Shimla

State :

Himachal Pradesh :

Climate :

Shimla has a pleasant climate throughout the year. In summers, temperatures rarely go beyond 27°C. During monsoons the rains wraps the entire city in a fine mist. The nights are cool, even in high summer. In winter, temperatures go down substantially. Significance : This capital city of Himachal Pradesh is one most popular hill resort of India

Significance :

This capital city of Himachal Pradesh is one most popular hill resort of India

Shimla - the nature’s paradise :

Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh and earlier summer capital of British India, is the state’s most important tourist center that still retains the “colonial aura” confined in the grand old buildings like the stately Viceregal Lodge, exquisite iron lampposts and Anglo-Saxon names. The Mall consisting of great shops and eatables, is the prime area of attraction, a place associated with the former Maharaja of Patiala’s escapades from where one can get a view of distant snow clad peaks.

Shimla adorns a different charm with every season where loveliest and the most cherishable time is in Autumn when the days are warm and bright and the nights crisp and cool.

History :

Shimla, even after years of independence, exudes the subtle charming presence of the colonial era. This is shown in the British architectural style of buildings long forgotten but still noticeable here. Shimla, once a small enigmatic village surrounded by splendid forests, is said to have been the dwelling of goddess Shyamla. History shows that in 1822, a young officer, Major Kennedy, built the first permanent residence in Shimla. By 1831, Shimla was established as ‘the resort of the rich’ and in 1870, the Viceregal Lodge was built as the summer residence of the Viceroy of India, and since then the place has been developing like anything. The capital was reestablished when, in 1904 when the longest mountain train in India began its maiden journey from Kalka to Shimla.

Connectivity :

• By Air -Shimla does have its own airport, 26 kms from the city, which is connected to Delhi and Kullu by Turbo- prop aircraft. The nearby Chandigarh airport is, however, more handy as it is connected to all the major airports in India.
• By Rail - Shimla is well connected by road with Kalka (100 kms), Chandigarh (120 kms) and Delhi (385 kms).
• By Road - Kalka, the nearst main line rail station for Shimla, is connected to Delhi by Superfast Shatabdi Express trains. From Kalka to Shimla, there is a Himalayan train, also called a toy train, which covers the remaining 96 kilometers. The journey by train, which takes about six hours, crossing 103 tunnels is one of the finest ways of enjoying the scenic beauty.

Highlights of the Park :

• The Mall - It is the main shopping centre of Shimla which owns various restaurants, clubs, banks, bars, Post Offices and tourist offices. The Gaiety Theatre is situated right here and offers a good source of entertainment for the people. The Ridge and the Scandal point are the two prime meeting points at the Mall.
• Jakhu Hill - Situated 2 kms away from Shimla and located at a height of 8000 ft, Jakhu Hill is the highest peak which offers a magnificent view of the town and of the snow-covered Himalayas. Perched at the top of the Hill, there is an old temple of Hanuman, which provides home to countless mischievious monkeys generally fed by all the visitors.
• Animal Species - Shimla State Museum : Inaugurated in 1974, the museum exhibits the cultural wealth of the state. There is an amassment of miniature Pahari paintings, sculptures, bronzes wood-carvings, costumes, textiles and jewelry of the region.
• Kanha Museum - Kufri : This winter sports capital of India is at a distance of 16 kms from Shimla and located at a height of 8,600 ft. During winter season, visitors have the facility for skiing which is best during the months of January and February and equipment for skiing can be secured from HPTDC winter sports club at Kufri. Besides skiing, Kufri is an enchanting picnic spot with a mesmerising view of the hills around the snow covered peaks.
• Ice-skating Carnival - Shimla has the only natural ice-skating ring in India. An Ice-skating Carnival is arranged every year by the Ice-skating Club during January. During this festival, members display their skill on ice and participate in a fancy dress competition. The summer festival in Shimla offers the best entertainment of the year where artistes are invited from all parts of Himachal Pradesh and from other parts of the country to entertain visitors with song, dance and music both Indian and Western.

Things to buy in Shimla :

Handicrafts of Himachal Pradesh, woollen and pashmina shawls, decorative items, handmade shoes, dolls, woollen caps, carved wooden sticks, toys and other items made from wood. Tibetan jewelry and trinkets are also popular in the small Tibetan shops near the Ridge.

Shopping areas in Shimla :

Bakkar bazar, The mall road, Tobharari bazaar