A unique state capital and a rare Indian town, nestled in the lower ridge of Indian Himalayas, Shimla resembles any local village in Northern England. Believed to be founded by the Gurkhas in early 19th century, the town is known world over for a salubrious climate. Despite many forts made by the Gurkhas around the town, the British soldiers got the town liberated and in 1864, it was declared the Summer Capital of India. It is said that the town was awarded to the erstwhile king of Patiala as a token of appreciation of his services to the British during the Gurkha war.
Not only about the land but a lot of controversies are also prevalent about the name of the town. Some of the natives believe that the town has inherited its name from the house built in blue slate by a saint on Jakhu Hill. The house of the saint was named 'Shyamalaya' which became Shimla in due course of time. Whereas some others implore that the town has derived its name from the word 'Shamla' that literally means a blue female. Shamala being another name for Goddess Kali, the image of the goddess found on Jakhu hill is closely associated to this story. This image of the Goddess was shifted to the present day Kali Bari Temple during British rule. Also known as Simla, the town developed into a potential hill station gradually.
Pine and Deodar forests, mighty mountains, peaceful valleys, diverse adventure sports and beautiful natural views have all become synonymous to this hill town spread over a sprawling area of 5131 sq. kms. With a tough topology, Shimla is bounded by the districts of Kinnaur in East, Sirmaur in West, Mandi and Kullu in North and by the state of Uttaranchal in South.
The elevation of the town ranges from 300 to 6000 meters and it lies between 77°-0" and 78°-19" east longitude and 30°-45" and 31°-44" north latitude. Witnessing a good number of tourists round the year, from all over the globe, Shimla offers magnificent view of the snow clad Himalayas from certain spots. Known for its ancient Churches and temples, the town is built over several hills and connecting ridges.
The important hills surrounding the town are Jakhu Hill (8050 ft), Prospect Hill (7140 ft), Observatory Hill (7050 ft), Elysium Hill (7400 ft) and Summer Hill (6900 ft). One of the major attractions of the town is the Kalka - Shimla toy train running between Kalka and Shimla. Being a unique remnant of the colonial rule, the train runs on the same track even after 100 years and has lately been declared as one of the World heritage sites by UNESCO.
Shimla Hill Station :
The most famous holiday destination of India, Shimla is crowned with the title of Queen of Hill Stations. Nestled amidst the beautiful natural surroundings Shimla mesmerizes tourists through its serene waterfalls, snow-capped peaks and churches.
Most of the tourists traveling to India believe that trip to India is incomplete without exploring Shimla and Shimla Weather. It is regarded as one of the most beautiful holiday destination of India. To facilitate the tourist from various part of the world, Shimla Tourism provides the facilities of various resorts and hotels in Shimla. All Shimla hotels are equipped with all modern facilities that make your stay enjoyable. These hotels and resorts throughout the season provide various discount and special Shimla packages to their guests such as Shimla Honeymoon Package and Shimla tour packages.
In Shimla you can visit The Ridge, the Mall, Chadwick Falls, Lakkar Bazaar, Christ Church& St. Michael’s Cathedral, Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Annandale, the Glen Forest, Summer Hill, The Shimla Mall, Jakhu Temple, Kali Bari Temple, Tara Devi Temple etc and make your vacations enjoyable as well as memorable.
Access to Shimla :
Shimla is easily accessible from major cities of the country through Rail, Road and Air networks. Journey to Shimla by train offers lush green mountain slopes, rhododendron, pine, the Himalayan oak and so on. From Kalka to Shimla, Toy Trains are available to cover 96 kms distance. Traveling by Toy Trains offer many breathtaking views of majestic Himalayas, tunnels/ bridges, lush green valley’s embellished with pine, oak trees and many more.
Daily flights are available from big cities of the country. Jubbarhati is the main airport located 24 kms from the town. Chandigarh airport also can be used to reach Shimla, which is 147 kms away.
Located on National Highway 22, Shimla is well connected by road too from all major towns and cities inside and outside the state. Regular buses and taxis are available to reach Shimla.
