Introduction:
Shimla is located on the north-west of the Himalayas and is
capital of Himachal Pradesh. Many people tour Shimla, Himachal
Pradesh as it is quite close to the neighbouring states of
Punjab, Harayana, Delhi, and Jammu and Kashmir. Shimla, the
summer capital of the British India, is situated at a height
of 2,196 metres. While the British have left the echoes linger
on. today, its 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. Shimla is located towards the
southern parts of the north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh.
Now It is the state capital and 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. Situated in
the North-west Himalayas, Shimla is the capital of Himachal
Pradesh. It was once famous as the Summer Capital of "The
Raj". Though evocative of a bygone ere, it is today a
thriving Capital of a State, famous for its snowcapped peaks,
apples, and pine forest, flowers and gentle smiling people.
Visitors come to Shimla to walk down its famous Mall Road
and also to experience Shimla in its many hues from spring
flowers to autumn leaves, from the soothing green & gentle
breeze of summer to its Winter snows. It is truly a "Destination
for all seasons." A special delight is to travel by one
of the few remaining mountains Railways in the world - the
toy train to Shimla - as it winds through 103 tunnels during
its 90-km. journey up the mountains.
History :
Before the British discovered it in 1819, Shimla was a small
village that was part of the Nepalese kingdom. In 1830, the
local Raja was persuaded to part with the land by the British
and the settlement became the subcontinent's most fashionable
summer resort. In 1830, the local Raja was persuaded to part
with the land by the British and the settlement became the
subcontinent's most fashionable summer resort. Shimla was
declared the summer capital of India in 1864. After India's
independence, Shimla became the capital of Punjab till 1966,
when it came under Himachal Pradesh.
Sightseeing:
Naldehra:
Naldehra is a pleasant little village 15 kms further north,
at an altitude of 2050m. Naldehra is mostly famous for having
one of the oldest and highest golf courses in India. There
is even a temple, the Mahunag Mandir, in the middle of the
course. It is the famous point and good experience for the
tourists.
Mashobra:
Mashobra is a part of Shimla Reserve Forest Sanctuary and
catchments area. The natural vegetation of this arena comprises
pine, oak, cedar or Himalayan deodar, and rhododendron, as
well as maple and horse chestnut. The wildlife consists of
jackals, kakkar (barking deer), and the occasional leopard,
as well as numerous bird species such as the Himalayan eagle,
pheasants, chikor and partridges. You will have all the beautiful
aspects of nature here in Mashobra.
State Museum:
The location of this museum is 2.5 kms west of the scandal
point, another point of interest in the city. The museum boasts
a remarkable collection of ancient historical sculptures,
paintings, coins, photos and other items from all over the
state and outside. Moreover, the library features several
ancient historical books and manuscripts.
Chail:
Chail is connected by road from Shimla via Kufri, the distance
is about 45 km and via Kandaghat it is 61 km. The present
Chail is spread over an area of 72 acres on three adjacent
hills-the Rajgarh Hill where the Palace is built, the Pandava
Hill where the old Residency 'Snow View' is located and where
the British Resident lived, and finally the Siddh Tibba, where
the temple of Baba Sidhnath is located at a height of 2226
ft. In winter the temperature can drop below freezing point
when heavy woolens are required. In summer the climate is
mild and light woolens/cottons are recommended.
Jakhu Temple:
The Jakhu Temple in Shimla is situated at an altitude of 2455
Mts. The temple is dedicated to lord Hanuman, the monkey god
in Indian mythology. Hanuman was the most faithful aide of
lord Rama (India’s most revered mythological hero). The temple
of Hanuman is in the thick forests of Jakhu hills, and is
on top the Jakhu Hill. Jakhu is derived from Hindi word Yakhsa.
Yakshas are the mythological character in Hindu mythology,
who are a link between human and gods. The original dates
of temple is not known, but it is believed to be existing
from the times of Ramayana, a pre historic event as per ancient
Hindu texts. The Jakhu hill is the highest peak around Shimla,
and is famous for its trekking options.
Kasauli:
Kasauli is a good detour between Shimla and Kalka, and is
often called lesser Shimla. Kasauli is truly a nature lover’s
delight. Wild blooms spring up everywhere between April to
June. The landscape, then, is a riot of wild roses, rhododendrons,
coral tree, flame of the forest, kachnar and kashmal.
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