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India » Shimla
 City Guide
 
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From a nondescript village, Shimla has grown into one of the most royal and posh hill stations of the country. Though it still holds the charm of a typical hill station with the mall and the evening walks and its laid back attitude, it has lost its original lure after the disappearance of its alpine forests. Yet the winter snowfall and the need to run from the summer heat of the plains manages to attract tourists to this busy hill station.
For its glamour, glitz and shopping, though expensive, Shimla is the place to be among the hill stations. But if you are looking for some peace of mind or want to relax, go beyond Shimla to the lush green golf course of Naldhera. Kufri in the winters is great for skiing and sledging.
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AIR
IA has flights to and from Delhi via Chandigarh thrice a week.
Airport
The main airport at Jubbarhatti is 20 km away from Shimla.
RAIL
Kalka and Chandigarh are the closest railheads. Shatabdi Express and the Himalayan Queen connect Delhi with Kalka, and there is also the Howrah-Kalka Mail via Delhi. For the onward journey from Kalka, take the narrow gauge Toy Train. Taxis can also be hired from Kalka to Shimla at negotiable rates.
ROAD
Deluxe coaches leave for Shimla via Chandigarh at regular intervals from the ISBT terminal at Delhi. A one-way trip costs anything between Rs 200 and 300. You could even hire a taxi from Chandigarh for about Rs 650. Or drive down the well-metalled roads.
Bus terminus
Most day tours begin at Rivoli while the inter state bus stand connects you to other places in and around Shimla. Both are situated about 3 km apart on either end of the Victory Tunnel.
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CLIMATE
Extremely cold winters, with temperatures ranging between - 4°C and 18°C. Summer temperatures can rise upto 30°C.
STD CODE
0177
Population
142,161
Languages
Hindi, Himachali, Garhwali, English
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Ridge
The Ridge is one place in Shimla where you must spend at least a couple of hours in a day, basking in the lazy sun. You won t be alone though, for the Ridge is perpetually swarming with the young and the old, out for a chitter-chatter stroll, a plate-full of chaat or a few shutterbug clicks of poses against the distant peaks.
Lakkad Bazaar
Find this world of wooden marvels right below the ridge. Lakkad Bazaar offers anything and everything you can imagine carved out of wood. From key chains, walking sticks, massagers, toys and jewellery boxes to sailor s wheels, planters and stationary holders - Lakkad Bazaar gives you plenty to pick from and take back home for friends and relatives, without flattening your wallets.
St Michael?s
St Michael s Cathedral is a stained-glass masterpiece. Once considered the finest cathedral in India, it depicts Hope, Faith, Patience and Humility.
Institute of Advanced Studies
Built in 1888, the institute was originally the Viceregal Lodge. It s a magnificent English Renaissance grey-stone edifice set admist beautiful gardens and lawns. Entry is by ticket. The grounds are open for visitors only on Sundays.
Tara Devi Temple
Situated atop a hill, Tara Devi leaves visitors gasping at the panoramic views. Built amidst oak and rhododendrons, it is accessible by road, rail and by foot.
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Naldhera
Naldhera, with its brilliant green landscape and dappled sunlight, is a recreational getaway 22 km from Shimla. You ll find charming log huts and also regular rooms. The Golf Course and the cedar forest (for its heavenly treks and pretty picnic spots) are the main attractions here. The log huts (HPTDC) cost between Rs 800 and Rs 1,000 (Tel: 487 809). The nearby Golf Glade Hotel offers rooms at the same cost.
Chail
Visit the highest cricket pitch and the highest polo ground in the world in Chail. Once the summer capital of Patiala, the town is worth a day s tour. Located 45 km from Shimla (via Kufri).
Fagu
Situated along the National Highway, about 22 km from Shimla, Fagu offers pleasant views of the distant Himalayas along with some fun treks. Include a trip to the Deshumata Temple in your visit to Fagu. You will be lured to the apple orchards simply by their sweet fragrance.
Kufri
Kufri is a half-hour s drive out of Shimla (12 km). Loaded with hundreds of picnic and look-out points, it even has a deer park. Something else you ll find in abundance here are the quaint souvenir shops. The Kufri slopes are a hot favourite with snow seekers.
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The Mall is packed with big showrooms. The Himachal Emporium, a little beyond Scandal Point, has an interesting collection of Kullu shawls, caps and hand-knitted socks and gloves. The Lakkad Bazaar is flooded with wooden knick-knacks and handicrafts. Some Chinese shoe shops along The Mall are quite sought after for their shoes. Diwanchand Atmaram is famous for its latest collection of woollens. Some other items you might want to include in your shopping list are carpets, rugs, shawls, leather craft and silver jewellery. The Tibetan market, right down the lane from Scandal Point, has some very genuinely fake imported goods, like jeans, T-shirts, bags, shoes, jackets et al.
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