Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, lies about 343 km from Delhi at an altitude of 2,213 metres above sea level. Before the British discovered it in 1819, Shimla was a small village that was part of the Nepalese kingdom. In 1830, the local Raja was persuaded to part with the land by the British and the settlement became the subcontinent's most fashionable summer resort. Shimla was declared the summer capital of India in 1864. After India's independence, Shimla became the capital of Punjab till 1966, when it came under Himachal Pradesh.

The summers in Shimla are quit pleasant as the maximum temperature rarely crosses 25°C. Winters are cold and Shimla experiences quite a heavy snowfall. If you are among those who want to escape from the scorching heat of the plains, Shimla would be the ideal getaway. But for those who love snow, a visit in winters can be an exciting experience.

Tourist Attractions of Shimla

The Mall
The Mall, which runs along the Ridge, is the main shopping centre of the Shimla. Filled with shops and restaurants, you will find the Mall always crowded with tourists. The Gaiety Theatre, which is a reproduction of an old British theatre, is a centre of cultural activities. The Ridge, an open space in the heart of the town, presents excellent view of the mountain ranges. The Mall further joins the Ridge at the 'Scandal Point' where a statue of the nationalist leader Lala Lajpat Rai has been erected.

Jakhoo Hill
About 2.5 km from the city lies the Jahkoo hill at a height of about 2455 metres. The peak, highest in Shimla, offers a panoramic view of the town. The Jakhoo temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman, is also located here.

Glen
The Glen forests lie at a distance of about 4 km from the Ridge at an altitude of 1830 metres. An ice-cold stream flows through the forest making it one of the fascinating picnic spots in the city.

Summer Hill
About 7 km from the city, at a height of 1983 metres, is the Summer Hill. This picturesque spot lies on the Shimla-Kalka railway line and has pleasant shady walks in quiet surroundings. The place is also associated with Mahatma Gandhi as he had stayed in the Georgian House of Raj Kumari Amrit Kaur during his visit to Shimla. The Himachal Pradesh University is situated here. Chadwick Falls You can reach these 67-metre-high falls from Summer Hill from where it is about 45 minutes walk. The falls, surrounded by thick forests, are situated at about 7 km from the city at a height of 1586 metres.