Hill Stations in Shimla
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At an elevation of 2130 m, Shimla extends over a long crescent-shaped ridge connecting five different hill peaks, namely, Jakhu, Prospect Hill, Observatory Hill, Elysium Hill and Summer Hill. Named after the local goddess, Shyamala Devi', Shimla was made the summer capital by the British to take escape from the heat waves of the northern plains.
A visit to main town takes you back to the British era where you will find several British edifices. The main pathway of Shimla, The Mall, runs along the top of the ridge and is the busy commercial area of the city. You will witness number of buildings of the colonial period along with souvenir shops and restaurants. The Christ Church, built in 1857 AD, is beyond the Mall. The mock Library built in Tudor style is adjacent to the church. The Gaiety Theater built in 1887 AD, Town Hall in 1910 AD and General Post Office in 1886 AD are some more examples of British architecture.
The Viceregal Lodge, now the Rashtrapati Niwas, was built in 1888 AD for Lord Dufferin representing Elizabethan style of architecture. You may look at an indoor tennis court, gatehouse, chapel and fire hydrants in the lodge. The lodge houses Indian Institute of Advanced Studies where you may find the several exhibits including embroidered items, local handicrafts, Pahari miniatures, stone sculpture and textiles. For a collection of bronzes, costumes, jewelry, miniatures from Kangra School, modern art, sculptures and textiles, you must check out the state Museum.
There are several picturesque locales and picnic spots in Shimla. They include the Glen, Summer Hill, Chadwick Fall, Prospect Hill and Sanjuli. From Shimla, the tourists can also go on excursion tours to Kufri, Chharabra, Naldhera and Tatapani.
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