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The capital of Himachal Pradesh and former summer capital
of British India, Shimla is the states most important centre.
Overlooking terraced hillsides and cultivations, Shimla is
magnificently robed in dense forests of oak and pine, fur
and rhododendron, and it is best to travel here on the slow
train from Kalka. Bulging at its seams with unprecedented
expansion, Shimla retains a colonial aura, with its grand
old buildings, colonial edifices, quaint cottages, charming
iron lampposts and Anglo-Saxon names. Offering a view of distant
snow clad peaks, charming walks, whispering streams and swaying
fields, Shimla is also a convenient base for a variety of
adventure sports such as Skiing, Trekking, Fishing and Golfing
etc.
History
The British developed Shimla (called Shyamala earlier, another
name, by which the goddess Kali is called), after the location
was discovered first in 1819. In 1864 Shimla became summer
capital city of India. Rapid progress indeed! And then on,
every summer until 1939, the Government of India, literally
transported itself 2000 km, from the extreme summer heat that
trapped the British administrative centres of Delhi and Calcutta.
The Kalka-Shimla railway line, built in 1903, made it easier
for the sahibs to reach the cool altitudes of Shimla. After
1947, Punjab was administered, from here. It became the capital
of the state of Himachal Pradesh in 1966.
Culture
The art of miniature painting, is one of the finest gifts
of India to the art world. Pahari is the popular term coined
for the paintings, done in the various Sub-Himalayan states.
Most of the schools of Pahari painting, developed and flourished
from about 17th to 19th centuries in the present state of
Himachal Pradesh. This hilly region, then divided into twentytwo
small principalities, was ruled by Rajput kings or chieftains,
who were all great connoisseurs of art, with and most of them
maintaining ateliers. The Pahari rulers were tributaries to
the Mughals and they often visited the Imperial court and
were familiar with Mughal traditions and tastes. With the
decline of the Mughal Empire, many of the painters trained
in the refined Mughal style migrated to the Hills.
Climate &
Geogaphical Location
The climate is cool and chilled in winter season and pleasant
and sunny in the summer season. Shimla lies at an altitude
of 2202 mtrs.
How to Reach
Shimla is well connected by rail, road and air. By air, the
nearest airport is at Jaubbarhatti 23 Km from downtown. It
connects Shimla to Delhi and Kullu. By rail, Kalka is the
nearest broad gauge railhead and is connected to Delhi, Jodhpur,
Amritsar and Kolkata (Howrah). Chandigarh, 26 Km southwest
of Kalka, can also be used as an alternative railway station
for access. By road, National Highway no. 22 connects Shimla
to all parts of the Northern Region and the state with a wide
and good network of roads. Road distances to some important
centres in the region and the state are: Delhi 370 Km, Chandigarh
117 Km, Dehradoon 245 km, Pathankot 295 Km, Manali 260 Km,
Mandi 150 Km, Palampur 235 Km, Dharamsala 235 Km and Dalhousie
336 Km.
Tourist Places
 Christ
Church & St Michaels Cathedral
The second oldest church
in northern India the Christ Church, overlooking the ridge was
built between 1846 and 2857. The clocks were added three years
later, but none of them now work. The church is one of Shimlas
major landmarks and is renowned for its stained glass windows.
You can discreetly have a look inside the church, or attend
English-language services every Sunday morning during the tourist
season. The other main church in Shimla is St Michaels Cathedral
just below the Central Telegraph Office.
 Jakhu
Temple
Dedicated to the monkey
god, Hanuman, Jakhu Temple is east of the town centre near
the highest point of the Shimla ridge at 2455 mtrs. A steep
45 minute walk from Scandal Point, it offers fine views over
the surrounding valleys out to the snow-capped peaks, and
over Shimla itself. Appropriately, there are many monkeys
around the temple. Its a steep 45 minute walk from Scandal
Point.
 CHAIL.
This picturesque resort
located amidst scented forests of chinar, pine and gigantic
deodars was once the summer capital of Maharaja of Patiala.
The Palace was built in 19th century as the King of Patiala
(now a Heritage Hotel) was determined to develop Chail into
a resort par excellence exceeding Shimla in every way. Chail
is built on three hills on the other side of massive Himalayan
ranges spectacular in the sun and snow. Away from hustle and
bustle Chail is quit peaceful and comfortable place to visit.
Surrounded by gigantic deodar and well-maintained Chail Cricket
ground is the highest cricket ground in the world. Several
trek routes lead out of Chail up to the Chur Dhar peak and
to Shimla. During winters, skiing is possible at Narkanda.
There is also a wildlife sanctuary 3km from Chail with a limited
number of deer and birds. This is also great hiking country.
 Naldehra
Located at distance
of 22 km away, Naldehra is a pleasant little village famous
for having one of the oldest and highest oldest 9 hole golf
course in the country. The well groomed Golf Course is lovely
verdant, perhaps one of the finest and most sporty in India.
Crowned with a springing turf, the Golf Course here was suggested
by Lord Curzon. So enchanted was he by this place that he
gave his daughter Alexendra Naldehra as her second name. The
venue of many competitions, it is a spot of great natural
beauty. The Nag temple is also situated here and Naldehra
derives its name from it.
 Kufri.
Kufri at 8,150 ft has
some good hiking trails, including the one to Mahasu peak.
Ponies are a convenient way to explore the delightful valleys
and hills. The Indira Tourist Park also offers some delightful
views of the countryside. The Himalayan Nature Park is home
to local animals and birds but apart from a picturesque countryside,
there is not much to see here!
 Solan
Solan is known as the
home of the Mohan Meakin brewery, built in 1835, and is the
capital of the Solan district. It pretends to be another hill
station but does not have the scenery, facilities or charm
of nearby Shimla.
 Kasauli..
About 12km from the
Shimla to Kalka Road, Kasauli is a charming place and a popular
side trip from Shimla. There are numerous lovely walks around
Kasauli, including one to Sanawar, another picturesque hill
town, and the location of an established public school. The
4km walk to Monkey Point has great views.
Others
CHAIL. - This picturesque
resort located amidst scented forests of chinar, pine and
gigantic deodars was once the summer capital of Maharaja of
Patiala. The Palace was built in 19th century by the King
of Patiala nowthe palace is turn into a Heritage Hotel. CHRIST
CHURCH & ST. MICHALES CTHEDRAL - The second oldest church
in northern India the Christ Church, overlooking the ridge
was built between 1846 and 2857. The clocks were added three
years later, but none of them now work. HIMACHAL STATE MUSEUM
- About 2.5 km west of Scandal Point, the state museum has
a rich display of the states cultural, artistic and archeological
heritage. It has a good collection of statues, miniatures,
coins, photos and other items from around Himachal Pradesh.
HIMALAYAN AVIARY - Right next to the entrance of the Institute
complex is the Himalayan Bird Park or Aviary. It has a collection
of species found around Himachal Pradesh. The Himalayan Monal,
various types of pheasants and the national bird of India,
the Indian peafowl can be seen here. JAKHU TEMPLE - Dedicated
to the monkey god, Hanuman, Jakhu Temple is east of the town
centre near the highest point of the Shimla ridge at 2455
mtrs. A steep 45 minute walk from Scandal Point, it offers
fine views over the surrounding valleys out to the snow-capped
peak. KASAULI - About 12km from the Shimla to Kalka Road,
Kasauli is a charming place and a popular side trip from Shimla.
There are numerous lovely walks around Kasauli, including
one to Sanawar, another picturesque hill town. KOTGARH - The
apple heartland of Himachal, the view of the Sutlej River
during the day and the enchanting lights of this beautiful
valley at night are a photographers delight. KUFRI - Kufri
at 8,150 ft has some good hiking trails, including the one
to Mahasu peak. Ponies are a convenient way to explore the
delightful valleys and hills. The Indira Tourist Park also
offers some delightful views of the countryside. MASHOBRA
- About 11km from Shimla, the small village of Mashobra has
some pleasant walks, including one to Sipi, where there is
a fair every May and a wooden temple dedicated to Shiva. NALDEHRA
- Located at distance of 22 km away, Naldehra is a pleasant
little village famous for having one of the oldest and highest
oldest 9 hole golf course in the country. NARKANDA - Halfway
between Shimla and Rampur, Narkanda is basically a truck stop
town, but it is a popular place for skiing and hiking. The
3300m Hattu peak, 8km to the east, makes for a good day hike.
PETERHOFF - The historical Peterhoff complex located in the
heart of city at Chaura Maidan offers a panoramic view of
Choorchandani on the front side, Dhauladhar ranges on western
side and Kinnar Kailash on the eastern side. SOLAN - Solan
is known as the home of the Mohan Meakin brewery, built in
1835, and is the capital of the Solan district. It pretends
to be another hill station but does not have the scenery,
facilities or charm of nearby Shimla. VICEREGAL LODGE &
GARDENS - On the Observatory Hills is located the Viceregal
Lodge. Also known as Rashtrapati Niwas, it was formerly the
residence of the British Viceroy Lord Dufferin, was the venue
for many important decisions, which changed the fate of the
sub-continent.
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