Shimla - India HillTop Trips - Splendid hills and Majestic retreats

Shimla can be called as the allure of the aging queen that has seen much while she collected the snow on her and the footprints that was replaced with another in a rush to sight a view of the Brit's erstwhile capital. For all the cracks on her facade, there is no denying the charm of this aging queen among the other hill stations. You can still count the gorgeous Himalayan scene, still make excursions to the countryside around, plus one cannot escape the fact that Shimla is best equipped Himalayan hill station offering a wide range of accommodation and other infrastructure. The salubrious air and scenic views of the Himalayas work like a balm.

Hill Resort | Elevation | Travel | Season | Tourist places | Accommodation | Location | Shimla Map

The Hill Resort

Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh and is the most popular and established hill station of Northern India. It is situated at an altitude of 2,130 m. in winter to in summer. It has a wide range of accommodation and all tourist facilities. Shimla is pleasant in summer and cold in winter. October and November are exceptionally pleasant, December-February is cold and there are snowfalls. March-April is pleasant but the weather can be quite changeable, storms are not infrequent and the air can feel very chill. It's population size is 119,000. There are many hotels, suiting all pockets.

Shimla is a beauty that can be explored in all seasons especially in winters and summers. You may plan your trip to Shimla anytime of the year. Even during scorching summers, Shimla is cool with temperature less than 25 degrees. In winters it is the best sport for fun and frolic. The adventure sports simply take over the land. The Christmas and the New Year's Eve are best spent in the snowfall at Shimla with your near and dear ones.

Situated at a height of 7,238 ft. across an area of 18 sq. km, Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh. There are a number of scenic hill stations around the city which makes it a perfect tourist destination. The exquisite landscape, regal buildings, beautiful flora and fauna and most of all the warm people, make Shimla an impeccable place to visit.

Shimla Deep in the foothills of Himalayas, the hill station is approached via unfeasible sinuous route that winds from the plains of the Kalka across nearly 100 kms of precipitous river valleys, pine forests and mountain sides swathed in maize terraces and apple orchids at an altitude of 2159 m with a superb panorama with the snowy peaks of the great Himalayas lies the magnificent place called Shimla. The little village of Shymala, transformed under the British to the quaint town of Shimla which attracts tourists from around the globe. This was the erstwhile summer capital of the British. One can indulge in adventure sports and activities like river rafting, angling for trout trekking and rock climbing.

People know it for being the summer capital of India pre independence, but as you see more of it you discover there's much more to Shimla. Often referred to as the 'Queen of Hill Stations' Shimla is the best market for the handicrafts of Himachal Pradesh. Located in the north-West Himalayas, it derives the name from Shyamala, the goddess Kali, whose temple existed in the dense forest that covered Jakhu Hill in the early 19th century. Owing to the well developed facilities, easy accessibility and numerous attractions in and around the city, Shimla is one of India's most popular and biggest hill-stations.

Discover what's beyond your backyard and jump-start your family trip to Shimla. Shimla can be described in one syllable - sensational. The town covers miles of snow with seemingly endless tress, topped by spectacular range of mountains. The capital city for the north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh is at a distance of 343 km from Delhi, 260 km from Manali, and 119 km from Chandigarh. Shimla is built on the central ridge, around which the seven peaks jut into the sky. Apart from adventure sports, this hill resort also offers picture perfect picnic spots in the lap of lovely nature. Blessed with India's best locales, Shimla derives its name from Goddess Shyamala, an incarnation of Goddess Kali, the deity of power and wrath. 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 are worth seeing.

Shimla, one of India's most famous hill stations, derives its name from Goddess Shyamala, an incarnation of Goddess Kali, the deity of power and wrath. However, unlike its name, Shimla is a perfect heaven for the ones in search of tranquility. Nature has blessed this capital city with innumerable gifts and man has used them to make Shimla one of India's best locales.

The Past

The British discovered Shimla in the form of a little village in 1819. Until then, it was a part of the Nepalese kingdom. It was during Lord William Bentinck's time that Shimla was truly acquired by the Government of India. The British persuaded the local Raja to part with the land in 1830, and the settlement became the subcontinent's most fashionable summer resort. In 1864, Shimla was declared the summer capital of India. After the independence of India, Shimla became the capital of Punjab until 1966, when it came under Himachal Pradesh.

The Ridge

The town is strung out on a long crescent shaped ridge which connects a number of hilltops Jakhu, Prospect Hill, Observatory Hill, Elysium Hill and Summer Hill. The Ridge is a maze of narrow streets and bazaars clinging to the south facing hillside.

shopping

Being the state capital, handicrafts from all over Himachal Pradesh 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 that are made by the local artisans. The famous Himachali hat comes in different rates and vivid colors. To avoid any fakes it is better to purchase these items from Government-approved emporia. Lakkar Bazaar is famous for items made from wood. Dry fruits and natural herbs, which have many medicinal properties, are easily available in the shops.

Shimla is place where one can get good woodcarvings and shawls. The Tibetan Refugee shop, located between the lift and Oberoi Clarke, is worth a visit. It also has weaving bags and clothes and good selection of earrings and other jewellery.

Some entertainment

In winter there's ice skating on the rink on the north side of the ridge, just down below ANZ Grindlays Bank. The Shimla ice-skating rink has the largest open air area with naturally frozen ice in this part of the world. Ice skating normally begins in early December and carries on to February. There are two sessions every day, in the morning and again in the evening. memberships are available for the `season' as well as for shorter terms and even for single session. Skates are also available at the rink. On the Mall, in the area of the Indian Coffee House, there are at least two billiards halls where, for a few rupees, you can have a game on a full sized table.

Adventure Activities

For trekking, one can go from Shimla to Kullu over the Jalori Pass (3300 m) and Bashleo Pass (3250 m) and Sarahan to Sangla. Some other treks are to the Shalipeak, to the Kullu valley, Shimla to Chail, Shimla to Junga and Shimla to Tattapani. Angling for trout can be done on the river Pabbar, near Rohru. Skiing is possible at Narkanda and Kufri (January-mid-March). Naldehra also offers a well-groomed nine-hole golf course.

Nformation

The Tourist Information Counter at the Mall (Ph: 53531), the Office of the Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation in Daizy Bank Estate (Ph: 211143) and the Office of Himachal Tourism at Chandralok Building in Janpath, New Delhi (Ph: 011-3325320, 3324674) offer useful information and may be contacted for further help.

Elevation

Shimla - 2,130 m.

Top

Location Details

Perched at an altitude of 2159 m above sea level, Shimla is located towards the southern parts of the north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is the state capital and is at a distance of 343 km from Delhi, 260 km from Manali, and 119 km from Chandigarh.

Top

How to Reach There and Distances

Air

Shimla airport is 23 kms from the city connected by daily flights from Delhi and Kullu. On Tuesday and Thursday Jagson Airlines flies Delhi-Shimla-Kullu-Gaggal and return. Archana and KCV fly between Delhi and Shimla on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Rail

The journey to Shimla by rail involves a change from broad gauge to narrow gauge at Kalka, a little north of Chandigarh. The broad-gauge trains run to Kalka with several major cities. the overnight Kalka Mail from Delhi reaches Kalka in the early morning and that is the time to catch connecting trains on the splendid narrow-gauge train to Shimla. The rail car is the most luxurious way to reach the Shimla summit. The narrow gauge trip to Shimla takes nearly six hours.

Road

All deluxe buses should be booked from the tourist office in the Mall. A variety of buses run between Delhi and Shimla. There are frequent departures from Chandigarh. There are buses north from Shimla to other hill stations in Himachal Pradesh, like Manali, Dharamsala and Mandi. By road Shimla is also well connected with Kalka (95 kms), Amritsar and Jammu.

Local bus services operate from the Cart road bus stand on the north side of the ridge. It's just below the ice skating rink, on the path which leads off the Mall from besides ANZ Grindlays Bank. Half a km to the east of the main bus stand, a two part `tourist lift' takes you up to the Mall for Rs 2. It saves a long and tedious climb.

Accommodation

Book Rooms and Resorts at Shimla using yatra.com

There are a wide variety of lodges in Shimla. Besides HPTDC guesthouses and YMCA hotels, one can find many private hotels. In Indian cuisine, Shimla offers South Indian dishes. Western, Chinese, and Thai are other favorites. The Mall is the best site for entertainment. The old Gaiety Theater has a few recitals and other shows in the summers. Bars and coffee houses are common.

Top

Best Season to Visit/Weather

With a climate that varies from a maximum of 10-11 degrees in winter to a maximum of 25-26 degrees in summers, Shimla is always nice to be at. Winter here is known as the season of 'Long moon-night' and the snowfall renders the city shimmering white. Possessing the only natural ice-skating rink 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. Besides this, the summer festival offers the best entertainment of the year with artistes performing from all parts of the country and abroad. Winters are cold due to the chilly winds from the upper Himalayas. Around Christmas, Shimla experiences snowfall. The best season to visit Shimla is between September and November.

Top

Tourist places near Shimla

Rashtrapati Niwas

About 1 km west of the centre of Shimla, on Observatory Hill, Rashtrapati Niwas was formerly the residence of the British Viceroy. The huge, fortress like building has six storeys and magnificent reception and dining halls. Set in beautiful gardens, it now houses the Institute of Advanced Studies. Open daily from 10 am to 4.30 pm. A nominal entry fee of Rs 3 is charged.

Jakhu Temple

Dedicated to god Hanuman, this temple is at an altitude of 2,455 m near the highest point of Shimla ridge. It offers a fine view over the surrounding valleys, out to the snowcapped peaks, and over Shimla itself. The temple is a 45 minute walk from the Mall. Jakhu is a vantage point for witnessing the changing skyline as the sun rises or sets. From the Boileauganj, near the Institute of Advanced Studies, begins the climb to the temple of Kamna Devi on Prospect Hill. The ancient temple of Bihargaon is a splendid example of traditional Himachali architecture. Bihargaon can be approached through the pines of Tutikandi or past Kanlog.

Christ Church

It dominates the eastern end of town. Designed by Col J T Boileau, consecrated in 1857 and later extended with the addition of a clock and porch. The town's other important church are St. Michael's Cathedral and Roman Catholic Cathedral, which is just off the Mall.

Himachal State Museum

An hour's pleasant walk down from the Church on the Mall, this nice little museum has a modest collection of stone statues from different places in Himachal Pradesh. The Indian miniatures on exhibit include pictures from the Kangra school. The museum is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm except Monday.

Summer Hill

A 15 minutes climb from Boileauganj leads up to Kamna Devi Temple at the summit of Prospects Hills, Shimla westernmost. A picturesque superb on Shimla-Kalka Railway line. Offers 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. Pause and halt to take in the views of the countryside. Summer hills on which sits the sprawling campus of Himachal Pradesh University.

Observatory Hills

Walk through the oak and rhododendron forests to emerge at Squire House near the Viceregal Lodge on the observatory Hills.

Inverarm and Bantony Hills

Inspect the decorative wood carvings, jewelery, manuscripts, arms and armoury at the Himanchal State Museums at the top of the Inverarm Hills, before crossing over towards the Grand Hotel. The goddess Shamla, from whom the name Shimla was derived, is the presiding deity of more than 150 years-old.

Elysium and Jakhoo Temple

Tucked behind the Jakhoo Hills, reaching out towards the Bharari spur of the Shimla Ridge, Elysiums Hills afford view of all of Shimla spread below. Lord Auckland chose this hills for his home. You will pass by it on the way to Lakkar Bazaar. Go further up Elysium towards the suburbs for the trek to the village of Pabo and Kamiana, which goes over very picturesque trails. Jakhoo hills, the tallest of seen hills, on which sprawls central Shimla, is crowned by the Hanuman Temple. Christ church can be seen for miles around, is also here. The stained glass windows are particularly intricate.

Chadwick Falls

(1586 m) are 67 m high but are only really worth visiting during the monsoon, between July and October. The falls are 7 km from Shimla and reached via summer hill.

Prospect Hill (2145 m) is 5 km west from Shimla and 15 minute climb from Boileauganj. The hill is a popular picnic spot with fine views over the surrounding country and a temple of Kamma devi.

Sankat Mochan (1875 m) has a Hanuman temple and a fine view of Shimla, and can be reached on foot or by car ( 7 kms from Shimla).

Tara Devi (1851 m) is a hilltop temple 7 km from Shimla by rail or car. There's a PWD rest house there.

Wildflower Hall (2593 m), 13 km from Shimla on the road to Kufri, was the former residence of Indian commander-in-chief Lord Kitchener. There's a fine view back to Shimla and out to mountain peaks in the Pir Panjal and Badrinath ranges.

Mashobra (2149 m) is a picnic spot with pleasant forest walks 14 kms from Shimla and accessible by car. Through thick woods, a side road leads to Bekhalty. From the heart of Mashobra, a pedestrian track leads down to Sipur. An annual fair is held at Sipur every April. A trek to the Shali peak- the highest in area- can be made from Mashobra. Craignano, with it's rest house of an Italian confectioner is close to Mashobra.

Bharari Spur

It is a lesser 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.

The Mall

It is the main pedestrian thoroughfare and runs along a ridge which dips away westward. From the ridge there are good views of the valleys and peaks on both sides. It's lined with stately English looking houses bearing English names. Mall with it's rows of restaurants, fashionable shops and colonial architecture is one place every tourist passes through. There is a statue of the Punjabi Nationalist leader, Lala Lajpat Rai, at the point where the MAll meets the Ridge. It was here that the dashing Maharaja of Patiala was reputed to have abducted the beautiful daughter of an English gentleman, and whisked her off to his palace at Chail. The incident was hushed up, the lady never complained and only the name Scandal Point remind visitors of the story. Near Scandal Point are the post office, the town hall, the library and the Gaiety Theatre, opened in 1887 and now more frequented as a club. This area is one of the most crowded during the evening promenades. Tourists wander along, honeymooners hold hands and local journalists meet friends to exchange the latest gossip. Further on the Mall is Gorton Castle, now the office of the accountant-general. A turning to the left leads to the railway station, while straight is the State Legislative Assembly. To the North is the famous glen of Annandale.Below this is the winding lanes of the Lower Bazaar. Above the Mall and the Scandal Point, is the wide Ridge and the Lakkar Bazaar with it's wood craft and curio shops. Equally fascinating is the Tibetan Bazaar.

Around the city

Paonta Sahib

A major sikh pilgrimage, it is so named because the warrior Guru Gobind Singh lost a foot ornament, paonta, here. The gurudwara overlooks the river Yamuna, and the town- which also has numerous temple. The place burst with gaiety in March-April with the Holi and Baisakhi festivals. It is 187 km from Shimla, 45 km from Nahan, 51 km from Dehradun and 22 km from Sataun.

Naldehra

A popular place of pilgrimage, the temple has a beautiful view of the Chamba Valley. It is 30 kms from the town. Accomodation can be availed at Hotel Golf Glade, tel: 287739, 26 kms from Shimla.

Sarol

23 km from Shimla and named after the little temple that stands on the links, is a 9 hole golf course. Lord Curzon who was so enchanted by this spot that he gave his daughter Alexandra, Naldehra as her second name. The links are maintained by Himachal Tourism and accommodation is available at it's Hotel Golf Glade. There are other hotels in the private sector near Naldehra. During the monsoons, several golf tournaments are held here.

Tattapani

Is 28 km from Naldehra and 50 km from Shimla and is famous for hot sulphur springs. One can drive ahead to the charming country side of Karsog. On baisakhi day people take purifying dips in the water here.

Mashobra

It is at 3,150 metres. Every June, the Sipi Fair is held here and the local people gather in their traditional dress. It was used as a suburban retreat by the viceroys and the most famous is the Retreat. Three kms is the Craignano Rest House perched on a hill at a height of 2,280 metres.

Narkanda

64 km from Shimla, at 2,700 mts, Narkanda has a choice of ski slopes- a beginner's run, a slalom slope and sharper descents for the seasoned foot. Himachal Tourism offers ski courses, instruction and has equipment on hire at Narkanda, details of which are available from the tourist office in Shimla. The skiing season is from the end of December to early March, depending on the snowfall.Hattu Peak (3,300 mts) rises through spruce trees to crown the place. Thanedar and Kotgarh, Himachal's horticultural heartland are close at hand. A side road leads to Baghi and Khanrala with unbelievable thick forests. Kumarsain, with it's wooden palace is another interesting place.

Rampur

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. Once the capital of the Princely State of Bushahr, the town is situated on the banks of Satluj river, big commercial center and famous International Lavi fare which is held in November every year, Dumgir Buddhist Temple, Padam Palace, Raghunath Temple, Ayodhya temple and Narsingh Temple, are worth visiting.

Sarahan

44 km from Rampur, Sarahan is steeped in legend and unique hill architecture with all it's glory and remarkable natural beauty. Famous for the Bhimakali temple complex- regarded as one of the major Shaktipeeths - Sarahan is also the gateway to Kinnaur.

Sirmour District

Nahan at 932 mts, which is a district headquarters, was once the capital of this princely state which is now a district. It retains a considerable measure of it's traditional charm with winding roads, old palaces and houses. Nahan is 260 kms from Delhi and 142 kms from Shimla. Accommodation is available in Himachal Tourism Hotels and other private guest houses, hotels. At Saketi, beyond Nahan, is the Fossil park which recreates the 85 million year old dinosaur remains which were discovered here.

Renuka Lake

45 km from Nahan and 169 km from Shimla, This lake of lord Parshurama. The surrounding hills are a wildlife sanctuary. Every November, it is also the site of a large fair, after the harvest of Kharif crops. There is trade, recreation and amusement. Idols of lord Parshurama and Renuka are ceremoniously dipped in sacred waters of the lake and it is a time when lot of matchmaking is done.

Kotkhai, Hatkoti, Rohru and Jubbal

Kotkhai is best known for it's apple orchards and traditional architecture. 104 kms from Shimla are the ancient temples of Hatkoti- where gods are said to have fought a pitched battle. Past Hatkoti is Rohru which is the site of an annual fair and the base of some challenging treks. Strung with a garland of picturesque spots, the river Pabbar at Rohru, is an excellent place for trout fishing. Paragliding is done regularly at Intkali in the Pabbar valley near Rohru. Once the capital of princely state, Jubbal is a graceful town with a splendid old palace. Adventure camps are likely to be available soon in the Jubbal-Hatkoti-Rohru area.

Barog

Once just a stopover on the Kalka-Shimla highway, this has grown into a destination in it's own right. Surrounded by pine forests, it presents a frontal view of the Churdhar Peak (3,647 mts)- which poetically translates as the `Mountain of the Silver Bangle'. It is 56 km from Shimla.

Solan

Solan is 48 km from Shimla and is at an altitude of 1,342 m. During summer maximum temperature is 39 degree Celsius and minimum 21. In winter maximum temperature goes upto 19 degree Celsius and minimum 10. It dips below 10 when it snows. It is well connected by road, 315 kms from Delhi and 68 kms from Chandigarh. Accommodation is available at Himachal Tourism Hotels & other private hotels. Solan is a district headquarters and it is also the bifurcation point for Rajgarh with it's orchards and enchanting villages.

Top