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Shimla
(Himachal Pradesh, India)

 

DISTANCES / LOCATION

  • Delhi to Shimla : 370 Kms
  • Shimla to Kufri : 15 Kms
  • Shilon Bagh to Shimla : 26 Kms
  • Shimla to Manali : 260 Kms
  • Shimla to Chail : 43 Kms
  • Chandigarh to Shimla : 117 Kms
  • Shimla to Parwanoo : 90 Kms
  • Manali to Chandigarh : 320 Kms

GENERAL INFORMATION

The British empire may have ceased to exist, but its echoes linger on in Shimla (2130m). As the 'summer capital' of the British in India.

This was the country's focus for the better part of every year and now, it is the state capital of Himachal Pradesh. Today, its well developed facilities, easy accessibility and numerous attractions make it one of India's most popular hill resorts. Placed in the tower ranges of the Himalaya mountains, it is surrounded by pine deodar, oak and rhododendron forests. Towards the north lie the snow covered high-ranges, while the valleys broad whispering streams and swaying fields. Within the town are a host of splendid colonial edifices,quaint cottages and charming walks. Shimla holds a variety of shopping,sport and entertainment.

PLACES TO VISIT

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 library building are here.

Chadwick Falls, 67 m high : are only really worth visiting during or just after the monsoons (July to October). The falls are 7 km from Shimla and can be reached via Summer Hill.

Lekkar Bazaar : Popular for its wood crates and souvenirs, this is just off the Ridge.

Jakhoo Hill/Temple - dedicated to the monkey god, Lord Hanuman : At 2455 m,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.

Christ Church & 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.  This is the second oldest church in northern India (the oldest is in Ambala), Christ Church was build between 1846 and 1857. The church is one of the Shimla's major landmarks and is renowned for its stained glass windows. You can have a look inside the church or attend English-language services every Sunday morning during the tourist season.

Indian Institute of Advanced Study : At 1983 m,this magnificent English renaissance strudure 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 : At 1830 m,this is a thickly wooded ravine through which a stream flows. It is a popular picnic spot.        

Annandale : Surrounded by a thick deodar forest, this large glade has an ancient temple on an edge.

EXCURSIONS

Sankat Mochan (7 km) : This is a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman.

Kufri (16 km) : At 2501m, this is famous for its wide views and skislopes. An enjoyable walk leads up to the Mahasu Peak.

Fagu(22 km): At 2510 m, Fagu has some enchanting views.

Chail (45 km) : This was the former summer capital' of the Patiala State. The palace is now run as a Luxury hotel by Himachal Tourism.

Bihargaon (4 km) : Approached either past the cemetery below St.Edward's Schoot,or through Tutikandi, this village has splendid examples of traditional Himachal architecture.

Prospect Hill and Kamna Devi(6 km) : At 2125 m and crowned by a temple dedicated to Kamna Devi, the Hill offers spectacular views of the area.

Chandwick Falls (8 km) : At 1586 m,these rained falls are approached through Summer hill.

Tara Devi (11 km) : 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 forest. 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.  

Naldehra (22 km) : At 2044 m, this is a nine hole, golf course. It was designed by the British Viceroy, Lord Curson who was so enchanted by the place that he gave his daughter Alexandra, 'Naldehra' as per second name.

Tattapani (51 km) : At 656 m, there are hot sulphur springs here. Himachal Tourism has a restaurant and a Tourist Bungalow at Tattapani.

Adventure and fishing : There are numerous walks within and close to Shimla And there are many soft to medium treks that can use Shimla as the base. Some treks are to the Shalipeak, to the Kullu valley over the Jalori pass or the Bashleo pass, Shimla to Chail, Shimla to Junga and Shimla to Tattapani. Angling for trout can be done on the river Pabbar, near Rohru.

HOW TO REACH SHIMLA?

Shimla is well connected with New Delhi, the national capital and other centres in UP, Haryana and Punjab by rail, road and air.

|| BY TRAIN ||

If you want to enjoy the green mountain slopes, covered with fir, rhododendron, pine and the Himalayan Oak and traditional homesteads nestling amount the foliage, do try cover your journey by train

Himalayan Queen is the best option for those travelling from Delhi. At Kalka you change from broad to narrow gange and board the" Toy Train" to cover next 25 km to Shimla. So many options are available from New Delhi Railway Station. .

The Kalka-Shimla Railway built to connect, the summer capital of India in 1903 at an altitude of 2076 meters offers a panoramic feast to experience the grandeur of the picturesque Himalayas from the shivalik foot hills at Kalka to several important points such as Dharampur, Solan, Kandaghat, Taradevi, Barog, Salogra, Summerhill, Shimla and beyond up to the silvery snow line near the towering peaks.

The 96.54 kilometer line, built on a 2 feet six inches gauge, was opened for traffic November 9, 1903.Because of the high capital and maintenance cost, coupled with peculiar working conditions, the Kalka - Shimla Railway was allowed to charge fares that were higher than the prevailing tariffs on other lines. However, even this was not good enough to sustain the company and the Government had to purchase it on January 1, 1906.

Spectacular scenery along the whole route, and the marvels of it's construction, keeps the traveler on this line spell bound. On leaving Kalka, 656 meters above sea level, the railway enters the foothills and immediately commences it's climb.

Kalka-Shimla-Railway runs through 102 tunnels, some of which have hoary tales to tell. For instance, the longest tunnel at Barog, named after the engineer in charge of construction, bears the blood of it's creator who apparently committed suicide after making a mistake in laying the alignment. This tunnel is 1143.61 meters long and remained the second longest tunnel on Indian Railways for a long time. It is a straight tunnel, passing through fissured sand stone.

Trains From New Delhi

Train No.

Train Name

Departure Time

Arrival Time

Departure Station

2011

Kalka Shatabdi

7:40AM

12:00PM

New Delhi

4095

Himalayan Queen

5:50 AM

11:20 AM

New Delhi

2311

Howrah Delhi  Kalka Mail

10:00 PM

4:45 A.M.

Old Delhi

2005

Shatabdi Exp.

5:15PM

9:15 PM

New Delhi

Trains from Kalka to Shimla

Train No.

Train Name

Departure Time

Arrival Time

Departure Station

241

Shivalik Deluxe Exp.

5:30 AM

11:15 AM

Kalka

251

Kalka Shimla Exp

6:00 AM

11:00AM

Kalka

255

Himalayan Queen

12:10 PM

5:20 PM

Kalka

1KS

Kalka Sml. Passenger

4:00 AM

9:15 AM

Kalka

101

Rail Motor Car

11:35 AM

15:40 PM

Kalka

253

Holiday Special

6:30 AM

11:55 AM

Kalka

257

Holiday Special

12:45 PM

6:30 PM

Kalka

Flights from Delhi

By Air: Nearest airport is Jubbarhatti - 39 kms

Flight No.

Airline

Destination

Departure Time

Arrival Time

Frequency

DN-549

Air Deccan

Shimla

10:15

11:35

Daily   

JA-221

Jagson

Shimla

08:00 a.m.

09:00 a.m.

Mon, Wed& Fri

|| BY ROAD ||

Lying on NH 22, Shimla is well connected with a number of parts in the area, both within and outside the state. Overall, roads are good and enjoyable drive. Click here for distances

SCHEDULE BUS SERVICES (LUXURY COACHES)

Station/ Places

Departure Time

Tariff Per Seat

New Delhi – Manali & vice versa
(HIGH TECH  AC VOLVO COACH)

06.30 PM

Rs. 990/- per seat
New Delhi – Manali & vice versa
(A/C  VOLVO COACH)

06:30 PM

Rs. 825/- per seat
New Delhi - Manali & vice versa

05:00 PM

Rs. 615/- per seat
Manali - Chandigarh

07:00 AM

Rs. 385/- per seat.
Manali - Kalka

07:00 AM

Rs. 415/- per seat.
Shimla - Manali & vice versa

08:30 AM

Rs. 415/- per seat.

Shimla - Delhi & vice versa (AC Volvo Coach)

08:30 PM

Rs. 625/- per seat
Manali – Leh & vice versa

Only between July - September

Rs. 1600/- per seat*
New Delhi – Dharamsala  & vice versa

05.30 PM

Rs. 450/- per seat

*  Tariff inclusive of night stay in tents, dinner and breakfast at Keylong

Tariff subject to change without notice.

Tariff mentioned is for one way journey

Hotel Monaal, Chail , 45 Kms from Shimla, Dushera Package available from 30 Sept to 2 Oct 2006 @  Rs 5000 for a Couple on MAP

SIGHT SEEING TOURS AROUND SHIMLA

Station/ Places

Departure Time

Tariff Per Seat

Shimla - Kufri - Fagu - Chini Bunglow  -Naldehra - Shimla (Tour No. 1) 11:00 AM Rs. 190
Shimla - Fagu - Matiana - Narkanda - Shimla (Tour No. 2) 10:00 AM Rs. 245
Shimla - Kufri - Chail  - Kiarighat - Shimla (Tour No. 3) 10:00 AM Rs. 220
Shimla - Naldehra - Tattapani - Shimla
( Tour No. 4)
10:00 AM Rs. 220
Shimla - Kufri - Fagu - ChiniBunglow  - Shimla  (Tour No. 5) 11:00 AM Rs. 160

 

SIGHT SEEING TOUR

DISTANCE (To & Fro)

Shimla - Kufri - Naldehra 085 KM
Shimla - Narkanda 130 KM
Shimla - Chail 110 KM
Shimla - Naldehra - Tattapani 106 KM

 SIGHT SEEING TOURS AROUND MANALI

Station/ Places

Departure Time

Tariff Per Seat

Manali - Rohtang Pass - Manali    ( Tour No. 1 )

10:00 AM Rs. 250

Manali - Naggar - Solang - Manali  (Tour No. 2 )

10:00 AM Rs. 200

Manali - Kullu - Manikaran - Manali (Tour No. 3)

10:00 AM Rs. 275

 

SIGHT SEEING TOUR

DISTANCE (To & Fro)

Manali - Rohtang Pass 110 KM
Manali - Naggar 070 KM
Manali - Manikaran 180 KM

 

PACKAGE TOUR

DISTANCE (To & Fro)

Manali - Leh

960 KM
Shimla - Kaza 860 KM
Shimla - Kalpa 480 KM

|| BY AIR ||

Jubbarhatti Airport is about 25 km from the town. Jagson Airlines and Indian Airlines are offering daily flights to/from New Delhi.

CLIMATE CONDITIONS

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

High season : is mid - April to mid - July, mid - September to late October and mid - December to mid - January. The best time to visit is mid - September to late November.

 

 
 
 

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