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Shimla
(also spelt as 'Simla') derives its name from goddess 'Shayamla
Devi', which is another manifestation of Goddess Kali. The
capital of Himachal Pradesh came into light when the British
discovered it in 1819. Till then, it was a part of the
Nepalese kingdom. In 1864 Shimla was declared as the summer
capital of India. After Independence, Shimla became the
capital of Punjab and was later named the capital of
Himachal Pradesh. In 1903 a rail line was constructed
between Kalka and Shimla.
Shimla has been blessed with all the natural bounties, one
can think of. Dwelling on a panoramic location, the hilly
town is surrounded by green pastures and snow-capped peaks.
The spectacular cool hills accompanied by the structures
made during the colonial era create an aura, which is very
different from other hill stations.
Bulging at its seams with unprecedented expansion, Shimla
retains its colonial heritage, with grand old buildings,
among them are the stately Viceregal Lodge, charming iron
lamp posts and Anglo-Saxon names. The Mall, packed with
shops and eateries, is the centre of attraction of the town,
and Scandal Point, associated with the former Maharaja of
Patiala's escapades, offers a view of distant snowclad
peaks.
Shimla's Heritage Walks
Have A stroll Around The Summer Capital
Shimla is one of the few places in the world where an
enormous amount of history and heritage has been distilled
into such a small place in so short a time. The town came
into being in the first quarter of the 19th century and some
four decades later, became the "Summer Capital' of British
India. Till the coming of India's independence in 1947,
momentous events and memorable architecture packed the town.
Today, the colonial order is gone, but its architectural
bequest is now a part of the legacy for a free India. And
the seven hills of Shimla hold a variety of architectural
styles from all over the world- made all the more
distinctive, for manstructural elements are local. In
addition, the town has one of the longest stretches of
purely pedestrian road and shopping anywhere in the world -
the Mall. Shimla also holds what may well be the Earth's
only 'urban forest'.
Shimla's Seven Hill Attractions
The seven hills of Shimla are - Prospect Hill in Western
Shimla, which has the temple of Kamna Devi; Summer Hill in
Western Shimla, which has the campus of the Himachal Pradesh
University; Observatory Hill in Western Shimla, which holds
the estate of the Indian Institute of Advanced Study;
Invererarm in Western Shimla, whose top has the State
Museum; Bantony in central Shimla, which has the Grand
Hotel; Jakhoo in central Shimla, which is crowned by the
temple indicated to Lord Hanuman, and Elysium in
north-western Shimla, which holds Auckland House and
Longwood and reaches out towards the Bharari spur.
Shimla's Malls
As the town of Shimla grew through the 19th century, its
Mall steadily developed as the town's commercial street and
the hub of its social life. The road, which some 5-km in
length, starts in the west at the gates of he former
Viceregal Lodge , the present day Indian Institute of
Advanced Study and ends at Chhota Shimla or 'Small' Shimla,
in the east.
The route has bends, as one would expect any hill road to
have, ut its nature essentially follows a wide sweeping
curve along the hills. The primary aspect is south facing
and affords a view of the valley below the town and of the
foothills that reach out to the plains from its habitation.
In pockets, snatches of the northern aspect spring up for a
dramatic view and hold woods of Pine and Himalayan Cedar -
the majestic Deodar. This picture of nature's bounty is
framed by the distant snow ranges of the Greater Himalaya.
The Intriguing Architectural Grandeur
The core of the Mall is a row of shops that take the
approximate mid section of the road and traverse for about a
kilometre and a half along is length. At one point of time,
it was regarded to be as fashionable as the finest streets
of London, Paris or St. Petersburg and every morning, the
tarmac was washed down by 'Mashkis' carrying goatskin bags
full of water.
Architecturally, this stretch is often likened to an English
small town market place. Elements of Tudor framing, a varied
roofline, assorted columns and numerous decorations have
given this row considerable character. The row also has a
variety of windows that range from bay, to sash barred and
to diamond cut panes and some unusual elements also find
expression and take the form of Mughal inspired cupolas that
hold bay windows.
Reminiscent of Italy, acroteria of urns can be found in a
couple of structures. While decorative devices abound, the
aspects of safety were hardly neglected. The presence of
'fire walls' between buildings ensured that fires remained
contained and did not spill over to the adjoining
structures.
Gaiety Theatre
Apart from the shops, where several buildings still retain
elements of a bygone glory, the street holds the famous
Gaiety Theatre whose neo-Gothic structure was completed in
1887 and once towered above the town. The theatre itself is
modelled after the prize winning design of Bijou theatre and
is remarkable for the quality of its acoustic that allow the
lowest whisper to carry to the farthest corner of the hall.
Magnificent Specimen's Of The Bygone Era
Adding to the malls ambience, are the municipal offices
housed in an impressive dressed stone building. The general
post office and the spire of Christ Church on the ridge, add
their own touches of background atmosphere. At the cross
road, where one arm reaches to the ridge and another to the
post office is the famous scandal point and the apocryphal
tale goes that a former Maharaja of Patiala carried off the
British commander in chief's daughter from this spot. The
story is as unlikely as any, and the truth of the place name
probably stems from the fact that earlier - as now - it was
the place where people gathered for both conversation and
gossip.
The southern slopes immediately below this row of shops are
regarded to be one of the most densely populated hill slopes
anywhere in the world. Over a hundred years ago, the
celebrated writer Rudyard Kipling described this stretch in
Kim as, "The crowded rabbit-warren that climbs up from the
valley to the town hall at an angle of forty five. A man who
knows his way there can defy all the police of India's
summer capital. So cunningly does veranda communicate with
veranda, alley way with alley way, and bolt hole with bolt
hole" The description holds true even today.
A Colonial Supermarket With Indian Lifestyles
A major determinant of the town character and social ethos,
the mall has modified its colonial and rather snooty
ambience to reflect the Indian market centric lifestyle.
Yet, the original colonial architecture, somewhat crumbling,
somewhat forlorn and yet, almost unforgivingly still its
spine, the street remains the town's social hub and for
many, also its economic core. There is hardly a person who
lives in Shimla who regards his day as complete without a
daily salute to its tarmac or an evening promenade.
A Heritage Zone
There is hardly a visitor who will not rush there on his
very first day in town. Its stores may be expensive in
comparison with the lower bazaar that runs parallel to the
mall some metre below, but yet this street is perhaps one of
the most visible reflections of the principle of democracy
anywhere in the world. This, perhaps, is born out of the
fact that this stretch remains one of the longest stretches
of open public road anywhere in the world that is lined with
stores and where motor vehicles are not allowed through its
core. Only select cars, ambulances and fire engines may ply
through the street.
Interestingly, before 1947, only three carriages and later,
cars were allowed into the town. These belonged to the
viceroy, the Commander in Chief and the Governor of Punjab.
This combination of law and local feeling has billionaires
practically walking arm in arm if they are not jostling for
space in crowded summer evening. This area has also been
declared a 'Heritage Zone' by the State Government.
Mahatma Gandhi's Retreat Georgian Mansion
Witness Of The Independence Movement
A magnificent mansion, majestically standing close to the
'Administrative Block' of Himachal Pradesh University at
Summer hill, a suburb of Shimla, was the house of Late Raj
Kumari Amrit Kaur, a veteran freedom fighter and close
associate of Gandhiji and the first Union Health Minister of
India.
A Royal Heritage
A number of memorable happenings of country's freedom
movement are associated with this historic building. This
house has the unique distinction in as much as that, 'Father
of the Nation', Mahatma Gandhi, stayed here during his
visits to Shimla between 1935 and 1946. Raj Kumari Amrit
Kaur gave this house to the All India institute of Medical
Sciences - 'AIIMS', Delhi and is now under their
administrative control and is being maintained as a
guesthouse.
The building was the property of Maharaja of Kapurthala, an
erstwhile state of Punjab and was inherited by his daughter,
Raj Kumari Amrit Kaur. It was one of the three buildings in
the entire estate of the Maharaja. The other two buildings
came to the share of her two brothers, Sir Maharaj Singh,
the first Governor of Bombay (Mumbai) after Independence and
Mr. Dalip Singh, Chief Justice of Lahore High Court before
partition of the country.
The houses of her two brothers got gutted and now the
'Administrative Block' and 'Library Block' of the Himachal
Pradesh University stand on those sites. Another building
near Chadwick falls belonged to her third brother, colonel
shamsher singh and is now in the possession of "All India
Radio", Shimla. Gandhiji used this place in serene
environments, for evening prayers, which were attended bya
large number of shimlaites. The central Government has
handed over this building to the state government for
setting up a gandhian study centre in it.
Mansions Exquisite Interiors
The entire area on which this building is constructed is
about 5 Bighas. The building has three floors besides the
basement. In addition to the Reception cum drawing hall, it
has a kitchen, pantry and suite nos. 5 and 6 on the ground
floor. First floor has suite no. 1 to 4 while the attic
floor houses suite no. 7.
A major attraction of the house is the exquisite teak and
walnut furniture, carpets and wall hangings adorning the
rooms. Gandhiji used to stay here, along with his two
private secretaries, Raj Kumari Amrit Kaur and Ms. Sushila
Naya, in suite no. 6, which is the smallest one. The same
old, large sized portrait of Gandhiji is placed on a high
mantel in this suite even now.
It was from here that Gandhiji, with a galaxy of leaders
like Shri Jawahar Lal Nehru, Sardar Patel, Dr. Rajender
Prasad and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, set out to meet the then
Viceroy of India, Lord Wavell in June 1945, for discussions
regarding country's independence. There were many servant
quarters where nearly 20 servants of different disciplines
stayed.
Shri S.D. Sharma, who is on the establishment of the AIIMS,
is the present caretaker of the building.
Prime Attractions of Shimla
Annandale
Annandale, just 2-km below the Ridge in Shimla, offers a
picturesque piece of ground, charmingly adapted for
recreation in the days of the Raj. Today it affords a
pleasant change from the perpetual slopes above.
Chadwick Falls
-km beyond the Summer Hill and 7-km west of the ridge from
Shimla are the Chadwick Falls, which was once the site of a
67-m aquatic spectacle.
Chapslee
Containing the comfortable elegance of an English country
manor, Chapslee was originally built in 1835.
Christ Church And St Michael'S Cathedral
The most prominent building on the Mall is the yellow Christ
Church, reputed to be the second oldest church in northern
India. The silhouette of this can be seen on the skyline for
miles around. It was designed by Colonel JT Boileau in 1844,
but consecrated only after 1857. The clock was donated by
Colonel Dumbleton in 1860, and the porch added in 1873.
Churdhar Sanctuary
The sanctuary got its name from the Chur Peak, on the top of
which sits a majestic status of Lord Shiva. One is sure to
come across a large number of multi-coloured and agile
Monals in the adjoining forests.
Gurkha Castles
The Gurkha castles in Solan, Sirmour, Bilaspur and Shimla
districts remind us of the life and time under the Gurkha
regime. While most of the structures built by the Gurkhas
have crumbled, the remaining few beckon tourists.
Hatkoti
Some 105-km east of Shimla, in Jubbal Tehsil on the banks of
the river Pabbar, lays the mysterious valley of stone
temples Hatkoti. Close by stands a small village by the name
of Parhaat.
Jakhu Temple
No visit to the state capital Shimla is complete without
visiting Jakhu Hill. This hill looms over Shimla town and is
the geographical nucleus. The Hanuman temple at the top of
Jakhu hill is the highest point in town.
Jeep Safari In Himachal Pradesh
By jeep, car or on motorcycle, one can explore the variety
Himachal has to offer. By jeep, the Trans Himalayan tracts
can steadily unfold their natural and man-made wonders.
Karyali Lake
In district Shimla,Karyali Lake lies on the northern face of
the peak of Chhoti Shali.
Kotesvara Temple
The Kotesvara (also spelt as Kotesvar) temple is a
magnificient structure dedicated to Shiva who is represented
there in the form of 'Shivalinga'.
Mahatma Gandhi's Retreat: Gorgian Mansion
A magnificent mansion, majestically standing close to the
'Administrative Block' of Himachal Pradesh University at
Summer hill, a suburb of Shimla, was the house of Late Raj
Kumari Amrit Kaur, a veteran freedom fighter and close
associate of Gandhiji and the first Union Health Minister of
India.
Padam Palace
Resting in a nest-shaped valley on the left bank of the
Satluj River is Rampur's Padam Palace, 125-km from Shimla.
The township came up because of its strategic location on
the old Hindustan-Tibet trade route, which was accessible
and not snowbound.
Shirigul Temple
One of the oldest and the most important temples of Shirigul
are situated on the Chur Dhar Peak.
Tattapani
On the right banks of the river Satluj, is Tattapani famous
for its hot sulphur springs. The place also has religious
importance. These natural sulphur springs are invigorating
and have curative values.
The Cecil
In the last quarter of the 19th century, at the site of the
Cecil - towards the western stretch of Shimla's elegant Mall
- stood the small 'Tendril Cottage'.
The Holme
Perhaps a place with greater 'heritage' than many, and a
recent addition to the heritage hotel list, is The Holme, at
Summerhill in Shimla.
The Oberoi Clarkes
Towards the eastern end of Shimla's Mall, where the row of
shops end, is the Clarkes.
The Ridge
The large open space in the heart of town presents excellent
view of the mountain ranges. Shimla's landmarks - the
Neo-Gothic structure of Christ Church and the new - Tudor
Library building is worth seeing
Viceregal Lodge
On the Observatory Hills is located Viceregal Lodge, which
is also known as Rashtrapati Niwas. This magnificent
building was the residence of the British Viceroy Lord
Dufferin
War Memorial
Just over 2-kms from Gandhi Chowk is Martyr's Memorial at
Panjpulla (five bridges), which commemorates Ajit Singh, a
supporter of Subhash Bose and the Indian national Army
during World War II.
Woodville Palace Hotel
Backed by a hillside covered with trees of tall Himalayan
cedar - the fabled 'deodar' - Woodville is a stately
art-deco mansion.
Baisakhi
Held on first 'Baisakh'- the 13th April - Baisakhi is one of
Himachal's most important festivals. Rooted in the rural
agrarian tradition, it bids a final farewell to winter.
Bharari Spur
It is a less explored area within the town. From here, one
can take a long haul by foot through the thick cedar forest
to the Hot-springs of Tattapani, or to the ruins of Kiar
Koti.
Chander Naun
Accessible to experienced trekkers and fed by a series of
springs, this lake lies in the Chanshal (Chansil) range at a
height of 4,420m.
Climate
The climatic differences in the state of Jammu and Kashmir
are probably the most varied in all of India - in Jammu in
the hot season the temperatures can be consistently above
400 C, while at Kargil in mid winter the temperature has
been known to drop to -400 C, a temperature differential of
1500 F!
Dagshai
Another little cantonment at an altitude of 1,925m just
19-km from Kasauli, it is accessible by a link road, which
diverts from Dhrampur. Dagshai is perched on a small hill
and comprisse of a military public school and numerous
military barracks
Daranghati Sanctuary
Daranghati sanctuary located in the upper area of Shimla
District, has undisturbed forest area with plenty of
wildlife and was notified on 27th March 1974. The total
covered area of this sanctuary is 16740 hectares.
Dharampur, Shimla
Just 15-km from Kasauli on the National Highway No.22,
Dharampur is situated. Amidst the healthy air of the
fragrant pines, Dharampur has one of the best hospitals in
India for the cure of tuberculosis. It is also connected by
Kalka-Shimla railway line.
Fagu
Situated on Hindustan-Tibet Road (22-km), at a height of
2,450m Fagu is gifted with some enchanting views.
Himalayan Aviary
Close to the Viceregal lodge is the Himalayan Aviary or the
Himalayan Bird Park. This park is a natural habitat of
numerous species of birds found in Himachal such as
Himalayan Monal, Pheasants, Peafowls and National Bird of
India, the Peacock.
Kuthar Fort
Kuthar fort's oldest sections are 800 years old while the
most recent structures are barely eight decades old. This is
spread over a large area and fresh-water springs flow within
its confines.
Nature Parks: Kufri, Manali, Gopalpur
These are small nature parks getting very popular among the
tourists who whish to admire the expance of nature.
Prospect Hill
Crowned by a temple dedicated to Kamna Devi 15-minutes walk
from Boileauganj on Shimla-Bilaspur road. The hill at an
altitude of 2,155m offers a spectacular view of the area.
Sabathu
A little cantonment town has a Gurkha fort built in the
early years of the 19th century, situated at an altitude of
1,437m. This cantonment town quartered the British soldiers
at the time of British Empire. A diversion road from
Dharampur 15-km away leads to the Sabathu town.
Sankat Mochan
On Shimla-Kalka road is the famous "Lord Hanuman" temple.
Situated at an altitude of 1,975m, it commands an excellent
view of Shimla town
Shimla State Museum
Housed in a charming colonial building, Inverarm, the State
museum is located atop a hill that rises above the Chaura
Maidan. A selection of Himachal's rich heritage is displayed
over here.
Summer Fairs
A wide spectrum of national talent, a variety of programmes
and a splendid setting make Shimla's Summer Festival a
memorable event. Shimla also hosts the Red Cross Fair, sport
tournaments, flower shows, a photographs and posters
exhibition and a fashion show based on folk costumes.
Summer Hill
At an altitude of 1,283m, Summer Hill is a picturesque spot
on Shimla-Kalka Railway line offering shady walks in quiet
surroundings. The Father of Nation, Mahatma Gandhi during
his visit to Shimla lived in the elegant Georgian House of
Raj Kumari Amrit Kaur located here. HP University is also
situated over here.
Tara Devi
On Shimla-Kalka road this holy place is accessible by rail,
bus and car (11-km). From the station / road - one can visit
the temple either on foot or by taxi / jeep.
Trekking
Himachal offers a virtual bonanza for trekkers. From
moderate to strenuous treks ranging up to 11 days and the
best season to trek over here is during the months of June
to October. One of Himachal's classic routes is the Chandra
Bhaga triangle and the Baralacha Pass at a height of 4,833m.
Viceregal Lodge & Botanical Gardens
On the Observatory Hills is located Viceregal Lodge, which
is also known as "Rashtrapati Niwas". This magnificent
building was the residence of the British Viceroy Lord
Dufferin. This lodge was completed in 1888 and it is said
that every brick for the building was carried by mules. This
is a six-storey building and is surrounded by
well-maintained gardens and lawns. The lodge has now been
converted into Institute of Advanced Study and is further
2-km from State Museum.
Excursions from Shimla
Chail
(43Km.)
The former 'summer capital' of Patiala, Chail is 43-km from
Shimla and dwelling in the midst of a lush green setting. At
2,250m, it has the world's highest cricket pitch and a polo
ground, the old palace, now a hotel and the possibility of
some angling are added attractions. more..
Kasauli
(12Km.)
77-km from Shimla and 35-km from Kalka, at 1,927m, Kasauli
is a quaint little town that seems to exist in a time wrap
of an era that reminds one of the 19th century. more..
Kufri
(19Km.)
Some great Hiking, some skiing, some beautiful scenes and a
cool environment that's what Kufri is all about. It is
famous for its trekking and hiking trails. Adventure-seeking
travelers throng Kufri in winters to enjoy skiing and
tobogganing along its snow-covered slopes. more..
Solan
(48Km.)
Blessed with a pleasant climate all the year round, Solan is
the district headquarters of Mashru, another city
established by the British, is named after the Goddess,
Soloni Devi, whose temple is located in the southern end of
the town. Solan also remained capital of east, while Bhagat
State for many years. more..
Barog
Once just a brief stopover on the Kalka-Shimla highway,
Barog town has grown to be destination in itself. Surrounded
by pine trees and oak trees, Barog is located in an idyllic
setting. The pines of Barog are full of cavort and
pleasantries. Barog's railway station, on the Kalka-Shimla,
is one of the most picturesque stations, modelled in the
Scottish-style.
Nahan
(140Km.)
A well-laid out picturesque town of Nahan is situated on an
isolated ridge in the Shiwalik hills, overlooking
greenfields. Known for its cleanliness and dust free
streets, saints and princes are linked with the origin of
Nahan. The city was founded as a capital by Raja Karan
Prakash in 1621.
Narkanda
(110Km.)
Narkanda, at 8,100 feet, 440-km from Delhi and is a two
hours drive from Shimla. It is slightly higher than Shimla
(7,400 feet) and the road linking the two runs almost near
the crest of the mountain with a gradual ascent. One is
constantly treated to a bird's-eye view of the different
valleys as the road twists and turns from one spur to
another. Especially breathtaking is the view of Narkanda
from Fagu, a small village enroute.
Renuka Lake
(45Km.)
With a circumference of 3214m, Renukaji is the largest
natural lake in Himachal. Shaped like the profile of a
reclining woman, this is regarded as the embodiment of the
Goddess 'Renuka'.
Sarahan
(44Km.)
Soaked in nature's beauty, Sarahan is flanked on the banks
of the meandering Sutlej River. Located amidst Deodar
forests, Sarahan was the ancient capital of the mighty
Bushahr. It's a belief that Sarahan is the Shonitpur of old
times, and this was the place, where Banasura once ruled.
Sirmour
(142Km.)
The Sirmaur district has the Shivalik hills in the south and
the northern parts are made up of the forests and ravines of
the first and second belt of the Himalayan ranges. The
places here have man made lakes as well as natural ones,
temples, tea gardens and ruins of ancient and not so ancient
forts. This district connects the hills of Uttaranchal to
the hills of Himachal.
Mashobra & Craignano And Naldehra
(11Km.)
Mashobra is a small village just 11-km from Shimla, which
has a fair every May at Sipi. The lovely trail around takes
one to the Shiva temple. Nearby is Craignano, which has some
pleasant walk and trails. 15-km further North comes another
small village Naldehra. This place is famous for one of the
oldest and highest golf courses in India. Right in the
middle of the Golf Course is the Mahunag temple.
Rampur
(140Km.)
140-km from Shimla and built by the banks of river Sutlej,
lies Rampur, capital of the erstwhile Bushahr state. This
was once a major stopover on the old trade routes and the
Lavi fair, held here every autumn, still barters and sells a
variety of goods. The old palace is a remarkable piece of
architecture. Short of the town, at Dattnagar and Nirath,
are some exquisite old temples.
Sarol
(23Km.)
23-km from Shimla and named after the little temple that
stands on the links, is a 9-hole golf course. Lord Curzon
was so much enchanted by this spot that he gave his daughter
Alexandra, Naldehra as her second name. During the monsoons,
several golf tournaments are also held over here.
White Flower Hall
(13Km.)
This is the former residence of British Commander in Chief
and was taken over by the Himachal Tourism to be converted
into a hotel. This lovely building was burnt down in 1994.
The White flower hall is located in Chharabra 13-km from
Shimla.
Significance - Shimla
Historical
Colonial shimla's pot pourri had some vital ingredients.
There were 'Grass Widows' - unattached ladies spending a
'season' at Shimla while their husbands sweltered it out on
the plains.
Then there were members of the 'Fishing Fleet' - young women
who sailed out of England, usually chaperoned, in search of
husbands. No dance was considered complete without numerous,
cunningly devised 'Kala Jagahs' (dark places). In these
nooks, one could sit with one's partner on a small sofa or
even on a single armchair, and no word of criticism would be
uttered.
But of all the clubs and societies that were unique to
Shimla, the most enigmatic was the 'most noble order of the
black hearts', only men were eligible for membership and
they too could not commit the offence of "living in open
matrimony." More staid were the Annandale Gymkhana Club and,
the Amateur Dramatic Club - the latter still exists.
Fairs & Festivals - Shimla
Every year in the month of June, the Folk Dance festival,
the "Mushaira" - recitation of Urdu poetry by poets, the Red
Cross Fair, Golf and the Flower Show are some of the events
held in Shimla, to celebrate Summer Festival. In December,
Ice-Skating Carnival is held and then Christmas celebrations
overtake Shimla.
Leisure - Shimla
Shopping
Being the state capital, handicrafts from all over the state
come here for sale. The Mall has some of the good and big
names in the garment and textile industry. The State
emporium on the Mall offers many handicrafts and handloom
items, which are made by the artisans of Himachal. The
famous Himachali hat comes in different rates and vivid
colors. Lakkar Bazaar is famous for items made from wood.
These decorative wooden items are made from the softwood
found in the hilly region. Further, dry fruits and natural
herbs, which have many medicinal properties, are also easily
available in the shops.
Where to Shop
WHERE AND WHAT TO BUY
Wooden Articles, Toys:
The Mall, Lower Bazar, Lakkad Bazar
The Mall
Himachal Emporium
(Kullu and Kinnauri Shawls, Caps, Tibetan Carpets and other
handicraft articles)
Eating Out
Restaurants:
Ashiana Goofa Restaurant
The Ridge
Fascination Restaurant
The Mall
Alfa Restaurant
The Mall
Himani Restaurant
The Mall
Nalini Restaurant
The Mall
Embassy Restaurant
The Mall
Solitaire Restaurant
The Mall
Solitaire Restaurant
The Mall
India Coffee House
The Mall
How To Get There - Shimla
By Air
The Jubbarhatti airport is 23-km from Shimla and major
domestic airlines cater their services from here to Shimla.
One can catch direct flights from Delhi.
By Road
Roads connect the capital city of Himachal with other places
in the state as well as other major towns and cities. There
is regular bus service from Delhi and Chandigarh as well as
ordinary; semi deluxe, deluxe and AC coaches for Shimla are
available too. One can also cross over to Leh and Ladakh via
Rohtang pass from here.
By Rail
Shimla has a narrow gauge railway line on which toy train
runs from Kalka to Shimla. The train cruises its way through
valleys and beautiful landscapes at a very slow pace making
the journey very pleasant. From Kalka one can take trains to
other parts of the country. The Toy train from Shimla is of
two types - one is the normal multi coach train and the
other is the single car train, which has a glass roof giving
an enthralling experience during the journey.
Places To Stay - Shimla
The capital city and commercial hub of Himachal has got some
of the finest options of accommodation. The options vary
from luxurious, posh looking five star hotels, cottages and
holiday resorts to economy class and budget hotels and
lodging rooms.
Maps
District Map
Railway Network Map
Road Map
Climate - Shimla
Shimla is located on the slopes of lower Himalayas. The
altitude of Shimla from the sea level makes it a very cool
place. The temperature range is not very high and the
maximum temperature rarely crosses 25 degrees during
summers. Rainfalls mark the summers and the nights are cool
and light warm cloths are required during this time. Winters
are cold and chilly winds from the upper Himalayas makes the
place really cold. Around Christmas or last week of December
Shimla gets snow. The Best season to visit Shimla is between
April and August, but the main season is between December
and January. It is better to avoid the rainy seasons.
General Information - Shimla
Location
Himachal Pradesh.
Altitude
2,159m.
Best Time
April To August & December To January.
Scenic Beauty
The Mall, Christ Church, Kufri, Narkanda.
Activities
Skiing
The skiing season generally commences in the first fortnight
of January and continue till mid- March depending upon snow
conditons. HPTDS organises ski courses of 7 days and 15 days
duration at Narkanda, every year. The facilities for the
participants include boarding, lodging and equipment.
Fishing
Trout finish is available at Rohru, 110-km from Shimla, at
Seem, 9-km from Rohru in river Pabar, and in river Baspa in
the Sangla Valley. Mahseer fishing is available at Tattapani,
46-km from Shimla.
Golfing
Nine-hole Golf course at Naldehra, 23-km from Shimla, is one
of the oldest Golf courses in India.
Trekking
The Shimla- Kinnaur region offers some exciting trekking
opportunities. Narknda to Banjar (Kullu) over the Jalori and
Bashleo Passes and Sarahan to Sangla are some of the popular
treks, both for the domestic and foreign tourists.
Shimla to Kullu via Jalori Pass (3,300m).
Shimla to Kulu via Bashleo Pass (3,250m). Sarahan to Sangla.
Useful Information - Shimla
CONDUCTED TOURS: -
Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) has
a fleet of air-conditioned and luxury coaches and cars,
ambassador cars and jeep in its Transport Wing for
individual and group excursions. Conducted and package
tours. A number of Shimla based sightseeeing tours are
arranged from the Tourist Information Office, The Mall,
Shimla.
SIGHTSEEING TOUR NO.1
Shimla - Wild Flower Hall - Kufri - Indira Holiday Home -
Fagu - Mashobra - Craignano - Fruit Research Station -
Naldehra - Shimla.
Daily. Timings: 10.00am to 5.00 pm
SIGHTSEEING TOUR NO.2
Shimla - Fagu - Theog - Matiana - Narkanda - Shimla.
On Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
Timings: 10.00am to 5.00pm.
In addition, both Himachal Road Transport Corporation and
Private tour operators also run transport services to all
these places.
NOTE: Itinerary and timings subject to change.
Banks / Money Changers
State Bank of Patiala, The Mall
Punjab National Bank, The Mall
Punjab and Sind Bank, The Mall
Indian Bank, The Mall
Indian Overseas Bank, The Mall
Jammu And Kashmir Bank, The Mall
Grindlays Bank Limited, The Mall
H.P., State Co-OP. Bank, The Mall
Hospitals
Kamla Nehru Hospital
Deen Dayal Upadhyay (Ripon) Hospital
Indira Gandhi Medical College
Tourist Information Centres
Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation Tourist
Information Office
Department of Tourism
Govt. of Himachal Pradesh
Victory Tunnel
Cart Road
Shopping - Shimla
Being the state capital, handicrafts from all over the state
come here for sale. The Mall has some of the good and big
names in the garment and textile industry. The State
emporium on the Mall offers many handicrafts and handloom
items, which are made by the artisans of Himachal. The
famous Himachali hat comes in different rates and vivid
colors. Lakkar Bazaar is famous for items made from wood.
These decorative wooden items are made from the softwood
found in the hilly region. Further, dry fruits and natural
herbs, which have many medicinal properties, are also easily
available in the shops.
Where to Shop
WHERE AND WHAT TO BUY
Wooden Articles, Toys:
The Mall, Lower Bazar, Lakkad Bazar
The Mall
Himachal Emporium
(Kullu and Kinnauri Shawls, Caps, Tibetan Carpets and other
handicraft articles)
Entertainment - Shimla
Hang Outs
CINEMAS:
Ritz, The Ridge
Rivoli Theatre, Near Skating Rink
Shahi, Near Cart Road
SKATING RINKS:
Ice-Skating Rink, Below Rivoli
Roller Skating Rink, Regal Brldge
THEATRES:
Gaiety Theatre, The Mall
Kali Bari Hall, Near Grand Hotel
Club
FISHING FLEETS AND BLACK HEARTS
Colonial shimla's pot pourri had some vital ingredients.
There were 'Grass Widows' - unattached ladies spending a
'season' at Shimla while their husbands sweltered it out on
the plains.
Then there were members of the 'Fishing Fleet' - young women
who sailed out of England, usually chaperoned, in search of
husbands. No dance was considered complete without numerous,
cunningly devised 'Kala Jagahs' (dark places). In these
nooks, one could sit with one's partner on a small sofa or
even on a single armchair, and no word of criticism would be
uttered.
But of all the clubs and societies that were unique to
Shimla, the most enigmatic was the 'most noble order of the
black hearts', only men were eligible for membership and
they too could not commit the offence of "living in open
matrimony." More staid were the Annandale Gymkhana Club and,
the Amateur Dramatic Club - the latter still exists |
