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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