About Shimla
Shimla is a major hill station attracting millions of tourists annually in Himachal Pradesh in India.
This hill station town is at an elevation of approximately 300 to 3000 meters above sea level. It was the summer capital of British India, and after independence, Shimla was made the capital of Punjab state. In September 1972, Shimla became the capital of the Himachal Pradesh state (Chandigarh was named the capital of Punjab state; Chandigarh is also the capital of Haryana state).
This beautiful hill station in India has many temples and palaces. There are many leading colleges and research institutions at this hill station.
The Majestic Christ Church, on the ridge, is the second oldest Church in North India. The Church’s stained glass windows represent faith, hope, charity, fortitude, patience, and humility.
Jakhu Hill, at 8000 feet, which is the highest peak, offers a superb view of the Himalayas and the Shimla Valley. The hilltop has an old temple of Lord Hanuman, which attracts tourists. The statue of Lord Hanuman in this temple is the single statue that stands at the highest altitude.
Shimla State Museum is another major tourist spot.
Climate
Temperatures vary from −4 °C/25 °F to 31 °C/88 °F. January and early February experience snowfall.
How to Reach Shimla?
This hill station is connected by road to all the major towns. National Highway No 22 connects Shimla to the city of Chandigarh. Indian Capital city of New Delhi is 223 miles away. Air-conditioned Volvo buses are there from the New Delhi office premises of the Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation; tickets can be booked using their online booking systems. These buses start from the I.S.B.T. (Inter-State Bus Terminus) at Kashmiri Gate in New Delhi, India.
The Kalka-Shimla narrow gauge Mountain railway track was constructed in the year 1906. There are broad gauge and narrow gauge tracks at Kalka station. The Broad Gauge line connects Kalka to the rest of India. This mountain railway line has more than 806 bridges and 103 tunnels. The completion of this railway line was touted as an engineering feat and was known as the “British Jewel of the Orient”. UNESCO has declared this railway line as part of “Mountain Railways of India” and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Shimla Jubbarhatti Airport is around 20 kilometers from the hill station city, This airport connects the Indian Capital City of New Delhi with the hill station. Flight services from Shimla also connect to Kullu.
Which are the Good Shimla Hotels?
There are hundreds of hotels offering online hotel bookings. Hotels online booking can be done through Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation’s (a state government enterprise) site up to one year in advance. Windfall Hall is one of the best fairy-tale luxury resorts, set in 22 acres of virgin pine and cedar woods.
This hill station is a tourist’s paradise, especially for honeymoon goers.