Pine forests and apple orchards, crisp, clean air and breathtaking views - that's Shimla in a nutshell. One of the most famous tourist destinations of India, Shimla is located in Himachal Pradesh the district of Shimla has amazingly beautiful forests of firs, pines, oaks and rhododendron. The beautiful meadows with hyacinth, celandine, asphodel, climb gently up to the deodar forests and further up to rocky and snowy peaks of the Himalayas This beautiful hill station derives its name from "Goddess Shyamla", who is supposed to be an avatar of Goddess Kali. This lovely hill station was 'discovered' by the British who immediately fell in love with this place. Infact, they went to the extent of declaring Shimla as their summer capital. Shimla abounds in natural bounty and looks picture perfect. The small hill station amidst the lofty snow-clad Himalayan ranges, surrounded by lakes and lush green pastures look as though an artist has painted them.
Himachal State Museum & Library:
This museum is indisputably one of the prime tourist attractions in Shimla and remains open to the public except on Mondays and public holidays. This museum houses a fine collection of antique sculptures, paintings, coins, photos and other items not only from the state but also outside it. You will also find a library here which houses several historical books and manuscripts.
Viceregal Lodge & Botanical Gardens:
Also famous as “Rashtrapati Niwas”, it is a spectacular building located on the Observatory Hills and was formerly the residence of the British Viceroy Lord Dufferin. Its construction was accomplished in the year 1888 and every brick for the building was carried by mules according to the sources. The massive six-story building is surrounded by well manicured gardens and lawns.
One place that you cannot ignore is definitely the Mall Road in Shimla. Located at the heart of the town, the Mall Road in Simla is one of the busiest commercial areas of this place. Built by the British during the colonial rule in India, the Mall Road was constructed keeping in mind the traffic on this route.
Shimla Ridge
Located in the heart of Shimla is the famous tourist attraction known as The Ridge. The Ridge is the hub of all cultural activities of Shimla. It is situated along the Mall Road, which is the famous shopping center of Shimla. Most major places of Shimla like Lakkar Bazaar, Mall, Scandal Point, Jakhoo hill, etc. are connected through the Ridge.
Summer Hill
The Summer Hill is located at a height of 1283 meters above sea level. This charming spot is famous for its university of Himachal Pradesh that is located here. It is said that Mahatma Gandhi used to come to stay here during his visit to Shimla.
With the honour of placing itself in the Guinness Book of Rail facts and Feats, the toy train deserves a bigger name! The toy train to Kalka and Shimla is one out of 20 vintage mountain railways running in the world. Mastermind of Lord Curzon, this narrow gauge train covers the distance of 96 kms in six hours going through 103 tunnels, 969 bridges with 919 curves, 20 railway stations and 5 level crossings on the route. The train started running in 1904 A.D. and is an engineering marvel. Going through the most picturesque mountains and valleys, the traveller seldom remembers the slow pace of the train. The longest tunnel that it passes through is around 6000 feet with the immediate next follows which is a kilometre long.
THE OBEROI WILDFLOWER HALL
Total Rooms : 87
Star Category : 5
Situated at 8,350 feet in the magnificent Himalayas, Wildflower Hall is a fairytale luxury resort set in 23 acres of virgin woods of pine and cedar. The former residence of Lord Kitchener, rebuilt to a new magnificence, Wildflower Hall recreates the grand style of the colonial era. Enjoy beautiful views of mountains and valleys from the rooms, restaurants, outdoor Jacuzzi and the heated swimming pool. Nature lovers can explore the Himalayas and enjoy adventure sports. For the ultimate in pampering our luxury spa pavilions are tranquil havens for revitalizing the body and soul.
TOSHALI ROYAL VIEW RESORT
Total Rooms : 77
Star Category : 4
An ideal getaway from the humdrum of city life, Toshali Royal View stands majestically on the fringe of a beautiful triangle of Shimla, Chail and Kufri on the Kufri-Chail Road. One of the most picturesque hill resorts in Himachal Pradesh, Toshali Royal View Resort has the advantage of being located in a tranquil, pollution-free zone.
WELCOM HERITAGE WOODVILLE PALACE
Total Rooms : 31
Star Category : 2.5
The estate on which Woodville palace has been built was first occupied in 1865 by Sir William Mansfield, Commander in Chief of the Imperial Army. The palace was reconstructed in 1938 by the Rana of Jubbal, who brought in hundreds of expert artisans from far and wide to ensure the highest quality of craftsmanship. Raj Kumar Udai Singh of Jubbal, his grandson, opened a part of the mansion as a guest house in 1977. Shimla, at 7000 ft, straddling several hills and surrounded by pine forests and apple orchards, was once the summer capital of the British Imperial Government. It is, to date, one of North India's most popular hill stations and has burgeoned far beyond the days when it was a little hill town with just a Mall and a scattering of summer residences
RADISSON JASS HOTEL
Total Rooms : 59
Star Category : 5
Star Category : 5
Radisson Jass Hotel, a 5 star hotel is nestled in the scenic locales of Shimla in a quaint location. A proud member of the 400 strong Radisson group of hotels, it's un-matched services and state of the art facilities offer guests a perfect abode in the hills. It is ten minutes walking distance from the Ridge / Scandal Point at Shimla. The facilities ensure an especially comfortable and relaxing stay for the guests. Most of the rooms afford a spectacular view of the magnificent mountains and breathtaking valleys and overlook the dense forests below.
