Shimla has a ton of experiences on offer for the curious tourist. Be it the pristine Himalayan beauty of the Himachal Pradesh capital, its breath-taking examples of Gothic architecture, or its variety of top-notch hotels and restaurants, Shimla amazes all with its combination of commercial development and natural beauty.
Some people might tell you that the Shimla experience just isn’t possible in one trip. But they are wrong! Plan a long trip to Shimla, and read on to know what you need to do to make it happen!
DESTINATIONS IN SHIMLA
• Jakhoo Hill: If you are a fan of amazing views, make the Jakhoo Hill a priority! At a distance of 2 km. from the city centre, the hill, situated at a height of 8,000 ft., offers some spectacular views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks. The hilltop is also known for the Jakhoo Temple, an important religious destination for Hanuman bhakts (devotees).
• Chadwick Falls: Nature lovers flock in hordes to visit the Chadwick Falls, which boasts of a scenic setting. The dense forest environment is surrounded on all sides by deodar and pine trees, as the water tumbles down from a dizzying altitude of 5,203 ft. The scene is bound to leave you staring in awe for quite some time.
• Viceregal Lodge: The Viceregal Lodge may be old, but it is still revered for its architectural brilliance. The building dates back to the late 19th Century, and even though only a few rooms are open for tourists, they gather in great numbers to witness an architectural spectacle masterminded by the great Henry Irwin.
• The Shimla Ridge: This is it; the city centre! The vast open space of the Ridge is a highlight of any trip to Shimla. It is an extension of the Mall Road, the hub for shoppers in Shimla, and is home to several architectural landmarks such as the Christ Church and Tudor Library.
DESTINATIONS AROUND SHIMLA
• Kufri: Kufri is a delight for snow lovers, especially during winters. This high-altitude hill station is one of the top Indian destinations for skiing. Nature lovers too, find Kufri to their liking, thanks to the Himalayan Nature Park.
• Chail: Chail, Kufri, and Shimla are often referred to as Himachal Pradesh’s Golden Triangle. The hill-station boasts of the world’s highest cricket arena, alongside other tourist attractions like the Chail Wildlife Sanctuary and Chail Palace.
• Kasauli: Just like Shimla, Kasauli too boasts of some fine British architecture. Just head to the Baptist Church or Christ Church, and be dazzled by the Gothic architecture. Shoppers too, would find Kasauli quite interesting.
• Naldehra: Known for its excellent golf course, Naldehra is a delight for mountain lovers. Horse riding is a pretty popular activity here as well.
RESTAURANTS IN SHIMLA
• Baljee’s: Baljee’s, located on the Mall Road, is ideal for people looking to eat out on a mid-range budget. The restaurant is known for its excellent South Indian preparations and breakfast items. Prices start from Rs. 130.
• Wake & Bake: Of all the cafes in Shimla, Wake & Bake is perhaps the most popular. Its hip interiors attract a lot of foreigners, along with a healthy number of Indians as well. Its hummus and pizza are known to be delicious, and the coffee isn’t bad either. Prices start from Rs. 100.
• Cecil Restaurant: Housed within the Oberoi Cecil hotel, there’s no better restaurant than this for some luxurious fine dining! Continental, Indian, Thai; the restaurant has quite an extensive menu, so get ready to treat those taste buds! Remember to reserve seats beforehand, and expect a bill upwards of Rs. 900.
HOW TO REACH SHIMLA
• By Air: Shimla has its very own airport. Located 23 km. from Shimla, the Jubbarhatti Airport sees regular flights operate between Chandigarh, Kullu, New Delhi and Shimla.
• By Bus: Overnight buses can be booked from New Delhi or Chandigarh. Both the Himachal Road Transport Corporation and private operators offer overnight buses. Air-conditioned luxury buses are available too!
• By Train: The Kalka-Shimla rail route is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and no trip to Shimla remains complete without a toy train journey. The 96 km. journey is covered in 7 hours, and there are various trains you can choose from, with varying ticket prices. If you want the most budget experience, book the Shimla Kalka Express at Rs. 70. But if it is luxury travel you want, book a seat on the Shivalik Deluxe for Rs. 500. There are only two trains that operate on a daily basis from Kalka, and tickets can be easily booked on the official IRCTC website!
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Shimla used to be India’s summer capital during the era of British rule in India, and it still remains North India’s most popular summer getaway. The city makes for a good experience in the summer months, but the snowfall of the winter months definitely has its own appeal. The lack of tourists also results in cheaper hotel prices, so a winter trip to Shimla is recommended if you have a tight budget.
If you want to visit Shimla with Manali so you can go through this page_ http://www.waytoindia.com/shimla-manali-tour-packages
