Shimla: Queen of Hills Stations

Shimla or Simla, capital city of north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh is one of India’s most famous and visited hill stations. It was another hill station discovered by the colonial rulers to shun the scorching heat of north Indian plains and called by them as Queen of hills Stations. Shimla situated at a height of 2,196 metres has very soothing and healthy climatic conditions and offer immensely beautiful surroundings filled with big deodars which are the symbol of Shimla. The ridge, mall road are filled with merry making tourists as well as locals and provide a festive look in all times of the year. Shimla is ideal destination for honey moon couples, families in particular. It has all modern amenities. It is particularly visited by tourists from Punjab, Haryana, Delhi though tourists from all parts of the country travel to this beautiful place. Shimla has experienced an influx of people from places like Kinnaur, Lahaul & Spiti, Rohru, Kotkhai, Jubbal etc which are the cash rich apple belt. Despite this, it has maintained its charmness and pristine outlook.

Shimla During Winter

Like majority of other hill stations, Shimla is also discovered by a Britisher Officer in 1819 and after many efforts by Britishers to incorporate it in the Empire, it became summer capital in 1864 and was also the capital of Punjab before the creation of Himachal Pradesh. Shimla has got this name from Goddess Shyamala, an incarnation of Goddess Kali, the deity of power. Shimla still has certain buildings reminding of its colonial past and giving it a beautiful look. Shimla may be called as a place from where the options are countless, what is required is the determination to travel to beautiful destinations.

Places of Interest in and Around Shimla

Jakhoo Temple

At 8048 feet dedicated to Lord Hanuman, Jakhoo is the highest point of Shimla. Once there, the view is splendid one of the surrounding valley and hills.

Tara Devi temple

This temple is on Tara Parvat about 15 kilometers from Shimla. The forested hills around the temple give a separate charm and tranquility to this place.

The Mall

The famous Mall road along with the Ridge is city’s most famous shopping center thronged by tourists all time. It has all modern facilities like restaurants serving good quality food, book shops. It has a famous scandal point also. A very beautifully built church is situated on the ridge which gives a different charm to this place.

Indian Institute of Advanced Studies

This was the residence of the British Viceroy Lord Dufferin. It has now been changed to Indian Institute of Advanced Studies. The building is very colonial in outlook and is very impressive.

Chadwick Falls

These are little known 67 meters high water falls in a dense beautiful area -Summer Hills. The falls are at their best after monsoons and has some old temple near it.

Fagu-Kufri

Kufri about 12 km and Fagu about 22 kms are very charming places worth visits. These places offer splendid views of snow-clad peaks in the summers also and witness heavy snowfall in winters. All modern facilities are available here.

Chail

Another very beautiful, old charming place near Shimla is Chail which can be visited for cool clime, highest cricket ground in the world and the polo ground.

Naldhera

Naldhera is another place 22 km from Shimla having extensive green fields, Orchards, Golf Course.

Narkanda

At 2708 m Narkanda is 64 km from Shimla. It is very splendid place in summers and witnesses huge snow in the winters. It has places like Hatu peak and an excellent option for skiing in the winter.

Tattapani

It is 51 km from Shimla and is a famous for hot sulphur springs. It is ideal picnic spot.

Best time to Visit

Ideal time to visit this place is summers from May -July and winter months of end December-January as the snowfall is almost guaranteed. This hill station is worth visit any time of the year. But come with preparation for chilly winds.

How to Reach

By Air -

Nearest airport is Shimla airport located is 23 kms from the city connected by daily flights from Delhi and Kullu. From here, taxis are easily available.

By Rail

Shimla is connected by narrow gauge railway with Kalka which is 95 kms and Kalka is connected by all major trains by broad-gauge. This kalka-shimla railline is now a world heritage site.

By Road

Shimla is well connected with all major cities of north India by both state transport as well as luxury Volvo buses.