Monday, April 30, 2001		The world of  dot.com

Online help for HP tourists

Vedas and Puranas have held Himalayas and Himachal Pradesh in high esteem and reverence. In this edition we provide our readers the links to a few sites that provide a peep into this state of high snow-clad mountains and eco-tourists

This site has a lot of information for tourists. What’s the best time to visit, information related to tourist places, climatic conditions and way s of reaching are all given here. Those interested in wildlife and fauna can get a list of wildlife sanctuaries and animals that inhabit Himachal. Apply for online reservation of a hotel and a book a car.From www.theluxurybuses.com, you get online bus reservation for your trip. Shopping-aficionados will have a list of popular items of the state. Fair and festival calendar of Himachal is available on site. Art and culture section contains information about poetry and painting. Information about special packages offered by hotels at various tourist places makes this a must-visit site. An operator always remains present online to assist you.

What more can a Web site offer than 138 beautiful pictures of flora, 50 pictures of fauna, 20 picturesque landscapes of Kinner Kailash mountain ranges, Spiti river, 26 pictures of orchards and 68 pictures of dances of the state. You can mail these pictures to your friends. Besides, pictures of garments, rugs, carpets and woodcarvings, tea gardens, agriculture, and forest produce are also there. Information of arts and craft, religion, history, culture, jewellery, cuisine, music, dances and lifestyle of every tourist destination is provided. Taste the thrill and excitement of adventure activities like water sports, golf and para gliding. Travel through the picturesque valleys of Kangra, Lahaul and Spiti, where Buddhism has left a deep impression. Experience yourself in the lap of nature and enjoy the peace of mind, calm and serene surroundings. If you are unable to visit Himachal, this site will sufficiently give you a glimpse of the state.

An interactive map of Himachal Pradesh is provided. You just click on any district and get full image and information about it. You will find general information for each district. You will also get information about Governor, House functionaries, Members of the House, the latest party position, poll results, Budget session 2001 and Constituency map. History of Himachal includes the Rajput period, Mughal rule, Sikh and Gorkha war, 1857 revolt, British rule, struggle for freedom and post-Independence period. Tourism section has exclusive pictures on places of pilgrimage and trekking routes. A telephone directory of officers of Himachal government is provided.

— Sarabjeet Singh Kanwal