Location: Himachal Pradesh
Also Known As: The Summer Refuge
Altitude: 2,159m.
Places of Interest: The Mall, Christ Church, Kufri, Narkanda
Best Time To Visit: April To August & December To January

 Shimla (also spelt as 'Simla') derives its name from goddess 'Shayamla
Devi', which is another manifestation of Goddess Kali. The capital of
Himachal Pradesh came into light when the British discovered it in 1819. 
Till then, it was a part of the Nepalese kingdom. In 1864 Shimla was declared 
as the summer capital of India. After Independence, Shimla became the capital of 
Punjab and was later named the capital of Himachal Pradesh .
In 1903 a rail line was constructed between Kalka and Shimla. 

Shimla has been blessed with all the natural bounties, one can think of. 
Dwelling on a panoramic location, the hilly town is surrounded by green pastures 
and snow-capped peaks. The spectacular cool hills accompanied by the 
structures made during the colonial era create an aura, which is very 
different from other hill stations. 

Leh Ladakh With Gallery
Bulging at its seams with unprecedented expansion, Shimla retains its colonial heritage, 
with grand old buildings, among them are the stately Viceregal Lodge, 
charming iron lamp posts and Anglo-Saxon names. The Mall, packed with 
shops and eateries, is the centre of attraction of the town, and Scandal Point,
associated with the former Maharaja of Patiala's escapades, 
offers a view of distant snowclad peaks.
List of Hotels in Shimla

PRIME ATTRACTION
CHURCHES
Christ Church & St. Michael's Cathedral: Built in 1846-1857, Christ 
Church is the second oldest church of Northern India. The Church 
overlooks the ridge and is one of the landmarks of Shimla. 
The clocks on Christ Church were added later but none of them are functional now. 
The Church's exquisite beauty comes with the stained glasses that are fitted on 
its windows. The town's other important churches are St. Michael's 
Cathedral and Roman Catholic Cathedral, which is just off the Mall.
MUSEUMS
Himachal State Museum & Library: The museum is located 2.5-km west 
of the scandal point and opens daily except on Mondays and public holidays.
It has got a good collection of ancient historical sculptures, paintings, coins, 
photos and other items from all over the state as well as outside it. It has 
also got a library, which houses many historical books and manuscripts.

GARDENS
Viceregal Lodge & Botanical Gardens: On the Observatory Hills is located 
Viceregal Lodge, which is also known as "Rashtrapati Niwas". 
This magnificent building was the residence of the British Viceroy Lord Dufferin. 
This lodge was completed in 1888 and it is said that every brick for the building was 
carried by mules. This is a six-storey building and is surrounded by well-maintained 
gardens and lawns. The lodge has now been converted into Institute of 
Advanced Study and is further 2-km from State Museum. 

SHOPPING CENTRE
The Mall: This is the main shopping centre of Shimla with restaurants. The Gaiety 
Theatre, which is a reproduction of an old British theatre is a center of cultural 
activities. A passenger lift of HPTDC can be taken from the Cart Road and the 
Mall. Lakkar Bazaar adjacent to the Ridge is popular for its wood-crafts and souvenirs. 

MOUNTAINS
Prospect Hill: Crowned by a temple dedicated to Kamna Devi 15-minutes 
walk from Boileauganj on Shimla-Bilaspur road. 
The hill at an altitude of 2,155m offers a spectacular view of the area. 

The Ridge: The large open space in the heart of town presents excellent view of 
the mountain ranges. Shimla's landmarks - the Neo-Gothic structure of 
Christ Church and the new - Tudor Library building is worth seeing. 

TEMPLES
Jakhu Temple: Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, this temple is at an altitude of 2,455m 
near the highest point of Shimla ridge. It offers a fine view over the surrounding valleys, 
out to the snowcapped peaks, and over the town itself. The temple is a 
45-minute walk from the Mall. Jakhu is a vantage point for 
witnessing the changing skyline as the sun rises or sets.
Sankat Mochan: On Shimla-Kalka road is the famous "Lord Hanuman" temple. 
Situated at an altitude of 1,975m, it commands an excellent view of Shimla town. 

Tara Devi: On Shimla-Kalka road this holy place is accessible by rail, bus and car 
(11-km). From the station / road - one can visit the temple either on foot or by taxi / jeep. 

Leh Ladakh With Gallery
WATERFALLS
Chadwick Falls: Surrounded by thick forests, one can reach these falls by 
taking about 45-minutes (7-km) walk from Summer Hill Chowk.   more...

OTHERS
Fagu (22-Km) 2,450m: Situated on Hindustan-Tibet Road (22-km), 
at a height of 2,450m Fagu is gifted with some enchanting views. 

Bharari Spur: It is a less explored area within the town. From here, one can take a long haul
by foot through the thick cedar forest to the Hot-springs of Tattapani, or to the ruins of Kiar Koti. 

Institute Of Advanced Studies: Housed in the former Viceregal Lodge, it was built in 1888. 
A spectacular English Renaissance grey stone structure. The entry in the institute is 
by ticket and only on Sundays the grounds are open for the public. 

Annadale: Surrounded by deodar trees, this glade has an ancient temple on the edge.

Summer Hill: At an altitude of 1,283m, Summer Hill is a picturesque spot on 
Shimla-Kalka Railway line offering shady walks in quiet surroundings. 
The Father of Nation, Mahatma Gandhi during his visit to Shimla lived in 
the elegant Georgian House of Raj Kumari Amrit Kaur located here. 
HP University is also situated over here. 

Himalayan Aviary: Close to the Viceregal lodge is the Himalayan Aviary or the Himalayan 
Bird Park. This park is a natural habitat of numerous species of birds found in Himachal 
such as Himalayan Monal, Pheasants, Peafowls and National Bird of India, the Peacock 

 Shimla recorded a bone-chilling -2ºC on Sunday after two days of heavy snowfall.
23/01/2005

List of Hotels in Shimla