Shimla

SHIMLA

Shimla, also known as Simla, is the capital and the largest city of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. In 1864, Shimla was declared as the summer capital of British India. The climatic conditions attracted the British to establish the city in the dense forests of Himalayas as the summer capital. Shimla is home to a number of buildings that are styled in the Tudorbethan and Neo-Gothic architectures dating from the colonial era, as well as multiple temples and churches. The colonial architecture and churches, the temples and the natural environment of the city attracts tourists every year. The accounts of the Britain-like climate started attracting several British officers to the area during the hot Indian summers. By 1826, some officers had started spending their entire vacation in Shimla. In 1827, Lord Amherst, the Governor-General of Bengal, visited Shimla and stayed in the Kennedy House. A year later, Lord Combermere, the Commander-in-Chief of the British forces in India, stayed at the same residence. During his stay, a three-mile road and a bridge were constructed near Jakhu. Among the 80 hill stations of the British era, Shimla was the most famous. In the year 1819 the army while returning from war discovered Shimla. In the year 1828 the British Government established sanatorium at Shimla. In the year 1864 the British Government decided to make Shimla their summer capital. In the year 1876 Shimla was declared the capital of Punjab. In the year 1979 Shimla was declared as the capital of Himachal Pradesh. Shimla lies at the center of Dhauladhar and Shivalik Range. The name Shimla derived from the name of a deity named “Shyamala” an incarnation of Kali. The route from Kalka to Shimla is full of picturesque scenic landscape. On this route tourists will come across 102 tunnel, 170 bridges and 920 adventurous hairpin turns. In 2008, Kalka – Shimla railway route became part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Shimla offers majestic view of Shivalik and Dholadhar Hills to the far horizon. Shimla has the largest natural ice skating rink in South Asia. The ice skating season usually begins in the start of December and goes on till the end of February. Shimla arts and crafts are highly in demand by the tourists. They range from excellent pieces of jewellery, embroidered shawls and garments to leather made articles and sculptures. Carpet making of Shimla is a great attraction for the tourists. Different floral and other motifs are used. Wool is used to make blankets and rugs. The embroidery includes handkerchiefs, hand fans, gloves and caps. The shawls of Shimla are very well known for their fine quality. Shimla is on the south-western ranges of the Himalayas. Shimla stretches nearly 9.2 kilometers (5.7 miles) from east to west. Shimla was built on top of seven hills: Inverarm Hill, Observatory Hill, Prospect Hill, Summer Hill, Bantony Hill, Elysium Hill and Jakhu Hill. Shimla is situated 88 km (55 miles) northeast of Kalka, 116 km (72 miles) northeast of Chandigarh, 247 km (154 miles) south of Manali and 350 km (219 miles) northeast of Delhi. 

Places of tourist interest:

Kali Bari Temple — The Kali Bari temple, dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali is near the mall. The Kali temple area of Shimla has a great significance and to its right hand side is the temple of goddess Mangal Chandi and to its left hand side is the temple of Maa Shyamla Devi. It says the name Shimla derived from the name of Maa Shyamla Devi. The Kali Bari Temple dates back to around 150 years old. From Kali Temple tourists can get around and visit Assembly Hall and Choura Maidan and Shimla State Museum.

The Mall — The heart of Shimla town is its Mall, throughout the day tourists and locals gather here for recreation. It has many restaurants, clubs, banks, bars, post offices and tourist offices, Ice Cream Parlour, Coffee Shops along with Horse riding available on the Mall. Shimla Mall is located within 15 minutes walking distance from Shimla bus stand. Shimla town is divided into three parts Upper Mall, Middle Mall and the Lower Mall. These three parts of Shimla Mall is connected with lift system, but among these the centre of attraction is the Upper Mall. Traffic is restricted on Upper Mall and tourists need to avail the route on foot. From the Upper Mall to a little downward side there are ample shops, restaurants, offices, coffee shops and many more. The central spine the Mall, which ran along the length of the ridge, with a Mall Extension southwards.

Himachal State Museum and Library — The Shimla State Museum, which was opened in 1974, has tried to protect hill-out and the cultural wealth of the state. There is a collection of miniature local paintings, sculptures, bronzes wood-carvings and also costumes, textiles and jewellery of the region. The Shimla State Museum remains open from 10.00 am to 05.00 pm has wide collections of the heritage, culture and history of Shimla. The Shimla State Museum lies on ‘Inveram Hill Top’.  The museum was officially opened for tourists visit from January 26th 1974, except Mondays the museum remains open for tourists visit. The State Library and Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex are some of the notable buildings located here.

Viceregal Lodge and Botanical Garden — From Shimla Mall around 4 km is the ‘Viceregal Lodge’ nestled on the observatory hills built in 1884–88. In the year 1888 the then Vice Roy Lord Darfin spends his summer holidays at Viceregal Lodge, today it is the ‘Indian Institute of Advanced Studies’. The lodge remains open for tourists visit on two different timings of the day, one is at 10.00 am and another is at 08.50 p.m., but under the strict supervision of trained guides. From Viceregal Lodge within few kilometers is the ‘Shimla Botanical Garden’ and ‘The Himalayan Aviary’. The Himalayan Aviary has wide collections numerous Himalayan birds among these special mention are the Himalayan Monal and Phesant, the national bird of Himachal Pradesh.

Porspect Hill and Glen — From Summer Hills around 5 km to the west is ‘Prospect Hills’, this place is mainly famous for the temple of Kamna Devi and a famous picnic spot ‘Glen’. Glen is a u shaped valley, located near to Andale and Summer Hill forest amid dense forest of deodar and pine trees. There is a small stream of water at the Glenn, which turns wide at some place and narrow at some. It is located only 4 km away from the main mall road of Shimla.

Annadale — Annadale developed as the racecourse of Shimla. Annadale is 2–4 km from the Ridge at a height of 6,117 ft. It is now used by the Indian Army.

Chadwick Falls — From Summer Hills around 2 km to the north is ‘Chadwick Waterfalls’. Chadwick Falls in Shimla is a perfect gateway for nature lover amid serenity, dense forests and tranquil atmosphere surrounding the area of the waterfall. Nestled at an altitude of nearly 1586 meters above the sea level, Chadwick waterfall is located just a few minutes away from Summer Hill and has everything that tourists need to relax and rejuvenate your senses. It is an unexpected waterfall in the woods of serenity and a must-visit attraction of Shimla.

Christ Church — At the end of the mall there is Anglishian Christ Church built in the year 1844 – 1857 of Neo Gothic style. In the evening the Church lightens up with colourful lights. Anglishian Christ Church is the second oldest Church of North India. The colourful works of different glasses are surely eye catching. A route to the downward direction by the side of the church has met up at middle mall and lower mall. Near the Anglishian Church there is ‘Geiti Theater Hall’ built in the year 1887. From Geiti Theater Hall a route has connected to 150 years old Shimla Kali Temple (also known as Kali Bari). Inside the Anglishisn Christ Church there are stained glass windows which represent faith, hope, charity, fortitude, patience and humility.

Jakhu Hills — From the main town of Shimla around 2 km is Jakhu Hills; it offers bird’s eye view of the whole town of Shimla. Jakhu Hill nestled at an altitude of about 8048 ft, on the top of the hill there is a Hanuman temple and an idol measuring around 150 ft, this place offers picturesque view of the whole region of Shimla town. During sunrise and sunset Jakhu Hills offers excellent view to the far horizon.

Summer Hill — From the main town of Shimla around 5 km is the ‘Summer Hills’ nestled at an altitude of about 2000 meter (6500 ft). At Summer Hill the famous palace is Manervilla Mansion where Mahatma Gandhi during his Shimla tour stayed here. Himachal Pradesh University is situated here. The city has a total of three railway stations with Shimla the main station and two others located at Summer Hill and Totu (Jutogh) respectively.

Tara Devi — The nearby temple of Tara Devi is a place for performing rituals and festivals. Located 11 km from the Shimla bus-stand. Tara Devi Hill has a temple dedicated to the goddess of stars on top of the hill.

Sankat Mochan — It is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman.

Junga — Junga is nearest Tehsil, 26 km from Shimla. Its original name (with diacritics) is “Junga”, and it is a former royal retreat of the princely state of Keonthal. It is known as the Keonthal Estate.

Anand Vilas — Anand Vilas lies midway between Shimla and Junga. “Sarva Dharma Mandir”, Temple of all faiths, is a spiritual group dedicated to Mother Nature. Thousands of visitors and devotees come here every year. There is an “Art is Values” school with pupils from all over India.

Bhimkali Temple — The temple is situated about 180 km from Shimla and is one of 51 Shakti Peethass.

Elysium Hill — The Elysium tunnel (now known as the Auckland Tunnel), about 120 feet (37 m) in length, was also built in 1905. The Kalka–Shimla railway line, opened in 1903, added to Shimla‘s accessibility and popularity.

Mashobra — From Shimla around 13 km is Mashobra Village, this village was established by Lord Dalhousie and is also famous for its apple production. From Mashobra Village around 10 km is Naldhera. Mashobra is the site of the annual Sipi fair in June.

Kufri — From Shimla around 16 km is Kufri. During the summer season Kufri depicts a picturesque scenic beauty but during the winter the whole region of Kufri gets covered with snow and winter sports like Skiing is also organized. Kufri is home to Bear and Mask Deer. Kufri tourist can get around and visit Himalayan Nature Park, Indira Tourist Park, View point, Mahasu Peak, Hatu Peak and many more. The word Kufri derived from a local word ‘Kufra’ which means ‘Lake’.

Chharabra — Located 13 km from Shimla on route to Kufri.

Fagu — Kufri around 6 km and from Shimla around 22 km is Fagu nestled at an altitude of about 2509 meter. On the lap of the Himalayas Fagu is a small village mainly famous for its apple production.  During the month of September – October Fagu bloom up with red coloured apples. Though remains covered with fog throughout the year. During the winter Fagu gets covered with snow.

Naldehra — From Shimla via Mashobra around 25 km is Naldehra. Naldehra offers picturesque beauty of scenic landscapes. Naldehra remains covered with snow almost throughout the year. Naldehra is guarded with huge Pine, Oak and Deodar trees and to the far horizon Satadru river flows. On the hill top of Naldehra there is a golf court. The annual Sipi fair in June is held in Naldehra.

Chail — From Shimla around 45 km is Chail, this was the summer capital of Patiala King Bhupinder Singh. Surrounded by Oak, Birch, Pine and Hemlock trees all over, Chail is a small hill town nestled at an altitude of about 2250 meter and is located around 84 km from Kalka. Chail is spread on an area of about 75 acre and built in the year 1891. The Palace of Chail is architecture of Indo – British style. Another attraction of Chail is the cricket stadium lies at an altitude of about 7220 ft. Chail is also a paradise for bird watchers and in the year 1976 a wildlife sanctuary was established here.

Arki — The Arki palace was built between 1695 – 1700 by Rana Prithvi Singh, a descendant of Rana Sabha Chand. Arki was the capital of the princely hill state of Baghal, which was founded by Rana Ajai Dev, a Panwar Rajput. The state was founded around 1643 and Arki was declared as its capital by Rana Sabha Chand in 1650.

Taptapani — Taptapani located around 65 km from Shimla and 28 km from Naldhera. Taptapani lies on the banks of ‘Satadru River’ at an altitude of about 2210 ft. The main attraction of Taptapani is its sulphur mixed hot water spring.

Observatory Hill — From Shimla around 4 km is the observatory Hills, in the year 1888 a bungalow was constructed here which was the residence of Lord Dafrin, but now it is the ‘Institute of Advanced Studies’ and it also remains open for tourists visit from 10.00 am to 05.00 pm.  

How to Reach:

By Train – The nearest railway station is Kalka. Shimla is well connected with all the major cities of India. 12311 Kalka mail leaves Howrah station and reaches Kalka on the third day. From Kalka by narrow gauge toy train route Shimla can be easily reached. Or Shimla can also be reach Chandigarh which is about 112 km and it takes around 3.15 hours. From Kalka railway station around 96 km is Shimla. From Kalka 52453 Kalka – Shimla Express leaves Kalka at 06.00 am and reaches Shimla at 11.05 pm. 52455 Himalayan Queen leaves Kalka at 12.10 pm and reaches Shimla at 05.20 pm. 52451 Shivalik Deluxe Express leaves at 05.30 am and reaches Shimla at 10.15 am. 72451 Rail Motor leaves at 05.10 am from Kalka and reaches Shimla at 09.50 am. Other train is 2331 Himgiri Superfast Express leaves from Howrah and reaches Ambala Cantonment, from here via NH5 around 151 km is Shimla, time takes about 04 hours. From Howah railway station around 1743 km is Kalka.
By Road – Shimla can be easily reached from Kalka by bus service. HPTDC and other private buses are available those reach Shimla from Kalka and it takes around 3.5 hours. From Kalka railway station auto service are available to reach Kalka bus stand.  Shimla is around 88 km from Kalka by road. From Chandigarh bus services are also available to Shimla by National Highway 5 which is around 112 km. Apart from these from Delhi and Haridwar bus services are also available to reach Shimla.
By Air – Direct flight services are available from Delhi Airport to Shimla Airport. Delhi is well connected with different cities of India.

Best time to visit – Shimla can be visited throughout the year except the rainy seasons.

Distance from Shimla to other major tourists destinations of Himachal Pradesh
Kasoli – 75 kilometer
Kalka – 88 kilometer
Delhi – 370 kilometer
Chandigarh – 117 kilometer
Pathankot – 295 kilometer
Dharmasala (via Mandi) – 270 kilometer
Dharmasala (via Hamirpur) – 235 kilometer
Dalhousie – 336 kilometer
Palampur – 235 kilometer
Mandi – 150 kilometer
Manali – 260 kilometer
Sangla – 230 kilometer
Sarahan – 175 kilometer
Kalpa – 244 kilometer
Hatkoti – 109 kilometer