Himachal Pradesh:

Physical features:

It has a rapid rise of 3,600 m above the Kangra valley. The largest of the

lesser Himalayan ranges, the Pir Panjal, branches off from the Greater Himalayan

range near the bank of the Sutlej. There are many glaciers over the Zaskar and the

Great Himalayan ranges. Himachal is well known for its rich flora

The entire region of Himachal Pradesh is hilly with the altitude ranging from 350
meters to 7000 meters above sea level. Geographically, Himachal Pradesh can
be divided into three distinct regions

 The Shivalik’s or outer Himalayas

 Middle Himalayas or inner Himalayas
 Greater Himalayas or the alpine zone

Climate:
The climate varies from hot and sub-humid tropical (450–900 metres) in the southern low
tracts, warm and temperate (900–1800 metres), cool and temperate (1900–2400 metres)
and cold glacial and alpine (2400–4800 metres) in the northern and eastern high elevated
mountain ranges. The annual rainfall of Himachal Pradesh is 2909 to 3800 mm. The average
temperature in the summer months vary from 22 degrees to 37 degree Celsius and in
winters it varies from 0 to 15 degrees. Himachal in winters is a snowy heaven.

Crops:
The main cereals cultivated in Himachal Pradesh are wheat, maize, rice, and barley. Kangra,
Mandi district and to some extent Paonta valley of Sirmur district are the major producers
of wheat, maize, and rice. Barley is cultivated largely in Shimla district.

Peoples and clothing:

A majority of the people of the state are Hindus. Other inhabitants include Buddhists. There
are several Hindu communities in the state such as Brahmins, Rajputs, Kannets, Rathis and
Kolis. Some of the tribes inhabiting the state are Gaddis, Kinnars, Gujjars, Pangawals and
Lahaulis
People of Himachal Pradesh casually wear salwar-suits for women and kurta, pajama, pants
and shirts for men which are usually accompanied with woolen waistcoat and headgear like
Himachali topi and dhattu.
Food and Eating habits:
Himachali cuisine is dominated by red meat and wheat bread. Thick and rich gravy, with aromatic
spices, is used in abundance as the base of many dishes. Dham is the traditional food served in
marriages or other functions. Siddu, Patrode, Cheele and Babru are the authentic snack dishes
of the state. Now, steamed momos (dumplings) and noodles are also readily available and
popular with travellers who want to graduate to Indian food slowly.[6] Some of the specialities of
Himachal include Manee, Mandra or "Madra", "Palda",
"Redu" Patrode, Chouck, Bhagjery and chutney of til (sesame seeds)

Language spoken:
The official state language of Himachal Pradesh is Hindi. The other most
popular language of Himachal Pradesh is Pahari. Other than these Punjabi,
Dogri, Kangri and Kinnauri language is also used in Himachal Prade

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