Shimla
Location - Situated in the north-west Himalayas, Shimlais the capital of Himachal Pradesh.
Shimla was the most important British hill resort, prior to India's independence. It is named after its patron goddess, Shamla Devi, amanifestation of Kali. Shimla, located at an altitude of 7,267 feet, is inhabited around a crescent - shaped ridge, which is blessed with perennially cool air and amazing views. It provides superb panoramic sights of the valleys, and the lofty peaks of the great Himalayan range, on both sides. The colourful local bazaars of Shimla are sprawled over the southern slopes of the ridge.
Spread across 12 kms along a ridge that overlooks terraced hill sides and cultivations, Shimla is magnificently robed in dense forests of oak and pine, fur and rhododendron, and it is best to travel here on the slow train from Kalka. Shimla also is a convenient base for variety of adventure sports such as Skiing, Trekking, Fishing and Golfing etc.
Places of Interest :» Gaiety Theatre - This theatre is one of the oldest theatres in the world. It is on the Mall Road. Famous plays are often staged here.» Himalayan Bird Park - Situated 1km from the Mall Road, in this park one finds rare birds. Models of some endangered species (animals and birds) are also found here.» Viceregal Lodge - This hall is the most beautiful building in Shimla. It houses some of the most ancient articles that would take us back to the times of the British rule. » Jakhu Hill - Shimla's highest Peak, this is situated 2km from the town. One can have a breathtaking view of Shimla from here. A Hanuman Temple is also found on this peak.» Chadwick Falls - 7km from Shimla, this is an ideal picnic spot. At 1,586 meters above sea level, it is surrounded with waterfalls.» Summer Hill - Another picnic spot 4 kms. from Shimla, it is located at 1,851 meters above sea level. It has a beautiful temple of Goddess Taradevi. » Prospect Hill - Located on this hill isthe temple of Goddess Kamna. Sunrise and the moon are spectacular sights from here. A 15-minute climb from Baluganj would bring you here. For those interested in the culture and art of Himachal Pradesh, here is a State Museum.» Kufri - 16km from Shimla, beautiful Kufri is alsocalled the "Chinese Bungalow". Many games are organised here from February to March. In winter one can ski on its snow-covered slopes and inthe summer have a ride on the back of the Yak. Kufri is well known for its natural scenic beauty.
» Chail - Another scenic spot where the river A saniflows. This adds to its beauty. The world's highest cricket field is situated here. A story goes that due to some differences, the British hadfor bidden the Maharaja of Patiala from going to Shimla. Therefore, he laid the foundation for the town of Chail and since he loved the game of cricket,a field was specially laid. Chail is about 45 kms from Shimla. » Nalderao - 22 kms from Shimla, it has the oldest golf course in India. The pine and deodar add to its beauty.» Fagu - It is located 2,510 mts. above sea level.Winter is extremely beautiful here. Dense forests and apple orchards have their unique attraction. The snow-capped mountains can hold anyone spell-bound.
How To Get There?» By Air - The airport is at Jubbarhatti, 23 kmaway. » By Rail - Shimla is connected to Kalka by anenchanting narrow guage railway line - where even a quaint rail-car plys. » By Road - By road, Chandigarh is 117 km, Manaliis 219 km, Chail is 45 km and Delhi is at a distance of 370 km. From Delhi,the driving time is about eight hours. From Delhi, Manali and Chandigarh,Luxury coaches and taxis ply to ShimlaTemperature :
| Climate | Max | Min |
| Summer | 33° | 4° |
| Winter | 18° | 1° |
Distance from towns and cities :
| Cities / Towns | Kms. |
| Amritsar | 342 |
| Chandigarh | 116 |
| Delhi | 343 |
| Dharmasala | 280 |
| Chamba | 502 |
| Jammu | 848 |
| Kulu | 240 |
| AmbalaKalka | 151 |
| Manali | 89 |
| | 280 173
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