SHIMLA THE QUEEN OF HILLS PLACES TO VISIT HIMACHAL PRADESH, INDIA
PLACES TO VISIT IN SHIMLA QUEEN OF HILLS
Shimla is the Capital of Indian State Himachal
Pradesh. Once it was the Summer Capital of the British Raj and was greatly adorned
and admired for its Exotic Beauty, the beauty of Himalayas. Today Shimla offers
much more than the Colonial Buildings of the British Era. It boosts of the Tibetan’s
ownership in the 16th century also. Originally once Shimla was a part
of the Kingdom of Nepal before British declared it their Summer Capital. Shimla
has derived its name from Shyamala Mata, an incarnation of Goddess Kali.
Beside Shimla Chamba,
Dharamshala, Dalhousie, Manali, Sangla and Rohtang Pass are the most popular
and famous tourist destinations for gorgeous Himalayan views and excursions of
the surrounding areas. With the growing and blooming tourism industries and the
advanced modern youth of India, today Shimla has become one of the most popular
tourist spots.
Shimla is not only popular among Indians but also one
of the most sought-after tourist spots for the tourists from all over the
world. British left it long time ago but its beauty and popularity is enjoyed
and admired by all today also and it has the same status of admiration and
attraction to have thousands of tourists throughout the year.
LOCATION: The picturesque Shimla is at an altitude of
2,276 meters in Southern Himachal ,334km. from North of Delhi, the Capital of
India.
BEST TIME TO VISIT SHIMLA:
MARCH TO JUNE is the best time to visit Shimla, weather is perfect
for outing and is quite pleasant too. You can enjoy with Paragliding, Trekking,
Rafting and Camping. If you are interested in Adventure visit Shimla with full
spirit and enthusiasm.
JULY TO SEPTEMBER observes
heavy rain and tourism too is in its faded form. Those looking for lonely and luxuriant
hills prefer the dripping weather in Shimla for a peculiar visit.
OCTOBER TO FEBRUARY is a typical Shimla weather with a beautiful Snowfall. This is the most popular season and time for the tourists to visit it. Rest you can plan accordingly but it’s sure that you will not regret any of the visit throughout the year.
GETTING TO SHIMLA:
BY AIR: Jubarhati Airport: One can reach
Shimla from Jubarhati Airport which is only 25 km. 1 hr. journey from Shimla. There
are regular flights from Jubarhati to Chandigarh and Delhi. Beside Jubarhati
Chandigarh is the nearest airport.
BY RAIL: One can reach either by nearest meter
gauge railhead to Shimla or nearest broad - gauge railhead to Kalka. From Kalka,
Shimla is 92km. which is 2.1/2 hrs. journey by Taxi. You can also catch a Toy
Train from Kalka to Shimla for a memorable rail journey. Another option is to
reach Chandigarh and from there hire a taxi to Shimla.
BY ROAD/ CAR OR TAXI: One can
travel by a taxi or self- driven car Via NH1 from Delhi to Ambala which is a
dream journey. The Zirakpur -Shimla Highway makes a faster and smoother drive. After
reaching Chandigarh turn right towards Kalaka on Himalayan Expressway and
follow the uphill road to Shimla. One can get many Dhabas (Roadside- eateries)
with all types of fresh food breakfast, lunch and dinner.
BY BUS: Shimla is well connected by a
regular bus service. Daily buses are available from almost all the major cities
in North India. HRTC and HPTDC operate daily buses from Shimla to Delhi, Chandigarh, Jaipur etc. and vice
versa. Private travel companies also ply buses regularly. Rest Google will help
you with the latest and the exact.
WHERE TO STAY AND EAT FOOD:
Shimla is one of the most visited hill stations of
India. Finding a place to stay here is not a problem since it has many hotels
of all ranges between RS.700-RS.5000 per night and above as your pocket allows
you to afford. Once you enter Shimla the agents of the hotels, taxi and the
guides are there to escort and chase you. Only for stay you have to make an arrangement
rest for eatables a variety of delicious food is available at all the visiting places.
MUST VISIT PLACES OF SHIMLA:
Visiting Shimla is a wonderful experience and can’t be
just limited to time and places a few of the places have been mentioned here
must be visited for a perfect experience and to give a proper tribute to the Queen
of Hills, Shimla.
1.THE MALL/MALL ROAD:
Shimla’s main shopping street is known as The Mall or
Mall Road. It is a famous and crowded place in Shimla and is the best center
for shopping. You may consider It to be a lifeline of the town which is one of
the most popular places and a craze among the tourist. Don’t forget to pamper
yourself by buying something. There are also many cafes, restaurants, hotels
and other social hangouts at The Mall. The Mall Road is located a level below
The Ridge. The Mall is the nerve center of Shimla.
2.THE SEVEN HILLS:
Shimla is developed on the seven hills only but now it
has spread oust the seven hills. The Seven Hills of Shimla reminds us of the
colonial era. The seven hills are: 1. Jakhu Hill 2. Bantony Hill 3. Inveram
Hill 4. Observatory Hill 5. Prospect Hill 6. Summer Hill 7. Elysium Hill. Many
Elizabethan and Edwardian edifices stand here and spread across the Shimla Hills.
Manorville, the old and magnificent mansion is now a guest house of All India
Institute of Medical Sciences. The Hulme, studio cum residence of painter
Amrita Shergill is also a popular. Himalayan Aviary, Square House, Viceregal
Lodge and Gaiety Theatre which hosts excellent plays even today are also the
worth visiting, and having popularity of their past as well as present.
3.CHRIST CHURCH:
Christ Church in Shimla is one of the oldest churches
in North India. It is the second oldest church of dating back to 1857. It is a prime
attraction in Shimla and is Shimla’s most popular landmark. Its famous for its
tower clock and its fresco designed by Rudyard Kipling’s father. The church
building is constructed in the Neo-Gothic style of architecture, one must visit
it and spend some time to its glorious structure. Beside this church there are
many other famous churches namely St. Andrew’s Church and St. Mary’s Church
also.
4.SHIMLA STATE MUSEUM:
Shimla State Museum is located 2.5km west of the
Scandal Point on Inveram Hill. It was transformed into a museum on January
26,1974 earlier to that it remained residence of many officials. This museum is
worth visiting to inspect its artefacts. The Museum is a treasure of ancient
artifacts which have been displayed as the cultural wealth of Himachal Pradesh.
It boasts of a grand collection of ancient paintings, sculptures, photographs
and coins from all over the state and the country.To know the culture and
history of any place one must visit these museums which play vital role in a
deeper prospective.
5.JAKHU HILL:
Jakhu Hill is the first hill of Shimla. The hill is
secured with Alpine trees. Jakhu Hill around Shimla is the highest peak at the height
of 8,000 ft. It offers a magnificent view of the valley around Shimla. One can
experience the mesmerizing view of the entire Shivalik range around. It would
be a fun to trek through its lush green terrain. This hill is infamous for
mischievous monkeys
6.HANUMAN TEMPLE:
Hanuman Temple is located on Jakhu Hill which is the
tallest of Shimla’s seven hills. You can experience the most beautiful sunrise
from here. This Jakhu Hill is crowned by the Hanuman Temple having a 33m tall statue.
You can visit the temple and its serene spiritual and religious environment by
foot, horse, taxi or ropeway.
7.SCANDAL POINT:
Scandal
Point is where the Mall Road joins the Ridge Road on the West side. The name of
this place arose from a scandal of an elopement of an English lady with
Maharaja. Shimla has many stories to tell you along with some of its legends.
Scandal Point has its appropriate name as there is a legend that Maharana of
Patiala had eloped with the daughter of the British Viceroy and it was
considered the scandal of the highest order. The Maharaja of Patiala was exiled
from Shimla after a fierce fight with the Viceroy.
8.RUDYARD KIPLING’S HOME AND VICEREGAL LODGE:
Shimla has a glorious past Oberoi Cecil Hotel was once
a modest single -storied house built in 1868 and was occupied then by the
famous author and Nobel laureate the writer of Jungle Book Rudyard Kipling when
he came to Shimla in 1883 and later was developed as a hotel in 1902. The Viceregal Lodge was originally built as a
summer home and summer residence of subsequent Viceroys and governors-general
of India. It was built in 1888 by a British architect Henery Irwin.
9.ROTHNEY CASTLE:
Rothney Castle is a heritage monument located on
Jakhoo Hill of Shimla. Rothney Castle was the home of Allan Octavian Hume, the
British civil servant who founded the Congress in 1885.Rothney Castle is also
worth visiting in Shimla. The castle is surrounded by lush green grass and
maintained garden. The site is of immense historical and architectural
significance
10. TOY TRAIN:
Shimla -Kalka toy train ride is a unique ride
experience of a lifetime. This Toy Train is UNESCO heritage train. You will
pass through 103 tunnels,864 bridges,919 curves. Gradual ascent on the winding
tracks and passing through the tunnels play hide and seek with you. Age old oak
and deodar trees on the both sides seem to chase and follow you all the way.
CONCLUSION:
The best way to get to know Shimla is to walk through
its roads. Deodar and Oak trees, pleasant weather, deep blue skies, game of
light and shade as you walk through the groves of trees make you feel floating
in a paradise. It is a pleasure to explore Shimla all the year- round rest as
per your convenience and interest of experiencing and exploring the mood of the
weather. The cold and chill weather will compel your frequent stops for a cup
of tea or coffee at the roadside dhabas. On these walks, stopping and sitting
under the sheds and shelters of sloping roofs are unforgettable.
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