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Shimla:
the capital of Himachal Pradesh, is one of the most popular hill stations in northern India
throughout the year because of its healthy climate, easy accessibility and numerous attractions. The
place is ideal for honeymooners with its breathtaking scenic beauty, excellent hotels and facilities and
great places of interest. One can derive pleasure by simply taking serene walks on terraced hillsides,
through valley of flowers, cultivations, magnificently dense forests of oak, pine, fur and rhododendron,
enjoying splendid views of show-clad ranges of the Himalayas, golfing and skiing or simply staying
indoors enjoying the beautiful climate offered by the place.
Major attractions:
Enriched with various places of interest, one can never forget the experience being here. Must visits
include malls having excellent shopping avenues, bars and restaurants, clubs and tourist offices. The
place is abuzz with activity and fervor through out the day. Ridge, which is a large open space in the
heart of town, presents excellent views of the mountain ranges. Lakkar Bazaar is highly popular for its
wood crafts and souvenirs, Jakhoo Hill is the city's highest peak and a vantage point giving
breathtaking view of entire Shimla and of Himalayas. St. Michael's Cathedral is dressed-stone church
with fine stained glass and a cruciform design. It is located just off the Mall, below the District Courts.
State Museum, houses the representative collection of Himachal Pradesh's rich heritage. Exhibits
include archaeological artifacts, carvings, paintings and sculptures. The Glen is a thickly wooded
ravine through which a stream flows. It is a popular picnic spot. For devotes ones, Sankat Mochan
temple is the ideal place worth visiting.
Nearby attractions:
While visiting Shimla, the places worth visiting around Shimla include Bihargaon (4 km) which is
approached either past the cemetery below St. Edward's School, or through Tutikandi. This village has
splendid example of traditional Himachali architecture. Prospect Hill and Kamna Devi (6km) are at
2125 m and crowned by a temple dedicated to Kamna Devi. The hill offers spectacular views of the
area. Kufri, which is around 16 Kms. away from Shimla provides excellent opportunities for skiing.
Naldhera, around 23 kms. from Shimla is an excellent tourist spot, having a golf course and beautiful
vegetation.
How to get there:
Shimla is well connected by road, air as well as train network from major centres. The airport is
situated at Jubbar-hatti, 23 km away. Shimla is connected to Kalka by an enchanting narrow gauge
railway line (90kms) which in turn is connected to the major cities in India. Regular bus services
connect Shimla with Chandigarh 117 kms, Kullu 220 kms, Manali 260 kms, Delhi 343 kms, Mandi 150
kms, Pathankot 380 kms, Ambala 151 kms, Dehradun 240 kms. From Delhi, the driving time is about
eight hours. From Delhi, Manali and Chandigarh, luxury coaches and taxis ply to Shimla through the
picturesque route.
Specialities of Shimla:
The major specialties of this place include sporting activities and tourism attraction. The Golfing at the
nine hole Golf Course at Naldhera, 23 km from Shimla is key attraction. The fish lovers can derive
pleasure by fishing which is available at Rohru 110 km from Shimla and at Seema 1 km from Rohru.
You can also enjoy the adventure of skiing and trekking. The skiing normally starts from the first
fortnight of January and continues till Mid-March depending upon snow conditions. For trekking, the
Shimla-Kinnaur region is preferred. Being a cosmopolitan place, it is ideal for people from all regions
and places. Hindi and English are the languages spoken and understood by the majority. The place is
also having ATMs of all the major banks as well money changers. |
