Information about
Shimla
Tourism
A quaint little hill train chugs up into the
Shivalik foothills, over dramatic loops and high arched bridges to the hill
resort of Shimla (2130 m) - the capital of the mountain state of Himachal.
Shimla was one a string of hill stations that
the British established to escape from the scorching heat of the plains. The
12 km, crescentshaped ridge on which it is located was first occupied by the
British troops, in the early part of the 19th century, during the Anglo-Gurkha
War.
The little village of Shymala, a retreat for
British officers, soon grew to become the glamorous summer capital of the
British, in India.
Shimla's salubrious climate, easy
accessibility and numerous attractions have made it one of the most popular
hill stations in northern India. The splendid views of the show-clad ranges of
the Himalayas, fine walks through oak and flowering rhododendron, enchanting
resorts within easy reach, golf Naldehra and skiing at Kufri and Narkanda make
Shimala an attractive destination throughout the year.
THE RIDGE - SHIMLA:
The large open space in the heart of town presents excellent view of the
mountain ranges. Shimla's landmarks-the Neo-Gothic structure of Christ Church
and the new-Tudor library building are worth seeing.
THE MALL - SHIMLA:
Main shopping centre of shimla with restaurants. the Gaiety Theatre, which is
a reproduction of an old British theatre is a center of cultural activities.
A passenger lift of HPTDC can be taken from the Cart Road and the Mall. Lakkar
Bazaar adjacent to the Ridge is popular for its wood crafts and souvenirs.
KALI BARI TEMPLE - SHIMLA:
Few yards from scandal Point towards General Post Office. It is believed that
the idol of Goddess Shayamla is enshrined there.
JAKHOO TEMPLE (2.5 Km) 2455 m: Shimla's highest peak offers a panoramic
view of the town. An ancient "Lord Hanuman" temple. Way from Ridge
near Church (on foot) One can also hire pony or taxi to visit the temple.
STATE MEUSEUM (3 Km): Ancient Historical Sculptors and paintings of
Himachal Pradesh. Visiting hours 10 AM to 5 PM. Closed on Monday and gazetted
holidays.
INDIAN INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED STUDIES (4 Km) 1983 m: This magnificent
English renaissance structure was the former Viceregal Lodge. Its lawns and
woodland are added attractions. Entry by ticket.
PROSPECT HILL (5 Km) 2155 m: Crowned by a temple dedicated to Kamna
Devi 15 minutes walk from Boileauganj on shimla Bilaspur road. the hill offers
a spectacular views of the area.
SUMMER HILL (7 Km) 1983 m: A picturesque superb on Shimla-Kalka Railway
line. Offers shady walks in quiet surroundings. The Father of Nation, Mahatma
Gandhi during his visit to Shimla lived in the elegant Georgian House of Raj
Kumari Amrit Kaur. HP University is situated here.
CHADWICK FALLS (7 Km) 1586 m: Surrounded by thick forests. About 45
minutes walk from Summer Hill Chowk.
SANKAT MOCHAN (7 Km) 1975 m: On Shimla-Kalka road (NH-22) is famous
"Lord Hanuman" temple. It commands an excellent view of Shimla town.
The place can be visited by Bus/Taxi.
TARA DEVI (11 Km) 1851 m: On Shimla - Kalka road (NH-22) this holy
place is accessible by Rail, bus and car. From the station/road-one can visit
the temple either on foot or by taxi / jeep.
FAGU (22 Km) 2450 m: On Hindustan-Tibet Road. It has enchanting views.
Himachal Tourism runs the Hotel peach Blossom.
NARKANDA (60 Km) 2708 m: On the Hindustan Tibet road, Narkanda offers
spectacular views of snow ranges. An uphill trek through Deodar woods leads to
Hatu Peak (8 Km). Ancient temple of Hatu Mata is alive with skiers.
HPTDC runs Hotel Hatu and in winters short skiing courses are organised.
KOTGARH (82 Km) 1830 m: Motorable, bifurcation from Narkanda (18 Km)
Land of apples and apricots.
SARAHAN (176 Km) 1950 m: On Hindustan Tibet Road from Jeori Sarahan is
(17 Km) with spectacular view of Srikhand range. Sarahan has the majestic
Bhimkali Temple. Himachal Tourism runs Hotel Shrikhand. Saharan is the gateway
to Kinnaur. A Pheasant Breading Centre and stadium are worth visiting.
KHARAPATHHAR (85 Km) 2673 m: Motorable on Shimla-Rohru road. A famous
religious shrine Giriganga is 7 Km on foot or by jeep. HPTDC Tourist complex
Giriganga Resort under construction.
JUBBAL (90 Km) 1892 m: Headquarters of the erstwhile Princely State,
Jubbal has a superbly maintained Palace which was designed by a French
architect in the 1930 and is remarkable mix of European and indigenous styles.
HATKOTI (104 Km) 1400 m: Motorable on shimla-Rohru highway. Famous for
ancient temple of Mata Hateswari in the midst of paddy fields on the right
bank of the Pabber river. HPTDC runs Hotel Pabber here.
MASHOBRA (12 Km) 2148 m: Motorable on Shimla-Naldehra road. Surrounded
by thick forests and offers ideal walks. Goddess Durga temple is worth seeing.
CRAIGNANO (18 Km) 2149 m: Motorable on Shimla-Naldhera road, Ideal
picnic spot with lawns and garden.
NALDEHRA (22 Km) 2044 m: Motorable On Shimla Tattapani road. this is a
nine hole golf course. It was designed by the British viceroy, Lord Curzon who
was so enchanted by this place that he gave his daughter Alexandra, Naldehra
as her second name. Ancient Nag temple is also situated here. Himachal Tourism
runs Hotel Golf Glade here.
TATTAPANI (65 Km) 680 m: Motorable on Shimla-Mandi Highway via Naldehra.
Tattapani has hot water springs having sulpher contents, also Hindu temples
and Shiv Goofa at Saraur (4 Km) are worth seeing places
CHINDI (94 Km) 2010 m: Motorable on Shimla-Mandi highway via Tattapani
- A beautiful place in Karsog Valley. Himachal tourism's tourist Resort is
opening shortly. One can also visit famous mahunag Temple (18 Km). Mamleshwar
mahadev Temple (13 Km) Kamaksha Devi temple (19 Km) Pangna Killa/temple (8 Km)
and Shikari Devi Temple (18 Km).
Around Shimla
Mashobra (2,149 m)
Noted for its apple orchards and thick woods of oak and pine. Mashobra is a
sylvan retreat with pretty walks and pIcnic spots. A little track leads down
to Sipur a grassy glade with a stream wandering through it. Excursions are
possible to Shali Peak - the highest point in the area or to Craignano (3 km)
with its elegant guest house set in a delightful flower-filled garden. (9.6
km)
Kufri (2,622 m)
Kufri is a noted summer and winter resort with its glorious views of forested
slopes and tall ranges iced in a covering of perpetual snow. A fine ski
resort, Kufri has a winter season that extends from January to March. A
sparkling winter sports festival is held each year in February. (16 km)
Fagu (2,509 m)
Just 6 km from Kufri, Fagu is a vantage point with panoramic views of the
ranges and valleys. Picturesquely located amid forests and orchards, Fagu has
a rest house and tourist bungalow overlooking the Giri Valley.
Naldehra
The scenic, nine hole golf course with its springly turf and crown of deodar
was laid out at the instance of the Viceroy, Lord Curzon. So enamoured was he
by the beauty of the spot, that he named his youngest daughter Alexandra
Naldera. (23 km)
Tattapani
Tattapani is just 28 km from Naldehra, along a road winding through the scenic
country side. The hot sulphur springs here, are hoted for their invigorating
and curative powers. (51 km)
Narkanda (2,708 m)
A hill road with superb views links Narkanda with Shimla Narkanda, located
amidst fragrant pine forests is a ski resort in winter. It has a choice of
slopes ranging from a beginners run and a slalom slope, to sharper descents
for the experienced skier. (64 km)
Hattu Peak (3,300 m)
Rising above forests of spruce, the Hattu Peak is a vantage point with
spectacular views. (8 km). The pretty orchard country of Thanedar and Kotgarh
- beautiful in spring - are not far away. Khadrala and Beghi with their dense
forests and Kumarsain with an interesting wooden palace are also within easy
reach of Narkanda.
Hatkati (1,100 m)
In the picturesque valley of the River Pabbar, about 104 km from Shimla, is
noted for its historic temple dedicated to Durga. Enroute to Hatkoti is the
village of Kotkhai, splendidly located among apple orchards - a village with
fine traditional architecture. Jabbal, once the capital of a princely state
with its impressive palace is also on the way.
Beyond Hatkoti, 11 km away, is Rohru (1,149 m) on the River Pabbar - an
excellent spot for angling, with fishing pools teeming with trout. The trout
hatchery at Chirgaon, (15 km) upstream, ensures a well stocked river.
Rampur
Rampur was once the capital of the princely state of Bushair and a major
centre on the old trade route into Tibet. The annual Lavi Fair, held in the
second week of November, is still an important event for the inhabitants of
the region. They gather to buy, sell and barter their produce - homespun
blankets, shawls, wool and dry fruits - and to celebrate the event with music
and dance.
Rampur, on the banks of the Sutlej is on the
N.H. 22 - the old Hindustan-Tibet Road that goes from Shimla into Kinnaur. The
scenic village of Sarahan with its fascinating Bhimkali Temple is on this road
beyound Rampur. (140 km).
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