Shimla - Simla

         Shimla शिमला, originally called Simla, is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh. In 1864, Shimla was declared the summer capital of the British Raj in India. A popular tourist destination, Shimla is often referred to as the "Queen of Hills" (a term coined by the British). Located in the north-west Himalayas at an altitude of 2,128 metres (6,982 ft), the city of Shimla, draped in forests of pine, rhododendron, and oak, experiences pleasant summers and cold, snowy winters. The city is famous for its buildings styled in tudorbethan and neo-gothic architecture dating from the colonial era. Shimla is connected to the city of Kalka by one of the longest narrow gauge railway routes still operating in India, the Kalka-Shimla Railway. Shimla is approximately 115 km (71.4 miles) from Chandigarh, the nearest major city, and 365 km (226.8 miles) from New Delhi, the national capital. The city is named after the goddess Shyamala Devi, an incarnation of the Hindu Goddess Kali.

Shimla is located in the north-western ranges of the Himalayas. At an average altitude of 2397.59 meters (7866.10 ft) above mean sea level, the city is spread on a ridge and its seven spurs. The city stretches nearly 9.2 km from east to west.

The climate in Shimla is predominantly cold during winters, and moderately warm during summers. The temperatures range from 3.95 °C (39.11 °F) to 32.95 °C (91.31 °F) over the year. The average temperature during summer is between 14 °C and 20 °C, and between -7 °C and 10 °C in winter. Monthly precipitation varies between 24 mm in November to 415 mm in July.

How to go Shimla?

By Train

The nearest broad gauge head is at Kalka - a four-hour journey from Delhi. After that, take the mountain train from Kalka to Shimla. This railway track has recently been granted the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The view is stunning, with the line passing through an amazing 103 tunnels. The fastest way to get to Kalka is to catch the Shatabdi Express, which departs early morning from the New Delhi Railway Station, arriving at Kalka four hours later. A detailed list of trains between Delhi, Kalka and Shimla is available at and . You can also choose to get off at Chandigarh (en-route to Kalka), and catch a taxi from there.

By Plane

Shimla has its own airport at Jubbarhatti (IATA code:SLV) that accommodates turbo-props Dorniers, while Jet, Airbus A310, 320s and Boeing 737s can all land at the larger Chandigarh (IATA code:IXC) airport. Commercial service at the Jubbarhatti Airport is limited with six flights a week operating to and from Delhi, all operated by Jagson Airlines. Chandigarh offers far better options. Major airlines including Indian, Jet Airways and Air Deccan operate flights to Delhi, Jammu, and Mumbai. Most of the flights to Mumbai require a stop-over in Delhi, but low-cost Indus Air operates a daily non-stop flight in the afternoons. Kullu and Dharamsala are smaller towns which are connected to Chandigarh through Jagson Airlines bi-weekly flights. Tip, confirm the flights till the very last moment, bad weather often delays flights during the winter fog.

After landing at the airport, take a pre-paid taxi to minimize hassle. Chandigarh is a good four-hour drive away, so stop for a bite on the Kalka-Shimla highway.

Place to see, Place to visit in Shimla.

 * The Mall: 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.
* Jakhu Temple, Jakhu Hill. Open every day. Offers spectacular views of the mountains from its location above the town. According to the epic Ramayana, the monkey god Hanuman rested here during his journey to the Himalayan mountains. The climb up is a physically demanding one-hour walk. However, you can drive up the hill - a 4WD is recommended. The temple and hill side is populated with very aggressive and cunning monkeys. Be extremely careful with your camera, glasses, bag and (especially) food. Entry free, donations welcome (Sticks for warding off the monkeys can be rented at the entrance to the temple for Rs 5).

* Dorje Drag Monastery, Sarasvati Garden Estate, Kusmuti. A monastery in the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, also known as Thubten Evam Dorje Drag. Entry free, donations welcome.

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). Open every day, services Su 8AM-11AM. 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.
* Lower Bazaar, The Mall (Below Central Section). Shops Open Mo-Sa. 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), +91 177 283-1375. Open every day (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. Entry Rs 10, cameras not allowed inside (Guided tours available).

Tara Devi

Tara devi is famous for the temple of Goddess of stars. This temple is located on the top of the hill. Tara devi is located at the distance of around 11 kms form the bus stand of Shimla. This is a perfect location for the people who are looking for some rest and peace at a high altitude of around 6070 ft.

Museums/Galleries

Shimla houses a few excellent museums. The State Museum is perhaps the most well-known.

* State Museum, Chaura Maidan (Near Oberoi Cecil), +91 177 280-5044. Open Tu-Su, 10AM-5PM. Housed in a reconstructed Raj-style building, the State Museum displays a collection of around 10,000 artifacts gathered from all over Himachal Pradesh. The Pahari miniatures and 6th-11th century Gupta sculptures are especially impressive. Entry Rs 10 (Cameras free, flash prohibited).
* Photo Art Gallery, Potter's Hill (Near HP Univ.), +91 94180-11172. The gallery displays more than 20,000 photographs of Himachal taken by the celebrated photographer Inder Pal. It's a wonderful place to explore and learn more about the beauty, culture and flora and fauna of this Himalayan state. In addition, Potter's Hill is scenic area, so as well as visiting the gallery, visitors can also enjoy hiking, climbing, observing wild life and enjoy the fresh Himalayan air. Entry Rs 5 (Cameras free, flash prohibited).

Sankat Mochan: A popular Hanuman temple is located here. We get an excellent view of Shimla from the temple. It can be reached by car or on foot. .

Hotels List and place to sleep in Shimla.

There are lots of options from dormitories to luxury resort hotels. Online booking is the most convenient way to reserve a room. Alternatively, the tourist office can supply a list of hotels, and you can phone or trek over an reserve a room in person. Rooms in Shimla range from as low as US$ 5 to a whopping US$ 600.

* Rishikesh Valley, Neelkanth temple road, ghattu ghat, rishikesh, ☎ 91-9756964972, [20]. checkin: 12:00 Noon; checkout: 12:00 NOON. Rishikesh valley is an eco health resort, which is surrounded by green mountain on the bank of hem river which is another stream of Ganga This is perfect place to get rejuvenated by nature, rejuvenated therapy from a blend of Ayurveda and Naturopathy, yoga, meditation with adventure Tours 1000/ INR.

Budget

* sunrise villa homestay, shoghi (13 kms before shimla), ☎ +91 177 2860075, [21]. checkin: 12:00 noon; checkout: 12:00 noon. Sunrise Villa(Department of Tourism, HP Government approved home stay unit) is located at a very picturesque location at Shoghi a suburb of Shimla [22], amidst the lap of nature in a peaceful, calm and serene environment, naturally blessed with breathtaking views of the distant Chail and snow clad Himalayan ranges. Rs 900.

* YMCA, The Ridge, ☎ +91 177 72375. checkin: 8AM; checkout: 12PM. A centrally located, charming Victorian style building. Rooms have clean attached bathrooms. Rs 550 and above.

* Hotel White, Lakkar Bazaar (500m NE of The Ridge), ☎ +91 177 265-5276 (hotelwhite@yahoo.co.in, fax: +91 177 265-5276), [23]. A wide variety of comfortable rooms, most with spectacular views. Rs 2000.

* Hotel Mayur, The Ridge, ☎ +91 177 265-2393 (l_sood@hotmail.com, fax: +91 177 2652398). checkout: 12PM. A centrally located hotel on the Ridge. Rooms have clean attached bathrooms, color television, wall to wall carpets. The room service is fairly decent. Rs 1000-1700.

* Dalziel, The Mall (10 minutes walk westwards from Scandal Point), [24]. Situated in a wooden heritage building. Laundry service and meals available. From Rs 400 upwards.

Midrange

* Combermere, The Mall (opposite the lifts), ☎ +91 177 225-1246 (hcs@sancharnet.in, fax: +91 177 225-2251). checkout: Late checkouts on request. Although some of the suites are rather unreasonably priced, this remains a good option, mainly because of its convenient location. Facilities include a bar, an internet cafe and a terrace garden. Rs 2400-6000, 2 Nights Package with meals Rs 7699.

* Hotel Golf Links, Naldera. This delightful hotel is in Naldera, the site of the historical golf course. Overlooking the valley, it offers some very scenic vistas and a cosy place to lounge away your vacation. Rs 1500+

* Koti Resort (Shimla Hotel), Mashobra (Just off the Shimla-Naldehra Road), ☎ +919218501601, [25]. Tucked amidst the wind caressed deodhar forests & apple orchards, along a ridge between Craignanoo ( Coots Garden ) & Baldeyan, is Koti Resort. The Resort is 15 Kms further from Shimla [26], on the Mashobra-Naldhera Golf ground road, at a height of 6385 feet above sea level. It has a spectacular 360 degree panoramic view, of the Himalayas, the Shali peak, jungle of Craignanoo, greens of Naldhera & Shimla. What started as an idea to make a family getaway culminated into a family Resort. Please contact for latest deals.

* Park Woods Hill Resort Shoghi, Village Paughat (near Shoghi), ☎ +91 9968658006 (thecaravan@airtelmail.in), [27]. Forested hill resort with quaint bamboo cottages, valley and mountain views, adventure activities, barbeques, bonfires, open areas. Rs 3350-3850.

* Hotel Peterhoff, Chaura Maidan, ☎ +91 177 221-3335 (fax: +91 177 221-3801). Nice, clean rooms with air-con, heaters, mini-bars and the usual mid-range amenities. Rs 2000-7000.

* Sunrise villa homestay in himachal (homestay himachal), shoghi near shimla (0.5 Kms from shoghi bus stand and railway station, 13 kms before shimla), ☎ 91 177 2860075, [28]. checkin: 12:00; checkout: 12:00. Sunrise Villa homestay hotel (Department of Tourism, HP Government approved home stay unit) is located at a very picturesque location at Shoghi ], a suburb of Shimla , in a peaceful, calm and serene environment, with breathtaking views of the distant Chail and snow clad Himalayan ranges. 900.

* Woodville Palace, Raj Bhavan Road, ☎ 91 177 262-3919 (welcom@ndf.vsnl.net, fax: +91 177 262-2156), [29]. checkin: 12PM; checkout: 4PM. This converted palace was built in 1938 by the Maharaja of Jubbal. It has its own private woodlands, which provide an excellent place for a leisurely evening stroll. Rs 4000.

Splurge

* East Bourne Resort, Near Bishop Cotton School, Khallini, ☎ +91 177 2623669-71 (sales@consortiumhotels.org, fax: +91 177 262-3890), [30]. checkout: 12 noon. A pine forest resort, Multi cuisine restaurant, 02 open air garden restaurants, lounge, coffee shop, library over looking a rose garden, steam, sauna, jacuzzi, discotheque & ample parking space for 60 cars. Rs 6000.

* Oberoi Cecil, Chaura Maidan, ☎ +91 177 280-4848 (reservations@oberoi-cecil.com, fax: +91 177 281-1024), [31]. checkin: 12PM; checkout: 12PM. An elegant hotel with log fires and a heated pool. Rs 10000-23000, Beakfast Rs 1500.

* Chapslee Hotel, Chapslee, ☎ +91 177 280-2542 (fax: +91 177 265-8663), [32]. checkin: 12PM; checkout: 12PM. Formerly the residence of the ruler of Kapurthala. Reminiscent of the days of the Raj with croquet lawns and mature gardens. Rs 9500-12500, Winter Surcharge up to Rs 1000.

* Wildflower Hall, (PO Dhalli), ☎ +91 177 264-8585 (reservations@wildflowerhall.com, fax: +91 177 264-8686), [33]. checkin: 12PM; checkout: 12PM. A stately stone building built among cedar and pine forests. Rs 15000-39500.

Shimla Hotels by surrounding cities, local city and area:- City Centre Shimla *** Christ Church *** Viceregal Lodge *** State Museum (Shimla)