Shimla, also known as Simla, the former summer capital of
the British in India, and the present capital of the Indian state of Himachal
Pradesh, located in northern India. Shimla has been blessed with all the
natural bounties which one can think of. It has got a scenic location, it is
surrounded by green hills with snow capped peaks. The spectacular cool hills
accompanied by the structures made during the colonial era creates an aura
which is very different from other hill. It is bounded by Mandi and Kullu in
the north, Kinnaur in the east, the state of Uttarakhand in the south-east, and
Solan and Sirmaur to the south. The elevation of the city ranges from 300 to
2200 metres, Shimla is well known as a hub for India's tourism sector. It is
among the top 10 preferred entrepreneurial locations in India.
In 1864, Shimla was declared as the summer capital of
British India, succeeding Murree, northeast of Rawalpindi. After independence,
the city became the capital of Punjab and was later named the capital of
Himachal Pradesh.
As a large and growing city, Shimla is home to many
well-recognized colleges and research institutions in India. The city has a
large number of temples and palaces. Shimla is also well noted for its
buildings styled in Tudorbethan and neo-Gothic architecture dating from the
colonial era.
Owing to its scenic terrain, Shimla is home to the
legendary mountain biking race MTB Himalaya. The event was started in 2005 and
is now regarded as the biggest event in South East Asia.
Passenger train Kalka-Shimla
The Kalka-Shimla railway line, constructed in 1906, added
to Shimla's accessibility and popularity. The railway route from Kalka to
Shimla, with more than 806 bridges and 103 tunnels, was touted as an
engineering feat and came to be known as the "British Jewel of the Orient".[7]
In 2008, it became part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mountain railways of
India.
Skiing is a popular tourist activity in Shimla.
Places to visit
The Mall
The Mall is the main
shopping street of Shimla. It also has many restaurants, clubs, banks, bars,
Post Offices and tourist offices. The Gaiety Theatre is also situated there.
Christ Church
Situated on The
Ridge, Christ Church is the second oldest church in Northern India. It has a
very majestic appearance and inside there are stained glass windows which
represent faith, hope, charity, fortitude, patience and humility.
Jakhu Hill
2 km from Shimla, at
a height of 8000 ft, Jakhu Hill is the highest peak an offers a beautiful view
of the town and of the snow-covered Himalayas. At the top of the Hill, is an
old temple of Lord Hanuman, which is also the home of countless playful monkeys
waiting to be fed by all visitors. A 108 feet (33 metre) statue of Lord
Hanuman, a Hindu deity, at 8,500 feet (2,591 metres) above sea level, is single
statue to stand at the highest altitude among several other master pieces in
the world, overtaking the Christ Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Jutogh
Located just 8 km
away from the city centre, this army cantonment is near Totu, an important
suburb of Shimla city.
Shimla State Museum
The Museum, which was
opened in 1974, has tried to protect hill-out and the cultural wealth of the
state. There is a collection of miniature Pahari paintings, sculptures, bronzes
wood-carvings and also costumes, textiles and jewellery of the region.
Indian Institute of Advanced Study
This institute is
housed at the former Viceregal Lodge, built in 1884-88.
Summer Hill
Situated at a
distance of 5 km from The Ridge is the lovely township of Summer Hill, at a
height of 6,500 ft on the Shimla-Kalka railway line. Mahatma Gandhi lived in
these quiet surroundings during his visits to Shimla. Himachal Pradesh
University is situated here.
Annandale
Developed as the
playground of Shimla, Annandale is 2–4 km from The Ridge at a height of 6,117
ft. It is a very big beautiful ground, but not meant for playing as it comes
under the Indian Army.
Tara Devi
11 km from the Shimla
bus-stand. Tara Devi hill has a temple dedicated to the goddess of stars on top
of the hill. There is a military Dairy Town here as well as the headquarters of
Bharat Scouts and Guides.
Sankat Mochan
A very famous Lord
Hanuman temple is located here.
Junga
Junga is near Tehsi,
26 km from Shimla. Its original name (with diacritics) is Jūnga and is a former
royal retreat of the princely state of Keonthal. It is also known as the
Keonthal Estate.
Anand Vilas
Midway between Shimla
and Junga. "Sarva Dharma Mandir", Temple of all Faiths, is a
spiritual group dedicated to Mother Nature. Thousands of visitors and devotees
come here every year. There is an "Art is Values" school with
students from all over India. Classes are provided free of cost.
Totu
A major developing suburb of Shimla on NH-88. Houses Jutogh
railway station & HimFed under Govt. of Himachal Pradesh.
Mashobra
13 km from Shimla, site of the annual Sipi fair in June.
Kufri
16 km from Shimla at
a height of 8,600 ft, Kufri is the local winter sports centre, and it also has
a small zoo.
Chharabra
13 km from Shimla on
route to Kufri.
Naldehra
22 km from Shimla,
with a nine-hole Naldehra Golf Club. The annual Sipi fair in June is held in
Naldehra.
Chail
Chail was built as summer retreat by the Maharaja of Patiala
during the British Raj, it is known for its cricket pitch, the highest in the
world.
Tattapani
Location of sulphur springs which are found near the
Tatapani mandir(holy temple)
Sanjauli
The main suburb of
Shimla.
