Shimla - Himachal Pradesh

How to Reach

The Jubbarhatti airfield, 22 km from Shimla has regular flights from Delhi, Chandigarh and Kullu. But due to rough weather conditions during winter, flights may be irregular, especially from December till February. The broad-gauge line terminates at Kalka, about 100 kms down in the plains. The Kalka station is connected to most major cities in India, including Delhi and Calcutta. From Kalka, the narrow-gauge line connects to Shimla. The toy train that runs from Kalka and back, takes about five-and-a-half hours to reach. Though the train journey is romantic, it is much slower than travelling by bus. Shimla is connected by road to Chandigarh, Delhi, Dehradun, Kalka, and other major north-Indian towns. There are regular bus services to Chandigarh, Kullu, Manali, Delhi, Mandi Pathankot, and Ambala. Most travellers prefer to drive up to Shimla in private or hired vehicles.

Tourisum

One of the best ways to discover the beauty and charm of Shimla is through Kalka mail. The famous Kalka - Shimla toy train which runs between these cities of Himachal Pradesh is one of the prime attractions in Shimla, that gives splendid views of the snow-clad ranges of the Himalayas, covered with thickly populated forests of pine and oak.

The Ridge, Christ Church - The large open space in the heart of the town presents excellent view of the mountain ranges. Shimla's landmarks-the Neo-Gothic structure of Christ Church and the new-Tudor library building are worth seeing. Christ Church is the second oldest Church in North India. It has a very majestic appearance and inside there are stained glass windows which represent faith, hope, charity, patience and humanity. It was built in 1857.

Chadwick Falls (7 Kms.) surrounded by thick forests. About 45 minutes walk from Summer Hill Chowk.

Sankat Mochan (7 Kms.) on Shimla-Kalka road (NH-22) is famous "Lord Hanuman" temple. It commands an excellent view of Shimla town. The place can be visited by Bus/Taxi.

The Mall Road the lifeline of Shimla, Mall road is the main tourist attraction in the town. It is a fairly level meandering esplanade that runs along the ridge. Mall road is the main street in Shimla - 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. Lakkar Bazaar adjacent to the Ridge is popular for its wood crafts and souvenirs. One such step was to ban entry of vehicles on the road. All the colonial structures are situated on The Mall.

Kali Bari Temple is supposed to be the temple Goddess Shyamala, who lends her name to Shimla. It was constructed in 1845. It is a few yards from Scandal Point towards General Post Office. The shrine of Shyamala was earlier in Jakhu hill. Britishers brought it to the new site of temple.

Jakhoo Temple in Shimla is situated on the top of Jakhu Hill, at an altitude of 2.5 kms. The Jakhu temple in Shimla is dedicated to lord Hanuman, and is said to be existing from the times of Ramayana. Jakhu is derived from Hindi word Yakhsa. Yakshas are the mythological character in Hindu mythology, which is a link between human and gods. Shimla's highest peak offers a panoramic view of the sunrise, sunset, mountains and town. It is also famous for its trekking options. Way for trekking is from Ridge near Church (on foot). One can also hire pony or taxi to visit the temple.

Mashobra ( 13 kms.) This is a popular picnic spot in Shimla which offers ideal walks amidst forest of oak and pine. The area adjoining to Mashobra is famous for apples orchards. Nearby is the site of annual 'Sipi Fair' held in June.

Craignano (18 Kms.) Motorable on Shimla-Naldhera road, Ideal picnic spot with lawns and garden.
 

State Museum Ancient Historical Sculptors and paintings of Himachal Pradesh. Shimla museum has endeavored to project hill art and the cultural wealth of the state showing their link with the national artistic scene. There is a collection of miniature paintings, costumes, textiles and jewellery of the region. Visiting hours 10 AM to 5 PM. Closed on Monday and gazetted holidays.

Indian Institute of Advanced Studies This magnificent English renaissance structure was the former Viceregal Lodge. The institute in Shimla is housed in the erstwhile Viceregal Lodge which was built in 1884-88 during the period of Lord Dufferin. It is a commanding building in Summer Hill. The gardens of the Institute are really beautiful and fascinating. It was designed by Henry Twain. Entry by ticket.

Prospect Hill (5 Kms.) Crowned by a temple dedicated to Kamna Devi 15 minutes walk from Boileauganj on Shimla- Bilaspur road. The hill offers spectacular views of the area.

Summer Hill (7 Kms.) a picturesque superb on Shimla-Kalka Railway line. Offers 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. Himachal Pradesh University is situated here.

Kamna Devi (5 kms.) This place is located near Boileauganj. Kamna Devi is the most popular picnic spot in Shimla which commands a unique view of Shimla, Jutogh, Summer hill and Tara Devi. The hill is famous by name of Prospect Hill.

Tara Devi (11 Kms.) on Shimla - Kalka road (NH-22) this holy place is accessible by Rail, bus and car. From the station/road-one can visit the temple either on foot or by taxi / jeep.

Fagu (22 Kms.) on Hindustan-Tibet Road. It has enchanting views. Fagu's idyllic surroundings area for those looking for tranquility and solitude. A slamm hamlet overlooking prosperous apple orchards and with a fine view of the Himalayan Panorma, Fagu in Shimla is also a popular trekking place. Himachal Tourism runs the Hotel Peach Blossom.

Narkanda (64 Kms.) On the Hindustan Tibet road, Narkanda in Shimla commands a unique view of the eternal snow line and the dense forest. A quaint sleepy hamlet, from Narkanda, you get breathtaking view of the snow clad Himalayas. An uphill trek through Deodar woods leads to Hatu Peak (8 Km). 'Hatu Peak' at an altitude of 3,143 meters above sea level. Ancient temple of Hatu Mata is alive with skiers. In winter, there are exciting ski slopes to Ski on.

Kotgarh (82 Kms.) motorable, bifurcation from Narkanda (18 Km) Land of apples and apricots.

Rampur (140 Kms.) on the Hindustan Tibet Road. Once the capital of the Princely State of Bushahr, the town is situated on the banks of Satluj river, Big Commercial Centre and famous International Lavi fare which is held in November every year, Dumgir Buddhist Temple, Padam Palace, Raghunath Temple, Ayodhya temple and Narsingh Temple, are worth visiting. Himachal Tourism runs a tourist Complex and air conditioned Cafe, Satluj.

Sarahan (176 Kms.) on Hindustan Tibet Road from Jeori Sarahan is (17 Km) with spectacular view of Srikhand range. Sarahan has the majestic Bhimkali Temple. Himachal Tourism runs Hotel Shrikhand. Saharan is the gateway to Kinnaur. A Pheasant Breading Centre and stadium are worth visiting.

Kharapathhar (85 Kms.) motorable on Shimla-Rohru road. A famous religious shrine Giriganga is 7 Km on foot or by jeep. HPTDC Tourist complex Giriganga Resort under construction.

Jubbal (90 Kms.) headquarters of the erstwhile Princely State, Jubbal has a superbly maintained Palace which was designed by a French architect in the 1930 and is remarkable mix of European and indigenous styles.

Hatkoti (104 Kms.) Motorable on Shimla-Rohru highway, famous for ancient temple of Mata Hateswari in the midst of paddy fields on the right bank of the Pabber river.

Mashobra (12 Kms.) motorable on Shimla-Naldehra road. Surrounded by thick forests and offers ideal walks. Goddess Durga temple is worth seeing.

Naldehra (22 Kms.) motorable on Shimla Tattapani road. Naldera offers one of the oldest and most sporting golf courses in India set in the midst of thick forests. Naldera in Shimla is known for its 'nine hole golf course'. It was designed by the British viceroy, Lord Curzon in 1903 who was so enchanted by this place that he gave his daughter Alexandra, Naldehra as her second name. The country around Naldera is also famous for its temples which are representative of the typical hill architecture of the area. Ancient Nag temple is also situated here.   

Tattapani (65 Kms.) motorable on Shimla-Mandi Highway via Naldehra. Tattapani has hot water springs having sulpher contents, also Hindu temples and Shiv Goofa at Saraur (4 Kms.) are worth seeing places. A dip at the hot sulphur springs at Tattapani not only relaxes the body but also has therapeutic effects. There is a tourist bungalow at Tattapani to accommodate 20 persons.

Chindi (94 Kms.) motorable on Shimla-Mandi highway via Tattapani - A beautiful place in Karsog Valley. Himachal tourism's tourist Resort is opening shortly. One can also visit famous mahunag Temple (18 Kms.). Mamleshwar mahadev Temple (13 Km) Kamaksha Devi temple (19 Kms.) Pangna Killa/temple (8 Kms.) and Shikari Devi Temple (18 Kms.).

Coffee House Shimla of Shimla is working under a cooperative society. The interior decor of the coffee house is always kept simple with a few framed pictures, but only those portraying coffee. Having two floors, the Shimla Coffee House is spacious but it is always packed.