2 Stunning UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Himachal Pradesh

The recognition by UNESCO signifies a notable achievement in its own right. Only a limited number of the thousands of sites across the globe attain such prestigious acknowledgment. The UNESCO designation is awarded to a site only if it demonstrates exceptional scientific, cultural, or historical importance. The culturally rich and diverse nation of India is home to 44 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which are spread across various states in the country. Among these, two are situated in Himachal Pradesh, making it a must-visit destination in India tour packages. Famous for various reasons, including its snow-covered mountains, delicious cuisine, and vibrant cultural heritage, Himachal Pradesh is celebrated for its UNESCO sites—one being a manmade marvel, while the other remains in its natural state. Below is a list of the extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Sites that can be visited as part of Himachal tour packages.

Kalka – Shimla Railway Line

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Popularly known as the Himalayan Queen, the train journey from Kalka to Shimla is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites of the Indian Mountain Railways, along with the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway & the Nilgiri Mountain Railway. Built by the British in 1903, this beautiful train journey, which starts from Kalka in Haryana, covers a distance of 96 km and passes through 20 stations, 102 tunnels, 864 bridges, and an incredible 900 curves. The longest tunnel, which stretches over a kilometer, is situated at Barog. There are more than 20 stations between Kalka & Shimla, among the top hill stations in Himachal Pradesh. This five-hour journey is one of the most scenic train journeys in India while in Shimla, among the most famous places to visit near Delhi, as it treats passengers with breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, lush pine forests, waterfalls, valleys, and picture-perfect hill stations along the way.

                         Book Here: Shimla Tour Packages  

The Great Himalayan National Park

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Established in 1984, the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) is spanning over 1736 sq. km of Tirthan and Sainj valleys in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. It is one of the best national parks in India and among the top places to visit in Himachal. GHNP was formally declared a national park in 1999 and got UNESCO status in the year 2014. It is part of the Himalayan biodiversity hotspot and includes twenty-five forest types along with a rich assemblage of several endangered species of mammals, birds, and vegetation. The site is known to have preserved Monal bird, Golden Eagles, Griffon Vultures, Western Tragopan (avifauna), snow leopards, Himalayan black bear, Blue Sheep, Musk Deer, Himalayan Tahr, Bharal, Ghoral, Himalayan brown bear, etc. Trekking is the only way to enjoy and explore the Great Himalayan National Park, among the most scenic places to visit near Chandigarh.

                          Book Here: Kullu Tour Packages

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