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INDIA
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A quaint little hill train chugs up into the Shivalik foothills, over dramatic loops and high arched bridges to the hill resort of Shimla (2130 m) - the capital of the mountain state of Himachal.
Shimla was one a string of hill stations that the British established to escape from the scorching heat of the plains. The 12 km, crescentshaped ridge on which it is located was first occupied by the British troops, in the early part of the 19th century, during the Anglo-Gurkha War.
The little village of Shymala, a retreat for British officers, soon grew to become the glamorous summer capital of the British, in India.
Shimla's salubrious climate, easy accessibility and numerous attractions have made it one of the most popular hill stations in northern India. The splendid views of the show-clad ranges of the Himalayas, fine walks through oak and flowering rhododendron, enchanting resorts within easy reach, golf Naldehra and skiing at Kufri and Narkanda make Shimala an attractive destination throughout the year. |
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The
Mall : All visitors to Shimla inevitably walk
down the Mall, the main promenade that runs along the
top of the ridge-a busy shopping area with old
colonial buildings, souvenir shops and restaurants. At
the top end of the Mall is Scandal Point, a large open
square with a view of the town-a favourite rendezvous
for visitors and the local people. Overlooking it is
the elegant Christ Church with its fine stained glass
windows. The labyrinth of Shimla's bazaars spill over
the edge of the Mall.
Viceregal lodge : Housed in the
Gothic splendour of the Viceregal Lodge is the Indian
Institute of Advanced Studies, India's premier academy
for higher research.
Himachal State Museum : Very close to
the Institute, in a colonial building set in spacious
lawns, is the museum. It has collections of
Pahariminiatures, stone sculpture, local handicrafts,
textiles and embroidery.
Jakhoo Hill : Hill, Shiml's highest
point, is rewarding for there are superb views of the
town and its surroundings. At the top is an old
Hanuman temple.(2Km).
Annandale : Hill, Shiml's highest
point, is rewarding for there are superb views of the
town and its surroundings. At the top is an old
Hanuman temple.(2Km).
Glen : A pretty picnic spot beyond
Annandale is located in the thickly Wooded Glen ,
beside a sparkling stream.(4 Km).
Summer Hill : The quiett and lovely
suburb of summer Hill has secluded, shady walks and
charming views. It was here that Gandhiji stayed on
his visits to Shimla, in the elegant Georgian mansion
that belonged to Rajkumari Amrit Kaur. Summer Hill is
located on the Shimla - Kalka railway line.(5 Km).
Chadwick Falls : Just beyond Summer
Hill is the 67 m waterfall, cascading into a deep
gorge. The Falls are best seen after the monsoon.(7
Km).
Prospect Hill : A 15 minute climb
from Boileauganj, Prospect Hill is another favourite
walk and vantage point with breath taking views. There
is a little temple to Kamna Devi on the top of the
hill.(5 Km ).
Sanjauli : A serene location with
delightful walks, Sanjauli is ideal for a tranquil
weekend. There are fine vistas and the lights of
Shimla and Chail can be seen twinkling at night. On
the other side, Mashobra and Naldehra are visible. (3
Km)
Temples : Among the little temples
dotted around Shimla is the ancient temple of
Bihargaon - a splendid example of traditional Himachal
architecture.
Just short of Shimla are the temples of Tara Devi and
Sankat Mochanb. (8 Km)
Daranghati Sanctuary : This sanctuary
located in the upper area of the Shimla district has
an undisturbed forest area with plenty of wildlife-monal,
tragopan, koklas and khalij pheaseants and musk deer,
ghoral and thar. There is a network of bridle paths in
the sanctuary. Visitors are advised to seek assistance
from the forest staff posted at Dofda and Sarahan. The
area is ideal for those who love to trek. |
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Mashobra
(2,149 m)
Noted for its apple orchards and thick woods of oak
and pine. Mashobra is a sylvan retreat with pretty
walks and pIcnic spots. A little track leads down to
Sipur a grassy glade with a stream wandering through
it. Excursions are possible to Shali Peak - the
highest point in the area or to Craignano (3 km) with
its elegant guest house set in a delightful
flower-filled garden. (9.6 km)
Kufri (2,622 m)
Kufri is a noted summer and winter resort with its
glorious views of forested slopes and tall ranges iced
in a covering of perpetual snow. A fine ski resort,
Kufri has a winter season that extends from January to
March. A sparkling winter sports festival is held each
year in February. (16 km)
Fagu (2,509 m)
Just 6 km from Kufri, Fagu is a vantage point with
panoramic views of the ranges and valleys.
Picturesquely located amid forests and orchards, Fagu
has a rest house and tourist bungalow overlooking the
Giri Valley.
Naldehra
The scenic, nine hole golf course with its springly
turf and crown of deodar was laid out at the instance
of the Viceroy, Lord Curzon. So enamoured was he by
the beauty of the spot, that he named his youngest
daughter Alexandra Naldera. (23 km)
Tattapani
Tattapani is just 28 km from Naldehra, along a road
winding through the scenic country side. The hot
sulphur springs here, are hoted for their invigorating
and curative powers. (51 km)
Narkanda (2,708 m)
A hill road with superb views links Narkanda with
Shimla Narkanda, located amidst fragrant pine forests
is a ski resort in winter. It has a choice of slopes
ranging from a beginners run and a slalom slope, to
sharper descents for the experienced skier. (64 km)
Hattu Peak (3,300 m)
Rising above forests of spruce, the Hattu Peak is a
vantage point with spectacular views. (8 km). The
pretty orchard country of Thanedar and Kotgarh -
beautiful in spring - are not far away. Khadrala and
Beghi with their dense forests and Kumarsain with an
interesting wooden palace are also within easy reach
of Narkanda.
Hatkati (1,100 m)
In the picturesque valley of the River Pabbar, about
104 km from Shimla, is noted for its historic temple
dedicated to Durga. Enroute to Hatkoti is the village
of Kotkhai, splendidly located among apple orchards -
a village with fine traditional architecture. Jabbal,
once the capital of a princely state with its
impressive palace is also on the way.
Beyond Hatkoti, 11 km away, is Rohru (1,149 m) on the
River Pabbar - an excellent spot for angling, with
fishing pools teeming with trout. The trout hatchery
at Chirgaon, (15 km) upstream, ensures a well stocked
river.
Rampur
Rampur was once the capital of the princely state of
Bushair and a major centre on the old trade route into
Tibet. The annual Lavi Fair, held in the second week
of November, is still an important event for the
inhabitants of the region. They gather to buy, sell
and barter their produce - homespun blankets, shawls,
wool and dry fruits - and to celebrate the event with
music and dance.
Rampur, on the banks of the Sutlej is on the N.H. 22 -
the old Hindustan-Tibet Road that goes from Shimla
into Kinnaur. The scenic village of Sarahan with its
fascinating Bhimkali Temple is on this road beyound
Rampur. (140 km). |
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Air
Linked by air to Delhi, Chandigarh, Kangra and Kullu.
The airport at Jubbarhati is 23 km from Shimla.
Rail
It is linked by a narrow gauge line to Kalka which is
connected to Delhi, Calcutta and Amritsar by broad
gauge. Kalka-Shimla in 96 km and 6 hours by train but
only 4 hours by a quaint rail car.
Road
Shimla is well connected by road to most towns within
the state and to all major towns in Punjab and
Haryana. It is linked by bus and coach to Delhi and
Chandigarh as well. Delhi is 370 km away, Chandigarh
117 km, Kalka 90 km and Ambala 166 km. Within the
state, Narakanda is 64 km away, Mandi 156 km, Kullu
240 km, Manali 280 km and Dharmashala 280 km.
Bus Service
HRTC (Himachal Road Transport Corporation) has coaches
to all major towns in the area besides Chandigarh and
Delhi. |
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