Shimla is the capital of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, it is located in the foothills of the Himalayas, at an altitude of 7,238 feet (2,206 meters) above sea level.
The city is known for its scenic beauty, colonial architecture, and pleasant climate. Shimla is a popular tourist destination
Shimla is also a popular destination for adventure sports such as trekking, camping, and paragliding.
History of Shimla
The area around Shimla has a history dating back to ancient times. It was originally inhabited by local tribes like the Koli, Halda, and Dhaugri. The region was later influenced by various dynasties, including the Mauryas and Guptas.
Shimla’s modern history is closely tied to the British colonial period in India. The British first discovered Shimla in 1817 when Lieutenant Colonel D. Ochterlony decided to set up a summer headquarters there to escape the scorching heat of the plains.
The British officially made Shimla their summer capital in 1864.
Under British rule, Shimla developed rapidly as a hill station. It became a hub for the British administration during the hot summer months.
The British built many colonial-style buildings, churches, and bungalows, some of which still stand today, giving Shimla its distinctive architectural charm.
Tourist Places To see in Shimla
Mall Road
The Mall road is a pedestrianized street lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes. It is a popular place to stroll and people-watch.
Known to be one of the busiest and more commercial areas of Shimla till date, this stretch is a mini-world in itself.
The main street is lined up with restaurants, clubs, banks, shops, post offices, and tourist offices. The stores on the Mall Road are famous for their woollen clothes and exclusively handcrafted works, apart from the usual books and jewellery.
The wooden furniture shops are particularly well-known; so do not forget to shop for some exquisite wooden articles and antiques.
The Ridge
The Ridge is a large open space with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. It is a popular spot for picnics and sunset walks.
The Ridge may well be defined as the heart of Shimla in terms of location and tourist attractions.
This Shimla tourist spot is actually a wide-open street that runs along the Mall Road from east to west and connects it to the famous Scandal Point.
Jakhoo Hill
Jakhoo Hill is the highest point in Shimla and offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains.
Situated at a height of 8000 ft. above the sea level, Jakhoo Hill is the location of an ancient Hanuman temple that boasts of having the world’s tallest statue (108 ft.) of this Hindu deity. Shrouded in legends and mysteries, it attracts devotees and the tourists alike.
ALSO READ: ABOUT JHAKU TEMPLE , SHIMLA
Shimla State Museum
If you’re interested in history and culture, you can visit this museum to learn more about the region’s heritage.
Located on the Mall Road, the Himachal State Museum (also known as Shimla State Museum) is housed in a colonial mansion.
It has a rich collection of miniature paintings, stone sculptures, coins, weapons, armors, dolls, jewelry, handicrafts, and numismatic articles discovered in the valley.
All of the articles preserved here serve as remnants of the grand cultural heritage of the state. An assortment of bronze idols collected from various temples spread across the Himalayas is of particular attraction at this place.
Chadwick Falls
Nestled within the Glen Forests, Chadwick Waterfall is one of the most delightful sights that nature has bestowed upon Shimla.
The waterfall makes a dive from a height of 86 meters and cascades down a huge gorge. Surrounded by a blanket of greenery formed by the deodar and pine trees.
A lovely waterfall located just a few kilometers from the main town. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy nature.
Himalayan Bird Park
A little aviary, Himalayan Bird Park in Shimla is home to rare and exotic birdlife. Located at the heart of the city, it is home to the colorful and vibrant Monal Pheasant which is Himachal’s former state bird.
A must-visit for nature lovers and bird watchers, the Himalayan Bird Park is best visited in Summers.
Tara Devi Temple
As old as 250 years, the Tara Devi Temple lies on the top of Tara parvat. Built in the 18th century, the temple is devoted to Tibetan Buddhists Goddess Tara.
She is believed to be one of the nine sisters of Goddess Durga. There’s a special pooja conducted on the Ashtami during Sharad Navratri which is a must-see sight
Toy Train
The Kalka–Shimla Railway is a 2 ft 6 in (762 mm) narrow-gauge railway in North India which traverses a mostly mountainous route from Kalka to Shimla.
It is known for dramatic views of the hills and surrounding villages. The railway was built under the direction of Herbert Septimus Harington between 1898 and 1903 to connect Shimla, the summer capital of India during the British Raj, with the rest of the Indian rail system.
Kalka Shimla Toy Train Entry Fee
- 320 per person for Adults (Rail Motor Car)
- 160 per person for Children (Rail Motor Car)
- 510 per person for Adults (Shivalik Deluxe Express)
- 255 per person for Children (Shivalik Deluxe Express)
- 470 per person for Adults (Himalayan Queen)
- 235 per person for Children (Himalayan Queen)
Other attractions in Shimla
In addition to the above attractions, Shimla also offers a variety of other activities for tourists, including:
- Trekking: Shimla is a popular base for trekking in the Himalayas. There are a number of trekking trails in the area, ranging from easy to challenging.
- Camping: Camping is another popular activity in Shimla. There are a number of campsites in the area, where tourists can stay overnight and enjoy the natural beauty of the Himalayas.
- Paragliding: Paragliding is a popular adventure sport in Shimla. Tourists can paraglide from Jakhoo Hill and enjoy stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains.
How to Reach Shimla?
By Air
The nearest airport to the city is Jubbarhatti Airport, which is located about 22 kilometers from the city. There are regular flights from Delhi to Jubbarhatti Airport.
By Rail
Shimla has a railway station that is connected to Delhi and other major cities in India by regular train services.
By Road
The city is connected to Delhi and other major cities in India by a network of highways. There are also regular bus services from Delhi and other cities to Shimla.
Where To Stay?
Tour Packages
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