Himachal Pradesh: Key Locations by District (Exam Focus)

Bilaspur District

• Place: Bhakra Dam
  • Exam Related Information: Highest gravity dam in the world. Reservoir is Gobind Sagar, named after Guru Gobind Singh.
• Place: Bilaspur (Town)
  • Exam Related Information: Gateway to Kullu-Manali from Punjab/Haryana. Known for Naina Devi temple, Bhakra Dam, Gobind Sagar lake, Kandraur bridge (Asia’s highest). Nalwari fair (March) famous for cattle trade and wrestling.
• Place: Gobind Sagar
  • Exam Related Information: Lake offering cruising; enhances Bhakra Dam’s beauty. Significant source of fish.
• Place: Markandey
  • Exam Related Information: Famous shrine ~20 km from Bilaspur; named after Rishi Markandeya who meditated here.
• Place: Shri Naina Devi Ji
  • Exam Related Information: Pilgrimage center; 20 km from Swarghat; on triangular hillock. Views of Gurudwara Anandpur Sahib & Gobind Sagar lake. Respected by Hindus & Sikhs; main fair in August.
• Place: Sunhani
  • Exam Related Information: Ruler Bik Chand fled here to avoid conversion to Islam. Bilaspur state capital for ~80 years until Dip Chand shifted it.
• Place: Swarghat
  • Exam Related Information: Altitude 920 m; on NH-21. Ruins of ‘Malaon forts’ visible (witnessed battles: British, Gurkhas, Sikhs, hill princes). Commercial center due to excise/taxation check post.
• Place: Vyas Gufa (Cave)
  • Exam Related Information: Oldest religious place in Bilaspur; on Satluj’s left bank (alt. 610 m). Believed Maharshi Vyas (Mahabharata writer) meditated here. Bilaspur originally Vyaspur (after Rishi Vyas).

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Chamba District

• Place: Devi Kothi
  • Exam Related Information: Famous for Devi Chamunda Temple (built 1754) with wood carvings (some Muslim influence).
• Place: Heritage Mines
  • Exam Related Information: Efforts to preserve abandoned mines dating to Raja Pratap Singh Verma (1559-86 AD). Copper coins were currency in Chamba state. Plans for adventure tourism circuit.
• Place: Killar (Pangi subdivision)
  • Exam Related Information: HQ of Pangi subdivision; in Chenab river gorge; via Sach pass. Trekking routes to Kishtwar (J&K), Zanskar valley, Keylong/Manali. Purthi nearby known for nurseries & rest house.
• Place: Kugti (Bharmour area)
  • Exam Related Information: Last inhabited village of Bharmour; near Kugti pass (5,040 m). On trail from Bharmour to Keylong. Keylong Wazir temple 2 km away.
• Place: Manimahesh
  • Exam Related Information: Famous for lake, sacred Mt. Kailash, ancient temple. Manimahesh Shikhara style temple is ancient & beautiful. Lakshna Devi as ‘Mahishasuramardini’ (brass statue by Gugga, Raja Meru Varman’s artist). Thousands visit on Janmashtami for holy dip; ‘CHHARI YATRA’ (state fair) ends here.
• Place: Pangi Valley
  • Exam Related Information: At Himalayan foothills; peaks >7,050 m. Inhabitants ‘Pangwal’ & ‘Bhots’. Temples: Det Nag (17 km from Killar), Murthi Nag (7 km from Killar).
• Place: Rehlu
  • Exam Related Information: Once part of Chamba; captured by Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s commander. Wazir Nathu of Chamba negotiated to get back Bhadarwah & Rehlugarh. William Moorcraft visited (1820); Birbal (Akbar’s courtier) lived there. Fort destroyed in 1905 earthquake. Famous for high-quality ‘Begami Rice’. (Jagir part also associated with Kangra)
• Place: Taleru Sports Complex (near Dalhousie)
  • Exam Related Information: Opened Feb 13, 2011; cost Rs 7.80 crore; on Chamera reservoir.
• Place: Taragarh
  • Exam Related Information: Smallest polling station in Chamba (35 voters in 2009 Lok Sabha election).
• Place: Triloknath
  • Exam Related Information: Shrine of Triloknathji is located here. (Also associated with Lahaul)

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Kangra District

• Place: Alhilal
  • Exam Related Information: Originally ‘Laliyal’. Palace built in 1933 by Nawab of Bhavalpur, served as his summer capital until 1947. Converted to a motel in 1951.
• Place: Amtaar
  • Exam Related Information: Location of cricket stadium named after former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Inaugurated on Dec 25, 2009, by Prem Kumar Dhumal. Managed by HPCA.
• Place: Billing
  • Exam Related Information: Identified for hang gliding/paragliding in 1978 by Deepak Mahajan. Gained international recognition in 1984. Xavier Remond (France) set a world record flight (130.9 km) from Bir.
• Place: Chhari (Likely Kangra)
  • Exam Related Information: Also called ‘Baba Shobha Nath Ki Nagari’. Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva (believed to have consumed poison here – ‘Vishnagari’). Known as ‘Panagari’ due to a historical sacrifice. Remnants of a Buddhist temple found in 1854.
• Place: Churah
  • Exam Related Information: Abode of ‘Pahari Gandhi Baba Kanshi Ram’. Now submerged in Pong Dam; anciently Gandhpur-Ka-Ghota.
• Place: Dada-Siba
  • Exam Related Information: Dada village founded by Dada Rana; Badvor village by Badab Singh Rana (brothers from Baluchistan). Introduced ‘Tankri’ and ‘Lahli’ scripts.
• Place: Damtal
  • Exam Related Information: Small town on the road from Pathankot to Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur.
• Place: Dehra Gopipur
  • Exam Related Information: On right bank of Beas river. Base for fishing in Pong Dam, Patta, Kuru, Nadaun.
• Place: Dharamshala
  • Exam Related Information: Founded 1855 by East India Company for its army. St. John Church (Lord Elgin II cremated 1863). War Memorial foundation stone laid 1972 by Dr. Y.S. Parmar. Associated with poet Malik Mohammed Basheer, actor Dev Anand, Lal Chand Prarthi, Ram Singh Thakur.
• Place: Gangath
  • Exam Related Information: Known for Shri Baba Kayalu Sidhpeeth (~700 years old). Famous for brass utensils; once called ‘chhota Muradabad’. Was a constituency in Kangra district.
• Place: HPCA Stadium Dharamshala
  • Exam Related Information: Altitude 1,457 m (4,780 ft); snow-capped Himalayan background. Considered one of India’s fastest pitches; capacity >25,000. Hosted first ODI (India vs England) Jan 2013. Foundation stone 2002.
• Place: Indrunag
  • Exam Related Information: Approved as paragliding center Sept 2011. Suitable in summers or Oct/Nov.
• Place: Jaisinghpur
  • Exam Related Information: On banks of ‘Haroti’ and ‘Paplor’ rivers. Temples: ‘Laxmi Narayan’, ‘Sheetla-Totala Mata’, ‘Janki Nath’, ‘Neel Kanth Mahadev’. Graves of ‘Mast Ali Shah’ & ‘Baba Mani Ram’.
• Place: Jawalamukhi Fort (Kangra Fort)
  • Exam Related Information: Historic fort; raided by Mahmud Ghaznavi (1009 AD), Muhammad Tughlaq (1337 AD). Jahangir built a mosque inside. Under ASI; damaged in 1905 earthquake. Included in World Heritage Sites list 2012. Temples of Laxmi Narayan & Adinath (Jain) inside.
• Place: Kangra (Town)
  • Exam Related Information: Picturesque valley sheltered by Dhauladhar range; history >3,500 years (Vedic times). Town at confluence of Baner & Majhi streams, overlooking Banganga.
• Place: Kathgarh
  • Exam Related Information: Village at meeting point of Beas and Chonch rivers. Old Mughal style temple with unique 6-ft long, 5-ft round Shivalinga.
• Place: Macleod Ganj (Dharamshala suburb)
  • Exam Related Information: Famous Tibetan colony, “Little Lhasa”. Buddha temple opposite Dalai Lama’s abode. Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA) 1 km away; Tibetan Handicraft centre also here. HQ of Tibetan government-in-exile.
• Place: Maharaja Lachhman Chand Museum
  • Exam Related Information: Opened Oct 2010 near old Kangra Fort. Showcases Katoch dynasty; royal family items (utensils, clothes, coins, weaponry).
• Place: Masroor
  • Exam Related Information: Rockcut temples included in World Heritage Sites list 2012.
• Place: Nurpur
  • Exam Related Information: Altitude 1,125 ft; on Jabbar river bank. Referenced by Akbar’s historians as ‘Zamindar of Mau’ & ‘Paithan’. Anciently ‘Dhameri’; renamed Nurpur by Raja ‘Basu’ for Empress Noor Jahan.
• Place: Yol Camp (near Dharamshala)
  • Exam Related Information: Young Officers Leave Camp. WWII: 20,000 Italian POWs. Army officer training (May-July 1947). Camp for Muslims pre-transport to Pakistan (Aug-Oct 1947). Kashmiri migrant refugee camp (1949-52). Currently army units. ‘Chinmaya Sandeepani Himalaya Ashram’, Hanumanji idol, Rama temple nearby.

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Kinnaur District

• Place: Baspa Valley (Sangla Valley)
  • Exam Related Information: Starts from Karchham. Chitkul (3,435 m) is the last inhabited village, known for its scenic beauty.
• Place: Chango
  • Exam Related Information: Consists of four hamlets in pargana ‘Shuwa’. Primarily Buddhist, with local Hindu deities (Gyalba, Dabla, Yalsa).
• Place: Chini
  • Exam Related Information: Village between Rogi and Pangi on Hindustan Tibet road; elevation 9,085 ft. Favorite resort of Lord Dalhousie. Previously part of Chini Tehsil of Mahasu District.
• Place: Chitkul
  • Exam Related Information: Last and highest village in Baspa valley; on right bank of Baspa river. Three temples of local goddess Mathi, main one ~500 years old.
• Place: Kot Kalpa (Koshtampi)
  • Exam Related Information: Also Koshtampi; below Shungra; overshadowed by Kinner Kailash Peak. Famous Goddess Chandika temple.
• Place: Lippa
  • Exam Related Information: Altitude 2,438 m; near Taiti stream’s left bank. Three Buddhist monasteries (Galdang, Chhoiker, Kangur). Famous for ibex.
• Place: Nako
  • Exam Related Information: Altitude 3,662 m; highest village in its valley; lake from ice/snow. Village deity ‘Deo-dum’; Lagang temple.
• Place: Nichar
  • Exam Related Information: Altitude 2,150 m; between Taranda & Wangtu on Satluj’s left bank. Ghoral, antelopes, bears in higher areas.
• Place: Pooh (Spuwa)
  • Exam Related Information: Tehsil HQ on NH-22. Famous for vineyards, apricot, almond, grape orchards. Local god ‘Dabla’ (manifested as ‘Fobrang’ – pole with idol).
• Place: Rakchham
  • Exam Related Information: Altitude 2,900 m; on Baspa river’s right bank. Name from ‘Rak’ (stone) & ‘Chham’ (bridge).
• Place: Ribba (Rirang)
  • Exam Related Information: Altitude 2,745 m; 14 km from Morang (tehsil HQ). ‘Ri’ (Chilgoza) & ‘rang’ (peak). Rispa village nearby known for grapes, orchards, angoori (grape alcohol).
• Place: Sangla (Baspa valley)
  • Exam Related Information: Altitude 2,680 m; on Baspa river’s right bank. ‘Kailash’ peak (6,500 m) towers behind.
• Place: Sumdo (Kaurik)
  • Exam Related Information: Altitude 3,230 m; last village of Kinnaur; at confluence of Spiti & Parechu rivers (from China).

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Kullu District

• Place: Akharah Bazar
  • Exam Related Information: Part of modern Kullu town. Name attributed to a resting place for faqirs.
• Place: Bajaura
  • Exam Related Information: Known for trout fishing.
• Place: Bhaba (Near Banjar)
  • Exam Related Information: Religious site at Bhawan, features a waterfall and temple.
• Place: Kasol
  • Exam Related Information: 42 km from Kullu on Parbati river bank. Known for trout fishing.
• Place: Katrain
  • Exam Related Information: Central, widest part of Kullu valley; 20 km from Kullu on Manali road. Famous for apple orchards, beekeeping, trout hatcheries.
• Place: Kullu (Town)
  • Exam Related Information: Valley along Beas river; ~2 km wide, 80 km long. Known for fruit orchards, woven shawls & caps. Kullu city (Dist. HQ) on Beas bank.
• Place: Larji
  • Exam Related Information: 34 km from Kullu town; famous for trout fishing & large hydel project.
• Place: Malana
  • Exam Related Information: Altitude 2,652 m; ahead of Chanderkhani pass. Famous for Jamlu devta temple & unique socio-cultural life. Considered world’s oldest democracy.
• Place: Manali
  • Exam Related Information: Known for trout fishing.
• Place: Manikaran
  • Exam Related Information: Altitude 1,700 m; ~35 km from Kullu, 3 km from Kasol. Famous for hot springs (can boil food). Legend: Parvati lost earrings, Shiva’s anger created hot water. Hindu temples (Rama, Shiva) & Sikh Gurudwara here.
• Place: Mountaineering and Allied Sports Institute (Manali)
  • Exam Related Information: Sub-centers: Dharamshala (Kangra), Bharmour (Chamba). High Altitude Training Centre: Narkanda (Shimla). Water Sports Centre: Bilaspur. Trains youth in mountaineering, rock climbing, skiing, trekking, water sports.
• Place: Nadaun (Naggar) (Manali area)
  • Exam Related Information: Altitude 1,457 m; on Beas’ left bank; Kangra rulers’ capital for 40 years. Temples: Jwalamukhi, Nadaun Hamir, Pir-Sahib, Shankar, etc.. Roerich Art Gallery nearby. Naggar Castle became heritage hotel Aug 23, 2012.
• Place: Raison
  • Exam Related Information: Altitude 1,433 m; 16 km from Kullu town. Ideal for quiet holiday, youth camps; many orchards.
• Place: Vashisht (near Manali)
  • Exam Related Information: 3 km from Manali on Beas’ left bank. Known for hot water springs & temples. Pyramidal stone temple to Vashisht Muni; another to Lord Rama; separate bathing tanks (natural hot sulfur springs).

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Lahaul-Spiti District

• Place: Darcha (Lahaul valley)
  • Exam Related Information: Starting point for treks to Padam via Shingola & Baralacha/Phirtse La. Yotche and Zanskar nallahs meet Bhaga river here.
• Place: Dankhar (Spiti)
  • Exam Related Information: Traditional capital of Spiti. Fort served as a jail. Over 16 Buddha (Vairochana) sculptures. Natural lake above old monastery (~13,500 ft).
• Place: Gondla
  • Exam Related Information: Gondla castle/Fort (Thakur of Gondla’s house), believed built 1700 AD by Raja Man Singh of Kullu. Eight-story building; hosted Raja Man Singh (1720 AD). Houses ‘Sword of Wisdom’ (gift from Dalai Lama). Fair in July with Lama dances.
• Place: Kaza (Spiti)
  • Exam Related Information: Sub-divisional HQ of Spiti; at confluence of Spiti river & Lingti.
• Place: Keylong
  • Exam Related Information: District HQ of Lahaul-Spiti; above Bhaga river. Known for monasteries: Kardang, Shasur, Tayul nearby. Temple of ‘Guru Ghantal’ in Shri Nawabg Dorji’s house.
• Place: Khoksar (Lahaul)
  • Exam Related Information: First village of Lahaul on Chandra river’s right bank; 5 km from Gramphu. Coldest inhabited place in Lahaul in winter; on old route to West Asia.
• Place: Khyipur (Kibber) (Spiti area)
  • Exam Related Information: One of world’s highest villages (4,205 m). Gette village nearby is higher (4,270 m).
• Place: Ki Monastery (Spiti)
  • Exam Related Information: Oldest & biggest monastery in Spiti; ~300 lamas in training. Houses rare paintings & scriptures.
• Place: Kungri Gompa (Pin Valley, Spiti)
  • Exam Related Information: Built ~1330 AD. Shows impact of tantric Buddhism in Pin Valley.
• Place: Kunzum Pass (Lahaul-Spiti border)
  • Exam Related Information: Altitude 4,590 m; chief access to Lahaul valley over Kunzum range. Bara Shigri glacier visible. Temple to ‘Lord Gephang’ (Lahaul’s chief deity) on top. Belief: vehicles circle temple for blessings; cash offerings stick if devotee accepted.
• Place: Lingti Valley (Spiti)
  • Exam Related Information: Largest, longest side valley of Spiti; runs east from Lingti village (3,460 m) for ~60 km. Archaeological museum; geological history 250 million years; world-renowned shales & fossils. ‘Gya peak’ (Spiti, Ladakh, Tibet meet) is here.
• Place: Losar (Spiti Valley)
  • Exam Related Information: Altitude 4,080 m; first big village of Spiti Valley; near confluence of Losar & Penna streams. Yak & horse riding attractions.
• Place: Pin Valley (Spiti)
  • Exam Related Information: Formed by Pin river (rises from Pin Parbati pass). Can cross to Kullu (via Pin Parbati peak) & Kinnaur (via Shakarof/Tarikhango pass). More rugged & barren than main Spiti; famous for ibex & snow leopards. Protected area; altitude 3,600-6,632 m. Somewhat moist in summer vs arid Spiti.
• Place: Sarchu
  • Exam Related Information: Last border point in Lahaul valley between HP & Ladakh (J&K).
• Place: Shansha (Lahaul valley)
  • Exam Related Information: On right bank of Chandra & Bhaga (Chenab) rivers. Ghepan (Lahaul deity) believed born here; shrine dedicated to him.
• Place: Sissu (Lahaul, Chandra river)
  • Exam Related Information: Altitude 3,120 m; on Chandra river’s right bank. Gyephang peak behind. Lord Gyephang (Lahaul’s deity) temple not open to outsiders; deity taken in procession every 2-3 years. ‘Sissu fall’ nearby.
• Place: Tabo (Spiti)
  • Exam Related Information: Ancient village; famous Buddhist monastery (Sherlang, Duang, etc.), 2nd to Tholing Gompa (Tibet). 10th-century monastery; >60 lamas, scriptures, art, wall paintings. Included in World Heritage Sites list 2012.
• Place: Tandi (Lahaul)
  • Exam Related Information: Altitude 2,573 m; at confluence of Chandra & Bhaga rivers. Legend: Chandra (Moon’s daughter) & Bhaga (Sun’s son) married here. Importance like Haridwar for Hindus; Draupadi or Rishi Vashisht believed cremated here. Historically ‘CHANDI’ (Raja Ghepan & Ramundei), corrupted to ‘TANDI’.
• Place: Triloknath (also associated with Chamba)
  • Exam Related Information: Shrine of Triloknathji is located here.
• Place: Udaipur
  • Exam Related Information: Altitude 2,743 m; formerly ‘Markul’ (for goddess ‘Markula Devi’). Markula Devi temple unique for wooden carvings. Renamed by Raja Udai Singh of Chamba. Starting point for Mayar valley, Zanskar, peaks.
• Place: Yang Thang Gompa (Spiti, near Kaza)
  • Exam Related Information: Near Kaza Nullah gorge (1,300 ft high cliff). Head Lama from Tibet; serves western Central Spiti.

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Mandi District

• Place: Chauntra
  • Exam Related Information: Picturesque place in Jogindernagar tehsil, once known for tea cultivation.
• Place: Emerson House
  • Exam Related Information: 97-year-old building with “pahari” style slate roof. Restored in 2012 (Rs 34 lakh allotted).
• Place: Koth Kaina (near Jatingri)
  • Exam Related Information: Hill near Jatingri known as Bentinck’s Castle.
• Place: Mandi (Town)
  • Exam Related Information: Emerson House gives Mandi a distinct aura.
• Place: Pandoh
  • Exam Related Information: 16 km from Mandi towards Kullu. Earth-cum-rock fill dam (76 m) on Beas river. Water diverted to Satluj via tunnels & channel.
• Place: Slapper (Bilaspur-Mandi route)
  • Exam Related Information: Engineering marvel of Beas-Satluj Link project; Beas water diverted to Satluj for power.

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Shimla District

• Place: Annandale
  • Exam Related Information: Altitude: 6,117 ft. Under Army possession since WWII (1941). Durand Football Tournament started here in 1888 by Mortimer Durand. Named either after Annandale valley in Scotland or a lady named Anna by Charles Pratt Kennedy in 1822.
• Place: Centre of Climate Change Building
  • Exam Related Information: Located in Bemloe area, designed as environment-friendly. Set up with TERI, New Delhi assistance. Incorporates solar passive technology, rainwater harvesting.
• Place: Geo-informatics Centre Shimla
  • Exam Related Information: Aims to boost e-governance. Developed with BISAG, Gujarat assistance. Integrates GIS, remote sensing, GPS, mobile tech for planning.
• Place: Hatkoti (Rohru area)
  • Exam Related Information: 104 km from Shimla, 16 km before Rohru. Ancient temples of Durga and Lord Shiva. Pabbar river nearby; road to Uttarakhand.
• Place: Kufri
  • Exam Related Information: “Winter Sports Capital”; 13 km from Ridge, Shimla; altitude 2,622 m. Ideal for skiing.
• Place: Labour Bureau Shimla
  • Exam Related Information: Established Oct 1, 1946. Renamed Directorate of Cost of Living; spurred by Royal Commission on Labour (1931) & Rau Court of Enquiry (1940). Located near Chaura Maidan in British-era building.
• Place: Narkanda
  • Exam Related Information: Altitude 2,774 m (8,850 ft); views of Inner Himalayas. Dense pine forests; ‘Hattu peak’ (3,300 m / 10,826 ft) 8 km away.
• Place: Nirman Bhawan
  • Exam Related Information: “Eco-friendly & energy-efficient” building; CIDC Vishwakarma award 2011. Chief Architect Vijay Uppal; incorporates solar passive tech, rainwater harvesting. Terraced structure to avoid hill cutting. Location of Himachal Pradesh Public Works Department.
• Place: Rampur
  • Exam Related Information: Altitude 1,006 m; 140 km from Shimla; on Satluj’s left bank. Temple, Buddhist Monastery, Hindu temple beside Raja of Rampur Bushahr’s palace (‘Padam Palace’). Venue for ‘Lavi fair’ (major trade fair).
• Place: Rohru
  • Exam Related Information: Altitude 1,550 m; 120 km from Shimla. Anglers’ paradise; trout fishing in Pabbar river. Chirgaon nearby.
• Place: Shilaru (near Theog)
  • Exam Related Information: Sports Authority of India High Altitude Institution (2,410 m). Asia’s highest Hockey ground with astro-turf (completed 2007-2009).
• Place: The Mall
  • Exam Related Information: Favorite tourist/local spot; main shopping center. Gaiety Theatre, Indira Gandhi Khel Parisar, U.S. Club here. Declared environmentally sustainable city (EAS Forum) Mar 2011. Shimla losing colonial built heritage despite preservation emphasis.
• Place: Wild Flower Hall (near Kufri)
  • Exam Related Information: 9 km from Ridge; alt. 2,498 m (8,200 ft). Built by Lord Kitchener (C-in-C, British Indian forces) 1905. HPTDC hotel after independence; gutted in fire Mar 5, 1993.

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Sirmaur District

• Place: Bhangani
  • Exam Related Information: Site of Guru Gobind Singh’s victory over Raja Fateh Shah of Garhwal. Monument for fallen rulers and their wives.
• Place: Chopal
  • Exam Related Information: Location of a well-known shrine of Shirgul Devta.
• Place: Dhaula Kuan
  • Exam Related Information: Known for citrus and mango orchards, fruit canning factory. Nearby ‘Katasan Devi’ temple where Raja Jagat Singh defeated Gulam Quadir Rohilla.
• Place: Girinagar
  • Exam Related Information: 7 km from Dhaula Kuan. 60 MW powerhouse by diverting Giri river water (commissioned 1979).
• Place: Mangarh (Pachhad tehsil)
  • Exam Related Information: Ancient Hindu temple connected to Pandavas; believed built by Raja Rasalu of Sialkot.
• Place: Nahan
  • Exam Related Information: District HQ; on Shivalik ridge; founded by Raja Karma Prakash (1621) as capital. Name origin: saint with a lion (‘Nahar’) or the lion itself. Activities hub: Chaugan, ‘Bikram-Ka-Bagh’, ‘Khadar-Ka-Bagh’. ‘Sawan Dwadashi’ celebration. ‘Rani Tal’ in town center. Old iron foundry; Himachal Resin & Turpentine Factory.
• Place: Paonta Sahib
  • Exam Related Information: Sacred to Guru Gobind Singh; on Yamuna river. Retains Guru’s weapons & gurudwara. Name ‘Paon-ta’ (foot placed) from Guru setting foot or losing ornament. Guru Gobind Singh spent >4 years here, wrote Dasam Granth. Nearby: Bhangani Sahib, Yamuna temple.
• Place: Renuka Dam
  • Exam Related Information: First project where Forest Dept. can claim payment for eco-system services (PES). Rs 11 crore for Catchment Area Treatment (CAT) plan. Involves IUCN & GIZ International; document signed Nov 2011 for natural resource management, clean energy, climate change adaptation. Associated with Renuka Lake.
• Place: Sangarh Fort (Sangrah)
  • Exam Related Information: Crowning place of Sirmaur rulers. Now dedicated to Kamakshi temple (idol from Guwahati). Sangrah is a Sub-Division of Sirmaur district.
• Place: Sirmauri Tal (near Paonta)
  • Exam Related Information: Ancient capital of Sirmaur; on Giri River’s right bank. Ruins of town (destroyed 1139 Bikrami era) visible. Rajban (3 km away) made capital (1095) by Raja Subhansh Parkash. Stone with hole from juggler girl’s rope; town’s destruction by her curse.
• Place: Suketi Fossil Park
  • Exam Related Information: 21 km from Nahan; on Markanda river’s left bank. Asia’s first park at actual fossil discovery site; life-size fiberglass models of prehistoric animals. World’s richest mammalian fossil collection; insights into Jurassic era (~8.5M years ago).
• Place: Trilokpur
  • Exam Related Information: Known as Tiloknath to ancients. Shiva cave (abode of Tripura Bala Sundri); Tottarariver from ‘Jamula Parvat’. Temples of Buddha, Radha Krishna; Sikh Gurudwara (Sardar Lehna Singh).

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Solan District

• Place: Biotechnology Park
  • Exam Related Information: Located at Aduwal village near Nalagarh. Approved July 27, 2011; area ~35 acres; cost Rs 200 crore.
• Place: Chail
  • Exam Related Information: Summer palace built by Captain Gordon Casion, Alpine architecture. Government ordered its compulsory acquisition in 2011.
• Place: Dagshai Jail
  • Exam Related Information: Museum established by Army to showcase 165-year-old cantonment’s history. Constructed in 1849; 54 cells. Irish mutiny leader James Daly executed here (Nov 1920). Mahatma Gandhi visited.
• Place: Kasauli
  • Exam Related Information: Charming hill station; bird watchers’ paradise. Monkey point, Sathya Sai Baba ashram, Pasteur Institute (anti-rabies vaccine). Lawrence School, Sanawar on opposite hill. Cantonment town, TV relay tower.
• Place: Sanawar (Kasauli Hills)
  • Exam Related Information: Lawrence School Sanawar (founded 1847 by Sir Henry & Honoria Lawrence). One of Asia’s oldest surviving co-ed boarding schools; altitude 1,750 m, 139 acres. Motto: “Never Give In”. Believed to be world’s oldest co-ed school.
• Place: Timber Trail Parwanoo
  • Exam Related Information: 5 km above Parwanoo on NH-22. Resort with 1.8 km cable car ride over ‘Kaushalia stream’ (8 mins). Major accident in 1992.

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Una District

• Place: Chintpurni
  • Exam Related Information: Famous temple 3 km from Bharwa in on Hoshiarpur-Dharamsala road. A stone (Pindi) represents the goddess. Main fair in Shravan (August).
• Place: Gurudwara Manji Sahib
  • Exam Related Information: Also Gurudwara Shahidi Bagh; on Una-Hamirpur road, ~20 km from Una. Receives lakhs of pilgrims, especially during Holla Mohalla & Baisakhi. District administration took control in March 2011.
• Place: Textile Park (Chintpurni)
  • Exam Related Information: Foundation stone Aug 28, 2012. Mega parking (Rs 40.21 crore) with waiting hall, library, shopping plaza planned.

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Location in Chandigarh (Relevant to Himachal Pradesh)

• Place: Dhumal Sewa Sadan
  • Exam Related Information: Inaugurated Nov 5, 2011, by CM P.K. Dhumal. Cost Rs 10.5 crore; for HP people seeking medical treatment in Chandigarh.