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Blessed with some of the most fantastic and beautiful landscapes anywhere, it is a travelers paradise -lofty snow peaks, deep gorges, lush green valleys, fast flowing rivers, enchanting mountain lakes, flower ornamented meadows, beautiful temples and monasteries steeped in time. May it be for relaxing, sightseeing, trekking, mountaineering, fishing, Para-gliding, skiing, ice skating and golf. |
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Himachal has it all...Come
Explore Himachal with himachaltourist...
A quaint little hill train chugs up into the Shivalik foothills,
over dramatic loops and high arched bridges to the hill resort of Shimla (2130 m) - the capital of the mountain state of Himachal.
Shimla was one a string of hill stations that the British
established to escape from the scorching heat of the plains. The 12
km, crescentshaped ridge on which it is located was first occupied
by the British troops, in the early part of the 19th century, during
the Anglo-Gurkha War.
The little village of Shymala, a retreat for British officers, soon
grew to become the glamorous summer capital of the British, in
India.
Shimla's salubrious climate, easy accessibility and numerous
attractions have made it one of the most popular hill stations in
northern India. The splendid views of the show-clad ranges of the
Himalayas, fine walks through oak and flowering rhododendron,
enchanting resorts within easy reach, golf Naldehra and skiing at
Kufri and Narkanda make Shimala an attractive destination throughout
the year.
Places to see
The Mall: All visitors to Shimla certainly walk down the Mall, the main promenade that runs along the top of the ridge-a busy shopping area with old imposing buildings, souvenir shops and restaurants.
Viceregal lodge: Housed in the Gothic splendour of the Viceregal Lodge is the Indian Institute of superior Studies, India's premier academy for higher research.
Himachal State Museum: Very close to the Institute, in a colonial building set in spacious lawns, is the museum. It has collections of Pahariminiatures, stone sculpture, local handicrafts, textiles and embroidery.
Jakhoo Hill: Hill, Shiml's highest point, is satisfying for there are superb views of the town and its surroundings. At the top is an old Hanuman temple.(2Km).
Summer Hill: The quiett and lovely suburb of summer Hill has secluded, shady walks along with charming views. It was here that Gandhiji stayed on his visits to Shimla, in the elegant Georgian mansion that belonged to Rajkumari Amrit Kaur.
Temples: Among the little temples spotted around Shimla is the ancient temple of Bihargaon - an imposing example of traditional Himachal architecture.
Just short of Shimla are the temples of Tara Devi and Sankat Mochanb. (8 Km)
Daranghati Sanctuary : This sanctuary located in the upper
area of the Shimla district has an undisturbed forest area with
plenty of wildlife-monal, tragopan, koklas and khalij pheaseants and
musk deer, ghoral and thar. There is a network of bridle paths in
the sanctuary. Visitors are advised to seek assistance from the
forest staff posted at Dofda and Sarahan. The area is ideal for
those who love to trek.
Around Shimla
Mashobra (2,149 m)
Noted for its apple orchards and thick woods of oak and pine.
Mashobra is a sylvan retreat with pretty walks and pIcnic spots. A
little track leads down to Sipur a grassy glade with a stream
wandering through it. Excursions are possible to Shali Peak - the
highest point in the area or to Craignano (3 km) with its elegant
guest house set in a delightful flower-filled garden. (9.6 km)
Kufri (2,622 m)
Kufri is a noted summer and winter resort with its glorious
views of forested slopes and tall ranges iced in a covering of
perpetual snow. A fine ski resort, Kufri has a winter season that
extends from January to March. A sparkling winter sports festival is
held each year in February. (16 km)
Fagu (2,509 m)
Just 6 km from Kufri, Fagu is a vantage point with panoramic
views of the ranges and valleys. Picturesquely located amid forests
and orchards, Fagu has a rest house and tourist bungalow overlooking
the Giri Valley.
Naldehra
The scenic, nine hole golf course with its springly turf and
crown of deodar was laid out at the instance of the Viceroy, Lord
Curzon. So enamoured was he by the beauty of the spot, that he named
his youngest daughter Alexandra Naldera. (23 km)
Tattapani
Tattapani is just 28 km from Naldehra, along a road winding
through the scenic country side. The hot sulphur springs here, are
hoted for their invigorating and curative powers. (51 km)
Narkanda (2,708 m)
A hill road with superb views links Narkanda with Shimla
Narkanda, located amidst fragrant pine forests is a ski resort in
winter. It has a choice of slopes ranging from a beginners run and a
slalom slope, to sharper descents for the experienced skier. (64 km)
Hattu Peak (3,300 m)
Rising above forests of spruce, the Hattu Peak is a vantage
point with spectacular views. (8 km). The pretty orchard country of
Thanedar and Kotgarh - beautiful in spring - are not far
away. Khadrala and Beghi with their dense forests and Kumarsain with
an interesting wooden palace are also within easy reach of Narkanda.
Hatkati (1,100 m)
In the picturesque valley of the River Pabbar, about 104 km from
Shimla, is noted for its historic temple dedicated to Durga. Enroute
to Hatkoti is the village of Kotkhai, splendidly located among apple
orchards - a village with fine traditional architecture. Jabbal,
once the capital of a princely state with its impressive palace is
also on the way.
Beyond Hatkoti, 11 km away, is Rohru (1,149 m) on the River Pabbar -
an excellent spot for angling, with fishing pools teeming with
trout. The trout hatchery at Chirgaon, (15 km) upstream, ensures a
well stocked river.
Rampur
Rampur was once the capital of the princely state of Bushair and
a major centre on the old trade route into Tibet. The annual Lavi
Fair, held in the second week of November, is still an important
event for the inhabitants of the region. They gather to buy, sell
and barter their produce - homespun blankets, shawls, wool and dry
fruits - and to celebrate the event with music and dance.
Rampur, on the banks of the Sutlej is on the N.H. 22 - the old
Hindustan-Tibet Road that goes from Shimla into Kinnaur. The scenic
village of Sarahan with its fascinating Bhimkali Temple is on this
road beyound Rampur. (140 km).
Getting There & Away
Air
Linked by air to Delhi, Chandigarh, Kangra and Kullu. The airport at Jubbarhati is 23 km from Shimla.
Rail
It is linked by a narrow gauge line to Kalka which is connected to Delhi, Calcutta and Amritsar by broad gauge. Kalka-Shimla in 96 km and 6 hours by train but only 4 hours by a quaint rail car.
Road
Shimla is well connected by road to most towns within the state and to all major towns in Punjab and Haryana. It is connected by bus and coach to Delhi and Chandigarh as well. Delhi is 370 km away, Chandigarh 117 km, Kalka 90 km and Ambala 166 km.
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