Shimla Tour Guide

Shimla

(also known as Simla) is a tourist destination par excellence. It is a beautiful hill town in the lap of nature, surrounded by pine and deodar forests. Temperature is ideal in summers and tourists flock it in great numbers and it is highly advisable to get hotel reservations done well in advance despite the fact that there are over 1000 hotels in Shimla. It is well connected by road to the plains. Facilities and amenities are good. People are friendly. It is also comparatively safer than other tourist destinations. All this makes it the favorite travel destination of tourists from India and across the world. A amazingly high percentage of tourists come back here again.

It is situated in the north-west Himalayas and is the capital of the state of Himachal Pradesh in North India. It is a 18 sq km mountainous region lying at an altitude of 2,213 meters. British coined the term “Queen of the hills” for Shimla. It has been blessed with all the natural bounties, one can think of. The biggest industry in Shimla is hotel, travel and tourism. Bulging at its seams with unprecedented expansion, the town retains a colonial aura, with its grand old buildings. If you happen to visit Shimla without hotel reservations, you can take the services of one of the numerous porters who double up as travel guides and touts for hotels in Shimla.

Besides being the ultimate summer retreat it remains an ideal spot for adventure sports. Tourists can go in for the various treks to the Kullu valley or indulge in trout fishing at the Pabbar River. The more adventurous may ski at the Narkanda and Kufri from January to mid-March. The nine-hole golf course at Naldehra is also a major draw for the tourists.

This beautiful hill resort also offers a lot for those who would like to indulge in a shopping spree. The Mall is the place to check out for the best in garment and textile industry. Here the State emporium offers the himachali (local) handicrafts and handloom items. The hats that are available in a wide range of charges and colors make the perfect souvenirs. For the dry fruits and natural herbs carrying medicinal properties you may check out any of the local shops whereas the Lakkar Bazaar is the one stop market for the wooden items of all shapes and sizes.

In and Around Shimla

Places to see in Shimla

The Mall:

The Mall, like most hill stations in North India, is the main shopping centre of Shimla. It also has many restaurants, clubs, banks, bars, Post Offices and tourist offices. The Gaiety Theatre is also situated there. People walk up and down the Mall slowly, stopping to gossip, as it is the main meeting place for everyone. The Ridge and Scandal point are the two main meeting points at the Mall.

Christ Church:

Situated on the Ridge is Christ Church, which is the second oldest church in Northern India. It has a very majestic appearance and inside there are stained glass windows which represent faith, hope, charity, fortitude, patience and humility. Christ Church is a place all visitors should spend some time in.

Jakhu Hill:

2 kms. from Shimla, at a height of 8000 ft, Jakhu Hill is the highest peak and offers a beautiful view of the town and of the snow-covered Himalayas. At the top of the Hill, is an old temple of Hanuman, which is also the home of countless playful monkeys waiting to be fed by all visitors.

Shimla State Museum:

The Museum, which was opened in 1974, has tried to project hill-out and the cultural wealth of the state. Art objects in the Museum collection are mostly related to art, archaeology and cultural anthropology of Himachal and other states of India. At present Museum, has about 9000 objects in its collection. At the outset, museum started with four galleries. Since then more galleries have been added. These galleries pertain to Pre- historic, Indian Archaeology, Woodcarvings, Himachal Archaeology, Pahari Miniature Paintings Monuments, Photographs, Rajasthan paintings, Bronzes, Numismatic, Arms Gallery, Gandhi Gallery, Philatelic, Anthropological, Contemporary Art & Wall Paintings gallery. In addition to these galleries museum has one exhibition hall for arranging the exhibition and other museum activities.

Indian Institute of Advanced Studies:

This institute is housed in the Viceregal Lodge, which was built in 1884-88 during the British times. It has spacious gardens and is ringed by beautiful pine trees. All is calm and serene just the right atmosphere for a student of literature or politics.

Summer Hill:

Situated at a distance of 5 kms. from the Ridge is the lovely township of Summer Hill at a height of 6,500 ft. on the Shimla-Kalka railway line. Mahatma Gandhi lived in these quiet surroundings during his visits to Shimla. Himachal Pradesh University is situated here.

Annandale:

Developed as the playground of Shimla, Annandale is 2-4 kms. from the Ridge at a height of 6,117 ft. It is a favourite spot for cricket, picnics and the princely game of polo.

Around Shimla

Tara Devi:

11kms. from the Shimla bus-stand. Tara Devi has a temple dedicated to the goddess of stars on top of the hill. There is a military Dairy Town here as well as the headquarters of Bharat Scouts and Guides. At a height of 6,070 ft. Tara Devi is an ideal place for a person wanting peace and some rest.

Sankat Mochan:

A popular Hanuman temple is located here. We get an excellent view of Shimla from the temple. It can be reached by car or on foot.

Mashobra:

13 kms. away from Shimla, Mashobra has several excellent picnic spots. Mashobra offers ideal walks amidst oak and pine trees. Mashobra is the site of the annual Sipi fair in June. The nearest rest house is at Craignano which is 3 kms. from Mashobra, and is a beautiful holiday resort.

Naldehra:

23 kms. Under a skyline etched with conifers, Naldehra offers a well groomed nine-hole Golf course; undulating hills and giant deodars, make it a unique spot for picnics. Regular bus and taxi service. HPTDC Restaurant, Hotel Golf Glade and Golf Club.

Tattapani:

43 kms. Situated on the bank of river Sutlej it is well known of its hot springs. Regular bus and taxi service.

Wildflower Hall:

13 kms. Nestling among sylvan surroundings, the stately Hotel Wildflower Hall of the HPTDC affords a magnificent view of the mighty Himalayas and perennial snows. Charming in summer and fascinating in autumn, when winter casts its mantle of snow Wildflower Hall assumes an ethereal look.

Fruit Research Station:

18 km. The biggest fruit research station in northern India.

Kufri:

16 kms. Well known for its ski slopes. Commands good views. It also has a Potato Research Station. Shimla has an added attraction of Mini zoo amidst dense forest to the tourists where a rare breed of wild animals and pheasants species commonly found in Himalayan forest region have been kept in natural habitat. Spread over an area of twenty hectares of land with rich flora and fauna about 140 wild animals including pheasants of different verities 'Monal' the State bird of Himachal Pradesh and one of the endangered species of Himalayan region has been the other attractions of this zoo also been placed safely in this mini zoo. The other attraction of this zoo are Tibetan wolf, Brown Bear and Barking Deer. There are other popular wild animals species in the Mini zoo such as leopard, Ghoral, Samber, Himalayan Thar, Yak, black bear and number of pheasants varieties. Himalayan Nature Park has been set up at Kufri in 1992 which is spread in 90 hectare area and mini zoo has been set up in this Park.

Indira Holiday Home:

18 kms. Deodar forests at an altitude of 2,623 metres. Mini zoo, and yak and pony riding.

Chail:

43 kms. (via Kufri) and 62 km. (via Kandaghat). Chail, at a height of 2,250 metres, combines the charm and beauty of a remote and peaceful mountain resort with the splendor and elegance of a princely reserve. Chail was the summer capital of the Maharaja of Patiala before Independence. The verdant forests around Chail are alive with many species of birds and deer.

Barog:

55 kms. A verdant place of considerable scenic charm and beauty affording extensive views of high mountains stretching range after range and valleys swooping down the Haryana and Punjab plains.

Kasauli:

61 kms. from Chandigarh, 77 kms. from Shimla, Kasauli (1,927 metres) is charming and quiet; an ideal place for those in search of peace and relaxation.

Shilon Resort ( 5 Star Hotel )

Perched at a height of 7,200 ft, amidst lofty Himalayan peaks and picturesque orchards, and yet, just a few minutes from Shimla. The resort unveils to you the many splendours of nature amidst a 360 degree view of thick sylvan pine valley and snow peaked mountains.

Bus Stand: 24KM., City Centre: 24KM., Railway Station: 24KM., Shopping Centre: 24KM.

The Cecil Oberoi Resort ( 5 Star Equivalent Hotel )

The Hotel Oberoi Cecil is located in Shimla, the gateway to the majestic Himalayas. The Hotel Oberoi Cecil is situated at the quiet end of the famous mall and is an ideal base from which to discover the unique beauty of spectacular mountain ranges, cedar forests and ancient monasteries.

Airport: 21KM., Bus Station: 2.5KM., Railway Station: 1KM.

Hotel Himland East ( 3 Star Hotel )

Himland East is Shimla's Drive-in-Hotel. Established in year 1969, just 1 km from the Shopping Mall & Lift, away from the hustle & bustle of the crowded city yet its within city. With all modern amenities and facilities of three star hotel. Hotel Himland East is a home away from home, best suited for families & Honeymooners.

Airport: 22KM., Bus Station: 2KM., Railway Station: 3.5KM.

Koti Resorts ( 3 Star Equivalent Hotel )
	Koti Resorts tastefully designed in harmony with the peaceful surroundings offers a perfect setting to commune with nature. Tucked away amidst the wind caressed deodhar forests and apple orchards, it is the only Resort with a panoramic view. Shimla: 15KM.
Galleu Hill Resort ( 3 Star Equivalent Hotel )
	Situated in the north west Himalayas at a height of 2205 mts is Shimla and at a distance of 18.5 kms from Shimla is Galleu Resort which has always enticed and cast a rare spell on anyone who set his feet on this beautiful and peaceful place. In the suburbs of the Queen of Hills, Shimla, in a beautiful place called Gallu. A lovely swiss style Galleu Hill Resort, which still holds the nostalgia of the old world charm along with the most modern day facilities is situated here. Shimla Town: 19KM. All the contents of this Shimla Post have been taken from Shimla Travel site, so if you want more details then you can go to their site.