Alok Prakash 
Shimla is one of the most visited and lovable Hill station famous for weekend holidays and honeymooners paradise. Going back into the history in 1863 the then Viceroy of India John Lawrence got ill & the Doctor advice him to take rest in Peaceful hill station so he stayed at Shimla he liked Shimla very much & after that he decide to make Shimla as the summer Capital of British India from March to October. After that 1864 to 1939 it being summer capital of British India. After Independence, it becomes the Punjab capital also for some year until the Himachal state became independent state. At last when the Himachal state become Shimla being the capital of Himachal in 1971.
In old days Shimla was also spelt as simla when it became the capital of the state. after that it is called Shimla just near the original name the original name is shymla which is synonymous to Goddess Kali. In early days, there was a temple of the Shyamla Devi. In British time, it has the seven hills. Four hills in the Western Shimla these are:
Prospect Hill, which has the temple of Kamna Devi, Summer Hill, which has the campus of the Himachal Pradesh University, Observatory Hill, which holds the estate of the Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Invererarm hill, whose top has the State Museum and in Bantony hill, in central Shimla which has the Grand Hotel, Jakhoo hill, in central Shimla, which is crowned by the temple indicated to Lord Hanuman and at last Elysium hill, in northwestern Shimla, which holds Auckland House and Longwood and reaches out towards the Bharari spur.
There are various scenic delights in Shimla one of them is Ridge Ground, offering festival like atmosphere throughout the year, beautiful view of Shimla surroundings and mountain ranges can be enjoyed from here, it is also famous as the favorite pass time activity of Shimla localite by strolling down the ridge ground and Mall road. People can also visit Lakkar bazaar famous for various wooden craft items and food junctions. From ridge one has to climb upwards towards Jakhoo Temple which is famous for India’s tallest Lord Hanuman Statue. This is also the highest point of Shimla city from where one can had bird eye view of Shimla. Stroll down towards scandal point from Ridge and 10 minutes walk will take you to Kaali Baari Temple famous for Temple of Goddess Kaali. People can have shopping delight at The Mall Road, Lower Baazar at Shimla.
Next on the list is Sankat Mochan Temple which is located at Taradevi just 6kms. from the main bus stand, here beautiful temple of Lord Hanuman is located with various other small temple and Lord Ganesha temple. If you want some jungle ride or want some short trek then you should go for Taradevi temple a One hour trek will take you to the Temple of Goddess Tara which also offers beautiful view of mountain ranges.
A fifteen minute drive from the main bus stand will take you towards Advance study estate known as viceregal lodge, near to Advance study is Kamana devi temple.
A little long drive will take you Kufri & chail the visit require almost whole day. Kufri is famous for its skiing slopes and a zoo, chail is famous for chini bunglow located amidst thick forest.
There are other visiting place also such as Tattapani which means hot water and Naldehra famous for its golf courses. These destinations are approx.40kms. from Shimla. To complete all destinations of Shimla a person requires atleast 4 days and free mind to enjoy the scenic and mesmerizing beauty of famous hill station known as “Shimla”.
Also See: Best Places to Visit in Shimla
About The Author
