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Introduction

Shimla, also known by its many historical names—Shimlu, Semla, Shumla, Shamlah, Shamla, Simla—has a rich and colorful past. This iconic hill station has evolved from its turbulent history of Gurkha wars to becoming the summer retreat for British Indian officers, and eventually, the bustling capital of Himachal Pradesh.

Today, Shimla remains a distinguished and beloved hill station, attracting tourists with its colonial charm, pleasant weather, and stunning natural beauty. At 2,206 meters above sea level, it offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and modern amenities.

Shimla: A Tourist Haven

Shimla is a paradise for visitors, with colonial architecture, scenic forest walks, and bustling markets. The town’s prominent Mall Road is a hub of activity, where modern establishments like Levi’s and Domino’s coexist with traditional loi shops and local bakeries. Scandal Point remains a hot spot for romantic rendezvous.

Biggest hill station in the world, located at an altitude of 7262(2421 mts) feet above sea level. The best season of the year here is autumn(September, October, November).

The town is well-connected via road, rail, and air. The nearest airport is Jubbarhatti (23 km away), linking Shimla to Chandigarh (117 km). The famous narrow-gauge Kalka-Shimla railway line (90 km), with its 103 tunnels, connects the town to Delhi, Amritsar, and Kolkata.

Other major distances from Shimla:

  • Himachal Pradesh: Kullu (240 km), Manali (280 km), Narkanda (64 km), Mandi (156 km), Dharamshala (280 km), Chamba (502 km).
  • Nearby Cities: Pathankot (380 km), Ludhiana (220 km), Jalandhar (382 km), Dehradun (240 km), Jammu (453 km).

Modern Developments

Shimla has undergone major urban developments under the National Urban Rehabilitation Mission, initiated by the Union Government on 2nd December 2005. Efforts include beautification and infrastructure improvement projects.

On 18th November 2010, a statue of Rani Jhansi was installed at Rani Jhansi Park, adding to the city’s historic landmarks. This was sixth such statue installed in Shimla; other five are of those, M.K Gandhi, Shere Punjab Lala Lajpat Rai, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Ms. Indira Gandhi and Dr. Y.S Parmar. Gaity theatre was renovated from 2003-2009 and reopened on 24th June 2009.

Waste Management Issues
Shimla faces serious waste management challenges, with large amounts of garbage accumulating daily. To tackle this, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) approved the establishment of an ultramodern solid waste disposal plant at Bharyal village, Tara-Devi-Totu Bypass.

PLACES OF INTEREST IN SHIMLA CIRCLE

1. Jakhu Hill (2 km, 2,455 meters)

  • The highest peak of Shimla, offering panoramic views of the town.
  • Home to the famous Hanuman Temple, linked to the Ramayana legend.
  • “Rhothney Castle” residence of celebrated ornithologist and founder of INC A.O Hume.
  • On 4th November 2011, the world’s tallest Hanuman idol (108 feet) was installed here (by Nanda trust).

2. Viceregal Lodge (Indian Institute of Advanced Studies)

  • Built in 1884-88 during Lord Dufferin’s rule.
  • Designed in neo-Gothic style with Scottish Baronial influences.
  • Witnessed major events like the Shimla Conference (1945) and the Partition decision (1947).

3. Railway Board Building (1896-97)

  • Unique cast iron and steel structure fabricated in Bombay.
  • Only other similar building in South Asia is Raffles Hotel (Singapore).

4. Ellerslie (Himachal Secretariat)

  • Built in 1886 as the Punjab Government’s Secretariat.
  • Became the Himachal Pradesh Secretariat in 1967 under Dr. Y.S. Parmar.

5. Town Hall (1860)

  • Magnificent stone-and-timber building with a European character.
  • Houses the offices of the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and Municipal Corporation.

6. Gaiety Theatre (1887)

  • Once the cultural nerve center of British India.
  • Renovated in 2003-2009 and reopened on 24th June 2009.

7. Shimla Christ Church (1857)

  • Second-oldest church in North India.
  • Famous for stained glass windows representing Faith, Hope, and Charity.

8. Coffee House Shimla

  • Operated under the Indian Coffee Workers Cooperative Society.
  • Established through Jawaharlal Nehru’s initiative in 1956-57.

EXCURSIONS AROUND SHIMLA

9. Kufri (16 km, 2,633 meters)

  • Famous for ski runs, potato farms, and a food craft institute.

10. Chail (45 km, 2,250 meters)

  • Former summer capital of Patiala.
  • Houses the highest cricket ground in the world.

11. Naldehra (22 km, 3,044 meters)

  • Oldest golf course in India, established by Lord Curzon in 1903.
  • Surrounded by dense forests and historic temples.

12. Mashobra (13 km, 2,149 meters)

  • Known for apple orchards and annual Sipi fair (June).
  • Features the historic Coutts’ Garden, established in 1887.

13. Summer Hill (5 km, 2,123 meters)

  • Houses Himachal Pradesh University.
  • A quiet retreat with scenic walking trails.

14. Kamna Devi (5 km, 2,145 meters)

  • Offers panoramic views of Shimla, Jutogh, Summer Hill, and Tara Devi.

15. Tara Devi (8 km, 2,100 meters)

  • A famous Hindu temple atop a scenic hill.

16. Tattapani (51 km, 655 meters)

  • Known for hot sulfur springs with therapeutic properties.

17. Glen (4 km, 1,830 meters)

  • A beautiful picnic spot with natural streams.

18. Wildflower Hall (13 km)

  • Former residence of Lord Kitchener.
  • Surrounded by dense pine forests and historical landmarks.

19. Fagu (22 km, 2,510 meters)

Fagu is an idyllic destination for those seeking peace and solitude. This quaint hamlet overlooks vast apple orchards and provides a breathtaking view of the Himalayan panorama. It is also a popular trekking stopover.

20. Hatu Peak (3,143 meters)

Located 8 km from Narkanda, Hatu Peak offers stunning views of the snow-clad Himalayas, the eternal snow line, and dense forests. In winter, it turns into a paradise for skiing enthusiasts.

21. State Museum, Shimla

The State Museum of Shimla showcases the artistic and cultural heritage of Himachal Pradesh. Situated atop a hill, it is a must-visit attraction for history and art lovers.

Notable Collections

  • Miniature Paintings: Pahari-style artworks.
  • Stone Sculptures: Includes depictions of Varuna from Masrur, Vishnu from Nirmand, and Surya from Una.
  • Wall Paintings: From old palaces in Chamba.
  • Wooden Masks & Folk Art: Traditional Himachali craftsmanship.
  • Photographs: Showcasing temples and cultural sites.
  • Bronze Gallery: Displays mohras (deity masks) and rare sculptures.
  • Coins & Scripts: Featuring ancient Tankri and Nagari inscriptions.
  • Arms & Weaponry: Includes swords, daggers, shields, guns, and canons.
  • Gandhian Gallery: Letters and pictures of Mahatma Gandhi.
  • Doll Gallery: Showcasing Pahari tribal dolls.
  • Philately Section: Stamp collections.
  • Contemporary Art Gallery: Notable paintings include:
    • “The Kiss” by Bani Parasanna
    • “Dream” by Swaminathal
    • “Mother” by Malkiat Singh
    • “Monsoon Evening” by Nilima Sheik

Challenges

Many historical artifacts remain undisplayed due to space constraints. Additionally, the adjacent high TV tower absorbs lightning shocks, causing vibrations that threaten the museum’s priceless antiques.

22. Gorton Castle

Originally a mid-19th-century residence, Gorton Castle evolved into an important government building in Shimla.

History & Architecture

  • Initially owned by Mr. Gorton of the Indian Civil Service.
  • Later purchased by Sir James Walker and donated for a hospital (though later repurposed for government offices).
  • Designed by Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob, inspired by Rajasthani jaalis in a neo-Gothic structure.
  • Built using locally quarried stone from Sanjauli and bound with lime mortar.

Government Usage

  • From 1905 onwards, it housed the Departments of Home, Legislature, Finance, Health, Education, and Lands.
  • Served as the summer headquarters of the British Government of India until 1941.
  • Became the office of the Accountant-General of Himachal Pradesh in 1984.
  • January 28, 2014: A devastating fire reduced two stories of the building to ashes.

Scenic Getaways Around Shimla

  • Barog (55 km): Offers panoramic views of the high mountains and valleys extending into Punjab and Haryana.
  • Kasauli (77 km): A picturesque hill station with snow-covered mountain views. Home to the famous Sanawar Public School.
  • Craignano (16 km): A scenic picnic spot with lawns and gardens.
  • Theog (32 km): A significant marketing center in Himachal Pradesh.
  • Matiana (48 km): Famous for cherry and fruit orchards.
  • Kiari Bungalow (23 km): A beautiful retreat on the Shimla-Kalka National Highway.
  • Thanedhar (82 km): Known as India’s apple capital.
  • Sarahan (174 km, 2,165 meters): Famous for the Bhimakali Temple, an architectural marvel combining Hindu and Buddhist styles. Also houses the Sports Authority of India’s High-Altitude Training Centre.

23. Hatkoti: Valley of Temples

Hatkoti (95 km from Shimla) is one of Himachal Pradesh’s most significant archaeological sites. It is located along the Pabbar River, a tributary of the Tons River.

Religious & Architectural Significance

  • Believed to be built by the Pandavas and preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India.
  • Houses the Durga and Shiva Temples, featuring rare 9th-12th century sculptures.
  • Durga Temple:
    • Home to an Ashtadhatu idol of Goddess Durga in her Mahishasurmardini form.
    • The two-meter-high ornate Torna (gateway) depicts Ganga, Yamuna, sapt-matrikas (seven mother goddesses), and mythological animals.
  • Shiva Temple:
    • Features a large Shivalinga.
    • Notable for its wood-carved ceiling showcasing Radha-Krishna, Shiva-Parvati, and Mahishasurmardini.
  • Ancient Miniature Temples: Built between the 8th and 12th centuries.

24. Junga: The Lost Royal Capital

Junga, located 26 km from Shimla, was the capital of the Keonthal State, ruled by the Sen dynasty for over 700 years.

Historical Highlights

  • Founded by Giri Sen in 1211 AD after fleeing Bengal.
  • The capital was shifted from Koti to Junga.
  • Old Junga Palace: Built over 300 years ago by Sansar Sen (now in ruins).
  • New Palace at Chowri: Built in the 19th century on a ridge.

Cultural & Religious Significance

  • Pathri Mata Temple: A sacred site where the Sen dynasty’s spiritual leader placed a divine stone.
  • Shiva, Durga & Bhairav Temples: Located in thick deodar forests.
  • Bhaloo-ka-Per (Bear Tree): A tree said to resemble a frozen bear, linked to a folk legend of divine intervention.

25. Pabbar Valley: A Cultural & Religious Gem

Pabbar Valley is home to magnificent wooden temples and is deeply connected to local deities and legends.

Key Attractions

  • Mahasu Devta Temple (Hanol): The supreme deity of the region, with 50 subordinate temples.
  • Pandava Temple (Masali Village): Features life-sized wooden images of the five Pandava brothers.
  • Khund Institution: A unique tribal cultural practice linking villages to mythological tales.

26. Monal: The Jewel of Himachal’s Wildlife

The monal pheasant (Lophophorus impejansis) is one of Himachal’s most beautiful and rare birds. Found at 2,000-3,500 meters in the Shimla hills and upper Beas Valley, the monal is known for its brilliant metallic plumage.

Features of the Monal

  • Males: Display emerald, purple, deep blue, and sapphire feathers. Locally called “Naurange Danphe” (nine-colored bird).
  • Females: Brown, with white patches near the tail.
  • Breeding Season: May-June.
  • Nest: Dug into tufts of grass or under bushes.
  • Eggs: Five, dull white with amber-brown specks.

Historical Note:
The monal was heavily hunted by the British, nearly leading to its extinction in certain areas. The demand for its striking feathers was high in 19th-century England.

Winter Attractions in Shimla

  • Shimla under snow is a breathtaking sight, with activities like:
    • Open-air ice skating
    • Snow sports at Kufri
  • Himachal Pradesh Tourism (HPTDC) holds skiing courses in Narkanda starting from January.

Shimla and its surroundings offer a rich blend of history, nature, adventure, and culture, making it a must-visit destination throughout the year. Whether you’re an explorer, a historian, or a nature lover, this region has something special for everyone!

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