Discovering Shimla

Shimla is a historical town, the summer capital of the British Indian Government and now the growing capital of Himachal Pradesh. Shimla has an unmistakable aura of distinction, attracting admirers from all over the globe. Situated at a pleasant elevation of 2,206mt above sea level, Shimla is a tourism delight destination: perfect weather varied hotels, versatile entertainment, convenient shopping, colonial architecture, peace and calm vibes make Shimla perfect for every kind of traveller. Shimla still has the largest natural urban forest covered with the rhododendron, oak, deodar, and pine and surely the most memorable walks and sunsets. 

It was said in earlier times that Shimla gives people 'food and mouth disease' as the climate affects appetite, and the symptoms are extreme craving for food. Shimla does provide these symptoms and provides more than enough to alleviate them. Meanwhile, Scandal Point remains a hot spot for romantic rendezvous, the clubs and coffee house keep gossip's transmitters alive and kicking, and bazaars keep on buzzing. 

Places of interest in Shimla 

1. Jakhu Hill: The highest peak of Shimla with a panoramic view of the town and mountain ranges. Hanuman temple of Jakhu is very famous and it is said that Hanuman ji rested here when he was carrying the hill of Sanjiwani booty. On 04/11/2011 Jakhu temple became the site of the tallest idol of Lord Hanuman in the world at a height of 5,500ft. The temple is a famous shrine where devotees come from around the globe. The cost of 108ft tall Hanuman idol is 150cr. The work started on Hanuman Jayanti in oct2008. Idol has been made by Naresh Kumar from Pilani in Rajasthan with the help of 40 workers. 

2. ViceReagal Lodge: (Indian Institute of Advance Studies) The institute is housed in the erstwhile Vice Regal Lodge which was built in 1884-88 during the period of Lord Dufferin. The main architecture of this structure was built in the neo-Gothic style, with elements of Scottish Baronial architecture. It was the venue for the Shimla conference in 1945. In 1947, the decision on the Partition of India and Carving out of West and East Pakistan was done here. After independence, it became the property of the President of India and was renamed Rashtrapati Niwas. Now it houses the Indian Institute of Advance Study where research scholars and fellows from all over the world come in pursuit of academic quests. 

3. Town Hall: It was built in 1860 using stone and timber with a slanting slate roof and a big glass window which surely is architecturally amazing. The town hall has a fair amount of European character and most of its rooms have a fireplace. It houses the offices of the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and commissioner of the Municipal Corporation. Most branches dealing with various public services are also houses here.

4. Coffee House Shimla: The coffee house of Shimla is working under a cooperative society. There are 12 coffee houses in Nort India under this society. Coffee houses serve as amazing gathering and chatting places for the locals as well as the tourists.

5. Gaiety Theatre: Built in 1887, it was the cultural nerve centre during the British era as the Amateur Dramatics Club held events here. It houses a theatre, a photo gallery and an art and exhibition gallery. Apart from it is with the ADC is to be used as a club.

6. Church: The majestic Church built in 1857 stands strong on the Ridge Maidan and is the second oldest Church in North India. It has a very majestic appearance and inside there are stained glass windows which represent faith, hope, charity, patience and humanity. The structure of the Church has become so Symbolical of Shimla that no picture is complete if not the church in the background.

7. Glen: The most beautiful picnic spot in Shimla with flowing streams through dense forest and the house of the beautiful Cecil Hotel and Kennedy House.

8. Summer Hill: A picturesque spot of Shimla, which offers walks in quiet surroundings. Himachal Pradesh University is located here.

9. The State Museum Shimla: Museum with a collection of miniature paintings, Pahari as well as from other schools, sculptures, woodcarvings and also costumes, textiles and jewellery of the region. A peaceful walk from the Mall, past the Gortan Castle and the Cecil, leads to a colonial mansion perched atop a hill that houses the State Museum. A visit to Shimla is incomplete without seeing the museum, which offers a peak into the past of Himachal's past.

10. Wax Museum Shimla: Johnnie's Wax Museum which displays 16 wax statues all made in London with a mix of Hollywood, Bollywood and of course the Prime Minister of India Mr Narendar Modi and USA President Barack Obama standing face to face. On display, there is the statue of Mahatma Gandhi right at the entrance. Statues of Justin Bieber, Jonny Depp, Robert Downey Jr, Paul Walker, Dwane Jhonson, Michal Jackson, Steve Jobs, and Lionel Messi are also there.