General Information:
Shimla district lies between 30°45' and 31°44 North Latitude and between 77°0' and 78°19' East Longitude. It touches Mandi and Kullu in North, Kinnaur in the East, Uttar Pradesh in the South and Sirmaur district in the West.
The capital of the state of Himachal Pradesh, India. Well known as the queen of hills, an all time destination for tourists, for lovers of nature and solitude. The name Shimla is derived from Shyamala - the goddess - whose temple is situated in the thicky wooded hill region of Jakhoo. In the early 19th century passing through various phases of Gurkha wars the young Major Kennedy decided to build the first permanent residence in 1822 to get relief from the heat of the planes and settle in cool, healthy climate. Situated on the lower spurs on North-West Himalyas at a height of 2205 meters it has always enticed and cast a spell on anyone who set ones foot on these slopes once.
Climate
In winter, the temperature can drop below freezing point when heavy woolens are required. Summer temperature are mild and light woollens/cottons are recommended.
Climate Summer Max. 29*C. Min. 07* C.
Climate Winters Max. 18* C. Min. -03* C.
How to reach Shimla
Airways: Nearest airport is Jubbarhatti, 23 km from Shimla
Train: Connected by narrow gauge to Kalka 96 km from Shimla. Although Kalka is connected to other destinations like Delhi, Kolkata and Amritsar by broad gauge further, train takes about 6 hours from Kalka to Shimla.
Roadways: Accessible throughout the year from all major cities and town by road, all kinds of services available on the road. You can find more information on railway and travel reservation by clicking here
Major Spots in Shimla
THE RIDGE:
This large open space in the heart of town presents excellent views of the mountain ranges. Shimla's landmarks - the neo- gothic structure of Christ Church and the neo - Tudor library building - are worth seeing. Altitude is 2130 meters.
The Ridge is not only a portion of land in Shimla, it contains its life line. The water reservoir beneath it has a storage of ten lac gallons of water. The reservoir was constructed without using a ounce of cement in the eighteen eighties and only lime morter has been used. A major port on of the flat land consist of the debris and has resulted into so called sinking zone. The church on the ridge has a witness to numerous historical moments. The Ridge used to be a sacred place and may be the reason that the then Municipal Engineer Mr. Fletcher had the temerity to lay before the vehicle of the viceroy so as to stop him from crossing the Ridge.
Poor Engineer must having a night mare in his grave since even the air outlet of the Ridge reservoir stand removed! Mahatma Gandhi's statue on the Ridge must have been a logical fall out of the Indian Independence, but the Ridge is now adorned by more statues prompting old timers to term it as "Butt Kadan" i.e. "House of Statues". The rainfall on the Ridge results water taking two separate courses, one leads to the Bay of Bengal and the other to the Arabian Seas. Some rationalists point out that where even water get divided the opinion are seldom likely to be one, it is but natural that even before the Shimla summit concluded its obituary had been splashed by the media! The Ridge continue to evoke different opinion and definitely the same would be the fate of 24th March rally!
Mall Road
So called the heart of Shimla, The Mall is the most attractive place in the town. The Mall is the centre of Shimla's buzzing social life. It is a fairly level meandering esplanade that runs along the ridge. Tourists, both Indian and foreign, mingle with the locals and uniformed schoolchildren. An amazing multitude of honeymooners, bright and beautifully clad young couples, flock to this hill resort from all over India, and stand coyly to be photographed against the backdrop of Gaiety Theatre and Municipal Corporation, both declared Heritage properties now. Building which houses the Gaiety Theatre is under complete renovation and is getting its original height and shape. In the heyday of the British, the Mall often saw Officers resplendent in their uniforms, Memsahib in beautiful gowns and proud nannies behind baby prams taking their evening walk. The only conveyance of yesteryears used to be the ubiquitous gilded Rickshaws, a two- wheeled majestic cushioned - seat, pulled and pushed by four uniformed men. These Rickshaws were a part and parcel of the City and remained a common sight till late 1960's after which these beautiful Vehicles gradually diminished in number and now have become only a part of a byegone history.
It was just the place to see and be seen at. And as everyone wanted to be seen, it remained most crowded during the high season. The Mall stretches between Barnes Court in the east to the Viceregal Lodge in the west. There's a passenger lift connecting Cart Road to the (eastern) Mall. The main bazaar is concentrated along the middle and has many restaurants and most of the interesting buildings of Shimla.
The Mall - Walkers' Paradise
A fair walk through The Mall is required to appreciate the beauty of its shops, cafes, stores and restraunts. However, on feet is the only way to tread its neat&clean road as no vehicles other than the most emergent ones (i.e. fire brigade& Medicos and some top Administrative officials) are allowed.
LAKKAR BAZAR: Popular for its wood crafts and Souvenirs, this is just off the Ridge.
ST. MICHAEL'S CATHEDRAL: This dressed-stone church with fine stained glass has a cruciform design. It is located just off the Mall, below the District Courts.
STATE MUSEUM (3km): This houses a representative collection of Himachal Pradesh's rich heritage. Exhibits include archaeological artifacts, carvings,paintings and sculptures. Closed on Monday and holidays.
THE GLEN (4km): At 1830m, It is a thickly wooded ravine through which a stream flows. It is a popular picnic spot.
ANNANDALE (4.5km) : Surrounded by a thick deodar forest, this large glade has an ancient temple on an edge.
PROSPECT HILL AND KAMNA DEVI (6km) : At 2125m and crowned by a temple dedicated to Kamna Devi, the Hill offers spectacular wide views of the city and its environs.
SANKAT MOCHAN (7km): This is a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman.
TARA DEVI (11km): 2044m, A thickly wooded hill whose peak has a temple dedicated to Tara Devi.
MASHOBRA (12km): At 2149m, this beautiful suburb is surrounded by a thick forests. From here, a track leads down to Sipur which is an exquisite glade shaded by ancient deodar trees. There are old temples on a side and a fair is held every April.
KUFRI (16km): At 2501m, this is famous for its wide views and ski slopes. An enjoyable walk leads up to the Mahasu Peak. At Kufri, Himachal Tourism runs the Cafe Lalit.
FAGU (22km): At 2510m, Fagu has some enchanting views. Himachal Tourism runs the Hotel Peach Blossom (presently under renovation).
CHAIL (45km): This was the former 'summer capital' of the Patiala State
Worlds highest cricket ground is in Chail, click to see
TATTAPANI (51km) : At 656m, there are hot sulphur springs here. Himachal Tourism has a restaurant and Tourist Bungalow at Tattapani.
Shimla district lies between 30°45' and 31°44 North Latitude and between 77°0' and 78°19' East Longitude. It touches Mandi and Kullu in North, Kinnaur in the East, Uttar Pradesh in the South and Sirmaur district in the West.
The capital of the state of Himachal Pradesh, India. Well known as the queen of hills, an all time destination for tourists, for lovers of nature and solitude. The name Shimla is derived from Shyamala - the goddess - whose temple is situated in the thicky wooded hill region of Jakhoo. In the early 19th century passing through various phases of Gurkha wars the young Major Kennedy decided to build the first permanent residence in 1822 to get relief from the heat of the planes and settle in cool, healthy climate. Situated on the lower spurs on North-West Himalyas at a height of 2205 meters it has always enticed and cast a spell on anyone who set ones foot on these slopes once.
Climate
In winter, the temperature can drop below freezing point when heavy woolens are required. Summer temperature are mild and light woollens/cottons are recommended.
Climate Summer Max. 29*C. Min. 07* C.
Climate Winters Max. 18* C. Min. -03* C.
How to reach Shimla
Airways: Nearest airport is Jubbarhatti, 23 km from Shimla
Train: Connected by narrow gauge to Kalka 96 km from Shimla. Although Kalka is connected to other destinations like Delhi, Kolkata and Amritsar by broad gauge further, train takes about 6 hours from Kalka to Shimla.
Roadways: Accessible throughout the year from all major cities and town by road, all kinds of services available on the road. You can find more information on railway and travel reservation by clicking here
Major Spots in Shimla
THE RIDGE:
This large open space in the heart of town presents excellent views of the mountain ranges. Shimla's landmarks - the neo- gothic structure of Christ Church and the neo - Tudor library building - are worth seeing. Altitude is 2130 meters.
The Ridge is not only a portion of land in Shimla, it contains its life line. The water reservoir beneath it has a storage of ten lac gallons of water. The reservoir was constructed without using a ounce of cement in the eighteen eighties and only lime morter has been used. A major port on of the flat land consist of the debris and has resulted into so called sinking zone. The church on the ridge has a witness to numerous historical moments. The Ridge used to be a sacred place and may be the reason that the then Municipal Engineer Mr. Fletcher had the temerity to lay before the vehicle of the viceroy so as to stop him from crossing the Ridge.
Poor Engineer must having a night mare in his grave since even the air outlet of the Ridge reservoir stand removed! Mahatma Gandhi's statue on the Ridge must have been a logical fall out of the Indian Independence, but the Ridge is now adorned by more statues prompting old timers to term it as "Butt Kadan" i.e. "House of Statues". The rainfall on the Ridge results water taking two separate courses, one leads to the Bay of Bengal and the other to the Arabian Seas. Some rationalists point out that where even water get divided the opinion are seldom likely to be one, it is but natural that even before the Shimla summit concluded its obituary had been splashed by the media! The Ridge continue to evoke different opinion and definitely the same would be the fate of 24th March rally!
Mall Road
So called the heart of Shimla, The Mall is the most attractive place in the town. The Mall is the centre of Shimla's buzzing social life. It is a fairly level meandering esplanade that runs along the ridge. Tourists, both Indian and foreign, mingle with the locals and uniformed schoolchildren. An amazing multitude of honeymooners, bright and beautifully clad young couples, flock to this hill resort from all over India, and stand coyly to be photographed against the backdrop of Gaiety Theatre and Municipal Corporation, both declared Heritage properties now. Building which houses the Gaiety Theatre is under complete renovation and is getting its original height and shape. In the heyday of the British, the Mall often saw Officers resplendent in their uniforms, Memsahib in beautiful gowns and proud nannies behind baby prams taking their evening walk. The only conveyance of yesteryears used to be the ubiquitous gilded Rickshaws, a two- wheeled majestic cushioned - seat, pulled and pushed by four uniformed men. These Rickshaws were a part and parcel of the City and remained a common sight till late 1960's after which these beautiful Vehicles gradually diminished in number and now have become only a part of a byegone history.
It was just the place to see and be seen at. And as everyone wanted to be seen, it remained most crowded during the high season. The Mall stretches between Barnes Court in the east to the Viceregal Lodge in the west. There's a passenger lift connecting Cart Road to the (eastern) Mall. The main bazaar is concentrated along the middle and has many restaurants and most of the interesting buildings of Shimla.
The Mall - Walkers' Paradise
A fair walk through The Mall is required to appreciate the beauty of its shops, cafes, stores and restraunts. However, on feet is the only way to tread its neat&clean road as no vehicles other than the most emergent ones (i.e. fire brigade& Medicos and some top Administrative officials) are allowed.
LAKKAR BAZAR: Popular for its wood crafts and Souvenirs, this is just off the Ridge.
ST. MICHAEL'S CATHEDRAL: This dressed-stone church with fine stained glass has a cruciform design. It is located just off the Mall, below the District Courts.
STATE MUSEUM (3km): This houses a representative collection of Himachal Pradesh's rich heritage. Exhibits include archaeological artifacts, carvings,paintings and sculptures. Closed on Monday and holidays.
THE GLEN (4km): At 1830m, It is a thickly wooded ravine through which a stream flows. It is a popular picnic spot.
ANNANDALE (4.5km) : Surrounded by a thick deodar forest, this large glade has an ancient temple on an edge.
PROSPECT HILL AND KAMNA DEVI (6km) : At 2125m and crowned by a temple dedicated to Kamna Devi, the Hill offers spectacular wide views of the city and its environs.
SANKAT MOCHAN (7km): This is a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman.
TARA DEVI (11km): 2044m, A thickly wooded hill whose peak has a temple dedicated to Tara Devi.
MASHOBRA (12km): At 2149m, this beautiful suburb is surrounded by a thick forests. From here, a track leads down to Sipur which is an exquisite glade shaded by ancient deodar trees. There are old temples on a side and a fair is held every April.
KUFRI (16km): At 2501m, this is famous for its wide views and ski slopes. An enjoyable walk leads up to the Mahasu Peak. At Kufri, Himachal Tourism runs the Cafe Lalit.
FAGU (22km): At 2510m, Fagu has some enchanting views. Himachal Tourism runs the Hotel Peach Blossom (presently under renovation).
CHAIL (45km): This was the former 'summer capital' of the Patiala State
Worlds highest cricket ground is in Chail, click to see
TATTAPANI (51km) : At 656m, there are hot sulphur springs here. Himachal Tourism has a restaurant and Tourist Bungalow at Tattapani.
Labels: Hill stations, himachal, india tourism, north indian hill stations, shimla
2 Comments:
...cheerz
<< Home | << Add a comment