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Blessed with some of the most spectacular and beautiful landscapes anywhere, it is a travellers paradise -lofty snow peaks, deep gorges, lush green valleys, fast flowing rivers, enchanting mountain lakes, flower bedecked meadows, beautiful temples and monasteries steeped in time.
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May it be for relaxing, sightseeing, trekking, mountaineering, fishing, para-gliding, skiing, ice skating and golf, Himachal has it all...
A quaint little hill train chugs up into the Shivalik foothills, over dramatic loops and high arched bridges to the hill resort of Shimla (2130 m) - the capital of the mountain state of Himachal.Shimla was one a string of hill stations that the British established to escape from the scorching heat of the plains. The 12 km, crescentshaped ridge on which it is located was first occupied by the British troops, in the early part of the 19th century, during the Anglo-Gurkha War.The little village of Shymala, a retreat for British officers, soon grew to become the glamorous summer capital of the British, in India.
Shimla's salubrious climate, easy accessibility and numerous attractions have made it one of the most popular hill stations in northern India.
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The splendid views of the show-clad ranges of the Himalayas, fine walks through oak and flowering rhododendron, enchanting resorts within easy reach, golf Naldehra and skiing at Kufri and Narkanda make Shimala an attractive destination throughout the year. |
In the days before independence, Shimla was the most important British hill station, and was the summer capital of British India. The British in 1819 A.D first discovered Shimla, but it was not until 1822 A.D that the first permanent house was erected and not until many years later that Shimla became the summer capital. The name Shimla is derived from the Himalayan Goddess Shamla a synonym of Kali.
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Barog - 55 km - The highest point on the Delhi - Shimla highway, Barog is blessed with a likeable climate for most of the year.
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Chail - 43 km - This idyllic resort, set amidst scented forests of pine and deodar, was once the summer resort of the maharajas of Patiala. Located on a wooded spur, Chail overlooks the Sutlej Valley. Shimla and Kasauli are also visible and at night their twinkling lights seem part of the starlit sky. The palace of the maharajas, built in the late 19th century and the pretty cottages of the complex - that once accommodated the ADCs and guests of the royal party - are now part of a charming holiday resort. Chail has lovely walks and trails that meander through the dense pine forests - the home of barking deer, wild boar, pheasant and a variety of birds. Forest rest houses make overnight halts possible. For those interested in sports, Chail has fine tennis and squash courts and a putting green. There are excellent spots along the River Gaura with opportunities for anglers to tangle with the Himalayan mahaseer. Chail has also the highest cricket ground in the world - 2250 m above sea level.
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Chindi (94 Km) - 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). |
Fagu (22 Km) - On Hindustan-Tibet Road. It has enchanting views. Himachal Tourism runs the Hotel peach Blossom.
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Hatkoti (104 Km) - 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. |
Kharapathhar (85 Km) - 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.
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Kotgarh (82 Km) - Motorable, bifurcation from Narkanda (18 Km) Land of apples and apricots. |
| Mashobra - 13 km - Noted for its apple orchards and thick woods of oak and pine, Mashobra is a sylvan retreat with pretty walks and picnic spots. A little track leads down to Sipur a grassy glade with a stream wandering thorough it. Excursions are possible to Shali Peak - the highest point in the area or to Craignano ( 3 Km/2 mile) with its elegant guest house set in a delightful flower-filled garden. |
By Air : Nearest airport is Kullu- 23 km
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By Rail :Nearest railhead is Kalka- 90 km.
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By Road : Chandigarh- 117 km, Kullu- 220 km, Manali- 260 km, Delhi- 343 km, Pathankot- 380 km, Ambala- 151 km, Chail- 43 km, Dehradun- 240 km etc. |
| Tourist Places In Shimla |
| The Mall |
The Mall is the main walkway of Shimla town that runs along the top of the ridge. It a busy shopping area with old colonial buildings, souvenir shops and restaurants. At the end of the Mall is the Scandal Point and beyond it is the Christ Church known for its stained glass windows. The Viceregal Lodge built in the Gothic architecture and houses the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies. Himachal State Museum, housed in a colonial building with spacious lawns, displays Pahari miniatures, stone sculpture, local handicrafts, textiles and embroidery. The Glen is a beautiful picnic spot 4 km from Shimla located in the thickly wooded Glen. The Summer Hill, 5 km from Shimla, is the place where Gandhi stayed in Raj Kumari Amrit Kaur's mansion built in Georgian architecture. |
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| Jakhoo Hill |
The Jakhoo Hill or the Jakhoo Temple is 2 kms. from Shimla, at a height of 8000 ft, Jakhu Hill or Jakhoo Temple is the highest peak and offers a beautiful view of the town and of the snow-covered Himalayas. There is an old temple at this point dedicated to Hanuman, whose descendants, the monkeys wait cheerfully around and expect a bite from the visitors. An especially elevating sight to be seen from here is the sun rising. Since no temple in India goes without a legend, Jakhu Temple has a story too. It is said that Hanuman rested here on his way from the Himalayas with the magical sanjeevani booti, the herb that saved Lakshman’s life. Appropriately enough, there are many monkeys around the temple. But these monkeys can be a real nuisance, so do be careful and keep food out of sight and reach.
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| Glen |
Four kilometers from Gaiety Theatre and beyond Annandale a stream flows through the densely forested Glen at an altitude of 1,830 metres. Here besides the Bubbling stream of icy cold water, fresh from the melting snows, is a delightful, seculded picnic sport. North-west of Shimla, it is approached by two different routes, one near the Cecil Hotel and the other from the Kennedy House, the first house to be erected in Shimla and now housing the executive offices of the Himachal Government.
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| Summer Hill |
The quiet and lovely suburb of Summer Hill has secluded, shady walks and charming views. It was here that Gandhiji stayed on his visits to Shimla, in the elegant Gergorian mansion that belonged to Rajkumari Amrit Kaur. Summer Hill is located on the Shimla - Kalka railway line. (5 Km / 3 mile) |
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| Chadwick Falls |
The beautiful Chadwick falls of Shimla is of major attraction for the vast number of tourists who visit Shimla every year. If you want to have a glimpse of the Chadwick falls, take a walk of about forty five minutes from the Summer Hill of Shimla. The distance between Shimla and Chadwick falls is about seven kilometers. One can also avail a shared taxi to reach the Shimla Chadwick falls. The Shimla Chadwick falls flow from a height of 1586 meters. This fall of Shimla is a very favorite destination of the visitors. The fall is encircled with thick green woods from all sides and looks amazing in the midst of steep hills of pine and deodar. The standing woods make the place look all the more exotic and ravishing. The water of the Chadwick falls of Shimla is very cold and bracing.
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| UDAIPUR |
In olden times this village was known as Markul and so the name of local goddess is Markula Devi. The temple here is unique and famous for its wooden carving on its roof and ceiling. Raja Udai Singh of Chamba changed its name. This place is situated near the confluence of Chenab and Mayar Nallah. This place is therefore a starting point for Mayar valley and further on to Zanskar and other peaks. This is a green area rather the whole Chenab valley is greener than the Lahaul valley. It has a rest house and some hotels and is a good resting place. Some years back the road was only up to this point and from here the trekking expeditions to different areas used to start. Now the road is under construction beyond this place and the bus is goes upto Tindi. |
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| Himachal State Museum |
Located on the Mall road, the State Museum is a colonial building set in spacious lawns. Having a good collection of coins, photographs, local handicrafts and other items the museum is a humongous building. The doll gallery consists of a collection of Himachali bride and tribal dolls while the collection of Pahari miniature painting is also worth a look. The museum has a vast collection of damaged sculptures from all over the state preserved here, like the 8th century stone images from Masrur and Bajaura. Apart from these there are many rare specimens worth seeing. |
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