Want to escape the heat this summer? Why not travel to Shimla?

This summer take a tour of Shimla, escape in the beauty of the snow capped Himalayan peaks and green pastures. Shimla popularly known as Simla is the capital of the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh in the Himalayan foothills. It was earlier the summer capital of the of British India. The British in India had called Shimla by various names-Viceroy’s Shooting box, Abode Of The Little Tin Gods and even Mount Olympus..

It has a remarkable location amidst the green hills with snow capped peaks, Shimla has been blessed with beautiful natural bounties which one can think of. It is surrounded by pine,deodar,oak  and rhododendron forests.  In winter the temperature can drop below freezing point however summer temperature is mild and refreshing with pleasant evenings  and thus it’s a perfect getaway during summers to calm your minds and lift your spirits. The unique thing is that it still retains its colonial charm and creates an ambience and view that is found nowhere else in India.

Shimla is full of tourist attractions that you cannot miss. It is a photographer’s paradise so if you are fond of capturing scenic views and wonderful moments don’t forget your cameras.

On my visit to Shimla we visited many places so the places which I found the best and thus recommend includes:

1. Mall Road, Shimla:

One place where you must go and cannot ignore in Shimla is the Mall Road. Located at the heart of the town, it’s the ideal place to take a walk and shop or enjoy the cool breeze. It is one of the busiest commercial areas and shopping hub of Shimla and is buzzing with theaters, food joints, cafes, handicraft shops, shops selling woolens, handmade artifacts, beautifully crafted wooden items in the Lakkad Bazzar, streets with vendors and stalls of Maggi, coffee and ice-creams. Your trip to Shimla is incomplete if you do not indulge in some guilty shopping here.


2. The Indian Institute of Advanced Studies

It is a research institute based in Shimla. In 1983 this magnificent English renaissance structure was the former vice regal lodge. Its vast beautiful lawns and woodlands are added attractions. A portion of the interiors is also open to the public. For entry you have to buy a ticket which is of nominal charge.


3. The Ridge

One of the famous attraction located in the heart of the town is the Ridge. The large open space presents excellent views of the mountain ranges. It is situated along the Mall Road. Major places like Lakkar bazaar, Jakhoo hill etc are connected through the Ridge.


4. State Museum and Library

The state Museum, Shimla is housed in an old Victorian mansion carefully altered to adapt it to the museum. It was opened on January 26 , 1974 to collect and preserve the ancient artistic,historical and archaeological human works. It is a famous tourist attraction that is located at a distance of around 2.5 kilometers from the center of Shimla. The museum and library should be visited by anyone who is going to Shimla.


5. Jakhoo Hill

At 2455m this is the town’s highest peak and a famous point for Shimla’s famous views. The summit is crowned with a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. It is an uphill climb through the beautiful Deodar trees.


6. St. Michael’s Cathedral

The St. Michael’s Cathedral is a beautiful architectural masterpiece. It is the second oldest church in North India. It is a dressed stone church with fine stained glass has a cruciform design. It is located off the mall, below the district courts.


7. The Summer Hill

It is a small town on the outskirts of Shimla at a height of 2123 meters. It is on a hill 5 km west to the Shimla Ridge and is a part of the seven hill cluster. It is a charming place. It is said that Mahatma Gandhi used to come to stay here during his visit to Shimla. The summer hill is also known as the Potters Hill as the potters once used to visit this place to gather clay for making pots. The green scenery adds to the beauty of this place.


So all you people out there who want to get away for a while from the busy life can get a peace of mind in the cool climate of Shimla. Enjoy a heritage walk through Shimla’s Victorian-era architecture and labyrinthine bazaars. After all if you want to truly experience the nostalgia of the british era and the archaeological beauty, a visit to Shimla is must.



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