Shimla
Brief
The capital of Himachal Pradesh and former summer capital of British India, Shimla is the states most important centre. Overlooking terraced hillsides and cultivations, Shimla is magnificently robed in dense forests of oak and pine, fur and rhododendron, and it is best to travel here on the slow train from Kalka. Bulging at its seams with unprecedented expansion, Shimla retains a colonial aura, with its grand old buildings, colonial edifices, quaint cottages, charming iron lampposts and Anglo-Saxon names. Offering a view of distant snow clad peaks, charming walks, whispering streams and swaying fields, Shimla is also a convenient base for a variety of adventure sports such as Skiing, Trekking, Fishing and Golfing etc.
History
The British developed Shimla (called Shyamala earlier, another name, by which the goddess Kali is called), after the location was discovered first in 1819. In 1864 Shimla became summer capital city of India. Rapid progress indeed! And then on, every summer until 1939, the Government of India, literally transported itself 2000 km, from the extreme summer heat that trapped the British administrative centres of Delhi and Calcutta. The Kalka-Shimla railway line, built in 1903, made it easier for the sahibs to reach the cool altitudes of Shimla. After 1947, Punjab was administered, from here. It became the capital of the state of Himachal Pradesh in 1966.
Culture
The art of miniature painting, is one of the finest gifts of India to the art world. Pahari is the popular term coined for the paintings, done in the various Sub-Himalayan states. Most of the schools of Pahari painting, developed and flourished from about 17th to 19th centuries in the present state of Himachal Pradesh. This hilly region, then divided into twentytwo small principalities, was ruled by Rajput kings or chieftains, who were all great connoisseurs of art, with and most of them maintaining ateliers. The Pahari rulers were tributaries to the Mughals and they often visited the Imperial court and were familiar with Mughal traditions and tastes. With the decline of the Mughal Empire, many of the painters trained in the refined Mughal style migrated to the Hills.
Climate & Geogaphical Location
The climate is cool and chilled in winter season and pleasant and sunny in the summer season. Shimla lies at an altitude of 2202 mtrs.
How to Reach
Shimla is well connected by rail, road and air. By air, the nearest airport is at Jaubbarhatti 23 Km from downtown. It connects Shimla to Delhi and Kullu. By rail, Kalka is the nearest broad gauge railhead and is connected to Delhi, Jodhpur, Amritsar and Kolkata (Howrah). Chandigarh, 26 Km southwest of Kalka, can also be used as an alternative railway station for access. By road, National Highway no. 22 connects Shimla to all parts of the Northern Region and the state with a wide and good network of roads. Road distances to some important centres in the region and the state are: Delhi 370 Km, Chandigarh 117 Km, Dehradoon 245 km, Pathankot 295 Km, Manali 260 Km, Mandi 150 Km, Palampur 235 Km, Dharamsala 235 Km and Dalhousie 336 Km.
Tourist Places
Christ Church & St Michaels Cathedral
The second oldest church in northern India the Christ Church, overlooking the ridge,was built between 1846 and 1857. The clocks were added three years later, but none of them work now. The church is one of Shimlas major landmarks and is renowned for its stained glass windows. You can discreetly have a look inside the church, or attend English-language services every Sunday morning during the tourist season. The other main church in Shimla is St Michaels Cathedral, just below the Central Telegraph Office.
Jakhu Temple
Dedicated to the monkey god, Hanuman, Jakhu Temple is east of the town centre, near the highest point of the Shimla ridge at 2455 mtrs. A steep 45 minute walk from Scandal Point, it offers fine views over the surrounding valleys out to the snow-capped peaks, and over Shimla itself. Appropriately, there are many monkeys around the temple. Its a steep 45 minute walk from Scandal Point.
CHAIL.
This picturesque resort, located amidst scented forests of chinar, pine and gigantic deodars, was once the summer capital of the Maharaja of Patiala. The Palace was built in the 19th century, as the King of Patiala (now a Heritage Hotel), was determined to develop Chail into a resort par excellence. Chail is built on three hills, on the other side of the massive Himalayan ranges, spectacular in the sun and snow. Away from hustle and bustle, Chail is quite a peaceful and comfortable place to visit. Surrounded by gigantic deodar and well-maintained Chail Cricket ground which is the highest cricket ground in the world. Several trek routes lead out of Chail, up to the Chur Dhar peak and to Shimla. During winters, skiing is possible at Narkanda. There is also a wildlife sanctuary 3km from Chail with a limited number of deer and birds. This is also a great hiking country.
Naldehra
Located at distance of 22 km away, Naldehra is a pleasant little village, famous for having one of the oldest and highest 9 hole golf course, in the country. The well groomed Golf Course is a lovely verdant, perhaps one of the finest and most sporty in India. Crowned with a springing turf, the Golf Course here, was suggested by Lord Curzon. So enchanted was he, by this place, that he gave his daughter Alexendra, Naldehra as her second name. The venue of many competitions, it is a spot of great natural beauty. The Nag temple, is also situated here and Naldehra derives its name from it.
Kufri.
Kufri at 8,150 ft has some good hiking trails, including the one to Mahasu peak. Ponies are a convenient way to explore the delightful valleys and hills. The Indira Tourist Park, also offers some delightful views of the countryside. The Himalayan Nature Park is home to local animals and birds, but apart from a picturesque countryside, there is not much to see here!
Solan
Solan is known as the home of the Mohan Meakin brewery, built in 1835, and is the capital of the Solan district. It pretends to be another hill station, but does not have the scenery, facilities or charm of nearby Shimla.
Kasauli..
About 12km from the Shimla to Kalka Road, Kasauli is a charming place and a popular side trip from Shimla. There are numerous lovely walks around Kasauli, including one to Sanawar, another picturesque hill town, and the location of an established public school. The 4km walk to Monkey Point has a great views.
Others
HIMACHAL STATE MUSEUM - About 2.5 km west of Scandal Point, the state museum has a rich display of the states cultural, artistic and archeological heritage. It has a good collection of statues, miniatures, coins, photos and other items from around Himachal Pradesh. HIMALAYAN AVIARY - Right next to the entrance of the Institute complex ,is the Himalayan Bird Park or Aviary. It has a collection of species found around Himachal Pradesh. The Himalayan Monal, various types of pheasants and the national bird of India, the Indian peafowl can be seen here. JAKHU TEMPLE - Dedicated to the monkey god, Hanuman, Jakhu Temple is east of the town centre near the highest point of the Shimla ridge at 2455 mtrs. A steep 45 minute walk from Scandal Point, it offers fine views, of the surrounding valleys, and out to the snow-capped peak. KOTGARH - The apple heartland of Himachal, the view of the Sutlej River during the day and the enchanting lights of this beautiful valley at night,are a photographers delight. , MASHOBRA - About 11km from Shimla, the small village of Mashobra has some pleasant walks, including one to Sipi, where there is a fair every May and a wooden temple dedicated to Shiva. NARKANDA - Halfway between Shimla and Rampur, Narkanda is basically a truck stop town, but it is a popular place for skiing and hiking. The 3300m Hattu peak, 8km to the east, makes for a good day hike. PETERHOFF - The historical Peterhoff complex, located in the heart of the city at Chaura Maidan, offers a panoramic view of Choorchandani on the front side, Dhauladhar ranges on western side and Kinnar Kailash on the eastern side. VICEREGAL LODGE & GARDENS - On the Observatory Hills, is located the Viceregal Lodge. Also known as Rashtrapati Niwas. It was formerly the residence of the British Viceroy Lord Dufferin, and was the venue for many important decisions, which changed the fate of the sub-continent.
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Ashish Bhat - INDIA 25th June 2010Welcome to Incredible India, the land of prosperity which can be seen in its dynamic culture, age old traditions and geography.
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Welcome to Incredible India, the land of prosperity which can be seen in its dynamic culture, age old traditions and geography.Welcome to Incredible India, the land of prosperity which can be seen in its dynamic culture, age old traditions and geography.Welcome to Incredible India, the land of prosperity which can be seen in its dynamic culture, age old traditions and geography.
