Shimla - Himachal Pradesh

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 Ridge covers large open space located in the heart of the town presents excellent view of the mountain ranges. Shimla having 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 famous for shopping centre of Shimla and 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 very famous spot 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).

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 It offers ancient Historical 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. Here you can visit morning 10 AM to 5 PM. It is 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.) Enclosed with a temple dedicated to Kamna Devi, located at a distance 15 minutes walk from Boileauganj on Shimla- Bilaspur road. The hill offers spectacular views of the area.

Summer Hill (7 Kms.) It is a picturesque superb on Shimla-Kalka Railway line. Here you can enjoy 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 also located 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 this holy place is approachable by Rail, bus and car. You can also hire texi and jeep etc from the station/road.

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. 'Hatu Peak' located 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 ,is the land of apples and apricots.

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

Sarahan (176 Kms.) situated at 17km from Jeori Sarahan on Hindustan Tibet Road with spectacular view of Srikhand range. Majestic Bhimkali Temple also located here. Himachal Tourism runs Hotel Shrikhand. Saharan is the main gateway to Kinnaur. A Pheasant Breading Centre and stadium are attractive visiting places.

Kharapathhar (85 Kms.) located on Shimla-Rohru road. A famous religious shrine Giriganga is 7 Km away from it. HPTDC Tourist complex Giriganga Resort under construction.

Jubbal (90 Kms.) Jubbal has a well maintained Palace which was developed by a French architect in the 1930 and is remarkable mix of European and indigenous styles.

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

Mashobra (12 Kms.) motorable on Shimla-Naldehra road. Enclosed by thick forests and offers ideal walk. Goddess Durga temple is major sight seeing spot.

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 developed by the British viceroy, Lord Curzon in 1903 that he gave to his daughter Alexandra, Naldehra as her other 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 located here.   

Tattapani (65 Kms.) motorable on Shimla-Mandi Highway via Naldehra. Tattapani offers hot water springs having sulpher contents, also Hindu temples and Shiv Goofa at Saraur 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. It is a beautiful place in Karsog Valley. It offers tourist resort , famous mahunag Temple, Mamleshwar mahadev Temple , Kamaksha Devi temple, Pangna Killa/temple and Shikari Devi Temple etc.

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.

How to reach Shimla

By Air:

Airport in Shimla, is at distance of 23 kilometers at Jubbarhatti. It is well connected to Chandigarh, Kullu and Delhi. Jagsons Airways provide excellent services and connect Shimla to various parts of India.

By Rail:

The nearest railhead located at a distance of 96 kilometers in Kalka. You can hire a train from Delhi to Kalka. There are no direct root for trains to Shimla.

By Road: Shimla is well connected by road to Chandigarh, Delhi, Dehradun, Kalka, and other major cities. There are regular bus services are also available to Chandigarh, Kullu, Manali, Delhi, Mandi Pathankot, and Ambala.