Shimla: A visit to beautiful hills
Thinking of visiting a place blessed with all the bounties of nature? Then Shimla is your dream destination a paradise embellished with snow capped mountains, lush valleys, orchards of fruits, pine forests, bubbling rivers, ancient holy sites, natural springs, and thrilling adventures. Shimla which was the summer capital of British India is presently the capital of the panoramic state of Himachal Pradesh. Nature has flourished it with innumerable gifts making it the most popular holiday destination in India.
History of Shimla
Shimla traces its history back to 19th century when it was founded by the British in 1819 after the Gorkha war. The spectacular town still retains its colonial heritage. The colonial masters were hypnotized by the panoramic beauty of Shimla and employed Scottish civil servant Charles Pratt Kennedy in its construction.
Geography of Shimla
The place derives its name from Goddess Shyamla, an incarnation of Goddess Kali. The mesmerizing town is perched at a height of 2,202 meters, strung out along a 12km ridge amidst the steep forested hillsides resonates it into a perfect holiday destination. The grand old buildings, like the stately vice regal Lodge, charming iron lamp posts and Anglo Saxon names add to the charm of the town.
Best time to visit
Every season in the town has its own of magic which gives Shimla an advantage of being the most sought after destination all around the year. Summers are perfect to escape the scorching heat of the plains as the temperature is around 15 to 25 degree Celsius. The months of May to June are perfect for adventure sports and experiencing the scenic beauty of lush green Shimla.
Winters are exquisitely beautiful and alluring as snow covers Shimla in a blanket making it nothing less than a white paradise. The entire landscape is draped by powdery snow making it a prime destination for celebrating Christmas. It is during winters that Shimla accommodates maximum tourist who come here from all around the year. Snowfall starts from November and lasts till February and temperature at night falls to below zero degrees, days are relatively warm with a temperature of less than 15 degree Celsius.
Monsoon rejuvenates the place and the months of July to September are not crowded by tourists. Yet this hill station has many visitors, given its ethereal beauty and serene tourist free ambiance.
How to reach Shimla?
- By air : the nearest airport is the Jabarhatti Airport which is located just 23km from Shimla. One can easily board a private taxi, shared or hired a cab, or could use state run bus facilities to reach here.
- By rail : Situated just 1km away from the city center is Shimla Railway Station.
- By road : As Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh, thus, it is well connected via road. AC, non AC, and HPTDC buses are available for tourists to reach their desired destination
Places to visit in Shimla
This amazing land in Himachal Pradesh is full of nature’s bounty and enthralling lakes. Shimla boasts of its captivating colonial architecture and timeless natural beauty. Let us look at the places to explore.
1) Jakhoo Hills
If you are a photographer, nature lover, and wildlife lover then this is the perfect destination for you to catch some real fun. The 8000ft Jakhoo Hills is famous for its scenic beauty and ancient Jakhoo temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Pilgrims come here to take blessing from the statue of Lord Hanuman standing 108ft tall at the height of 8500ft from sea level.
2) The Shimla Ridge
The heart of the capital is well decorated with the Shimla Ridge running east to west alongside Mall Road. The place is a perfect shopping destination. To really know the city, visit the Christ Church nearby. The Christ church is an inseparable part of Shimla and its identity. The stained glass windows, the clock tower, and the frescos are some of the attractions of this neo-gothic architecture. For books lover, Tudor Library is located nearby, go and smell the amazing books.
3) Kalka-Shimla Railway
This is a UNESCO heritage site, built in 1898, to connect Shimla to other parts of India. Take a rail trip along the mountain railways of India to get some memorable and enchanting views of Solan Hills, Summer Hills and much more.
4) Summer Hills
Lying in the outskirts of Shimla is the paradise for nature lovers. Gather some astonishing view of the city from this cluster of seven hills. The Summer Hills is located at a height of 1283 meters offering the breath-taking view of the valley and its greenery. The spectacular view of Chadwick Falls adds to the charm of the trip and makes it unforgettable. Don’t forget to visit the Indian Institute of Advanced Study situated at the top of Observatory Hill.
Shimla is the true essence of beauty and peace. The place welcomes a wanderer’s heart with arms open and embraces it in its warm and soothing arms. Visit this amazing destination to enjoy winter sports and to soothe your soul.
