A truly intrepid climber could turn approaching the summit into a multi-thousand meter bushwack through dense pine forests that are predominant on the usually fairly gentle hill sides. To the north and to the east, the white capped mountains of the Himalaya are visible, even on an overcast day. The nearby highest peaks (both within Himachal Pradesh) are Deo Tibba (6001m — approximately 120km north near Chatru) and Kinnaur Kailash (6050m — approximately 100km east near Karcham). The Nandi Devi region is to the southeast, approximately 250km. Numerous small hill stations clutter the sides of the mountain ridges in this region, with the largest being Shimla, 71km to the southwest. Please note: Many internet based resources report the spelling of this peak’s name as “Hattu Peak”, and report elevations anywhere from 3300m to 3650m. I have used “Hatu Peak” and 3400m as this is the information provided by the Himachal Pradesk Tourist bureau about the peak.

How to Reach Hatu Peak

Once you have achieved the promised land of Narkanda, the route to the top is very straight forward. The class 0 route involves asking any nearby taxi operator for “Hatu Peak”. Autos can get to within about a 15 minute walk from the summit point, and costs roundtrip will run 300-500 rupees. The class 1 alternative route (highly recommended) involves walking from Narkanda town center to the top of the peak. To do this, head out of town on highway 22 (also called the “Indian-Tibetan Highway”). This is the only “highway” that runs through town, connecting Shimla in the southwest to Rampur in the northeast, so it easy to find. About 1 kilometer outside of town, a small diversion leads dramatically off to the right and visibly up a ridge. There is a small foodstand at this intersection, and a sign marked all in Hindi (giving you no clue to what is beyond) marks the road. The back of the sign says “Thanks for your visit”. This is the 6km road to Hatu Peak. For the first 4 kilometers, the road is paved and easy to follow. For those needing inspiration, the number of meters travelled in the current kilometer are marked in chalk on the pavement in 10 meter increments. The road markers show distance remaining (in the direction of travel). There aren’t any turn-offs from the road, so just stay on the road. There are a lot of foot paths which lead off the road. These are generally trails used for cows that are grazing the mountain sides, and do not lead to the peak. The road goes south along a ridge, and then traverses east across a shoulder, and then south again to the peak proper. At approximately the halfway point, a small mud/dirt house is passed on the ascenders left. Be wary in this region as the house has one very aggressive dog. Remember to be the alpha male if the dog is encountered to avoid class 5 dogbite. For those worrying that a paved road hike is pretty tame, the last two kilometers of the road provide respite as they are not paved, and in several places are barely a road — although locals do manage to drive all manner of stuff up the road anyway. Of course, once the paved road ends, the steepest part of the climb also begins! At just past two kilometers remaining, the dirt road continues straight down through a large gate marked all in Hindi, and turns to the ascenders left and continues climbing. You want the turn and continued ascent. The descending straight trail leads to the Hattu Peak temple. After another kilometer, a large tent will appear on ascenders right on top of a plateau. This is the requisite false summit, but a chance to buy such modern western conveniences as Pepsi and home cooked India food for the brave at heart. Contiue onward and the true summit region is reached shortly. There are numerous candidates for the true highest point. The one that looked highest on the way up (to the ascenders left, the southernmost area) actually is quite low but has high trees. This was not the highest point. Turning right leads to a summit sign and a parking area. From the parking area, you can ascend easily to a cairn, which I guess is the HPTC (Himchal Pradesk Tourist Commission) high point. However, looking directly to the south, past a large summit building, there is an obvious higher point, also marked by a cairn. This appears to be the true high point for the ridgeline (and thus the true Hatu Peak).

Getting to Narkanda

The small hill station of Narkanda (at 2708m) is the start for the journey to the top of Hatu Peak. As in most of India, the first challenge (and perhaps the most tricky) is getting to the place where you can start walking. Narkanda is a stop on the regular bus service from Shimla to Rampur. The bus ride will cost 38 rupees and take about 2.5 hours. Alternatively, private car hire is available and will cost approximately 900 rupees for a slightly shorter trip and the flexibility of using your own time table. However, this still leaves the obstacle of reaching Shimla.

Shimla by Air

Shimla has a small airstrip located on a nearby hill top (in Jubbarhatti, about 23km south of town). This airstrip is too small to support jets, so the only service available is from Jagson Airlines which offers single flight service into Shimla from Delhi on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. There is no air service by other regional airlines at this time. The next nearest airport is Chandigarh (with daily service by Jet Airways and Indian Airlines from Delhi). Chandigarh is about 4 hours by taxi from Shimla.

Shimla by Train

A narrow guage “toy” train service runs from Kalka to Shimla. This service takes about 4 hours to wind up the ridges to the hill station, and has a plethora of fantastic scenery along the way. The train service will cost anywhere from 19 rupees to 280 rupees, depending on the train and class of service used. It appears to me that none of the trains on this line are air conditioned, but the speed of the train and the relatively cool air of the mountain ridges (compared to the sweltering heat of the Delhi plain), make the ride fairly comfortable. Kalka is connected to the rest of India by the standard wide guage train service. Train schedules and availability may be found from the painfully slow Indian Railways online site. Generally, foreign travellers must make train reservations in person at a train station to receive the “foreign tourist” spots; however, I’ve heard rumors of people successfully using the normal quotas and booking online.

Shimla by Bus

There are numerous bus services to Shimla from Delhi, Manali, and Chandigarh on a daily basis. Due to the speed (slow), and comfort (not much) of domestic bus service in India, I recommend air and train, and don’t have any information to add to this section. If you have reached Shimla by bus and have information to share, please let me know. Src: summitpost.org

This is one of the beautiful places which attract tourists from all over. This former hill kingdom is in the hills east of Shimal, near the valley of the Pabbar River, 444 km north east of Delhi. This is one for lovers of reclusive and exclusive natural retreats, connoisseurs of the eccentric a declectic with a yen for the good life. Headquarters of an erstwhile princely state, Jubbal’s newest claim to fame is its superbly refurbished palaceturned heritage property.

You almost expect to walk in and find a sleeping beauty, but it is snow white’s bane that is the fruit of this valley of temples. When your palate wants refreshing after the local dainties, walk into the region’s renowned orchards for a bite of the local crop non pareil apples.

You will be torn between the orchards on the slopes and the river nearby. If you are not that keen on nature, you could sample the thousand year old temples of Durga and Siva. Also consider the challenge of driving almost 22 km in the hills before setting out on shank’s pony to a mountain lake or tribal villages not linked by road.

A 3 half hours drive out of Shimla brings you to this fairy tale palace. Perched in a little hollow amid the hills, Jubbal Palace looks gingerbread enough to eat. Himachali Gothick, Architecture buffs can debate it through, but you won’t care once firmly ensconced in its art deco interiors.

Hatkeshwari Temple and Shiva Temple

The Hatkeshwari Temple is not one of those five-by-five bathroom-titled rooms that are passed off as “ancient” temples in tourist brochures. Locals believe the Pandavas first built this temple during their exile. However, experts date it to between 800 and 1000 AD. It was originally built in the Shikhara Style, but was later restyled by a ruler of the erstwhile Jubbal princely state in the late-19th century. It now looks like a two-story pagoda in slate and deodar wood. However, the sanctum sanctorum and the idol remain unchanged.

The Shiva Temple, though built a little later, actually looks older because of its stonewalls and the idols carved on them. Here, the restyling was limited to the roof andthe temple remains a squat, single story structure. Check out the five deols, or devalayas – small stone temples — to its left. They represent the shikhara style and remain unchanged. Hatkoti is a very small village and its inhabitants begin and end their day at these temples. VIPs and devotees from other parts of the state pass through from time to time. but crowds are practically unknown. Try not to miss the evening aarti. It is a very soothing experience, sans loudspeakers and bhajans that are parodies of Bollywood numbers.

Famous Palace Around Jubbal

Khara Pathar 9 km

Just before Hatkoti, Khara Pathar towers at 8,770ft. Apart from the apple orchards, deodars and pines crowd its slopes. A 7 km jeep track from here leads up to the Giri Ganga Temple, near the source of the Giri.

Rohru 31 km

Rohru is Shimla district’s apple hub and the hills surrounding this town and Hatkoti are covered with orchards. Though the best time to see ripe fruit is in April, a breathtaking sight of pale white blooms. Just be careful not to trespass.

A modest town 31 km beyond Jubbal, this is a major centre for the apple trade and has the only running HPTDC hotel in this belt. Rohru also has a temple dedicated to Shikhru Devta, a local deity.

Kotkhai 33 km

At a height of 5,774 ft, this is the point of entry to the apple country stretching past Rohru. But the major attraction in Kotkhai is its beautiful palace with exquisite, heavily cared wooden pillars.

Chirgaon 40 km

The motorable road ends here. Two small streams, Andhra and Gumma, join the Pabbar River. Adventure seekers can take off from here on a long trek to Dodra Kwar, the remotest village across the 13,845 ft Chansal Pass, which remains open from May to October. Chirgaon also boasts a trout hatchery.

Getting There

Road Ways: The only way to reach Jubbal from Shimla 97 km is by road NH22 via Kufri and Theog, then SH10 to Chhaila, 13km away, then on to Kothai, another 19km away, then Khara Pathar 24 km away an dthen another 9 km to Jubbal. The drive from Delhi takes 11 hours.

Nearest Railway Station: Kalka 191 km/ 6 hours. Taxi to Jubbal Costs Rs 2,000.

Where to Stay and Eat

The Jubbal Palace (Telephone: 01781-252001-02. Tariff Rs 4,500)

No visit to the state capital Shimla is complete without visiting Jakhu Hill. This hill looms over Shimla town and is the geographical nucleus. This temple is dedicated to the monkey God Hanuman. Dedicated to the monkey god, Hanuman, Jakhu Temple is east of the town centre near the highest point of the Shimla ridge at 2455 m. A steep 45 minute walk from Scandal Point, it offers fine views over the surrounding valleys out to the snow-capped peaks, and over Shimla itself. Jakhu is also a beautiful spot to see the morning sun rise and sun set. Appropriately, there are many monkeys around the temple. Its a steep 45 minute walk from Scandal Point.

The Jakhu Temple in Shimla is situated on the top of Jakhu Hill, at an altitude of 2.5 kms. The temple in Shimla is dedicated to lord Hanuman, and is said to be existing from the times of Ramayana and is said to be formed when lord Hanuman visited Jakhu hill. As per legends, Hanuman visited this place during the famous Rama – Ravana fight. Lakshman, the younger brother of Rama, was critically injured during the fight and the only medicinal herb which could have saved his life was available in the Himalayan range. Hanuman came to Himalayas, but got confused, so as to which was the particular herb. Out of desperation, he dug out the whole mountain, which contained the herbs and flew to Lanka, where injured Lakshman and his doctor were waiting for him. On his way back, Hanuman rested on the Jakhu hills, and the top of the mountain got flat by his and mountain’s weight. The temple of Jakhu has since been highly revered by the locals. The shrine of the temple is the foot prints of Hanuman.

In most of the Hanuman temples in India, one can come across numerous monkeys and Jakhu is no exception. There are hundreds of monkeys in and around the temple. Though mostly very peaceful, they can attack a person, if provocated. Pilgrims offer them eatables, which they readily accept.

The Jakhu Temple in Shimla is situated at an altitude of 2455 Mts. The temple is dedicated to lord Hanuman, the monkey god in Indian mythology. Hanuman was the most faithful aide of lord Rama (India’s most revered mythological hero). The temple of Hanuman is in the thick forests of Jakhu hills, and is on top the Jakhu Hill. Jakhu is derived from Hindi word Yakhsa. Yakshas are the mythological character in Hindu mythology, who are a link between human and gods. The original dates of temple is not known, but it is believed to be existing from the times of Ramayana, a pre historic event as per ancient Hindu texts. The Jakhu hill is the highest peak around Shimla, and is famous for its trekking options. The Jakhu hill offers excellent views of sunrise, sunset, mountains and town. The hill is full of narrow paths and roads which are an enjoyable walks.

According to Hindu mythology, Lord Hanuman relaxed on this very spot when he was transporting ‘Sanjeevani’ the medicinal herb from the Himalayas to Lord Lakshman. The herb saved Lord Lakshman’s life. The place was named after the learned sage Yaaku-who meditated here. There are many monkeys around Jakhu Temple, but they do not attack visitors. Some pilgrims to Jakhu Temple offer the monkeys edible eatables, which they accept with alacrity. The approach to the temple is through a dense forest of deodars. Jakhu Temple is easily accessible from Shimla city. The temple is a 45 minute walk from Shimla Ridge. You can also take a pony to visit Jakhu Temple. Jakhu Temple offers a superb vantage point for witnessing the ethereal Himalayan skyline during sunrise or sunset. Jakhu Temple is situated at a height of around 2 Km from the base of Jakhu hill. To reach the temple, a trek of 2 kms, through dense pine forests is required. The trek is very tiring. One can also hire ponies from the base of hills, to take a to and fro ride to temple. Walking sticks are also available at the shops on the base of Jakhu hill.

Jhakhu Temple

TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS

What gives Narkanda its awe-inspiring view of the snowy peaks is the fact that it is located on the ridge ofthe last watershed before the Himalayan range. Below Narkanda, to the north is the Sutlej Valley and beyond it is the snowy massif. The ridge on which Narkanda stands is the watershed between the Sutlej on the north and the Giri river. The sleepy town of Narkanda sits astride the watershed between the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal.

The best season to go to these mountains is autumn. The setting sun offers a spectacular sight with red, crimson and orange lines on the clouds and the snow. A better view is obtained from the nearby Hattu peak, which is nearly 2,000 feet higher than Narkanda, and just over an hour’s trekking distance from it.

The area around Narkanda is also the orchard region of Himachal, where cherry, apple etc are grown. One can see empty and packed crates of these fruits on the roadside, at various points on the way.

Narkanda is also an upcoming hot spot for adventure sports like skiing.

Around Narkanda

Thanedar & Kotagarh:

The pretty orchard country of Thanedar and Kotgarh- beautiful in spring- are not far away from Narkanda. Khadrala and Baghi with their dense forests and Kumarsain with an interesting wooden palace are also within easy reach of Narkanda.

Kotkhai, Hatkoti, Rohru And Jubbal:

Hatkoti in the picturesque valley of the river pabbar, about 104-km from Shimla, is noted for its historic temple dedicated to Goddess Durga. Enroute to Hatkoti is the village of Kotkhai, splendidly located among apple orchards- a village with fine traditional architecture. Jubbal, once the capital of a princely state with its impressive palace is also on the way.

Hatkoti in the picturesque valley of the river pabbar, about 104-km from Shimla, is noted for its historic temple dedicated to Goddess Durga. Enroute to Hatkoti is the village of Kotkhai, splendidly located among apple orchards- a village with fine traditional architecture. Jubbal, once the capital of a princely state with its impressive palace is also on the way.

Rampur:

Rampur was once the capital of the princely state of bushair and a major centre on the old trade route into tibet. The annual Lavi fair, held in the second week of November, is still an important event for the inhabitants of the region. They gahter to buy, sell and barter their produce- homespun blankets, shawls, wool and dry fruits- and to celebrate the event with music and dance. Rampur, on the banks of the Sutlej river is on the N.H. 22 – the old Hindustan- Tibet road that goes from Shimla into Kinnaur. The scenic village of Sarahan with its fascinating Bhimkali temple is on this road beyond Rampur. (140-km).

Adventure Sports in Narkanda

Narkanda is basically a transit point between Shimla and Rampur, the place is famous for hiking and skiing. The only peak available for skiing is Hattu Peak, which is 6-kms away from Narkanda. There are good opportunities for cross-country skiing around Narkanda, if one has required equipment and experience.

HOW TO REACH

The fact that Narkanda is on the National Highway connecting Shimla to Kinnaur (the old Hindustan-Tibet road to Shipki La) means that there is never a shortage of buses connecting one with Shimla. Shimla is at a distance of around 60 km and it takes only two hours to drive down to Narkanda from there.

WHERE TO STAY

Accommodation options in Narkanda are rather limited. The Himachal Tourism Corporation hotel, a bit away from the settlement, and the P.W.D. Rest House located just below a pine forest on a mountain slope offer luxury and the warmth of Himachali hospitality.

Have an enjoyable honeymoon in Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh. Enjoy walking along the Mall and exploring the quiet roads around Shimla. See the views of the mountains from the famous viewpoints and look at the colonial buildings built by the British in Shimla, who made this lovely town their summer capital. Shimla is equally beautiful in summer and winter. In summer, honeymooners can enjoy the pleasant weather and green hills. In winter the snow covered slopes and pine and fir trees make a beautiful sight. Simla is an evergreen honeymoon destination. Many of the best hotels in Shimla offer honeymoon packages, to make your honeymoon in Shimla, truly special.

Shimla is today one of the most sought after honeymoon destinations in India.The splendid views of the snow-clad ranges of the Himalayas, fine walks through oak and flowering rhododendron, enchanting resorts within easy reach, golf at Naldehra and skiing at Kufri and Narkanda make Shimla the preferred choice of romantic couples the world over.

Getting in Shimla

How to Reach Shimla:

By Air: Archana Airways and Jagson Airlines operate a shuttle service between Delhi to Kullu (via) Shimla. Jagson flies to Chandigarh, Kangra and Kullu. The airport is at Jubbarhati, 23 km from Shimla.

By Rail: The train from Kalka to Shimla covers 60 miles in 6 hours in curves and gradients and five miles of this journey are entirely underground as the train passes through 107 tunnels. You can still travel through this immensely popular route to Shimla from Kalka. The narrow gauge line to Kalka is connected to Delhi, Kolkata and Amritsar by broad gauge.

By Road: Shimla is well connected by road to most towns within the state and to all major towns in Punjab and Haryana. It is linked by bus and coach to Delhi (370Km) and Chandigarh (117Km). HRTC (Himachal Road Transport Corporation) has coaches to all the major towns in the area besides Chandigarh and Delhi. There are good roads from Delhi, Chandigarh and Mandi to Shimla. You can board the Private and State Corporation buses to reach here or alternatively you can also hire taxis.

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. Covering the 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.

Place of interest in and around Shimla

Jakhoo Hill- 2 kms, Glen- 4 kms, Summer Hill- 5 kms, Chadwick Falls- 7 kms, Zoo- 4 kms, Navbahar- 4 kms, Sanket Mochen- 5 kms, Tara Devi Temple- 8 kms, Institute of Advance Studies- 4 kms, Aviary at Old Raj Bhavan- 1 km, Tibetan Monastery- 8 kms, Dhengu Mata Temple- 5 kms.

Sports in Shimla

Golfing : Nine hole Golf Course at Naldhera, 23 km from Shimla.
Fishing : Trout fishing is available at Rohru 110 km from Shimla and at Seema 1 km from Rohru. Mahaseer fishing is available at Tattapani 43 km from Shimla.
Skiing: The skiing season generally commences in the first fortnight of January and continues till Mid-March depending upon snow conditions

Trekking : The Shimla-Kinnaur region offers some exciting trekking opportunities viz.
a) Shimla to Kulu via Jaloni Pass (66 kms).
b) Shimla to Kulu via Bashleo Pass (56 kms).
c) Sarahen to Sangla (106 kms

Climatye of Shimla

Extremely cold winters, with temperatures ranging between – 4°C and 18°C. Summer temperatures can rise upto 30°C.

When to go to Shimla : When the summer heat sweeps across the plains, Shimla provides a much-welcomed break. Go anytime between April and October.

STD Code of Shimla : 0177

From religion to trade, from seasons to sports – and month by month – here is a joyous celebrations of life. Shimla is a tourist palace of india. So the festivals of Shimla are also popular in India. Shimla is a hill station so the festivals are also different from other palace. Festivals of Shimla are divide in two part – summer festivals and winter festivals . Fair of Shimla are also very popular in all India. Fairs and Festivals in shimla and Himachal Pradesh: Pathar-Ka-Khel, Halog, Winter Sports Festival, Sipi Fair, Bharara Fair, Lavi Fair, Summer Festival, Mahasu Jattar, Rohru Fair.

Some Festivals in Shimla

Summer Festival

It is held every year in the month of May at Shimla. It is variety cultural function with performance of local folks, cultural program by school children and daily performance by some famous personality. It is held on the famous ridge ground.

Bharara Fair

This fair is held in village Bharara near Kumharsain and people of all castes and creed participate. The fair is held on the 1st of Jaistha(May), It is being celebrated from ancient times. Devta Koteshwar is brought in the fair and goats are sacrificed in its honour as a mark of respect. The fair is cultural and recreational and ‘Natti’ dances are performed. People also enjoy ‘Hindola’ ride.

Bhoj Fair

This fair is held in village Guman in Rohru tehsil in the month of November. for three days in honour of Devta Bansor, Parshu Ram and Kilbaru. Devta Bansor is the presiding deity.Beside paying homage to the deities ‘Natti’ dances are performed by the people. The fair attracts a huge crowd.

Sipi Fair

This fair is held every year in Sihpur below Mashobra on the 1st of Jaistha(may) in honour of Sip Devta. It is very old fair and the Rana of Koti used to be the chief visitor. Thousands of people of the surrounding areas participate in the fair. A goat is slaughtered in honour of the deity. Archery game is played besides several cultural programmes, variety shows, ‘Karyala’, Performance of the jugglers, magicians and acrobats provide additional entertainment to the spectators.

All this will be covered by a tour to Shimla undertaken by India Travel attaction as the most primary HillStation in India.Another chief attractions in Shimla is Kufri, which is located at a height of 2501 meters and is fabled for its grassy meadows and skeeable slopes. Himachal Pradesh Tourism completes the heady concoction with its Café Lalit at Kufri, adding up to the stately charm of this Hill Station in India. We arranges the tours to Shimla, a premier Hill Station in India throughout the year but for the slouchy rainy season it is a worth following proposition. Shimla being a gem of Hill Station in India with its old world British charm adding up to its completeness, attracts a thick throng of tourists via tours to Shimla.

Important attraction in Shimla

The Ridge

This large open space in the heart of town presents excellent views of the mountain ranges. Shimla’s landmarks – the neo-Gothic structure of Christ Chursh and the neo-Tudor library building are here.

Lakkar Bazaar

Popular for its wood crafts and souvenirs, this is just off the Ridge.

Jakhu Hanuman Temple

No visit to the state capital Shimla is complete without visiting Jakhu Hill. This hill looms over Shimla town and is the geographical nucleus. the Hanuman temple at the top of Jakhu hill is the highest point in town. The steep climb is rewarding for the fine views it offers over the surrounding valleys, out to the snow capped peaks and over Shimla it self.

The temple is only 2 km from the Ridge but it could be an hour walk for a person not used to mountain climbing. the temple is one of the most favoured spots for tourists apart from pilgrims. There are many monkeys around the temple, but surprisingly they don’t attack people. Pilgrims offer them eatables which they readily accept. The approach to the temple is through a dense forest of deodars, though many find the climb tiresome. Ponies are available for a to and fro ride to the temple.

St. Micheal’s Cathedral

This dressed – stone church with fine stained glass has a cruciform design. It is located just off the Mall, below the District Courts.

The Glen

At 1830 m, this is a thickly wooded ravine through which a stream flows. It is a popular picnic spot.

Annandale

Surrounded by a thick deodar forest this large glade has an ancient temple on an edge.

Bhargaon (4 km)

Approached either past the cemetery below St. Edward’s School, or through Tutikandi, this village ha splendid examples of traditional Himachal architecture.

Prospect Hill and Kamna Devi (6 km)

At 2125 and crowned by a temple dedicated to Kamna Devi, the Hill offers spectacular views of the area.

Sankat Mochan (7 km)

This is a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman.

Chadwick Falls (8 km.)

At 1586 m, these rain-fed falls are approached through Summerhill.

May it be buying knick knacks or souvenirs for your near and dear ones at home or perchance buying handicrafts products that reflects the culture and aura of the place that your visiting, all calls for a hard bargain. If you are visiting Shimla, you will be spoilt for choice of what to buy and what to discard. Shopping in Shimla is a traveler’s delight.

Stroll along leisurely in the The Mall road where a row of shops tempts you to splurge money without any rhyme or reason. Reminiscent of the Colonial past of India, the Mall road in Shimla is a study in varied rooflines, colonial buildings with French windows, meandering roads, clock tower, assorted columns.

All these factors culminates to give Mall road a considerable character of its own somewhat in the same vein as that of Colaba in Mumbai or New market in Kolkata.

If you are Shopping in Shimla, be sure to visit The Cottage industries Emporium. It has a variety of hand woven carpets, shawls, blankets in traditional weaves, as well as other items like handmade paper and exquisitely carved wooden table. These portray the art of the Himachal artisans at their best. The scene in these woven carpets and shawls are typical of the place, some bordered with intricate design and others depicting Himachali life and mountains. Also try out the Himachali hat which comes in vivid colors and designs.

Lakkar Bazaar is another place where you should visit while shopping in Shimla. This is a treasure trove for those wanting to drool at antiques and wooden works from this region. The wooden artifacts made of softwood, which is available only in the mountains calls for supreme artwork and miniature portraits. Though the prices may seem high, some good bargaining will see you through.

Himachal State Museum & Library

The museum is located 2.5-km west of the scandal point and opens daily except on Mondays and public holidays. It has got a good collection of ancient historical sculptures, paintings, coins, photos and other items from all over the state as well as outside it. It has also got a library, which houses many historical books and manuscripts. Visiting hours are from 10 AM to 5 PM and it is closed on Monday and gazetted holidays.

Viceregal Lodge & Botanical Gardens

On the Observatory Hills is located Viceregal Lodge, which is also known as “Rashtrapati Niwas”. This magnificent building was the residence of the British Viceroy Lord Dufferin. This lodge was completed in 1888 and it is said that every brick for the building was carried by mules. This is a six-story building and is surrounded by well-maintained gardens and lawns. The lodge has now been converted into Institute of Advanced Study and is further 2-km from State Museum.

Viceregal Lodge Shimla

Indian Institute Of Advanced Studies

Housed in the former Viceregal Lodge, it was built in 1888. The style of architecture is English Renaissance, the masonry of the walling is light blue limestone and the wrought stonework is done in sandstone in a beautiful light gray tint. It has magnificent lawns. The entry in the institute is by ticket and only on Sundays the grounds are open for the public.

The Ridge

The large open space in the heart of town presents excellent view of the mountain ranges. Shimla’s landmarks – the Neo-Gothic structure of Christ Church and the new – Tudor Library building is worth seeing.

The Ridge

The Mall

The Mall Road Shimla

Most of Shimla’s landmarks are located here. The Mall further joins the Ridge at the ‘Scandal Point’ of Kipling’s Shimla, where a statue of the nationalist leader Lala Lajpat Rai has been erected.This is the main shopping centre of Shimla with restaurants. This is especially pleasant in the evenings when the views and lights are wonderful. The Gaiety Theatre, which is a reproduction of an old British theatre is a center of cultural activities. A passenger lift of HPTDC can be taken from the Cart Road and the Mall. Lakkar Bazaar adjacent to the Ridge is popular for its wood-crafts and souvenirs.

Prospect Hill

Crowned by a temple dedicated to Kamna Devi 15-minutes walk from Boileauganj on Shimla-Bilaspur road. The hill at an altitude of 2,155m offers a spectacular view of the area.

Summer Hill

At an altitude of 1,283m, 1 KM from boilaeuganj.Summer Hill is a picturesque spot on Shimla-Kalka Railway line offering shady walks in quiet surroundings. The Father of Nation, Mahatma Gandhi during his visit to Shimla lived in the elegant Georgian House of Raj Kumari Amrit Kaur located here. HP University is also situated over here.

Potter Hill

Situated at a distance of 1 Km from Summer Hill is very beautiful Picnic spot with all the natural beauty. Ecological Park is situated here.

Glenn

Its about 4 km walk from the Ridge through dense Forests, a sprightly stream flows through the Glen forests at an altitude of 1830 meters.It is a secluded picnic spot.

Annandale

Beyond the Glen is Annandale, another picnic spot. It is covered with deodar forests and was once the playgrounds of Shimla, where racing, polo and cricket entertained the Britishers.Surrounded by deodar trees, this glade has an ancient temple on the edge.

Elysium Hill

On the road leading through Lakkar Bazaar, houses the famous Auckland House, the former residence of Viceroy Lord Auckland. It is a well-known girls’ school now. Nearby is the Stirling Castle, now an orphanage for the Tibetan children and a center for the Tibetan exiles who have settled locally.

Recreation

Shimla has three cinema halls, near to Mall and Hindi movies are played mostly. One can visit the Roller Skating hall on the left side of the Lakkar Bazaar (open for all) and can do roller skating on melodious music. Mall has few Billiard Rooms. There are shops offering variety of Video Games. In the Tourist Season various entertainment programs are organised such as Summer Festival in June, Ice skating in Dec-Jan and Winter Carnival. Most of the time one or the other exhibition or craft fare is held around mall area.