It is the first state of North as per location, after the status of Jammu and Kashmir changing into Union territory. The state is rich in temple culture, stone carving, wealthy traditions, trekking and natural wonders, customs and practices, and the snow-laden peaks of various mountain ranges. The terrains or topographical features of the state are highly luring with almost every range of segregations including valleys, glaciers, pines, rivers, mountains, forests, wildlife sanctuaries, fertile lands, plains. All these allow the booming of exquisite flora and fauna of the region. The state is one of the best tourist destinations in the country, offering value for pilgrimage centres, peaceful aura and adventure sports at the same place.

The state mainly has 4 districts, Mandi, Chamba, Mahasu, and Sirmour. The making of the state territory was a continuous affair, with various mergers and disintegration with the neighbouring border states. Finally, on December 18, 1970, the new state of Himachal Pradesh was formed.

The region of the state Ranges between the Shivalik, a mountainous region. The highest peak of Himachal Pradesh is Reo Purgyil. The state has several perennial snow-fed rivers and streams, also with the main water sources or the lifelines of the state. The important rivers of the state are Sutlej, Chenab (Chandra-Bhaga), Ravi, and Beas. Some major sports which can be played in the area are rock climbing, mountain biking, paragliding, ice-skating, trekking, rafting, and heli-skiing and others. The state is known for its quality production of apples, the best in India and the largest. The apple orchards are spread to various acres of land and thus have also become a tourist spot. The state has many popular hill stations and thus is referred to as the area of Himalayan landscapes.

Some of the hill stations world recognised are Shimla, Dharamshala, Dalhousie, Kullu, Manali, Chamba, etc. One of the Byproducts or speciality of the region is the Pashmina Shawl is the speciality of the region which allows one to enjoy the winters easily. They are made out of goat hair and encompasses warmth unmatchable to any type of other outfit or attire.

The principal language spoken is Hindi and Pahari. Dharamshala is the winter capital of the state. The religious composition of the state is Hinduism 95.19%, Muslim 2.18%, Christian 0.18, Sikh 1.16%, Buddhist 1.15%, Jainism 0.03%, Others 0.13% according to the data of census 2011.

The important and famous songs of Himachal are the Samskara, Jhoori, Jhanjhoti, Laman, Ainchaliyan and others. Musical instruments are an important segment in the creation of beats of music, the songs. Some of the instruments used are Ranasinga, Drums, karna, Turhi, Flute, Ektara, kindari, Jhanjh, Manjra, Chimta, Gharial and Ghunghru and others too.

The Himachali community has two sections or segregations, in terms of population

• The Rajputs, Long Kurta over Churidar Pyjamas with tight ankles, is worn by males with a turban. While women have long dresses longer than a Kurta. Sometimes they wear shirts with skirts, Ghagras and Cholis etc. They also support the community from the temperature and climatic currents.
• The Brahmins wear Salwar – Kameez with dupatta. Men are seen in long Kurta and a blown dhoti. Overcoats and Waistcoats are also famous in the area.

Chana Madra, Dhaam, Tudkiya Bhath, Bhey, Tibetan Thukpa are some staple dishes of the area. They eat what they grow.

Wildlife Sanctuary:

• Great Himalayan National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Sites)
• Bandli Sanctuary
• Daranghati Wildlife Sanctuary
• Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary
• Kanwar Wildlife Sanctuary
• Khokhan Wildlife Sanctuary
• Chail Wildlife Sanctuary
• Churdhar Wildlife Sanctuary
• Dhauladhar Wildlife Sanctuary
• The Shimla Water Catchment Wildlife Sanctuary

The pilgrimage and temple culture of the area is developed according to religious practices.

• For Hinduism

  Bajreshwari Temple, Baijnath, Jwalamukhi Temple, Chamunda Devi temple, Chaurasi temples and others.

• For Buddhism

  Rewalsar, Kye Monastery, Kungri Gompa, Thang Yug Gompa

• Sikh Pilgrimages

  Paonota Sahib, Rewalsar, Manikaran

• For Christian

  The Christ Church, The stone church of St. John, The Catholic church of St. Francis

Tourism

The best places to visit in the country are present in the state. The government of the state is investing in the development of infrastructure like utility services, roads, Rails, airports, communication network, local transportation facilities, water system, hotels and restaurants, safety standards, the addition of sports adventure and civic amenities, etc. The government is aiming at promoting property business, encouraging the non-public sector to invest in projects. The State is now focussing on eco-friendly ways of doing business with a proper waste management system.

Industrial Growth

Industrial development has been given a huge boost within the State. Pollution-free atmosphere, abundant availability of power and speedily developing infrastructure, peaceful atmosphere, and responsive and transparent administration are a number of the additional attractions and benefits that the entrepreneurs get in Himachal Pradesh. The sector contributes 17% to the State Domestic Product.

Horticulture

Nature has blessed Himachal Pradesh with a wide range of agro-climatic conditions and abundant resources which help the farmers to cultivate a large variety of fruits and vegetables on large lands and areas. Some of the products are apple, pear, peach, plum, apricot nut, mango, litchi, guava and strawberry.

Handicraft and Handloom Industry

Miniature paintings, Chamba Rumaal, Metal Craft, Stone Carving, Khadi cloth making, Textile printing and weaving like Embroideries etc

Pharmaceutical industry

One of the fastest-growing states in the sector in the country.

Information Technology

The Government of Himachal Pradesh is taking steps to make the state an IT destination. All major industries and units are developed to integrate them into IT sector tools and services.

Bio-Technology

Keeping in view the importance of the biotechnology sector, various methods and plans are being developed to reap the benefit from this sector. A separate Department of Biotechnology has been set up within the state which gives in demand for skilled labour, and solutions to some modern problems. Biotechnology Park is supposed to be developed in the Solan district, of the state.

Education

The state has emerged as the third-best state in terms of overall development and performance. Himachal Pradesh has witnessed a literacy revolution and now ranks second in the nation after Kerala.