SHIMLA

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INFO

Shimla is the capital of the state of Himachal Pradesh in India. It is a very popular holiday-retreat during the summer months and is well-known for its Victorian architecture, which is reflected in certain areas of the Mall and The Ridge.

It is a charming hill station and the summer capital of the British, and air of decay hangs or many of Shimla’s Raj Buildings. Strung out for about 3km along the ridgeline .Below them a maze of narrow streets, bazaars and shabby “ local” houses with corrugated iron roofs cling to the hill side. Some find it delightfully quaint and less spoilt than other Himalayas Hill stations. There are still some lovely walks, lined with magnificent pines and cedars giving a beautifully fresh scent to the air.

There are quite a few theories regarding the origin of the word Shimla. Locals insist that the name originates from Shyamali Devi, a re-incarnation of the fearsome Goddess Kali.

SIGHTS

Jakhu Temple

Offers spectacular views of the mountains from its location above the town.It is dedicated to the moneky god Hanuman who rested here during his journey to the Himalayan mountains. The climb up is a physically demanding one-hour walk The temple and hill side is populated with very aggressive and cunning monkeys.

Dorje Drag Monastery

 A monastery in the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, also known as Thubten Evam Dorje Drag.  

The Ridge, Jakhu Hill (North of The Mall)

Built at the top of the town at 2230m, The Ridge is the center of Shimla's cultural and social life - an excellent place to view the surrounding mountains.

Christ Church

 The Ridge (Near Municipal Library). Constructed in 1846, this is one of the oldest churches in North India. The stain-glass windows and 19th century organ are particularly impressive, and the fresco that surrounds the chapel window was designed by Lockwood Kipling, Rudyard Kipling's father.  

Lower Bazaar

The Mall (Below Central Section).  The Lower Bazaar is home to the city's less expensive hotels, cheaper restaurants and stores, and a congested wholesale vegetable market. Although less opulent than its upper neighbor, the Lower Bazaar retains an old worldly charm and is an excellent place to try some Shimla specialty dishes, like Uradh Dal with rice or Shepard's Pie.

Viceregal Lodge

 The Mall (Atop Observatory Hill),  (Only the entrance hall and gardens are open to the public). An imposing British-raj mansion built under the guidance of Lord Dufferin in 1888. Manicured British style gardens surround the mansion on three sides, while the fourth side is a place to relax and watch the sun dip below the Himalayan foothills. The teak-paneled interior is impressive, and well worth a viewing.  

IMPORTANT FACTS

Accessibility                    Local Transport – Taxis, Buses.

By Air                                 Nearest airport Shimla and Chandigarh at 119 Km.

By Rail                               The convenient rail head is Kalka at 96 Km. 

By Road                             Shimla is directly linked by  road with Chandigarh ,Manali .

STD Code                          0177

Altitude                              2213 m

Climate                              Summer    max. 28^O c min. 16^O c     Winter     max.10^O c and min -7^O c.

Clothing                             Cotton and light in summer and heavy woolens in  winter.

Best season                     Jun - Nov