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Himachal
Pradesh
Shimla today is perhaps the best loved
hill station in India. This utterly charming resort
has been as perennial favourite since British
troops set up camp here in 1819. Patron goddess of
the little village was Shimla Devi. And she gave
her name to the settlement that sprag up here. Over
the year. The custodians of the Raj fled here from
the oppressive heat of Delhi, and the tradition has
persisted to this day.
At an attitude of 2130 meters, the town of
the Shimla is a quaint and delightful place. It
straddles a steepridge, with settlements sloping
down on both sides. Winding roads crisscross the
hill sides, making for a great many walks.
Along the ridge runs the Mall artery of
Shimla, along this promenade you will find much
that is reminiscent of the Raj stately mansions,
curiosity shops, and citizens taking the air on a
Sunday morning ! Here, too, you can amble through
Scandal Point, scene of the legendary elopement, or
stand in the hushed confined of the Christ Church.
Shimla was the summer capital of imperial
India. A picturesque town in the north-western
Himalayas, Shimla was once known for it's high
society, gaity balls, gymkhanas, theater and the
opulence of colonial life. Today as the capital of
Himachal Pradesh it still retains much of its old
charm. Colonial buildings in a variety of
architectural styles, well laid out walks through
dense forests rich in bird life, and a mall with
shop, theaters, parlours & restaurants.
PLACE OF TOURIST INTEREST
SUMMER HILLS
Summer Hill is a
quiet subrub of Shimla, 5 Km. from the ridge and on
the kakla Shimlaline. Its peaceful environs &
secluded walks were endorsed by a personage no less
than Gandhiji, who once made this his retreat.
LAKKAR
BAZAR
Popular
for its wood crafts and souvenirs, this is just off the Ridge.
JAKHOO HILL
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.
ST. MICHAELS CATHEDRAL
The
dressed-stone church with fine stained glass has a cruciform design.
STATE MUSEUM
This
houses a representative collection of Himachal Pradesh's rich
heritage. Exhibits include archeological artifacts, carvings,
paintings and sculptures.
THE GLEN
At 1830
m, this is a thickly wooded ravine through which a stream flows. It
is a popular picnic spot place.
ANNANDALE
Surrounded
by a thick deodar forest, this large glade has an ancient temple on
an edge.
PROSPECT HILL AND KAMNA DEVI
At 2125
m (6 Km.) and crowned by a temple dedicated to Kamna Devi, the Hill
offers spectacular views of the area.
SANKAT MOCHAN
7 Km.
This is a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman.
CHADWICK FALLS
8 Km. At
1586 m, these rain-fed falls are approached through Summer Hill.
TARA DEVI
11 Km.
At 2149 m, this beautiful subrub is surrounded by a thick forest.
There are old temples on a side & a fair is held every April.
KUFRI
16 Km.
At 2501 m, this is famous for its wide views and ski slopes. An
enjoyable walk leads up to the Mahasu Peak.
FAGU
22 Km.
At 2510 m, Fagu has some enchanting views.
NADLEHRA
22 km.
At 2044 m, this is a nine hole, par 68 golf course.
CHAIL
45 Km.
At 656 m, there are hot sulphur springs here.
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