Before India gained independence, Shimla was the main base of the British. It was they who gave it the name of the "summer capital" of India. Although the British came to Śimli in 1819 r., the first buildings were built here only two years later.
Increasing heat, most felt in the plains, led to this, that women first, and soon the men followed, they sought refuge in the cool places of Śimli, high in the mountains. The stories about the turbulent social life that took place here have already become legendary. Numerous balls, parties and parades provided many topics for gossip. Women, deprived of the companionship of their husbands, they spent their time plotting and romancing.
Śimla lies on top of a cone-shaped mountain of high 2130 m. Main Street, across the city, is Mail. On the orders of the British, until the outbreak of World War I, this road was closed not only to car traffic, but also for the Indian population. Currently, the city's social life is focused here. Buildings rise along the street, resembling British tenement houses, with strange-sounding English names. The visible remnants of the reign of the English include, among others. the church of Jesus (Christ Church) With 1857 r., Gorton Castle (Gorton Castle), and derived from 1888 r. former viceroy's residence (Viceregal Lodge, currently Rasztrapati Niwas) na Observatory Hill. The fashion for the use of English nomenclature has survived in Simla to this day, as evidenced by even the fact, that Ladjpat Raj Chauk is commonly called 'Kipling's Scandal Corner'.
After India gained independence, Shimla, until the rise of Candigarhu, served as the capital of Punjab. After the Punjab was split into two separate states, the city was proclaimed the capital of Himacal Pradesh.
Orientation and information
Main Street, Mail Road, leads along the mountain top sloping towards the west. From here there are beautiful views of the valleys and mountain ranges. Numerous tourist office service (78-311) is not, Unfortunately, best informed. Reputable restaurants and shops are located on either side of Mail.
Fairs are organized on the streets leading down the southern slope (Upper, Middle, Lower). Streets in Śimla are narrow, and some walkways resemble verandas. The main bus station is in the middle of the south slope, the most crowded. In winter, it is much warmer here than on the northern edge of the city.
Most buses stop as soon as you enter the city, at the Tourist Reception Center. Do not pay attention to pushy porters, stubbornly persuasive, that you have to get off at this point. Against this, what they say, you can stay on the bus with confidence, which after a few minutes of driving will stop at the main station in the center of Śimla.
The currency exchange is done by a few points at Mail Road, including UCO, Punjab National Bank i ANZ Grindlays. Old maps and books are available for purchase at the Maria Brothers Store. Tourists wishing to use a fax should go to the telegraph office located in the center, next to the main post office (GPO; fax 20-4026; act. whole day).
Rashtrapati Niwas
At distance 1 km west of the center of Śimla is the Observatory Hill. It is here that Rashtrapati Niwas is situated, former residence of the British viceroy. Many decisions that were decisive for India's fate were made in this historic building. Huge, the fortress-like structure consists of six floors. The reception and dining rooms are located on the ground floor. In the palace, surrounded by a beautiful garden, the Institute of Advanced Studies is now headquartered (Institute of Higher Studies; act. codz., 10.00-16.30; admission: 3 INR).
Himacal Pradesh Museum
After an hour of walking from the church on Mail Road, we will reach a small museum (act. codz. with ex. pn., 10.00-17.00) presenting a modest collection of stone sculptures from different parts of the state. You can also see miniature paintings of Indian artists from the Kangaroo school.
Sakhu Temple
Temple, erected in honor of Hanuman, the commanders of the monkey warriors, is situated at a height 2455 m, near the highest peak of the Śimli range. The walk from Mail takes approx 45 minutes. After reaching the place, we will see a wonderful panorama of snowy mountains. As expected, there are many monkeys in the area around the temple.
Walks
In addition to the promenade along the Mail Road and the road leading to the Jakhu Temple, hiking enthusiasts can choose from many picturesque walks. The extensive road network of roads greatly facilitates access to the most interesting facilities in the area.
Summer Hill (1983 m) – at distance 5 km from the center, next to the railway line from Śimla to Kalki. Shady walking routes.
Chadwick Falls (Chadwick Falls; 1586 m) – the waterfalls are tall 67 m. Best to come here in monsoon season, that is in the period from July to October. The waterfalls are just a 7 km from Śimli, the road goes through Summer Hill.
Prospect Hill (2145 m) – 5 km west of Śimli, 15 minutes from Boileauganj. The hill is a popular picnic spot; the temple of the goddess Kamna stands nearby.
Sankat Mighty (1875 m) – the biggest attraction is the Hanuman temple and the beautiful panorama of Śimli. You can get here both on foot, and by car (7 km from Śimli).
Temple of the goddess Tara (1852 m) – it was built on a hill; lies in the distance 7 km from Śimli (access by car or train). Accommodation is offered by PWD Rest House (n3675).
Wildflower Hall (2593 m) – 13 km behind Śimla, on the road to Kufri. Former seat of the chief Indian commander, Lord Kitchener. The building, surrounded by pine trees, was destroyed in a fire in 1994 r. Currently, after the renovation, it houses a luxury hotel; from the windows you can see Śimla and the Pir Panjal and Badrinath ranges. For 975 INR can book accommodation at Wildflower Hall Cottages, part of the hotel, which was not damaged by a fire.
Suitcases (2501 m) – Due to the scant snowfall in recent years, the Himachal Tourism authorities intend to close the ski resort here for a while. Given the fact, that the prices here were twice as high as in the further Narkand, this idea should not be a cause for despair. Still though, in good weather, you can indulge in white madness here.
masobra (2149 m) – 14 km behind Simla. An ideal place for a picnic and walks in the forest. Access by car.