Tourism in Shimla

Located around 343 km from Delhi, at the foothills of Shivalik lies Shimla. Shimla is called the Queen of Indian Himalayas and it is the capital of

Himachal Pradesh. At an altitude of around 2213 meters above the sea level, Shimla has pleasant climate due to this many visitors visit here during the summers as well as in the winter. Shimla won the the heart of the Britishers because they established to escape from the scorching heat of the plains. The British discovered Shimla in 1819, Before it was a small village that was a part of the Nepalese kingdom. In 1864 Shimla was declared the summer capital of India. After India's independence, Shimla became the capital of Punjab till 1966, when it came under Himachal Pradesh. It is one of the most popular and biggest hill stations of North India, Shimla offers picture-perfect views of snow peaks, deep gorges, lush green valleys, fast flowing rivers, enchanting mountain lakes, flower bedecked meadows, beautiful temples and monasteries. The hill station has all the facilities desired by tourists, including good resorts, Restaurants, a golf course and amazing tourist destinations.

Shimla also offers skiing, trekking, mountaineering, para-gliding facilities and a narrow-gauge mountain toy train chugs up into the Shivalik foothills. The name 'Shimla' was derived from the name of Goddess Shyamala, another name for Goddess Kali, whose temple was once situated in the dense forests of Jakhu Hill. British Govt. shifted the statue of the temple to a newly built Kali Bari Temple. The summers in Shimla are quit pleasant as the maximum temperature. Winters are cold and Shimla experiences quite a heavy snowfall. In winters Snowfall turns this green city into a glistening white fairyland. Shimla is connected with air, rail, and road traffics. Tourist who visit once here there wishes to come again and again enjoy the beauty of northern Himalayas. In Shimla there are several hills like Jakhu Hill, Prospect Hill, Observatory Hill, Elysium Hill and Summer Hill. Shimla has a toy train which is running between two cities Kalka to Shimla. It is one of the prime attractions in Shimla for which tourist visit here. This train passes through a 102 tunnels on its way. Tourist explore the splendid views of snow-clad ranges of the Himalayas, covered with thickly populated forests of pine and oak. Really, this is the place which you travel in your life that you will never forget.

How to Reach

The airport at Jubbarhatti at a Distance of 30 km. The place has its own railway station broad gauge railway line up to Kalka and thereafter narrow gauge line up to Shimla 90 km with 102 tunnels and is also easily accessible by roads.

Places to visit in Shimla

Arki Fort

It is Situated at a distance of approximately 40 km from Shimla city. Arki is a small town in the Solan district that was once the capital of the princely state of Baghal.

Mall Road

The Mall Road is the hub of Shimla which is considered as the lifestyle of the city. Most of the major hotels, restaurants,shopping center and pubs are situated along the road. Most of Shimla's landmarks are located here. It is a famous place which cannot be left untouched by any visitor.

Shimla Ridge

The Ridge road located in the heart of Shimla spread in a large open space. It is major tourist attraction in Shimla. The Ridge is the hub of all cultural activities of Shimla. It is situated along the Mall Road and joins Most famous places of Shimla like Lakkar Bazaar, Mall, Scandal Point, Jakhoo hill, etc..

Annandale

It is Shimla's highest top point, here an old Hanuman temple is Situated and this point is at a distance of 2 kilometers from the heart of the city. It is a lovely picnic spot for there superb views of the town and its surroundings, this all things makes Annandale a major tourist attraction.

Glenn

It is located in the thickly wooded forest beyond Annandale. Glenn is also a famous picnic spot because the huge and deodar trees makes this place a calm and give peace to mind. It is located around 4 kilometers from the center of Shimla. It is also known as the playground of Shimla where racing, cricket and polo games are played by the britishers and is the favorite pastime of the Britishers.

Summer Hill

The Summer Hill which is quiet and lonely suburb located at a height of 1283 meters above sea level. This charming spot offers shady walks in quiet surroundings and Himachal Pradesh University is located here which is 5 km away from Kalka railway line.

Prospect Hill

A 15 minute climb from Boileauganj, Situated at a height of 2155 meters, the Prospect hill is a great place to visit and unwind in the natural surroundings. There is a little temple which is very famous and dedicated to Kamna Devi on the top of the hill. It is located around 5 kilometers from the center of Shimla.

Viceregal Lodge

The Viceregal Lodge is one of the most famous landmarks of Shimla located at the top of Observatory Hills and was constructed by the British which is now known as the Rashtrapati Niwas. This brilliant building was the residence of the Viceroy, Lord Dufferin and it is just 2 kms distance from the Himachal State Museum. It was completed by the year 1888 and it is still well maintained. This Lodge has now been transformed into the famous Indian Institute of Advanced Studies and the six storey building still stands in all its splendor, it is India's premier academy for higher research. The lodge has famous gardens and lawns. The place is a very famous tourist attraction.

State Museum & Library

The Shimla State Museum and Library is set on top of a hill, just above the Chaura Maidan which is a famous tourist attraction that is located at a distance of around 2.5 kilometers from the center of Shimla. The museum is famous for is collection of ancient, paintings, coins, sculptures and photographs. The museum should be visited by anyone who is coming to Shimla.

Jakhu Hill

Standing at highest point an altitude of 2600 m above sea level 2 km. distance from town. It is rewarding for offers panoramic view of the town and the mountains. At the top is an old Hanuman temple. History of this temple is Hanuman Ji took some rest here when he was carrying a hill of 'Sanjiwani Booti. It is one of the most famous places around Shimla.

Chadwick Falls

Just beyond Summer Hill is the 69 m waterfall, cascading into a deep defile. The Falls bets to see is after the monsoon. It distance is 7 Km from town.

Tara Devi Temple

Shimla is the ancient temple of Bihargaon. Tara Devi temple is located on Tarav Parvat,which is in the western side of Shimla. Situated 13 Km distance from the Simla town, the temple shows traditional Himachal architecture and provides panoramic view of the town and the mountains.

Sankat Mochan Temple

Sankat Mochan temple is located at 8 kilometers distance from Shimla, on Kalka - Shimla National Highway. The temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the Monkey God, and attracts lots of devotees. Here you find too many monkey surrounding the temple.

Fagu

Just 6 km from Kufri, Fagu has idyllic surroundings area with panoramic views of the ranges and valleys. Here you find forests and orchards. Fagu has a rest house and tourist bungalow over top the Giri Valley. Fagu in Shimla is also a popular trekking stage.

Naldehra

Naldehra offers one of the oldest and most sporting nine hole golf course in India with its springily turf in the midst of thick forests. Naldehra is also famous for its temples which are representative of the typical hill architecture of the area. Naldehra course was laid by Lord Curzon in 1903 and that he named his youngest daughter Alexandra Naldehra. (23 km)

Tattapani

Tattapani is just 29 km from Naldehra. The hot sulphur springs here, are hotted for their invigorating and curative powers. A dip at the hot sulphur springs at Tattapani give relax to your the body. There is a tourist bungalow at Tattapani which accommodate 20 persons at a time. 51 km

Rampur

( 924 metres ) 140 Km. . 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.

Mashobra

Distance 13 km from town. This is a most popular picnic spot in Shimla which offers apple orchards and ideal walks amidst forest of oak and pine. Nearby is the site of annual 'Sipi Fair' held in June.

Kufri

Distance from 16 km from Shimla. Kufri has earn a name on the sports and tourist map of India due to its fine ski resort, Seed Potato Farm of the Central Potato Research Institute and Food Craft Institute. Kufri in Shimla is the most favorable place for winter sports activities that extends from January to March. Excellent view of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Pirpanjal Range and Shiwalik Range from a height.