Himachal Pradesh Shimla

Shimla is the Capital Town of Himachal Pradesh. It was formerly the summer capital during the British Rule. The town of Shimla is built over several hills and connecting ridges. The important hills are  Jakhu(8050 ft), Prospect Hill (7140 ft), Observatory Hill ( 7050 ft), Elysium Hill (7400 ft), and Summer Hill (6900 ft).  There is a great controversy over the origin of the name Shimla.  The name Shimla was derived from 'Shyamalaya' meaning   blue house said to be the name of house built of blue slate by a faqir on Jakhu. According to one version Shimla takes it name from 'Shamla' meaning a blue female another name for Goddess Kali. The place was on the Jakhu Hillside, there was a temple of Goddess Kali. During the British period the image of the Goddess was shifted to a new place ,now famous Kali Bari Temple. Shimla remained unnoticed during the Gurkha War.  It was only in 1819 A.D. that the then Assistant Political Agent of hill states Lt. Ross set up first British residence, a mere wood cottage. His successor Lt. Charles Patt  Kennedy'errected the first pucca house in 1822 named after Lt. Kennedy as 'Kennedy House'.

In 1864 Shimla was declared as the summer capital of India. After Independence, Shimla became the capital of Punjab and was later named the capital of Himachal Pradesh. In 1903 a rail line was constructed between Kalka and Shimla.

Shimla has been blessed with all the natural bounties, one can think of. Dwelling on a panoramic location, the hilly town is surrounded by green pastures and snow-capped peaks. The spectacular cool hills accompanied by the structures made during the colonial era create an aura, which is very different from other hill stations. Bulging at its seams with unprecedented expansion, Shimla retains its colonial heritage, with grand old buildings, among them are the stately Viceregal Lodge, Charming iron lamp posts and Anglo-Saxon names. The Mall, packed with shops and eateries, is the centre of attraction of the town, and Scandal Point, associated with the former Maharaja of Patiala's escapades, offers a view of distant snow clad peaks. In 1946 leaders of the Indian nationalist movement came to Shimla for a crucial conference that paved the way to Independence. Shimla's legacy of British control has left in somewhat of Aesthetic anomaly: an Indian town, a state capital, no less that looks and feels like a village in Northern England.

The completion of the Kalka-Shimla narrow-gauge railway line, in 1903, gave a fillip to the towns development. After Independence, Shimla was initially the capital of Punjab. Following the creation of Himachal Pradesh, in 1966, it was designated the capital of the  Himachal Pradesh.

Some important questions arise when we choose a destination.

Most important places to Visit in Shimla. / Sightseeing places in Shimla.

Which all places I can visit along with Shimla?

Tour Itineries along with Shimla .

Best time to visit Shimla .

Most important places to Visit in Shimla. / Sightseeing places in Shimla.

Mall Road Shimla

One place that you cannot ignore is definitely the Mall Road in Shimla. Located at the heart of the town, the Mall Road in Simla is one of the busiest commercial areas of this place. Built by the British during the colonial rule in India, the Mall Road was constructed keeping in mind the traffic on this route.

Shimla Ridge

Located in the heart of Shimla is the famous tourist attraction known as The Ridge. The Ridge is the hub of all cultural activities of Shimla. It is situated along the Mall Road, which is the famous shopping center of Shimla. Most major places of Shimla like Lakkar Bazaar, Mall, Scandal Point, Jakhoo hill, etc. are connected through the Ridge.

Annandale

Situated at a distance of 2 kilometers from the heart of the city, Annandale is a lovely picnic spot that is a major tourist attraction. One can relax and unwind over here and spend as much time as they want to.

Glenn

A thickly wooded forest, Glenn is a famous picnic spot that is located around 4 kilometers from the center of Shimla. The thick cover of the deodar trees makes this place a calm and tranquil locale. It used to be known as the playground of Shimla where racing, cricket and polo used to be the favorite pastime of the British.

Prospect Hill

Situated at a height of 2155 meters, the Prospect hill is a great place to visit and unwind in the natural surroundings. It is also famous for a hilltop temple dedicated to Kamna Devi.

State Museum & Library

The Shimla State Museum and Library is a famous tourist attraction that is located at a distance of around 2.5 kilometers from the center of Shimla. The museum is famous for is collection of ancient sculptures, paintings, coins and photographs. The museum has samples of the famous Pahari miniature art form, which ceased to exist when the Western art form took over. The museum should be visited by anyone who is coming to Shimla.

Summer Hill

The Summer Hill is located at a height of 1283 meters above sea level. This charming spot is famous for its university of Himachal Pradesh that is located here. It is said that Mahatma Gandhi used to come to stay here during his visit to Shimla.

Viceregal Lodge

The Viceregal Lodge is located at the top of Observatory Hills and was constructed by the British. This brilliant building served as the residence of the Viceroy, Lord Dufferin. It was completed by the year 1888 and it is still well maintained. This Lodge has now been transformed into the famous Institute of Advanced Studies and the six storey building still stands in all its splendor. The lodge has famous gardens and perfectly manicured lawns. The place is a very famous tourist attraction and must be visited.

Which all places I can visit along with Shimla?

Tour Itineries along with Shimla .

Delhi - Shimla - Kufri - Delhi

Shimla - Kufri - Manali - Rohtang Pass

Delhi – Kasauli - Chail – Shimla – Naldhera – Manali – Delhi

Delhi - Shimla - Kufri- Chail - Delhi

Shimla - Kufri - Manali - Rohtang Pass - Chandigarh

Delhi - Shimla - Manali - Chandigarh

Chandigarh - Shimla - Manali - Dharamshala - Pathankot

Delhi - Shimla - Manali - Kullu – McLeod Ganj - Dalhousie - Delhi

Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Shimla - Delhi

Chandigarh - Shimla - Manali - Palampur - Dharamshala - Khajjiar - Dalhousie - Chandigarh

Delhi - Shimla - Kullu - Manali – Manikaran - Delhi

Delhi - Shimla - Manali- Kullu - Dharamshala - Dalhousie - Delhi

Delhi - Manali - Kullu - Shimla - Chandigarh – Delhi

Best time to visit Shimla .

The best time to visit Shimla would be October to November and from March to May.

There is no such ideal time to visit Simla, as this pleasant hill station is one of the most preferred destinations in India at any given time.

Though Shimla has pleasant climate throughout the year, it experiences cold winters. The temperatures can drop to sub-zero conditions during the peak winter season. It is advisable not to visit Shimla during monsoons as the place has a history of having landslides every now and then. The roads can get very slippery and it is not a good idea to roam around at this time.

If you wish to watch Snow then the winter months is right time. The hill station witnesses heavy snowfall and tourists throng Shimla in December during Christmas and New Year. Winters are also an ideal time to visit Shimla if you love adventure sports like skiing and ice-skating. Though moving around is a bit difficult when it snows, just playing in the snow will lift up your spirits and make sure you have a wonderful vacation.

How to reach Shimla ?

How to reach Shimla by Air

Shimla Airport is at Jubbarhatti, 23 kms from city and is connected to Chandigarh, Kullu, Delhi. It has daily flights from Delhi and Kullu. On Tuesday and Thursday Jagson Airlines flies Delhi-Shimla-Kullu-Gaggal and return. Archana and KCV fly between Delhi and Shimla on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

How to reach Shimla by Train

Shimla is connected to Kalka (96 kms) on Meter Gauge and it takes around 6 Hrs from KALKA to reach SHIMLA. There are 3-4 trains daily  from Kalka to Shimla and vice-versa. Shivalik Express is luxury Deluxe Train on this route with less halts and pantry facility. One can also travel through Rail car (one of its kind mainly running on this route in india only). The overnight Kalka Mail from Delhi reaches Kalka in the early morning and that is the time to catch connecting trains on the splendid narrow-gauge train to Shimla. There are 103 tunnels on the route with longest being 1.2 K.M. long.

How to reach Shimla by Road

Buses are frequently available from Chandigarh to Shimla at a gap of  half an hour. Delux Buses and Ordinary Buses are also available from all the places.

Very important information if you travel by your own vehicle

Parking Facility  :  Shimla is congested town and one can face parking problem if coming by own vehicle. There are many parking places operated by private parties. Main parking places in Shimla are near Lift, Nr.Hotel Holiday Home, Main Bus Stand, Railway Station Godown, High Court Parking. MC Parking largest in Shimla town situated just 100 mt. away from lift has capacity for about 400 vehicles at a time.

One should take special care of Sealed and Restricted roads in Shimla, all the roads leading from cart road to mall side are sealed and restricted roads. Parking on the sides of Cart Road is also prohibited. There is heavy fine on violation of any of the rules.