A ‘destination for all seasons’ nestled in the northwest Himalayas, Shimla is definitely a ‘destination for all seasons’. Shimla, popularly known as the ‘Queen of the Hills,’ is an appealing hill station in our country.
People go from far and wide to visit this capital city of Himachal Pradesh in order to escape the blistering sun rays of the summer months. There are several natural treasure troves in and around this magnificent town, including snowcapped mountains, undulating hills, lush green valleys, thick pine woods, apple orchards, rushing mountainous rivers, and streams, among other things.
Aside from its natural splendors, Shimla also has a fascinating history to share with visitors. Shimla was originally known as the summer capital of the British Raj because of the nice temperature it enjoys year round. In every part of this summer resort, there are excellent structures and churches with European architectural styles, which serve as a reminder of the area’s colonial past.
Another unique feature of Shimla is that it is home to one of the world’s few surviving mountain railways, the Kalka-Shimla Railway, which is a must-see attraction. It provides the impression of wandering through a magical realm of Mother Nature as it passes through 103 tunnels on its 90-kilometer trip up the mountains.
Attractions in Shimla include:
Shimla is adorned with a plethora of tourist attractions that will capture your mind from the moment you set foot on the premises. The following are some examples of exhilarating tourist destinations:
The Mall
Located near the Ridge and Scandal Point, the Mall serves as Shimla’s commercial and entertainment hub. Many shops, showrooms, and restaurants may be found in the vicinity of the Gaiety Theatre, which was constructed in the style of classic British theatres. It acts as a focal point for cultural events and activities in the community. Shimla Mall is home to three movie halls, a roller skating rink, billiard rooms, and video gaming centers, among other amenities. This location is also the site of the June Summer Festival, ice-skating championships from December to January, and the Winter Carnival in February, among other events. You may also take advantage of the many exhibits and artisan fairs that take place around the region on a regular basis.
Christ Church and St. Michael’s Cathedral
Christ Church is a well-known church in Shimla, and it was constructed over an 11-year period of time (1846-1857). It is the second-oldest church in northern India, and its stained-glass windows add to the beauty of the structure. Because of the clever lighting, this grand church appears even more beautiful after dusk. St. Michael’s Cathedral, located in the heart of the city, is yet another significant and magnificent cathedral.
A visit to the Himachal State Museum and Library is a must for everyone visiting Shimla, and it is unquestionably one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. This museum, which is located 2 12 kilometers from Scandal Point, is a wonderful storehouse of historical sculptures, paintings, coins, and photographs linked to the history of the whole state. As well as paintings that are considered to be the last examples of the Indian art form, such as Pahari miniature paintings, dozens of Mughal and Rajasthani miniature paintings, among others, the gallery of this museum houses an exquisite collection of paintings that represent the last examples of the Indian art form.
Viceregal Lodge
The Viceregal Lodge is yet another important landmark in Shimla’s history. Once upon a time, this beautiful six-story edifice served as the official house of British Viceroy, Lord Dufferein. Viceregal Lodge is presently called as ‘Rashtrapati Niwas’ and is located on Observatory Hill, about 2 kilometers from the Himachal State Museum. It was formerly known as ‘Viceregal Lodge’. The Institute for Advanced Study has taken up residence at this landmark. Aside from these, Shimla is also home to plenty of shrines, including the Jakho Temple, Tara Devi Temple, Sankat Mochan Temple, Kali Bari Mandir, and a number of others.
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