At
the foothills of Shivalik lies Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh.
With its pleasant climate and easy accessibility, it won the heart of
the British, who made it their 'Summer Capital'. One of the most popular
and biggest hill stations of North India, Simla offers picture-perfect
views of snow-capped mountain ranges. It offers amazing walks and trails
through pines, deodars, oaks and flowering rhododendron. The hill
station has all the facilities desired by tourists, including good
resorts, a golf course and amazing tourist destinations.Shimla also offers skiing facilities and a narrow-gauge mountain toy train to its tourists. Its exquisite beauty, numerous attractions and sheer size has led to it being named as the 'Queen of Hill Stations.' The name 'Shimla' was derived from the name of Goddess Shyamala, another name for Goddess Kali, whose temple was once situated in the dense forests of Jakhu Hill. British shifted the statue of the temple to a newly built Kali Bari Temple. Snowfall in winters turns this green city into a glistening white fairyland.
The hill station sprawls over several hills and connecting ridges, including Jakhu Hill, Prospect Hill, Observatory Hill, Elysium Hill and Summer Hill. Nature has been extra benevolent towards Shimla with all its green pastures, snow-capped peaks and cool hills. Colonial architecture adds to its heritage, with old stately buildings such as Viceregal Lodge. The Mall is hub of activity with all its shops and eateries, while Scandal Point reminds one of the erstwhile Maharaja of Patiala's escapades. Tourism in Shimla has been on the boom for quite sometime and has all the chances of being so in future also.
Shimla Tourist Attractions
Shimla is one of the most beautiful as well as most popular cities of Himachal Pradesh. People flock to the hill station in large numbers, especially in the summer season.
Arki Fort
Situated at a distance of approximately 40 km from Shimla, Arki is a small town in the Solan district that was once the capital of the princely state of Baghal.
Kamru Fort
Standing at an altitude of 2600 m above sea level, Kamru fort is 229 km from Shimla and 2 km from the beautiful Sangla Valley. The fort is set in a picturesque location and is entered through a series of gates.
Padam Palace
Situated at a distance of approximately 125 km from Shimla is Padam Palace, one of the major attractions of Rampur. It once served as the Winter Capital of the former princely state of Bushair.
Shimla 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.
Viceregal Lodge
One of the most famous landmarks of Shimla, the Viceregal Lodge situated on the Observatory Hill and also known as the Rashtrapati Niwas now. The building lies at a distance of just 2 km from the Himachal State Museum.
Places to See near Shimla
Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh and former summer capital of British India, is a very popular tourist destination. The architecture of the buildings is of British era and has European influence.
How to Reach Shimla
Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, is located in the heart of the state and forms one of the most famous hill stations of India. With rolling hills and cascading waterfalls, the hill resort attracts a large number of tourists, from the destinations across the world.
Jakhu Temple
Jakhu Temple is situated on the top of Jakhu Hill, in Shimla city of Himachal Pradesh, at the altitude of 2500 meters. The temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and is believed to be in existence from the times of Ramayana.
The Ridge
The Ridge road, spread in a large open space and located in the heart of Shimla, is a major tourist attraction. It runs east to west, alongside the Mall Road, and joins it at the Scandal point, on the west side.
Sankat Mochan Temple
Sankat Mochan temple is located five kilometers from Shimla, on Kalka - Shimla National Highway, in a lush green hill. The temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the Monkey God, and attracts lots of devotees.
Shimla Summer Hill
Located at the altitude of 1283 meters, on Shimla-Kalka railway line, Shimla Summer Hill is an extremely beautiful place. The place is surrounded by tranquil and quiet hills, which give it a magnificent aura.
Tara Devi Temple
Tara Devi temple is located on Tarav Parvat, in the western side of Shimla. Situated eleven kilometer away from the hill resort, the temple provides an overwhelming view of the mountains below.
The Mall
The Mall Road in Shimla is considered as the lifeline of the city. Most of the major hotels, restaurants and recreation centers are situated along the road, making it a place which cannot be left untouched by any visitor.
Shimla Weather
Shimla, a beautiful hill station adorned with lush greenery and exquisite natural beauty, is visited by a large number of tourists every year. Located on the slops of lower Himalayas, the place enjoys favorable weather conditions throughout the year.
Kalka Shimla Toy Train
Shimla Toy Train running between Kalka and Shimla is a world heritage site included in UNESCO list. This 96 kilometer long narrow gauge track has historical importance in the development of railways in India. This antique train started in the year 1903 attracts tourists for its distinct look and glamour.
Things to Do In Shimla
The Queen of Hills - Shimla is a beautiful town that brags of being the capital of Himachal Pradesh state in India. Natural beauty is all what you can expect from this hill-station. Yes, there is nothing whacky about this township as everything has its own plain, serene charm.
