City Info
Shimla - How to get there:
By Airways:
Shimla Airport is at Jubbarhatti, 23 kms from city and is connected to Chandigarh, Kullu, Delhi. It has daily flights from Delhi and Kullu.
By Railways:
Shimla is connected to Kalka (96 kms) on Meter Gauge and it takes around 6 Hrs from KALKA to reach SHIMLA. There are about four trains daily from Kalka to Shimla and vice-versa. Shivalik Express is luxury Deluxe Train on this route with less halts and pantry facility. One can also travel through Rail car (one of its kind mainly running on this route in india only). The overnight Kalka Mail from Delhi reaches Kalka in the early morning and that is the time to catch connecting trains on the beautiful narrow-gauge train to Shimla. There are 103 tunnels on the route with longest being 1.2 K.M. long.
By Roadways:
Shimla is connected by road to all the major towns like kalka, Delhi, Agra ,Jaipur, Srinagar,Amritsar etc. The distance from Delhi is 370 Km.
About
Shimla was once the former summer capital of the British in India. It is now capital of Himachal Pradesh.
History
The British discovered Shimla in the form of a little village in 1819. Until then, it was a part of the Nepalese kingdom. It was during Lord William Bentincks time that Shimla was truly acquired by the Government of India. The British persuaded the local Raja to part with the land in 1830, and the settlement became the subcontinents most fashionable summer resort. In 1864, Shimla was declared the summer capital of India. After the independence of India, Shimla became the capital of Punjab until 1966, when it came under Himachal Pradesh.
Tourist Attractions
The Mall
All visitors have to walk down the Mall, the main promenade that runs along the top of the ridge which is a busy shopping area with old colonial buildings, souvenir shops and restaurants. At the top end of the Mall is Scandal Point, a large open square with a view of the town. Overlooking it is the elegant Christ Church with its fine stained glass windows.
Himachal State Museum
Very close to the Institute, in a colonial building set in spacious lawns, is the museum. It has collections of Pahariminiatures, stone sculpture, local handicrafts, textiles and embroidery.
Jakhoo Hill
Hill, Shimla's highest point. At the top is an old Hanuman temple.
Summer Hill
Gandhiji had stayed here during his visits to Shimla, in the elegant Georgian mansion that belonged to Rajkumari Amrit Kaur. Summer Hill is located on the Shimla - Kalka railway line.(5 Km).
Chadwick Falls
You can reach these 67-metre-high falls from Summer Hill from where it is about 45 minutes walk. The falls, surrounded by thick forests, are situated at about 7 km from the city at a height of 1586 metres.
The Ridge
The large open space in the heart of town presents excellent view of the mountain ranges. Shimlas landmarks - the Neo-Gothic structure of Christ Church and the new - Tudor Library building is worth seeing.
Glenn
Its about 4 km walk from the Ridge through dense Forests, a sprightly stream flows through the Glen forests at an altitude of 1830 meters. It is also a picnic spot.
Taradevi Temple
Dedicated to Tara Devi, a Hindu version of the Tibetan Goddess Drolma, the temple lies at about 11 km from Shimla on the Shimla-Kalka road. This holy place is also accessible by rail.
Jakhu Temple
Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, this temple is at an altitude of 8048 feet above sea level near the highest point of Shimla ridge. It offers a panoramic view over the surrounding valleys , out to the snowcapped peaks, and over the town itself. The temple is a 45-minute walk from the Ridge, one can also hire pony or taxi to visit temple.
Sankat Mochan
On Shimla-Kalka road at a distance of around 5 KMs is the famous "Lord Hanuman" temple. Situated at an altitude of 1,975m, it commands an excellent view of Shimla town. Temple has beautiful campus and Langar is held every Sunday.
Kali Bari
The temple is situated near to The Mall and its 5 minutes walk from The Mall. The temple is dedicated to Shyamala Devi (Shimla is named after this goddess), an incarnation of Goddess Kali. Temple faces heavy rush during Diwali and Durga Puja as many Bengalis visit this temple.
Christ Church & St. Michaels Cathedral
Built in 1846-1857, Christ Church is the second oldest church of Northern India. The Church overlooks the ridge and is one of the landmarks of Shimla. The clocks on Christ Church were added later but none of them are functional now. The Churchs exquisite beauty comes with the stained glasses that are fitted on its windows.
Excursions
Kufri
Kufri is at a distance of 16 km from Shimla and at an altitude of 2510 m above sea level. It offers some famous hikes and wonderful snow for skiing in winters. An enjoyable walk leads up to the Mahasu Peak. The Himalayan Nature Park here has a good collection of animals and birds found in the region.
Chail
Chail is a lush green setting and was the former capital of the Patiala State. It has the world’s highest cricket ground at a height of 2250 m, built in 1893. It is also a hiker’s paradise and there is a wildlife sanctuary at a distance of 3 km from here. Himachal Tourism runs the Palace Hotel (Earlier the Palace of Maharaja Of Patiala).
Naldehra
Naldehra, at an altitude of 2050 m and 23 km from Shimla on Shimla- Tattapani road, houses the oldest and the highest golf course in India. In the middle of the course is a temple, Mahunag Mandir. It was a favorite pastime spot of Lord Curzon.
Fagu
Fagu Situated on Hindustan-Tibet Road (22-km), at a height of 2,450m Fagu is gifted with some enchanting views. Himachal Tourism runs the Hotel peach Blossom.
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