Although Himachal Pradesh
does not have any particularly renowned
temples, at least so far as being
touristically well known goes, it does have
many quite interesting and architecturally
very diverse ones. In the Kangra and Chamba
valleys there are a number of 8th to 10th
centuries in the Indo-Aryan shikhara style.
Pagoda style temples with multi-tiered roofs
are found in the Kulu Valley. There are many
temples of purely local design, often with
interesting wood carvings, particularly in
the Chamba region. In the south of the state
there are a number of temples with elements
of Moghul and Sikh design while in several
locations there are cave temples. Finally
the Tibetans, who came to the state
following the Chinese invasion of their
country, have built colourful gompas
(monasteries) and temples. The people of
Lahaul and Spiti in the north of the state
are also of Tibetan extraction and have many
interesting gompas.
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