Planning your next vacation in India? There are so many options to choose from that you will be left in a confused state. Shimla is inarguably the most sought after destination in India because of so many reasons. Being a hill station is just one of them.
There’s so much to see in this beautiful city with an old imperial heritage and it’s open almost throughout the year. In fact, it can be even more exotic in the winters. Because it’s already a flourishing tourist destination, you will not have any trouble finding affordable and quality hotels in shimla.
Reaching Shimla
As already mentioned, Shimla is one of the hottest tourist destinations in the country. Reaching it is more fun than challenging. The airport is located within the city at Jabbarhatti. The World Heritage narrow gauge rail line connects the city to Kalka, which is easily accessible from all parts of the country.
The hill station is also connected to major cities New Delhi and Chandigarh by roads. You could take a bus or taxi from these cities. Many hotels also have good networks to help arrange your travels in and out of the city.
Attractions in Shimla
There are dozens and dozens of attractions in this beautiful heritage city. The history of the city goes back beyond the British rule and it offers almost endless number of attractions.
Jakhoo Hill
The Jakhoo Hill is a must-visit point in Shimla. At 8,000 feet, it is the highest peak in the city. Crowned by a beautiful temple, it an attraction for everyone including pilgrims, nature lovers, and adventure seekers. The Jakhoo Temple is home to a behemoth 108 feet tall statue of Hanuman.
Mall Road
The Mall Road in Shimla is so popular that it has become synonymous with the beautiful city. It is considered the heart of the city and a commercial hub. The Mall Road is also a symbol of British era, as it was build to ease the traffic. Some of the hotels are located around it, allowing you easy access throughout the city.
The Ridge
The Scandal Point on the Ridge is a photographer’s paradise in this beautiful city located surrounded by peaks and valleys. The Scandal Point is almost a flat plateau that draws almost every traveler who comes to Shimla. This is where you can get a spectacular view of the snow-capped peaks and valley around the town. It is also one of the most magical places to see the sunrise and sunset.
Shimla State Museum & Library
A visit to Shimla requires you to get a closer touch and feel with the legacy behind this historical and beautiful city. That’s why a visit to the State Museum and Library cannot be kept out of your itinerary. It is just a couple of kilometers away from the center of the town and is a home to the ancient sculptures, photographs, coins, and paintings from different eras.
Before the Western influence, the Pahari miniature art was practiced across the region. And the museum has meticulously preserved precious pieces to remind of that art. Like the Jakhoo Temple and the Ridge, the Museum is also a must-visit.
More Attractions
The Viceregal Lodge atop the Observatory Hills is one of the best reminders of the British colonial rule. This former Viceroy’s residence is now also the Institute of Advanced Studies. Its gardens are mesmerizing and you will have hard time finding something equal in beauty, variety and richness.
These are just few of the attractions in Shimla. If you are going to visit the place, make sure to book your traveling and hotels in advance. The city can be visited any time of the year. During winters the entire place is covered in pristine white snow.
The monsoons turn the hills into their lush-green beautiful mode. Even in the summers, the temperatures remain close to 15 degrees and give you the opportunity to go trekking, camping and paragliding with a cool breeze flowing almost all the time.
Leave a Reply