Shimla

Shimla

Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh in the Himalayan foot hills and one of the must visit in North India Tour. It is also known for the handicraft shops, a pedestrian avenue, as well as the Lakkar Bazaar, a market specializing in wooden toys and crafts.

Jakhoo Temple

It is an ancient temple devoted to Hindu deity, Hanuman situated on Jakhoo Hill at a height of 8,000 feet above sea level. Shimla’s highest peak offers a panoramic view of the Shivalik Ranges and the town of Sanjauli.

World’s tallest statue of Lord Hanuman a giant 108-feet-high idol of Hanuman was unveiled at Jakhoo Hanuman temple in 2010.

Rashtrapati Niwas

It is also known as Viceregal Lodge located on the Observatory Hills. It was formerly the residence of the British Viceroy of India and houses some of the most ancient articles and photographs of the British rule in India

The Viceregal Lodge was designed by British architect Henry Irwin and built in the Jacobethan style during the regime of Lord Dufferin. Its construction started in 1880 and was completed in 1888.

The Ridge

Ridge road is a large open space, located in the heart of Shimla and is the hub of all cultural activities. It’s the major landmark and the most easily recognized face of the hill station. Most major places like Snowdon, Mall, Jakhoo hill, etc. are connected through the Ridge.

It runs east to west alongside the Mall Road, and joins it at the Scandal Point on the west side. On the east side, The Ridge road leads to Lakkar Bazaar, a wooden crafts market.

Prominent landmarks on the Ridge are a neo-Gothic structure of Church from 1844 and a tudorbethan styled library building built in 1910. There are three statues on the ridge; that of Mahatma Gandhi, Indira Gandhi, and Dr. Y.S. Parmar, the first chief minister of Himachal Pradesh.

The biggest hill station of the world which has the thickest forest of the area, now the green slopes are covered with firs, pines, the Himalayan oak and carmine rhododendron trees, among which are dotted red-roofed chalets, half-timbered houses and Gothic Government buildings are visible from The Ridge.

Christ Church

It is the second oldest church in North India. It’s built in the neo-Gothic style in 1857 and it is situated on The Ridge. It stands out as one of the prominent landmarks and its silhouette is visible for miles around the vicinity of Shimla city. Christ Church is one of the enduring legacies of the British Raj.

Christ Church was designed by Colonel J. T. Boileau in 1844, and the church was consecrated after 1857. The clock adorning Christ Church was donated by Colonel Dumbleton in 1860. The porch was added in 1873. It continues to be very well maintained and is in good condition. The clock, however, no longer works. It is designed in the typical Elizabethan style. The church is illuminated at night.

The church contains five fine stained glass windows. One represents the Christian virtues of Faith, Hope, Charity, Fortitude, Patience, and Humility. The pipe-organ of Christ Church is the largest in the Indian subcontinent which was installed in September 1899. The church holds great collection of books and ancient scriptures.

Kalka–Shimla Railway

It is a narrow gauge railway in North India travelling along a mostly mountainous route from Kalka to Shimla. It is known for dramatic views of the hills and surrounding villages. It was built in 1898 to connect the summer capital of India during the British Raj. At the time of construction 107 tunnels and 864 bridges, were built throughout the course of the track. The Chief Engineer of the project was H.S. Herlington.

The railway was declared a heritage by the Himachal Pradesh government in 2007, and in 2008 it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site alongwith the other Mountain Railways of India.

Mall Road

It is in the main street constructed during British colonial rule. The offices of Municipal Corporation, fire service, and police headquarters are located here. Automobiles, except emergency vehicles are not allowed on this road. The locals and tourists can only have a stroll on this road in the evenings.

Mall road has a number of showrooms, department stores, shops, restaurants and cafes. A Himachal emporium that offers handicraft products of Himachal Pradesh like locally designed woolen cloths, branded cloths, pottery items, and jewellery is also located here.