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TRAVEL GUIDE TO SHIMLA
A quaint little hill train chugs up into the
Shivalik foothills, over dramatic loops and high arched bridges to the hill
resort of Shimla, the capital of the mountain state of Himachal Pradesh.
Shimla was one a string of hill stations that the British established to
escape from the scorching heat of the plains. The 12-kms, crescent shaped
ridge on which it is located was first occupied by the British troops, in
the early part of the 19th century, during the Anglo-Gurkha War. The little
village of Shymala, a retreat for British officers, soon grew to become the
glamorous summer capital of the British, in India.
 Shimla
was one a string of hill stations that the British established to escape
from the scorching heat of the plains. The 12-kms, crescent shaped ridge on
which it is located was first occupied by the British troops, in the early
part of the 19th century, during the Anglo-Gurkha War. The little village of
Shymala, a retreat for British officers, soon grew to become the glamorous
summer capital of the British, in India.
The Mall
This is the main shopping centre of Shimla with restaurants. The Gaiety
Theatre, which is a reproduction of an old British theatre is a center of
cultural activities. A passenger lift of HPTDC can be taken from the Cart
Road and the Mall. Lakkar Bazaar adjacent to the Ridge is popular for its
wood-crafts and souvenirs.
 Christ
Church & St. Michael's Cathedral
Built in 1846-1857, Christ Church is the second oldest church of Northern
India. The Church overlooks the ridge and is one of the landmarks of Shimla.
Shimla's other important churches is St. Michael's Cathedral and Roman
Catholic Cathedral, which is just off the Mall.
Prospect Hill
Crowned by a temple dedicated to Kamna Devi 15-minutes walk from
Boileauganj on Shimla-Bilaspur road. The hill is situated at an altitude of
2,155m offers a spectacular view of the area
The Ridge
The large open space in the heart of town presents excellent view of the
mountain ranges. Shimla's landmarks - the Neo-Gothic structure of Christ
Church and the new - Tudor Library building is worth seeing.
Jakhu Temple
Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, this temple is at an altitude of 2,455m near the
highest point of Shimla ridge. It offers a fine view over the surrounding
valleys, out to the snowcapped peaks, and over the town 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.
 Chadwick
Falls
Surrounded by thick forests, one can reach these falls by taking about
45-minutes (7-km) walk from Summer Hill Chowk.
Summer Hill
At an altitude of 1,283m, Summer Hill is a picturesque spot on Shimla-Kalka
Railway line offering shady walks in quiet surroundings. The Father of
Nation, Mahatma Gandhi during his visit to Shimla lived in the elegant
Georgian House of Raj Kumari Amrit Kaur located here. Himachal Pradesh
University is also situated over here.
NEAR BY
EXCURSIONS OF SHIMLA
Tattapani
This small village is famous for the hot water sulphur springs. Unlike the
springs in Manikaran and Manali, these springs are not so eye-catching at
first, but their setting is very beautiful. The village is very relaxed and
peaceful.
Kufri
 Great
hiking, skiing, some beautiful scenes and a cool environment that's what
Kufri is all about. In the winters Kufri attracts ski-lovers from all across
the world.
Chail
Chail is hiker's paradise. Chail was the summer capital of Maharaja of
Patiala, the area is spread over three hills. One has the village of Chail,
the other has the Snow View mansion and the third one has the Palace cum
hotel of Chail.
Narkanda
Narkanda is basically a transit point between Shimla and Rampur. This place
is famous for Hiking and Skiing but only during the season.
Kasauli
In recent times Kasauli has developed as an alternate accommodation for
Shimla. It is 12-km from Shimla on the way to Kalka. Kasauli has been coming
up as a side trip from Shimla. It has some great walks. The walk to Sanawar
is very pleasing and full of natural beauty. Sansar has the potential to
become another hill station in the area as nature has provided abundance of
beauty and scenery to this place.
Solan
Solan is the district headquarters and is the home to Meakin Brewery. Solan
is 48-km from Shimla and is at an altitude of 1,342m. It is also the
bifurcation point for Rajgarh with it's orchards and enchanting villages.
S  ituated
at the northern end of the kullu valley, Manali has spectacular views of
snowcapped peaks and wooded slopes. Manali literally means the 'Home of
Manu'. Manu is the mythological character who is supposed to have survived
when the world was drowned in Flood. He then came to Manali and recreated
human life. Thus, the area of Manali is sacred and Hindus treat the temples
over here as pilgrimage.
Surrounded by towering peaks at an arm length, Manali's major asset is its
proximity to the snowline. It is a flourishing orchard industry, a popular
honeymoon destination and trailhead for numerous treks as well as a great
countryside ideal for adventure sport lovers.
Manali, with its mountaineering institute, is a popular base for trekking
and mountaineering in summer and skiing in winter. Interesting routes into
the surrounding valleys, over the high passes, are provided with tourist
huts and rest houses for trekkign enthusiasts.
Hadimba Temple
Hadimba or Dhungiri temple in Manali is one of the most important temples
in the region. This four-story wooden temple is located in the middle of a
forest called the Dhungiri Van Vihar. Winding paths through forests and
glades of whispering Deodars form the setting for the majestic wooden temple
of Hidimba Devi in Manali. The motorable road is shaded by Chestnuts,
Chinars and tall deciduous Deodars. This forested backdrop enthral one’s
spirit and refresh one’s mind all along the uphill path.
Vashist Springs (1,982m)
At about half an hour’s brisk walking distance from town, there are
sulphur springs-gush, hot and medicinal - emerging out of the mountains at
Vashisht. Here, in a bath complex with a restaurant and a beautiful view,
couples can soak in the privacy of their own sunken bath, warming all kinds
of ailments out of their systems.
Jagatsukh (6-kms)
It is one of the biggest villages in Kullu district. About 6-km from
Manali, Jagatsukh is famous for its Shiva temple that is built in "shikhara"
style and nearby is the old and interesting Devi Sharvati temple.
Arjun Gufa (5-kms)
On the left bank of the Beas, 5-km from Manali near the village of Prini,
is the 'Arjun Gufa' or the cave of Arjuna. In here Arjuna practised
austerities to get Pashupata Ashtra or weapon from Lord Indra.
Beas Kund
Further ahead is the Beas Kund. The tiny roundish igloo like stone hut
shelters the Beas Kund, the very source of the holy river Beas. Water flows
at the source of the river likfe a spring, so clear and icy cold that it
almost numbs the fingers. All around is the rocky terrain with very little
vegetation. A few mules graze around while all and sundry try to brave the
wind on a clear sunny day.
Rohtang Pass (13-kms)
Situated about 50-km from Manali town, at an altitude of 4,111m on the
highway to Keylong, is the Rohtang Pass. There is a beautiful Dasohar Lake
left of the Pass. The Pass, which provides the only access to the Lahaul
Valley, is open from June to November each year. Snowfall is, however,
unpredictable and blizzards can close the Pass even during this period. Here
one sees the majesty of the mountains at its height and splendour. A few km
away from the pass is the Sonapani glacier and, slightly to the left are the
twin peaks of Gaypan-jagged pyramid of rock, snow streaked and snow crowned.
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