Shimla

Overview

One of the most famous tourist destinations of India, Shimla located in Himachal Pradesh is a beautiful hill station. Also known as Simla, your travel to this place will be one event of your life that you shall never forget. This beautiful hill station derives its name from "Goddess Shyamla", who is supposed to be an avatar of Goddess Kali. This lovely hill station was 'discovered' by the British who immediately fell in love with this place. Infact, they went to the extent of declaring Shimla as their summer capital. Read about Shimla tourism and know more about Simla travel. Shimla Tourism welcomes travelers to the most fantabulous hill-station that is known for its unparallel beauty and serenity. The land is adorned with some of the most beguiling places of interest that explains more about Shimla and the natural heights of magnificence of this hill-station. 

Shimla abounds in natural bounty and looks picture perfect. The small hill station amidst the lofty snow-clad Himalayan ranges, surrounded by lakes and lush green pastures look as though an artist has painted them. The unique thing about Shimla is that it still retains its colonial charm and this creates an ambience that is not found anywhere else in India. Shimla is one tourist destination that can be visited any time during the year. Summers are warm with cool and pleasant evenings while winters are bone chilling and the temperatures can fall below zero. But this difference is what makes Shimla all the more special! 

 

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Attractions and Places to Visit

Darangathi Sanctuary

Darangathi Sanctuary: The sanctuary is located at a distance of 150 kms from Shimla near a small town Rampur Bushahr. Spread over an area of 167.40 square kms, a major portion of the sanctuary comprises dense forest with a great variety of wildlife species. This area was used as a hunting spot by the royal family of Rampur Bushahr. Now it is home to a different species of pheasants like Monal, Koklas, Western Tragopan (a native pheasant) and Kalij. Some of the animals that are found here include Flying Fox, Himalayan Ibex, Leopard, Indian Hare, Blue Sheep, Giant Flying Squirrel, Barking Deer, Brown Bear, Striped Hyena, Asiatic Black Bear, Musk deer and Goral. When it comes to flora, the place has several species of oak, Himalayan Yew, Cedar trees and trees of almond, cherry, apricot, plum and pear. Different species of coniferous trees such as blue pine, silver fir and spruce are also found here. Trekking and camping can also be done here by taking permission and assistance from the forest officials. The most popular trekking option is along the old silk route from Sarahan to Daranghati, and the other one is from Shimla to Daranghati that passes through Narkanda, Baagi, Sungri, Taklech and Kareri. One can also visit the famous wooden temples that are located around the sanctuary. The best time to visit this place is from April to June and from October to November. The nearest airport is the Jubbarhatti Airport of Shimla that is 23 km from Shimla and 150 km from Rampur and the nearest railway station is the Shimla Railway Station. Darangathi Sanctuary: The sanctuary is located at a distance of 150 kms from Shimla near a small town Rampur Bushahr. Spread over an area of 167.40 square kms, a major portion of the sanctuary comprises dense forest with a great variety of wildlife species. This area was used as a hunting spot by the royal family of Rampur Bushahr. Now it is home to a different species of pheasants like Monal, Koklas, Western Tragopan (a native pheasant) and Kalij. Some of the animals that are found here include Flying Fox, Himalayan Ibex, Leopard, Indian Hare, Blue Sheep, Giant Flying Squirrel, Barking Deer, Brown Bear, Striped Hyena, Asiatic Black Bear, Musk deer and Goral. When it comes to flora, the place has several species of oak, Himalayan Yew, Cedar trees and trees of almond, cherry, apricot, plum and pear. Different species of coniferous trees such as blue pine, silver fir and spruce are also found here. Trekking and camping can also be done here by taking permission and assistance from the forest officials. The most popular trekking option is along the old silk route from Sarahan to Daranghati, and the other one is from Shimla to Daranghati that passes through Narkanda, Baagi, Sungri, Taklech and Kareri. One can also visit the famous wooden temples that are located around the sanctuary. The best time to visit this place is from April to June and from October to November. The nearest airport is the Jubbarhatti Airport of Shimla that is 23 km from Shimla and 150 km from Rampur and the nearest railway station is the Shimla Railway Station.

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Scandal Point, The Mall, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India

Scandal Point is located along the western end of Shimla where the Mall road joins the Ridge road. A meeting place for locals, tourists and lovers, Scandal Point is a name wrapped in mystery. One legend suggests that the controversial name comes from the scandal caused by the elopement of the Maharaja of Patiala, Bhupinder Singh with the daughter of the British Viceroy. It is also famous for the statue of the Indian freedom fighter Lala Lajpat Rai. One can relax here as there are many benches to sit and enjoy the beautiful view of the city. Right next to the Scandal Point is the fabulous stone colonial structure of the General Post Office.

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Summer Hill, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India

Summer Hill is located at a distance of 5.1 km from The Ridge. Situated on the Shimla-Kalka Railway line, it lies at an elevation of 2,123 metre above sea level. The rich vegetation and cool surroundings of this forest-covered hill attract a number of tourists every year. Different varieties of flora like oaks, cedar, pines and rhododendrons are found here. The famous building Manorville Mansion where Mahatma Gandhi stayed during his Shimla visits is located on this hill. It is also the location of the Himachal Pradesh University, an important educational centre for higher studies. Visitors can enjoy a beautiful view of green forests and distant snow-clad Himalayas. One can reach there by train via the Shimla Kalka Railway, which has Summer Hill as one of the stops. Guest houses and hotels are located nearby and many local people provide in-house accommodations for tourists.

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Jakhoo Temple

Located atop Jakhoo Hill, the temple is a sacred place for the Hindu community of India. It is dedicated to the Hindu Monkey God, Hanuman. The hill is situated 2.5 km from the Ridge at a height of 2,455 m above sea level and is Shimla's highest peak. From the hill, visitors can enjoy wonderful panoramic views of the Shivalik Ranges and the sister town of Sanjauli. The 108 feet tall idol of Lord Hanuman located at the top of the hill is a big attraction for tourists. Legend and myth suggests that the monkey Lord Hanuman rested here while on his search for the Sanjivini Booti (a kind of herb). He met sage Yaaku on the hilltop and then moved ahead in his journey. It is also believed that the sage built this temple. Devotees from all over the country come here, especially at the time of Dussehra festival celebrations.

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State Museum, Chaura Maidan Road, Chaura Maidan, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India

State Museum is located 2.5 km west of the Scandal Point on the Inverarm Hill. The history of the building dates back to the colonial times when it was the private residence of Lord William Beresford. He was the Military Secretary to the then Viceroy of India, Lord William Bentinck. When he left India, the mansion was inhabited by Sir Edwin Collan and thereafter by Sir Edward Law. After independence, it served as the residence of Indian Government officials. It was transformed into a museum on January 26, 1974 with the sole aim of collecting and preserving the historical, artistic and archaeological items of the Himachal Pradesh State. The museum boasts of having a grand collection of ancient historical sculptures, coins, paintings and photographs collected from all over the state and the country. It also houses a library which has around 10,000 books, journals and magazines. Sculpture gallery has metal, wooden and stone sculptures. In the painting section, Pahari and Rajasthani Miniature Painting, religious paintings, contemporary paintings and Mughal paintings have been put on display. Other than these rare artifacts, the museum also has a unique collection of Himachali dolls. Art and history lovers must visit the museum while touring Shimla.

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Tattapani

Tattapani village is located in Mandi district at a distance of 51 km from Shimla and 29 km from Naldehra. It is situated on the right bank of river Sutlej at an altitude of 2,230 ft. above the sea level. In local language, ‘Tattapani’ means ‘hot water’. The place is famous for its hot water springs that is spread over an area of one square kilometre. It’s pure water is rich in sulphur content and is believed to have curative power for various kinds of bodily and skin diseases. Tourists can visit a popular Hindu religious place called Shivji Ka Gufa (Shiva’s cave) which is just 4 km away from Tattapani. Adventure lovers can go for white water rafting on Sutlej river. One can also enjoy a bonfire with family or friends at night along the river side. Visitors can get accommodation at various guesthouses, budget hotels and luxury resorts that are located nearby.

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Christ Church

Christ Church is the second oldest church in Northern India. The foundation stone of this church was laid on 9th September 1844. It was consecrated on 10th January 1857 by Bishop Wilson of Calcutta. Built in Neo-Gothic style of architecture, it took nearly thirteen years to construct it. The stained glass windows over the altar and the clock were placed in 1860. The fresco on the walls was painted from a design made by Mr. Lockwood Kipling (father of the Jungle Book writer Rudyard Kipling). The Pipe Organ of the church is the biggest in the Indian subcontinent and was erected in September 1899. Other impressive features of the Church include paintings that portray scenes from Jesus Christ’s life. As it is located at the most prominent road of Shimla, The Ridge, it has become an important landmark in the city.

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Chindwick Falls

Situated amidst the dense Glen Forest, the waterfall is located at a distance of 7 km from Shimla and 4 km from Summer Hill. It's crystal clear water cascades down a deep gorge at a height of 86 metres. The surrounding hills and thick green trees of Deodar and Pine gives the place an exotic and beautiful look. One can relax here and enjoy some 'me' time after a hectic travel schedule. There is an interesting story behind the quirky name of the waterfall. Originally it was known as ‘Chidku Jhaar’ as a waterfall is called as ‘Jhaar’ in the local dialect and ‘Chidku’ means bird. The waterfall is so high that only a bird could reach at the top so it was named as Chidku Jhar. But the British people mispronounced it to ‘Chadwick Falls’. There is another popular folklore telling about a demon who was imprisoned by the local gods behind the rock. Locals believe that the water of the falls comes down from the mouth of the devil. Rain water is the main source of this fall so the best time to visit is monsoon or after the monsoon. Visitors should note that because it is located inside the forest it’s unsafe to go alone there; going around in groups is what we recommend.

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