Shimla - the Summer Capital of British Raj

Shimla is the State Capital of Himachal Pradesh. In 1864, Shimla was declared the summer capital of the erstwhile British Raj in India. Simla is Located in north-west Himalayas at an altitude of 2,130 meters (6,988 ft). Simla hill station is famous for its buildings styled in tudorbethan and neo-gothic architecture reminiscent of the colonial era. 22q. The “Queen of Hills” Shimla has witnessed many important historical events, such as the famous Shimla Pact between India & Pakistan. Shimla was once part of the Nepal and called Shyamala (another name for goddess Kali), British ruler ‘discovered’ it in 1819.  Simla city is named after the goddess Shyamala Devi, an incarnation of the Hindu Goddess Kali. The place is also famous for its natural beauty, architectural buildings, wooden crafts and apples.

Places Of Interest:

The Mall:   The famous Mall in Simla is the main shopping center of Shimla city. There is many restaurants, clubs, banks, bars, Post Offices and tourist offices. The famous Gaiety Theater is also situated there. The Mall is the main meeting place for everyone, People walk up and down the Mall slowly, stopping to gossip. The Ridge and Scandal point are the two main meeting points at the Mall.

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

Jakhu Hill:   Jakhu Hills offers a beautiful view of the Simla and of the snow-covered Himalayas. Jakhu Hill is the highest peak, located in 444 2 km from Shimla, at a height of 8000 ft.  There is a old temple of Hanuman at the top of the Jakhu Hill, which is the home of countless playful monkeys waiting to be fed by all visitors.

Sankat Mochan:   A popular Hanuman temple is located in Simla. The Temple get  a excellent view of Shimla. The Human temple can be reached by car or on foot.

Shimla State Museum:  The Museum is opened in 1974. State Museum has tried to project hill-out and the cultural wealth of the state. There is a collection of miniature Pahari paintings, sculptures, bronzes wood-carvings and also costumes, textiles and jewelery of the region.

Tara Devi:   Tara Devi Temple is11 km away from the Shimla bus-stand. Tara Devi temple is dedicated to the goddess of stars on top of the hill. Tara Devi temple is located at a height of 6,070 ft. Tara Devi is an ideal place for a person wanting peace and some rest.

How to get there:

By Air:  Jubbarhatti Airport in Simla is the main airport to reach Simla. Its 23 kms from the town.

By Rail:  Kalka Railway Station is the nearest railway station to reach Simla. Kalka is located at the distance of 96 kms from Simla.