Introduction:
Once a British summer capital, Shimla still has enough colonial
style cottages, mansions, bungalows and churches to make it
look like a typical English village. The temples of Shimla,
on the other hand, are evidence of a culture that is typically
Indian, while the large Tibetan population has made the town
famous for its cheap Tibetan goods. Students and researchers
from all over India come to study and work at the Indian Institute
of Advanced Sciences, 5 kilometers away from the Mall. Shimla,
is at a distance of 343 km from Delhi, 260 km from Manali,
and 119 km from Chandigarh. The temperature range is not very
high and the maximum temperature rarely crosses 25°C during
summers. Winters are cold due to the chilly winds from the
upper Himalayas.
The name Shimla has been derived from the word 'Shyamala'
the other name of Goddess Kali, whose temple was located in
the dense forests of Jakhu Hill in the 19th century. The English
used to call it Simla. During the times of the Raj, Shimla
was summer retreat of the British. Capital of the beautiful
north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla nestles amongst
the hill of the Himalayas. Shimla is one of the most popular
hill stations in India. The hill station was referred to as
the 'Queen of Hill Stations' during the Raj era. Shimla is
the favourite haunt of honeymooners, families and youngsters
who escape to sylvan heights to spend some time in the lap
of hills. Shimla, is situated at a height of 2,196 metres.
While the British have left the echoes linger on. Today, it’s
well developed facilities, easy accessibility and many attractions
make it one of India's most popular resorts. In the Himalyan
lower ranges, it is surrounded by pine, cedar, oak and rhododendron
forests.
Best Attractions
Shimla is a popular hill station among tourists mainly from
the plains of northern India. The hill station has pristine
beauty, peace and pleasant weather, which attract the tourists.
Christ Church - This church is the second
oldest church in north India. Inside it has beautiful stained
glass windows each signifying different virtues like faith,
hope, charity, fortitude, patience and humility. The church
is located on the Ridge.
The Mall - Like every major hill station
Shimla too has a Mall Road, which is the nerve center of the
town. Complete with well stocked shops, banks, clubs, hotels
and restaurants, the mall has two main meeting points called
Scandal Point and The Ridge.
Shimla State Museum - The museum is a treasure trove of local
arts and crafts. It has a great collection of miniature Pahari
paintings and a good variety of costumes, ornaments and artifacts..
Jakhu Hill - Located at a distance of 2 km
from Shimla is Jakhu Hill. It is the highest peak in the area
with a height of 8000 feet above sea level. On top of the
hill is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman.
The surrounding area is heavily infested with monkeys.
Summer Hill - At a distance of 5 km from
the Ridge lies the township of Summer Hill. This calm and
mellow area is 6500 feet high on the Shimla-Kalka railway
line. This is the ideal place to escape to away from the hustle
and bustle of central Shimla. While here, you can tour the
campus of the Himachal Pradesh.
Annandale - Annandale is also referred to
as the 'playground of Shimla'. At a height of 6117 feet, close
to the Ridge, many games like polo and cricket are organized
here.
Tara Devi - In the Hindi language Tara means
star, so as the name suggests Tara Devi is a hill that gets
its name from a temple dedicated to the Goddess of the Stars,
which is located here. Tara Devi is located a mere 11 km from
the Shimla bus stand. The area is also the headquarters of
Bharat Scouts and Guides
Sankat Mochan - Another popular Hanuman temple
is located at Sankat Mochan.
Best Time to Visit : In Summer - May to July
In Winter - September to November
How to reach
Shimla can be easily accessed through air, train or road.
By Air : Shimla Airport is 23 kms from the city connected
by daily flights from Delhi and Kullu.
By Rail : Broadguage Railway line upto Kalka connecting
Delhi,Calcutta and Amritsar. Kalka to Shimla (95 kms.) by
Narrow gauge railway.
By Road : Well connected with Kalka. Chandigarh,Delhi,
Amritsar and Jammu etc.
So, what are you waiting for.. Just pack your bags and Get
going for the most adventurous vacation of your lifetime in
Shimla with us.
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