Shimla, a middling sized village in 1817 became
Summer Capital of the British Empire in India in 1964 and remained so right up
to the time of independence. It was the summer seat of the Punjab Government
from 1871 and then the headquarters of partitioned Punjab till 1966. There are
lots of tourist places to visit in Shimla which attracts lots of visitors every
year. This is one of the most preferred honeymoon destinations in India.
The exiled government of Burma was also temporarily
stationed here during the last part of the Second World War. No wonder the
historical town has witnessed the signing of many agreements and accords. The
buildings, architectural marvels in the town, bear mute testimony to the past
that has merged smoothly into the present.
Shimla, today is a lively city with a spick and span the railway station, the Mall as the prominent promenading center, the Ridge as the
flat ground opening up vistas of splendid snow-clad Himalayan ranges, a museum
showing the heritage of Himachal, long walks through oaks, cedars and
rhododendrons, and of course, historic buildings a mix of the ancient and the
modern.
Its salubrious climate, easy accessibility by road,
rail and air, comfortable hotels and guest houses make it one of the most sought
after hill resorts in North India. Shimla, at a height of 2130 m from sea level
is the capital of Himachal Pradesh and lures tourists to its serene, calm and
yet vibrant life.
Below are the famous tourist places to visit in Shimla:
The Mall: One cannot miss The Mall in Shimla. It
is not only a shopping center but also a well maintained level strip of about
500 meters where people spend their leisure hours walking to and fro, which is
a meeting ground and also a catwalk displaying the latest in fashion. The
coffee house, the restaurants, and ancient building on the Ridge are the
popular joints where people meet, sit and discuss. It also houses the Gaiety
Theatre that had its first dramatic performance on 30th May
1887and still is the main platform for all performing arts. The Ridge is the
happy ground here which stands witness to ‘Karva Chauth’ and ‘New Year Eve’ the
spontaneous celebrations- the former for grace and beauty, the later for mirth
and merriment.
Indian Institute of Advanced Study: This magnificent
building built in the Elizabethan style of English Renaissance was completed in
1888. It used to be the adobe of Viceroys and Presidents of India till Dr. S.
Radhakrishnan in 1965 handed it over to establish the Indian Institute of
Advanced Studies for conduction higher research. The open lawn in the south and
north of the buildings with blooming seasonal flowers add to the regality of
the building. The place is open to the public on a small entry fee.
Himachal Pradesh State Museum: The heritage of
Himachal Pradesh is stored in a beautiful building called ‘Inverarm’ built-in
hill architectural style on top of the hillock next to one which has the Indian
Institute of Advanced Studies. Originals of hill miniature paintings, the style
that developed in the 17th century in these hills is on display
here. The stone and metal sculptures of the State, Chamba rumaal
(handkerchief) with embroidery work, know as painting with a needle,
exquisite woodwork and masks, the doll corner, jewelry, weapons and
contemporary art is other attractions of the Museum.
Jakhoo Hill: The top of the hill is 2km away from
the Ridge. Pranks of monkeys and panorama of Shimla town are added attractions
besides the old temple of Lord Hanuman recently renovated. This place is also
known for the Dussehra Day celebration.
Annandale:
A large open ground, 2.5 km away from Shimla which contributed to the start of
popular Durand Football mates in 1888. This is now the site for the helipad and golf
course.
The Glen: A thickly
wooded ravine, 4 km away from Shimla. A stream flows through The Glen. A Pleasant
place in summers that provides shelter from the sun and a popular picnic spot.
Summer Hill: A charming the suburb of Shimla, 5 km away, where there are Himachal Pradesh University and tow
building associated with two great Indian ladies – Manorville, where lived
Rajkumari Amrit Kaur and The Studio, the adobe of Amrita Shergill.
Chadwick Falls: It is a
rain-fed 67 m fall and just 7 km away from Shimla.
Kamna Devi Temple: Above
Boileauganj (also called Tilak Nagar). A rewarding visit to Goddess Durga’s
temple and for views of the town, airfield, narrow-gauge train chugging its
way.
Mashobra: A sylvan
retreat, 12 km away from Shimla is Mashobra. The beauty of forests and landscape
here has attracted many and so this little suburban village is steadily
growing. Mashobra is the gateway to the highest peak in the area called Shali which is
at 3200 m, Craignano that has a guest house and natural beauty and Fruit
Research Station that once belonged to Mr. Coutts, and eminent horticulturist.
Floriculturists may purchase potted or saplings of flowers here at reasonable
rates.
Naldehra: Himachal
Tourism Hotel ‘Golf Glade’ looks after the accommodation and food of the
visitors to this golf ground and pleasure spot. Lord Curzon, Viceroy of Indian
(1899 to 1905) was so enchanted by the beauty of the place that he named his
daughter Alexandra Naldehra.
Kufri: Known for its ski
runs, Kufri is just 16 km away and attracts the largest number of tourists who came
to Shimla. It has a backdrop of peaks covered with snow, Himalayan National
Park and a small zoo. Yak ride also added attraction. Along the ridge shaded by
tall trees run a road to Chail, yet another tourist spot in Solan District.
Fagu: Quite and peaceful
Fagu is just 22 km away from Shimla. It has a fine resort far from the madding
crowd. It has a Rest House and Tourists Bungalow overlooking the Giri Valley.
Tattapani: Hot water
springs by the side of the river Sutlej, 51km away are invigorating. These sulphur springs
have curative powers too, so claim many.
Narkanda: Surrounded by
deodar and spruce forests, Narkanda is 64 km away. It has a choice of ski runs-
beginners, advanced and slalom. It is a leisure destination but a hike to Hattu
Peak can be challenging and exciting.
Kotgarh and Thanedar:
Samuel Evans Stokes brought Red Delicious and Golden Delicious variety of apple
saplings here in the early twentieth century from Pennsylvania and with those
saplings brought prosperity for the area. Beautiful houses, bountiful apple
orchards, educated people and highest per capita income in South East Asia
through horticulture are matters of delight.
Rampur: Once the Capital
of Bushar princely State 140 km away from Shimla is a living town on the banks
of river Sutlej. It used to be a major center of trade on the old Hindustan
Tibet Road. The trade fair called Lavi is held here every year from the 11th
to the 14th of November. Chilgoza or Neoza, dry fruit coming from
Kinnaur and Pasham, soft sheep wool, along with other traditional trade items
like musk, popular Spiti horses, etc. are sold here during the fair. The Pahari
architectural style of the Palace here attracts lots of tourists.
Sarahan: The place, 180
km away is know for the majestic temple of Goddess Bhimakali built in typical
Sutlej Valley architecture. Bhimakali gives darshan to the devotee here in her
two forms – maiden and matured. Narsingh, Raghunath and Lankra Bir have temples
here made in Shikhar style. There is an HPTDC hotel to make one stay here and
witness evening aarti in the temples.
Pabbar Valley: Hatkoti
is 120 km away and Rohru 131 km from Shimla has main picturesque places on the
bank of river Pabbar, known for trout fishing. Hatkoti has a splendidly built
Temple of Goddess Durga with green fields all around and Rohru has a typical
hilltown market.
Reaching Shimla:
By Air: Linked by air to
Delhi and Kullu. The airport at Jubbarhatti is 23 km from Shimla. Taxi cabs are
available.
By Rail: Connected by a
broad gauge line up to Kalka. Change over to narrow gauge train. Cover 96 km of
zigzag route amidst picturesque mountainous landscape through 102 tunnels. It takes
6 hours to complete the journey. Kalka to Shimla toy train is one of the most beautiful railway tracks of India.
By Road: Shimla is connected
to all major cities in India. The hilly track of about 88 km from Kalka to
Shimla is one of the finest in the country. Several state-run transport buses,
ordinary, semi-deluxe, deluxe, air-conditioned come directly to Shimla from
almost all the towns of North India. Himachal Tourism Development Corporation also
runs buses between Delhi and Shimla.
