Shimla is located in the state of
Himachal Pradesh and is one of the most famous travel destinations of
India. Read about Simla travel, tourism in Shimla, famous places,
shimla
holiday packages, honeymoon, summer, winter holiday packages,
hotels in shimla,
shimla hotel booking.
The
British empire may have ceased to exist, but its echoes linger on in
Shimla (2130m). As the 'summer capital' of the British in India.
This was the country's focus for
the better part of every year and now, it is the state capital of
Himachal Pradesh.
Today, its well developed facilities, easy
accessibility and numerous attractions make it one of India's most
popular hill resorts. Placed in the tower ranges of the Himalaya
mountains, it is surrounded by pine deodar, oak and rhododendron
forests.
Towards the north lie the snow covered
high-ranges, while the valleys broad whispering streams and swaying
fields. Within the town are a host of splendid colonial edifices,quaint
cottages and charming walks. Shimla holds a variety of shopping,sport
and entertainment.
High season: is
mid - April to mid - July, mid - September to late October and mid -
December to mid - January. The best time to visit is mid - September to
late November.
Places to Visit in
Shimla
The Ridge:
This large open space in the heart of town presents excellent views of
the mountain ranges. Shimla's landmarks the neo Gothic structure of
Christ Church and the Neo Tudor Library library building are here.
Chadwick Falls, 67 m high:
are only really worth visiting during or just after the monsoons (July
to October). The falls are 7 km from Shimla and can be reached via
Summer Hill.
Lekkar
Bazaar: Popular for its wood crates and souvenirs, this is
just off the Ridge.
Jakhoo Hill/Temple - dedicated to
the monkey god, Lord Hanuman - At 2455 m,this is the town's
highest peak and a vantage point for Shimla's famous views. The summit
is crowned with a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The hill is full of
paths and narrow roads which are enjoyable walks.
Christ Church & St. Michael's
Cathedral: This dressed - stone church with fine stained
glass has a cruciform design. It is located just off the Mall, below the
District Courts. This is the second oldest church in northern India
(the oldest is in Ambala), Christ Church was build between 1846 and
1857.
The church is one of the
Shimla's major landmarks and is renowned for its stained glass windows.
You can have a look inside the church or attend English-language
services every Sunday morning during the tourist season.
Indian Institute of Advanced Study:
At 1983 m,this magnificent English renaissance strudure was the former
Viceregal Lodge. Its lawns and woodland are added attractions. Entry by
ticket (nominal charge).A portion of the interior is also open to the
public, except on Sundays and holidays.
The Glen: At 1830 m,this is
a thickly wooded ravine through which a stream flows. It is a popular
picnic spot.
Annandale:
Surrounded by a thick deodar forest, this large glade has an ancient
temple on an edge.
Excursions
Bihargaon
(4km): Approached either past the cemetery below St.Edward's
Schoot,or through Tutikandi, this village has splendid examples of
traditional Himachal architecture.
Prospect Hill and Kamna Devi(6km):
At 2125 m and crowned by a temple dedicated to Kamna Devi, the Hill
offers spectacular views of the area.
Sankat Mochan
(7 km): This is a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman.
Chandwick
Falls (8 km): At 1586 m,these rained falls are approached
through Summer hill.
Tara Devi (11 km): A
thickly wooded hill whose peak has a temple dedicated to Tara Devi.
Mashobra (12
km): At 2149m, this beautiful suburb is surrounded by a thick
forest. From here, a track leads down to Sipur which is an exquisite
glade shaded by ancient deodar trees. There are old temples on a side
and a fair is held every April.
Kufri (16km): At 2501m,
this is famous for its wide views and skislopes. An enjoyable walk leads
up to the Mahasu Peak.
Fagu(22 km): At
2510 m, Fagu has some enchanting views.
Naldehra (22
km): At 2044 m, this is a nine hole, golf course. It was
designed by the British Viceroy, Lord Curson who was so enchanted by the
place that he gave his daughter Alexandra, 'Naldehra' as per second
name.
Chail(45km): This was the
former summer capital' of the Patiala State. The palace is now run as a
Luxury hotel by Himachal Tourism.
Tattapani (51
km): At 656 m, there are hot sulphur springs here. Himachal
Tourism has a restaurant and a Tourist Bungalow at Tattapani.
Adventure and fishing:
There are numerous walks within and close to Shimla And there are many
soft to medium treks that can use Shimla as the base. Some treks are to
the Shalipeak, to the Kullu valley over the Jalori pass or the Bashleo
pass, Shimla to Chail, Shimla to Junga and Shimla to Tattapani. Angling
for trout can be done on the river Pabbar, near Rohru.
Shopping
Like any other destination, Shimla has its
own specialty to offer, representative of Himachal's unique culture,
craft and tradition. You can buy handicrafts, wood and metalwork shawls,
pullovers, local tweeds, caps, Tibetan carpets and pickle, jams and
squashes.
The Himachal Emporium:
People interested in genuine local handicrafts must visit this place
located on the (western) Mall.
The Tibetan
Refugee Handloom Shop: Located on the (Eastern) Mall, it
showcases local development projects apart from selling carpets, clothes
and other Tibetan crafts. Besides, there are a number of private shops
and showrooms selling object art and crafts.
Access
Shimla is well connected with New Delhi,
the national capital and other centres in UP, Haryana and Punjab by
rail, road and air.
Road
Connectivity with important destinations: Lying on NH 22,
Shimla is well connected with a number of parts in the area, both within
and outside the state. Overall, roads are good and enjoyable drive.
Bus Options:
Inter State Bus Terminals (ISBT), both at Delhi and Shimla, caters to
visitors looking for bus services. ISBT on Cast Road has a counter
(No9), where the employee speaks English and is of great help to
foreigners as well as non Hindi speaking nationals of India. At scandal
point in Shimla is another booking office.
For
destinations east of Shimla, buses start from the Rivoli Bus Station on
the northern side of the main ridge, below the HPTDC Office. One can
board a bus along Cast Road for Tattapani, Kasauli and other
destinations enroute to Kalka or Narkanda, i.e. Kufri and Theog.
Railway Options: If you
want to enjoy the green mountain slopes, covered with fir, rhododendron,
pine and the Himalayan Oak and traditional homesteads nestling amount
the foliage, do try the train option for travelmasti.
Airways:
Daily flights are available to/from New Delhi, for which bookings may
be made at New Delhi or Shimla's Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development
Corporation office. A number of Tour and Travel agencies can make the
arrangement for your. Jubbarhati, the Shimla's airport is about 25 km
from the town.
Climate Conditions
In
winter, the temperature can drop below freezing point when heavy
woollens are required. Summer temperatures are mild and light
woollens/cottons are recommended.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit is from
October to November. Between December and February, winter sets in with
temperatures around zero degree Celsius, and heavy snowfall in the area.
April, May, and June are peak seasons for local tourists, when other
parts of the country are very hot.

Recent Comments