Shimla (Himachal)

Simla 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 also a famous holiday spot for honeymoon.

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

• Chadwick Falls, Shimla (7 km away from Shimla). The waterfall is at its most beautiful just after the monsoon. But for much of the year it can be quite dry, and not as impressive. edit
• Christ Church, The Ridge (Near Municipal Library). Open every day, services Su 08:00-11:00. Constructed in 1846, this is the second oldest church of the North India. The stain-glass windows,representing charity, faith, patience, hope, fortitude and humility, and 19th century organ are particularly impressive. The fresco that surrounds the chapel window was designed by Lockwood Kipling, Rudyard Kipling’s father. Entry free, donations welcome. edit
• Hip Hip Hurray Amusement Park, Kufri-Fagu Road, Kufri (NH-22, 16 km. from Shimla), An amusement offering adventure activities like Burma bridge crossing, Flying Fox, rock climbing, boating, various rides, indoor golf & video games. Also has a restaurant, coffee shop & shopping. edit

• Lower Bazaar, Shimla. Shops open M-Sa. The Lower Bazaar is home to the city’s less expensive hotels, cheaper restaurants and shops, 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 Shepherd’s Pie. edit

• The Mall, Shimla. The Mall is the main shopping centre of Shimla. This shopping centre has a good number of banks, restaurants, post offices, clubs, bars and tourists offices. There is a famous theatre of Shimla called Gaiety Theatre. The Mall is also the main meeting place for the people of Shimla. edit

• The Ridge, Shimla. The Ridge is the center of Shimla’s cultural and social life – an excellent place to view the surrounding mountains. edit
• Shimla Water Catchment Sanctuary, Shimla. A unique, well preserved mixed himalayan forest with predominantly Himalayan Cedar trees. Permits are required for entry Rs 50 per person and Rs 200 per car. Monday closed. Though not mandatory its best to hire naturalists to take you into the sanctuary. Trained naturalists are available at Mountain Guides India. The forest is home to the barking deer, goral, flying squirrel, pine marten, porcupine and leopard. There are also a great number of birds; in fact there is the highest density of koklass pheasant in this forest. There is a man-made reservoir in the centre of the forest that provides drinking water to Shimla town. The reservoir was completed in 1901 and to the water supply scheme from the sanctuary is Shimla’s only gravity feed water supply scheme. The sanctuary is under the charge of the Forest Department. edit
• Viceregal Lodge, Shimla, 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. Entry ₹ 20 per adult. Both still and video cameras are allowed for a fee of ₹ 10. A guided tour is conducted in a very professional manner and explains the historical importance of the building – worth capturing if you have a video camera. There is a small book shop and a cafe in the premises. Open every day although only the entrance hall and gardens are open to the public

• Jakhoo Hill is Shimla’s highest point and the site of Jakhu Temple. The summit offers spectacular views of the town and its surroundings; on a clear day it is possible to see the snow-capped Western Himalaya about 75 km to the north. However, trees and vegetation somewhat obscure the views, preventing them from being truly panoramic.

  The climb up from the Christ Church is a physically demanding 2 km (1.2 mi) walk that takes between 30 and 60 minutes depending on your level of fitness. Taxis are available to take you up the hill or you can drive yourself – 4WD is recommended – however, parking is limited at the top. Another option is the Jakhu Ropeway, an aerial tram located slightly downhill and east of the church.

  The hillside and Jakhu Temple are populated with very aggressive and cunning monkeys. Be extremely careful with your camera, glasses, bag and (especially) food. (Sticks for warding off the monkeys can be rented at the entrance to the temple for Rs 5).

  • Jakhoo Temple (Jakhu Temple). Open every day. A temple and the world’s largest Hanuman statue. According to the epic Ramayana, the monkey god Hanuman rested here during his journey to the Himalayan mountains. Free (donations welcome).
  • Jakhu Ropeway. An aerial tramway to the summit of Jakhu Hill. Rs 250. edit

  Tara Devi

  Tara devi is famous for the temple. Tara Devi is one of the many forms of Goddess Kali. This temple is located on the top of the hill. Tara devi is approximately 11 km from the bus stand of Shimla. This is a perfect location for people who are looking for some rest and peace at a high altitude of around 1850 m. The temple is very clean with very beautiful flowers maintained all around it.

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