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Hill Stations
In India
Shimla
Shimla (Introduction)
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.
Shimla
( 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 Bentinck's 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 subcontinent's
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.
SITES
TO VISIT
Ridge
The Ridge is one place in Shimla where you must spend at least a
couple of hours in a day, basking in the lazy sun. You won't be
alone though, for the Ridge is perpetually swarming with the young
and the old, out for a chitter-chatter stroll, a plate-full of chaat
or a few shutterbug clicks of poses against the distant peaks.
Lakkad
Bazaar
Find this world of wooden marvels right below the ridge. Lakkad
Bazaar offers anything and everything you can imagine carved out
of wood. From key chains, walking sticks, massagers, toys and jewellery
boxes to sailor's wheels, planters and stationary holders - Lakkad
Bazaar gives you plenty to pick from and take back home for friends
and relatives, without flattening your wallets.
St
Michael’s
St Michael's Cathedral is a stained-glass masterpiece. Once considered
the finest cathedral in India, it depicts Hope, Faith, Patience
and Humility.
Institute
of Advanced Studies
Built in 1888, the institute was originally the Viceregal Lodge.
It's a magnificent English Renaissance grey-stone edifice set admist
beautiful gardens and lawns. Entry is by ticket. The grounds are
open for visitors only on Sundays.
Tara
Devi Temple
Situated atop a hill, Tara Devi leaves visitors gasping at the panoramic
views. Built amidst oak and rhododendrons, it is accessible by road,
rail and by foot.
SITES
NEARBY
Naldhera
Naldhera, with its brilliant green landscape and dappled sunlight,
is a recreational getaway 22 km from Shimla. You'll find
charming log huts and also regular rooms. The Golf Course and the
cedar forest (for its heavenly treks and pretty picnic spots) are
the main attractions here. The log huts (HPTDC) cost between Rs
800 and Rs 1,000 (Tel: 487 809). The nearby Golf Glade Hotel offers
rooms at the same cost.
Chail
Visit the highest cricket pitch and the highest polo ground
in the world in Chail. Once the summer capital of Patiala, the town
is worth a day's tour. Located 45 km from Shimla (via Kufri).
Fagu
Situated along the National Highway, about 22 km from Shimla,
Fagu offers pleasant views of the distant Himalayas along with some
fun treks. Include a trip to the Deshumata Temple in your visit
to Fagu. You will be lured to the apple orchards simply by their
sweet fragrance.
Kufri
Kufri is a half-hour's drive out of Shimla (12 km). Loaded
with hundreds of picnic and look-out points, it even has a deer
park. Something else you'll find in abundance here are the quaint
souvenir shops. The Kufri slopes are a hot favourite with snow seekers.
Narkanda
Narkanda, 64 km from Shimla, offers wonderful slopes for skiing.
At an elevation of 2708 m, it has dense pine forests. Hatu peak,
8 km from Narkanda, provides a striking panorama of the plains below.
Sarahan
Sarahan is a small village worth visiting. It provides a spectacular
view of Shrikhand Mahadev (5224 m) and hiking opportunities to the
nearby villages such as Ranwin and Bashal Peak. The Bhimakali temple,
dedicated to Goddess Durga, is the finest example of Himachali architecture.
Tattapani
Tattapani (STD Code 0117), 51 km from Shimla, is a spot well known
for hot sulfurous springs.
Shimla
(Place for Adventure Activities)
In Shimla one can go to Kullu from Shimla And Sarahan to
Sangla for a Trekking Some other treks are to the Shalipeak, to
the Kullu valley, Shimla to Chail, Shimla to Junga and Shimla to
Tattapani. Angling for trout can be done on the river Pabbar, near
Rohru. Skiing is possible at Narkanda and Kufri (January–mid-March).
Naldehra also offers a well-groomed nine-hole golf course.
Travel
Information
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.
Shimla(
Places to Stay)
There are so many hotels & guest house are located in Shimla
which suits to the budge of every Travellers. The Mall is the best
site for entertainment.
Shimla(Facts & Figure)
Languages : Hindi, Himachali, English
Best Time to Visit : May–July and September–November
STD : 0177
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