A tourist guide of Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

Shimla is a beautiful hill station, which is the capital of Himachal Pradesh. Located at an elevation of 2202 meters above sea level, this place is also known as 'Queen of Hill Stations'. The present district of Shimla was built in 1972. In 1864 this place was declared the Summer Capital of British India. After independence this place was also the capital of Punjab for some time. Later, Shimla was made the capital of Himachal Pradesh.

➤Paradise of passengers

Tourists can enjoy the breathtaking views of this mountain range, with a wide open area ridge, which is linked to the Lakkar Market and Scandal Point. The Jakhu temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, which is located at an altitude of 8048 meters above sea level. The beautiful Christ Church, designed by Colonel J. T. Boileau, is decorated with colourful glasses, which have views of the ridge.

Dorje Drak Monastery related to Nyingma tradition, which exhibits Tibetan Buddhist culture. On the other hand, the Kali Bari temple is dedicated to the Mother Goddess Kali, where devotees throughout the year are engaged. Hindu festivals like Diwali, Navratri and Durga Puja are celebrated in this temple with full pomp and joy. Devotees can also visit the Sankat Mochan temple situated at an altitude of 1975 meters above sea level. This temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and was built in 1966. Different deities and goddesses have been placed in different complexes of the temple.

➤Beautiful Ancient Structures

Shimla is famous for ancient heritage buildings, which represent the British architectural style. 'Rothney Castle' is one of the buildings that used to be the residence of 'A.O. Hume'. Visitors can also see the 'Manorville Mansion', where in 1945, in a meeting with Lord Wavell, Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel and Maulana Azad stayed for discussing the issue of independence.

Another attractive heritage building, the Town Hall which was built in 1919, is currently the office of Shimla Municipal Corporation in this building. The 'Viceregal Lodge', built in 1888, is also known as 'Rashtrapati Niwas'. It is a six-storey building surrounded by well-maintained lawns and gardens. The Indian Institute of Advanced Study is currently located in this building. The unique architecture style of this building makes it an attractive and hot tourist destination of Shimla.

➤Diverse tourist attractions

Himalaya's aviary state offers an opportunity to see different species of birds including 'monal'. 'Glen', which is a perfect picnic spot, is located 4 km away from the ridge. It is a delightful place with panoramic views and greenery. Tourists can also celebrate a picnic in Annandale. During British period, racing, polo, and cricket were played in this open area. Historical Toy Train Tour was started in 1903 by Lord Curzon. This journey provides an opportunity to settle the distance of 96 km through beautiful valleys and mountains.

Solan, Darlaghat, Scandal Point, Kamna Devi Temple, Jakhu Hill and Gorkha Gate are popular tourist attractions of this place. Various bronze artifacts, photographs, ticket collections and items related to anthropology can be seen in the Himachal State Museum. Shimla offers some shopping opportunities to its visitors. Shopping areas such as malls, lower markets and lakkar bazaar are famous for timber's unique craft and souvenirs.

➤Tourism activities in Shimla

Shimla is famous for being the largest ice skating rink in India. During the winter, the ground is covered with natural snow and this is the time (December to January) when skating is fully enjoyed. Tracking here is also very popular. Places like Junga, Chail, Churdhar, Shali Peak, Hatu Peak and Kullu are connected to Shimla by various routes. Tourists can explore Naldehra and Salogra through mountain biking from their destination. Rivers such as Beas, Ravi, Chenab and Jhelam provide tourists opportunities for rafting.

➤Shimla Season

Shimla enjoys a pleasant climate throughout the year, which makes it worth years tourism.
The winter season is the best time to enjoy skiing and ice skating while summer is ideal for sightseeing and trekking.

➤How to reach Shimla

➥Shimla main transport system is well connected by air, rail and road. Jubbarhatti Air Port is the closest air base for this place. There are many flights to this airbase from the Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi.
➥Visitors can also reach their destination from Kalka railway station.
➥Apart from this, buses are also available from Shimla to big neighbouring towns.

If you want to know more about this Shimla district then you can visit their official website @https://hpshimla.nic.in/

Here are some images of this district: