SHIMLA
ABOUT SHIMLA:
- Scenic Shimla, the biggest hill station of the world.
- The capital of Himachal Pradesh is perched at a height of 2,100 metres.
- Stunning beauty and charm of Shimla was first discovered by a British officer, Lt. Rose during the Gorkha war.
- Named after the temple of Goddess Shamla, which was situated here amidst thickly wooded forest.
- Shimla become the favourite hill resort of the British.
- The summer capital of India during the British Raj.
MODE OF COMMUNICATION:
- Airport: Jubbarhatti Airport (SLV), Shimla, 23 kms away from Shimla city centre.
- Rail: Shimla is connected with the famous toy train. Nearest broad gauge Railway Station Kalka, 90 kms away from Shimla.
- Road: Well connected by road.
SIGHTSEEING AT A GLANCE:
SCENIC SITE |
- Chail
- The Ridge
- Kufri
- Fagu
- Narkanda
- Kasauli
|
HOLY CENTRE |
- Christ Church
- Kali Bari Temple
- Jakhoo Temple
- Mashobra
- Naldehra
- Tattapani
- Narkanda
|
MUSEUM & AUDITORIUM |
|
WILD LIFE |
|
PLAY GROUND |
|
OTHERS |
- The Mall Road
- Lakkar Bazaar
- Indian Institute of Advanced Studies
- The Palace
|
FAIRS & FESTIVALS |
- Ice Skating Carnival Shimla
- Rhyali Festival Shimla
- Shimla Summer Festival
- Baisakhi
- Bhoj Fair
- Christmas
- Diwali
- Lavi Fair
- Lohri
- Navaratri
- Sipi Fair
- Bharara Fair
- Pathar-ka-khel-Halog
- Mahasu Jatar
- Nalwari Mela
- Baba Nath Fair
- Rohru Fair
|
For more information visit https://himachaltourism.gov.in/destination/shimla/
ATTRACTIONS OF SHIMLA
The Ridge:
- Large open apace in the heart of the town is a major attraction of Shimla.
- Tourist converges here while taking leisurely walks through the Mall and Lakkar Bazar and enjoy the scenic beauty and charm of Shimla.
Christ Church:
- Second oldest church in the northern India.
- Built between 1846 and 1857.
- One of the major landmarks of the town.
- Set on the edge of the Ridge and noted for its Neo-Gothic architecture and immense historical value.
The Mall Road:
- Main shopping area of Shimla is also dotted with fine eating out places.
- Gaiety Theatre here is a replica of an old British theatre and is the cultural hub of Shimla.
- No vehicular traffic is allowed on the Ridge, Mall Road and Lakkar Bazar.
Lakkar Bazar:
- It lies near the Ridge and is popular for wood articles and souvenir’s.
- Roller Skating Rink here is also visited by the tourists.
Kali Bari Temple:
- It lies near the Scandal Point towards General Post Office.
- Idol of Goddess Shamla is enshrined here.
Jakhoo Temple:
- Lord Hanuman shrine set atop the Jakhoo Hill (2455 metres), the highest peak of Shimla.
- It affords breath taking views of Shimla and its surrounding.
- Temple can be reached on foot from the Ridge near Christ Church.
State Museum:
- It lies on the western edge of the town.
- Exhibits ancient sculpture and ‘Pahari’ miniature paintings of the State.
Indian Institute of Advanced Studies:
- This prestigious institute established in 1964 is housed in the old Viceregal Lodge.
- One of the finest British colonial buildings.
- Structure was built in 1888 and is a fine blend of Scottish Boronial and English renaissance architectural styles.
- Interiors are noted for excellent woodwork and was the first building with electric light in Shimla.
- The Viceregal Lodge was the summer seat of British Government till 1940s.
ATTRACTIONS AROUND SHIMLA
Chail:
- 43 kms away from Shimla town.
- Tiny hill resort amidst verdant forests was established by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala.
- Chail is stretched over three hills – Rajgarh Hill is the Palace, on the Pandava Hill is the Old Residency and Siddh Tibba known for the temple of Baba Sidhnath.
The Palace:
- Magnificent green-roofed palace amidst thick deodar trees was built in 1891.
- It has been converted into a premium Heritage Hotel.
Cricket Ground:
- Built atop a hill in 1893 at an elevation of 2444 meters.
- Highest cricket and polo ground in the world.
Chail Wildlife Sanctuary:
-
Key fauna – ghoral, barking deer, sambar, red jungle fowl, khalij and cheer pheasants.
Kufri:
- 16 kms away from Shimla town.
- Tiny picturesque hamlet is very popular among tourists.
- During winters a large number of winter sports enthusiast flock to this fine skiing resort.
- There is also a small zoo.
- The Himalayan Nature Park here provides eco-treks and camping site.
Fagu:
- Scenic site lies on the Hindustan-Tibet Road, 22 kms away from Shimla town.
Mashobra:
- 12 kms away from Shimla town.
- Surrounded by thick forests and is known for the Goddess Durga temple.
Naldehra:
- 22 kms away from Shimla town.
- The abode of Lord Nal is known for the thick cedar forest.
- World’s highest nine hole par 68 golf course.
- An ancient Nag temple is also located here.
Tattapani:
- Small village 25 kms away from Naldehra and 65 kms away from Shimla town.
- Known for hot water springs and temples.
Narkanda:
- 60 kms away from Shimla town.
- Charming skiing resort affords breath taking views.
- Hatu Park (8 kms) and ancient shrine of Hatu Mata are worth visiting of spectacular views.
Kasauli:
- Lies in Solan district and is 12 kms away from Dharampur, located on the Kalka Shimla highway 75 kms away from Shimla town.
- Captivating Kasauli nestled at a height of 1927 metres.
- Noted for its colonial charm, lush tranquil surrounding full of deodar and pine trees, scenic views and cleanliness.
- Founded by the British forces in 1841 and developed as a cantonment sanatorium.
- Pasture Institute established here in 1900, is the oldest of its kind in the country.