Facts And Figures:
Area : 18 sq.kms.
Altitudes : 2,130 mts.
Season : Throughout the year, snowfall in winter.
Aquaint little hill train chugs up into the Shivalik foothills, over dramatic loops and high arched bridges to the hill resort of shimla - the capital of mountian state of Himachal. Shimla, the queen of hills was once a string of hill stations that the British established to escape from the schorching heat of the plains. The 12 kms. crescent shaped ridge on which it is located was first occupied by the British troops, in the early part of the 19th century, during the Anglo-Gurkha war.
It was once a part of the Nepali kingdom and called Shyamala, another name for the goddess Kali, but received few visitors until it was discovered by the British, who were seeking respite from the baking plains in 1819. Three years later the first British house was erected, and in 1864 Shimla became summer capital of India. Even now it holds the lingering echoes of a bygone era.
Shimla's salubrious climate, easy accessibility and numerous attractions have made it one of the most popular hill statuions in northern India. The splendid views of the snow clad ranges of the Himalayas, fine walks through oak and flowering rhododendrons, enchanting resorts within easy reach, golf at Naldehra and skiing at Narkanda make Shimla an attractive destination throughout the year. This is the enchantment of nature's bounty. To the north, the awesome snow ranges across the horizon.
How to get there:
Air : The airport is at Jubbarhatti at 23 kms. from Shimla and linked by air to Delhi, Chandigarh, Kangra and Kullu.
Rail : It is linked by a narrow guage line to Kalka which is connected to Delhi, Kolkata and Amritsar by broad guage. Kalka is 96 kms. The toy train from Kalka to Shimla is entrancing with 107 tunnels and lofty arched bridges.
Road : Shimla is well connected by road to most towns within the state and to all major towns in Punjab and Haryana.
Go To >> Shimla Tourist Places
