Shimla

The former Summer Capital of the British in India and the present capital of Himachal Pradesh. Founded in 1819, Shimla is a very popular retreat today. There is a sense of nostalgia about Shimla in its old bungalows with their gabled roofs and beautiful gardens. But Shimla is by no means a dull town. It is young, bursting with enthusiasm and complete with modern resorts, and lively bazars.

(Distance from Chandigarh Airport 117 Kms, Approx. time 4 Hrs.)
(Distance from Jubbarhatti Airport 17 Kms, Approx. time 20 Mins.)

Places of Interest

Narkanda: A hill road with superb views links narkanda with Shimla. Narkanda, located amidst fragrant pine forests is a ski resort in winter. It has a choice of slopes ranging from a beginners run and a slalom slope, to sharper descents for the experienced skier.

Tattapani : Tattapani is just 28 km from Nalendra, along a road winding through the scenic countryside. the hot sulphur springs here, are noted for their invigorating and curative powers.

Christ Church & St. Micheal Cathedral: Built in 1846-1857, Christ Church is the second oldest church of Northern India. The Church overlooks the ridge and is one of the landmarks of Shimla. The clocks on Christ Church were added later but none of them are functional now. The Church's exquisite beauty comes with the stained glasses that are fitted on its windows. The town's other important churches are St. Michael's Cathedral and Roman Catholic Cathedral, which is just off the Mall

Himalayan Aviary: Close to the Viceregal lodge is the Himalayan Aviary or the Himalayan Bird Park. This park is a natural habitat of numerous species of birds found in Himachal such as Himalayan Monal, Pheasants, Peafowls and National Bird of India, the Peacock.

The Ridge: The large open space in the heart of town presents excellent view of the mountain ranges. Shimla's landmarks - the Neo-Gothic structure of Christ Church and the new - Tudor Library building is worth seeing.


Mashobara: Noted for its apple orchards and thick woods of oak and pine, mashobara is a sylvan retreat with pretty walks and panic spots. A little track leads down to Sipur a grassy glade with a stream wandering through it.

Himachal State Museum & Library: The museum is located 2.5-km west of the scandal point and opens daily except on Mondays and public holidays. It has got a good collection of ancient historical sculptures, paintings, coins, photos and other items from all over the state as well as outside it. It has also got a library, which houses many historical books and manuscripts.

Jakhu Temple: Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, this temple is at an altitude of 2,455m near the highest point of Shimla ridge. It offers a fine view over the surrounding valleys, out to the snowcapped peaks, and over the town itself. The temple is a 45-minute walk from the Mall. Jakhu is a vantage point for witnessing the changing skyline as the sun rises or sets.

Fagu (22-Km) 2,450m: Just 6 Kms from kufri, Fagu is a vantage point with panaromic views of the ranges and valleys.

Prospect Hill: Crowned by a temple dedicated to Kamna Devi 15-minutes walk from Boileauganj on Shimla-Bilaspur road. The hill at an altitude of 2,155m offers a spectacular view of the area.

Kufri: Kufri is a noted summer and winter resort with its glorious views of forested slopes and tall ranges iced in a covering of perpetual snow. A fine ski resort, Kufri has a winter season that extends from January to March.

The Mall: Shimla's principal promenade and best for a leisurely walk. Walks to Jakhoo Hill, Summer Hill, Chardwick Falls and Prospect Hill Tibetan Monestery are havens of tranquility.

Viceregal Lodge & Botanical Gardens: On the Observatory Hills is located Viceregal Lodge, which is also known as "Rashtrapati Niwas". This magnificent building was the residence of the British Viceroy Lord Dufferin. This lodge was completed in 1888 and it is said that every brick for the building was carried by mules. This is a six-storey building and is surrounded by well-maintained gardens and lawns. The lodge has now been converted into Institute of Advanced Study and is further 2-km from State Museum.

Summer Hill: At an altitude of 1982m, Summer Hill is a picturesque spot on Shimla-Kalka Railway line offering shady walks in quiet surroundings. The Father of Nation, Mahatma Gandhi during his visit to Shimla lived in the elegant Georgian House of Raj Kumari Amrit Kaur located here. HP University is also situated over here.