HIMACHAL PRADESH
Overview
Rudyard Kipling’s words, Shimla was a “centre of power as well as pleasure”, the imperial summer capital of British India in the foothills of the Himalayas from where one-fifth of humanity was once ruled. Kipling sums up below what a good proportion of young men and married women were up to in this hill station during the time of the British Raj:
“The young men come, the young men go
Each pink and white and neat,
She’s older than their mothers, but
They grovel at Her feet.
They walk beside Her ‘rickshaw wheels —
None ever walk by mine;
And that’s because I’m seventeen
And She is forty-nine”.
According to one version Shimla takes its name from ‘Shyamala’ meaning a blue female, another name for Hindu Goddess Kali. The highest point of Shimla is Jakhoo Hill which is covered with Alpine trees. At the top of the flat hill are the colourful Kali Temple and the newly constructed Hanuman (Monkey God) statue. If someone wants some peace then Jakhoo Hill is the place to be in Shimla.
Shimla 6,890 ft above sea level now the capital of Himachal Pradesh State was built by the British on the land they had retained after the Gurkha War of 1814–16 and was used for resting troops. It gained popularity as a summer resort because of its cool climate and scenic setting, and from 1865 to 1939 it served as India's summer capital. It was also known as Little England now where the wealthy Indians come to cool off to escape the scorching Indian Summer in the plains.
Ride the Himalayan Queen Toy Train
This narrow-gauge railway track from Kalka, a railway hub near Delhi to Shimla was built in 1903 to ease the arduous travels of British India who were escaping to the hills to avoid the hot Indian Summers. This 60-mile-long railway line with 18 stops is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of India’s most incredible feats of engineering covering a staggering 102 tunnels, 864 bridges, and 919 stunning curves.
Shimla at just 7,100 ft above sea level is one of the steepest railway climbs in the world and at a speed of 15 miles per hour takes about 5 hours and 30 minutes to reach. The views are spectacular indeed and it is recommended to sit on the right side of the carriage when climbing to catch the best breathtaking views of rugged mountains, lush pine forests, waterfalls, valleys, and picture-perfect hill stations along the way.
By road, it takes just over 2 hours and 40 minutes to cover the same distance, but the views are much more striking when travelling by train.
Trekking
Trekking is famous in Shimla as the majestic and exquisite ranges of the Himalayas offer just the perfect spots for you to try trekking and satisfy that thirst for adventure at high elevation and picture postcard views of the mountain range and nature. There are several trekking trails to choose from untouched terrains as well as hills. The best way to see Shimla is by foot.
Treks near Shimla include Tara Devi, Churdhar Trek, Jakhoo Trek, Karol Tibba Trek, Kuppar Bugyal and so many more. These treks allow you to witness the quaint villages and some of the famous and historic temples in the area.
Go on Shimla Walks
There are a handful of guided walks available Heritage Walk, Nature and History Walk, Forest Walk, Village Walk, Birding Walk, and even Kipling Trail. The best way to see Shimla is by walking.
Visit Water Catchment Sanctuary
Water Catchment Sanctuary is truly a heaven for bird lovers. Here you can get lost in the mesmerising view of the sparkling streams which house birds like Tits, Barbets, Flycatchers, Thrushes, and other varieties of birds chirping in the quiet forest. Shimla is also blessed with an abundance of flora and fauna.
Visit Scandal Point
Scandal Point is a delightful place for photographers and nature lovers, it offers a splendid vision of the sunrise and sunset and is one of the major tourist attractions in Shimla. It offers enchanting views of the snowcapped mountains and the lush valley. A paradise for photographers and nature lovers.
Visit Chadwick Waterfall
The combination of aesthetic beauty and a serene environment makes it perfect for some solitude. The trek to the waterfall itself is extremely peaceful and enthralling.
Play Golf at Naldhera
Established in 1905 by viceroy Lord Curzon (who loved Naldehra so much, he kept his daughter's second name as that), the century-old golf course is set on a ridge among tall cedars.
This 18-hole golf course about 14 miles from the centre of Shimla and at a height of 6,700 ft above sea level has a wonderful atmosphere that adds up to an amazing golfing experience.
Go Cycling
Go around the water catchment wildlife sanctuary, a perfect way to be with nature.
Visit Kuthar Fort
Formerly known as Kishangarh Fort, the Kuthar Fort in Shimla traces its history back some 800 years. Constructed by Gurkha Kings, the fort was once the residence of the royal family in Kuthar. It has a fresh-water supply complex, lush green gardens, and ancient temples within the structure.
With its continuous renovation throughout the years, some parts of this monument are as old as its construction, while few of them are still new and not even a century old. The fort is just under a two-hour drive from Shimla centre.
Afternoon tea at Wildflower Hall
Wildflower Hall was once the home of Lord Kitchener of Khartoum and served as a summer palace for the colonial rulers until independence. Today the modified building still maintains its Tudor styles and its old characteristics with Indian influences stand above the city of Shimla.
The grounds of the hotel cover about twenty-three acres, located at 8250 feet above sea level, and are filled with gardens and cedar forests that are worth exploring. Enjoy an afternoon tea from the lawns with spectacular views.
The best time to visit Shimla
For crisp, clear skies and temperatures averaging a comfortable 15°C (59°F), October to November, and then February to March are ideal times to visit. December and January can be quite cold and, with occasional snow flurries, are best avoided. April to June is the peak season for domestic visitors keen to escape the summer heat before the monsoon rains arrive in July.
