Shimla Tourism
State : Himachal Pradesh
Area : 18 sq kms
T
emperature : 28 °C - 15 °C (Summer)7 °C
- -4 °C (Winter)
Rainfall : 418 mm
Altitude : 2,206 mts
Language : Pahari, Hindi, English
Best Season : April - August; December – January
Shimla, the Queen of Hill Stations, was the summer capital of the British
in India. Today, the capital of the state of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla
derives its name from Shyamala, Goddess Kali, whose temple existed in
the dense forest that covered Jakhu Hill in the early 19th century. It
was hence named Shimla by the British.
A state where the winter season dominates, this season in Shimla is known
as the season of "Long moon-night." The whole city radiates
the shine of the ice. A gathering of dark clouds tells us of the approach
of snow generally a slight fall first, followed by a heavier one when
the snowflakes sweep down through the fine-needles bending long branches
to the ground. The following morning sees the town as a fantastic fairyland
of white beauty.
To enjoy the true essence of Shimla , board the toy train
on the
narrow-railway link which binds Kalka with Shimla. This important rail-link
was built in 1924 and its "toy trains" still ply between the
two stations, passing through 105 tunnels and beautiful rail-road stations.
Half-way through the journey, after Solan, the lights of Shimla flow in
the distance,
looking like glimmering jewels studding the dark green of
the mountains. The train takes six hours, and at every stop on the journey
are smiling faces giving a warm welcome
Shimla's healthy climate, easy accessibility and numerous
attractions have made it one of the most popular hill stations in northern
India. The wonderful views of the snow-clad ranges of the Himalayas, fine
walks through oak and blossoming rhododendron, enthralling resorts within
easy reach, golf at Naldehra and skiing at Kufri and Narkanda make Shimla
an attractive destination throughout the year.
History
Shimla derives its name from Shayamla, which is another name
for Goddess Kali. Shimla was discovered when the Britishers discovered
it in 1819. Till then it was a part of the Nepalese kingdom. Soon after
the British came to this place many Europeans started making houses here.
In 1864 Shimla was declared as the summer capital of India. After Independence
Shimla was the capital of Punjab and was later named the capital of Himachal
Pradesh. In 1903 a rail line was constructed between Kalka and Shimla.
Shimla in itself is a very small town and is extremely
well maintained and neatly kept city. In the central part of the town
is Mall, which almost divides the city in two parts. In the center of
the city is the famous scandal point, which was immortalized by Rudyard
Kipling.
Just below the ridge is the Tibetan market where one
can purchase foreign items. Shimla has got a big but very unorganized
bus stand on the cart Road. A lift has been provided from the Cart Road
to the eastern Mall road. This lift carries people from lower to upper
Shimla. Unnamed and steep lanes and steps connect the rest of the town.
