Welcome to Himachal Pradesh, the ‘land of snow’, whose proximity to the heavens also makes it referred to as the ‘land of the gods’. This, as the Himalaya raises its mighty head to gossip with the clouds, is easy to believe. The soft, natural beauty of the land is uplifting regardless of the face it reveals, or the mood it is in. The verdant valleys of Himachal Pradesh are incomparable in offering a panoramic feast to tourists who flock to the state all year round. Easily accessible from the plains of northern India, the picturesque Shivalik valley in the Kalka-Shimla region affords a breathtaking experience. This itinerary takes you to Shimla, the stately summer capital of the Raj, with its resplendent Viceregal Lodge, the Christ Church and other Raj buildings. From there to Paragpur, the only listed ‘heritage’ village in the country, are the orchards and tea gardens of Palampur framed against the mighty Dauladhar mountain range. Nearby is the Andretta, a potter’s village which was home to the famous studio potter, Sir Shobha Singh. Andretta has acquired a reputation as an artists’ colony. Dharamshala is the current home of the Dalai Lama (his headquarters are in nearby McLeodganj) and has a sizeable Tibetan community. Coming down from the hills, you are free to stop at Amritsar to visit the Golden Temple, the holiest of the Sikh shrines.