SHIMLA Location : Southern Himachal Pradesh Famous As : Capital City of Himachal Pradesh Altitude : 6,890 ft Above Sea Level Major Attraction : The Mall

Famous Mall Road of Shimla

Manali Kufri Chamba McLeodganj

Kullu Dalhousie Chail Bilaspur

Palampur Kasauli Dharamshala Kinnaur

Tourists Dressed Up in Traditional Himachal Pradesh Costume

History – Story That Makes this Hill Station a Desired Delight

History

The whole and sole people to be thanked for bestowing this heaven on the India today, are the Britishers. This was a part of the Nepalese kingdom, that was taken up by the British in 1819. By the year 18 30 the land around was bought from the local rulers and Shimla was turned into a resort for British army officers. The womenfolk too began settling in the town which was then serving as a recovery place for the British war hit soldiers recuperating from the Gurkha war. Soon it began to look like an English village as cottages with gardens, tree-lined walks, churches and cricket pitches came up around the main town. However, was in only in 1864 that the town was declared as an erstwhile summer capital of India.

Hill Top View of Shimla Just After Heavy Showers

Shimla Attractions – The Tempt of an Ageing Queen

Shimla Toy Train

The main attraction of the Shimla town indisputably lies in the seven hills that surround it, making it a ideal honeymoon destination. There are churches, colonial lodges, temples and heritage in accordance with the panoramic vista that will woo your heart.

Take a trip from Cart road to The Mall, which is the central point of the town, always bustling with tourists. Jam-packed with shops and eateries this is the centre of attraction. A bazaar marks its labyrinth at the edge of the mall while at the top end of the mall is the Scandal Point. This is a large open square with a view of the town – a place used by the locals for their rendezvous. You should notice the grand statue of Lala Lajpat Rai that stands here. But the most important cultural activity is going on inside the Gaiety Theatre, which is a replication of an old British theatre. There is The Ridge that provides an excellent view of the mountain ranges.

A fifteen minute climb from Boileauganj leads up to Kamna Devi temple at the summit of Prospect hill. Kali Bari Temple is believed to have enshrined the idol of Goddess Shayamla while the Jakhoo Temple is ideally located at a height of 2455 metres offering bird's-eye view of the hill station. Pilgrim find their way to the temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman in Sankat Mochan located 7 kms from the main town. Another temple attraction that you should see Taradevi Temple, a Hindu adaptation of Tibetan Goddess Drolma. This temple is located at a distance of 11 kms on the road to Shimla-Kalka. The view of the town from here is an experience in its own.

While the temple attraction is sure to lure your heart, the churches too have a reason to climb in your minds. There is the St Andrew's Church that now is deconsecrated while the St Michael's Cathedaral is the imperious edifice of the Roman Catholics. While overlooking the mall is the Christ Church where you should notice the glass windows.

Near to the administrative block is the magnificent mansion called Manorville, claims to have been the resting place of Mahatma Gandhi. Walk through the oak forests to emerge at Squire house near the Viceregal Lodge, that now has been converted into an institute of advanced studies. Inspecting the decorative woods carvings, jewellery, manuscripts, arms and armoury in the Himachal State Museum, is also an inevitable activity.

The various points, falls and hills that are ubiquitous with Shimla are the most important draw of this beautiful town. You cannot miss the Summer Hill at the height of 1983 metres, located at a mere distance of 7 kms. There is the Chadwick Falls that you can reach after taking a 45 minutes walk from Summer Hill along the thick wooded forests. The height of 1586 metres, on which it is located, increases the beauty of this 67 mts high fall.

Annandale is Shimla’s playground at a height of 6100 Ft . A four kms walk from the main town will reward you with superb views of the town in the thick woody glen, beside a effervescent stream. Jakhoo Hill is the area's highest peak that too offers scenic landscapes that will quench a photographer's thirst.

Stick� Tennis House - One of only 3 surviving in the world

For All the Adventure Savvy

Himachal Adventure Water Sports Trekking

Skiing Mountain Sports Para Gliding

Camping Mountaineering

While in Shimla, adventurers too relish a great time while indulging in various adventure options that gives delight to their mind and senses. It is said that Shimla is best seen while on foot. So take up short as well as long walks to enjoy the panorama of this hill station. Take a 15 minute walk from Prospect hill to Kamna Devi or enjoy walks from the Mall to see some of the heritage treasures of the city. Taking up a walk to the Shimla estate Museum, will be the most exciting of all.

However, there are other options too. Trek and hike along while climbing the mountains to enjoy some of the best views in the world. Enjoy climbing the Jakhoo Hill towers to see the amazing sunrise as well as sunset, while paying homage to the Hanuman temple that crowns this forested hill. Other important and interesting trails will be the Bharari Spur to the villages of Pabo and Kamiana. Enjoy trekking from Shimla to Kullu Valley over the Jalori Pass or the Bashleo Pass, Shimla to Chail, Shimla to Tattapani. For angling, river Pabbar, near Rohru is the best place offering trouts.

While in Shimla, you can also enjoy Camping, Bungee Jumping, Cycling, Horse Riding, Para Gliding, Safaris, Skating and the most eccentric of all – Yak Riding.

Eating in Shimla is a Curious Delight

As far as eatery is concerned, Shimla goes a long way. Though the local Himachali cuisine is conspicuously absent from the restaurants, you can have a little of them in the Goofa and Ashiana restaurants located on the Ridge. Try the Tibeto – Indian mix of Chinese that will invigorate your gustatory senses. Do not miss the Baljees in the heart of Shimla that will offer you a choice of Indian, Chinese, Continental and Thai cuisine. There are some places that have traced their paths since the times of the British. One of them that you cannot elude is the Devicoes, serving Indian, Continental and confectioneries.

Shimla After a Heavy Snowfall

Shopping in Shimla – Find Your Welcoming Space

Shopping

Arts and Crafts

Shopping is also an important activity that people enjoy in Shimla. Traditional buys from Shimla includes walking sticks and Kullu topis. Look for Kinnauri mufflers and scarves and most importantly the Kangra miniatures. Hottest shopping destination in the town will be the mall where there is something compelling in the small stores, that offer dazzling local handicrafts. For Chinese shoes go to Tatung, Fook Chung and Hugh & Co, while Lalsons and Comarsons sell woollens. Lakkar bazaar on the other hand is famous for old treasures, traditional artifacts and wooden work. Here items made of soft wood have intricate designs displaying the rich art and craft of the area. While shopping in local shops, bargaining is a requisite.

If looking for some hand woven carpets, shawls, blankets in traditional weaves, handmade paper and exquisitely carved wooden table, go to the the Cottage industries Emporium. Here you should not miss buying the Himachali caps that look very chic.

Reaching Atop the Summer Capital of the Nation

Enjoy a Shimla tour in the month of April to Mid-July, Mid-September to Mid-November as the weather at these time of the year are pleasant.
Shimla is connected to the rest of the world by the Jubbarhatti airport, located 23 kms. Indian Airlines, Archan and Jagsons connect this town Chandigarh, Delhi, Dharamshala and Kullu. This should not be your ideal choice, as air services are routinely disturbed due to weather conditions. You will get the trains from almost all the Main Stations like from Mumbai and Delhi to Kalka. Shimla and Kalka separated by a distance of about 96 km are linked to each other by rail. It is unarguably one of the best train journeys. Passing through 102 tunnels and 87 bridges, this journey is bound to be memorable giving you the chance to witness beautiful hills and valleys. While the ride to Shimla on the toy train too will give you an unforgettable experience.
For all the roadies, the 6 lane highway from Delhi to Ambala and the Zirakpur Shimla stretch are the options. There is regular bus service that ply between Delhi and Chandigarh as well as ordinary, semi deluxe, deluxe and AC coaches for Shimla are also available.