Shimla – The Queen of Hills
Shimla – The Queen of Hills
Shimla is an ideal destination to spend the summer season in India. The ‘Queen of Hill Stations’ in Himachal Pradesh is one of the favorite holiday getaways. Shimla is the capital and the largest city of the Northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is situated at an altitude of 2,205 meters. In 1864, Shimla was declared as the summer capital of British India. The salubrious climate was in fact the reason that the British colonies settled here every summer. After independence, the city became the capital of East Punjab and was later made the capital city of Himachal Pradesh.
The town is famous for pleasant walking experiences on hillsides surrounded by pine and oak forests.
Things to do in Shimla:
Hop on the Toy Train from Kalka to Shimla
So, to provide an easy and quick access to Shimla, Britishers started the Kalka Shimla narrow-gauge train in November 1903. Lord Curzon enjoyed the first train ride and since then, the train has been running on an everyday basis, except for the maintenance breaks in between.
The Kalka Shimla toy train is a must-try ride for holidaymakers of all ages, the Kalka Shimla Toy Train passes through more than 100 tunnels and 800 bridges to cover some 60 miles. Built in 1903, this UNESCO World Heritage Site takes you back in time with a display of awe-inspiring landscapes.
The scenery you get to see throughout the journey is simply breathtaking! And the best part is that the train makes you forget everything about the destination, thus giving you a lifetime opportunity to travel with a different feeling.
White water rafting at Tattapani
Tattapani is a destination for water sport activity fanatics. River rafting in the cold water of River Sutlej, one of the longest rivers of India can be a lot of fun and exciting.
With bewitching landscape all around, ideal time for this activity is during May and June. One can also enjoy this activity from Chabba (12 kms) to Tattapani or from Sunni (5 kms) to Tattapani. Another option is a stretch of 36 kms from Pandowa to Tattapani.
Trek to Jakhu Hanuman Temple
Shimla journey is incomplete without a visit to the jhakoo temple! This is the highest point in shimla and the statue of lord hanumanji is visible from almost any part of the city.It is said that Hanuman has landed on this hill while carrying Sanjeevani. Due to his immediate landing this hill has redcued its height. The temple has some calm surroundings from where you can get some good views of Shimla. Beware of monkeys though.
Explore the British architecture:
Shimla is filled with colonial architecture with a plethora of churches, temples and historic buildings that you can witness at every corner of the city.
Viceregal Lodge: Built on the second largest hill of Shimla, this colonial structure is known for its splendid and intricate British architecture. Viceregal Lodge was built as a summer residence for the Viceroy of India. It was designed in the Jacobethan style by architect Henry Irwin and made from local sandstone.
Christ Church: One of the important landmarks of the city, it is the second oldest church in North India. With its excellent architecture and rich historical significance, the church remains one of the most important legacies of Colonial India and with good reason!
Gaiety Theatre: Drawing influence from the theatre tradition during the British era, this extravagant theatre is present in the heart of the old town hall in Shimla. This restored Gothic Theatre adorned with beautiful Paper Mache panels is reminiscent of the old colonial era. It comprises of an art gallery, exhibition hall, amphitheatre, multipurpose hall, old theatre, a conference hall and the City Museum.
Gorton Castle: Inspired by the Neo-Gothic architecture of the colonial era, the Gorton Castle is a heritage site in Shimla. The three-storeyed building is surrounded by timber blocks, mostly of rosewood and the roofs are made of red tiles. It is surrounded by huge deodar trees that offer a gorgeous view from its balconies.
Woodville Palace Hotel: General Sir William Rose Mansfield, Commander-in-chief of the Imperial British Army, was the first recorded owner of Woodville! Nestled in 4 acres of greenery, it is possibly the only Palace Hotel in Shimla and is inspired by the 1930's art deco era and personal artifacts of the family.
Shimla Town Hall: The Town hall is an iconic spot in town and a favourite haunt for many locals taking a stroll on the Mall Road. Constructed back in 1908, it has a British-era Tudor-style structure with half-timbered Tudor style-all-wooden frames and shingled eaves and it currently houses the Shimla Municipal Corporation.
Visit to Kufri, Chail and Mashobra, beautiful hill getaways
Kufri: Kufri is popularly known as the winter sports capital of Shimla, there is an endless list of things to do in Kufri, especially if you’re a nature lover. The best time to visit this beautiful hill station in winter, when everything is bathed in pristine whiteness, making it look like something right out of a fairytale. Regardless of what you seek – peace, solitude or an adrenaline rush – Kufri has just enough treats to please you.
- Skiing
- Horse Riding
- Visit the Himalayan National Park
- Yak Rides
- Visit Mahasu Peak
- Kufri Fun World
- Enjoy Tobogganing
- Camping
- Biking
- Trekking
- Paragliding
- Rappelling
- Bird Watching
- River Rafting
- Quad Biking
- Skiing
- Explore The Traditions
- Shopping
Mall Road is the major hangout point and shopping centre in Shimla, The Mall road is located a level below The Ridge. The offices of municipal corporation, fire service and police headquarters are located here. Automobiles, except emergency vehicles are not allowed on this road.
Mall Road has a number of showrooms, department stores, shops, restaurants and cafes. A Himachal emporium that offers handicraft products of Himachal Pradesh like locally designed woolen clothes, branded clothes, pottery items, wooden products, and jewellery is also located here
Get a family photo in the traditional attire for a fond memory
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