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Shimla - Destinations Of India |
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Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh state of India. It is a one of the most popular summer destinations and is known as the “Queen of Hills”. Shimla is located in the north-western ranges of the Himalayas at an altitude of 2,130 metres (6,988 ft). The climate of Shimla is cold during winters and moderately warm during summers. It is also an attractive Health Tourism spot.
It is also famous of Shimla Summer Festival which is held every year during peak tourist season. Today, its well developed facilities, easy accessibility and numerous attractions make it one of India's most popular hill resorts.
Tourist Attractions:
The Mall Road:
Located at the heart of the city Shimla, The Mall Road is main and busiest commercial center. It is the main shopping centre of Shimla and also has many restaurants, tourists offices, clubs, banks, post-offices, departmental stores, book shops. Tourists enjoy walking up and down while gossiping and is the main meeting point for everyone. The two main meeting points are Ridge and Scandal Point. Scandal point is whwre Mall Road joins the Ridge Roas on the west side. Major places of Shimla are connected throught the Ridge. There is also Gaiety Theatre located here.
There is also Kali Bari temple dedicated to goddess Kali.
Christ Church:
Christ Church is the second oldest Church of northern India and is located on The Ridge point of Mall Road.
Jakhu Hill:
Jakhu Hill is the highest point of Shimla located at an altitude of 8000ft. Jakhu Hill offers a splendid and beautiful view of snow-covered Himalayas and the whole city Shimla. There is an old temple of lord Hanuman on the top of the Hill.
Shimla State Meuseum:
Shimla State Mueseum was opened in the year 1974 and is famous for collection of ancient sculptures, paintings, coins and photographs. The museum has samples of the famous Pahari miniature art form, which ceased to exist when the Western art form took over.
Indian Institute of Advanced Study:
Indian Institute of Advanced Study is a prestigious research institue in Shimla India. Its building was originally built as a home for Lord Dufferin, Viceroy of India from 1884 - 1888 during the British times. Its premises has spacious gardens and has pine trees and its calm serene place is just a right atmosphere for the students of literature or politics.
Summer Hills:
Summer Hills town is located at a distance of 5 km from Ridge at a height of 6,500 ft. on the Shimla-Kalka railway line. Mahatma Gandhi used to stay here while visiting Shimla. Its charming views makes it a perfect tourist destination. The Himachal Pradeh University is located here.
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).
Annandale:
Annandale is at a distance of 2-4 km from city and is favorite spot for picnics, cricket and princely game of polo.
Glenn:
Glenn is a popular picnic spot that is located approx 4 kilometers from the center of Shimla. The thick cover of the deodar trees makes this place a calm and tranquil tourist spot.
Tara Devi Temple:
Tara Devi is a temple dedicated to the goddess of stars on top of the hill. Tara Devi is 11 km from Shimla bus stand at a height of 6,070 ft. is an ideal place for one who wants peace and rest.
Sankat Mochan:
Sankat Mochan is a famous temple dedicated to the lord Hanuman. We can have splendid view of Shimla from this temple and can reach there by car or foot.
Mashobra:
Mashobra is a beatiful, splendid picnic spot at a distance of 13km away from Shimla.
Carignano which is 3 km from Mashobra is the nearest and the beautiful holiday resort. Noted for its apple orchards and thick woods of oak and pine, Mashobra is the site of the yearly Sipi fair in June.
Junga:
Junga is located at a distance of 26 km from Shimla. It is known for a palace and museum of erstwhile Junga Princely state and its scenic beauty and the numerous easy to hard treks it offers. Junga is encircled by green hills with snow capped mountains and has a forest cover of Kail, Deodar, Pine, cedar, Oak Rhododendro, Cheel, Ban and other trees.
Kufri:
Kufri is a small hill station in Shimla and is well known for skiing in winter. It is located at 16 km from Shimla at a height of 8,600 ft. The spell binding beauty, breathtaking views and placid, calm surroundings makes Kufri a perfect tourist destination. Kufri is a noted summer and winter resort with its magnificent 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.
Fagu:
Fagu is just 6 km from Kufri at an height of 2,509 m. Fagu has 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.
Chharabra:
Chharabra is a small village just 13km from Shimla on route to Kufri approximately 8250 feet. It is beautifule scenery popular tourist destinations. The village is encircled by evergreen pine forests, and has magnificent views of the Himalayas.
Adventurous tourists can enjoy trekking around Chharabra and the routes for trekking are:
First route leads from Chharabra to Kufri. This route starts from Hotel Wild Flower Hall and a route leads through thick forests to Kufri Cantonment.
Second route is from Chharabra to Mashobra through apple orchards and pine forests. This is a very scenic route and you can view Himalayas throughout the route.
Third route leads from Chharabra to Dhalli. After reaching Himalayan International School, take the route to the left. This route leads through thick pine forests to Dhalli. There is a school for physically handicapped children on the way. This school is run by Government of Himachal Pradesh. A diversion from this route leads to Kalyani Helipad.
Naldehra:
Naldehra is 22 km from Shimla and has well nine hole golf course. It is a lovely picnic spot.
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)
Chail:
Chail is located 43 kms away from Shimla. It has cricket and polo ground at an altitude of 2,444m which is worl’s highest cricket pitch. Chail is hiker’s heaven and is surrounded by the forests of chir pine and gigantic deodars.
Sanjauli:
Sanjauli is in outskirts of Shimla and is at a distance of 6km from Shimla bus stand. The tourist attractions in Sanjauli are: a Buddhist monastry, an abandoned graveyard for the Muslim community, the Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), the Government College for boys, and the St Bede's college.
How to reach Shimla
By Air:
The Shimla's airport is at a place called Jubbarhatti, which is located at a distance of 23 kilometers from the main city center. Flights from New Delhi, Chandigarh and Kullu (another hill station) operate on a daily basis. Jagson Airlines is the flight that operates from these places on a regular basis.
By Rail:
The nearest railway station that connects Shimla to neighboring states is at Kalka. This place is located at a distance of 96 kilometers from Shimla. Broadguage Railway line upto Kalka connecting Delhi, Calcutta and Amritsar. Kalka to Shimla (95 kms.) by Narrow gauge railway.
By Road:
Shimla is well connected with Kalka, Chandigarh, Delhi, Amritsar and Jammu etc.
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