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Yatra
India --» Indian Yatra
Destinations --» Shimla Tourism
The capital of Himachal Pradesh and former summer capital of British India,
Shimla is the state’s most important center. Bulging at its seams with
unprecedented expansion, Shimla retains a colonial aura, with its grand
old buildings, among them the stately Viceregal Lodge, charming iron lampposts
and Anglo-Saxon names. The Mall, packed with shops and eateries, is the
center of attraction, and Scandal Point, associated with the former Maharaja
of Patiala’s escapades, offers a view of distant snowclad peaks.
Shimla’s mood changes with the seasons, each having its own charm. Perhaps the best time of the year is autumn. When the days are warm and bright and the nights crisp and cool.
In spite of changes and considerable growth since independence, Shimla, perhaps more than any other place, still persents substantial evidence of an attempt by the sahibs to build an English town in India. Architectural style of buildings long forgotten are still evident here. Shimla, originally a small obscure village surrounded by splendid forests, is said to have been the abode of goddess Shamla. History records that in 1822, a young officer, Major Kennedy, built the first permanent residence in Shimla. By 1831, Shimla was already established as ‘the resort of the rich, the idle and the invalid’. In 1870, the Viceregal Lodge was built as the summer residence of the Viceroy of India, and since then there has been no looking back for the hill resort. The capital was even further established when, in 1904, the longest mountain train in India commenced its maiden Journey from Kalka to Shimla.
Places of Interest
The Mall
The Mall is the main shopping centre of Shimla. It also has many restaurants, clubs, banks, bars, Post Offices and tourist offices. The Gaiety Theatre is also situated there. People walk up and down the Mall slowly, stopping to gossip, as it is the main meeting place for everyone. The Ridge and Scandal point are the two main meeting points at the Mall.
Jakhu Hill
2 kms. from Shimla, at a height of 8000 ft, Jakhu Hill is the highest peak and offers a beautiful view of the town and of the snow-covered Himalayas. At the top of the Hill, is an old temple of Hanuman, which is also the home of countless playful monkeys waiting to be fed by all visitors.
Shimla State Museum
The Museum, which was opened in 1974, has tried to project hill-out and the cultural wealth of the state. There is a collection of miniature Pahari paintings, sculptures, bronzes wood-carvings and also costumes, textiles and jewellery of the region.
Kufri
16 kms. from Shimla at a height of 8,600 ft. Kufri is the winter sports capital. During winter, visitors have the facility for skiing. The skiing season is at its best during January and February. Equipment for sking is available from HPTDC winter sports club at Kufri. Apart from skiing, Kufri is a lovely picnic spot with a beautiful view of the hills around and the snowy peaks. There is also a zoo that delights children.
Shimla Tourism
The capital of Himachal Pradesh and former summer capital of British India,
Shimla is the state’s most important center. Bulging at its seams with
unprecedented expansion, Shimla retains a colonial aura, with its grand
old buildings, among them the stately Viceregal Lodge, charming iron lampposts
and Anglo-Saxon names. The Mall, packed with shops and eateries, is the
center of attraction, and Scandal Point, associated with the former Maharaja
of Patiala’s escapades, offers a view of distant snowclad peaks.
Shimla’s mood changes with the seasons, each having its own charm. Perhaps the best time of the year is autumn. When the days are warm and bright and the nights crisp and cool.
In spite of changes and considerable growth since independence, Shimla, perhaps more than any other place, still persents substantial evidence of an attempt by the sahibs to build an English town in India. Architectural style of buildings long forgotten are still evident here. Shimla, originally a small obscure village surrounded by splendid forests, is said to have been the abode of goddess Shamla. History records that in 1822, a young officer, Major Kennedy, built the first permanent residence in Shimla. By 1831, Shimla was already established as ‘the resort of the rich, the idle and the invalid’. In 1870, the Viceregal Lodge was built as the summer residence of the Viceroy of India, and since then there has been no looking back for the hill resort. The capital was even further established when, in 1904, the longest mountain train in India commenced its maiden Journey from Kalka to Shimla.
Places of Interest
The Mall
The Mall is the main shopping centre of Shimla. It also has many restaurants, clubs, banks, bars, Post Offices and tourist offices. The Gaiety Theatre is also situated there. People walk up and down the Mall slowly, stopping to gossip, as it is the main meeting place for everyone. The Ridge and Scandal point are the two main meeting points at the Mall.
Jakhu Hill
2 kms. from Shimla, at a height of 8000 ft, Jakhu Hill is the highest peak and offers a beautiful view of the town and of the snow-covered Himalayas. At the top of the Hill, is an old temple of Hanuman, which is also the home of countless playful monkeys waiting to be fed by all visitors.
Shimla State Museum
The Museum, which was opened in 1974, has tried to project hill-out and the cultural wealth of the state. There is a collection of miniature Pahari paintings, sculptures, bronzes wood-carvings and also costumes, textiles and jewellery of the region.
Kufri
16 kms. from Shimla at a height of 8,600 ft. Kufri is the winter sports capital. During winter, visitors have the facility for skiing. The skiing season is at its best during January and February. Equipment for sking is available from HPTDC winter sports club at Kufri. Apart from skiing, Kufri is a lovely picnic spot with a beautiful view of the hills around and the snowy peaks. There is also a zoo that delights children.