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| Shimla |
Geography of Shimla
Shimla is a 18 sq km mountainous region lying at an
altitude of 2,213 meters in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The
Shivalik ranges are to the far south, the Dhauladhar and the Pir
Panjal ranges cut through it; the Himalayas fall to the north east
of Shimla. Sub-tropical forests, maize fields and orchards give way
to pine, cedar and snow as you move to the higher slopes. Cars and
taxis are not allowed on the upper slopes. They stop at Cart Road,
which is the main thoroughfare in Shimla. Buses and taxis stop here.
The Mall runs east-west and ends at Scandal Point. The Ridge Road
joins Scandal Point to Christ Church. The central shopping area of
the Mall has a promenade packed with clubs, restaurants and bars.
From the top of Scandal Point you can get good views of the town and
Christ Church.
Places to see in Shimla
The Mall:
The
Mall, like most hill stations in North India, is the main shopping
centre of Shimla. It also has many restaurants, clubs, banks, bars,
Post Offices and tourist offices. The Gaiety Theatre is also
situated there. People walk up and down the Mall slowly, stopping to
gossip, as it is the main meeting place for everyone. The Ridge and
Scandal point are the two main meeting points at the Mall.
Christ Church:
Situated on the Ridge is Christ Church, which 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.
Christ Church is a place all visitors should spend some time in.
Jakhu Hill:
2 kms. from Shimla, at a height of 8000 ft, Jakhu Hill is the highest
peak and offers a beautiful view of the town and of the snow-covered
Himalayas. At the top of the Hill, is an old temple of Hanuman,
which is also the home of countless playful monkeys waiting to be
fed by all visitors.
Shimla State Museum:
The
Museum, which was opened in 1974, has tried to project hill-out and
the cultural wealth of the state. Art objects in the Museum
collection are mostly related to art, archaeology and cultural
anthropology of Himachal and other states of India. At present
Museum, has about 9000 objects in its collection. At the outset,
museum started with four galleries. Since then more galleries have
been added. These galleries pertain to Pre- historic, Indian
Archaeology, Woodcarvings, Himachal Archaeology, Pahari Miniature
Paintings Monuments, Photographs, Rajasthan paintings, Bronzes,
Numismatic, Arms Gallery, Gandhi Gallery, Philatelic,
Anthropological, Contemporary Art & Wall Paintings gallery. In
addition to these galleries museum has one exhibition hall for
arranging the exhibition and other museum activities.
Indian Institute of Advanced Studies:
This institute is housed in the Viceregal Lodge, which was built in
1884-88 during the British times. It has spacious gardens and is
ringed by beautiful pine trees. All is calm and serene just the
right atmosphere for a student of literature or politics.
Summer Hill:
Situated at a distance of 5 kms. 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 kms. from the Ridge at a height of 6,117 ft. It is a favourite
spot for cricket, picnics and the princely game of polo.
Around Shimla
Tara Devi:
11kms. from the Shimla bus-stand. Tara Devi 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. At a height of 6,070 ft. Tara Devi is an ideal
place for a person wanting peace and some rest.
Sankat Mochan:
A
popular Hanuman temple is located here. We get an excellent view of
Shimla from the temple. It can be reached by car or on foot.
Mashobra:
13
kms. away from Shimla, Mashobra has several excellent picnic spots.
Mashobra offers ideal walks amidst oak and pine trees. Mashobra is
the site of the annual Sipi fair in June. The nearest rest house is
at Craignano which is 3 kms. from Mashobra, and is a beautiful
holiday resort.
Naldehra:
23
kms. Under a skyline etched with conifers, Naldehra offers a well
groomed nine-hole Golf course; undulating hills and giant deodars,
make it a unique spot for picnics. Regular bus and taxi service.
HPTDC Restaurant, Hotel Golf Glade and Golf Club.
Tattapani:
43
kms. Situated on the bank of river Sutlej it is well known of its
hot springs. Regular bus and taxi service.
Wildflower Hall:
13
kms. Nestling among sylvan surroundings, the stately Hotel
Wildflower Hall of the HPTDC affords a magnificent view of the
mighty Himalayas and perennial snows. Charming in summer and
fascinating in autumn, when winter casts its mantle of snow
Wildflower Hall assumes an ethereal look.
Fruit Research Station:
18
km. The biggest fruit research station in northern India.
Indira Holiday Home:
18
kms. Deodar forests at an altitude of 2,623 metres. Mini zoo, and
yak and pony riding.
Chail:
43
kms. (via Kufri) and 62 km. (via Kandaghat). Chail, at a height of
2,250 metres, combines the charm and beauty of a remote and peaceful
mountain resort with the splendor and elegance of a princely
reserve. Chail was the summer capital of the Maharaja of Patiala
before Independence. The verdant forests around Chail are alive with
many species of birds and deer.
Barog:
55
kms. A verdant place of considerable scenic charm and beauty
affording extensive views of high mountains stretching range after
range and valleys swooping down the Haryana and Punjab plains.
Kasauli:
61
kms. from Chandigarh, 77 kms. from Shimla, Kasauli (1,927 metres) is
charming and quiet; an ideal place for those in search of peace and
relaxation.
Solan:
48
kms. A popular place, named after Shoolini Devi is a Mushroom City
of India. The Dr. Y S. Parmar University of Horticulture &
Forestry, one of its kind in Asia, is situated here.
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| Himalaya View From Kufri , SHIMLA |
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Kufri:
16
kms. Well known for its ski slopes. Commands good views. It also has
a Potato Research Station. Shimla has an added attraction of Mini
zoo amidst dense forest to the tourists where a rare breed of wild
animals and pheasants species commonly found in Himalayan forest
region have been kept in natural habitat. Spread over an area of
twenty hectares of land with rich flora and fauna about 140 wild
animals including pheasants of different verities 'Monal' the State
bird of Himachal Pradesh and one of the endangered species of
Himalayan region has been the other attractions of this zoo also
been placed safely in this mini zoo. The other attraction of this
zoo are Tibetan wolf, Brown Bear and Barking Deer. There are other
popular wild animals species in the Mini zoo such as leopard,
Ghoral, Samber, Himalayan Thar, Yak, black bear and number of
pheasants varieties. Himalayan Nature Park has been set up at Kufri
in 1992 which is spread in 90 hectare area and mini zoo has been set
up in this Park.
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