodging facilities are available at forest bunglows located along these eco-treks and the local communities are being geared up to provide services of trained guides, porters and Nature Parks is to be facilitated through eco-tourism societies specially set up for the purpose.

To suit all ages and physiques, the eco-treks have been categorised into easy, moderately difficult and adventurous treks. Interpretation signs along these routes will educate visitors about the salient features of the place and client their participation in conservation of Himalayan ecology.

Eco-Tourism Societies (ETSo)

Eco-tourism Societies have so far been established to cover the following places:

Great Himalayan National Park: Located in Kullu district, this National Park is a prime protected area of the country and provides opportunities to the eco-tourists to enjoy nature at its best. To be covered entirely on foot, the Park has well developed eco-treks taking off from an altitude of about 1500 meters to more than 6000 meters. The park has many forest bunglows and tenting sites for nights halts. Private guest rooms in traditional housed are also being developed. Pior permission of park Director is required to visit the park. Local guides and porters are available.

Contact: Director, Great Himalayan National Park, Shamshi, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh - 171526, India.
                 Tel: 01902-265320.     E-mail: dirchnp@sancharnet.in

Himalayan Nature Park: Located at an altitude of 2700 meters and about 18 kilometers from Shimla on the Hindustan-Tibet Road, thsi Nature Park covers about 100 hectares of prime Western-Himalayan temperate forest with all its floral diversity. The nature park also houses high altitude fauna of the State in near natural habitat and provides the visitors a one stop opportunity to appreciate Brown Bear, Musk Deer, Yak, Bharal, Sambhar, Ghoral, Monal pheasant and many other animals and birds. The park also offers 3-6 hour guided trek to mahasu peak and catchment forests and has limited lodging facilities.

Contact: Divisional Forest Officer, (Wildlife), Mist Chamber, Khalini, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh - 171002,  India.
                 Tel: 0177-2623993.

Renuka Wildlife Sanctuary: Renuka wildlife sanctuary clothes the slopes around the picturesque Renuka lake in the outer Himalayas with deciduous forest cover. Attractions include ancient temples of rishi  Jamdagni, goddess Renuka and lord Parshuram, a lion safari, a mini zoo and trekking. Boating facilities are available in the lake. Limited lodging facilities are also available.

Contact: Divisional Forest Officer (Wildlife), Mist Chamber, Khalini, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh - 171002,  India.
                 Tel: 0177-2623993.

Potters Hill Van Vihar:  A new site to enjoy Nature and Adventure  

Located at an altitude of 2050 metres and about 7 KM West of Shimla, adjacent to HP University, Summer Hill, Shimla, popularly known as Potter’s Hill, covers 100 hectares of prime Western Himalayan temperature forest with all its floral diversity. The hill once used by potters to obtain clay has now been developed into a nature Park barely 5 KMs from the famous Mall Road