Introduction
Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh and has great heritage value. Shimla is hilly which adds to it charm for being a top tourist destination in India. Shimla is one of the best places for spending Vacation in India. Shimla city headquarters of Shimla district. Shimla has a huge history behind it. It was the summer capital at the time of British Raj. There are several big structures with Tudorbethan and neo-Gothic architecture that were built by Britishers. The heritage of Kalka Shimla railway was brought up by Britishers. If you plan on coming to Shimla you can take the toy train from Kalka. It is part of UNESCO world heritage sites. The view from the railway tracks is amazing.
Below is a short video of the Shimla Kalka toy train.
Shimla is called Queen of hills as it has several hills and some names including Summer hill, Elysium hill, Potter hill, Prospect hill and Obsevatory hills. Jakhu hill is the most highest and entire Shimla is around it.
Shimla has an average elevation of around 220o meters above sea level and has great climate maximum temperature don’t exceed 30° C even during summers. Shimla has subtropical Highland climate hence the temperature range is ideal. There are lots of places to visit around in Shimla.
Places to visit in Shimla
- Kali Bari temple– This temple is located within the city. It is dedicated to goddess Kali. A large no of tourists come here every day. Shimla has got his name from Shyamla Devi which is another for Kali Bari.
- Jakhu Temple– This temple is dedicated to lord Hanuman. It is situated on Jakhu hill top and is highest point int the city. There is also facility of ropeway that was started in the year 2017.
Mall Road Shimla
The Mall road Shimla is one of biggest and well maintained open mall in India. You can see people from all over India and foreigners here. The road is restricted and vehicles are not allowed. There are multiple restaurants that offer all kinds of food. We recommend Baljees over others. Besides restaurant there are several big brands showrooms here. The famous Gaiety theater is one side of mall road.
The Ridge Shimla
The ridge is one of the rare wide open spaces in Shimla. It is situated on the top of Shimla city. The ridge attracts huge crowd and have couple of ice cream parlor. You can view 108 feet tall lord Hanuman statue from here. Recenlty a big flag has been also installed at ridge. The famous Christ Church is also located here.
Lakkar Bazaar
Lakkar bazaar as the name suggest is dedicated to wooden items. Lakkar bazaaar has huge no of shops selling wooden decorative items. It also has a roller skating rink and ice- skating rink.
Viceregal Lodge or Rashtrapati niwas
The Viceregal lodge also known as Indian Institute of Advanced studies or Rashtrapati niwas is one of best preserved heritage sites. It is situated at Observatory hill. Viceroy lodge has unique structure and can even put our modern bulit buildings on shame. This place is must have in your itinerary when you are at Shimla
Naldehra the green paradise at Shimla
Away from the hustle bustle Naldehra is a small hill station situated at a distance of 22 kilometers from Shimla and is one hour journey. Placed at an altitude of 2200 meters it is picture perfect real green paradise and admired by true nature lovers as the place is covered by evergreen deodar forest all over . The full fledged 18 hole golf course just adds to the beauty of Naldehra. It is perfect picnic spot where one could enjoy strolling around and enjoying with family and friends especially during springs and summers. This not a place where you would see man made architectures which most people sought for and like any hill station you will need to walk.
Horse Riding
You can do horse riding at Naldehra on a hilltop stretch on direct payment to horse vendors
Play golf
You can play golf at golf course on direct payment basis. Entry to golf course is prohibited without fee payment.
Walk around nature
You can stroll around the place admire natural beauty and have fun time with friends and family.
Kufri
Kufri is situated 16 kilometers away from Shimla city. The altitude at Kufri is around 2500-2600 meters. A huge stretch of mountains can be seen from here. Every year during winter large amount of snow falls here and snow remains there for up to a month. Thus for snow lovers December to February is the best time to visit Shimla. There are multitude of activities her. During summer you can do trekking and horse riding. During winters you can have a ride over yak , You can also do tobogganing (sliding) and skiing.
Some places to be seen at Kufri
Green Valley
On the way to Kufri there is this famous spot known as Green valley or Hassan valley. A lush green forest cover of cedrus deodar can be seen from here. The place is actually a sanctuary
Himalayan Nature Park
Himalayan nature park is actually a zoo which home several rare mountain species of antelopes species like Bharal and Ghoral. Other animals include Leopards, bears and birds species like monal pheasant.
Indira tourist park aka Chini Bunglow
Located near to Himalayan nature park is Chini bungalow or Indira tourist park . There is restaurant cum beer bar here. There is an ice cream parlour and a tea – cofee shop, video game parlour for kids.
Amusement Parks at Kufri
Recently several amusement parks have also opened up at Kufri that not only provide various amusing rides but restaurants and shops.There are multiple amusements parks to choose from in Kufri. We recommend Adventure resorts also known Kufri fun campus as it has lots of rides to choose from. Hip Hip Hurray is another good option.
Narkanda
Narkanda has recently gained popularity as a hill station and number of tourists visiting Narkanda have been on increase. It is at a distance of around 65 kilometers from Shimla. Narkanda is perfect spot for skiing.
Hatu temple Narkanda
Hatu Temple in Narkanda is one of the major tourist attraction at Narkanda. The temple is situated at a height of 3400 meters. Hatu mata temple is dedicated to Mandodri, wife or Ravana. It is at a distance of around 5-6 kilometers from Narkanda and taxi is only medium to reach here. We recommend hiring taxi beforehand for that purpose.
Tani Jubbar lake
Tani Jubbar Lake is yet another place near Narkanda that tourist visit. The lake is not very as it is a raid fed lake and to its side Nag devta temple is situated. Tani Jubbar Lake is at a distance of 10 kilometers from Narkanda.
Tara Devi Temple
Dedicated to Mata Bhagwati Taradevi temple is located at a distance of 11 kilometers from Shimla. It is situated on a hill top that has great view of Shimla city.
The reason you should visit this place is for its natural beauty. It is situated away from traffic and city noises. You will feel relaxed with the peacefulness this place has to offer.
Every sunday Bhandaras (giving free food) are given to devotees. Fairs are held at this temple during the Navaratras and Ashtami.
Sankat Mochan Temple
Sankat Mochan temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman is visited by large number of tourists everyday. It is situated just to the side of main road . The location is really nice. The place is surrounded by trees which adds to the beauty.The view of Shimla city is remarkable from here. There are idols of idols of lord Hanuman, lord Shiva, lord Rama and Lord Ganesh. Bhandaras are held here on Sundays.
The temple is located at a distance of 7 kilometers from Shimla.
Shali Temple Shimla
Shali temple is dedicated to goddess Bhima Kali and is situated on top of Shali peak. It is at a distance of around 60 kilometers from Shimla. Shali is a standalone peak having an altitude of around 9,400 feet. The nearest bus stoppage to this temple is at Khatnol village from where it takes around 2 hours to climb to peak. This place is for you if you like trekking and camping.
So these were one of the major tourist places at Shimla.
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