Tour @ Shimla

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.

Himalaya View From Kufri , SHIMLA

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.