A century ago the British selected
Shimla as their summer capital, using it as a retreat from the
blistering heat of the plains. Called the “abode of the high and
mighty, “ it is spectacularly set at 2,154 meters with the
snow-capped Himalaya as a backdrop and with beautiful promenades,
graceful colonial buildings, wooded ravines and evergreen forests.
Attractions
THE RIDGE:
The large open space in the heart of town presents excellent view
of the mountain ranges. Shimla's landmarks-the Neo-Gothic
structure of Christ Church and the new-Tudor library building are
worth seeing.
THE MALL: Main shopping centre of Shimla with restaurants.
the Gaiety Theatre, which is a reproduction of an old British
theatre is a center of cultural activities. A passenger lift of
HPTDC can be taken from the Cart Road and the Mall. Lakkar Bazaar
adjacent to the Ridge is popular for its wood crafts and
souvenirs.
Shimla is one of the places where
The world
wrestling champion "The Great Khali (Dalip Singh)
spend his few years. Khali is not really harsh by nature. In
those days too Khali was a person of curiosity due to his
giant physical size, he looked amazing !
JAKHOO TEMPLE (2.5 Km) 2455 m: Shimla's highest peak offers
a panoramic view of the town. An ancient "Lord Hanuman" temple.
Way from Ridge near Church (on foot) One can also hire pony or
taxi to visit the temple.
STATE MEUSEUM (3 Km): Ancient Historical Sculptors and
paintings of Himachal Pradesh. Visiting hours 10 AM to 5 PM.
Closed on Monday and gazetted holidays.
INDIAN INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED STUDIES (4 Km) 1983 m: This
magnificent English renaissance structure was the former Viceregal
Lodge. Its lawns and woodland are added attractions. Entry by
ticket.
PROSPECT HILL (5 Km) 2155 m: Crowned by a temple dedicated
to Kamna Devi 15 minutes walk from Boileauganj on shimla Bilaspur
road. the hill offers a spectacular views of the area.
SUMMER HILL (7 Km) 1983 m: A picturesque superb on Shimla-Kalka
Railway line. Offers shady walks in quiet surroundings. The Father
of Nation, Mahatma Gandhi during his visit to Shimla lived in the
elegant Georgian House of Raj Kumari Amrit Kaur. HP University is
situated here.
CHADWICK FALLS (7 Km) 1586 m: Surrounded by thick forests.
About 45 minutes walk from Summer Hill Chowk.
SANKAT MOCHAN (7 Km) 1975 m: On Shimla-Kalka road (NH-22)
is famous "Lord Hanuman" temple. It commands an excellent view of
Shimla town. The place can be visited by Bus/Taxi.
TARA DEVI (11 Km) 1851 m: On Shimla - Kalka road (NH-22)
this holy place is accessible by Rail, bus and car. From the
station/road-one can visit the temple either on foot or by taxi /
jeep.
FAGU (22 Km) 2450 m: On Hindustan-Tibet Road. It has
enchanting views.
How To
Reach
By Road
Shimla is well connected by road through
Chandigarh
city at a distance of 117 km. The
other side is by Manali is 219 km,
Chail is 45 km and Delhi is at a
distance of 370 km. the driving time is
about 8 hours from Delhi. Taxi services are
available on the seat basis between Shimla
and Kalka and also deluxe bus service
between Shimla & Delhi.
By Air
The nearest air port in Shimla is at
Jubbarhati, just 23 km away from Shimla town
which is also linked to Chandigarh,
Kullu and
Delhi.
By Rail
Shimla is connected by a broad gauge line up
to Kalka. Kalka is 90 km from Shimla. The
journey takes about 6 hours. Kalka has
direct rail connections with Delhi, Calcutta
and Amritsar and also rail line was
constructed between Kalka & Shimla. To enjoy
the natural beauty of this region, travel to
Shimla on the Kalka - Shimla train.
