Blessed
with some of the most spectacular and beautiful landscapes anywhere,
it is a travellers paradise -lofty snow peaks, deep gorges, lush
green valleys, fast flowing rivers, enchanting mountain lakes,
flower bedecked meadows, beautiful temples and monasteries steeped
in time. May it be for relaxing, sightseeing, trekking, mountaineering,
fishing, para-gliding, skiing, ice skating and golf, Himachal
has it all...Come Explore Himachal with Tour my India...
A
quaint little hill train chugs up into the Shivalik foothills,
over dramatic loops and high arched 
bridges
to the hill resort of Shimla (2130 m) - the capital of the mountain
state of Himachal.
Shimla
was one a string of hill stations that the British established
to escape from the scorching heat of the plains. The 12 km, crescentshaped
ridge on which it is located was first occupied by the British
troops, in the early part of the 19th century, during the Anglo-Gurkha
War.
The
little village of Shymala, a retreat for British officers, soon
grew to become the glamorous summer capital of the British, in
India.
Shimla's
salubrious climate, easy accessibility and numerous attractions
have made it one of the most popular hill stations in northern
India. The splendid views of the show-clad ranges of the Himalayas,
fine walks through oak and flowering rhododendron, enchanting
resorts within easy reach, golf Naldehra and skiing at Kufri and
Narkanda make Shimala an attractive destination throughout the
year.
Places
to see
The Mall : All visitors to Shimla inevitably walk down
the Mall, the main promenade that runs along the top of the ridge-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-a favourite rendezvous
for visitors and the local people. Overlooking it is the elegant
Christ Church with its fine stained glass windows. The labyrinth
of Shimla's bazaars spill over the edge of the Mall.
Viceregal
lodge : Housed in the Gothic splendour of the Viceregal Lodge
is the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies, India's premier academy
for higher research.
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, Shiml's highest point, is rewarding for there
are superb views of the town and its surroundings. At the top
is an old Hanuman temple.(2Km).
Annandale
: Hill, Shiml's highest point, is rewarding for there are
superb views of the town and its surroundings. At the top is an
old Hanuman temple.(2Km).
Glen
: A pretty picnic spot beyond Annandale is located in the
thickly Wooded Glen , beside a sparkling stream.(4 Km).
Summer
Hill : The quiett and lovely suburb of summer Hill has secluded,
shady walks and charming views.
It was here that Gandhiji stayed on 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 : Just beyond Summer Hill is the 67 m waterfall, cascading
into a deep gorge. The Falls are best seen after the monsoon.(7
Km).
Prospect
Hill : A 15 minute climb from Boileauganj, Prospect Hill is
another favourite walk and vantage point with breath taking views.
There is a little temple to Kamna Devi on the top of the hill.(5
Km ).
Sanjauli
: A serene location with delightful walks, Sanjauli is ideal
for a tranquil weekend. There are fine vistas and the lights of
Shimla and Chail can be seen twinkling at night. On the other
side, Mashobra and Naldehra are visible. (3 Km)
Temples
: Among the little temples dotted around Shimla is the ancient
temple of Bihargaon - a splendid example of traditional Himachal
architecture.
Just short of Shimla are the temples of Tara Devi and Sankat Mochanb.
(8 Km)
Daranghati
Sanctuary : This sanctuary located in the upper area of the
Shimla district has an undisturbed forest area with plenty of
wildlife-monal, tragopan, koklas and khalij pheaseants and musk
deer, ghoral and thar. There is a network of bridle paths in the
sanctuary. Visitors are advised to seek assistance from the forest
staff posted at Dofda and Sarahan. The area is ideal for those
who love to trek.
Around
Shimla
Mashobra
(2,149 m)
Noted for its apple orchards and thick woods of oak and pine.
Mashobra is a sylvan retreat with pretty walks and pIcnic spots.
A little track leads down to Sipur a grassy glade with a stream
wandering through it. Excursions are possible to Shali Peak -
the highest point in the area or to Craignano (3 km) with its
elegant guest house set in a delightful flower-filled garden.
(9.6 km)
Kufri
(2,622 m)
Kufri is a noted summer and winter resort with its glorious views
of forested slopes and tall ranges iced in a covering of perpetual
snow. A fine ski resort, Kufri has a winter season that extends
from January to March. A sparkling winter sports festival is held
each year in February. (16 km)
Fagu
(2,509 m)
Just 6 km from Kufri, Fagu is a vantage point with panoramic views
of the ranges and valleys. Picturesquely located amid forests
and orchards, Fagu has a rest house and tourist bungalow overlooking
the Giri Valley.
Naldehra
The scenic, nine hole golf course with its springly turf and crown
of deodar was laid out at the instance of the Viceroy, Lord Curzon.
So enamoured was he by the beauty of the spot, that he named his
youngest daughter Alexandra Naldera. (23 km)
Tattapani
Tattapani is just 28 km from Naldehra, along a road winding through
the scenic country side. The hot sulphur springs here, are hoted
for their invigorating and curative powers. (51 km)
Narkanda
(2,708 m)
A hill road with superb views links Narkanda with Shimla Narkanda,
located amidst fragrant pine forests is a ski resort in winter.
It has a choice of slopes ranging from a beginners run and a slalom
slope, to sharper descents for the experienced skier. (64 km)
Hattu
Peak (3,300 m)
Rising above forests of spruce, the Hattu Peak is a vantage point
with spectacular views. (8 km). The pretty orchard country of
Thanedar and Kotgarh - beautiful in spring - are not far away.
Khadrala and Beghi with their dense forests and Kumarsain with
an interesting wooden palace are also within easy reach of Narkanda.
Hatkati
(1,100 m)
In the picturesque valley of the River Pabbar, about 104 km from
Shimla, is noted for its historic temple dedicated to Durga. Enroute
to Hatkoti is the village of Kotkhai, splendidly located among
apple orchards - a village with fine traditional architecture.
Jabbal, once the capital of a princely state with its impressive
palace is also on the way.
Beyond Hatkoti, 11 km away, is Rohru (1,149 m) on the River Pabbar
- an excellent spot for angling, with fishing pools teeming with
trout. The trout hatchery at Chirgaon, (15 km) upstream, ensures
a well stocked river.
Rampur
Rampur was once the capital of the princely state of Bushair and
a major centre on the old trade route into Tibet. The annual Lavi
Fair, held in the second week of November, is still an important
event for the inhabitants of the region. They gather to buy, sell
and barter their produce - homespun blankets, shawls, wool and
dry fruits - and to celebrate the event with music and dance.
Rampur,
on the banks of the Sutlej is on the N.H. 22 - the old Hindustan-Tibet
Road that goes from Shimla into Kinnaur. The scenic village of
Sarahan with its fascinating Bhimkali Temple is on this road beyound
Rampur. (140 km).
Getting
There & Away
Air
Linked by air to Delhi, Chandigarh, Kangra and Kullu. The airport
at Jubbarhati is 23 km from Shimla.
Rail
It is linked by a narrow gauge line to Kalka which is connected
to Delhi, Calcutta and Amritsar by broad gauge. Kalka-Shimla in
96 km and 6 hours by train but only 4 hours by a quaint rail car.
Road
Shimla is well connected by road to most towns within the state
and to all major towns in Punjab and Haryana. It is linked by
bus and coach to Delhi and Chandigarh as well. Delhi is 370 km
away, Chandigarh 117 km, Kalka 90 km and Ambala 166 km. Within
the state, Narakanda is 64 km away, Mandi 156 km, Kullu 240 km,
Manali 280 km and Dharmashala 280 km.
Bus
Service
HRTC (Himachal Road Transport Corporation) has coaches to all
major towns in the area besides Chandigarh and Delhi.
General
Information
Altitude
: 2,130 m above sea level
Temperature : Between sub zero in winters and 30 C in summer.
Through out the year.
Best Season : (Summer/Winter)
Clothing : Light Woollens/Heavy Woollens
STD code : 0177
Chail-kufri
Chamba
Dalhousie & Kajjiar
Dharamshala
Kalpa & Sangala
Kasauli
Kinnau & Kangra
Kullu-Manali
Lahul Spiti
Nahan & Solan
Naldera
Parwanoo & Masorba
Shimla
