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Shimla

'' Shimla the state capital of Himachal Pradesh is one of the prominent hill stations. It has its name derived from goddess Shyamala, an incarnation of goddess kali. Beautiful landscape, lush green valleys, swift rivers, flower beds and pious temples of Shimla place it at the top of the list for tour and travels.
There is no doubt Shimla is one of the most visited hill stations of India near Delhi which is best known for chilly weather, snow-covered mountains, natural valleys and a perfect place for participate in various adventurous sports and activities on the top of white Himalaya. ''

Apart from its natural attractions, Shimla is also famous for its architectural buildings, wooden crafts and apples. The Mall, The Gaiety Theatre, Himalayan Bird Park, Kufri, Chail, Nalderao, Fagu, Viceregal lodge, Himachal State Museum, Sanjauli, Temples and Daranghati Sanctuary are just some of the famous tourist spots of the hill station.

Shimla is also famous for its adventure sports, which include trekking to the Kullu valley and trout fishing at the Pabbar River . The more adventurous can also opt for skiing at the Narkanda and Kufri . The nine-hole golf course at Naldehra is also a major draw for the tourists.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The best season of the year here is autumn but the early spring runs a close second and when the North India plains are scorching with heat its yet again a summer retreat. Shimla under snow is a wonderful sight and it offers the unique attraction of an open air ice skating rink. Also the legendary Ridge under snow and snow sports at Kufri make Shimla a wonderful winter holiday resort.

PLACES AROUND SHIMLA

Shimla city - The ridge and the adjacent Mall form the heart of the city where vehicular traffic is not allowed a place to take a walk, also the main shopping area with most of the shops still housed in old time buildings.

Gaiety Theater - on the Mall, opened on the 30th of May, 1887, Queen Victoria's Jubilee Year. Now the Gaiety is primarily known for its social club.

Kufri - 19 km from Shimla,is the highest point in the surrounding region. Kufri has a Himalyan Wild Life Zoo which hosts rare Antelopes, Birds and rare feline species. Monal the state bird of Himachal Pradesh is worth watching.

Tatta Pani - The name Tatta Pani, translates to "Hot - Water" in local dialect. This is about half a square kilometer area on the banks of Satluj river with boiling hot Sulpher water springs. Bathing with this water is known to be good for skin. The place is also famous for the rituals of Tula Daan, which is known to be very effective if done at tattapani on a specific day. Many pandas (people who perform the tula daan) can be seen sitting on the banks of river Satluj.

Naldehra - about 25 km from shimla is popular for a nine hole golf course, located on a gradual slope on scenic hill top surrounded by fir trees, and a picnic ground on hilltop.

Chail - This was a former Summer Capital of the Patiala State. The Palace has been converted to a Luxury Hotel by Himachal Tourism.

GENERAL iNFORMATION

1. Shimla is the best market for the handicrafts of Himachal Pradesh. Woollen and pashmina shawls, decorative items, handmade shoes, dolls, woollen caps, carved wooden sticks, toys and other items made form wood are made in Shimla itself and are on sale in the Lakkar Bazar. Tibetan jewellery and trinkets are found in the small Tibetan shops near the Ridge.

2. Shimla has the only natural ice-skating rink in India. An Ice-skating Carnival is arranged every year by the Ice-skating Club during January. During this festival, members display their skill on ice and participate in a fancy dress competition.

3. Besides the summer festival, regular cultural programmes are organised in Shimla during the tourist season.

CLIMATE

Shimla is situated at an altitude of about 2100 m. All the seasons of nature visit Shimla during the year.

HOW TO REACH THERE

Air: The nearest airport is Jubbarhatti 23 km.

Rail: There is broad guage railway line upto Kalka and thereafter narrow guage line upto Shimla 90 km. ) with 103 tunnels, rail journey to shimla takes 4 hours.

Road: Almost each and every part of the state is linked by roads. It is conveniently approachable by taxi, self driven car, bus and coach from Delhi and Chandigarh