Shimla

Shimla, city also known as Queen of Hill Stations, is the capital of the state of Himachal 
Pradesh. Shimla was the summer capital of India under the British raj before independence.
Shimla gets its name the Indian goddess Kali, whose temple existed in the dense forests that covered the Jakhu Hills in the early 19th century. The English were the one who named it Simla. Shimla is surrounded by pine, deodar, oak and rhododendron forests. Still Its well developed facilities, easy accessibility and numerous attractions makes it one of Indian's most popular and biggest tourist destination for both local and forgein visitors.


A narrow-railway links the town of Kalka with Shimla. This all important rail-link was built in 1924 and its "toy trains" still ply between the two stations, passing through 105 tunnels and beautiful rail-road stations. Half-way through the journey, after Solan, visitors can see the lights from the town of Shimla glittering from between the forests and wild trees. The train takes six hours, and stop at every station on the journey as smiling faces give a warm welcome to the visitors.

Tourist Spots                                                     

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 Center 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 Pheasant 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).

Adventure Sports in Shimla                       

Trekking:

 The Shimla- Kinnaur region offers some exciting trekking opportunities. Narkanda to Banjar (Kullu) over the Jalori and Bashleo Passes and Sarahan to Sangla are some of the popular treks, both for the domestic and foreign tourists. From Bharari you can walk to the villages that lie to right of the Seismic Recording Centre, or to the villages of Pabo and Kamiana. Longer treks can be made to Kiar Koti and Tattapani, but for taking-up these treks you better take a guide along. 

There are quite a good number of trails that can be done in the suburbs. Some are - a walk between the Catering Institute at Kufri and Wildflower Hall; a walk to Mahasu Peak from Kufri through the Himalayan Nature Park and a walk along the Bekhalty road from Mashobra and treks from Mashobra to Sipur.

SHALI PEAK TREK

Highest Altitude: 4,800m.

Duration: 18 Days

Time Period: Mid-July to September

Destinations Covered: Shimla-Mashobra-Sipur-Thaila-Kuthnol-Shali-Gulthani-Baldian

Visible from Shimla and facing Mashobra is the Shali peak. At 3,200m this is the highest in Shimla's vicinity. The summit presents an unimpaired view of the area around and holds an ancient temple dedicated to the Goddess Bhimkali. 

About The Trek 

  

 Drive up to Mashobra and walk down to the glade of Sipur. Carry on 8-km through picturesque woods, fields and orchards to the village of Thaila. Cross Nauti stream that races through a deep gorge. Here begins the 6-km climb to the hamlet of Kuthnol. Then is the final 6-km ascent to the peak. 

  

A thick forest lies on the northern face of the Shali hill. An additional hike may be made to the adjacent 'Choti' or small Shali and the lake of Karyali. Camp overnight at Shali or at Kuthnol. 

Alternatively, drive up to the village of Gulthani that lies about 8-km short of the peak and walk the rest of the way. This route is via Mashobra, Baldian and Thaila.

Hiking & Climbing:

At 2455m, Jakhoo Hill towers over Shimla. Filled with history and architectural charm, there are several houses along its steep.1.5-km climb that starts from the Ridge and a temple dedicated to Lord Hanauman crowns the forested hill. Enjoy the most spectacular sunrises and sunset sights from this spot, especially during the monsoons.


Another beautiful trail takes you to Sanjuali and between Holly Lodge and Sanjauli, the distance is about 3-km. From Sanjauli, you can walk back via the Government College to the Ridge - 2-km, or via St.Bede's College and Ramchandra Chowka, 3-km. Alternatively, you can bus back from Sanjauli to Shimla.

Camping:


Apart from the treks to the nearby areas, Shimla is gateway to Kinnaur and Spiti. Camp Blue Pines near Mashobra is an adventure-cum-trekking based gateway from Shimla. It has Swiss tents on a twin-sharing basis and a capacity for 7 couples or 45 children.




Skiing:


The skiing season generally commences in the first fortnight of January and continue till mid- March depending upon snow conditions. HPTDS organises ski courses of 7 days and 15 days duration at Narkanda, every year. The facilities for the participants include boarding, lodging and equipment.


Kufri is a popular ski resort and is at a distance of 16-kms rom Shimla. With thick woods around, Kufri offers a panoramic view of 2,000 miles of the great Himalayan ranges. Naldhera is another adventure area that is situated at a distance of 23-kms from the hill station. Naldhera is blessed with a thick cedar forest, attractive picnic spot and a 16-hole golf course. Fagu is another spot from where one can check out very fine views and has a lot of snow in winters for the delight of snow lovers and skiers.


Situated 64-kms north of Shimla is Narkanda, at an altitude of 2,700m, a ski resort and also a popular spot for viewing the Himalayas particularly from the 3,300m high Hatu Peak.


River Rafting:


Chabba is located on the road to Tattapani and is 53-kms away from Shimla. There is the one of the oldest hydroelectric power project, which is nowadays famous for river rafting.

  
Shopping In Shimla                                        
    
There is an enormous range of goods that Shimla has to offer. This includes handicrafts, wood and metalwork, shawls, pullovers, local tweeds, caps, Tibetan carpets and pickles, jams and squashes.

Shimla is the best market for the handicrafts of Himachal Pradesh. Woollen and pashmina shawls, decorative items, handmade shoes, dolls, woollen caps, carved wooden sticks, toys and other items made form wood are made in Shimla itself and are on sale in the Lakkar Bazar. Tibetan jewellery and trinkets are found in the small Tibetan shops near the Ridge.

Entertainment - Shimla                              

Hang Outs

CINEMAS:

Ritz, The Ridge 
Rivoli Theatre, Near Skating Rink 
Shahi, Near Cart Road 


SKATING RINKS:
Ice-Skating Rink, Below Rivoli 
Roller Skating Rink, Regal Brldge 


THEATRES: 
Gaiety Theatre, The Mall

Kali Bari Hall, Near Grand Hotel 

Club

FISHING FLEETS AND BLACK HEARTS 

Colonial shimla's pot pourri had some vital ingredients. There were 'Grass Widows' -unattached ladies spending a 'season' at Shimla while their husbands sweltered it out on the plains. 

Then there were members of the 'Fishing Fleet' - young women who sailed out of England, usually chaperoned, in search of husbands. No dance was considered complete without numerous, cunningly devised 'Kala Jagahs' (dark places). In these nooks, one could sit with one's partner on a small sofa or even on a single armchair, and no word of criticism would be uttered.

But of all the clubs and societies that were unique to Shimla, the most enigmatic was the 'most noble order of the black hearts', only men were eligible for membership and they too could not commit the offence of "living in open matrimony." More staid were the Annandale Gymkhana Club and, the Amateur Dramatic Club - the latter still exists.

  

Shimla Religion                                             

Shimla does not have a particular religion that makes it stand out. Despite an amalgamation of many different religions in Shimla, the major religion in Simla would be Hinduism as elsewhere in India.

On your visit to Shimla, you will be surprised to find not just temples but also churches and Buddhist monasteries. The churches conduct regular services for the Christians who live here. The churches here have been built during the colonial rule as Shimla used to be summer capital of the British.

Most of the native people of Shimla follow a combination of Hinduism and Buddhism. This is because of the proximity with Tibet that has in turn influenced the lifestyle of people in Shimla. The people living in valleys near Shimla like Spiti and Lahaul are famous sites for Buddhist monasteries. Along with the monasteries, one can find many temples that are dedicated to Lord Shiva and other Hindu Gods.

Culture                                                                

Music and Dance in Shimla

The style of music and dance in Shimla has not gone through much evolution. People over here still follow the traditional forms of dance & music of Simla. The dance and music of Shimla is basically religion oriented. All festivals are celebrated with traditional music and dance and they are an integral part of any festivity and celebration. The main purpose of indulging in music and dance is to invoke the Gods and seek their blessings. This practice has been prevalent since old days. 


The music is dominated with instruments rather than vocals. The main instruments that are used while singing are Flute, Ektara Chimta, Ghariyal, Ghunghroo, etc. Along with these instruments, experienced people sing the traditional songs that are very pleasant to the ears. The major dance forms of Shimla are the Kayang Dance, Bakayang dance, Bnayangchu dance, Jataru Kayang dance, Chohara dance, Shand and Shabu dances and Rasa dance. These dances are exclusive to Shimla and are not practiced anywhere else.




Festivals                                                             


Christmas:

Christmas is particularly fun here owing to the overwhelming British presence in the past. A white Christmas is what Shimla inhabitants really looks forward to. Here we will only discuss festivals that are unique to this area or celebrated here in a manner distinct from the rest of the country.


Baisakhi :

Though celebrated in many northern states, this agrarian festival is celebrated differently in different regions of Himachal. Generally held on the first of Baisakh (13th April), it is called Bissu or Bisha in Shimla. It signifies vigour and vitality and serves as a ritual before the onset of the harvesting season. Burning the jhalra – a pile of dry twigs with a pole bearing a conical bamboo basket erected in the middle – is an important ritual. It is set afire in the morning as young boys sing and dance around it. 


Rhyali:


Rhyali is the festival of the rainy season. In the Indian society rains denote good harvest thus ensuring prosperity. Therefore it’s an absolute must to keep the rain god happy. Rhyali is celebrated on the first of Shravana (16th July). Some ten days before this, seeds of five or seven kinds (wheat, barley and the like) are mixed together and sown ceremoniously by the head of the family or the family priest in a small basket filled with earth, or near the place where the household gods are kept.
Then one day before the actual day, a kind of a mock wedding is performed with a wooden hoe, and as many kinds of available fruits are placed near the tender saplings. Clay images of Shiva and Parvati are placed amidst the tender growth, and the priest chants, "O Haryali, may thou ever remain in the green fields..." and a whole lot of rituals follow. Rhyali is same as Haryali of Kangra.


Contemporary Carnivals:


A Summer Festival conducted by the tourism of Himachal is held in Simla every June which includes cultural programmes from Himachal and neighboring states. An art and handicraft exhibition, a folk dance festival, a Mushaira (recitation of Urdu poetry), the Red Cross Fair, sports tournaments, a fashion show based on folk costumes and a flower show are also scheduled around this time to make most of the tourist season. The extravaganza of the Ice Skating Carnival is normally reserved for December, where the winter winds carry with them the delights of ice skating at Shimla.

Shimla Weather                                              

The temperature range is not very high and the maximum temperature rarely crosses 25°C during summers. Winters are cold due to the chilly winds from the upper Himalayas. Around Christmas, Simla experiences snowfall. Sometimes the temperature goes beyond 0 degrees in the winter months. Heavy woolens are suggested from November to February months. The rainy season is in July and august months.

How to get there                                             

By Air: Nearest airport to Shimla is at Jubberhatti, 26 km from Shimla. It operates flights to Delhi and Kullu. The nearby Chandigarh airport is, however, handier as it is well connected to all the major airports in India. 

By Rail: Shimla is well connected by road with Kalka, Ambala, Delhi, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Amritsar, Jammu and other cities of Punjab and Haryana.

By Road: Shimla is well connected by a broad gauge line up to Kalka. From Kalka to Shimla, a narrow gauge line covers 96 kilometers, of track.

Tourist Information Centres                     

Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation Tourist Information Office

Department of Tourism

Govt. of Himachal Pradesh

Victory Tunnel

Cart Road 

Hospitals                                                           

Kamla Nehru Hospital

Deen Dayal Upadhyay (Ripon) Hospital

Indira Gandhi Medical College

Banks / Money Changers                             

State Bank of Patiala, the Mall

 Punjab National Bank, the Mall

Punjab and Sind Bank, the Mall

Indian Bank, the Mall
Indian Overseas Bank, the Mall

Jammu And Kashmir Bank, the Mall 

Grindlays Bank Limited, the Mall

 H.P., State Co-OP. Bank, the Mall 

Hotels In Shimla

Hotel WoodVille Palace 
Hotel Crystal Palace     
Hotel Clarks Shimla      
Hotel ChapsLee           
Hotel Mayur Shimla      
Hotel FairMount Shimla
Hotel Sunrise Villa        
Hotel Marigold Cottage