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Shimla
Located
in the middle ranges of the Himalayas, Shimla is a lovely hill station that
is a favorite among tourists. It is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh.
Shimla's geographical location is responsible for its pleasant climatic
conditions. In India, the location of Shimla is just perfect to go on an
ideal vacation. It has its own charm in summers as well as winters. Read on
further to know about the geographical location of Shimla in India.
The city of Shimla is spread over an undulating altitude that averages at
2100 meters above sea level. This beautiful hill station lies between 31.06o
North to 77.13o East. The high altitude has a fitting vegetation cover of
evergreen pine trees. The city is spread over an area of 25 square
kilometers. Though it seems small, the hills and undulating terrain
surrounding it give it the look of a majestic hill station.
Places to see in Shimla
The Mall:
The Mall, like most
hill stations in North India, is the main shopping centre of Shimla. It also
has many restaurants, clubs, banks, bars, Post Offices and tourist offices.
The Gaiety Theatre is also situated there. People walk up and down the Mall
slowly, stopping to gossip, as it is the main meeting place for everyone.
The Ridge and Scandal point are the two main meeting points at the Mall.
Christ Church:
Situated on the
Ridge is Christ Church, which is the second oldest church in Northern India.
It has a very majestic appearance and inside there are stained glass windows
which represent faith, hope, charity, fortitude, patience and humility.
Christ Church is a place all visitors should spend some time in.
Jakhu Hill:
2 kms. from Shimla,
at a height of 8000 ft, Jakhu Hill is the highest peak and offers a
beautiful view of the town and of the snow-covered Himalayas. At the top of
the Hill, is an old temple of Hanuman, which is also the home of countless
playful monkeys waiting to be fed by all visitors.
Shimla State Museum:
The Museum, which
was opened in 1974, has tried to project hill-out and the cultural wealth of
the state. Art objects in the Museum collection are mostly related to art,
archaeology and cultural anthropology of Himachal and other states of India.
At present Museum, has about 9000 objects in its collection. At the outset,
museum started with four galleries. Since then more galleries have been
added. These galleries pertain to Pre- historic, Indian Archaeology,
Woodcarvings, Himachal Archaeology, Pahari Miniature Paintings Monuments,
Photographs, Rajasthan paintings, Bronzes, Numismatic, Arms Gallery, Gandhi
Gallery, Philatelic, Anthropological, Contemporary Art & Wall Paintings
gallery. In addition to these galleries museum has one exhibition hall for
arranging the exhibition and other museum activities.
Indian Institute of
Advanced Studies:
This institute is
housed in the Viceregal Lodge, which was built in 1884-88 during the British
times. It has spacious gardens and is ringed by beautiful pine trees. All is
calm and serene just the right atmosphere for a student of literature or
politics.
Summer Hill:
Situated at a
distance of 5 kms. from the Ridge is the lovely township of Summer Hill at a
height of 6,500 ft. on the Shimla-Kalka railway line. Mahatma Gandhi lived
in these quiet surroundings during his visits to Shimla. Himachal Pradesh
University is situated here.
Annandale:
Developed as the
playground of Shimla, Annandale is 2-4 kms. from the Ridge at a height of
6,117 ft. It is a favourite spot for cricket, picnics and the princely game
of polo.
Around
Shimla
Tara
Devi:
11kms. from the
Shimla bus-stand. Tara Devi has a temple dedicated to the goddess of stars
on top of the hill. There is a military Dairy Town here as well as the
headquarters of Bharat Scouts and Guides. At a height of 6,070 ft. Tara Devi
is an ideal place for a person wanting peace and some rest.
Sankat Mochan:
A popular Hanuman
temple is located here. We get an excellent view of Shimla from the temple.
It can be reached by car or on foot.
Mashobra:
13 kms. away from
Shimla, Mashobra has several excellent picnic spots. Mashobra offers ideal
walks amidst oak and pine trees. Mashobra is the site of the annual Sipi
fair in June. The nearest rest house is at Craignano which is 3 kms. from
Mashobra, and is a beautiful holiday resort.
Naldehra:
23 kms. Under a
skyline etched with conifers, Naldehra offers a well groomed nine-hole Golf
course; undulating hills and giant deodars, make it a unique spot for
picnics. Regular bus and taxi service. HPTDC Restaurant, Hotel Golf Glade
and Golf Club.
Tattapani:
43 kms. Situated on
the bank of river Sutlej it is well known of its hot springs. Regular bus
and taxi service.
Wildflower Hall:
13 kms. Nestling
among sylvan surroundings, the stately Hotel Wildflower Hall of the HPTDC
affords a magnificent view of the mighty Himalayas and perennial snows.
Charming in summer and fascinating in autumn, when winter casts its mantle
of snow Wildflower Hall assumes an ethereal look.
Fruit Research
Station:
18 km. The biggest
fruit research station in northern India.
Kufri:
16 kms. Well known
for its ski slopes. Commands good views. It also has a Potato Research
Station. Shimla has an added attraction of Mini zoo amidst dense forest to
the tourists where a rare breed of wild animals and pheasants species
commonly found in Himalayan forest region have been kept in natural habitat.
Spread over an area of twenty hectares of land with rich flora and fauna
about 140 wild animals including pheasants of different verities 'Monal' the
State bird of Himachal Pradesh and one of the endangered species of
Himalayan region has been the other attractions of this zoo also been placed
safely in this mini zoo. The other attraction of this zoo are Tibetan wolf,
Brown Bear and Barking Deer. There are other popular wild animals species in
the Mini zoo such as leopard, Ghoral, Samber, Himalayan Thar, Yak, black
bear and number of pheasants varieties. Himalayan Nature Park has been set
up at Kufri in 1992 which is spread in 90 hectare area and mini zoo has been
set up in this Park.
Indira Holiday Home:
18 kms. Deodar
forests at an altitude of 2,623 metres. Mini zoo, and yak and pony riding.
Chail:
43 kms. (via Kufri)
and 62 km. (via Kandaghat). Chail, at a height of 2,250 metres, combines the
charm and beauty of a remote and peaceful mountain resort with the splendor
and elegance of a princely reserve. Chail was the summer capital of the
Maharaja of Patiala before Independence. The verdant forests around Chail
are alive with many species of birds and deer.
Barog:
55 kms. A verdant
place of considerable scenic charm and beauty affording extensive views of
high mountains stretching range after range and valleys swooping down the
Haryana and Punjab plains.
Kasauli:
61 kms. from
Chandigarh, 77 kms. from Shimla, Kasauli (1,927 metres) is charming and
quiet; an ideal place for those in search of peace and relaxation.
Solan:
48 kms. A popular
place, named after Shoolini Devi is a Mushroom City of India. The Dr. Y S.
Parmar University of Horticulture & Forestry, one of its kind in Asia, is
situated here.
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