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.
