Shimla is the Capital of Himachal Pradesh. Located at the height of 7500 ft above sea level. During British India, the Viceroy of India Sir Lawrence declared Shimla as the Summer Capital of India. This hill station is extremely popular with travellers from India & abroad. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and peaceful valleys. Shimla is also known as the ‘Queen of Seven Hill Stations’. With a perfect amalgamation of colonial heritage and natural beauty, Shimla offers a unique holiday experience amidst the spectacular cool hills.
Places To Visit In Shimla
Christ Church
Christ Church is the second oldest cathedral in Northern India. The foundation stone of this church was laid on 9th September 1844 and came into existence since 1857. Built-in Neo-Gothic style of architecture, it took nearly thirteen years to construct it. The stained-glass windows over the altar and the clock were placed in 1860.
The fresco on the walls painted from a design made by Rudyard Kipling(The Father Of Jungle Book). Other impressive features of the Church include paintings that portray pictures from Jesus Christ’s life. As the church located at the most important road of Shimla, The Ridge has become an essential landmark in the city.
The Ridge
The Ridge is the hub of all cultural activities of Shimla. It is situated along the Mall Road and is the famous shopping destination of Shimla. Key tourists destination – Snowdon, Mall Road, Jakhoo hill, etc. are connected through the Ridge.
Mall Road Shimla
The Mall Road in Shimla is located in the centre of the town & has a large number of restaurants, clubs, banks, shops, post offices and travel agencies. One can also visit Scandal Point & Kali Bari Temple which are very close to the mall.
Beside, Mall road is also a shoppers delight.
Other than shopping, Mall Road is also a favourite for a variety of cafes & the delicious delicacies that they serve. Every traveller would love to lose himself herself here for a few hours and admire the sheer magnetism and charming appeal of this place.
Kali Bari Temple
Kali Bari Temple is one km away from Mall Road; an ancient temple is a place worth visiting. It is dedicated to Hindu Goddess Kali, who is also known as Devi Shyamala. This temple is thronged by a large number of devotees throughout the year. One can also click beautiful pictures of snow-capped mountains from this tourist spot.
Gaiety Theatre
Located in the heart of Shimla, on Mall Road, Gaiety Theatre is a must-visit tourist spot. This theatre was opened in 1887; This historic theatre was designed by Henry Irwin. Henry Irwin the famous British architect is also known for his works like- Mysore Palace, Madras High Court, Chennai Railway Station and many more. The building’s design is an Indo-Gothic style. Initially, it was a five-story building with a theatre, ballroom, armoury, police office, bar and galleries. Later, everything was demolished except the theatre. The most popular attraction in this complex is the Victorian theatre where legends like Rudyard Kipling, Prithvi Raj Kapoor, K. L. Sehgal and others have performed.
Viceregal Lodge
Viceregal Lodge was built in 1886 and in 1888 it was declared as a “summer house for the Viceroy of India”, Lord Dufferin. The lodge designed in the Jacobethan form by designer Henry Irwin was made from local sandstone. It served as a residence to various viceroys until India gained its independence in 1947. Post-independence after, it became a summer palace for the President of India, since the 1960s, it has housed the Indian Institute of Advanced Study.
Himachal State Museum
The State Museum Shimla is an old Victorian house which has been converted into a museum. Perched on a remote hill known as ‘Inveram’ the tranquillity & the quietude of the distant mountains from here is extraordinary. Previously, the building remained a private residence of Lord William Beresford, the Military Secretary to the Viceroy, Lord William Bentinck. The museum started in 1974 with a few artefacts now has over more than 10,000 artefacts.
Naldehra
Naldehra is famous for its Golf course situated at a height of 7500 ft above sea level. It is 26 km ahead of Shimla, one would need a membership to enter the Golf Course. Tourists, however, are allowed to roam around the Golf course. Naldehra is a very picturesque and quiet hill station. One can take a horse ride that would explore to sightsee snow peak from strategic points.
Tattapani
Tattapani is a village located 51 km from Shimla and 29 km from Naldehra. Situated on the bank of river Sutlej at the height of 2,230 ft above the sea level. In the Hindi language, ‘Tattapani’ means ‘hot water’. The place is renowned for its hot water springs that spread over an area of one square kilometre. It’s water is rich in sulphur content and is believed to have therapeutic power for various kinds of body and skin diseases.
One can also enjoy a campfire with family & friends at night along the riverside. Travellers can get accommodation at various guesthouses, budget hotels and luxury resorts that are located nearby.
Jhakhoo Temple
Located at the height of 8000 ft is a sacred place for the Hindu community. This temple dedicated to the Hindu God- Hanuman. It is 3 km ahead of The Ridge and is the highest peak of Shimla. Travellers can enjoy beautiful picturesque views of the Shivalik Ranges. The most prominent attraction of this temple is a 108 ft tall idol of Lord Hanuman. There are large number of monkeys here and one needs to be extremely careful with his belongings.
Chail
A hill station in Himachal Pradesh, it is 47 km ahead of Shimla. This place is well known for its Chail Palace. The Maharaja of Patiala built this palace as its summer retreat. It became more popular after the Bollywood film 3 Idiots sequence shot here.C hail also boasts of having the “Highest Cricket Ground in the world”.
Kufri
Kufri is a tiny hill station located near Shimla. It is famous for its trekking and hiking trails. Travellers throng here in winters to enjoy skiing along its snow-covered slopes. It is also renowned for its nature parks and picnic spots. Kufri is one of the best places to visit in Shimla.
Bazars
Shopping in Shimla revolves around the heart of the town- The Mall Road. One can buy handiworks, woollen clothes, artificial jewellery & HP Tourism products such as juices, pickles etc. One can also visit Lakkar Bazaar to buy wooden handicrafts & natural herbs.
How To Reach Shimla?
Shimla is one of the easiest accessible hill stations in India.
By Road-
There are numerous bus services including Himachal Road Transport Corporation buses as well as private operators connecting Shimla to the major towns in North India. Chandigarh is at a distance of 130 kilometres, Manali at 270 kilometres and Delhi at 360 kilometres. From Delhi, one can take an overnight bus from ISBT Kashmiri Gate. Buses run throughout the day from various destinations in Delhi.
By Train
Shimla Railway Station is a small station and is connected to Kalka by a narrow gauge rail track. The famous toy train to Shimla starts from Kalka Railway Station and covers a distance of 100 kilometres in about 6-7 hours.
By Air
Shimla Airport- is an airport located in Jabarhatti, 25 kilometres from Shimla in Himachal Pradesh. A one hour flight is available from Delhi which runs by a subsidiary of Air India.
Places To Eat In Shimla
Baljees
Well known for its multi-cuisine such as Indian, Thai, Chinese and many more. This is the oldest restaurant in town & is located in the circular road of Shimla.
Ashiana
An elegantly decorated eatery & it has a terrace to view the sunset. They serve tasty North Indian & Chinese dishes.
There are also Dominoes, Cafe Coffee Day, and Subway outlets. There are small confectionery stores in the mall road as well, specialised in pastries and cakes. Street Food selling such as spicy puffed rice, pizza, momo, corn are also available on the mall road.
Places To Stay In Shimla?
Located in Chota Shimla, this is a heritage hotel. Hotel Springfields, Shimla is an ancient heritage property that offers a charming and relaxing getaway. The hotel has eleven Large, spacious rooms including one family suite, each one tastefully decorated in keeping with the Colonial character of the hotel.
Located in Lakkar Bazar of Shimla. It is overlooking a broad and beautiful lush valley with a picturesque view of the snow clad mountains, cascading into deep gorges. It is one of the best hotels in Shimla. They have total 15 rooms.
Located on Mall Road, Clarkes Hotel is a Grand Heritage Hotel built in 1898 and is one of the oldest hotels in Shimla. Clarkes Hotel is just 15 minutes by car from Shimla Railway Station. They have luxurious rooms which are spacious, elegantly furnished and offer spectacular views of the mountains & Mall Road.
Located almost 5 km ahead of Shimla Railway Station, This resort is amazing for its hospitality & an ideal place to rejuvenate amongst nature.
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