Shimla was definitely the blue-eyed child when the British built hill retreats and summer getaways in colonial India. Shimla, the official summer capital of British India, at an elevation of 2,205 metres, provided much-needed relief from the sweltering plains. Shimla's colonial history is still visible in the lush surroundings of pine and oak forests.
Shimla's rich heritage and natural beauty make it a renowned holiday destination even today, with smatterings of a colonial past still visible amongst lush surroundings of pine and oak forests.’
Below is a quick glimpse of Shimla:
Places To see In Shimla
Viceregal Lodge: The British Viceroy of India lived in Shimla's Viceregal Lodge, which was designed by British architect Henry Irwin. Viceregal Lodge, built in 1888, is a fine example of Jacobethan architecture with Tudor-style arches and carved brick decoration on walls, parapets, and porches. The Shimla Agreement was signed inside the walls of Viceregal Lodge in the past. A tour of the stately interiors today shows rooms filled with portraits, books, and artefacts.
Rothney
Castle: The birthplace
of Alllan Octavian Hume, the British civil servant who established the Congress
in 1885 and is often missed on the sightseeing trail. Despite the fact that it
is in desperate need of renovation, this now privately owned property on Jakko
Hill still bears the marks of its illustrious history in the intricate wood and
glass work on display.
Christ Church: A prominent landmark in Shimla and is India's
second oldest church, dating back to 1857. It's a fine example of neo-Gothic
architecture, and it's located on the Ridge. Christ Church is notable for its
grandeur, with stained glass windows, a pipe organ, a clock tower, and a large
array of old scriptures. Christ Church illuminated at night is a spectacular
sight to behold!
Scandal
Point: As the
name implies, Scandal Point was the location of the Maharaja of Patiala's
elopement with the British Viceroy's daughter. Needless to say, the couple was
expelled from Shimla as a result of the scandal, which was unprecedented at the
time. The General Post Office is located near Scandal Point, on the west side
of Mall Road and Ridge Road.
Things to Do in Shimla
Stroll on the Ridge: The Ridge is a Shimla region located between the Observatory and Jhakoo hills. The Ridge, Shimla's heart and soul, is a hive of activity, with visitors flocking to see many colonial-style houses, including a church and library, as well as Mahatma Gandhi statues. Shimla's fairs, markets, and functions are held on the Ridge.
Hike up Jhakoo Hill: A hike up Jhakoo Hill takes you on a trail across lush forest terrain and is well worth the 30 minutes and a few mischievous monkeys along the way. The climb culminates at a plateau at 2,455 metres, where the Jhakoo Temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman can be found. Enjoy spectacular views of the Shivalik mountain range from the summit.
Performance
at Gaiety Theatre: Gaiety
Theatre was established in 1887 and first opened its doors to the public in
1888. It was a venue for dramatic arts, with plays and performances taking
centre stage. The grandiose interiors have been compared to great theatres like
London's Albert Hall, and the Victorian façade has been restored and maintained
over the years.
Ride the
Kalka-Shimla Mountain Railway: A toy train can take you across the mountains from Kalka to Shimla.
The scenic vistas that accompany you on the 96-kilometer ride, which takes you
over 864 bridges and 102 tunnels, including the world's longest at Barog, are
the route's most popular feature.
What to eat in Shimla:
Guchhi Mattar:
A common Himachali vegetarian staple, guchhi maattar
is a spicy gravy that combines mushrooms and peas.
Dham:
Dham is a dish that is traditionally prepared during
festivals. Rice, daal, and rajma are cooked in yoghurt overnight for this dish.
Best time to visit:
March to June: Shimla's summer months are from March to June, with
temperatures averaging 25°C. June is the hottest month, with temperatures
reaching 30 degrees Celsius.
July to October: The monsoon season in Shimla runs from July to October,
with August being the wettest month.
November to February: Shimla is during its winter season, and the air is crisp
and cold. In December, Shimla receives snowfall, making it a winter wonderland.
Getting There
By Air
The nearest airport was in Jabarhatti, which was 22
kilometres from Shimla. Commercial airlines, however, no longer fly to and from
here due to altitude and load constraints. The next closest airport to Shimla
is Chandigarh, which is 115 kilometres away.
By Road/Self-Driving
Shimla is easily accessible by road and is a pleasant drive
from Delhi (340 kilometres) and Chandigarh (115 kilometres). Himachal Road
Transport Corporation's public buses and private taxis operate regularly from
nearby towns and cities.
By Train
From
Kalka to Shimla, the toy train is a charming way to travel to the hill station.
Several trains run between Delhi and Chandigarh and stop in Kalka. The fastest
train on the route is the Kalka Shatabdi Express, which runs from New Delhi
Railway Station to Kalka Railway Station in 4 hours and 10 minutes.
0 Comments