Shimla was the 'summer capital' of the British India. Now it is state capital of Himachal Pradesh. It has well developed facilities, easy accessibility and numerous attractions make it one of India's most popular hill station after Shrinagar. Placed in the lower ranges of the Himalaya mountains, it is surrounded by pine deodar, oak and rhododendrom forests. Towards the north lie the snow-covered high-ranges, while the valleys breathe whispering streams and swaying fields. Within the town are host of splendid colonial edifices, quaint cottages and charming walks. Shimla holds a variety of shopping, sport and entertainment.

Prime Sites

• THE RIDGE :
  This large open space in the heart of town presents excellent views of the mountain ranges. Shimla's landmarks - the neo- gothic structure of Christ Church and the neo - Tudor library building - are worth seeing.

• LAKKAR BAZAR :
  Popular for its wood crafts and Souvenirs, this is just off the Ridge.

• JAKHOO HILL (2.5 km) :
  At 2455m, this is the town's highest peak and a vantage point for Shimla's famous views. The summit is crowned with a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The hill is full of paths and narrow roads which are enjoyable walks.

• ST. MICHAEL'S CATHEDRAL :
  This dressed-stone church with fine stained glass has a cruciform design. It is located just off the Mall, below the District Courts.

• STATE MUSEUM (3km) :
  This houses a representative collection of Himachal Pradesh's rich heritage. Exhibits include archaeological artifacts, carvings,paintings and sculptures. Closed on Monday and holidays.

• INDIAN INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED STUDY (4 km) :
  At 1983m, this magnificent English renaissance structure was the former Viceregal Lodge. Its lawns and woodland are added attractions. Entry by ticket ( nominal charge ). A portion of the interior is also open to the public, except on Sundays and holidays.

• THE GLEN (4 km ) :
  At 1830m, It is a thickly wooded ravine through which a stream flows. It is a popular picnic spot.

• ANNANDALE (4.5 km) :
  Surrounded by a thick deodar forest, this large glade has an ancient temple on an edge.

• PROSPECT HILL AND KAMNA DEVI ( 6 km) :
  At 2125m and crowned by a temple dedicated to Kamna Devi, the Hill offers spectacular wide views of the city and its environs.

• SANKAT MOCHAN (7 km) :
  This is a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman.

• TARA DEVI (11 km) :
  2044m, A thickly wooded hill whose peak has a temple dedicated to Tara Devi.

• MASHOBRA (12 km):
  At 2149m, this beautiful suburb is surrounded by a thick forests. From here, a track leads down to Sipur which is an exquisite glade shaded by ancient deodar trees. There are old temples on a side and a fair is held every April.

• KUFRI (16 km) :
  At 2501m, this is famous for its wide views and ski slopes. An enjoyable walk leads up to the Mahasu Peak. At Kufri, Himachal Tourism runs the Cafe Lalit.

• FAGU (22 km) :
  At 2510m, Fagu has some enchanting views. Himachal Tourism runs the Hotel Peach Blossom (presently under renovation).

• NALDEHRA (23 km) :
  Naldehra (2044 m) is a heaven for tourists. It boasts of the oldest 9 hole golf course in the country. The well groomed Golf Course is lovely verdant, perhaps one of the finest and mostsporty in India. Crowned with a springing turf the Golf Course here was suggested by Lord Curzon he was so enchanted by the place that he gave his daughter Alexendra "Naldehra" as her second name. It is the venue of many competitions. It is a spot of great natural beauty. The Nag temple is also situated here and Naldehra derives its name from it.

• CHAIL (45 km):
  When Bhupinder Singh, Maharaja of Patiala, expelled from Shimla- the 'summer capital' of the British in India- he decided to create his own capital for the hot months. The little village of Chail was perfect. It lay surrounded by magnificent deodar forests, Shimla was in direct vision and most important, the hill of Chail at 2226 m was somewhat higher than British-controlled Shimla.

  Today, the Maharaja's creation can be experienced by everyone. And for Himachal Tourism, who now own the gracious mansion, every visitor is royalty. Here is a resort in the true sense of the word : A beautiful palace with ornate furniture, charming cottages, delightful log huts, thick forests and quiet walks, a 'lovers hill', an orchard of its own, elegant lawns, badmintion and lawn tennis, billiards and even a children's park.
  Then, there is good sight seeing and the possibility of some fishing and trekking.

  Places of interest near Chail :
  

  1. SIDH BABA KA MANDIR (1.5 km)
  2. CRICKET GROUND (3 km)
  3. WILDLIFE SANCTUARY (3 km)
  

• TATTAPANI (51 km) :
  Tattapani (656 m), famous for hot sulphur springs. The place also has religious importance. These natural sulphur springs are invigorating and have curative values. Himachal Tourism has a restaurant and a Tourist Bungalow at Tattapani, located on right bank of river Sutlej.

• NARKANDA (65 kms) :
  Situated at an attitude of 2708 meters on the Hindustan Tibet road (NH-22), Narkanda offers a spectacular view of snow ranges. This is an ideal retreat for the tourists who seek only seclusion in mountains. It commands an unique view of the eternal snow line the fertile potato growing area and desire forests. Narkanda is famous for skiing & winter sports. During these days the slopes come alive with skiers. The skiing slopes at Narkanda was found in 1980 and since then HPTDC is conducting skiing courses every year.

  Places of interest near Narkanda :
  

  1. HATU PEAK (3300m) 8 km
  2. KACHERI (1810m) 7 km
  3. KUMARSAIN (1250m) 16 km
  4. KOTGARH AND THANEDHAR (1830m) 18 km
  

• RAMPUR (134 kms) :
  Once the capital of the princely State of Bushahar, Rampur presently one of the biggest commercial town of Himachal Pradesh (134 kms from Shimla NH-22). It is located on the left bank of river Sutlej. The town was once a major center on the old trade routes to Kinnaur, Tibet, Ladakh and Chiana. Even today the tradition is as Vibrant as ever. Famous International Lavi Fairs held in November and Faag Mela in March every year.

  There are many places for sight-seeing. It is old Hindu and Buddhist Shrines include the Ragunath Temple, the Ayodhya Temple, the Narsingh Temple and Dumgir Budh Temple which has a large prayer wheel and hold important scriptures. In an interesting colonial and traditional styles, the Padam Palace is one of Rampur's major attractions.

• SARAHAN (176 kms) :
  The Gods were generous when they have gave Sarahan (2165m) its settings. Located halfway up a high mountain side, the road to Sarahan winds past flowering Pine trees that give way to stately Oaks. Dozens of small streams rush past with water for sparking snowmelt. The fields and orchards that surround the small villages with their slate-roofed houses, compose pictures of pastoral perfection. Above Sarahan, a many of deodar trees are rides the slopes and higher still, encircling the Bsashal peak, are trees of smooth birch and variety of wild flowers and rare medicinal herbs.
  Saharan is the base for numerous treks and is the gateway of Kinnaur. It is a place of Pilgrimage, a heaven for nature lovers and the temple complex attracts a variety of admirers. Here is a place that offers extra ordinary travel experience.
  

  Bhimakali temple regarded as one of the fifty one sacred Shaktipeethhs. The temple's unusual architecture and wealth of carvings have made it a resplendent example of what is loosely called the Indo-Tibetan style. Deep down in the alley flows the river Sutlej and across lies the snow-clad Shrikhand peak.
  Bird Park is a pheasant breeding centre. It has also the state bird monal which is of a great attraction.

• By Air :
  The airport is at Jubbal Hatti, 23 km away .
• By Rail :
  Shimla is connected to Kalka by an enchanting narrow gauge railway line- where even a quaint rail - car plys.
• By Road :
  By road, Chandigarh is 117 km, Manali is 280 km, Chail is 45 km and Delhi is at a distance of 370 km. From Delhi, Manali and Chandigarh, luxury coaches and taxis ply to Shimla. During season HPTDC also operates regular deluxe buses from Delhi and Manali.

In winter, the temperature can drop below freezing point when heavy woolens are required. Summer temperature are mild and light woollens/cottons are recommended.

• Delux Hotels :
  1. Hotel Holiday Home, Shimla ( H.P.)-171001. Tel: 0177-212890 Fax: 0177-201705
  2. Hotel Peterhoff, Shimla ( H.P.)-171004. Tel: 0177-212236, 212335.
  3. Hotel Golf Glade, Naldehra, Distt. Shimla (HP). Tel: 0177-4287739, 487809.
  4. Hotel Baghal, Darlaghat, Distt. Solan (HP) 171102. Tel:(01796)48116,48117
  5. Hotel Hatu, Narkanda, Distt. Shimla (H.P.)-171213. Tel: (01782) 8430,8509.

• Budget Hotels :
  1. Tourist Inn, Tattapani. Tel. (0177) 485949.
  

SHOPPING :

There is a large number of goods which includes handicrafts wood and metalwork, shawls, pullovers, local tweeds, caps, Tibetan carpets and pickles, jams and squashes,that Shimla has to offer.
Himachal Pradesh Govt. has a Emporium at the Mall, Shimla which exhibits all these products for sale.