Located at a height of approximately 6500 feet above sea level, Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh. Initially, it was the summer capital of the Indian Government until India gained independence in 1947.  Named after the goddess Shamla Devi, an incarnation of Kali, it was originally a hilly small village.

British discovered it in 1819 and thus, it became a popular harbour of North India. By 1830, it was renowned as a favorite hill station. Connecting to the plains, a railway line was set up in 1903 hence making it conveniently accessible. It is a year-round destination due to its pleasant climate. The major attraction of this place is the World Heritage toy train which runs on a tapered gauge track from Kalka to Shimla. It is even the most visited hill stations of Himachal Pradesh by the people worldwide. Not only Shimla is a tourist spot but also an educational center with numerous research institutions and colleges.

Why Visit Shimla?

1. Traffic Free City – Shimla is situated on the top of a ridge and you need to travel by foot up a glide of wooden stairs to reach the town center.
2. Marvelous Mountain Views – The hills covering Shimla are a delight to hikers and the ones who are inactive also gain energy at such a place.
3. Wildlife in Shimla – Wildlife flourishes in the city. Horses, monkeys & yaks are commonly seen in and around the city.
4. Architecture of Shimla – The architecture of Shimla has an intriguing blend of east (Colonial Europe) and west (Himalayan Rustic). The Ramshackle wooden buildings tumble down the near the mountains, whereas the Colonial buildings stand proudly and the Church dominates the square of the town from a Victorian Christmas Card.

How to Reach Shimla

Located at 6500 feet above the Sea level, Shimla is well connected with most of the cities of Himachal Pradesh and Uttrakhand and Punjab. If you are wondering on how to reach Shimla, you don’t need to worried about because Shimla has all the travel options to reach. To see the beauty of Himachal you can reach Shimla by Road, Narrow Gauge or by Flight also. Shimla tourism is one of the most trendy hill station tours in north India. It is situated 112 Km from Chandigarh. Train Travel to Shimla is the most comfortable way to reach the most happening Hill station in India.  Kalka and Chandigarh are nearest railway stations to Shimla.

Places to Visit in Shimla

Chadwick Waterfall

State Museum

Shaily Peak

Kufri

Kangra Devi Temple

Kali Bari Temple

Johnnies Wax Museum

Jakhu Temple

History of Shimla

History of the city starts from the period of the Anglo-Gurkha war in the early 19^th century. In 1804 the Gurkhas suffered defeat at the hands of Sikhs at the Kangra battle. Gurkhas built several forts around the city. The treaty of Sanjauli was signed after the defeat of Gurkhas.

Presently Shimla comprises 19 hill states mainly Balson, Bushahr, Bhaji and Koti, Rawingarh, Dhami etc. Bushahr being the oldest was founded by the Bushahr dynasty by Pradhuman who is the son of Lord Krishna. Shimla came into existence from 1^st September 1972 after the reorganisation of the districts of the state. Shimla district got its name from the Shimla town and also from the name “Shyamalaya” which means blue house.

According to another version, Shimla derives its name from Shamla, which is another name for Goddess Kali, a blue female. Shimla did not get noticed during the Gurkha War.

Activities in Shimla

1. Rafting -Tattapani offers an exciting possibility of River Rafting. Raft through the heavy gorges and by soaking the foamy waterfalls of the raging water.
2. Ice Skating – In order to have a different experience altogether, partake in the activity of ice skating in the city.
3. Hiking – Witness the majestic sceneries in the city by hiking around this beautiful vicinity.