SHIMLA CITY GUIDE
The british empire may have ceased to exist, but its
echoes linger, on in Shimla (22050. As the summer capital of the British in
India, this was the country focus for the better part of every and now, it is
state capital of Himachal Prdesh today it has well developed facilities easy
accessibility and numerous attractions make it one of India's most popular hill
resort. Placed in the lower ranges of the Himalaya mountains, it is surrounded
by pine,deodar, oak and rhododendrom forest. Towards the north lie the
now-covered high ranges while the valleys breathe whispering streams and
swaying fields. Within the town are host of splendid colonial edifices quaint
cottages and charming and walks. Shimla holds a variety of shopping ,sport and
entertainment.
Situated in the north-west Himalayas, Shimla is the capital of Himachal
Pradesh. Spread across 12 kms along a ridge that overlooks terraced hillsides
and cultivations, Shimla is magnificently robed in dense forests of oak and
pine, fur and rhododendron, and it is best to travel here on the slow train
from Kalka. Shimla also is a convenient base for variety of adventure sports
such as Skiing, Trekking, Fishing and Golfing etc.
THE RIDGE:
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.
THE MALL:
Main shopping centre of
shimla with restaurants. the Gaiety Theatre, which is a reproduction of an old
British theatre is a center of cultural activities. A passenger lift of
HPTDC can be taken from the Cart Road and the Mall. Lakkar Bazaar adjacent to
the Ridge is popular for its wood crafts and souvenirs.
KALI BARI TEMPLE:
Few yards from scandal Point towards General Post Office. It is believed
that the idol of Goddess Shayamla is enshrined there.
JAKHOO TEMPLE (2.5 Km) 2455 m:
Shimla's highest peak offers a panoramic view of the town. An ancient "Lord
Hanuman" temple. Way from Ridge near Church (on foot) One can also hire
pony or taxi to visit the temple.
STATE MEUSEUM (3 Km):
Ancient Historical
Sculptors and paintings of Himachal Pradesh. Visiting hours 10 AM to 5 PM. Closed
on Monday and gazetted holidays.
INDIAN INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED STUDIES (4 Km) 1983 m:
This magnificent
English renaissance structure was the former Viceregal Lodge. Its lawns and
woodland are added attractions. Entry by ticket.
PROSPECT HILL (5 Km) 2155 m:
Crowned by a temple dedicated to Kamna Devi 15 minutes walk from Boileauganj
on shimla Bilaspur road. the hill offers a spectacular views of the area.
SUMMER HILL (7 Km) 1983 m:
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. HP University is situated here.
CHADWICK FALLS (7 Km) 1586 m:
Surrounded by thick
forests. About 45 minutes walk from Summer Hill Chowk.
SANKAT MOCHAN (7 Km) 1975 m:
On Shimla-Kalka
road (NH-22) is famous "Lord Hanuman" temple. It commands an excellent
view of Shimla town. The place can be visited by Bus/Taxi.
TARA DEVI (11 Km) 1851 m:
On Shimla - Kalka road (NH-22) this holy place is accessible by Rail,
bus and car. From the station/road-one can visit the temple either on foot or
by taxi / jeep.
FAGU (22 Km) 2450 m:
On Hindustan-Tibet Road. It has enchanting views. Himachal Tourism runs the
Hotel peach Blossom.
NARKANDA (60 Km) 2708 m:
On the Hindustan Tibet road, Narkanda offers spectacular views of snow ranges.
An uphill trek through Deodar woods leads to Hatu Peak (8 Km). Ancient temple
of Hatu Mata is alive with skiers. HPTDC runs Hotel Hatu and in winters
short skiing courses are organised.
KOTGARH (82 Km) 1830 m:
Motorable, bifurcation from Narkanda (18 Km) Land of apples and apricots.
RAMPUR (140 Km) 924 m:
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.
SARAHAN (176 Km) 1950 m:
On Hindustan Tibet
Road from Jeori Sarahan is (17 Km) with spectacular view of Srikhand range.
Sarahan has the majestic Bhimkali Temple. Himachal Tourism runs Hotel Shrikhand.
Saharan is the gateway to Kinnaur. A Pleasant Breading Centre and stadium are
worth visiting.
KHARAPATHHAR (85 Km) 2673 m:
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.
JUBBAL
(90 Km) 1892 m:
Headquarters of
the erstwhile Princely State, Jubbal has a superbly maintained Palace which
was designed by a French architect in the 1930 and is remarkable mix of European
and indigenous styles.
HATKOTI (104 Km) 1400 m:
Motorable on shimla-Rohru
highway. Famous for ancient temple of Mata Hateswari in the midst of paddy fields
on the right bank of the Pabber river. HPTDC runs Hotel Pabber here.
MASHOBRA (12 Km) 2148 m:
Motorable on Shimla-Naldehra
road. Surrounded by thick forests and offers ideal walks. Goddess Durga temple
is worth seeing.
CRAIGNANO (18 Km) 2149 m:
Motorable on Shimla-Naldhera
road, Ideal picnic spot with lawns and garden.
NALDEHRA (22 Km) 2044 m:
Motorable On Shimla
Tattapani road. this is a nine hole golf course. It was designed by the British
viceroy, Lord Curzon who was so enchanted by this place that he gave his daughter
Alexandra, Naldehra as her second name. Ancient Nag temple is also situated
here. Himachal Tourism runs Hotel Golf Glade here.
TATTAPANI (65 Km) 680 m:
Motorable on Shimla-Mandi Highway via Naldehra. Tattapani has hot water springs
having sulpher contents, also Hindu temples and Shiv Goofa at Saraur (4 Km)
are worth seeing places
CHINDI (94 Km) 2010 m:
Motorable on Shimla-Mandi highway via Tattapani - A beautiful place in Karsog
Valley. Himachal tourism's tourist Resort is opening shortly. One can also visit
famous mahunag Temple (18 Km). Mamleshwar mahadev Temple (13 Km) Kamaksha Devi
temple (19 Km) Pangna Killa/temple (8 Km) and Shikari Devi Temple (18 Km).