Shimla

Away from the heat and dust of the plains, Shimla offers a beautiful, delightful retreat from it all. This summer capital of the British Raj is situated in the north-west Himalayas at a height of 2,213 metres above sea level. Spread over a ridge of 12 km with tributary lanes and areas, Shimla is perhaps one of the largest hill resorts in the world.

Shimla

Tall pine woods afford delightful excursions and walks during summer, winter, spring and autumn. Road access lifts are a unique feature of Shimla. They lift pedestrians from one level to another. The main road itself serves as the mall which is an exciting rendezvous for visitors and locals every evening. It is a strangely cosmopolitan crowd that throngs the market place. There are many beautiful walks overflowing with wild crimson rhododendrons and slopes of firs, oaks and pines. Shimla's buildings, lodges and houses remind one of the Raj.

ACCESS

Shimla has air connections with Delhi. however, Chandigarh (120 km away) also has an airport. The narrow gauge connects Shimla to Kalka which has broad guage rail connections to the rest of the country. There is also a deluxe motor-rail coach operating between Kalka and Shimla. Shimla is connected to Delhi, Chandigarh, Kalka, Ambala, Kulu, Manali, Dharamsala, and other towns by bus services.

PLACES OF INTEREST

The Mall, Jakhu Hill, Christ Church, Himachal State Museum Shimla Chaura Maidan, the Viceregal Lodge or the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies, and Glen, a popular picnic spot.

EXCURSIONS

Summer Hill (5 km), Prospect Hill (5 km), Sankat Mochan (7 km), Tara Devi (8 km), Nasgirva (13 km), Wildflower Hall (13 km) -- a beautiful picnic spot, Kufri (916 km), Fagu (22 km), Narkanda (65 km), Barog (55 km), Kasauli (77 km), Rohru (104 km), Rampur (140 km), and Sarahan -- a beautiful village with the historical Bhimakali Temple.

SHOPPING

Shimla handicrafts include brilliantly coloured carpets with dragon designs, delicately embroidered rumals (scarves), soft pashmeena shawls and fleecy soft gudma blankets. Lakkar Bazar is famous for producing wooden toys, sticks and other material of decorative pieces made of wood. The main shops are Himachal State Government Emporium, the Mall; Super Bazar, the Mall.

ACCOMMODATION

Oberoi Cecil, Chaura Maidan, Shimla. Phone: 204848. Fax: 211024.

Chapslee (Heritage Hotel), Shimla. Phone: 77319.

Woodville Palace (Heritage Hotel), Shimla. Phones: 72763, 77513.

Combetmere, The Mall.

Asia The Dawn (4-star) Kachhi Ghati, Tara Devi, Shimla-171 010. Phone: 231162-63-64-65. Fax: 231007.

The Oberoi Clarkes (3-star), The Mall, Shimla-171 001. Phone: 212991-95. Fax: 0177-211321.

Himland (East) (3-star), Circular Road, Shimla-171 001. Phone: 3595, 213043, 213044. Fax: 91-77-213041.

Himland (West), Circular Road. Phones: 77312, 3596. Fax: 213298.

Holiday Home (HPTDC), Shimla. Phone: 212890-94. Fax: 201705.

Kufri Holiday Resort, Ski Slopes, Kufri, Shimla-171 012. Phones: 0177- 280341, 42, 43. Fax: 0177-280344.

East Bourne, Shimla. Phones: 72079, 72378. Fax: 201705.

Pineview, Mythe Estate, Shimla 171003. Phones: 201075. Fax: 77834.

Springfields, Chota Shimla. Phone: 221297.

YMCA, The Ridge. Phone: 72375.