Shimla is known as the Queen of Hill Stations, situated in the North-west
Himalayas and is the capital of Himachal Pradesh. Shimla derives its name
from "Shyamala" - the goddess Kali, whose temple existed in the
dense forest that covered Jakhu Hill in the early 19th century.
History
Originally under the Nepalese kings, Shimla came to British attention in 1819.
Wowed by its salubrious climate, the British persuaded the Nepalese king to
part with it in 1830 and it became the most fashionable summer resort in northern
India. In 1864, it was declared the summer capital of British India. The construction
of the railway line from Kalka to Shimla made the hill town more accessible.
After Independence, Shimla became the capital of Punjab until 1966, when it
was transferred to and became the capital of Himachal Pradesh.
Places to See
Viceregal Lodge and Botanical Gardens
Sitting pretty in the midst of landscaped gardens is this stunning grey mansion
built for the British viceroys. It now houses the Indian Institute of Advanced
Study. Guarding the Scottish-baronial mansion are a lion and a unicorn. Do
walk the lawns and have a nibble at the caffe.
The lodge is open 9 am-1 pm and 2 pm-5 pm and there are half-hourly tours.
There is a nominal entry fee. However on Sundays the grounds are open for
the public. (Tel: 2830006).
Himachal State Museum and Library
This museum, located 2.5 km west of Scandal Point (city centre) has a modest
collection of ancient sculptures, paintings, coins, and photographs. Don’t
miss the ground-floor gallery of Pahari miniatures, a style developed under
the patronage of the Kangra rulers. The library has some historical books
and manuscripts.
Timings are 10 am-1.30 pm, 2 pm-5 pm, Mondays are holidays.
The Ridge
This large open space in the heart of the city offers great views of the surrounding
Himalayas.
Annandale
Surrounded by old deodars, this was the British racecourse. Today, the locals
play polo and cricket here.
Prospect Hill
About 5 km west of Shimla, the hill is crowned by a temple dedicated to Kamna
Devi. You can bring out your camera as the hill offers some captivating views.
Summer Hill
About 5 km on the Shimla-Kalka railway line it is perfect for a summer afternoon
walk.
Chadwick Falls
Surrounded by thick forests, you can reach these falls if you walk 2 km further
west from Summer Hill. But it’s worth the trouble only if you are here
during the rainy season.
Himalayan Aviary (Himalayan Bird Park)
Close to the Viceregal Lodge, you can spot Himalayan monals, pheasants, peafowls
and peacocks.
Glen Forest
Just about 4 km from Scandal Point at an altitude of 1,830 m is this delightful
picnic spot with bubbling streams of icy cold water, fresh from the melting
snows
Kufri Mini Zoo
4 kms Kufri, famous tourists spot only 16 kms. Shimla has an added attraction
of Mini zoo amidst dense forest to the tourists where a rare breed of wild
animals and pheasants species commonly found in Himalayan forest region have
been kept in natural habitat. Spread over an area of twenty hectares of land
with rich flora and fauna about 140 wild animals including pheasants of different
verities 'Monal' the State bird of Himachal Pradesh and one of the endangered
species of Himalayan region has been the other attractions of this zoo also
been placed safely in this mini zoo
Jakhu Temple
Sitting on top of Jakhu hill at 2,455 metres is the highest point on the ridge.
This temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the monkey god, is quite appropriately
beset with hordes of very aggressive monkeys. It is best to steer clear of
them and keep all eatables well out.
Excursion
Kufri
Just 16 km from Shimla are Kufri’s famous ski slopes and trekking paths.
Do go or long for nature walks, picnic outdoors and climb the Mahasu Peak.
A few staying options are available, book in advance with HPTDC.
Narkanda
Around 60 km away, this again is ideal if you want to go skiing. A trek through
the thick deodar forests will take you to the Hatu Mata Temple. Winter is
the best time to visit when short and long skiing courses are offered. For
information and accommodation, contact HPTDC.
Mashobra
About 12 km from Shimla is this delightful village surrounded by thick forests
and gardens abloom daffodils, hyacinths and celandines Pack a picnic hamper
and make a day trip here.
Chail
The summer retreat of the Maharaja of Patiala, Chail is around 65 km from
Shimla. It has the world’s highest cricket round, a bird sanctuary,
a plenty of walks. Besides HPTDC resorts, Hotel Pineview and Chail Inn are
good staying options.
Kasauli
A long 75 km drive from Shimla, this tiny town is dotted with colonial buildings
and fragrant pine forests. Be warned that accommodation comes expensive in
this much-in-demand hill town.
Tattapani
Some 65 km from Shimla towards Mandi this village is famous for its hot springs
and fishing opportunities.
Kharapathhar
85 kms from Shimla, and Hatkoti, 104 kms on the Shimla-Rohru road have the
Giriganga and Mata Hateswari temples.. A famous religious shrine Giriganga
is 7 Km on foot or by jeep.
Jubbal
If you have interest in art and magnificent architecture, then 90 kms from
Shimla is the former state of Jubbal, which has a well-maintained palace.
Designed by French architect, the palace reflects shades European and Indian
architecture. The palace was built in 1930
Nalagarh
About 40 km from Kalka is this 16th century fort town built by the Chandela
Rajput rulers. The fort gives magnificent views of forests and the mighty
Himalayas. The Nalagarh Palace is now a heritage hotel but can flatten your
wallet considerably.
Sarahan
Known for its ancient Bhimakali Temple, this was once the capital of the Bushahr
state. After, the original pagoda-shaped temple, got destroyed during an earthquake,
a new temple was built nearby. A stay at Himachal Tourisms Hotel Srikhand
is recommended, for the grand views of the snow-capped Srikhand Peak. The
state transport runs regular buses to all these destinations. More expensive
are cars that can be hired, with drivers
Rampur
140 kms on the old Hindustan-Tibet road was the capital of the state of Rampur-Bushahr.
Situated on the banks of the Sutlej River, it is an important transit town
famous for the Lavi fair held in November. At this fair, locals trade with
merchants across the border from Tibet and central Asia. The Padam Palace,
built in 1925 is worth taking a look at. Himachal Tourism runs a café
with a commanding view of the swift-flowing Sutlej.
Sarol
Situated at 23 km from Shimla, Sarol is famous for its 9-hole golf course.
During the monsoons, several golf tournaments are also held over here.
Dining Out
Shimla is much too commercialised to serve anything traditional. The
hotels all have restaurants serving varied cuisine. You will find several
eating joints in the Mall. Devicos is a multi-cuisine restaurant, serving
north Indian, south Indian, Chinese and Continental. Baljees is ideal for
breakfast or a quick lunch while shopping at the Mall. Chinatown predictably
serves Chinese. The Park Café at the east end of The Mall has a bar.
Its milkshakes are worth an order. A good bet for Continental cuisine is Lutyen's
Room at Springfield’s (opposite Tibetan School, Chotta Shimla). If you
want to dine in style, then the Cecil awaits you with its long list of wines
and finger-licking fare.
Shopping
Head straight to the Mall, lined with shops selling everything. The Himachal
Emporium here stocks some of the best handicrafts. The Tibetan Refugee Shop
sells traditional Tibetan wares, carpets and tees. If lucky, you can land
fantastic deals at the Chinese shoe shops and at Diwanchand Atmaram (for woollens).
Lakkar Bazaar is famous for its woodcraft. It offers a whole range of goods
from small key chains to toys, boxes and walking sticks. You can pick up dry
fruits from Subzi Mandi, and cherries, apricots and apples of course.
Visiting
The best time to visit Shimla is between October and November, when the temperature
is moderate. From December till February it gets very cold with heavy snowfall.
In the summer months from April till June the town is overcrowded with tourists
escaping the hot plains, and it is best to stay away at this time.
How to get there
By Air : The Jubbarhatti airfield, 22 km from Shimla has
regular flights from Delhi, Chandigarh and Kullu. But due to rough weather
conditions during winter, flights may be irregular, especially from December
till February. Alternatively, Chandigarh Airport at a distance of 120 kms,
can be used for air connections and then up to Shimla by road.
By Train : The broad-gauge line terminates at Kalka, about
100 kms down in the plains. The Kalka station is connected to most major cities
in India, including Delhi and Calcutta. From Kalka, the narrow-gauge line
connects to Shimla. The toy train that runs from Kalka and back, takes about
five-and-a-half hours to reach. The luxury first class compartments have glass
sides to give a superb view of the ride through tunnels, over bridges and
up steep slopes. Though the train journey is romantic, it is much slower than
travelling by bus.
By Road : Shimla is connected by road to Chandigarh, Delhi,
Dehradun, Kalka, and other major north-Indian towns. There are regular bus
services to Chandigarh, Kullu, Manali, Delhi, Mandi Pathankot, and Ambala.
Most travellers prefer to drive up to Shimla in private or hired vehicles.
