Himachal Pradesh is a state in the northern part of India. Situated in the Western Himalayas, it is one of the eleven mountain states and is characterized by an extreme landscape featuring several peaks and extensive river systems. The predominantly mountainous region comprising the present-day Himachal Pradesh has been inhabited since prehistoric times having witnessed multiple waves of human migration from other areas.
It’s home to scenic mountain towns and resorts. Himachal Pradesh has a strong Tibetan presence and this is reflected in its Buddhist temples and monasteries, as well as its vibrant Tibetan New Year celebrations. The region is also well known for its trekking, climbing and skiing areas.

Region : North India
Established : 25 January 1971
Capital : Shimla
Size : 55,673 sq. km
Rivers : Beas, Chenab, Ravi, Satluj, Ghaggar and Yamuna are the most famous rivers in the State
Forest / Park : Great Himalayan National Park, Inderkilla National Park, Khirganga National Park, Pin Valley National Park, Simbalbara National Park, Bandli Wildlife Sanctuary, Chail Wildlife Sanctuary, Churdhar Wildlife Sanctuary, Daranghati Wildlife Sanctuary, Darlaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, Dhauladhar Wildlife Sanctuary, Gamgul Siahbehi Wildlife Sanctuary, Govind Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kais Wildlife Sanctuary, Kalatop Khajjiar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kanwar Wildlife Sanctuary, Khokhan Wildlife Sanctuary, Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary, Kugti Wildlife Sanctuary, Lippa Asrang Wildlife Sanctuary, Maharana Pratap Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, Majthal Wildlife Sanctuary, Manali Wildlife Sanctuary, Naina Devi Wildlife Sanctuary, Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary, Raksham-Chitkul Wildlife Sanctuary, Renuka Wildlife Sanctuary, Rupi Bhaba Wildlife Sanctuary, Sainj Wildlife Sanctuary, Sechu Tuan Nala Wildlife Sanctuary, Shikari Devi Wildlife Sanctuary, Shilli Wildlife Sanctuary, Shimla Water Catchment Wildlife Sanctuary, Talra Wildlife Sanctuary, Tirthan Wildlife Sanctuary and Tundah Wildlife Sanctuary.
Neighbour States : Jammu & Kashmir on North, Punjab on West and South-West, Haryana on South, Uttarakhand on South-East and China on the East.
State Animal : Snow leopard
State Bird : Western Tragopan
State Tree : Deodar cedar
State Flower : Pink Rhododendron

The Chief Commissioner’s province of Himachal Pradesh came into being on 15th April 1948.
Himachal Pradesh became a part C state on 26th January 1950 with the implementation of the Constitution of India.
Bilaspur was merged with Himachal Pradesh on 1st July 1954.
Himachal Pradesh became Union Territory on 1st November 1956.
Kangra and most of the other hill areas of Punjab were merged with H.P. on 1st November 1966 through its status remained that of a Union Territory.
On 18th December 1970, the State of Himachal Pradesh Act was passed by Parliament and the new state came into being on 25th January 1971. Thus H.P. emerged as the eighteenth state of Indian Union.
Himachal Pradesh has come a long way since then. It has seen a number of full-fledged governments which have led the state towards economic self-reliance.