Shimla is a popular tourist destination among Indians and britishers. During British India. Shimla was the summer Capital of India. Today Shimla is the state capital of Himachal Pradesh. Shimla still retains its Old charm with amazing colonial architecture. The city got its name from goddess Shayamla Devi. Shimla, along with other neighboring areas was invaded and captured by Prithvi Narayan Shah but when the East India Company defeated them, all these captured parts of North India were ceded to the British East India Company. Apart from some important monuments the city is also famous for its panoramic views that magnetises tourists towards it. The summer Festival organised by the State Government is the most significant event in the hilly terrain. This festival showcases the rich culture and tradition of this place. One can witness colour full performances from the folk dancers displaying true colours of the region. The city’s beauty and climate makes it a perfect tourist destination. So if you are planning a holiday in the hills Shimla should top the priority list. The city is on its ultimate peak during autumn. Major tourist activities occur during this time, people from across the country come here to witness the beauty of nature.
The Ridge - located on the side of Mall Road, The Ridge is the most photographed wide open street by tourists. Certainly the Ridge is famous for the Shops selling artefacts, Handicraft, Restaurant, cafe, bars and boutiques, attracting the tourist visits mall road.
The Mall - It is the most happening place in Shimla, located in the heart of the city. The Mall is one level down the ridge. It is famous for Shopping, restaurants, cafes, banks, and tourist offices etc. The Mall is the most visited place and tourists coming to Shimla enjoy walking through the Mall road with Family, friends and honeymooners alikes. The Famous Kali Bari temples are also located on the Mall road and visited by most of the tourists visiting Mall road.
Vashishta temple : - located in Vashisht village about 3 km away from the Manali across the Beas River. The Village is famous for the Sulphurous hot water springs and it is believed that the water from the spring cures many skin diseases. Vashisht temple is located close to the Hot water springs.There are separate facilities for bathing for men and women.
The Jahku hill -: situated 2 km from Shimla and located at a height of 8000 ft. One can also see the giant 108 feet lord Hanuman’s statue, this is a single statue to stand at the highest altitude among several other masterpieces in the world, overtaking the Christ Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The Christ Church -: is one of the oldest churches in North India, built in 1857 in Neo Gothic style and situated at The Ridge. It is one of the prominent landmarks of Shimla and its silhouette is visible for many kilometers in the range of Shimla.
Today it is known as the Indian Institute of advanced studies located at the Observatory Hills. Building initial built as residence for Lord Dufferin, who served as the Viceroy of British India from 1884 to 1888. After the independence of India in 1947, it was the summer retreat of the President of India and known as the Rashtrapati Niwas. The decision of creating Pakistan and east Pakistan out of India is taken at the Viceregal Lodge.
• Visiting timings:
o Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (01 July to 30 April)
o Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm (01 May to 30 June)
o Closed on Mondays
The Shimla State Museum -: During British India, it was the private residence of Lord William Beresford who was the Military Secretary to the then Viceroy of India, Lord William Bentinck. After the independence of India, it was the residence of Indian Government officials. In 1974 it was transformed into a museum with the sole aim of protecting hill-out and the cultural wealth of the state. The Museum has a grand collection of ancient historical collection, photographe, paintings collected from all across India. It also houses a huge library with a collection of about 10 thousand books, journals and magazines. Various paintings like Miniature, Rajasthani, Pahadi, Mughal and religious paintings are also displayed in the paintings section.
The Tara Devi hill -: has a temple dedicated to the goddess of stars on top of the hill. Devotees from all across India visit the temple for peace and tranquility. It is believed that the Goddess Tara Devi came all the way from Bengal to Himachal Pradesh. The city also houses Junga, Anand villas, Mashobra, Kufri, Chharabra and Naldehra. Tourists can further explore various interesting things like The Himalayan Bird Park, Fagu, and Temples in the city.
Kalka Shimla Toy Train -: The Kalka Shimla Railway is single track narrow gauge, 96 kilometer long from Kalka to Shimla. Constructed during British India to connect Shimla, a Summer capital of India with the rest of India. During the construction of the railway track 107 tunnels and 864 bridges were built along the way. In July 2008, UNESCO added Kalka Shimla Railway, a Mountain railways of India World Heritage site.
Shimla is well connected by Rail, Road and Air. By rail one can take Shatabdi train from Delhi to Kalka and from Kalka to Shimla by Toy train. It is a Narrow gauge single track. By Road Shimla is about 345 km from Delhi. By Air, Shimla itself has a Airport with limited flight from Delhi and Chandigarh is the nearest airport which is about 115 km. Manai to Shimla is about 240 kilometers. Regular taxi and bus services are available from Delhi to Shimla. Shimla Kullu-Manali tour packages are also available at Luxury India Vacations.
When to visit Shimla: Shimla is open for tourists round the year. March to June, weather is very pleasant from 15 to 30 degrees where the rest of India has a summer season. Winter season is from November to February and one can enjoy the Snowfall and see the snow capped mountain. Mid July till September would be the rainy season. During this time travel avoid visiting Shimla due to the rain chances of landslides or road blockages.