Shimla is the capital of the state of Himachal Pradesh, India in the Himalayan foothills. Once called the summer capital of British India, Shimla was originally built on top of seven hills: Inverarm Hill, Observatory Hill, Prospect Hill, Summer Hill, Bantony Hill, Elysium Hill, and Jakhu Hill. The highest point in Shimla is the Jakhu hill at a height of 2,454 metres. It is a very popular holiday-retreat during the summer months and is well-known for its Victorian architecture, which is reflected in certain areas of the Mall and The Ridge. After independence,
the city became the capital of Punjab and was later made the capital of Himachal Pradesh. It is the principal commercial, cultural and educational centre of the state. It was the capital city in exile of Burma (present-day Myanmar) from 1942 to 1945. It is also a famous holiday spot for couples on honeymoon. Shimla is known as Queen of the Hills for its beauty. Shimla witnesses winters from November to February with bone chilling cold weather. Those who like snow throng to the city in winter season.
It remains the terminus of the narrow-gauge Kalka-Shimla Railway, completed in 1903, built by the British, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, It’s also known for the handicraft shops that line Mall, Road a pedestrian avenue, as well as the Lakkar Bazaar, a market specializing in wooden toys and crafts. Major city centre’s attractions include the Shri Hanuman Jakhu (Statue), Jakhu Temple, Viceregal Lodge, Christ Church, Mall Road, The Ridge and Annadale. The city centre’s northern most point is Jakhoo and the southern most location is Annadale, and the easternmost point is Sanjauli and western point is Chotta Shimla.
The city is famed for Apple, the state fruit. The first apple was grown in the Thanedar village of Shimla district, due to which Himachal has gained the fame of “Apple State”. Most of the area occupied by present-day Shimla city was dense forest during the 18th century. The only civilisation was the Jakhu Temple and a few scattered houses. The area was called ‘Shimla’, named after a Hindu goddess, Shyamala Devi, an incarnation of Kali. Apart from being a tourism centre, the city is also an educational hub with a number of colleges and research institutions that attracts students from across India. well connected by rail, road and air there are several hotels, resorts, guesthouses and lodges that offer luxurious, mid-range and budget accommodation.
There are numerous homestay also available. The city is connected through numerous road tunnels built by the british. The city has been witness to many signing of treaty between and Nepal Tibet and the Shimla agreement between India and Pakistan. Pre-independence structures still dot Shimla; buildings such as the former Viceregal Lodge, Assembly Chamber, Auckland House, Christ Church, Gorton Castle, Shimla Town Hall and the Gaiety Theatre. The city known for its greenery has huge forests in and around the city of Pine, Deodar, Oak and Rhododendron.
Environmental degradation due to the uncontrolled tourist influx every year without infrastructure to support them has resulted in Shimla losing its popular appeal as an ecotourism spot. The city is situated 88 km northeast of Kalka, 116 km northeast of Chandigarh, 247 km south of Manali and 350 km northeast of Delhi, known for its mild weather the main economic activity in Shimla has centered around tourism and horticulture. The city is known for its largely cosmopolitan crowds, with a variety of festivals are celebrated here.
The Shimla Summer Festival, held every year during peak tourist season,[and lasting 3–4 days, is celebrated on the Ridge. The highlights of this event include performances by popular singers from all over the country. Local hangouts like the Mall and the Ridge area in the heart of the city and are popular with youngsters and are known for the nightlife scene. A collection of paintings, jewellery, and textiles of the region can be found at the State Museum built in 1974. Shimla is a shoppers delight with numerous markets and shoppingmalls selling everything from branded to local products.
Tourist can buy everything from shawl, carpet, fruits, handicraft, tea, Shimla has many temples and is often visited by devotees from nearby towns and cities. The Kali Bari temple, dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali is near the mall is one of them. There are numerous places worth visiting in and around the city including Tatta Pani known for its hot springs. Shimla has the largest natural #iceskating rink in #SouthAsia.. among many places worth visiting are Dorje Drag Monastery, Christ Church, Lower Bazaar, Viceregal Lodge, Shimla Water Catchment Sanctuary, Hip Hip Hurray Amusement Park, Naldehra Golf Course and many more.
interested tourist can go on #horseriding, #trekking in upper reaches of Shimla or a walk on the entire stretch of mall road, or visit #tea garden below. #Restaurants serve delicious veg and non veg food at reasonable prices. The #streetfood scene of Shimla is also great with Mall road being hub of street side stalls. Shimla is a hub to visit all major tourist locations across Himachal Pradesh, like #Kinnaur, Kula, Manali, #Dharamshala, #Kasauli, #LahaulSpiti, #Kufri and #Chamba. A visit to Shimla is truly a mesmerizing experience
