Shimla




Shimla breathes history with its fantastic architecture. It lies in the lap of nature, promising a refreshing experience for those who visit this place. The British Empire no longer exists, but its echoes and essence linger on in Shimla’s buildings and atmosphere.

The capital of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla, is easily accessible and features lots of attractions. This makes it one of the most preferred tourist destinations of the world. Tourists who come here can hardly forget the long walks, exciting shopping sprees, ice-skating experiences and the day-excursions in this jaw-dropping town located in the lower Himalayan ranges.

Shimla is surrounded by deodar, pine, oak and rhododendron forests. The insides of the town feature a string of quaint cottages, beautiful colonial edifices and refreshing walks. This town has a lot of entertainment, sporting activities and shopping for visitors.

History

Shimla town came into being in the 19th century after the end of the Gorkha Wars in 1815-16. In 1864, the Viceroy John Lawrence, declared Shimla, which was spelt as Simla then, as British India’s summer capital. It stayed like this for more than 100 years and this town became the seat for one of the strongest governments in the entire world.

How to Reach from Delhi

The airport of Shimla is connected to Delhi airport through daily flights. This hill station is also connected to Delhi through broad gauge railway up to Kalka. Once tourists get down in Kalka, they must take a toy train for Shimla. Taxi and bus service, both ordinary and deluxe, ply to Shimla frequently.

Attractions

Shimla, today, is famous for its architectural variety. It features one of the rare urban forests. The alpine species, which are of temperate region, are found here in this town which falls in the tropical zone.

Apart from this, Shimla’s Mall is well known for offering one of the world’s longest stretches for pedestrian shopping. Tourists who come here cannot resist taking home exquisite pieces of handicrafts, beautiful shawls and tweeds and edible items like honey, fruit juices and jams. The town also offers high quality woolens, rare books and etchings, splendid silver jewelry, incredible rugs and carpets, contemporary “Pahari” miniature paintings, artistic metal ware, and amazing handmade footwear.

The highest point of Shimla is Jakhoo Hill. It gives tourists a panoramic view of the town. One of the most intriguing picnic spots of this town is Glen forest. Prospect Hill is yet another attractive picnic spot here.

Besides this, Summer Hill features pleasant and tranquil shady walks. A spot located amidst thick forest is Chadwick Falls. Words are hard to describe the view of this place.

A renaissance structure in this town is of the Institute of Advance Studies, which was used as Vice-regal lodge in the beginning. For the religious visitors, Sankat Mochan Temple and Taradevi Temple are worth visiting. The former temple is devoted to Lord Hanuman, while the latter one is devoted to Goddess Tara Devi.

The town’s Himachal State Museum features a fine collection of objects from the entire state. No doubt, Shimla reminds you of the British Era. This pleasant and serene town sprawled among the pine-clad hills displays the fading charm of the colonial time.

Shimla boasts of the highest and the oldest golf course of India. It also proudly features the highest cricket ground of the world. Tattapani is famous for hot water springs.

Wildflower Hall which was once the home of British Commander-in-chief Kitchener is now a hotel. Craignano is a gorgeous picnic spot featuring a rest house at the hill top. Mashobra, a small village, is surrounded by dense forests. It renders pleasant walks to people who love to stroll in tranquil environment surrounded by nature’s beauty and freshness.

Kufri is a terrific place for adventure sport lovers, hikers, and trekkers. Chail is a town covered in greenery. It was once the capital of the Maharaja of Patiala.

The Ridge and the Mall are the two most popular tourist locations. Narkhanda and Kufri offer breathtaking snow-covered terrains and skiing opportunities during winter. Do you know the British referred to Shimlaas the “Queen of Hill Stations”! Indeed, the town is true to its popular name. Shimla offers a fantastic blend of a city and a hill station. Visiting this place is truly an adventure and an intimate date with nature – a wonderful chance to spend quality time among the Grand Himalayas.

OUR PLANING

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