Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

        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.

Best time to visit: May-June

Climate:
Summers: Temperatures varies between 30 degree Celsius.

Winters: Temperatures varies between sub-zero degree Celsius.

Suggested clothing:
Summers: Light woolens.

Winters: Heavy woolens and jackets.

Accomodations:

• The Himachal Tourism Office,
  on the Mall
  Tel: 252561, 258302 (will help find accomodation according to one's choice.)
• Chapslee
  Lakar Bazaar
  Tel: 73242. (Many people believe it is worth going to Shimla simply to stay at this hotel which is one of the oldest surviving houses in the town. Rooms are offered with food, which is of a high standard.)
• Woodville Palace
  Raj Bhavan Road.
  Tel: 72763. Located in Chhota Shimla (this hotel was the former palace of the Raja of Jubbal and has plenty of period charm.)
• Oberoi Clarkes (an old fashioned hotel with good food and a friendly atmosphere.)
  Tel: 212991; fax 0177-211321.
• The Cecil Shimla
  Tel: 201725, fax 0177-211024.
• Asia The Dawn
  Tara Devi Tel: 231162, fax 0177-231007. (A modern and well managed hotel.)
• Holiday Home,
  Cart Road,
  Tel: 72375. (Three huge neon H's on its roof make this hotel one of station's landmarks. It is reasonably priced.)
• Hotel Meghdoot maintained by HPTDC,
  Tel: 78302.

How to reach there:
Shimla is,  

Air: Shimla airport is 23 kms from the city connected by daily flights from Delhi and Kullu. On Tuesday and Thursday Jagson Airlines flies Delhi-Shimla-Kullu-Gaggal and return. Archana and KCV fly between Delhi and Shimla on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. 

Rail: The journey to Shimla by rail involves a change from broad gauge to narrow gauge at Kalka, a little north of Chandigarh. The broad-gauge trains run to Kalka with several major cities. the overnight Kalka Mail from Delhi reaches Kalka in the early morning and that is the time to catch connecting trains on the splendid narrow-gauge train to Shimla. The rail car is the most luxurious way to reach the Shimla summit. The narrow gauge trip to Shimla takes nearly six hours. 

Road: All deluxe buses should be booked from the tourist office in the Mall. A variety of buses run between Delhi and Shimla. There are frequent departures from Chandigarh. There are buses north from Shimla to other hill stations in Himachal Pradesh, like Manali, Dharamsala and Mandi. By road Shimla is also well connected with Kalka (95 kms), Amritsar and Jammu. 

Getting Around: Local bus services operate from the Cart road bus stand on the north side of the ridge. It's just below the ice skating rink, on the path which leads off the Mall from besides ANZ Grindlays Bank. Half a km to the east of the main bus stand, a two part `tourist lift' takes you up to the Mall for Rs 2. It saves a long and tedious climb.

What to see: 
Rashtrapati Niwas: About 1 km west of the centre of Shimla, on Observatory Hill, Rashtrapati Niwas was formerly the residence of the British Viceroy. The huge, fortress like building has six storeys and magnificent reception and dining halls. Set in beautiful gardens, it now houses the Institute of Advanced Studies. Open daily from 10 am to 4.30 pm. A nominal entry fee of Rs 3 is charged.

Jakhu Temple: Dedicated to god Hanuman, this temple is at an altitude of 2,455 m near the highest point of Shimla ridge. It offers a fine view over the surrounding valleys, out to the snowcapped peaks, and over Shimla itself. The temple is a 45 minute walk from the Mall. Jakhu is a vantage point for witnessing the changing skyline as the sun rises or sets. From the Boileauganj, near the Institute of Advanced Studies, begins the climb to the temple of Kamna Devi on Prospect Hill. The ancient temple of Bihargaon is a splendid example of traditional Himachali architecture. Bihargaon can be approached through the pines of Tutikandi or past Kanlog. 

Christ Church: It dominates the eastern end of town. Designed by Col J T Boileau, consecrated in 1857 and later extended with the addition of a clock and porch. The town's other important church are St. Michael's Cathedral and Roman Catholic Cathedral, which is just off the Mall. 

Himachal State Museum: An hour's pleasant walk down from the Church on the Mall, this nice little museum has a modest collection of stone statues from different places in Himachal Pradesh. The Indian miniatures on exhibit include pictures from the Kangra school. The museum is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm except Monday. 

Some entertainment: In winter there's ice skating on the rink on the north side of the ridge, just down below ANZ Grindlays Bank. The Shimla ice-skating rink has the largest open air area with naturally frozen ice in this part of the world. Ice skating normally begins in early December and carries on to February. There are two sessions every day, in the morning and again in the evening. memberships are available for the `season' as well as for shorter terms and even for single session. Skates are also available at the rink. On the Mall, in the area of the Indian Coffee House, there are at least two billiards halls where, for a few rupees, you can have a game on a full sized table.

Summer Hill: (1983 m) is 5 km away on the Shimla to Kalka railway line and has pleasant, shady walks. 

Chadwick Falls: (1586 m) are 67 m high but are only really worth visiting during the monsoon, between July and October. The falls are 7 km from Shimla and reached via summer hill. 

Prospect Hill: (2145 m) is 5 km west from Shimla and 15 minute climb from Boileauganj. The hill is a popular picnic spot with fine views over the surrounding country and a temple of Kamma devi. 

Sankat Mochan: (1875 m) has a Hanuman temple and a fine view of Shimla, and can be reached on foot or by car ( 7 kms from Shimla). 

Tara Devi: (1851 m) is a hilltop temple 7 km from Shimla by rail or car. There's a PWD rest house there. 

Wildflower Hall: (2593 m), 13 km from Shimla on the road to Kufri, was the former residence of Indian commander-in-chief Lord Kitchener. There's a fine view back to Shimla and out to mountain peaks in the Pir Panjal and Badrinath ranges. 

Mashobra: (2149 m) is a picnic spot with pleasant forest walks 14 kms from Shimla and accessible by car. Through thick woods, a side road leads to Bekhalty. From the heart of Mashobra, a pedestrian track leads down to Sipur. An annual fair is held at Sipur every April. A trek to the Shali peak- the highest in area- can be made from Mashobra. Craignano, with it's rest house of an Italian confectioner is close to Mashobra. 

Bharari Spur: It is a lesser explored area within the town. From here, one can take a long haul by foot through the thick cedar forest to the hot springs of Tattapani, or to the ruins of Kiar Koti. 

The Mall: It is the main pedestrian thoroughfare and runs along a ridge which dips away westward. From the ridge there are good views of the valleys and peaks on both sides. It's lined with stately English looking houses bearing English names. Mall with it's rows of restaurants, fashionable shops and colonial architecture is one place every tourist passes through. There is a statue of the Punjabi Nationalist leader, Lala Lajpat Rai, at the point where the MAll meets the Ridge. It was here that the dashing Maharaja of Patiala was reputed to have abducted the beautiful daughter of an English gentleman, and whisked her off to his palace at Chail. The incident was hushed up, the lady never complained and only the name Scandal Point remind visitors of the story. Near Scandal Point are the post office, the town hall, the library and the Gaiety Theatre, opened in 1887 and now more frequented as a club. This area is one of the most crowded during the evening promenades. Tourists wander along, honeymooners hold hands and local journalists meet friends to exchange the latest gossip. Further on the Mall is Gorton Castle, now the office of the accountant-general. A turning to the left leads to the railway station, while straight is the State Legislative Assembly. To the North is the famous glen of Annandale.Below this is the winding lanes of the Lower Bazaar. Above the Mall and the Scandal Point, is the wide Ridge and the Lakkar Bazaar with it's wood craft and curio shops. Equally fascinating is the Tibetan Bazaar. 

The Ridge: The town is strung out on a long crescent shaped ridge which connects a number of hilltops : Jakhu, Prospect Hill, Observatory Hill, Elysium Hill and Summer Hill. The Ridge is a maze of narrow streets and bazaars clinging to the south facing hillside. 

What to shop: Shimla is place where one can get good woodcarvings and shawls. The Tibetan Refugee shop, located between the lift and Oberoi Clarke, is worth a visit. It also has weaving bags and clothes and good selection of earrings and other jewellery. 

Tourists Info:

• Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation,
  Government of Himachal Pradesh,
  Block 28, SDA Complex, Kasumpti, Shimla - 171009.
  Tel :- (0177)-225864 / 225924 / 225926.
• Tourist Information Centre, Shimla.
  Tel :- (0177)-4589. 
• Managing Director, H.P Tourism Development Corporation (marketing Office),
  Ritz Annexe, Shimla-171001.
  Tel :- (0177)-203294, Fax :- 203434.

Around the city:
Paonta Sahib: A major sikh pilgrimage, it is so named because the warrior Guru Gobind Singh lost a foot ornament, paonta, here. The gurudwara overlooks the river Yamuna, and the town- which also has numerous temple. The place burst with gaiety in March-April with the Holi and Baisakhi festivals. It is 187 km from Shimla, 45 km from Nahan, 51 km from Dehradun and 22 km from Sataun. 

Naldehra: A popular place of pilgrimage, the temple has a beautiful view of the Chamba Valley. It is 30 kms from the town. Accomodation can be availed at Hotel Golf Glade, tel: 287739, 26 kms from Shimla. 

Sarol: 23 kms from Shimla and named after the little temple that stands on the links, is a 9 hole golf course. Lord Curzon who was so enchanted by this spot that he gave his daughter Alexandra, Naldehra as her second name. The links are maintained by Himachal Tourism and accommodation is available at it's Hotel Golf Glade. There are other hotels in the private sector near Naldehra. During the monsoons, several golf tournaments are held here. 

Tattapani: Is 28 kms from Naldehra and 50 km from Shimla and is famous for hot sulphur springs. One can drive ahead to the charming country side of Karsog. On baisakhi day people take purifying dips in the water here. 

Mashobra: It is at 3,150 metres. Every June, the Sipi Fair is held here and the local people gather in their traditional dress. It was used as a suburban retreat by the viceroys and the most famous is the Retreat. Three kms is the Craignano Rest House perched on a hill at a height of 2,280 metres.

Narkanda: 64 kms from Shimla, at 2,700 mts, Narkanda has a choice of ski slopes- a beginner's run, a slalom slope and sharper descents for the seasoned foot. Himachal Tourism offers ski courses, instruction and has equipment on hire at Narkanda, details of which are available from the tourist office in Shimla. The skiing season is from the end of December to early March, depending on the snowfall.Hattu Peak (3,300 mts) rises through spruce trees to crown the place. Thanedar and Kotgarh, Himachal's horticultural heartland are close at hand. A side road leads to Baghi and Khanrala with unbelievable thick forests. Kumarsain, with it's wooden palace is another interesting place. 

Rampur: 140 km from Shimla and built by the banks of river Sutlej, lies Rampur, capital of the erstwhile Bushahr state. This was once a major stopover on the old trade routes and the Lavi fair, held here every autumn, still barters and sells a variety of goods. The old palace is a remarkable piece of architecture. Short of the town, at Dattnagar and Nirath, are some exquisite old temples. 

Sarahan: 44 kms from Rampur, Sarahan is steeped in legend and unique hill architecture with all it's glory and remarkable natural beauty. Famous for the Bhimakali temple complex- regarded as one of the major Shaktipeeths - Sarahan is also the gateway to Kinnaur. 

Sirmour District: Nahan at 932 mts, which is a district headquarters, was once the capital of this princely state which is now a district. It retains a considerable measure of it's traditional charm with winding roads, old palaces and houses. Nahan is 260 kms from Delhi and 142 kms from Shimla. Accommodation is available in Himachal Tourism Hotels and other private guest houses, hotels. At Saketi, beyond Nahan, is the Fossil park which recreates the 85 million year old dinosaur remains which were discovered here. 

Renuka Lake: 45 kms from Nahan and 169 km from Shimla, This lake of lord Parshurama. The surrounding hills are a wildlife sanctuary. Every November, it is also the site of a large fair, after the harvest of Kharif crops. There is trade, recreation and amusement. Idols of lord Parshurama and Renuka are ceremoniously dipped in sacred waters of the lake and it is a time when lot of matchmaking is done.

Kotkhai, Hatkoti, Rohru and Jubbal: Kotkhai is best known for it's apple orchards and traditional architecture. 104 kms from Shimla are the ancient temples of Hatkoti- where gods are said to have fought a pitched battle. Past Hatkoti is Rohru which is the site of an annual fair and the base of some challenging treks. Strung with a garland of picturesque spots, the river Pabbar at Rohru, is an excellent place for trout fishing. Paragliding is done regularly at Intkali in the Pabbar valley near Rohru. Once the capital of princely state, Jubbal is a graceful town with a splendid old palace. Adventure camps are likely to be available soon in the Jubbal-Hatkoti-Rohru area.

Barog: Once just a stopover on the Kalka-Shimla highway, this has grown into a destination in it's own right. Surrounded by pine forests, it presents a frontal view of the Churdhar Peak (3,647 mts)- which poetically translates as the `Mountain of the Silver Bangle'. It is 56 km from Shimla. 

Solan: Solan is 48 kms from Shimla and is at an altitude of 1,342 m. During summer maximum temperature is 39 degree Celsius and minimum 21. In winter maximum temperature goes upto 19 degree Celsius and minimum 10. It dips below 10 when it snows. It is well connected by road, 315 kms from Delhi and 68 kms from Chandigarh. Accommodation is available at Himachal Tourism Hotels & other private hotels. Solan is a district headquarters and it is also the bifurcation point for Rajgarh with it's orchards and enchanting villages.

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