Tuesday 14 February 2012

SHIMLA with ARYAN DREAM HOLIDAYS

he one-time summer capital of the British, Shimla is a gorgeous hill station in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Located at an average height of 2,200 meter, Shimla is unique with its unparalleled glittering beauty. Set in the midst of impressive hills and dense jungles this hill town has its own charm. Its elegant streets, plummeting torrents and salubrious climate make it a thriving hotspot for honeymooners. Shimla is also the kick off point for the rest of Himachal, with well-knit roads.

This erstwhile Nepalese state Syamala, gained prominence as the most sought after hill station under the auspices of the progressive British officers who had acquired its control in the year 1819. The snow-capped mountains, quaint surroundings and the mighty formations of Victorian style that dot the city, reverberates the colonial texture of the city.

It is not just the substantiation of some grand monuments and colonial architecture that Shimla offers, it is also home to the most pleasing meanders and panoramic views that attract adventure enthusiasts and honeymooners alike.

Like the other Indian cities, fairs and festivals are the highlights of Shimla tourism. The awesome British populations of the yester years make Christmas a fanfare of the valley. The most significant event in the valley is the Summer Festival organized by the Government in the month of June, which showcases the rich culture and tradition of the Himalayan states. This largest fun fare of the hilly states grabs people with the colorful performances of folk dancers and other activities based on the rich rustic tradition.

In Autumn, Shimla looks gorgeously beautiful and when the days are balmy and dazzling and the night’s crunchy and chilly. A typical hilly terrain with a picturesque countryside, wonderful climate and viable social standards, it is quite natural that this hill station has been acquired the status of a preferred and much loved picnic spot in India.

Must See/Do: Jakhu Temple, The Ridge, Christ Church, Palace Hotel, Chail Wildlife Sanctuary, Arki Fort, Golf Course, Shaily Peak, The Himalayan Nature Park, Mall Road,Toy Train Ride

Destinations in this region: Kufri, Naldehra, Mashobra, Chail, Shoghi, Salogra, Solan,Barog, Arki

Wear comfortable shoes while taking the rugged paths in the hills. Avoid slippers.
On nature hikes its always best to be accompanied by a local guide, this can be arranged by the hotel you stay in.

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This article focuses on the various reasons that draws people to the famous hill state of Himachal. Book a tour to Himachal Pradesh and enjoy the piece of heaven that offers great attractions and enthralling adventures.

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Top Three Safest Cities in India

   Dec 09, 2011 04:30 PM
A recent survey was conducted in India, to single out the safest cities to live in. Chandigarh, Vadodara and Shimla feature as the top three cities during this survey... here’s more.

History


Earlier known as ‘Shyamala’, the present day Shimla came into existence after the British invasion in the year 1819, during the Gurkha war. The first British cottage to have been built in Shimla was in the year 1822 by Scottish civil servant Charles Pratt Kennedy.

History has it that the present day Shimla district derives it name from the small town called Shimla Village that was reorganized by the district of state on September 1st 1972. Prior to the year 1819, Shimla was under the governance of the Gurkhas. After losing the battle at the hands of the Sikhs, the Gurjhas built many forts around the city. It is said that the present day Jutogh cantonment (located near the city of Shimla) draws its origin from the then established Jagatgarh fortress.

The British under the generalship of Major General 'Sir David Ochterlony, annexed the city from the hands of Gurkhas and established it as their territory. The cool and serene atmosphere of the city impressed the British and they made it their ‘summer capital’ in 1864.

After independence in the year 1947, Shimla was declared to be a capital of Punjab but in the year 1966 it was affirmed as the capital of Himachal Pradesh.
This little hill town was the summer capital of the British, with influences all around you from the Viceregal Lodge, to the state museum and the Ridge.

Travel within city


Shimla is a city which is located in the State of Himachal Pradesh. Due to the steep slopes and roads there are fewer transport options for a traveler. However the city is relatively small and the locals usually travel on foot. Jubbarhati is the nearest airport and it is located approximately 12 km from the city. It has scheduled flights to Delhi. There are taxi services available at the airport.

Bus


The local transport system consists of buses, tourist taxis and private taxis. The local buses ply along the circular road which creates a ring around the city. The buses are a good way to get around the city and they are inexpensive. The Shimla railway station is well connected to the other parts of the country. 

Taxi


There are cabs from the station to any other part of the city. Some of the cab operators are,

Gurdial Taxis, Phone No-9216308270
Rajesh, Phone No-9779908270

Cabs can be hired for local use as well as trips to nearby places. They also ply from Shimla to Delhi and Chandigarh.

Auto Rickshaw


Auto rickshaws are absent in Shimla due to the terrain. Also private vehicles and cars are absent on certain roads and travelling on foot is the best option in this part of town.
Being a hill town, taxis are your best bet around.For a minimum distance of 2-3 km they charge approximately around Rs 150 which is a standard followed across the city.

Food


Shimla is flooded with restaurants as well as dozens of fast food joints. Most of them are located on the Mall Road and remain open from 10 am till 10 pm. Vegetarian foodies can head to Sagar Ratna and Indian Coffee House on Mall Road and enjoy South Indian cuisine. Head to Devicos and Cecil on Mall Road for lip smacking kababs, Indian, Chinese and Continental cuisines. Those looking for a quick treat can enjoy sandwiches and homemade cakes at Embassy Restaurant on Mall Road. Cafe Sol on Mall Road serves excellent Thai and Japanese cuisines. Himanis and The Pub on Mall Road are the bar-cum-restaurants offering good food and great drinks.
Street food on Mall road is delectable from the parata's to the little pastry shop and the Kiwi fruit, its for the foodie in you.

Shopping


Domestic tourists usually flock at the bustling Lakkar Bazaar for wooden and handloom articles. International tourists on the other hand head towards the Middle Bazaar to shop for a wide range of articles from tin pots to henna and bangles. Most shops remain open from 9 am till 9 pm.
Tourists can go to Himachal Emporium and Tibetan Handicrafts on Mall road exclusively for carpets, shawls and unique Tibetan souvenirs. Tibetan Market behind the tourist office is best for well made branded clothes. Bargaining is recommended.

Excursions


Chail - Chail, the world’s highest cricket ground is 63 km from Shimla. The place is an important excursion from Shimla. The main attractions are Chail wildlife sanctuary, Heritage Palace hotel, temples, a gurudwara and a beautiful picnic spot at Sadhupul. Adventures like trekking and fishing can be enjoyed.

Naldehra - An important tourist hub, Naldehra is known to have the oldest golf course of India. Located 46 km from Shimla, the place also has a few temples and rafting options at Chamba. There are quite a few peaks in Naldehra from where tourists can enjoy panned views of the surrounding.

Kufri - A small hill station 13 km from Shimla, Kufri is famous for adventure options like skiing, trekking, hiking and horse & yak riding. The town is extremely popular for its cool ambiance and scenic views and the two major attractions here are Indira Tourist Park and Himalayan Nature Park.

Shogi - 15 km before Shimla, Shogi is a quaint village surrounded by scenic countryside landscapes. The town is situated at a height of 5,000 feet and offers spectacular views of the forests and mountains. An ideal place for nature lovers.

Salogra - A charming hamlet 40 km from Shimla, Salogra is a photographer's delight with tall deodars and tranquil streams. The main attraction here is the beautiful temple of Lord Shiva.

Solan - Solan, also known as 'Mushroom City of India', is 50 km from Shimla. The place invites pilgrims from all over the country to visit the Shoolini Mata Devi temple and Jatoli Shiv temple. The Yungdrung Tibetan Monastery, located just 3 km from Solan is also a popular attraction.

Barog - Barog is a small hamlet known for its untamed natural beauty. It is one of the villages on the Shimla-Kalka train route and is known to have one of the most attractive stations, built in the Scottish style. Barog is 60 km from Shimla.

Arki - A historical city 50 km from Shimla, Arki is popular for its architectural forts, palaces and the famous Jhakoli temple. The village is also visited by tourists for its Lutra Mahadev Cave temple and cultural events organised during the annual fair held in July and September.

Mashobra - Mashobra is a beautiful village located at a distance of 15 km from Shimla. The main tourist attractions here are the Goddess Durga temple and the famous Wildflower resort. Mashobra is surrounded by snow capped mountains and offers panoramic views of the valley, ideally crafted for the fantasy of an eco-lover.



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Fun & Entertainment
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History & Culture
Nature
30
Wildlife
Arki Fort, Arki must see
History & Culture
26
Nature
25
Jakhu Temple must see
Religious
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Toy Train Ride must see
Fun & Entertainment
18
Christ Church must see
Religious
16
Mall Road must see
Fun & Entertainment
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The Ridge must see
Nature
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History & Culture
Religious
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Lakkar Bazaar popular
Fun & Entertainment
Wildlife
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Fun & Entertainment
Religious
Adventure
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Skiing, Kufri popular
Adventure
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Nature
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Fun & Entertainment
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Wildlife
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Shimla By Air

Shimla’s Jubbarhatti Airport is nearly 25 km away from the heart of the city. Taxi is available from airport to City and fare is about Rs 450. the airport is connected to Delhi airport by daily flights. Delhi International airport is the nearest major airport. Delhi airport is connected to all major cities in India and many cities abroad. The distance of Shimla to Delhi is about 357 km. A/C taxi services are available from Delhi to Shimla, costing about Rs 7,500.

Shimla By Train

Shimla has a meter gauge railway station. It connects to the nearest broad gauge station at Kalka, which is at a distance of 96 km from Shilmla. Taxi services are available from Kalka to Shimla and charge is about Rs 1750. Kalka is well connected to all major cities in India by rail.
Starting StationTrainArrival at ShimlaService Days
Kalka (KLK)
3 more trains		Klk Sml Pass
(52457)		09:20 AM
(duration: 5h 20m)		All Days
Rail Motor
(72451)		09:50 AM
(duration: 4h 40m)		All Days

Shimla By Bus

HPRTC buses offer bus connectivity from all cities in Himachal Pradesh to Shimla. Frequent ordinary and deluxe bus services are available from Delhi to Shimla. Deluxe buses charge about Rs 1,300 from Delhi to Shimla.
FromType of BusFare (Rs)Bus Provider
Delhi (Delhi)
2 more buses		Ordinary Service216HRTC
Deluxe424HRTC
Deluxe465






Overview & Best Season of Shimla

The climate of Shimla is enjoyable all the year round. Winters (October to February) are ideal for enjoying snowfall, skiing and ice skating. Average temperature during winter is 8°C and can dip as low as -7°C. Summers (March to June) are the suitable time to enjoy the scenic beauty. Temperature ranges between 15°C to 30°C and is ideal for indulging in paragliding, trekking, camping and rafting. Monsoons (July to September) are not the best time to visit as excessive rain can result in land slides.

Weather Graph for Shimla

Shimla monthly temperature and rainfall averages
Note: These are average maximum and average minimum temperature for Shimla. The highest temperature in Shimla for the month is usually higher than the average maximum temperature. Similarly, the lowest temperature in Shimla for the month is usually lower than the average minimum temperature.
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