Himachal Pradesh

I feel Himachal Pradesh and Kerala must have had a tough competition for the title 'God's own country'. I was completely in love with that state when we visited it in September 2009. Every nook and corner is filled with greenery here. As long as you are there the scenic beauty will leave you in a trance.
No No.. I am not the HP tourism minister. :) Its just that living in a busy city like Bangalore you will be in awe watching such beauty.

We did not book any Travels. It was a complete self made plan and believe me this idea is not at all bad. You will have enough freedom and time to spend on your own. When we visited, it was the Navaratri time and I don't think I have to explain the celebration there. The state was immersed in devotion.
Some places that we visited there were
Jwalaji - A very famous temple where they offer prayers to a lamp which they say burns without any oil and  glows for eternity
Chintpurni - A devi temple here.
Kangra - Another devi temple here.
Mcleodganj - You have an army camp here and the Dal lake.
Dharmasala - You can visit the Nyamgal monastery, Bhagsunag waterfall. This is a must visit location. Its surrounded by mountains filled with slate like stones.
Chamunda - Another devi temple.
Palampur - You can get to see a lot of tea estates here. You also have a Himalayan Tea factory here.

Baijnath - A Shiv temple which was formed when Raavan lifted the Kailash parvath (it seems ;))
JoginderNagar - A power station here. You will be struck by the engineering in these locations. Huge structures running over and under the mountains.
Pandoh - A dam built for river Vyas and Parvati. Vyas starts at Rohtang Pass and Parvati at Ksheerganga in Manikarna
Malana - The cab driver warned us about this place. This is where Charas is supplied and seems to be a dangerous hide out.
and last... how can I not mention this...Shimla, Kulu, Manali.

We did not visit Shimla as many were of the opinion that it has been commercialised now and nothing worth to be watched there.
Major attraction in Kulu is the water rafting. One hell adventurous trip. Never miss this action.
In Manali we visited the Rohtang Pass, Gayatri devi temple, local castle, Roerich Art Gallery, Manikaran, Shawl Factory.
There came an end to our beautifully planned escapade from this stressful jammed city. Wow!! what an experience.
I recommend this place for vacation. Any info required pls mail me.