Shimla India Tourism
Nestled in the middle Himalayas in northern India, Shimla is a hill station
destination much beloved by honeymooners and other tourists, particularly
in summer.
Shimla district is located in the middle western ranges of the Himalayas.
This region has a hilly terrain and has an uneven cover of evergreen pine
forests. The Shimla city spreads over the hill at an average altitude of
2000 meters (roughly 6500 feet) above mean sea level.
Scottish civil servant Charles Pratt Kennedy built Simla's first British
summer home in 1822, and by the latter half of the 19th century the town
had become the summer capital of the British Raj. British soldiers, merchants,
and civil servants moved there each year to escape the heat and disease
of summer in the Indo-Gangetic plain. Pre-independence structures still
dot Shimla; imposing Victorian monuments of British rule in India.
Tourist Spots in Shimla
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 are worth seeing.
THE MALL: 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.
KALI BARI TEMPLE: Few yards from scandal Point towards General Post
Office. It is believed that the idol of Goddess Shayamla is enshrined there.
JAKHOO TEMPLE (2.5 Km) 2455 m: Shimla's highest peak offers a panoramic
view of the town. An ancient "Lord Hanuman" temple. Way from Ridge
near Church (on foot) One can also hire pony or taxi to visit the temple.
STATE MEUSEUM (3 Km): Ancient Historical Sculptors and paintings
of Himachal Pradesh. Visiting hours 10 AM to 5 PM. Closed on Monday and
gazetted holidays.
INDIAN INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED STUDIES (4 Km) 1983 m: This magnificent
English renaissance structure was the former Viceregal Lodge. Its lawns
and woodland are added attractions. Entry by ticket.
PROSPECT HILL (5 Km) 2155 m: Crowned by a temple dedicated to Kamna
Devi 15 minutes walk from Boileauganj on shimla Bilaspur road. the hill
offers a spectacular views of the area.
SUMMER HILL (7 Km) 1983 m: 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. HP University is situated here.
CHADWICK FALLS (7 Km) 1586 m: Surrounded by thick forests. About
45 minutes walk from Summer Hill Chowk.
SANKAT MOCHAN (7 Km) 1975 m: 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.
TARA DEVI (11 Km) 1851 m: 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 Km) 2450 m: On Hindustan-Tibet Road. It has enchanting views.
Himachal Tourism runs the Hotel peach Blossom.
NARKANDA (60 Km) 2708 m: On the Hindustan Tibet road, Narkanda offers
spectacular views of snow ranges. An uphill trek through Deodar woods leads
to Hatu Peak (8 Km). Ancient temple of Hatu Mata is alive with skiers. HPTDC
runs Hotel Hatu and in winters short skiing courses are organised.
KOTGARH (82 Km) 1830 m: Motorable, bifurcation from Narkanda (18
Km) Land of apples and apricots.
RAMPUR (140 Km) 924 m: 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 Km) 1950 m: 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 Km) 2673 m: 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 Km) 1892 m: 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 Km) 1400 m: 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. HPTDC runs Hotel Pabber here.
MASHOBRA (12 Km) 2148 m: Motorable on Shimla-Naldehra road. Surrounded
by thick forests and offers ideal walks. Goddess Durga temple is worth seeing.
CRAIGNANO (18 Km) 2149 m: Motorable on Shimla-Naldhera road, Ideal
picnic spot with lawns and garden.
NALDEHRA (22 Km) 2044 m: Motorable On Shimla Tattapani road. this
is a nine hole golf course. It was designed by the British viceroy, Lord
Curzon who was so enchanted by this place that he gave his daughter Alexandra,
Naldehra as her second name. Ancient Nag temple is also situated here. Himachal
Tourism runs Hotel Golf Glade here.
TATTAPANI (65 Km) 680 m: Motorable on Shimla-Mandi Highway via Naldehra.
Tattapani has hot water springs having sulpher contents, also Hindu temples
and Shiv Goofa at Saraur (4 Km) are worth seeing places
CHINDI (94 Km) 2010 m: 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 Km). Mamleshwar
mahadev Temple (13 Km) Kamaksha Devi temple (19 Km) Pangna Killa/temple
(8 Km) and Shikari Devi Temple (18 Km).
Shimla India Tourism, North India Tourism Reservation Form