Shimla is the capital city of the state Himachal Pradesh and largest city of Himachal Pradesh. The name Shimla has been derived from the name Goddess ‘Shyamala Devi’, who is a Hindu Goddess. Shimla was declared as a summer capital of British Raj in the year 1864 during the British ruled in India and before this time Shimla was nothing more than few villages and an ancient Jhakoo temple. Shimla is a very popular destination among Indians and foreigner tourists alike. The Kalka-Shimla railway route is one of the most authentic mountain railways and recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The weather in Shimla remains cool and pleasant in the summer while in winter the temperatures falls below zero. Some of the most famous places sought out by tourists are The Mall, Christ Church, Jakhu Hill, Summer Hill etc. The fact that it is a home to the mountain biking race MTB Himalaya in South-East Asia which is regarded as the biggest event.
Summer: 21°C to 33°C
Winter: 0°C to 15°C
Monsoon: 12°C to 28°C
Christ Church
Christ Church is one of the oldest church of north India, which was constructed in the neo-Gothic style in 1857. Colonel Dumbleton donated the clock on the church in 1860. It is one of the most impotent attraction of Shimla and very well maintained and remains in good condition, however, The Clock no longer functions due to entropy.
The Mall
The Mall is the major attraction and street in Shimla, which was built during British colonial rule. It is lies a level below the ridge. The Redge to Viceregal Lodge stretch forms the core of Shimla’s ‘’Heritage Zone’’. It has the number of cafes, restaurants, shops, department stores, showrooms. It is one of the prime attractions of Shimla.
The Ridge of Shimla
The Ridge is the centre point of all type activities of Shimla. It is situated along the Mall Road, which is the famous shopping center of Shimla It is a large open spacious platform, from where you can find the breathtaking view of the mountain peaks of Shimla. It is another famous attraction of Shimla.
Shimla State Museum
It is another most popular attraction of Shimla, which is located at Mall road, established in the style of colonial edifice with sprawling lawns all around. The Museum was inaugurated on 26th January, 1974, which houses a large number of ancient sculptures, coins, handicrafts, magnificent paintings of the state and also other locations of India.
Tara Devi Temple
Tara Devi Temple is one of the most-visited hindu religious attractions and located at 12 kilometer away from the Shimla. Tara Devi is dedicated to the hindu Goddess Tara (goddess of stars) and situated at Tara Devi hilltop located height an altitude of 1851 m above sea level between Shimla and Shoghi and is a very popular visiting spot for tourists and devotees. The lush green environs surrounding it give the temple a very peaceful and tranquil atmosphere. There are big celebration held at the Tara Devi Temple during the Navaratras and Ashtami.
Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex
Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex in Shimla was designed by a renowned British Indian architect, Henry Irwin and located in the middle of the Mall Road. It is also known as one of the most historic place in Shimla 122 years old and it has been recently reopened to the public. Built in a Gothic Victorian Style it serves as an important center for various cultural and literary events.
Green Valley
Green Valley Also known as the Hassan Valley, located at the distance of 7 km away from Shimla on the way to Kufri Hill station, Green Valley is one of the major tourist attraction and popular picnic spot of this region. Green Valley is one of the scenic tourist spots in Shimla. It is also well known for its elite beauty. it is ideal tourist spots for photography due Verdant hills with lush green forests and the backdrop of distant snow-capped Himalayas demand a snapshot.This amazing place offers the splendid view of lush green landscapes, surrounded by small mountains with pine forests.
Jakhu Temple
Jakhoo Temple is an oldest temple in Shimla, it is dedicated to the Hindu god Hanuman. which is located at about 7kms from the town, lies at an altitude of 2455 meters above the sea levelon the top of the Jakhu hill. The temple is devoted to lord Hanuman. The Jakoo temple can be reachable by foot, horse, taxi or ropeway. The Jakhu Ropeway is an aerial lift that links a point near the centre of Shimla to the temple.
Himalayan Nature Park
Himalayan Nature Park is a Zoo house of Himalayan species such as snow leopards & brown bears, located in Kufri at the distance of about 16kms from Shimla, Himalayan Nature Park is one of the most popular attraction of this region. Founded in 1992, it is known for its ski slopes is a natural habitat of rich flora and fauna.
Summer Hill
Summer hill It is also known as the Potter hill, It is located 5 kilometer from the Ridge is the beautiful little township of Summer Hill. It is situated at an altitude of 5600 feet on the Shimla- Kalka railway line. it is also offering amazing views of the snowcapped mountains.
Tattapani
Tattapani is located at the distance of about 51kms from Shimla, Tattapani is renowned for its sulphur springs which are found near the Tatapani Mandir, which is one of the holiest temple of this region.
Kufri
Located at the distance of13 km from Shimla at a height of 8,600 ft, Kufri is a small hill station in Shimla district. It is renowned for the local winter sports center.
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