Shimla (Himachal Pradesh, India)

Shimla is located on the north-west of the Himalayas and is capital of Himachal Pradesh. Many people tour Shimla, Himachal Pradesh as it is quite close to the neighbouring states of Punjab, Harayana, Delhi, and Jammu and Kashmir. Shimla, the summer capital of the British India, is situated at a height of 2,196 metres. While the British have left the echoes linger on. today, its well developed facilities, easy accessibility and many attractions make it one of India's most popular resorts. In the Himalyan lower ranges, it is surrounded by pine, cedar, oak and rhododendron forests. Shimla is located towards the southern parts of the north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Now It is the state capital and is at a distance of 343 km from Delhi, 260 km from Manali, and 119 km from Chandigarh. The temperature range is not very high and the maximum temperature rarely crosses 25°C during summers. Winters are cold due to the chilly winds from the upper Himalayas. Situated in the North-west Himalayas, Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh. It was once famous as the Summer Capital of "The Raj". Though evocative of a bygone ere, it is today a thriving Capital of a State, famous for its snowcapped peaks, apples, and pine forest, flowers and gentle smiling people. Visitors come to Shimla to walk down its famous Mall Road and also to experience Shimla in its many hues from spring flowers to autumn leaves, from the soothing green & gentle breeze of summer to its Winter snows. It is truly a "Destination for all seasons." A special delight is to travel by one of the few remaining mountains Railways in the world - the toy train to Shimla - as it winds through 103 tunnels during its 90-km. journey up the mountains.

History:

Before the British discovered it in 1819, Shimla was a small village that was part of the Nepalese kingdom. In 1830, the local Raja was persuaded to part with the land by the British and the settlement became the subcontinent's most fashionable summer resort. In 1830, the local Raja was persuaded to part with the land by the British and the settlement became the subcontinent's most fashionable summer resort. Shimla was declared the summer capital of India in 1864. After India's independence, Shimla became the capital of Punjab till 1966, when it came under Himachal Pradesh.

Sightseeing:

Naldehra:
Naldehra is a pleasant little village 15 kms further north, at an altitude of 2050m. Naldehra is mostly famous for having one of the oldest and highest golf courses in India. There is even a temple, the Mahunag Mandir, in the middle of the course. It is the famous point and good experience for the tourists.

Mashobra:
Mashobra is a part of Shimla Reserve Forest Sanctuary and catchments area. The natural vegetation of this arena comprises pine, oak, cedar or Himalayan deodar, and rhododendron, as well as maple and horse chestnut. The wildlife consists of jackals, kakkar (barking deer), and the occasional leopard, as well as numerous bird species such as the Himalayan eagle, pheasants, chikor and partridges. You will have all the beautiful aspects of nature here in Mashobra.

State Museum:
The location of this museum is 2.5 kms west of the scandal point, another point of interest in the city. The museum boasts a remarkable collection of ancient historical sculptures, paintings, coins, photos and other items from all over the state and outside. Moreover, the library features several ancient historical books and manuscripts.

Chail:
Chail is connected by road from Shimla via Kufri, the distance is about 45 km and via Kandaghat it is 61 km. The present Chail is spread over an area of 72 acres on three adjacent hills-the Rajgarh Hill where the Palace is built, the Pandava Hill where the old Residency 'Snow View' is located and where the British Resident lived, and finally the Siddh Tibba, where the temple of Baba Sidhnath is located at a height of 2226 ft. In winter the temperature can drop below freezing point when heavy woolens are required. In summer the climate is mild and light woolens/cottons are recommended.

Jakhu Temple:
The Jakhu Temple in Shimla is situated at an altitude of 2455 Mts. The temple is dedicated to lord Hanuman, the monkey god in Indian mythology. Hanuman was the most faithful aide of lord Rama (India’s most revered mythological hero). The temple of Hanuman is in the thick forests of Jakhu hills, and is on top the Jakhu Hill. Jakhu is derived from Hindi word Yakhsa. Yakshas are the mythological character in Hindu mythology, who are a link between human and gods. The original dates of temple is not known, but it is believed to be existing from the times of Ramayana, a pre historic event as per ancient Hindu texts. The Jakhu hill is the highest peak around Shimla, and is famous for its trekking options.

Kasauli:
Kasauli is a good detour between Shimla and Kalka, and is often called lesser Shimla. Kasauli is truly a nature lover’s delight. Wild blooms spring up everywhere between April to June. The landscape, then, is a riot of wild roses, rhododendrons, coral tree, flame of the forest, kachnar and kashmal.