Shimla India

About Shimla

Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh is one of the most famous hill stations in India. Situated at a height of 2,196 metres, Shimla was the summer capital of British India. During the Raj era, the hill station was referred to as the 'Queen of Hill Stations', the echoes of the British era still linger on. Blessed with all the natural bounties, the tourists can think of dwelling on a panoramic location, amidst the green pastures and snow-capped peaks of Shimla. The beautiful cool hills dotted with the buildings made during the British era create an aura, which is highly different from other hill stations. Located on the north-west of the Himalayas, the hill station is surrounded by pine, cedar, oak and rhododendron forests. Shimla is the favourite destination for honeymooners, families and youngsters, who want some relief in the lap of hills. The picturesque hill resort evokes a sense of nostalgia with its beautiful cottages, timber buildings and old churches. Today the hill station with its well developed facilities, easy accessibility and many attractions attract large number of tourists.

The Toy Train

The Toy Train journey was started by Lord Curzon in 1904. The Toy Train makes a leisurely beginning to a vacation, one can travel in this train from Kalka to Shimla. The journey offer the breathtaking view of the hills, as the train passing through some of the most exotic terrain. The Toy train is of two types, one is the normal multi coach train and the other is the single car train, which has a glass roof providing an enthralling experience during the journey. Many trains operating on this train namely they are Shivalik Express, Kalka-Shimla Espress, Shivalik Deluxe and Himalayan Queen.

Adventure options in Shimla

Shimla a heaven for recreation and relaxation offers numerous adventure options like riding, golfing, trekking, fishing, skating and skiing etc.

Golfing : The Nine hole Golf Course is situated at Naldhera, 23 Kms from Shimla. The Golf sets, ball and caddies are available here on hire. The Golf Course is close between 15th December to end February.

Fishing : The hill station of Shimla offer enough fishing opportunities. Trout fishing is available at Rohru, 110 Kms from Shimla, Mahaseer fishing is available at Tattapani, 43 Kms from Shimla. For fishing a license has to obtained.

Skiing : The skiing season in Shimla, usually commence in January and continues till Mid March. The skiing can be done at Kufri and Narkananda (64 Kms from Shimla), from January to Marhc, depending upon snow conditions.

Skating : The tourists can do skating at the ice skating rink, situated below Rivoli Cinema, in between November to February.

Trekking : Shimla offers plenty of trekking opportunities to trekkers, range from moderate to strenuous treks. The best season to trek over here is during the months of June to October.

Jungle Walks, Obstacle Course and Rock Climbing : Shoghi, situated before 18 Kms from Shimla and 3 Kms away from the National Highway offers several adventure options. One can enjoy jungle walks, obstacle course, Burmah bridge, dry river crossing, spider web and rock climbing.

Major Attractions

The Mall : The Mall, the main promenade, runs along the top of ridge, is a busy shopping centre. The shopping area doted with old colonial structures, souvenir shops and restaurants attracts the visitors.

The tribals from the nearby hills come here to sell their unique and colour artifacts.

Scandal Point : Situated at the top end of Mall, this is huge open square. The point offers the panoramic view of the town.

Viceregal Lodge : The magnificent six-storeyed building, having a beautiful gardens is an institute for advanced studies. The Viceregal Lodge once served as the seat of power, from a hillock west of Shimla.

Shimla State Museum : The museum is housed in a beautiful colonial building, known as Inverarm.

The State museum is situated at the top of a hill that rises above the Chaura Maidan. The museum has the collection of Himachal's rich heritage, Pahari art and sculpture.

St. Micheal's Cathedral : The Cathedral situated on the Ridge, is considered as the second oldest church in North India. The church is famous for its nicely stained glass windows.

Annandale : Situated 2 Kms below the Ridge in Shimla, Annadale was once the playground of Shimla. The games like racing, polo and cricket were legendary during the colonial era. Today the place is still favourite for fun-loving picnickers, for game of cricket or game of polo

Summer Hill : The Hill is the calm suburb of Shimla, just 5 Kms away from the Ridge. Situated on the Kalka-Shimla line the peaceful atmosphere of the place is best for leisurely walk.

Jakhoo Temple : The temple is situated 2 Kms east of the city on 2,600 metre high Jakhoo Hill. The temple located atop the highest point in Shimla is visited by large number of people.

Chadwick Falls Chadwick Falls : The 2,149 metre high falls, is situated at a distance of 8 Kms from Shimla. The picturesque suburb is surrounded by a thick forest.

The Glen : Located at a distance of 4 Kms from Shimla, this is a famous picnic spot. The scenic spot situated at an altitude of 1830 metres is surrounded by dense forests.

Kufri : Kufri is a little hamlet, just 16 Kms away from Shimla. The 2622 metre high place offers the breathtaking views of the surroundings and massive Himalayan ranges. The Winter Sports Capital of Sikkim, Kufri attracts a large number of Ski enthusiasts who come here to enjoy the ski in fine slopes.

How to reach there

By Air : Nearest airport is Jubbarhatti airport, 23 Kms from Shimla. Major domestic airlines operates flights from Shimla to Delhi and other cities.

By Rail : Shimla is connected by narrow gauge railway line with Kalka. The toy train connects Shimla with Kalka. From Kalka trains are available to rest of the country.

By Road :Good roads connect Shimla, with other places in the state as well as major cities and towns of the country. Regular buses ply from Delhi and Chandigarh.

Where to Stay

Sikkim has several hotels cater to the needs of the travellers. The tourists can chose from a wide range of options varying from luxurious, five star hotels, cottages and holiday resorts to economic hotels.

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