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Shimla is the capital town
of Himachal Pradesh. The
town of Shimla is built
over several hills and
connecting ridges. The
important hills are Jakhu
( 2,455 meters ), Prospect
Hill ( 2,328 meters ),
Observatory Hill ( 2,350
meters ), Elysigim Hill (
2,466 meters ) and Summer
Hill ( 2,300 meters ).
Shimla is situated in the
North-West Himalayas and
was the Summer Capital of
India during the British
ruling era. This town is
spread over the ridge
measuring about 12 km. It
is perhaps the biggest
hill station in the world,
located at an altitude of
2,421 meters above sea
level. A place of peace
an d pleasure, Shimla is a
tourist resort in real
sense of the world. The
best season of the year
here is autumn but the
early spring runs a close
second. Shimla is
connected with air, rail,
and road traffics. Shimla
under snow is a wonderful
sight and it offers the
unique attraction of an
open air ice skating rink.
Also the legendary Ridge
under snow and snow sports
at Kufri make Shimla a
wonderful winter holiday
resort
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Altitude |
300 meters to 6,000
meters. |
|
Location |
Shimla district lies
between 30°45' and
31°44 North Latitude
and between 77°0'
and 78°19' East
Longitude. It is
bounded by Mandi and
Kullu in North,
Kinnaur in the East,
the state of Uttar
Pradesh in the South
and by Sirmaur
district in the West |
|
Access by Air |
The nearest airport
is Jubbarhatti 23
km. |
|
Access by Rail |
There is broad guage
railway line up to
Kalka and thereafter
narrow gauge line up
to Shimla 90 km.)
With 103 tunnels. |
|
Access by Road |
Almost each and
every part of the
state is linked by
roads. The Himachal
Road Transport
Corporation is
running its buses
covering the whole
state. There is huge
network of HRTC to
cater the needs of
the people. |
|
Distance |
Manali 260 km.,
Mandi 150 km.,
Palampur 235 km.,
Dharamshala 235 km.,
Dalhousie 336 km.,
Sarahan 175 km.,
Sangla 230 km.,
Kalpa 244 km., Tabo
374 km., Kaza 421
km., Keylong ( via
Kunzum Pass ) 610
km., Hatkoti 109
km., Chigaon 137
km., Kssauli 75 km.,
Renuka 165 km.,
Delhi 370 km.,
Pathankot 295 km.,
Chandigarh 117 km. |
Around Shimla
Jakhu Hill: - 2 km.
from Shimla. This is the
highest peak of Shimla and
offers panoramic view of
the town and the
mountains. 'Hanuman Temple
of Jakhu' is very famous.
According to legend,
Hanumanji took some rest
here when he was carrying
a hill of 'Sanjiwani Booti'
(a herb to save the life
of Lakshmana, the younger
brother of Lord Rama).
Indian Institute of
Advance Studies: - The
institute is housed in the
erstwhile Viceregal Lodge
which was built in 1884-88
during the period of Lord
Dufferin. It is a
commanding building in
Summer Hill. The gardens
of the Institute are
really beautiful and
fascinating. It was
designed by Henry Twain.
Chail: - 45 km.
from Shimla. This was the
‘Summer Capital’ of the
erstwhile Patiala State.
The small town is located
amid thick woods and has
fine walks. It has the
highest cricket ground in
the world. The dense
forests around are alive
with many species of birds
and animals but it is best
known for its ‘Scottish
red Deer' which were
introduced by the
Maharaja.
Kufri: - 16km. from
Shimla. Kufri has won a
name on the sports and
tourist map of India due
to its ‘Ski-runs’, ‘Seed
Potato Farm’ of the
Central Potato Research
Institute and ‘Food Craft
Institute’.
Kamna
Devi: - 5 km. from Shimla. This place is located
near Boileauganj. Kamna Devi is the most popular picnic
spot which commands a unique view of Shimla, Jutogh,
Summer hill and Tara Devi. The hill is famous by name of
Prospect Hill.
Christ
Church: - The imposing Church stand majestically on
the ridge is the second oldest Church in North India. It
has a very a very majestic appearance and inside there
are stained glass windows which represent faith, hope,
charity, patience and humanity. It was built in 1857. In
fact it has become synonymous with Shimla and no picture
of two towns is complete without it.
Naldera:
- 22 km. from Shimla. Naldera offers one of the
oldest and most sporting golf courses in India set in
the midst of thick forests. The country around Naldera
is also famous for its temples which are representative
of the typical hill architecture of the area. Naldera is
known for its 'nine hole golf course'. Naldera course
was laid by Lord Curzon in 1903.
The
State Museum Shimla: - Shimla museum has endeavored
to project hill art and the cultural wealth of the state
showing their link with the national artistic scene.
There is a collection of miniature paintings, costumes,
textiles and jewellery of the region. A leisurely
winding walk from the Mall, past the Gortan Castle and
the Cecil leads to a colonial mansion perched atop a
hill. It houses the state museum. A visit to Shimla is
incomplete without seeing this museum, which offers a
peep into Himachal's grand past
Kali
Bari Temple: - Few yards from scandal Point towards
General Post Office. It is believed that the idol of
Goddess Shayamla is enshrined there.
Tattapani: - 51 km. from Shimla. A dip at the hot
sulphur springs at Tattapani not only relaxes the body
but also has therapeutic effects. There is a tourist
bungalow at Tattapani to accommodate 20 persons.
Mashobra:
- 13 km. from Shimla. This is a popular picnic spot
which offers ideal walks amidst forest of oak and pine.
The area adjoining to Mashobra is famous for apples
orchards. Nearby is the site of annual 'Sipi Fair' held
in June. |
