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DISTANCES
/ LOCATION
- Delhi
to Shimla : 370 Kms
- Shimla
to Kufri : 15 Kms
- Shilon
Bagh to Shimla : 26 Kms
- Shimla
to Manali : 260 Kms
- Shimla
to Chail : 43 Kms
- Chandigarh
to Shimla : 117 Kms
- Shimla
to Parwanoo : 90 Kms
- Manali
to Chandigarh : 320 Kms
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GENERAL
INFORMATION
The
British empire may have ceased to exist, but its echoes
linger on in Shimla (2130m). As the 'summer capital'
of the British in India.
This
was the country's focus for the better part of every year
and now, it is the state capital of Himachal Pradesh.
Today, its well developed facilities, easy accessibility
and numerous attractions make it one of India's most popular
hill resorts. Placed in the tower ranges of the Himalaya
mountains, it is surrounded by pine deodar, oak and rhododendron
forests. Towards the north lie the snow covered high-ranges,
while the valleys broad whispering streams and swaying
fields. Within the town are a host of splendid colonial
edifices,quaint cottages and charming walks. Shimla holds
a variety of shopping,sport and entertainment.
PLACES
TO VISIT
The
Ridge
: This large open space in the heart of town presents
excellent views of the mountain ranges. Shimla's landmarks
the neo Gothic structure of Christ Church and the Neo
Tudor Library library building are here.
Chadwick
Falls, 67 m high : are only really worth visiting
during or just after the monsoons (July to October).
The falls are 7 km from Shimla and can be reached via
Summer Hill.
Lekkar
Bazaar : Popular for its wood crates and souvenirs,
this is just off the Ridge.
Jakhoo
Hill/Temple - dedicated to the monkey god, Lord Hanuman
: At 2455 m,this is the town's highest peak
and a vantage point for Shimla's famous views. The summit
is crowned with a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman.
The hill is full of paths and narrow roads which are
enjoyable walks.
Christ
Church & St. Michael's Cathedral : This
dressed - stone church with fine stained glass has a
cruciform design. It is located just off the Mall, below
the District Courts. This is the second oldest
church in northern India (the oldest is in Ambala),
Christ Church was build between 1846 and 1857. The church
is one of the Shimla's major landmarks and is renowned
for its stained glass windows. You can have a look inside
the church or attend English-language services every
Sunday morning during the tourist season.
Indian
Institute of Advanced Study : At 1983 m,this
magnificent English renaissance strudure was the former
Viceregal Lodge. Its lawns and woodland are added attractions.
Entry by ticket (nominal charge).A portion of the interior
is also open to the public, except on Sundays and holidays.
The
Glen : At 1830 m,this is a thickly wooded ravine
through which a stream flows. It is a popular picnic
spot.
Annandale
: Surrounded by a thick deodar forest, this
large glade has an ancient temple on an edge.
EXCURSIONS
Sankat
Mochan (7 km) : This is a temple dedicated to
Lord Hanuman.
Kufri
(16 km) : At 2501m, this is famous for its wide
views and skislopes. An enjoyable walk leads up to the
Mahasu Peak.
Fagu(22
km): At 2510 m, Fagu has some enchanting views.
Chail
(45 km) : This was the former summer capital'
of the Patiala State. The palace is now run as a Luxury
hotel by Himachal Tourism.
Bihargaon
(4 km) :
Approached either past the cemetery below St.Edward's
Schoot,or through Tutikandi, this village has splendid
examples of traditional Himachal architecture.
Prospect
Hill and Kamna Devi(6 km) : At 2125 m and crowned
by a temple dedicated to Kamna Devi, the Hill offers spectacular
views of the area.
Chandwick
Falls (8 km) : At 1586 m,these rained falls are
approached through Summer hill.
Tara
Devi (11 km) : A thickly wooded hill whose peak
has a temple dedicated to Tara Devi.
Mashobra
(12 km) : At 2149m, this beautiful suburb is
surrounded by a thick forest. From here, a track leads
down to Sipur which is an exquisite glade shaded by ancient
deodar trees. There are old temples on a side and a fair
is held every April.
Naldehra
(22 km) : At 2044 m, this is a nine hole, golf
course. It was designed by the British Viceroy, Lord Curson
who was so enchanted by the place that he gave his daughter
Alexandra, 'Naldehra' as per second name.
Tattapani
(51 km) : At 656 m, there are hot sulphur springs
here. Himachal Tourism has a restaurant and a Tourist
Bungalow at Tattapani.
Adventure
and fishing : There are numerous walks within
and close to Shimla And there are many soft to medium
treks that can use Shimla as the base. Some treks are
to the Shalipeak, to the Kullu valley over the Jalori
pass or the Bashleo pass, Shimla to Chail, Shimla to Junga
and Shimla to Tattapani. Angling for trout can be done
on the river Pabbar, near Rohru.
HOW
TO REACH SHIMLA?
Shimla is
well connected with New Delhi, the national capital and
other centres in UP, Haryana and Punjab by rail, road
and air.
|| BY
TRAIN ||
If
you want to enjoy the green mountain slopes, covered with
fir, rhododendron, pine and the Himalayan Oak and traditional
homesteads nestling amount the foliage, do try cover your
journey by train
Himalayan
Queen is the best option for those travelling from Delhi.
At Kalka you change from broad to narrow gange and board
the"
Toy Train" to
cover next 25 km to Shimla. So many options are available
from New Delhi Railway Station. For reservation please
contact us at ask@bookindianhotels.com
.
|| BY
ROAD ||
Lying on NH
22, Shimla is well connected with a number of parts in
the area, both within and outside the state. Overall,
roads are good and enjoyable drive. Click
here for distances
Bus - Delhi
to Manali by 2 X 2 Deluxe, Push Back Seat, Non AC Buses
are available. Fare is Rs 425 per seat. Prior booking
is available on request. For more details please contact
ask@bookindianhotels.com
.
||
BY AIR ||
Jubbarhatti Airport is about 25 km from the town.
Jagson Airlines and Indian Airlines are offering daily
flights to/from New Delhi.
CLIMATE
CONDITIONS
In winter,
the temperature can drop below freezing point when heavy
woollens are required. Summer temperatures are mild and
light woollens/cottons are recommended.
High
season : is mid - April to mid - July, mid - September
to late October and mid - December to mid - January. The
best time to visit is mid - September to late November.
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