Introduction

Shimla, as told by the Britons, the "Queen of Hill Stations." Shimla was the summer capital of India before independence. It is located in the north-west Himalayas and now the capital of Himachal Pradesh.

Shimla derives its name from "Shyamala";- the goddess Kali, whose temple existed in the dense forest that covered Jakhu Hill in the early 19th century. The English named it Simla. Shimla is well connected by air, road and rail with all parts of Himachal Pradesh, and the neighbouring states of Punjab, Haryana, Jammu and Kashimir and the Union territory of Chandigarh.

Shimla covers an area of 18 sq. km. at a height of 7,238 ft. Shimla is surrounded by pine, deodar, oak and rhododendron forests. Its well developed facilities, easy accessibility and numerous attractions make it one of Indian`s most popular and biggest hill-stations.

A narrow-railway links Kalka with Shimla. This important rail-link was built in 1924 and its "toy trains" still ply between the two stations, passing through 105 tunnels and beautiful rail-road stations. Half-way through the journey, after Solan, the lights of Shimla flow in the distance, looking like glimmering jewels studding the dark green of the mountains. The train takes six hours, and at every stop on the journey are smiling faces giving a warm welcome.

Situated in the North-West Himalayas, the climate of Shimla varies from a maximum of 10-11 degrees in winter to a maximum of 25-26 degrees in summers. The temperature never raised above the limit here. Moods of Shimla changed along with the seasons. In spring, flowers of all kinds, both wild and cultivated, smiling in each garden. During the monsoon, some of the best sunsets in the world can be seen. Winter is the season of "Long moon-night" in Shimla. It becomes a frost glistening silent city. A gathering of dark clouds tells the approach of snow generally a slight fall first, followed by a heavier one when the snowflakes sweep down through the fine-needles bending long branches to the ground. The following morning sees the town as a fantastic fairyland of white beauty.

Colonial Architecture of Shimla

Shimla is a gorgeous and stunning hill station in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is also popularly know as "Queen of Hills". Shimla, originally spelt as Simla, was chief town during the British rule in India. Thus, the art and architecture of Shimla is mainly influenced by the British rule. The main attractions of Shimla are the grand buildings constructed during the British rule and wooden handicrafts.

During British rule, Shimla used to be the summer capital of the Viceroy, where they, along with other administrative member used to spend summers in Shimla. Right from May to July, Shimla used to hubbub with administrative actions, and families of the office members used to accompany them to spend a lovely summer. This is mainly the reason why Shimla has homes, building, lodges and churches that has the taste of typical British Architecture. The architecture of Shimla is known as colonial architecture, where the families used to spend lot of time in hill station. The entire infrastructure of Shimla is based on the lifestyle and needs to British. The architecture of Shimla can be analyzed with the help of a few iconic structures of the town.

Among all the hill stations that are developed by British government, Shimla happened to be most beautiful and majestic and quite like the "jewel in the crown" of the Raj. It became the summer capital of the Imperial Government in the year 1963, and construction of railways happened in the year 1903. The entire lay out of the city was carefully determined by topographical conditions and was mainly developed on the top of ridge running in the east-west direction. The main area which was extensively used was the pedestrian mall atop the highest contour which was the main spot of rendezvous for Englishmen. And it was where the main offices, shops, churches, theatres and clubs were built. Parts of Southern Shimla were used as residential area and called "Chhota Shimla". The "native-quarters", grain markets and bazaars were built just below the exclusive mall road. The ridge is mainly dominated by the Christ Church, a Gothic structure with stained and buttress windows. It is made of stone and is plastered from outside; its tall spires become visible over the skyline of the city. Another colonial structure adjoining the church is the Municipal Library. This is a quaint structure with timber framed (dhajji-wall) construction with pitched roof. The framing is well decorated which is reminiscent more of English cottage, than of public building which it actually is. Another fantastic structure situated on the Mall is Town Hall, built in "Barog Stone". The roof of the structure is made of grey slates and the doors, windows and cornices are aesthetically drawn. The Mall, which is located at the heart of Shimla, is a place where people visit to spend some quite time, free from the fear of being run over by vehicles, and has a typical personality of its own. The Mall bears the symbol of quintessential spirit of the colonial city. The heights of the shops along the mall are uniformly double storey, with gabled roofs in wooden frame construction. This style of architecture imparts a rhythmic and harmonic character, which is punctuated by melange of palpable crowds. Apart from these significant buildings of the British period, there are many colonial structures as well like Gorton Castle, Ravenswood, and the Viceregal Lodge. The burrows of ramshackle structures in the lower markets, woven together with flights of steps and narrow lanes, have a personality of their own.

Post ndependent phase has been rather melancholy. With unplanned physical growth, increase of physical activity and exodus of population from village regions added to it the tourist pressure have actually ruptured the soft relationship of habitat and art in these small, finite township.

Temples in Shimla

Shimla District is dotted with numerous temples, often visited by devotees and tourists from nearby as well as far-off places. Shimla is the classic city, combining metropolitan surroundings and ancient temples alike. The temples in Shimla are very old dating back to several hundred years and there are popular legends associated with them. Some of the main temples of Shimla Temple are as follows -

Sankat Mochan Temple: Sankat Mochan temple is situated at a distance of about 5 kms from Shimla and is located at Taradevi on Kalka- Shimla National Highway. This temple is very easily approachable and is one of the most sought after site by the devotees and pilgrims. The history of the temple dates back to the late 1950`s, when Baba Neeb Karori Ji Maharaj visited this tranquil and serene site surrounded by lush green forests, emerald meadows, the majestic lofty mountains in the background which offered a very soothing and meditative atmosphere. Baba Neeb Karori Ji Maharaj stayed here in a hut for about ten days and he was deeply fascinated and charmed with the place. He expressed his keen desire for a Hanuman temple to be constructed at this very location. Baba`s devotees took the responsibility to fulfill their Guru`s desire and the construction of the temple started in the year 1962 and finally it was consecrated on 21st of June, 1966. At present the temple complex comprises temples dedicated to Lord Rama and Lord Hanuman, Lord Shiva, Navgrah Temple, Baba Neeb Karori Ji Maharaj Temple and a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha portraying the architecture of the south. The Temple complex also includes a three storey building which is partly used as the "Langer Hall".

Tara Devi Temple: Tara Devi temple is located on Tarav Parvat in the western side of Shimla town. The picturesque view from the temple is indeed breath taking and captivating with the superb panorama of the lofty and majestic forested mountains around, which offers a calm peaceful and tranquil countryside, a site that has a soothing and rejuvenating effect, being away from the din, pollution and the tough effect of a fast urban life style. The history of this temple dates back to about 250 years. There is a belief that goddess Tara was brought to Himachal Pradesh all the way from the eastern state of West Bengal. Hundreds of years ago a king from the Sen Dynasty visited this area. This king had brought his family deity in the form of a small gold Idol encased in a locket which he always wore around his upper arm. It is said that for many years the idol remained encased but in the 96th generation of Sen Dynasty, Raja Bhupendra Sen one day had an unusual experience while hunting in the dense forests, site near the present temple, where he had a vision of his holy family deity goddess Tara. The Raja immediately donated huge acres of land and the temple was constructed there, in which a wooden idol of the Goddess was installed in accordance with Vaishnava traditions. Later on, Raja Balbir Sen of the same dynasty had a dream in which Goddess expressed her desire to be installed on the hill top of Tarav Parvat. The Raja on the advise of one of his pandits got a beautiful Idol prepared out of `Ashtadhatu` at his had it installed in the Vikrami era on the Hill Top of Tarav Parvat. The Sen Dynasty of the erstwhile Keonthal State till date is carrying on with the age old tradition of worshipping their family deity.

Jakhoo Temple: This temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman is situated at a height of about 8500 feet in the east of historical ridge ground in Shimla city. This temple is very easily approachable and is one of the most sought after pilgrimage site. According to mythology, during the battle between lord Rama and Ravana at Lanka, Lakshmana was injured from an arrow from Meghnad. In order to save his life, when lord Hanuman was moving towards Himalaya to get sanjeewani herb, all of a sudden he saw Yaaku sage on Jakhu Mountain in penance. This place was named Jakhu, after the name of this sage. Lord Hanuman had even promised the sage Yaaku to meet him during his back journey. This temple of lord Hanuman was constructed by the Yaaku sage in his remembrance.

Bheemakali Temple: Bheemakali Temple, reputed to be at least 800 years old, is dedicated to Goddess Durga or Bheemakali and is considered one of the sacred Shakti Peeths of the country. The temple is Tibetan in its architectural style, with Buddhist and Hindu influences and bronze statues of both religions in the shrines. It has slanted slate roofs, golden towers, pagodas and a carved silver door. Dussehra is celebrated in a grand way at both Bheemakali Temple and in the village of Sarahan. A marvelous example of hill architecture, the temple complex is set against the incredibly beautiful backdrop of high ranges and forested slopes. Built in a mixture of the Hindu and Buddhists styles, it was the temple of Bushair rulers of Rampur (Shimla). The palaces of the royal family are adjacent to the temple. From Sarahan one can have a view of the Srikhand Peak, revered as the home of goddess Laxmi.

Hatkoti Temple: Hatkoti Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located at Jubbal (Hatkoti). Hatkoti Temple is located at about 100 K.M. from Shimla the capital of the Himachal Pradesh. Hatkoti Temple is exactly located in village Hatkoti of tehsil Jubbal of Shimla of Himachal Pradesh.

The main deity of Hatkoti Temple is Hatkoti Devi. She is regarded as the most powerful goddess among all the goddesses of northern India by the residents of Hatkoti.

There is no inscription about the history of the temple but as the tourists enter the premises of the temple the history of Himachal Pradesh diverts the minds towards itself, to the Mahabharata period.

There are five stone "Deols" present in the Hatkoti Temple premises which makes the pilgrims to remember about the five Pandavas. These "Deols" are decreasing in size, first one being the largest in size and then the decreasing ones. In the building of Hatkoti Temple there is a beautiful "Lord Shiva" temple having a large and beautiful shrine inside it, others idols present in the temple are also a proof a great architecture skills.

The interior walls and roof of the Hatkoti Temple have also been designed using great architectural skills. The people of Hatkoti believe that the temple was established by Shankaracharya. According to some belief, the Hatkoti Temple was built somewhere in the Third era. Three Gupta Age`s Rock Edicts (in scripted stones) have been found at three different places of this ancient and historic place.

Bijai Temple: Bijai Temple is located in Batrol in Shimla district. The temple enshrines a brass idol of Goddess Bijai.

Lanka Vir Temple: Known in erstwhile times for its uncanny rituals, Lanka Vir Temple enshrines a manifestation of Goddess Kali.

Purohit Mandir: A temple built of stone, Purohit Mandir displays intricate chiseled work in its walls.

Durga Temple: Durga Temple has art work and master masonry written in all its sides, exhibiting stunning architectural wonder.

Lord Shiva Temple, Hatkoti: Built entirely from wood, Lord Shiva Temple also enshrines other gods/goddesses in Hindu mythology.

Hattu Mata Temple, Narkanda: Located amidst exalted mountainous terrain, Hattu Mata Temple is adored by large number of devotees every year.

Mananeshwara Temple: Palatial in its built, Mananeshwara Temple is consecrated to Lord Shiva.

Apart from the above mentioned temples there are several other prominent temples in Shimla that are worth visiting. These are Shikhru Devta Temple, Rohru, Kali-Bari Temple, Nag Temple and Sri Sat Narayan Temple.

Tourist Places in Shimla

Tourist places in Shimla include places like Kali Bari, Rashtrapati Nivas at Summer Hills, Mashobra, Annadale, Glen, Chandwick Water Falls, Temple of Tara Devi, Wild flower Hall and Chail. The tourist places of Shimla are popular not only for the scenic beauty that surrounds its areas but also for the historical traditions that defines the role of the hill station during the British rule in India.

Tourist places in Shimla include some prominent places like the Kali Bari which is located near the Mall road that gives the name of the city. The hill station is known as Shimla after the mother deity of Shyamala - an incarnation of Goddess Kali. The temple was created in 1845under the British rule for the devotees who settled in Shimla during the movement of the capital to its summer capital. Along with the Kali Bari temple the Hanuman temple on Jakhoo hills is equally revered shrine of Shimla that attracts a large number of tourists. Though located at some distance from Shimla proper it can be easily commuted from Shimla Township through buses rickshaws. Among other prominent places in Shimla is the Rashtrapati Nivas situated at the top of summer hill. Once built as the Viceroy`s palace this massive structure amidst the shady walks of pine and deodars has now been converted into Indian Institute of advanced Study which also provides accommodation for the research scholars.

Besides this tourist places in Shimla include some places are which are prominent for the scenic beauty that surround the areas. These places are mainly connected with the Scandal point and mall road which is located at the centre of Shimla Township. Among them Mashobra is one of the popular places which is about 9 kms from the Scandal Point. This place is popular for the excellent picnic spots which are connected with number of bus routes that connect the area with Scandal point in Shimla. Annadale is another popular picnic spots of Shimla which is located some 4 kms from Scandal point. This spot is mainly known for the scenic beauty as the area is located at the bank of the stream that flows through the dense forests of Shimla ravines which makes it uncomparable with any other tourist sights of India. Along with Annadale, Glen is another popular tourist spots of Shimla which is located at a height of 1830 metres. This is mainly attractive due to the the ice cold stream that flows through the dense forests that surround Glen. It is one of the most attractive evergreen ravines of Shimla with some attractive slopes located at the centre of Shimla Township.

Tourist places in Shimla further include the most attractive Chandwick Water falls which flows through the slopes of the ravines of Himachal Pradesh. The tourist places in Shimla also include the most attractive Prospect Hills. It is one of the most popular picnic spots in Shimla which is located at a distance of 5 kms in the west of Shimla Town. With a pleasant 15 minutes climb it is one of the celebrated sights in Shimla. Along with this Shimla is surrounded with some ancient temples like the Temple of Sankat Mochan which is located at the highway of Shimla - Chandigarh. Another popular temple is the temple of Tara Devi which is located at a distance of 9.5 kms from Scandal point in Shimla town. These are some if the most revered places of Shimla which are at the same time the most popular tourist sights of Shimla. Wild flower Hall which are located at some distance from Shimla is another popular sight of Shimla. It is situated at a distance of 12 kms from Shimla. With these Shimla also includes Chail which is world`s highest Cricket ground located 64 kms from Shimla.

Mall Road

Mall Road is one of most crowded roads of Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. Mall Road was constructed during British colonial rule and is located below the ridge. Located at the centre of Shimla, it includes a number of popular shops, showrooms, departmental stores, restaurants and cafe shops. Mall Road also includes all the important offices of Shimla like the offices of municipal corporation, fire services and police headquarters.

Mall road does not allow movement of vehicles except the emergency vehicles. This provides an opportunity to enjoy an excellent walk throughout the Mall Road. Besides this, the Himachal Pradesh Emporium is also located at Mall road that offers handicraft products of Himachal Pradesh. The road is full of shops that sell woolen products, branded cloths, pottery items and jewellery.

Main Attractions of Mall Road
Mall Road connects a number of tourist spots in Shimla and those are:

Scandal Point: Scandal point is the place where Mall Road joins with the ridge road on the west side. The area is called scandal point after the rumour of supposed elopement of a British lady with Maharaja of Patiala during the British Raj. Presently the area is marked by the statue of Lala Lajpat Rai, Indian freedom fighter. Though it has nothing to do with the rumour yet it decorates the Mall road and scandal point that attracts the visitors.

Gaity Theatre: Among other attractions, Gaity Theatre is also located in Mall Road. This was inaugurated on 30th May 1887 which was the biggest place of attraction for the people of Shimla. The Theatre invited a number of popular film personalities who performed on this stage. Today the place is known as the Social Club of Shimla. It is often used for conducting art competitions by various schools in Shimla. Recently it has been renovated by the state government which is maintained in the original structure to preserve the heritage of the building.

Kali Bari Temple: Kali Bari Temple, dedicated to Maa Kali, is also located at Mall road which was built in 1845. The Kali Bari Temple has been the next popular tourist sight of Shimla which attracts a large number of tourists. A wooden image of Goddess Kali is worshipped in this temple.

Town Hall: Town Hall of Shimla is another major attraction of Mall road. Town Hall which comprises the office of Municipal Corporation is one of the heritage buildings of Shimla that reflects the pre-independence British architecture in Shimla. This building has also been renovated and preserved in its original form.

Thus, Mall Road, being the most popular hub, is the prime road of Shimla which connects every corner of the hill station. With a number of heritage buildings it attracts maximum number of tourists.

Christ Church

Christ Church situated on the Ridge, the second oldest church in Northern India. It has a very majestic appearance and inside there are stained glass windows which represent faith, hope, charity, fortitude, patience and humility. Christ Church is a place all visitors should spend some time in.

Jakhu Hill

Jakhu Hill is the highest peak situated at a distance of 2 km from Shimla, at a height of 8000 ft. It offers a beautiful view of the town and of the snow-covered Himalayas. At the top of the Hill, there is an old temple of Hanuman, which is also the home of countless playful monkeys waiting to be fed by all visitors.

Shimla State Museum

The Museum, which was opened in 1974, has tried to project hill-out and the cultural wealth of the state. There is a collection of miniature Pahari paintings, sculptures, bronzes wood-carvings and also costumes, textiles and jewellery of the region.

Indian Institute of Advanced Studies

This institute is housed in the Viceregal Lodge, which was built in 1884-88 during the British times. It has spacious gardens and is ringed by beautiful pine trees. All is calm and serene just the right atmosphere for a student of literature or politics.

Summer Hill

Situated at a distance of 5 kms. From the Ridge is the lovely township of Summer Hill at a height of 6,500 ft. on the Shimla-Kalka railway line. Mahatma Gandhi lived in these quiet surroundings during his visits to Shimla. Himachal Pradesh University is situated here.

Annandale

Developed as the playground of Shimla, Annandale is 2-4 kms. It is a favourite spot for cricket, picnics and the princely game of polo.

Sankat Mochan

A popular Hanuman temple is located here. An excellent view of Shimla can get from the temple. It can be reached by car or on foot.

Mashobra

13 kms. away from Shimla, Mashobra has several excellent picnic spots. Mashobra is the site of the annual Sipi fair in June. The nearest rest house is at Craignano which is 3 kms. from Mashobra, and is a beautiful holiday resort.

Kufri

Kufri is the winter sports capital of Shimla which is at a 16 kms distance from Shimla at a height of 8,600 ft. During winter, visitors have the facility for skiing. The skiing season is at its best during January and February. Equipment for skiing is available from HPTDC winter sports club at Kufri. Apart from skiing, Kufri is a lovely picnic spot with a beautiful view of the hills around and the snowy peaks. There is also a zoo that delights children.

Naldehra

It`s located at a distance of 22 kms. From Shimla which is surrounded by beautiful deodar trees. Naldehra has a well kept nine-hole golf-course. It is a lovely, popular picnic spot. The annual Sipi fair in June is held in Naldehra.

Shimla Airport

Shimla Airport is an airport located in Jabarhatti, 22 kms from Shimla in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The airport was constructed by cutting down a mountain top and leveling the area to form the single runway. The runway of this airport is of 1230 m which can handle average airlines to land on this airport. The aerodrome of Shimla airport can store 2 medium size aircrafts at a time. Initially, flights by private jets were allowed on this airport but now a direct flight to Delhi runs from here. This airport is also used for the purpose of Pilot training by various government institutes to train budding pilots.

Shimla Airport is a public airport which comes under the authority of AAI. Airport authority of India made this airport to make it easy to reach Shimla as this city is the abode of many farm houses of various important people of India.

Shimla Airport Terminal
Shimla Airport has only one terminal which runs small planes and one major airline. The small terminal can handle 50 persons for arriving flights, but only 40 for departing flights. Flights by Kingfisher Airlines are available from Shimla to Delhi which runs on specific timings. Kingfisher Airlines, operating the sole daily flight from Delhi, could not carry more than 28 passengers on its return journey because of load restrictions imposed on the aircraft due to Shimla"s high altitude. It ceased operations to Shimla in September 2012. Also private jets of VIP"s also land on this airport.

Facilities at Shimla Airport
Baggage trolleys and escorts are available on Shimla airport under the baggage services which are provided by the airport. There are various shops in and out of the premises from where one can buy souvenirs or other necessary material. Shopping complex is available on Shimla airport which also contains some eateries which serves fresh food to the visitors.

Connectivity from Shimla Airport
Jabarhatti bus stand is a nearest stand which is located 17.2 km from Shimla Airport. One can easily get taxis from airport premises to reach this bus stand. Jatogh railway station is the nearest railhead which is located at a distance of 13.4 km from Shimla airport.