A
quaint 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 the mountain state of Himachal Pradesh. Shimla was
one a string of hill stations that the British established to escape
from the scorching 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. The little village of Shymala, a retreat for
British officers, soon grew to become the glamorous summer capital
of the British, in India.
Shimla's salubrious
climate, easy accessibility and numerous attractions have made it
one of the most popular hill stations in northern India. The
splendid views of the snow clad ranges of the Himalayas, fine walks
through oak and flowering rhododenron, enchanting resorts within
easy reach, golf at naldehra and skiing at kufri and narkanda make
shimla an attractive destination throughout the year.
Attractions
to See
- The Mall
- Christ Church & St. Michael's Cathedral
- Prospect Hill
- The Ridge
- Jakhu Temple
- Chadwick Fall
