On account of its climate, Shimla is one of the most popular hill resorts in the country. It was the summer Capital of British India. The Mall, with its colonial architecture and shops, Lower bazaar, the Ridge, Lakkar bazaar, Tibetan bazaar, the former Viceregal Lodge now housing the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies, Prospect Hill, the famous Glen, Chadwick Falls, Summer Hill, Jakhoo hill are some of the spots of tourist interest in Shimla. Christ Church and St Michael's cathedral are two important landmarks. Kamna Devi on Prospect hill, Jakhoo temple, Tara Devi and the famous Kali Bari draw a lot of Hindu pilgrims.
Chall, 43 km from Shimla, has the world's highest cricket pitch and polo ground. Kasauli, 77 km from Shimla and 35 km from Kalka, situated at an altitude of 1927 mts, has quaint ambience of a colonial past. Hatkoti is 104 from Shimla. It has some ancient temples. This is the place where the gods are said to gave fought among themselves. Narkanda is 64 km from Shimla (2700 mts). It has slopes for skiing for both beginners as well as regulars.
HOW TO REACH SHIMLA: The nearest airport is Jubbarharti, 23 km from Shimla. It's tabletop. Gaggal (Kangra) and Bhuntar (Kullu-Manali) are two other airports in Himachal. Shimla is linked to Delhi by regular air services. There are also train services to Shimla. By road it is 117 km from Chandigarh, 370 km from Delhi.
CLIMATE: Maximum temperature in summer is 30 deg C and the minimum temperature in winter is minus 4 deg C.
CLOTHING: Heavy woollens in winter.
SHOPPING: Carpets, shawls and leather goods are the main items of tourist interest. Shimla is also famous for jewellery since ancient times.
EXCURSIONS
KUFRI: Kufri is a tiny hill resort in the district of Shimla. It is located 20 km from the State capital on the National Highway No. 22. It is a centre for adventure travellers for trekking and skiing on the snow-clad slopes. The altitude is 2,500 mtrs.
NARKANDA: At an altitude of 2700 mtr, Narkanda falls in Shimla district and is about 65 km away from capital Shimla, on the Hindustan Tibet Road, National Highway No. 22. It is an ideal retreat for tourists. Narkanda is also famous for skiing and other winter sports. Skiing courses are conducted here. There is bus service. The nearest railway station (65 km) and airport (88 km) are at Shimla.
Himachal Pradesh - Destinations:
For Online Booking of Accommodation (Govt Hotels - HPTDC): http://www.hptdc.in
ALSO GO TO: http://www.himachaltourism.gov.in
