Shimla Hill Station | Shimla Places

Shimla, formerly known as Simla, is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh. In 1864, Shimla was declared the summer capital of the British Raj in India. A popular tourist destination, Shimla is often referred to as the "Queen of Hills," a term coined by the British. Located in the north-west Himalayas at an average altitude of 2,205 metres (7,234 ft), the city of Shimla, draped in forests of pine, rhododendron, and oak, experiences pleasant summers and cold, snowy winters. The city is famous for its buildings styled in tudorbethan and neo-gothic architecture dating from the colonial era. Shimla is connected to the city of Kalka by one of the longest narrow gauge railway routes still operating in India, the Kalka-Shimla Railway. Shimla is approximately 115 km (71.4 miles) from Chandigarh, the nearest major city, and 365 km (226.8 miles) from New Delhi, the national capital. The city is named after the goddess Shyamala Devi, an incarnation of the Hindu Goddess Kali.

How to Reach at Shimla:

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.

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.

By Road:

Shimla is connected by road to all major cities in north India. Taxi cabs for Shimla are available at Delhi, Chandigarh, Ambala and Kalka. Several state-run transport corporations including the Himachal Tourism Development Corporations ply Volvo ac and deluxe buses from Delhi and Chandigarh. Buses can also be chartered.

Geography of Shimla:

Shimla is located in the north-western ranges of the Himalayas. At an average altitude of 2397.59 meters (7866.10 ft) above mean sea level, the city is spread on a ridge and its seven spurs. The city stretches nearly 9.2 km from east to west. The highest point in Shimla, at 2454 meters (8051 ft), is the Jakhoo hill. Shimla is a Zone IV (High Damage Risk Zone) per the Earthquake hazard zoning of India. Weak construction techniques and increasing population pose a serious threat to the already earthquake prone region. There are no bodies of water near the main city and the closest river, Sutlej, is about 21 km (13 miles) away. Other rivers that flow through the Shimla district, although further from the city, are Giri, and Pabbar (both are tributaries of Yamuna). The green belt in Shimla planning area is spread over 414 hectares (1023 acres). The main forests in and around the city are that of pine, deodar, oak and rhododendron. Environmental degradation due to the increasing number of tourists every year without the infrastructure to support them has resulted in Shimla losing its popular appeal as an ecotourism spot. Another rising concern in the region are the frequent number of landslides that often take place after heavy rains.

Shimla Weather:

View Detailed 9 Day Weather Forecasts for Shimla, webcams, weather maps & more at Weather-Forecast.com

Climate of Shimla:

Shimla in general has a mild highland climate, with temperatures in peak winters, falling below 0°C

Shimla features a subtropical highland climate under the Koppen climate classification. The climate in Shimla is predominantly cool during winters, and moderately warm during summers. The temperatures range from -4 °C (24.8 °F) to 31 °C (87.8 °F) over the year. The average temperature during summer is between 19 °C and 28 °C, and between -1 °C and 10 °C in winter. Monthly precipitation varies between 24 mm in November to 415 mm in July. It is typically around 45 mm per month during winter and spring and around 115 mm in June as the monsoon approaches. The average total annual precipitation is 1520 mm (62 inches). Snowfall in the region, which historically has taken place in the month of December, has lately (over the last fifteen years) been happening in January or early February every year.

Shimla Places:

The Mall:

The Mall is the main shopping street 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. The mall is dotted with many eating places .The most famous among them is Trishul bakery which is known for its pastries.

Christ Church:

Situated on the Ridge, Christ Church is the second oldest church in Northern India. Built with a new gothic architecture, it was consecrated in 1857.

Jakhu Hill:

2 km 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 Lord 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 protect hill-out and the cultural wealth of the state. There is a collection of miniature Pahari paintings, sculptures, bronzes wood-carvings and also costumes, textiles and jewellery of the region.

Indian Institute of Advanced Study:

This institute is housed in the Viceregal Lodge, built in 1884-88.

Summer Hill:

Situated at a distance of 5 km 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 km from the Ridge at a height of 6,117 ft. It is a favourite spot for cricket, picnics and polo.

Tara Devi:

11 km from the Shimla bus-stand. Tara Devi hill 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.

Sankat Mochan:

A Lord Hanuman temple is located here.

Junga:

Junga is a Tehsi 26 km from Shimla; its original name (with diacritics) is Jūnga and is a former royal retreat of the princely state of Junga (also known as Keonthal Estate).

Mashobra:

13 km from Shimla, site of the annual Sipi fair in June.

Kufri:

16 km from Shimla at a height of 8,600 ft, Kufri is the winter sports capital and also has a small zoo.

Chharabra:

13 km from Shimla on route to Kufri.

Naldehra:

22 km from Shimla, with a nine-hole Naldehra Golf Club. The annual Sipi fair in June is held in Naldehra.

Chail:

Chail was the summer capital of the Maharaja of Patiala before Independence, known for its cricket pitch, the highest in the world.

Arki:

Arki (46 km) is the site of an 18th century fort built when Arki was the capital of the erstwhile hill state of Baghal

Tatapani:

Location of sulphur springs which are found near the Tatapani mandir(holy temple)

Sanjauli:

The main suburb of Shimla.

A 108 feet (33 metre) statue of Lord Hanuman, a Hindu deity, at 8,500 feet (2,591 metres) above sea level, is the highest statue in the world, overtaking the Christ Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Site nearby Shimla:

Rampur (80KM) :

On the Hindustan Tibet Road. Once the capital of the Princely State of Bushahr, the town is situated on the banks of Satluj river. The whole area is a maze of lanes, shops and temples. In the month of November, the Lavi Fair is organized here. Dumgir Buddhist Temple, Padam Palace, Raghunath Temple, Ayodhya temple and Narsingh Temple, are worth visiting. Himachal Tourism runs a tourist Complex and air conditioned Cafe, Satluj.

Wild Flower Hall (13KM) :

On the Mahasu range, at Charabra, 13 km from Shimla, is the Wild Flower Hall situated at an altitude of 2,498 m. Nestling among picturesque sylvan surroundings, the Wild Flower Hall commands a breathtaking view of the snows. A major fire damaged it in 1993. Serving as a hotel today, it attracts many tourists who wish to revisit the grandeur of a bygone era.

Mashobra (10KM) :

Situated on Shimla-Naldehra road at a height of 2149 mt. A place of unique beauty, Mashobra is an ideal interlude beneath the oaks and the pines. Featuring beautiful gardens spattered with the daffodils, hyacinths, asphodels and celandines, it is a popular weekend resort, dotted with delightful villas and innumerable picnic spots. Goddess Durga temple is worth seeing From here, a track leads down to Sipur, which is an exquisite glade shaded by ancient deodar trees. A fair is held here every April/May. About 3 km from Mashobra is the lovely resort of Craignano.

Kufri (16KM) :

Kufri, at distance of 16 km from Shimla and at an altitude of 2510 m above sea level, is a site offering some famous hikes and wonderful snow for skiing in winters. An enjoyable walk leads up to the Mahasu Peak. The Himalayan Nature Park here has a good collection of animals and birds found in the region.

Narkanda (64KM) :

Narkanda, offers wonderful slopes for skiing. At an elevation of 2708 m, it has dense pine forests. Hatu peak, 8 km from Narkanda, provides a striking panorama of the plains below. Narkanda offers spectacular views of snow ranges. Ancient temple of Hatu Mata is alive with skiers. HPTDC runs Hotel Hatu and in winters short skiing courses are organised.

Fagu (22KM) :

Fagu Situated on Hindustan-Tibet Road (22-km), at a height of 2,450m Fagu is gifted with some enchanting views. Himachal Tourism runs the Hotel peach Blossom.

Chail (43KM) :

Chail is a lush green setting and was the former capital of the Patiala State. It has the world’s highest cricket ground at a height of 2250 m, built in 1893. It is also a hiker’s paradise and there is a wildlife sanctuary at a distance of 3 km from here. Himachal Tourism runs the Palace Hotel (Earlier the Palace of Maharaja Of Patiala)

Sarahan :

On Hindustan Tibet Road beyond Rampur is a small village worth visiting. It provides a spectacular view of Shrikhand Mahadev (5227 m) and hiking opportunities to the nearby villages such as Ranwin and Bashal Peak. The Bhimakali temple, dedicated to Goddess Durga, is the finest example of Indo-Tibetan architecture. As per legend, this is where goddess Shakti destroyed the mythical demon king, Bhasmasur. It is a highly revered place of pilgrimage. Saharan is the gateway to Kinnaur. A Pheasant Breading Centre and stadium are worth visiting. The area is a rich bowl of quality apples and other varieties of delicious fruits.

Tattapani :

51 km from Shimla, is a spot well known for hot sulfurous springs. Shiv Goofa at Saraur (4 Km) is also worth visiting. One can enjoy fishing.

Naldehra :

Naldehra, at an altitude of 2050 m and 23 km from Shimla on Shimla- Tattapani road, houses the oldest and the highest golf course in India. In the middle of the course is a temple, Mahunag Mandir. It was a favorite pastime spot of Lord Curzon.

Kotgarh :

Kotgarh It lies 82 kms from Shimla and is the apple heartland of Himachal. It was here that Satyanand Stokes, an American missionary, first sowed the apple seed brought from back home and pioneered the apple cultivation revolution in Himachal. Today Kotgarh continues to be one of the most intensive apple growing areas in the country with acres of orchards lining the slopes of this untouched dreamland. The beautiful house with all modern amenities that one can think of takes one by surprise. Situated in the midst of countless acres of rolling orchards, The River View Cottage offers twin bedded luxury accommodation in the lap of solitude. The view of the Sutlej River during the day and the enchanting lights of this beautiful
valley at night are a photographer's delight.The house also has a library to offer where one can read the Stokes family history, it being closely associated with the history of Himachal itself. In the evening one can explore Mr. Singha's impressive wine collection and savour some interesting apple wines too ! The meals offered also include tasting some unique Pahari cuisine specially prepared under Mrs. Singha's expertise. If the explorer's instinct overtakes you, there are various options of fascinating one-day excursions and soft-treks around Kotgarh.

Hatkoti :

KOTI (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.

Distances of Tourist Spots from Shimla:

Shimla to Manali -- 260 km.
Shimla to Mandi -- 150 km.
Shimla to Dharamshala -- 270 km.
Shimla to Dharamshala -- 235 km.
Shimla to Dalhousie -- 336 km.
Shimla to Sarahan -- 175 km.
Shimla to Sangla -- 230 km.
Shimla to Kalpa -- 244 km.
Shimla to Nako -- 324 km.
Shimla to Tabo -- 374 km.
Shimla to Kaza -- 421 km.
Shimla to Hatkoti -- 109 km.
Shimla to Chirgaon --137 km.
Shimla to Kasauli -- 75 km.
Shimla to Renuka -- 165 km.

Adventure and Trekking in Shimla:

There are very few places in the world as richly endowed as Himachal Pradesh with its geographical diversity. Shimla is situated in the Shivalik range of Himalayas with combination of low lying hills to gigantic mountains. Shimla district is full of thickly populated pine trees and small rivulets, rivers in deep gorges and placid mountains lakes, mountain sides draped in snow, and green alpine meadows, all form a part of this immense spectrum. And the possibilities for a wide range of adventure activities is enormous. There are day-hikes by the thousand, and trek routes follow trails that last couple of days or can even extend over few weeks. These vary from gentle walks over easy terrain, to grueling expeditions. There is skiing, heliskiing and ice-skating. there is the thrill of paragliding and the test of stamina with mountain-cycling. You can go camping and fishing and play golf or take a safari by car, jeep or on motorcycle. All you have to do is make up your mind and select your own activity. No special training is required for most things, age is no consideration and all you need is reasonable level of fitness. Equipment, training and instructors are available. And then, all this comes at a fraction of what it would cost elsewhere in the world.

Trekking Routes :

Shimla to Kullu over the Jalori Pass (3300 m)
Shimla to Kullu via Bashleo Pass (3250 m)
Shimla- Rohroo- Sangla
Sarahan to Sangla
Shimla to Hatupeak
Shimla to the Shalipeak
Shimla to Churdhar
Shimla to Chail
Shimla to Junga
Shimla to Tattapani

Fishing:

Acclaimed as the best sport fish in the world, both Brown and Rainbow Trout are found in the Upstreams of Pabbar river in Rohru, 110Kms from Shimla. There are several spots ideal for fishing. Chirgaon has a trout hatchery and other sites are - Seema, Mandil, Sandsu, Tikri and Dhamvari all are within 5 to 25 km of Rohru .. Mahseer Fishing is available at Tattapani 46 km from Shimla. The licenses for fishing at Pabbar can be had from the Officer of Fisheries stationed at Chirgaon.

No fishing is allowed during the following seasons:

Mahseer : 1st June to 31st July (General water)
Trout water :1st November to 31 January.

Skiing :

Skiing is possible at Narkanda and Kufri (January–mid-March). HPTDC organises ski courses of 7 days and 15 days duration at Narkanda. One can get himself registered with the HPTDC for the course and all the facilities of equipment, lodging and boarding are provided

Golf:

At Naldera, 23 km. from beyond Shimla is one of the oldest golf courses in India. The course, whose topography is absolutely natural, was originally placed by the British Viceroy of India,Golf Lord Curzon, at the turn of the centuary. He was so enchanted by the spot that he named one of his daughters 'Naldera' after the spot. This is a par 68, nine hole course which is regarded as one of the most challenging in the country. In the repeat nine, the yardage some - what increases. The links are maintained by Himachal Tourism and accommodation is available at Hotel Golf Glade. There are other hotels in the private sector near Naldera.

Ice Skating :

The Shimla ice-skating rink has the largest open-air area with naturally frozen ice in this part of the world. The Ice Skating Club has already celebrated its Diamond Jubilee.

Ice-skating normally begins in early December and carries on to February. Clear skies and lowIce Skating, Shimla temperatures provide series of uninterrupted sessions. There are two sessions every day, in the morning and in the evening depending upon the frozen ice on the ground . The hanging balloon on the Municipal Building adjacent to scandal point works as signal, wheather the skating is going to held on that day or not.

Membership is available for the season as well as for shorter terms and even for single sessions. Skates are available at the rink.

Fancy dress carnivals, 'gymkhanas' ice-hockey and dances enliven every season.

Camping :

The best way of enjoying a tour to Himachal Pradesh is setting up a camp to explore the vast beauty of nature. you can put up your own tent or take shelter under the roof offered by any of several camps that are situated in various parts of Himachal Pradesh. These camps offer accommodation, catering and lot of other activities.Most of these camps offer best quality services. Himachal Tourism has camps in Distt. Shimla at Mashobra and Baldian near Shimla.

Source: http://hpshimla.nic.in/sml_tourism.htm

Shimla Photo: