Shimla Tourism, Shimla Hotels, Tourism in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India

Shimla is the capital town of Himachal Pradesh. The town of Shimla is built over several hills and connecting ridges. The important hills are Jakhu ( 2,455 meters ), Prospect Hill ( 2,328 meters ), Observatory Hill ( 2,350 meters ), Elysigim Hill ( 2,466 meters ) and Summer Hill ( 2,300 meters ). Shimla is situated in the North-West Himalayas and was the Summer Capital of India during the British rulling era. This town is spread over the ridge measuring about 12 km. It is perhaps the biggest hill station in the world, located at an altitude of 2,421 meters above sea level.

A place of peace and pleasure, Shimla is a tourist resort in real sense of the world. The best season of the year here is autumn but the early spring runs a close second. Shimla is connected with air, rail, and road traffics. Shimla under snow is a wonderful sight and it offers the unique attraction of an open air ice skating rink. Also the legendary Ridge under snow and snow sports at Kufri make Shimla a wonderful winter holiday resort.

Shimla combines the luxury of being a hill station as well as a city. Tourism in Shimla is advanturous and delightful as Shimla offers a lot of beautiful places to explore and a lot of tourism related activities. The main attraction of tourism in shimla is the The Mall and the Ridge. These two places are the most favorable places in Shimla. Kufri and Narkanda offers great opportunity for tourism in Shimla because of snow covered terrains and skiing in winter season. Britishers called Shimla "the queen of hill stations" and staying true to this saying, Shimla and its nearby areas are heavens for any kind of tourism related activities. Tourism in Shimla offers everlasting memories of rocking and quality time spent in the heart of Himalayas.

A number of fairs and festival are celebrated in Shimla i.e. bhahara fair, bhoj fair, lavi fair, mahasu fair, sipi fair, summer festival. winter sports festival and ruhru festival, among which the Summer Festival and Winter Sports Festival are the most famous ones. Summer festival in Shimla is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm, a great number of artists from all over India come to Shimla during this time and perform in Summer festival. Shimla has a number of famous temples i.e. jakhu temple, tara devi temple, kali bari temple, sankat mochan temple and kamna devi temple which offer a great experience to tourists. Especially the view of surrounding hills and sunset from Jakhu Temple is breathtaking.

There are some beautiful lakes in Shimla i.e. karali lake, chander naun lake and tanu jubbal lake which add to the beauty of Shimla. Shimla is rich in wild life and there are a number of wildlife sanctuaries in Shimla i.e. shimla water catchment sanctuary, daranghati sanctuary, chail samctuary, churadhar sanctuary and majathal sanctuary which provide a great experience to wildlife lovers.

There are a number of famous and beautiful tourist places in Shimla i.e. jakhu hill, the mall, the ridge, kufri, naldera, annadale, narkanda, indian institute of advanced study, the state museum, fagu, mashobra, summer hill, glen, tattapani etc. All these places are blessed with natural beauty and offer a memorable experience to tourists. Some of these places turn to winter sports heavens during winter time.

Shimla with its unsurpassed scenic beauty and overall grand experience of tourism in Shimla of many kinds is sure the prime show place of Himachal. A must visiting place where there is no limit to fun and enjoyment.

Jakhu Hill :
( 2,455 meters ) 2 km. from town. This is the highest peak of Shimla and offers panoramic view of the town and the mountains. 'Hanuman Temple of Jakhu' is very famous. According to legend, Hanumanji took some rest here when he was carrying a hill of 'Sanjiwani Booti' ( a herb to save the life of Lakshmana, the younger brother of Lord Rama ).

The Mall and the Ridge :
Most of Shimla's landmarks are located here. The Mall further joins the Ridge at the ‘Scandal Point' of Kipling's Shimla, where a statue of the nationalist leader Lala Lajpat Rai has been erected.This is the main shopping centre of Shimla with restaurants. This is especially pleasant in the evenings when the views and lights are wonderful. 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. The Ridge is a 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.

Kufri :
( 2,633 meters ) 16km. from Shimla. Kufri has won a name on the sports and tourist map of India due to its Ski-runs, Seed Potato Farm of the Central Potato Research Institute and Food Craft Institute. It is the winter sports capital. Kufri in Shimla is the most favourable place for winter sports activities. Excellent view of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Pirpanjal Range and Shiwalik Range from a height.

Naldera :
( 3,044 meters ) 22 km. Naldera offers one of the oldest and most sporting golf courses in India set in the midst of thick forests. The country around Naldera is also famous for its temples which are representative of the typical hill architecture of the area. Naldera in Shimla is known for its 'nine hole golf course'. Naldera course was laid by Lord Curzon in 1903.

Narkanda :
( 2,708 meters ) 64 km. Narkanda in Shimla commands a unique view of the eternal snow line and the dense forest. A quaint sleepy hamlet. From here, you get breathtaking view of the snow clad Himalayas. 'Hatu Peak' at an altitude of 3,143 meters above sea level ai 8 km. from Narkanda. In winter, there are exciting ski slopes to Ski on.

Indian Institute of Advanced Studies :
The institute in Shimla is housed in the erstwhile Viceregal Lodge which was built in 1884-88 during the period of Lord Dufferin. It is a commanding building in Summer Hill. The gardens of the Institute are really beautiful and fascinating. It was designed by Henry Twain. The style of architecture is English Renaissance, the masonry of the walling is light blue limestone and the wrought stonework is done in sandstone in a beautiful light gray tint. It has magnificent lawns.

The State Museum Shimla :
Shimla museum has endeavoured to project hill art and the cultural wealth of the state showing their link with the national artistic scene. There is a collection of minitature paintings, costumes, textiles and jewellery of the region. A leisurely winding walk from the Mall, past the Gortan Castle and the Cecil leads to a colonial mansion perched atop a hill. It houses the state museum. A visit to Shimla is incomplete without seeing this museum, which offers a peep into Himachal's grand past.

Fagu :
( 2,510 meters ) 22 km. Fagu's idyllic surroundings area for those looking for tranquillity and solitude. A slamm hamlet overlooking prosperous apple orchards and with a fine view of the Himalayan Panorma. Fagu is also a popular trekking stage.

Mashobra :
( 2,150 meters ) 13 km. This is a popular picnic spot which offers ideal walks amidst forest of oak and pine. The area adjoining to Mashobra is famous for apples orchards. Nearby is the site of annual 'Sipi Fair' held in June.

Summer Hill :
( 2,123 meters ) 5 km. A picturesque suburb of Shimla, which offers shady walks in quiet surroundings. Himachal Pradesh University is located here. The Father of Nation, Mahatma Gandhi during his visit to Shimla stayed in the elegant Georgian House of Raj Kumari Amrit Kaur located here.

Glen :
( 1,830 meters ) Distance 4km. This is one of the most beautiful picnic spots of Shimla with flowing streams through dense forest. Approach is near ‘Cecil Hotel’ and ‘Kennedy House’.

Annadale :
Beyond the Glen is Annandale, another picnic spot. It is covered with deodar forests and was once the playgrounds of Shimla, where racing, polo and cricket entertained the Britishers.Surrounded by deodar trees, this glade has an ancient temple on the edge.

Tattapani :
( 655 meters ) 51 km. A dip at the hot sulphur springs at Tattapani not only relaxes the body but also has therapeutic effects. There is a tourist bungalow at Tattapani to accommodate 20 persons.

Jakhu Temple :
Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, this temple is at an altitude of 2,455 meters above sea level near the highest point of Shimla ridge. It offers a panoramic view over the surrounding valleys , out to the snowcapped peaks, and over the town itself. The temple is a 45-minute walk from the Ridge, one can also hire pony or taxi to visit temple. According to legend, Hanumanji took some rest here when he was carrying a hill of 'Sanjiwani Booti' ( a herb to save the life of Lakshmana, the younger brother of Lord Rama ). Jakhu is a vantage point for witnessing the changing skyline as the sun rises or sets.

Tara Devi Temple :
( 2,100 meters ) On Shimla-Kalka road this holy place is accessible by rail, bus and car (11-km). From the station / road - one can visit the templeon foot around 5 km walk among dense forests. Temple is accessible through motorable road also and its around 20 KMs journey from the town. Situated on top of a hill that faces Shimla, the temple offers panoramic views of Shimla town and surrounding hills. A thick forest of oak andrhododendron surrounds it. It is famous picnic spot.

Kali Bari Temple :
The temple is situated near to The Mall and its 5 minutes walk from The Mall.The temple is dedicated to Shyamala Devi (Shimla is named after this goddess), an incarnation of Goddess Kali. Temple faces heavy rush during Diwali and Durga Puja as many Bengalis visit this temple.

Sankat Mochan Temple :
On Shimla-Kalka road at a distance of around 5 KMsis the famous "Lord Hanuman" temple. Situated at an altitude of 1,975m, it commands an excellent view of Shimla town. Temple has beautiful campus and Langar is held every Sunday. It is a famous temple and attracts a lot of visitors from near and farthroughout the year.

Kamna Devi Temple :
( 2,145 meters ) 5 km. This place is located near Boileauganj. Kamna Devi is the most popular picnic spot which commands a unique view of Shimla, Jutogh, Summer hill and Tara Devi. The hill is famous by name of Prospect Hill.

Karali Lake :
It is located on the Chhota Shali hillock just on the other side of Shali peak. The size of the lake is almost equal to the size of the Annadale ground of Shimla. The water os the lake is not very clean but from a great way up the hill, its first sight between the trees is unforgettable, because of, it is shining like a big emerald in the Sun. The location of the lake is beautiful and worth a visit.

Chandranahan or Chander Naun Lake :
Accessible to experienced trekkers and fed by a series of springs, this lake lies in the Chanshal range. Surrounded by snow for long periods, this is the source of the river Pabbar. The trek is difficult, but enjoyable and well rewarded at the end. This lake lies in Rohru tehsil.

Tanu Jubbal Lake :
This lake is near when visited from Narkanda. The location is beautiful and weather around the lake is refreshing.

Shimla Water Catchment Sanctuary :

Altitude : varies from 1900 meters to 2620 meters.
Annual Rainfall : mean annual rainfall is 1600 mm.
Temperature : temprature varies from -5 to 32°C.
Area : 1,025.3 hectares ( 10.25 sq. km. ).
Location : nearest town is Shimla.
Approaches : Shimla to inside sanctuary.

It was first notified as a sanctuary on 29th July 1958 and re-notified on 4th December 1982. This is one of the few sanctuaries in Himachal free from habitation, this area has been preserved since the last centuary as the catchment area providing water to Shimla town. It was earlier the part of the Koti State and came under the State control in 1947-48. It has perhaps the highest density of 'Koklas Pheasant' among the State's national parks and sanctuaries.

Flora
The vegetation consists predominately of temperate coniferous forest, dominated by Deodar and mixed at lower elevations with White Oak and patches of Chir Pine and at higher elevations with blue pine, green oak and spruce.

Fauna ( Mammals )
Leopard Cat, barking Deer, Musk deer, Goral, common Langur, Leopard, Rhesus Macaque, Marten, Indian Porcupine, Sambar and Squirrel.

Daranghati Sanctuary :

Altitude : varies from 2100 meters to 3315 meters.
Annual Rainfall : mean annual rainfall is 750 mm.
Temperature : temprature varies from 8 to 17°C.
Area : 16,740 hectares ( 167.40 sq. km. ).
Location : near Rampur Bushahr.
Approaches : Shimla to Rampur.

This sanctuary forms an important habitat for Musk Deer, Himalayan Tahr and Pheasants. The area was earlier a hunting reserve of the former Raja of Bhushahr State. The sanctuary is in two segments, with villages and cultivated area in between. Animal movement takes place over snow clad peaks into the Rakchham Chitkul Sanctuary in the south-east and Talra sanctuary in the south.

Flora
Forest Types include Ban Oak forest, Moist Deodar forest, western mixed Coniferous, moist temperate Deciduous, Kharsu Oak, dry broad leaved and coniferous, dry temprate coniferous and Himalayan sub-alpine forests.

Fauna ( Mammals )
Himalayan Black Bear, Brown Bear, Himalayan Palm Civet, Barking Deer, Musk Deer, Flying Fox, Goral, Indian Hare, stripped Hyena, Himalayan Ibex, Leopard, Himalayan yellow throated Marten, Serow, Blue Sheep, common giant flying Squirrel, Himalayan Tahr and Himalayan Weasel. Locally threated species are Himalayan Tahr and western Tragopan.

Chail Sanctuary :

Altitude : varies from 701 meters to 2180 meters.
Annual Rainfall : mean annual rainfall is 1602 mm.
Temperature : temprature varies from 4 to 28°C.
Area : 10,854.36 hectares ( 108.54 sq. km. ).
Location : nearest town is Chail. this sanctuary falls in district Solan and district Shimla
Approaches : Shimla to Chail or Solan to Chail.

It was notified a sanctuary on 21st March 1976. Formerly the game reserve of the erstwhile Maharaja of Patiala, it is now heavily degraded. Yet it contains one of the world's most significant population of the greatly threatened Cheer Pheasant as well as a herd of European Red Deer, introduced half a century ago by the former Maharaja of Patiala.

Flora
Forest Types include Himalayan sub-tropical pine forests, Banoak forest and Moru Oak forest. The dominant forest tree is the white or Silver Oak, mixed at lower altitude with Chil Pine. Tree Rhododendron forms pure stands in a few places and Deodar have been sown in some areas.

Fauna ( Mammals )
Himalayan Black Bear, Indian Wild Bear, Leopard Cat, Barking Deer, Red Deer, Goral, Indian Hare, common Langur, Leopard, Rhesus Macaque, Himalayan yellow throated Marten, Indian Porcupine, Sambar, common Giant and Kashmiri flying Squirrel, Locally threatened species are Leopard, Chir or Cheer Pheasant and Red Deer. A Cheer Pheasant breeding and rehabilitation program has been started in 1988.

Churadhar Sanctuary :

Altitude : varies from 2000 meters to 3647 meters.
Annual Rainfall : mean annual rainfall is 1602 mm.
Temperature : temprature varies from 4 to 28°C.
Area : 5,615 hectares ( 56.15 sq. km. ).
Location : nearest town is Nohra. this sanctuary falls between district Sirmaur and district Shimla
Approaches : Shimla to Nohra to inside sanctuary or Sirmaur to Nohra to inside sanctuary.

It was notified a sanctuary on 15th November, 1985. One of the state's newest sanctuaries, Churadhar has amongst the last good stretches of forest left in Southern Himachal Pradesh. In the past, it was the stronghold of Musk Deer, now at the point of local extinction, Churadhar still contains good habitat for Monal and other Pheasants. The sancuary gets its name from Chur Peak or Churdhar Peak, on the top of which sits a majectic statute of Lord Shiva commanding a breathtaking view of the valleys and forests below.

Flora
Forest Types include western mixed coniferous forests, Khasru Oak forest and Alpine forests. Deodar and Oak are the famous species.

Fauna ( Mammals )
Himalayan Black Bear, Indian Wild Bear, barking Deer, Musk Deer, Goral, common Langur, Leopard, Rhesus Macaque, Himalayan Mouse-Hare and Indian Porcupine. Musk Deer has been severely depleted by hunting.

Majathal Sanctuary :

Altitude : varies from 900 meters to 1966 meters.
Annual Rainfall : mean annual rainfall is 1040 mm.
Temperature : temprature varies from 1 to 29°C.
Area : 3,938.86 hectares ( 39.39 sq. km. ).
Location : nearest town is Shimla.
Approaches : Shimla to inside sanctuary or Solan to Shimla to inside sanctuary.

It was first notified as a sanctuary in 1962 and re-notified on 27th March 1974. This Oak forest area is located in the catchment of the Satluj River and contains typical low altitude western Himalayan flora and fauna. Studies have established this sanctuary to be possibly the single most important locality for chir or cheer pheasant in the world.

Flora
Only Ban Oak forest.

Fauna ( Mammals )
Himalayan Black Bear, Indian Wild Bear, jungle Cat, common Palm Civet, Himalayan Palm Civet, barking Deer, Goral, Jackal, common Langur, Leopard, Rhesus Macaque, Himalayan yellow throated Marten and Sambar. A species believed to be locally threatened is the Cheer Pheasant.

Talra Sanctuary :

Altitude : varies from 1500 meters to 3324 meters.
Annual Rainfall : mean annual rainfall is 874.5 mm.
Temperature : temprature varies from -7 to 28°C.
Area : 4,093.31 hectares ( 40.49 sq. km. ).
Location : nearest town Jubbal.
Approaches : Shimla to Jubbal to inside sanctuary.

It was first notified as a sanctuary in 1962 and re-notified on 27th March 1974. This sanctuary was formerly a popular hunting spot and continues to have human pressure in the form of hunting spot and in the form of commercial logging and grazing. Only a few good patches of wildlife habitat reportedly remain. primarily in steep and inaccessible areas, still harbouring a population of Musk Deer and five species of pheasants.

Flora
Forest Types include lower western Himalayan temperate and west Himalayan upper oak and fir forests.

Fauna ( Mammals )
Himalayan Black Bear, barking Deer, Musk Deer, Goral, common Langur and Leopard.

Fairs in Shimla

Bhahara Fair :
This fair is held in village Bharara near Kumharsain and people of all castes and creed participate. The fair is held on the 1st of Jaistha(May), It is being celebrated from ancient times. Devta Koteshwar is brought in the fair and goats are sacrificed in its honour as a mark of respect. The fair is cultural and recreational and 'Natti' dances are performed. People also enjoy 'Hindola' ride.

Bhoj Fair :
This fair is held in village Guman in Rohru tehsil in the month of November. for three days in honour of Devta Bansor, Parshu Ram and Kilbaru. Devta Bansor is the presiding deity.Beside paying homage to the deities 'Natti' dances are performed by the people. The fair attracts a huge crowd.

Lavi Fair :
Lavi fair of Rampur is the mostimportant fair of the district and state. It is a commercial fair held on the 25th of Kartika (November). It is said that the fair was related to the signing of trade treaty between the erstwhile Bushahr State and Tibet.. The shepherds of Kinnaur migrate to warmer places before the on set of winter and on their waythey halt at Rampur. The woollen goods,dry fruits and medicinal herbs brought by them are purchased by the people and the traders of the plains and foodgrains,clothes and utensils are sold. It is a very old fair and entirely relatedto the sale and purchase of goods. 'Natti' dances and cultural shows are the main attractions.

Mahasu Jatar :
This fair is celebrated at a place about 6 Kms from Shimla-Kotkhai road near Mahasu village on the 3rd Tuesday in the month of Baisakha(May) for two days. The fair is a very old one and is held in front of the Durga Devi temple by a large gatheringwho throng the place from the neighbouring areas. It is believed that a Rana of Badoli lived in Chakroth near Mahasu. He had built Durga temple there. After the abolition of his jagir the Rana left the village and the vilagers of Mahasu constructed a temple of Durga in their own village and to commemorate the occasion they startedthe fair. 'Natti' dances and folk songs are performed. Archery game is the main attraction of entertainment. At the end of the fair a goat is sacrificed.

Sipi Fair :
This fair is held every year in Sihpur below Mashobra on the 1st of Jaistha(may) in honour of Sip Devta. It is very old fair and the Rana of Koti used to be the chief visitor. Thousands of people of the surrounding areas participate in the fair. A goat is slaughtered in honour of the deity. Archery game is played besides several cultural programmes, variety shows, 'Karyala', Performance of the jugglers, magicians and acrobats provide additional entertainment to the spectators.

Festivals in Shimla

Summer Festival :
It is held every year in the month of May at Shimla. It is variety cultural function with performance of local folks, cultural program by school children and daily performance by somefamous personality. It is held on the famous ridge ground. It is a very famous festival and attracts a huge crowd from all over the Himachal.

Winter Sports Festival :
Ice-skating in Shimla is a big attraction for the sports-lovers during winter. Shimla is the only place in Asia which has the privilege of having a natural Ice-skating rink of the kind and offers a popular pastime to the participants and on lookers alike.Ice-skating normally begins in early December and carries on to February. Clear skies and low temperatures provide series of uninterrupted sessions. There are two sessions every day, in the morning and in the evening depending upon the frozen ice on the ground . The hanging baloon on the Municipal Building adjacent to scandal point works as signal , whetherthe skating is going to be held on that day or not.Membership is available for the season as well as for shorter terms and even for single sessions. Skates are available at the rink.Fancy dress carnivals, 'gymkhanas' ice-hockey and dances enliven every season.

Rohru Festival :
This festival is held in Rohru on the 9th and 10th of Baiskha (April) on the banks of river Pabbar in honour of Devta Shikru. People of nearby villages are the devotees of the Devta. It is very old festival and is held to commemorate the supremacy of the deity. This festival is also a commercial one and apart from the performance of 'Natti' dances and cultural activities,brisk trading is also done. Men and Women costumed in their best attire participate in the fair.