Himachal Tourist Guide

Old Times say that once Shimla gets in your blood, it never leaves. It calls you back and at every moment, the town is capable of showing a fresh nuance to its rich and varied character.

As the former 'Summer Capital of British India', Shimla has a rare range of built heritage and is surrounded by thick forests of pine, Himalayan Oak, flowering rhododendron and tall cedars – the 'Almost-Legendary' deodar trees. This magnificent setting and picture of idyllic retreat in the mid-ranges of the Himalayas Mountains is framed by high peaks that trace a snow clad line across the north. Today’s Shimla retains a substantial measure of a distinct lifestyle that had grace, leisure and elegance as its hallmarks. But unlike a place that lives on memories alone, the town also has a youthful vigour in its step and its well-developed facilities and numerous attractions and activities have ensured its popularity down the decades.

Shimla, a middling sized village in 1817 became Summer Capital of the British Empire in india in 1864 and remained so right upto the time of independence. It was the summer seat of the Punjab Government from 1871 and then the headquarters of portioned Punjab till 1966. The exiled government of Burma was also temporarily stationed here during the last part of the second world war. No wonder the historical town has witnessed the signing of many agreements and accords. The buildings, architectural marvels in the town, bear mute testimony to the past that has merged smoothly into the present. Shimla today is a lively city with a spick and span railway station,  the Mall as prominent promenading centre, the Ridge as the flat ground opening up vistas of splendid snow-clad Himalayan ranges, a museum showing the heritage of Himachal, long walks through oaks, cedars and rhododendrons, and  Of course, historical buildings-a mix of the ancient and the modern. Its salubrious climate, easy accessability by road, rail and air, comfortable hotels and gust houses make it one of the most sought after hill resorts in North India. Shimla, at a height of 2130m from MSL. Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh and lures tourists to its serene, calm and yet vibrant life.

Shimla is often referred to as the "Queen of Hills" (a term coined by the British). Located in the north-west Himalayas at an average altitude of 2,205m (7,234 ft), the city of Shimla, draped in forests of pine, rhododendron, and oak, experiences pleasant summers and cold, snowy winters. One of the most famous tourist destinations of India, Also Known as Simla is a beautiful hill station. The city is famous for its buildings styled in tudorbethan and neo-gothic architecture dating from the colonial era. The unique thing about Shimla is that it still retains its colonial charm and this creates an ambience that is not found anywhere else in India. Shimla is connected to the city of Kalka by one of the longest narrow gauge railway routes still operating in India, the Kalka-Shimla Railway. Shimla is approx. 115 km (71.4 miles) from Chandigarh, the nearest major city, and 365 km (226.8 miles) from New Delhi, the national capital. The city is named after the goddess Shyamala Devi, who is supposed to be an avatar or incarnation of the Hindu Goddess Kali.

This lovely hill station was discovered by the British who immediately fell in love with this place. Infact, they went to the extent of declaring Shimla as their summer capital.

Shimla abounds in natural bounty and looks picture perfect. The small hill station amidst the lofty snow-clad Himalayan ranges, surrounded by lakes and lush green pastures look as though an artist has painted them.  Shimla is one tourist destination that can be visited any time during the year. Summers are warm with cool and pleasant evenings while winters are bone chilling and the temperatures can fall below zero. But this difference is what makes Shimla all the more special! 

One Visit of your travel to this place will be one event of your life that you shall never forget. 

•  Shimla
•  History of Shimla
•  Shimla's Colonial Core
•  Shopping
•  Food and Eating out
•  Museums and Culture
•  Temples, Gurudwaras and Monasteries
•  Walks and Hikes
•  Adventure and Sport
•  Shimla's Suburbs and Day Excursions
•  Places of Interest
•  Local Transport
•  Seasonal Activities
•  Fast Facts
•  Accommodation
•  Calendar Of Events