Discerning, user-friendly guide to the sights and monuments of Himachal Pradesh, with maps, full background information on Indian history, culture and religions, and eating and accommodation tips.

This is a chapter from Blue Guide India: the best guide for the independent traveller to India's art, architecture and history. According to William Dalrymple, who wrote the foreword: "I can vouch for its accuracy and novelty ¬ the Indian guide which reaches the long-forgotten wonders ignored by other guides, and the best possible guide to off-the-beaten-track India."

Superb maps, detailed practical information. Written by the BBC's Sam Miller. Includes Simla (Shimla), Dharamsala (home of the Dalai Lama), the temples of Kulu and Manali and the Buddhist monasteries of Spiti.