- How to Get There
- The Mall
- The Ridge
- Jakhoo Temple
- Naldhera
- Chail
- Mashobra
- Kufri
- Hatkoti
- Sankat Mochan
- Narkanda
- Fagu
- Kaali Bari Temple
- Tattapani
Shimla : A Royal Beauty
Shimla
Shimla : A Royal Beauty
Shimla opens up before as an interesting blend of a holiday resort and a hill town. Tourists throng the Mall while the bazaars are rife with local color. The beauty of the town has been preserved considerably thanks to the ban on cars in the central area. Walking around the town offers a unique charm as you enjoy the local views while doing so. Located in the foothills of the majestic Himalayas, Shimla certainly possesses a magnificent skyline. While walking down the Ridge, you can easily spot the glorious snowcapped peaks in the far distance if the sky is clear. You can even enjoy some quiet walks in the forested areas of Shimla. Numerous sights are present in and around Shimla for you to enjoy.
How to Get There
By Air :
Shimla Airport is at Jubbarhatti, 23 km from city and is connected to Chandigarh, Kullu, Delhi.
By Rail :
Shimla is connected to Kalka (96 km) on Meter Gauge and it takes around 6 Hrs. from KALKA to reach SHIMLA. Shivalik Express is a Deluxe Train on this route with less halts and pantry facility. There are 103 tunnels on the route with longest being 1.2 K.M. long.
By Road :
Shimla is well connected to neighboring places like New Delhi and Chandigarh through national highways. Distances from few cities; Kalka: 80 km, Chandigarh: 119 km, Delhi: 370 km, Manali: 280 km
The Mall
The majestic main road of Shimla is known as the Mall. The Mall is the hub of the tourist populace in the city. As you walk down the Mall, you can enjoy shopping in the innumerable stores located on both sides or you can simply enjoy the walk. The beauty of the Mall has largely remained unspoiled thanks to the ban of automobiles by the government. Only emergency vehicles such as ambulances are allowed here. This makes the Mall a much more pleasant affair.
The Ridge
Just above the Mall lies another magnificent area called the Ridge. If the Mall is the shopping hub in Shimla, then the Ridge is the cultural center. The Ridge is certainly attractive and holds a special place of interest for the tourists among whom it is tremendously popular. Visit in the right season and you will be rewarded with the colorful sight and gleeful atmosphere of fairs.
Jakhoo Temple
Lord Hanuman, the revered disciple of Lord Rama, is revered in what is the most famous temple in Shimla. As Lord Hanuman was a monkey god, it seems rather appropriate that the creatures to roam around the temple preemies are rhesus monkeys. As you approach the holy temple, you will find yourself entranced by the devotional music emanating from it. The temple itself hosts a small and humble shrine. It is surrounded by murals that depict the life of Hanuman as described in Ramayana, the holy epic. You can join the devotees in the simple and yet nourishing afternoon meal provided by the temple if you pay a small donation.
Naldhera
Naldhera lies nestled in the midst of the multitudinous suburbs of Himachal Pradesh. The small town lies only a short distance from the bustling city of Shimla. Serenity is the town’s major attraction. The quaint town is surrounded by lush mountainous forests that spell adventure. Its sleepy atmosphere is perfect for lazing around in comfort. The golf course of Naldhera is the main attraction. The scenic beauty and the relaxing atmosphere of the place make a round or two of golf a pleasant experience.
Chail
Located at a height of 2250m, the hill station of Chail is one of the most exotic places you can ever visit. The natural beauty of the place is mesmerizing and seems like a divine gift from the heavens. From the town you can get a glimpse of the mighty Himalayan Mountains glistening with their spectacular snow peaks. The Sutlej valley is also visible from Chail. The level of comfort provided by Chail is surprising and makes the stay all the more fascinating. The amalgamation of cozy huts and the thick deodar forests is bound to bowl you over.
Mashobra
The altitude of 2500m endows Mashobra with an eternally cool climate. The town is located on the banks of the two important rivers, the Indus and the Ganga. The presence of these two majestic rivers simply adds to the already enchanting beauty of Mashobra. The town is also considered to be one of the largest watersheds in the entirety of Asia for the same reason. The Reserve Forest Sanctuary is a must visit as it houses some fine examples of the region’s flora and fauna. The surrounding hills are prefect for trekking which will help you get immersed in the beauty of the region. The Mahasu Devta temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The beauty of landscape combined with the holiness of the temple can entrance the visitor.
Kufri
The beauty of Kufri can be entrancing. It has everything you have ever wanted from a hill station situated at more than 2500m. The locales are stunning and the views breathtaking. Tranquility is ingrained within the hills of Kufri. The mesmerizing sight of the snowy roads and hills has bestowed the epithet of ‘Switzerland of the East’. Skiing in the snowy hills can be an exciting experience while trekking gives you time to contemplate as you to take in the beauty of the region.
Hatkoti
Hatkoti is a small town which offers an incredible insight to the life in the hills. Relaxation you can enjoy in plenty in Hatkoti. When bored, you can enjoy an interesting lesson in history and ancient architecture by visiting the Durga temple in the vicinity. This ancient temple was unbelievably built in the 8th century and its architecture is based on the Kinnauri style. The Pabbar River flows through Hatkoti and you can visit the Sawra Kuddu Hydro Electric Project.
Sankat Mochan
The Sankat Mochan is a famous and popular temple dedicated to the monkey god, Lord Hanuman. Unlike other boisterous temples in India, the Sankat Mochan is a serene place bathed in the beauty of the lush forests surrounding it. The place offers a calm atmosphere to meditate and experience peace in the midst of the beautiful hills of Shimla. Visit during dawn and experience the heady visuals when the lofty Himalayan Mountains appear like a gargantuan beast through the light mist covering them like a veil.
Narkanda
If you are tired of the city life of Shimla, take a quick trip to the Narkanda hill station. With the Himalayan Mountains as a backdrop, you can relax in the tranquil town. Enjoy a quiet trek up and down the dense forests of the area. You may even roam around the peach and apple plantations. If you wish to add a bit of excitement, you can visit the ski resort located nearby.
Fagu
The sight of swaying green fields placed against a backdrop of the snowy Himalayan range is not something to forget anytime soon. The best thing to do in Fagu is to get lost in the rich natural resources in the area. The place is rich in both flora and fauna making it a veritable treasure of natural beauty. An innate pleasure can be derived from simply taking a walk through the dense woods. Trekking offers a similarly enjoyable experience. The valleys and the hills of the region are dotted with glorious flower fields and apple orchards calling you to roam in them endlessly.
Kaali Bari Temple
The temple is dedicated to the goddess Kali who is worshipped in the avatar of Shyamala. It was built in 1845. The location of the temple can be called strategic for it offers some great views of Shimla. The architectural style of the temple is reminiscent of Bengali huts.
Tattapani
Tattapani is a very popular hotspot among tourists for its famed hot springs. The hot springs are fabled for their medicinal properties and many claim it has mystical healing properties as well. You will find many tourists lining up to take some of the water back home. Tattapani is also home to many religious temples that have sprung around for the hot springs. You can indulge a bit in religious devotion here. Thrill seekers can take their pick from different exciting activities such as rafting and trekking.
