Shimla (India) - Popular Hill Station

[Ashok]

Shimla - The Popular Hill Station

Population	163000
Best Time to Visit	September to late November
STD Code	0177
State	Himachal Pradesh
Country	India
Altitude	2,130 metres above sea level
Temperature	Between sub zero in winters and 30 C in summer. Through out the year.
Clothing	Light Woollens/Heavy Woollens
Places to visit in Shimla	The Mall, Viceregal lodge, Himachal State Museum, Jakhoo Hill, Annandale, Summer Hill (Details Below)
Places around Shimla	Mashobra, Kufri, Fagu, Naldehra, Tattapani, Narkanda, Hattu Peak, Hatkati, Rampur (Details Below)

About Shimla

A quaint little hill train chugs up into the Shivalik foothills, over dramatic loops and high arched bridges to the hill resort of Shimla (2130 m) - the capital of the mountain state of Himachal.

Shimla was one a string of hill stations that the British established to escape from the scorching heat of the plains. The 12 km, crescentshaped ridge on which it is located was first occupied by the British troops, in the early part of the 19th century, during the Anglo-Gurkha War.

The little village of Shymala, a retreat for British officers, soon grew to become the glamorous summer capital of the British, in India.

Shimla's salubrious climate, easy accessibility and numerous attractions have made it one of the most popular hill stations in northern India. The splendid views of the show-clad ranges of the Himalayas, fine walks through oak and flowering rhododendron, enchanting resorts within easy reach, golf Naldehra and skiing at Kufri and Narkanda make Shimala an attractive destination throughout the year.

History

Scottish civil servant Charles Kennedy built Shimla's first British summer home in 1822, and by the latter half of the 19th century the city had become the summer capital of the British Raj. Many British soldiers, merchants, and civil servants moved there for roughly half of each year due to heat and disease at India's lower altitudes. Many others, like author Rudyard Kipling, went there for the active social life, which Kipling found both exciting and scandalous. Shimla is also etched in history of Indo Pak relations as it was witness to the Shimla Agreement signed by the two nations following Pakistan's surrender in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.

Geography

Shimla district is located in the middle western ranges of the Himalayas. This region has a hilly terrain and has an uneven cover of evergreen pine forests. The Shimla city spreads over the hill at an average altitude of 2000 meters (roughly 6500 feet) above mean sea level.

Season	Months	Temperature	Conditions
Spring	March - April	10 °C to 20 °C	Generally clear skies with occasional shortlasting rains with thunder
Summer	May - June	16 °C to 28 °C	Generally clear skies. Sometimes forest fires in this season cause the air to be smoky
Monsoon	July - September	13 °C to 20 °C	Cool and humid atmosphere. It can rain for days continuously
Autumn	October - November	10 °C to 23 °C	Skies are clear, with evenings becoming chilly
Winter	December- February	-7 °C to 10 °C	Generally dull weather with frequent snowfall

[Ashok]

Economy

A good part of the economy is supported by government. Shimla is also a good tourist attraction. Kufri, Naldera, Taatapani, Shiv Gufa (Near Sarrur pul), and Chail are among the main tourist attractions. Shimla district is also famous for its apple orchards.

Government and politics

Shimla is the capital of the state of Himachal Pradesh, India. The population of permanent residents is approximately 100,000. In summers a substantial number of tourists (~10 thousand) add to the population whereas in winter the population is reduced heavily due to the residents taking vacation and going to warmer places.There are two major political parties in Himachal: the B.J.P and the Congress. Shimla has traditionaly been the fort of the Congress. At present the chief minister of this hill state is Raja Virbhadra Singh of Congress.

Demographics

The majority of the population consists of natives of Himachal Pradesh and a minority migrated from what is now Pakistan during the partition of India. Hindi, Punjabi and Pahadi are the main languages.

Education

Schools in Shimla are Bishop Cotton School (boys only), St Edwards (boys only), Convent of Jesus and Mary (girls only), Loreto Convent popularly known as Tara Hall (girls only) but now Sacred Heart Convent Tara Hall, Auckland House School (girls only), DAV Public School New Shimla, Dyanand School, SD School, St Thomas, Himalayan International School, et al. Shimla has a Medical College IGMC, St Bedes Girls College(a women's residential college), RKMV (a girl's college), Government College Sanjauli, and Government College Chaura Maidan. Himachal Pradesh University offers Masters and Ph.D. programs.

Sports

Ice skating is pretty popular in Shimla. The Shimla Ice Skating Club is said to be the oldest of its kind in Asia. Though the rink is operational only during the winter, a lot of locals flock the place. Volleyball is another popular sport in these parts

[Ashok]

Places to visit in Shimla

The Mall : All visitors to Shimla inevitably walk down the Mall, the main promenade that runs along the top of the ridge-a busy shopping area with old colonial buildings, souvenir shops and restaurants. At the top end of the Mall is Scandal Point, a large open square with a view of the town-a favourite rendezvous for visitors and the local people. Overlooking it is the elegant Christ Church with its fine stained glass windows. The labyrinth of Shimla's bazaars spill over the edge of the Mall.

Viceregal lodge : Housed in the Gothic splendour of the Viceregal Lodge is the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies, India's premier academy for higher research.

Himachal State Museum : Very close to the Institute, in a colonial building set in spacious lawns, is the museum. It has collections of Pahariminiatures, stone sculpture, local handicrafts, textiles and embroidery.

Annandale : Hill, Shiml's highest point, is rewarding for there are superb views of the town and its surroundings. At the top is an old Hanuman temple.(2Km).

Glen : A pretty picnic spot beyond Annandale is located in the thickly Wooded Glen , beside a sparkling stream.(4 Km).

Summer Hill : The quiett and lovely suburb of summer Hill has secluded, shady walks and charming views.
It was here that Gandhiji stayed on his visits to Shimla, in the elegant Georgian mansion that belonged to Rajkumari Amrit Kaur. Summer Hill is located on the Shimla - Kalka railway line.(5 Km).

Chadwick Falls : Just beyond Summer Hill is the 67 m waterfall, cascading into a deep gorge. The Falls are best seen after the monsoon.(7 Km).

Prospect Hill : A 15 minute climb from Boileauganj, Prospect Hill is another favourite walk and vantage point with breath taking views. There is a little temple to Kamna Devi on the top of the hill.(5 Km ).

Sanjauli : A serene location with delightful walks, Sanjauli is ideal for a tranquil weekend. There are fine vistas and the lights of Shimla and Chail can be seen twinkling at night. On the other side, Mashobra and Naldehra are visible. (3 Km)

Temples : Among the little temples dotted around Shimla is the ancient temple of Bihargaon - a splendid example of traditional Himachal architecture.

Just short of Shimla are the temples of Tara Devi and Sankat Mochanb. (8 Km)

Daranghati Sanctuary : This sanctuary located in the upper area of the Shimla district has an undisturbed forest area with plenty of wildlife-monal, tragopan, koklas and khalij pheaseants and musk deer, ghoral and thar. There is a network of bridle paths in the sanctuary. Visitors are advised to seek assistance from the forest staff posted at Dofda and Sarahan. The area is ideal for those who love to trek.

Lekkar Bazaar
Popular for its wood crates and souvenirs, this is just off the Ridge.

Jakhoo Hill/Temple - dedicated to the monkey god, Lord Hanuman
At 2455 m,this is the town's highest peak and a vantage point for Shimla's famous views. The summit is crowned with a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The hill is full of paths and narrow roads which are enjoyable walks.

Christ Church & St. Michael's Cathedral
This dressed - stone church with fine stained glass has a cruciform design. It is located just off the Mall, below the District Courts. This is the second oldest church in northern India (the oldest is in Ambala), Christ Church was build between 1846 and 1857. The church is one of the Shimla's major landmarks and is renowned for its stained glass windows. You can have a look inside the church or attend English-language services every Sunday morning during the tourist season.

Indian Institute of Advanced Study
At 1983 m,this magnificent English renaissance strudure was the former Viceregal Lodge. Its lawns and woodland are added attractions. Entry by ticket (nominal charge).A portion of the interior is also open to the public, except on Sundays and holidays.

Annandale
Surrounded by a thick deodar forest, this large glade has an ancient temple on an edge.

Place to visit around Shimla

Mashobra (2,149 m)
Noted for its apple orchards and thick woods of oak and pine. Mashobra is a sylvan retreat with pretty walks and pIcnic spots. A little track leads down to Sipur a grassy glade with a stream wandering through it. Excursions are possible to Shali Peak - the highest point in the area or to Craignano (3 km) with its elegant guest house set in a delightful flower-filled garden. (9.6 km)

Kufri (2,622 m)
Kufri is a noted summer and winter resort with its glorious views of forested slopes and tall ranges iced in a covering of perpetual snow. A fine ski resort, Kufri has a winter season that extends from January to March. A sparkling winter sports festival is held each year in February. (16 km)

Fagu (2,509 m)
Just 6 km from Kufri, Fagu is a vantage point with panoramic views of the ranges and valleys. Picturesquely located amid forests and orchards, Fagu has a rest house and tourist bungalow overlooking the Giri Valley.

Naldehra
The scenic, nine hole golf course with its springly turf and crown of deodar was laid out at the instance of the Viceroy, Lord Curzon. So enamoured was he by the beauty of the spot, that he named his youngest daughter Alexandra Naldera. (23 km)

Tattapani
Tattapani is just 28 km from Naldehra, along a road winding through the scenic country side. The hot sulphur springs here, are hoted for their invigorating and curative powers. (51 km)

Narkanda (2,708 m)
A hill road with superb views links Narkanda with Shimla Narkanda, located amidst fragrant pine forests is a ski resort in winter. It has a choice of slopes ranging from a beginners run and a slalom slope, to sharper descents for the experienced skier. (64 km)

Hattu Peak (3,300 m)
Rising above forests of spruce, the Hattu Peak is a vantage point with spectacular views. (8 km). The pretty orchard country of Thanedar and Kotgarh - beautiful in spring - are not far away. Khadrala and Beghi with their dense forests and Kumarsain with an interesting wooden palace are also within easy reach of Narkanda.

Hatkati (1,100 m)
In the picturesque valley of the River Pabbar, about 104 km from Shimla, is noted for its historic temple dedicated to Durga. Enroute to Hatkoti is the village of Kotkhai, splendidly located among apple orchards - a village with fine traditional architecture. Jabbal, once the capital of a princely state with its impressive palace is also on the way.
Beyond Hatkoti, 11 km away, is Rohru (1,149 m) on the River Pabbar - an excellent spot for angling, with fishing pools teeming with trout. The trout hatchery at Chirgaon, (15 km) upstream, ensures a well stocked river.

Rampur
Rampur was once the capital of the princely state of Bushair and a major centre on the old trade route into Tibet. The annual Lavi Fair, held in the second week of November, is still an important event for the inhabitants of the region. They gather to buy, sell and barter their produce - homespun blankets, shawls, wool and dry fruits - and to celebrate the event with music and dance.

Rampur, on the banks of the Sutlej is on the N.H. 22 - the old Hindustan-Tibet Road that goes from Shimla into Kinnaur. The scenic village of Sarahan with its fascinating Bhimkali Temple is on this road beyound Rampur. (140 km).

[Ashok]

Excursions

Bihargaon (4km)
Approached either past the cemetery below St.Edward's Schoot,or through Tutikandi, this village has splendid examples of traditional Himachal architecture.

Prospect Hill and Kamna Devi(6km)
At 2125 m and crowned by a temple dedicated to Kamna Devi, the Hill offers spectacular views of the area.

Sankat Mochan (7 km)
This is a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman.

Chandwick Falls (8 km)
At 1586 m,these rained falls are approached through Summer hill.

Tara Devi (11 km)
A thickly wooded hill whose peak has a temple dedicated to Tara Devi.

Mashobra (12 km)
At 2149m, this beautiful suburb is surrounded by a thick forest. From here, a track leads down to Sipur which is an exquisite glade shaded by ancient deodar trees. There are old temples on a side and a fair is held every April.

Kufri (16km)
At 2501m, this is famous for its wide views and skislopes. An enjoyable walk leads up to the Mahasu Peak.

Fagu(22 km)
At 2510 m, Fagu has some enchanting views.

Naldehra (22 km)
At 2044 m, this is a nine hole, golf course. It was designed by the British Viceroy, Lord Curson who was so enchanted by the place that he gave his daughter Alexandra, 'Naldehra' as per second name.

Chail(45km)
This was the former summer capital' of the Patiala State. The palace is now run as a Luxury hotel by Himachal Tourism.

Tattapani (51 km)
At 656 m, there are hot sulphur springs here. Himachal Tourism has a restaurant and a Tourist Bungalow at Tattapani.

Adventure and fishing

There are numerous walks within and close to Shimla And there are many soft to medium treks that can use Shimla as the base. Some treks are to the Shalipeak, to the Kullu valley over the Jalori pass or the Bashleo pass, Shimla to Chail, Shimla to Junga and Shimla to Tattapani. Angling for trout can be done on the river Pabbar, near Rohru.

Shopping

Like any other destination, Shimla has its own specialty to offer, representative of Himachal's unique culture, craft and tradition. You can buy handicrafts, wood and metalwork shawls, pullovers, local tweeds, caps, Tibetan carpets and pickle, jams and squashes.

The Himachal Emporium
People interested in genuine local handicrafts must visit this place located on the (western) Mall.

The Tibetan Refugee Handloom Shop
Located on the (Eastern) Mall, it showcases local development projects apart from selling carpets, clothes and other Tibetan crafts.

Besides, there are a number of private shops and showrooms selling object art and crafts.

Food

Indian Food

Alfa : A delicious range of Indian ( and Western food too) is served at this restaurant, located near the Scandal Point. A non vegetarian dish can cost Rs 100-125 (approx)

Baljee's : Located at the (Eastern) Mall. Both Indian and Western food are served. Services good. Prince same as at the Alfa.

Himani's : Also on the (Eastern) Mall. Favourite lovers of South Indian dishes.

Rendezvous : At Scandal Point. Famous for Indian and Thai foods moderately prices.

Sher-e-Punjab : Another joint on the (Eastern) Mall. A very good cheap options. Famous for Channa, Chhola, Bhature and other spicy dishes.

Western & Chinese Food

Chug Fa : Near the Mall. Famed for its noodles, dumplings and main dishes at very cheap prices RS 50 (approx)

Devicos : Near Scandal Point. Noted for its fast food. A bit costlier.

Embassy : A self service restaurant, near the (Eastern) Mall. Favourite with pizzas and hamburgers lovers. Also serve Indian and Chinese dishes.

HPTDC's Joints :

(a) Ashiana : Best of three HPTDC's three places to eat but costly.

(b) Goofa : Good breakfast at reasonable prices.

(c) Quick Bite : For Indian food and cheap pizzas.

Oberoi Clarke's Hotel : For those who want to eat in luxurious surroundings. RS 300 (approx) plus 8% tax is what you pay for a set menu.

Park Cafe : Another place to eat near the (Eastern) Mall. Pay just RS 50 (approx) for a good pizza. Milkshakes, breakfast and late evening musical shows are other attractions.

[Ashok]

Getting There and Away

Shimla is well connected with New Delhi, the national capital and other centres in UP, Haryana and Punjab by rail, road and air.

Road Connectivity with important destinations

Lying on NH 22, Shimla is well connected with a number of parts in the area, both within and outside the state. Overall, roads are good and enjoyable drive.

Road distances to some important centres (Km about)

• Delhi (via Chandigarh) : 370 km
• Chandigarh : 117 km
• Kalka : 87 km
• Dehradun : 250 km
• Pathankot : 300 km
• Palampur : 240 km
• Dharamsala (via Hamirpur) : 140 km
• Dalhousie : 340 km
• Kaza : 420 km
• Kalpa : 245 km
• Chirgaon : 140 km
• Renuka : 165 km

Roadway Options

Taxi: Kalka-Shimla Taxi Union (Tel : 258225) and Cast Road and the Vishal Himachal Taxi Operators Union (Tel : 205164) also around the Cast Road, provides Gypsy jeep or multivansor Ambassador cars. The last one cost about 10% more than what is being listed here:

One way taxi fares from some important destinations are (Rs approx):

• Delhi : RS 2500 - RS 3000
• Chandigarh : RS 800 - RS 1000
• Manali : RS 2200
• Kullu : RS 1800 - RS 2000
• Dharamsala : RS 2200
• Dehradun : RS 2000 - RS 2250
• Rampur : RS 1200
• Kalka : RS 700 - RS 800

One day sightseeing tours cost (approx) as :

• RS 700 for Chail / Kufri
• RS 400 for Naldehra
• RS 700 for Tattapani
• RS 750 for Naskanda

Bus Options

Inter State Bus Terminals (ISBT), both at Delhi and Shimla, caters to visitors looking for bus services. ISBT on Cast Road has a counter (No9), where the employee speaks English and is of great help to foreigners as well as non Hindi speaking nationals of India. At scandal point in Shimla is another booking office.

For destinations east of Shimla, buses start from the Rivoli Bus Station on the northern side of the main ridge, below the HPTDC Office. One can board a bus along Cast Road for Tattapani, Kasauli and other destinations enroute to Kalka or Narkanda, i.e. Kufri and Theog.

It takes almost 10 hours to reach Manali from Shimla. Fares are quite economical, ranging from around RS 110 to RS 175 depending upon the type of bus (ordinary or deluxe) and time (day time or overnight) you choose. One overnight semideluxe bus to Dharamsala will cost you around RS 160, taking a travel time of around 10 hours. If you are visiting Mandi, catch any Manali bound bus. It costs less than a 100 rupees.

Delhi is also around a 10 hour drive from Shimla and costs just RS 270 (approx) for deluxe and RS 120 (approx) for an ordinary buses. For Chandigarh buses are available almost every half-an-hour.

Dehradun via Nahan Costs RS 70 and Paonta Sahib RS 90 (approx). Haridwar is a 9-10 hours drive and costs RS 115-RS 120.

From Rivoli Bus Stand following bus services are available (Rs approx):

• Rekong Peo via Narkanda and Rampur : RS 120- 10 hrs
• Narkanda : RS 35 - 3 hrs
• Rampur : RS 60
• Sarahan : RS 90

Hourly buses to Naldehra is also there for the comforts of visitors.

A certain travel agency, the Mall. offer private deluxe buses for Manali and Delhi and charges RS 225 (approx) and RS 275 (approx) respectively.

HPTDC provides daily day time buses in the high season only for Manali [RS 275 (approx)- 10 hrs] and overnight buses to Delhi [RS 290 (approx) - 10 hrs]

Railway Options

If you want to enjoy the green mountain slopes, covered with fir, rhododendron, pine and the Himalayan Oak and traditional homesteads nestling amount the foliage, do try the train option for travelmasti.

Himalayan Queen is the best option for those travelling from Delhi. At Kalka you change from broad to narrow gange and board the" Toy Train" to cover next 25 km to Shimla. Tickets are affordable and costs is RS 400 (approx) for a/c chair car. For the reverse trip (Shimla-Delhi) the best and overnight connection is Shivalik Express and connect with Kalka Hawra Mail via Delhi. Fares range from RS 140 to RS 600 depending upon the class you travel in.

In Shimla, apart from the main station on the western edge of tours, there is the central branch station. The reservation office (Tel 252915) is at the main station

Airways

Daily flights are available to/from New Delhi, for which bookings may be made at New Delhi or Shimla's Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation office. A number of Tour and Travel agencies can make the arrangement for your. Jubbarhati, the Shimla's airport is about 25 km from the town.

[Ashok]

THE RIDGE



View from Narkanda (62 Kms from Shimla)



KUFRI



GOLF CORSE:NALDEHRA



JAKHU TEMPLE



HANUMAN TEMPLE: SANKAT MOCHAN



For More Shimla Pics - Click Here

[varun]

i am packing my bags to shimla !!

[Vinod Gopani]

wow really great information and pictures

[Aditya]

Its good ..Ashok book me the Ticket...

[Priya]

Originally Posted by Aditya

Its good ..Ashok book me the Ticket...

ashok book a ticket 4 me 2.......