Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh and is the most popular and established hill station of Northern India. It is situated at an altitude of 2,130 m. in winter to in summer. It has a wide range of accommodation and all tourist facilities. Shimla is pleasant in summer and cold in winter. October and November are exceptionally pleasant, December-February is cold and there are snowfalls. March-April is pleasant but the weather can be quite changeable, storms are not infrequent and the air can feel very chill. It’s population size is 119,000. There are many hotels, suiting all pockets.
Places of Interest
The Mall
All visitors to Shimla inevitably walk down the Mall, the main promenade that runs along the top of the ridge-a busy shopping area with old colonial buildings, souvenir shops and restaurants. At the top end of the Mall is Scandal Point, a large open square with a view of the town-a favourite rendezvous for visitors and the local people. Overlooking it is the elegant Christ Church with its fine stained glass windows. The labyrinth of Shimla’s bazaars spill over the edge of the Mall. Housed in the Gothic splendour of the Viceregal Lodge is the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies, India’s premier academy for higher research.
Indian Institute of Advanced Studies
From 1823 onwards, for some six decades the Governors-General and later Viceroys of India had shuttled from one unsuitable residence to another during their summer sojourns in Shimla. It was Lord Lytton (1876-80), who chose Observatory Hill for constructing the building that was to be the final Viceregal address in town. The hill derives its name from Observatory House which was built in 1840 by Captain J. This magnificent English renaissance structure was the former Viceregal Lodge. Its lawns and woodland are added attractions. Entry by ticket.
Himachal State Museum
Shimla State Museum is set on top of a hill, above the Chaura Maidan at Shimla. It is housed in a colonial building, known as Inverarm. One has to hike about 1500 m to reach the colonial mansion housing the museum, but the rich collection exhibited here definitely makes it worth the effort. Simla State Museum has a rich collection of anthropological items, early 19th century Pahari miniature paintings and numismatic finds on display. Very close to the Institute, in a colonial building set in spacious lawns, is the museum. It has collections of Pahariminiatures, stone sculpture, local handicrafts, textiles and embroidery.
Jakhoo Hill
Jakhoo Hill Murti has height of 108 feet at the highest altitude of over 8100 feet and is constructed at a cost of Rs 10.5 million. Jakhoo Hill is associated with Lord Hanuman, who had set out in search for the elusive Sanjeevani Booti, for treating a wounded Lord Laxman while the battle for Lanka was being raged. Local legends hold that after the Lord failed to find the lifesaving herb, and carried the whole hill and enroute to Lanka, the Monkey God is said to have rested atop Jakhoo for awhile. Shimla’s highest point, is rewarding for there are superb views of the town and its surroundings. At the top is an old Hanuman temple.(2Km).
Annandale
Hill, Shiml’s highest point, is rewarding for there are superb views of the town and its surroundings. At the top is an old Hanuman temple.(2Km).
Summer Hill
The quiet and lovely suburb of summer Hill has secluded, shady walks and charming views. It was here that Gandhiji stayed on his visits to Shimla, in the elegant Georgian mansion that belonged to Rajkumari Amrit Kaur. Summer Hill is located on the Shimla – Kalka railway line.(5 Km).
Kufri
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)
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)
Hattu Peak
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. hadrala and Beghi with their dense forests and Kumarsain with an interesting wooden palace are also within easy reach of Narkanda.
Hatkoti
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.
