Shimla

 

Shimla

Shimla, also known as Simla (the official name until 1972 is the capital and the largest city of the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. In 1864, Shimla was declared the summer capital of British India. fter independence, the city became the capital of East Punjab and was later made the capital city of Himachal Pradesh. It is the largest and most developed city of Himachal Pradesh, as well as the state's principal commercial, cultural and educational centre. small hamlets were recorded before 1815 when British forces took control of the area.  The climatic conditions attracted the British to establish the city in the dense forests of the Himalayas. As the summer capital, Shimla hosted many important political meetings including the Simla Deputation of 1906, the Simla Accord of 1914 and the Simla Conference of 1945.  After independence, the state of Himachal Pradesh came into being in 1948 as a result of the integration of 28 princely states.  Even after independence, the city remained an important political centre, hosting the Simla Agreement of 1972. After the reorganisation of the state of Himachal Pradesh, the existing Mahasu district was named Shimla.  Beautiful sunset in Shimla Shimla is home to several buildings that are styled in the Tudorbethan and neo-Gothic architectures dating from the colonial era, as well as multiple temples and churches. The colonial architecture and churches, the temples, and the natural environment of the city attract tourists.  Major city centre's attractions include the Shri Hanuman Jakhu (Statue), Jakhu Temple, Viceregal Lodge, Christ Church, Mall Road, The Ridge and Annadale. The city centre's northernmost point is Jakhoo and the southernmost location is Annadale, the easternmost point is Sanjauli and the western point is Chotta Shimla.  The Kalka–Shimla Railway line built by the British, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also a major tourist attraction. Owing to its steep terrain, Shimla hosts the mountain biking race MTB Himalaya, which started in 2005 and is regarded as the biggest event of its kind in South Asia. Shimla also has the largest natural ice skating rink in South AsiaApart from being a tourism centre, the city is also an educational hub with several colleges and research institutions.  Etymology Kali Bari Mandir, after which the city is named One theory suggests that the name "Shimla" was derived from Shyamalaya, meaning 'blue house', a solitary house made of blue slate on Jakhu Hill, built by a fakir. According to another version, the city gets its name from Shamli or Shyamala, meaning 'blue lady', referring to the Hindu goddess Kali. It is believed that a temple dedicated to goddess Shamli, an incarnation of Kali, used to be on the Jakhu hillside near the Rothney Castle. Many believe that during the British period, the image of the goddess was shifted to a new place, the now-famous Kali Bari Temple. In 2018, the state government decided to change the city's name from Shimla to Shyamala. However, seeing the negative response of the general public, the state government dismissed the plan.

Christ Church
Christ Church in Shimla was built to accommodate the many British Christians living and visiting Shimla during the colonial era. Started in 1844, it took over a decade to complete, but remains one of the best places to visit in Shimla at Christian festival times, but really at any time of the year, to take in some wonderful colonial architecture and feel yourself transported back into history. Christ Church is located on the Ridge, near Lakkar Bazaar and The Mall Road, within walking distance of The Oberoi Cecil, Shimla.

Jakhoo Temple
Jakhoo Temple sits atop Jakhoo hill, the highest peak in Shimla, standing at 2,438 metres above sea level. Jakhoo Temple is devoted to the monkey god: Lord Hanuman, who symbolises unfailing energy and spiritual devotion. The statue here, of Lord Hanuman, stands at 108 feet above sea level, making it 10 feet higher than the statue to Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Jakhoo Temple and the hill can be reached by road in around 30 minutes from The Oberoi Cecil or Clarkes, Shimla’s best hotels on Mall Road.

Sankat Mochan Temple
Sankat Mochan Temple is dedicated to the Hindu monkey god: Lord Hanuman, as well as Lords Shiva and Rama, and is one of Shimla’s best places for sightseeing; second only to the Hanuman temple that sits atop Jakhoo hill. Sankat Mochan Temple is a popular place for weddings and also boasts an Ayurvedic clinic onsite. The temple is an easy drive from Shimla’s best hotels, including The Oberoi Cecil.

 

Naldehra Golf Club
At 2,200 metres above sea level and dating back to the times of the British Raj, Naldehra Golf Club is the oldest and the highest golf club in India. The golf course measures 4,285 yards, within which there are two par 5s, ten par 4s and six par 3s; making a total par 68 course. Naldehra Golf Club is 23 kilometres from Shimla’s tourist spots and 5 star hotels in Shimla, including The Oberoi Cecil, Shimla.

Kali Bari
Kali Bari temple is located at the top of a hill overlooking Shimla and is dedicated to Shyamala Mata. It is one of the best Shimla tourist places and a popular stop for Hindu devotees. Some argue that the name Shimla comes from Shyamala itself. The temple was originally located on Jakhoo Hill by a Bengali Brahmin but was shifted to Bantony Hill by the British some years later. Its current location is an easy drive from many five star hotels in Shimla, including The Oberoi Cecil.

Rani Jhansi Park
The monument of Rani Jhansi is approximately ten minutes’ drive from The Oberoi Cecil. Located in Rani Jhansi Park, the statue is a memorial to the horse-mounted queen, or Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi who died aged 30, one year after fighting in the Indian Rebellion of 1857. She is a symbol of resistance against the British colonial rulers and a source of pride for Indian nationalists.

State Library Shimla
The Shimla State Library, Municipal Corporation Library or fondly named: Tudor Library, is located near Christ Church and The Mall Road, in central Shimla. It is easily reached from many hotels in Shimla’s Mall Road, including The Oberoi Cecil, and is rated as one of the best places to see in Shimla, home to many rare books that can only be found here.

Dorje Drak Monastery
Dorje Drak or TDAC Nyingmapa monastery, is a breath-taking example of authentic Tibetan religious culture, located in Shimla. Dorje Drak was established in India after the original monastery in Tibet was destroyed by the Chinese in 1959. For Shimla sightseeing, Dorje Drak is a must-do. The best hotels in Shimla, such as The Oberoi Cecil, can arrange private transport and an informed guide for you.

 

Adventure Resorts
Adventure Resorts, New Kufri offers year-round activities at 9,000 feet above sea level. In the winter, you can try skiing and snowboarding. In the summer, zip lining, rope bridge walking, commando nets and more. Please contact the concierge at The Oberoi Cecil, the best of 5 star hotels in Shimla, for more information, bookings and transport reservations.

Ice-Skating Club Shimla
The ice skating club is one of the best places to visit in Shimla in the winter months of December to February. Established during the times of British colonial rule in India, the ice skating rink continues to be a regular annual fixture in Shimla. Centrally located, it can be reached on foot from The Oberoi Cecil, Shimla and other hotels in Shimla’s Mall Road.

 

Himachal State Museum
Himachal State Museum houses everything from bronze relics to photographs and paintings from around India. The five main galleries are devoted to archaeology, pre-history, wall paintings, wood carvings, coins and medals. Mahatma Gandhi has his own room, as do the Himachali dolls and extensive library. The Himachal State Museum can be reached by road from many 5 star hotels in Shimla, including The Oberoi Cecil, Shimla.