introduction:
Shimla is located on the north-west of the Himalayas
and is capital of Himachal Pradesh. Many people
tour Shimla, Himachal Pradesh as it is quite close
to the neighbouring states of Punjab, Harayana,
Delhi, and Jammu and Kashmir. Shimla, the summer
capital of the British India, is situated at a
height of 2,196 metres. While the British have
left the echoes linger on. today, its well developed
facilities, easy accessibility and many attractions
make it one of India's most popular resorts. In
the Himalyan lower ranges, it is surrounded by
pine, cedar, oak and rhododendron forests. Shimla
is located towards the southern parts of the north
Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Now It is the
state capital and is at a distance of 343 km from
Delhi, 260 km from Manali, and 119 km from Chandigarh.
The temperature range is not very high and the
maximum temperature rarely crosses 25°C during
summers. Winters are cold due to the chilly winds
from the upper Himalayas. Situated in the North-west
Himalayas, Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh.
It was once famous as the Summer Capital of "The
Raj". Though evocative of a bygone ere, it
is today a thriving Capital of a State, famous
for its snowcapped peaks, apples, and pine forest,
flowers and gentle smiling people.
Visitors come to Shimla to walk down its famous
Mall Road and also to experience Shimla in its
many hues from spring flowers to autumn leaves,
from the soothing green & gentle breeze of
summer to its Winter snows. It is truly a "Destination
for all seasons." A special delight is to
travel by one of the few remaining mountains Railways
in the world - the toy train to Shimla - as it
winds through 103 tunnels during its 90-km. journey
up the mountains.
History :
Before the British discovered it in 1819, Shimla
was a small village that was part of the Nepalese
kingdom. In 1830, the local Raja was persuaded
to part with the land by the British and the settlement
became the subcontinent's most fashionable summer
resort. In 1830, the local Raja was persuaded
to part with the land by the British and the settlement
became the subcontinent's most fashionable summer
resort. Shimla was declared the summer capital
of India in 1864. After India's independence,
Shimla became the capital of Punjab till 1966,
when it came under Himachal Pradesh.
Sightseeing:
Jakhu Temple:
The Jakhu Temple in Shimla is situated at an altitude
of 2455 Mts. The temple is dedicated to lord Hanuman,
the monkey god in Indian mythology. Hanuman was
the most faithful aide of lord Rama (India’s
most revered mythological hero). The temple of
Hanuman is in the thick forests of Jakhu hills,
and is on top the Jakhu Hill. Jakhu is derived
from Hindi word Yakhsa. Yakshas are the mythological
character in Hindu mythology, who are a link between
human and gods. The original dates of temple is
not known, but it is believed to be existing from
the times of Ramayana, a pre historic event as
per ancient Hindu texts. The Jakhu hill is the
highest peak around Shimla, and is famous for
its trekking options.
Kasauli:
Kasauli is a good detour between Shimla and Kalka,
and is often called lesser Shimla. Kasauli is
truly a nature lover’s delight. Wild blooms
spring up everywhere between April to June. The
landscape, then, is a riot of wild roses, rhododendrons,
coral tree, flame of the forest, kachnar and kashmal.
Naldehra:
Naldehra is a pleasant little village 15 kms further
north, at an altitude of 2050m. Naldehra is mostly
famous for having one of the oldest and highest
golf courses in India. There is even a temple,
the Mahunag Mandir, in the middle of the course.
It is the famous point and good experience for
the tourists.
Mashobra:
Mashobra is a part of Shimla Reserve Forest Sanctuary
and catchments area. The natural vegetation of
this arena comprises pine, oak, cedar or Himalayan
deodar, and rhododendron, as well as maple and
horse chestnut. The wildlife consists of jackals,
kakkar (barking deer), and the occasional leopard,
as well as numerous bird species such as the Himalayan
eagle, pheasants, chikor and partridges. You will
have all the beautiful aspects of nature here
in Mashobra.
State Museum:
The location of this museum is 2.5 kms west of
the scandal point, another point of interest in
the city. The museum boasts a remarkable collection
of ancient historical sculptures, paintings, coins,
photos and other items from all over the state
and outside. Moreover, the library features several
ancient historical books and manuscripts.
Chail:
Chail is connected by road from Shimla via Kufri,
the distance is about 45 km and via Kandaghat
it is 61 km. The present Chail is spread over
an area of 72 acres on three adjacent hills-the
Rajgarh Hill where the Palace is built, the Pandava
Hill where the old Residency 'Snow View' is located
and where the British Resident lived, and finally
the Siddh Tibba, where the temple of Baba Sidhnath
is located at a height of 2226 ft. In winter the
temperature can drop below freezing point when
heavy woolens are required. In summer the climate
is mild and light woolens/cottons are recommended.
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