Shimla is the capital of the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, in the Himalayan foothills. Once the summer capital of British India, it remains the terminus of the narrow-gauge Kalka-Shimla Railway, completed in 1903. It’s also known for the handicraft shops that line The Mall, a pedestrian avenue, as well as the Lakkar Bazaar, a market specializing in wooden toys and crafts.
The majestic snow clad mountains, stunningly rich greenery and the beautiful lakes in the land of Shimla greet you to enjoy their timeless beauty. Certain places on earth do boast of places that equal or even surpass the beauty of Shimla. However, Shimla which is one of the most visited tourist spot in Himachal Pradesh holds magic in the air, which is beyond comparison. No wonder it is called the Queen of Hill Stations.
The land so captivated the minds of the British when they ruled India that it was made their summer capital. The influence of British presence is glaringly evident in its buildings. One of the best features of Shimla is that you could visit it any season during a year. Here are some leading attractions of Shimla, which necessarily find a place in any tourist’s itinerary.
Places to visit in Simla:
1. Ridge:
The Shimla Ridge, which offers spectacular views of the mountain peaks of the land. The Ridge is a spacious open space that runs from east to west along the Mall, which is yet another famous tourist destination. It connects to the Scandal point on the west. If you love the view of mountains, this is your dream destination. The marvelous view of snow-clad mountain ranges spellbinds you.
2. Jakhoo hill:
Jakhoo Hill is the highest peak in the entire hill station offers scenic view of the city and snow capped Himalayan Mountains. The 8000 ft Jakhoo Hill is a famous tourist attraction that is visited by nature lovers and pilgrims as well. It is home to the ancient Jakhoo Temple, which has a large statue of Hanuman, its chief deity. Located at an altitude of 8500 feet above sea level, the 108 feet tall statue has sensors to drive away the birds.
3. Mall Road:
Mall Road offers a glimpse of Shimla in a nutshell. It is filled with many shops, cafes, restaurants, book shops and many tourist attractions. Take a stroll on Mall Road and get surprised at every turn by the things this place has to offer. The scenic beauty of Shimla can also be seen through here.
4.Kalka- Simla Railway:
Kalka- Shimla Railway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the Mountain Railways of India. It was built in the year 1898 to connect Shimla with other railway lines of India by British. It runs from Kalka (a town in Haryana) to Shimla. It stops through many tourist places like Summer Hill, Solan and many more. A rail trip through this line will give the viewers some breathtaking views and the journey through many tunnels and bridges would make up for an unforgettable experience.
5. Summer hill:
Summer Hill is also called as Potter’s Hill. In the past, this was where potters used to gather clay to make pots. At a height of 1283 meter above sea level, Summer Hill offers spectacular views of the valley and the greenery around. It is 5 km from the famous Ridge, which is frequented by tourists in great numbers. The hill is a part of a cluster of seven hills, which form Shimla and hence you are sure to have breathtaking sights from the top.
6. Kufri:
Kufri is located 17 kms away from Shimla. At an altitude of 2510 meters and in the Himalayan foothills, the hill station delights nature lovers and adventurers alike. Kufri along with some places around Shimla once belonged to the Nepal kingdom. This place is must visit for everyone visiting Shimla because of the stunning views it offers and also because of its status as an adventure hub.
7. Annandale:
Annadale, is one of the star attractions of Shimla. It is around 4 kms from the Ridge. This flat terrain was once the playground for the British, who played cricket and polo here. Racing was also a popular sport conducted here. Now, the racecourse is converted into a small golf course, which is also used as a heli-pad.
8. Chail:
Chail is a quaint hill station and was founded by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala. As the story goes, Bhupinder Singh eloped with the daughter of the then Viceroy of India from a place now known as Scandal Point. This incurred the wrath of of Lord Kitchener who then banished the couple from Shimla. This place has the world's highest cricket ground and is perfect for people looking for a laid back holiday.
9. Dharangati Sanctuary:
Located 150 kms from Shimla, Daranghati Sanctuary spread over 167.40 km, is one of the most important tourist attractions. It is in the upper area of Shimla. It was a hunting reserve in the past for Rampur Bushahr royal family. This forest area rich in wildlife was notified in the year 1962 as a sanctuary.
10. Arki Fort:
Built in an amalgamation of both Rajput and Mughal architecture, Arki Fort is a must visit for all history buffs. It was the built in the year 1660 AD and has been through many rulers in the past. This fort is perhaps best known for Kangra paintings which adorn this fort. These paintings are expected to be nearly 200 years old but still retain their beauty.
Some of the other attractions in Shimla include Chadwick Falls, The Glen, Scandal Point, Kali Bari Temple, Tattapani hot springs, Himalayan Bird Park, Mashobra and Naldehra Golf Park. Stretch Out And Relax
The majestic snow clad mountains, stunningly rich greenery and the beautiful lakes in the land of Shimla greet you to enjoy their timeless beauty. Certain places on earth do boast of places that equal or even surpass the beauty of Shimla. However, Shimla which is one of the most visited tourist spot in Himachal Pradesh holds magic in the air, which is beyond comparison. No wonder it is called the Queen of Hill Stations.
The land so captivated the minds of the British when they ruled India that it was made their summer capital. The influence of British presence is glaringly evident in its buildings. One of the best features of Shimla is that you could visit it any season during a year. Here are some leading attractions of Shimla, which necessarily find a place in any tourist’s itinerary.
Places to visit in Simla:
1. Ridge:
The Shimla Ridge, which offers spectacular views of the mountain peaks of the land. The Ridge is a spacious open space that runs from east to west along the Mall, which is yet another famous tourist destination. It connects to the Scandal point on the west. If you love the view of mountains, this is your dream destination. The marvelous view of snow-clad mountain ranges spellbinds you.
2. Jakhoo hill:
Jakhoo Hill is the highest peak in the entire hill station offers scenic view of the city and snow capped Himalayan Mountains. The 8000 ft Jakhoo Hill is a famous tourist attraction that is visited by nature lovers and pilgrims as well. It is home to the ancient Jakhoo Temple, which has a large statue of Hanuman, its chief deity. Located at an altitude of 8500 feet above sea level, the 108 feet tall statue has sensors to drive away the birds.
3. Mall Road:
Mall Road offers a glimpse of Shimla in a nutshell. It is filled with many shops, cafes, restaurants, book shops and many tourist attractions. Take a stroll on Mall Road and get surprised at every turn by the things this place has to offer. The scenic beauty of Shimla can also be seen through here.
4.Kalka- Simla Railway:
Kalka- Shimla Railway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the Mountain Railways of India. It was built in the year 1898 to connect Shimla with other railway lines of India by British. It runs from Kalka (a town in Haryana) to Shimla. It stops through many tourist places like Summer Hill, Solan and many more. A rail trip through this line will give the viewers some breathtaking views and the journey through many tunnels and bridges would make up for an unforgettable experience.
5. Summer hill:
Summer Hill is also called as Potter’s Hill. In the past, this was where potters used to gather clay to make pots. At a height of 1283 meter above sea level, Summer Hill offers spectacular views of the valley and the greenery around. It is 5 km from the famous Ridge, which is frequented by tourists in great numbers. The hill is a part of a cluster of seven hills, which form Shimla and hence you are sure to have breathtaking sights from the top.
6. Kufri:
Kufri is located 17 kms away from Shimla. At an altitude of 2510 meters and in the Himalayan foothills, the hill station delights nature lovers and adventurers alike. Kufri along with some places around Shimla once belonged to the Nepal kingdom. This place is must visit for everyone visiting Shimla because of the stunning views it offers and also because of its status as an adventure hub.
7. Annandale:
Annadale, is one of the star attractions of Shimla. It is around 4 kms from the Ridge. This flat terrain was once the playground for the British, who played cricket and polo here. Racing was also a popular sport conducted here. Now, the racecourse is converted into a small golf course, which is also used as a heli-pad.
8. Chail:
Chail is a quaint hill station and was founded by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala. As the story goes, Bhupinder Singh eloped with the daughter of the then Viceroy of India from a place now known as Scandal Point. This incurred the wrath of of Lord Kitchener who then banished the couple from Shimla. This place has the world's highest cricket ground and is perfect for people looking for a laid back holiday.
9. Dharangati Sanctuary:
Located 150 kms from Shimla, Daranghati Sanctuary spread over 167.40 km, is one of the most important tourist attractions. It is in the upper area of Shimla. It was a hunting reserve in the past for Rampur Bushahr royal family. This forest area rich in wildlife was notified in the year 1962 as a sanctuary.
10. Arki Fort:
Built in an amalgamation of both Rajput and Mughal architecture, Arki Fort is a must visit for all history buffs. It was the built in the year 1660 AD and has been through many rulers in the past. This fort is perhaps best known for Kangra paintings which adorn this fort. These paintings are expected to be nearly 200 years old but still retain their beauty.
Some of the other attractions in Shimla include Chadwick Falls, The Glen, Scandal Point, Kali Bari Temple, Tattapani hot springs, Himalayan Bird Park, Mashobra and Naldehra Golf Park. Stretch Out And Relax
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