Himachal Pradesh

There are a couple of interesting areas to visit in the southern regions of the state. These include the old settlement of Nahan, Renuka Lake. In the hill district you will find Mussoorie, Paonta and Sahib on the border.

Nahan was founded in 1621 and has an interesting bazzar filled with crumbling temples and back streets. Nahan is built on two levels connected by the old town bazzar.

Renuka Lake is situated about an hours drive from Nahan. Take the 3km walk around this picturesque lake or alternatively there are paddle boats for hire.

Paonta Shib is on the Uttar Pradesh border. It was dedicated to the 10th Sikh guru, Gobind Singh who resided there between the ages of 16 and 20.

Dont's:
When visiting mosques or temples shorts or sleeveless tops are not to be worn. Smoking and the holding of hands, the touching of carvings or statues and the touching of someone's head is not permitted. Removal of shoes prior to entry. These apply to both men and women. In some mosques you will be required to cover your head.

Never point the soles of your feet to another person or statue.

The right hand should be used for all occassions. The left is considered dirty.

When swimming nudity is not allowed, even in remote areas. Women should wear a sarong if they are in public view.

Some animals are considered sacred, please check with local authorities.

Extreme climate, warm inland from April to mid-June falling to almost freezing at night in winter, between November and February. Summers are hot with monsoons between June and September. The climate is pleasant between October and March, blast-furnace hot between April and June, and dripping with humidity between July and September.

Required clothing: Lightweight cottons and linens in summer with warmer clothes in winter and on cooler evenings. Waterproofing is essential during monsoons. Monsoon rains occur in most regions in summer between June and September.