Shimla Hill Station

Shimla
Summer capital of the Raj
Shimla, now the capital of the state of Himachal Pradesh, came into prominence nearly a century ago as the summer capital of the British Raj. Many of the buildings of Kipling's days exits even now.

Shimla is, today, a beautiful mountain resort. In summer there is the attraction of excellent walks and treks with the scenic beauty of flowers, wooded ravines and evergreen trees. Golf and fishing are popular sports.

In winter, known as the season of "long moon nights", here is snow and winter sports at Kufri and Narkanda. The only natural ice-skating carnival is held during the winter.

The unusual narrow-gauge rail journey from Kalka to Shimla is a great experience.

WHAT TO SEE

» Jakhu Hill (2455 meters) offer an excellent view of the snow-clad Himalayas.

» Himachal State Museum. Has a collection of Pahari miniature paintings of this region.

» The erstwhile Vice regal Lodge and Chaura Maidan.

» The Glen, Summer hill, Prospect Hill, Tara Devi and Sankat Mochan are picnic spots from where there are excellent views of Shimla and the mountains.

EXCURSIONS

» Wildflower Hall (13 km.), now a hotel, has wonderful mountain flowers and magnificent views of the Himalayas.

» Mashobra (13 km.), has picturesque walks through forests of oak and pine.

» Kufri (16 km.) and Narkanda (65 km.), are excellent skiing bases in winter.

» Fagu (22 km.) at a height of 2510 meters, has interesting views of the valley.

» Chail (45 km.), former summer capital of the Maharaja of Patiala, is a peaceful heaven in the mountains.

» Tattapani hot spring (51 km.).

» Barog (55 km.), another beautiful spot.

» Kasauli (77 km.), a hill resort of special interest to bird-watchers.

» Rohru (104 km.), ideal for fishing holiday.

» Chandigarh (117 km.), city designed by French architect Le Corbusier.

» Kulu (234 km.), Manali (274 km.), in the Valley of the Gods, are two of the most beautiful hill resorts of the Himalayas.

SHOPPING
Shawls, embroidered woollens, hand-made shoes, wooden toys and other articles made of wood.

SPORTS
Treks Shimla is the base for treks to the Kulu Valley via Jalori Pass or via Bashleo Pass and to the Kalpa and Kinnaur Valleys.
Golf is popular in the scenic golf course at Naldehra.
Fishing for trout in the Pabbar river is allowed from February to October.
Skiing at Kufri and Narkanda Ski Resort from end December to early March.
Ice skating in water and roller skating in summer