State of India - Himachal Pradesh

Area: 55,673 sq km

Population: 51,70,877

Capital Of City: Shimla

Languages: Hindi and Pahari

Crops: Wheat, corn (maize), barley, rice, and potatoes. Himachal is also one of the top fruit- and vegetable-producing states of India with apples, plums, peaches, apricots, and pomegranates

How You Know: The Dalai Lama, the spiritual head of the Buddhists lives in McLeodganj in Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh.

History: Himachal Pradesh is named after the Himalayas that are rising in the state. Himachal literally means "snowy mountain" (hima - 'snow', acal - 'mountain'). The beautiful terrain of this region offers many pleasant sites of lofty mountains, hills, green valleys and flowing rivers. The snowy peaks, rugged slopes and wide valleys offer splendid opportunities not only for mountaineering, rock climbing and skiing but also for hang gliding and river rafting. Himachal is one of the least urbanized places in India and about 80 percent of the people are engaged in agriculture. Simla, the state capital was the summer capital of British India. In the central part of the town is the Mall which almost divides the city in two parts. The city has the famous Scandal Point which was immortalised by Rudyard Kipling. From Christ Church to the Scandal Point is the Ridge area. The beautiful tourist resort of Khajjair in Chamba district is known as the 'Switzerland of Himachal Pradesh.' Hang-gliding competitions are held in Kangra valley.

Tourist Places: For tourism enthusiasts, Himachal Pradesh can be divided into a number of circuits- the Dalhousie, Chamba and Bharmour circuit gives a glimpse into the romance and tradition of the state; Shimla, Chail and Narkhanda is the heart of Himachal; Nahan, Renuka and Paunta is a small circuit with nice lakes and historical temples; the Kulu, Manali and Keylong circuit boasts of picturesque surroundings while Palampur, Kangra and Dharamshala forms the pilgrimage circuit.