The former summer capital of the British in India, and the present
capital of Himachal Pradesh,
Shimla has been blessed with all the natural bounties which one can think of.
It has got a scenic location, it is surrounded by green hills with snow capped
peaks. The spectacular cool hills accompanied by the structures made during the
colonial era creates an aura which is very different from other hill.
Bulging at its seams with unprecedented expansion, Shimla retains
its colonial heritage, with grand old buildings, among them are the
stately Viceregal Lodge, charming iron lamp posts and Anglo-Saxon names.
The Mall,
packed with shops and eateries, is the centre of attraction of the
town, and Scandal Point, associated with the former Maharaja of
Patiala's escapades, offers a view of distant snow clad peaks.
Motorable on Shimla-Naldhera road, Ideal picnic spot with lawns and garden.
Shimla is ideally located, and though there is an air service to the
town, it is best reached by road that takes in the charms of the HIMALAYAN
countryside at its best. There is a sense of nostalgia about SHIMLA, with its
old bungalows and their gabled roofs and beautiful gardens.
Places
to visit
Kamna
Devi Temple
Situated above Boileauganj, the temple offers splendid views
of the town, the airfield and the ranges.
The
Glen
4
km away, this is a thickly wooded ravine through which a stream flows. This is
a popular picnic spot and is especially attractive after crossing the initial
two hundred metres or so.
Annadale
5 km away from the city center, this
place is best known for a helipad. This large glade has a golf course
surrounded by thick deodar woods and has a charming temple by an edge.
Chail
Chail
was the summer capital of the former princely state of Patiala. It came into
being in the late nineteenth century when it’s handsome and dashing Maharaja
Bhupender Singh was banished from Shimla, the summer capital of British India
for a dalliance with the British Commander –in-Chief’s daughter. The Maharaja
is believed to have chosen this spot as his own summer retreat as it was within
direct line vision of shimla, but higher. The land already belonged to him.
Chail
is built over three hills-the Palace Hotel (the former palace) crowns Rajgarh
Hill, the 'Sidh Baba ka mandir' is atop the Sidh Hill, while the third is the
Pandhewa Hill which holds the house of the one-time British Resident.
Chindi (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).
Tatapani
(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.
Naldhera
(2044 m)
23 km away from
Shimla, at 2044 m this has a thick cedar forest, picnic grounds and a
nine-hole par 68 Golf course that is regarded as one of the most challenging in
the country. In the repeat nine there are four additional greens and different
tees, which increase the yardage in the second round. This was designed by the
British Viceroy of India, Lord Curzon and he was so enchanted by the spot that
he often camped here for days on end communicating with Viceregal Lodge by
means of a heliograph. He even named his daughter after the place.
The Naldehra of today
is a full fledged golf and leisure destination that offers comprehensive
facilities like quality accommodation and food through Himachal Tourism Hotel
Golf Glade. Equipment and instructors are available at the Golf Club and it is
possible to play by paying a daily green fee.
Craignano (2149 m)
Motorable on Shimla-Naldhera road, Ideal picnic spot with lawns and
garden.
Mahsobra (2148 m)
Motorable on Shimla-Naldehra road. Surrounded by thick
forests and offers ideal walks. Goddess Durga temple is worth seeing.
Hatkoti (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.
Kharapathar (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.
Sarahan
(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.
Rampur
(924 m)
On the Hindustan Tibet Road. Once the capital of the Princely
State of Bushahr, the town is situated on the banks of Satluj river, Big
Commercial Centre and famous International Lavi fare which is held in November
every year, 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.
Kotgarh
(1830 m)
Motorable, bifurcation from Narkanda (18 Km) Land of apples
and apricots.
Narkanda
(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.
Fagu
(2450 m)
On Hindustan-Tibet
Road. It has enchanting views. Himachal Tourism runs the Hotel peach Blossom.
Tara Devi (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.
Sankat
Mochan (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.
Chadwick
Falls (1586 m)
7 km away from the town, past the Summer Hill, surrounded by
woods, rain-fed falls greet the visitors here.
Summer
Hill (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.
Prospect
Hill
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.
Indian
Institute of Advance Sudies – Viceregal Lodge
3 km away, IIAS is housed in the former Viceregal Lodge.
Built in 1988 this is a spectacular English renaissance-inspired grey-stone
structure with superb Burma teak woodwork on the interiors. It is surrounded by
magnificent grounds and also has a small museum.
State
Museum
The State Museum lies
atop mount pleasant in a house called 'Inverarm'. It has a rich display of the
state's cultural, artistic and archaeological heritage, ancient historical
sculptors and paintings of Himachal Pradesh. Visiting hours 10 AM to 5 PM.
Closed on Monday and gazetted holidays.
Jakhoo Temple
Two km from city
centre, this is Shimla’s highest point and offers a panoramic view of the
town’s hills and distant mountain ranges. There are spectacular views at
sunrise and sunset especially during the monsoons. The peak has a temple
dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Legend has it that he stopped here while searching
for the sanjivini plant – the herb required to cure Laxman who lay mortally
wounded on a battlefield in Lanka in an episode from the epic Ramayana. A
variation of the legend says that his sandal fell here. The temple has been
exhaustively renovated and this vantage point is being connected by a ropeway.
At the top of the hill in the temple complex a 108 feet tall idol of Lord
Hanuman is a big attraction for the tourists.
The way to the temple
is, on foot, from the Ridge near Christ Church. Other option is to hire pony
from the Ridge or drive taking via the Cart Road.
The Mall
This is the hub of Shimla’s social life. Lined by shops and
restaurants this pedestrian thoroughfare loosely resembles an English Home
County’s marketplace. The Gaiety Theatre, which is a reproduction of an old
British theatre is a center of cultural activities. A passenger lift
operated by HPTDC can be taken from the Cart Road to The Mall. Lakkar Bazaar
adjacent to the Ridge is popular for its wood crafts and souvenirs.
Kaali
Bari Temple
Few yards from scandal Point towards General Post Office. It
is believed that the idol of Goddess Shayamla is enshrined there.
The
Ridge
The large open space in the heart of town presents excellent
view of the mountain ranges.
About PRABISH BISHUNGKHE
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