Shimla is the capital town of Himachal Pradesh. The town of Shimla is built over several hills and connecting ridges. The important hills are Jakhu (2,455 meters), Prospect Hill (2,328 meters), Observatory Hill (2,350 meters), Elysigim Hill (2,466 meters) and Summer Hill (2,300 meters). Shimla is situated in the North-West Himalayas and was the Summer Capital of India during the British ruling era. This town is spread over the ridge measuring about 12 km. It is perhaps the biggest hill station in the world, located at an altitude of 2,421 meters above sea level. A place of peace and pleasure, Shimla is a tourist resort in real sense of the world. The best season of the year here is autumn but the early spring runs a close second. Shimla is connected with air, rail, and road traffics. Shimla under snow is a wonderful sight and it offers the unique attraction of an open-air ice skating rink. Also the legendary Ridge under snow and snow sports at Kufri make Shimla a wonderful winter holiday resort.
Shimla: General Information
Altitude: Varies from 300 meters to 6,000 meters.
Headquarter: Shimla (altitude 2,210 meters)
Location: Shimla district lies between 30°45′ and 31°44 North Latitude and between 77°0′ and 78°19′ East Longitude. Mandi and Kullu in North, Kinnaur in the East, the state of Uttar Pradesh in the South and by Sirmaur district in the West, bound it.
Access by Air: The nearest airport is Jubbarhatti 23 km.
Access by Rail: There is broad gauge railway line upto Kalka and thereafter-narrow gauge line upto Shimla 90 km.) With 103 tunnels.
Access by Road: Almost each and every part of the state is linked by roads.
Distance: Manali 260 km., Mandi 150 km., Palampur 235 km., Dharamshala ( via Hamirpur ) 235 km., Dalhousie 336 km., Sarahan 175 km., Sangla 230 km., Kalpa 244 km., Tabo 374 km., Kaza 421 km., Keylong ( via Kunzum Pass ) 610 km., Hatkoti 109 km., Chigaon 137 km., Kasauli 75 km., Renuka 165 km., Delhi 370 km., Pathankot 295 km., Chandigarh 117 km.
Famous Places around Shimla:
Jakhu Hill: – (2,455 meters) 2 km. from town. This is the highest peak of Shimla and offers panoramic view of the town and the mountains. ‘Hanuman Temple of Jakhu’ is very famous. According to legend, Hanumanji took some rest here when he was carrying a hill of ‘Sanjiwani Booti’ ( a herb to save the life of Lakshmana, the younger brother of Lord Rama ).
Indian Institute of Advance Studies: – The institute is housed in the erstwhile Vice regal Lodge which was built in 1884-88 during the period of Lord Dufferin. It is commanding building in Summer Hill. The gardens of the Institute are really beautiful and fascinating. It was designed by Henry Twain.
Glen: – (1,830 meters) Distance 4km. This is one of the most beautiful picnic spots of Shimla with flowing streams through dense forest. Approach is near ‘Cecil Hotel’ and ‘Kennedy House’.
Summer Hill: – (2,123 meters) 5 km. A picturesque suburb of Shimla, which offers shady walks in quiet surroundings. Himachal Pradesh University is located here.
Kamna Devi: – (2,145 meters) 5 km. This place is located near Boileauganj. Kamna Devi is the most popular picnic spot, which commands a unique view of Shimla, Jutogh, summer hill and Tara Devi. The hill is famous by name of Prospect Hill.
Tara Devi: – (2,100 meters) 8 km. There is a famous temple on the top of the hill.
Christ Church: – The imposing Church stand majestically on the ridge, is the second oldest Church in North India. It has a very a very majestic appearance and inside there are stained glass windows which represent faith, hope, charity, patience and humanity. It was built in 1857. In fact it has become synonymous with Shimla and no picture of two towns is complete without it.
The State Museum Shimla: – Shimla museum has endeavored to project hill art and the cultural wealth of the state showing their link with the national artistic scene. There is a collection of miniature paintings, costumes, textiles and jewellery of the region. A leisurely winding walk from the Mall, past the Gortan Castle and the Cecil leads to a colonial mansion perched atop a hill. It houses the state museum. A visit to Shimla is incomplete without seeing this museum, which offers a peep into Himachal’s grand past.
Coffee House Shimla: – This coffee house of Shimla is working under a cooperative society. The interior decor of the coffee house is always kept simple with a few framed pictures, but only those portraying coffee. Having two floors, the Shimla Coffee House is spacious but it is always packed.
Kali Bari Temple: – Few yards from scandal Point towards General Post Office. It is believed that the idol of Goddess Shayamla is enshrined there
Wild Flower Hall: – (13 km. once the residence of Lord Kitchuer, the Commander-in-Chief of India in the beginning of the 20th century. This is surrounded by dense and beautiful pine forest. About 1 km from Wild Flower Hall is the ‘Retreat’, the weekend resort of Lord Curzon. Between Wild Flower Hall and Retreat, ‘Hem Kunj’ (formerly Dane’s Folly) the summer holiday resort of the Punjab Governor is situated. On January 4-5-1993, Wild Flower Hall was reduced to ashes in a major fire.
Kufri: – (2,633 meters) 16km. from Shimla. Kufri has won a name on the sports and tourist map of India due to its ‘Ski-runs’, ‘Seed Potato Farm’ of the Central Potato Research Institute and ‘Food Craft Institute’.
Fagu: – (2,510 meters) 22 km. Fagu’s idyllic surroundings area for those looking for tranquillity and solitude. A slamm hamlet overlooking prosperous apple orchards and with a fine view of the Himalayan Panorma. Fagu is also a popular trekking stage.
Kharapathar: – (2673 metres) 85 Km.) Motorable on Shimla-Rohru road. A famous religious shrine Giriganga is 7 Km on foot or by jeep. HPTDC Tourist complex Giriganga Resort under construction.
Mashobra: – (2,150 meters) 13 km. This is a popular picnic spot, which offers ideal walks amidst forest of oak and pine. The area adjoining to Mashobra is famous for apples orchards. Nearby is the site of annual ‘Sipi Fair’ held in June.
Naldera: – (3,044 meters) 22 km. Naldera offers one of the oldest and most sporting golf courses in India set in the midst of thick forests. The country around Naldera is also famous for its temples, which are representative of the typical hill architecture of the area. Naldera is known for its ‘nine hole golf course’. Naldera course was laid by Lord Curzon in 1903.
Tattapani: – (655 meters) 51 km. A dip at the hot sulphur springs at Tattapani not only relaxes the body but also has therapeutic effects. There is a tourist bungalow at Tattapani to accommodate 20 persons.
Chail: – (2,250 meters) Situated 45 km. from Shimla.. This was the ‘Summer Capital’ of the erstwhile Patiala State. The small town is located amid thick woods and has fine walks. It has the highest cricket ground in the world. The dense forests around are alive with many species of birds and animals but it is best known for its ‘Scottish red Deer’ which were introduced by the Maharaja.
Narkanda: – (2,708 meters) 64 km. It commands a unique view of the eternal snow line and the dense forest. A quaint sleepy hamlet. From here, you get breathtaking view of the snow clad Himalayas. ‘Hatu Peak’ at an altitude of 3,143 meters above sea level 8 km. from Narkanda. In winter, there are exciting ski slopes to Ski on.
Rampur: – (924 metres) 120 Km.) On the Hindustan Tibet Road. Once the capital of the Princely State of Bushahr, the town is situated on the banks of Satluj river, Big Commercial Centre 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. Himachal Tourism runs a tourist Complex and air-conditioned Cafe, Satluj.
