Shimla (also spelt as 'Simla') derives its name from goddess 'Shayamla Devi', which is another manifestation of Goddess Kali. The capital of Himachal Pradesh came into light when the British discovered it in 1819. Till then, it was a part of the Nepalese kingdom. In 1864 Shimla was declared as the summer capital of India. After Independence, Shimla became the capital of Punjab and was later named the capital of Himachal Pradesh. In 1903 a rail line was constructed between Kalka and Shimla. The town straddles several hills, including Jakhu Hill, Prospect Hill, Observatory Hill, Elysium Hill and Summer Hill. Shimla's main street is the Mall, which is abuzz with shops, eating-places, video game parlours and roadside stalls selling everything from woollens to trinkets and curios. |
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Christ Church, on the eastern edge of the Ridge, is a distinctive building with Victorian-Gothic spires and stained glass windows. Other reminders of Shimla's colonial past include the Town Hall, the timber-lined General Post Office, the old Gaiety Theatre and the gracious Cecil Hotel.
The most impressive colonial edifice of Shimla is the Viceregal Lodge, now known as the Rashtrapati Niwas on Observatory Hill, with a fabulous view of the Himalayas. Scandal Point, where people gather for an afternoon chit-chat near the Mall, got its curious name after the daughter of a high-ranking British officer eloped with a Patiala prince from here. The Kali Bari close by has an idol of Shyamla Devi, and the State Museum houses a collection of traditional and contemporary art, including fine Pahari miniatures and artefacts from the Kangra and Kullu valleys.
From the popular picnic spot of Prospect Hill you can get a grand view of the undulating hills and valleys of southern Himachal and the plains of Punjab. The suburb of Summer Hill offers quiet walks through the woods.
The Jakhu Temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the monkey god, perches on Jakhu Hill, which is the highest point on the ridge. Shimla has some other interesting spots like the thickly wooded Glen, Chadwick Falls, the Temple of Tara Devi, the Sankat Mochan Temple and the Himalayan Aviary. Being the seat of government and a major tourist attraction in north India, Shimla town has grown to bursting point, but under the highly commercialized veneer, there remains a core that's completely enchanting- and undoubtedly worth experiencing.
| Getting to shimla |
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The Jubbarhatti airfield, 22 km from Shimla, has regular flights from Delhi, Chandigarh and Kullu- although they may be erratic (due to foul weather) in winter, when Chandigarh Airport (120 km from Shimla) can be used. By train, the nearest broad gauge railway station is at Kalka, about 100 km from Shimla; Kalka station is linked to most major cities in India, including Delhi and Kolkata. From Kalka, a narrow-gauge line connects to Shimla. 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 and from Chandigarh, Kullu, Manali, Delhi, Mandi, Pathankot, and Ambala; alternatively, private or hired vehicles can be taken to Shimla.
Most of Shimla can be covered on foot, although the steep climb can be tiring at times. In addition, there are taxis, and mini buses / Himachal Tourism buses operating from the Mall are available for local tours.
| Best time to visit |
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The best time to visit Shimla is between October and November, when the temperature is moderate. From December till February it gets very cold with heavy snowfall. In the summer months from April till June the town is overcrowded with tourists escaping the hot plains, and it is best to stay away at this time.
| accomodation |
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Shimla has a host of hotels and guesthouses in various price ranges, but finding a place during the peak tourist seasons is near impossible. So if you are travelling between April and September, be sure to book well in advance. Also, rates double during this season. In the off-season, between November and April, it is possible to get heavy discounts. Some hotels also shut down in this period. Most of the accommodation is around the Ridge, ranging from the low budget hostels to the heritage hotels.
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