Himachal

The state of Himachal, a little over 55,000sq.kms rises from the foothills of the Shivaliks to the might Himalayan mountains that border Tibet in the north east and the arid lands of Zanskar in the northwest. Lofty peaks and passes stand sentinel over vast areas of forests. Emerald green meadows dotted with flowers, crystal clear mountain lakes, turbulent rivers and sparkling, snow fed streams, all reflect on unconquered grandeur . In these Himalayas you are at one with nature, away from the chaos of modern civilization and the irritations of tourist infested areas.

We are based in Manali, 280 kms. north of Simla which was the summer capital of the British Raj. The town of Manali lies at the head of the Kulu valley, in the valley of the river Beas. The original name was Kulunthapitach which means ‘end of the habitable world' and its is locally believed that civilization started here after the deluge.

This beautiful valley overlooked by snow-clad peaks, thick forests and stunning side valleys , became very popular with the British during the Raj. In the mid 1800’s, Capt. Lee of the royal Sussex regiment, finding the climate of the valley similar to that of his home in Devon , sent for apple, plum, pear and cherry trees form his father’s estates and became the pioneer of  the fruit industry in Kulu along with his Irish friend Capt. Banon. Many British officials followed suit and settled here, amongst them Col l Johnson of the 5th Gurkha. The descendants of the Banons and the Johnsons still live in Manali.

In the spring, when the fruit trees bloom, the valley is a palette of delicate colours turning into a joyous pastoral landscape during the harvest months of late  summer and autumn.