Kalpa

Kalpa

Kalpa is a beautiful and important village in Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh. Kalpa is famous for its stunning sunrise views, situated atop the India-Tibetan Road at an elevation of 2759 meters. The village is above the Buddhist cultural center of ReckongPeo. The breathtaking views of the Kinner-Kailash range and Shiva Lingam, a well-known Hindu religious site, will greet you as soon as you enter Kalpa. The village also has loads of apple orchards.

Kinnaur is known as the Tribal capital of Himachal Pradesh. It is about 250 kms from Shimla the capital of Himachal Pradesh. Kinnaur is popularly known as the land of fairy tales as it has stunning terrain of lush green valleys, orchids, and cold desert mountains.

History

Kalpa has a rich history that dates back to ancient times, with evidence of prehistoric settlements found in the surrounding areas. Over time, Kalpa has been ruled by various dynasties, including the Mauryas, Guptas, and Mughals. During the British colonial era, Kalpa was an important center for trade and commerce. Today, Kalpa is a popular tourist destination, known for its scenic beauty, ancient temples, and rich culture. The town is also famous for its apples, which are grown in the surrounding orchards and exported to various parts of the country.

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Things do to in Kalpa

•Visit the village of Kalpa: The temples, traditional architecture, and culture of the village are well-known. Take a stroll through the village, meet the residents, and gain insight into their way of life.
•Explore the Kinnaur Kailash mountain range: Trekkers flock to the Kinnaur Kailash range for its breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains and picturesque valleys.
•Visit Roghi village: Roghi is a little town found near Kalpa and is known for its conventional mud houses and painstaking work.
•Go to the Point of Suicide: A popular viewpoint with breathtaking views of the valley below is Suicide Point. But be careful because there are no barriers or railings and it could be dangerous.
•Explore the Chaka Meadows: Near Kalpa, the Chaka Meadows provide a tranquil setting with a small lake and lush green meadows.
•Try some of the local food: Dham, Siddu, and Chha Gosht are among the traditional Himachali dishes that can be found in Kalpa. Try some of these delicious local fares.
•Participate in local events: Kinnaur Kailash Shivlinga Festival and Sazo Festival are two of Kalpa’s many annual festivals. Participating in these festivals can be a wonderful way to learn about the customs and culture of the area.

How to reach Kalpa

By Air: The nearest airport to Kalpa is Shimla Airport, which is located around 267 kms away. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Kalpa.
By Train: The nearest major railway station to Kalpa is in Shimla, which is around 244 kms away.
By Road: Kalpa is well-connected by road, and there are several buses that operate from major cities in Himachal Pradesh and nearby states. You can also drive to Kalpa from nearby cities like Shimla, Chandigarh, and Delhi. The roads are well-maintained, and the drive to Kalpa is scenic and picturesque.

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Cuisine

The cuisine of Kalpa is an important aspect of the local culture and reflects the region’s history and traditions. The dishes here reflect the unique blend of flavors and ingredients that are used in the traditional cuisine of Kalpa, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers. Few of the famous dishes of Kalpa are:
•Dham
•Siddu
•Chha Gosht
•Babbru
•Thukpa
•Baked Trout
•Apricot Jam

Accommodation

You can consider these places while traveling to Kalpa.
•Premium hotel (The White Castle)
Price – Rs. 3349/per night (approximately)
•Deluxe hotel (Echor-The Alpine Crest)
Price – Rs. 2500/ per night (approximately)
•Budget-friendly (Fort View homestay)
Price – Rs. 989/per night (approximately)

Facts about Kalpa

•India’s first-ever voter Shyam Saran Negi belongs to Kalpa.
•Kalpa is known for its traditional mud houses.
•The town celebrates many festivals throughout the year, including Kinnaur Kailash Shivlinga Festival and Sazo Festival, which are an important part of the local culture and traditions.
•The locals in Kalpa follow a unique form of Buddhism called Kinnauri Buddhism
•The town is known for its apples, which are grown in the surrounding orchards.

Conclusion

Kalpa is a small townin the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh known for its stunning natural beauty, ancient temples, and rich cultural heritage. The town has a unique blend of Hindu and Buddhist traditions, reflected in its local cuisine, architecture, and festivals. Kalpa is also famous for its apples and is surrounded by lush green forests and snow-capped mountains. Its traditional mud houses and unique form of Buddhism add to its charm and allure, making it a must-visit destination for travellers looking to explore the less-visited regions of India.

Ruchi Tikoo

https://thetravelb.com/

Ruchi Tikoo is a travel content writer who likes exploring offbeat places. Alongwith writing she also likes vlogging and is currently pursuing film studies.