The Mall
All visitors to Shimla inevitably
walk down the Mall, the main promenade that runs along the top of the ridge - a
busy shopping area with old colonial buildings, souvenir shops and restaurants.
At the top end of the Mall is Scandal Point, a large open square with a view of
the town - a favorite rendezvous for visitors and the local people. Overlooking
it is the elegant Christ Church with its fine stained glass windows. The
labyrinth of Shimla's bazaars spill over the edge of the Mall.
Viceregal Lodge
Housed in the Gothic splendor of the
Viceregal Lodge is the Indian Institute of Advanced studies, India's premier
academy for higher research.
Himachal State Museum
Very close to the Institute, in a colonial building set in
spacious lawns, is the museum. It has collections of Pahari miniatures, stone
sculpture, local handicrafts, textiles and embroidery.
Jakhoo Hill
The steep climb to Jakhoo Hill,
Shimla's highest point, is rewarding for superb views of the town and its
surroundings. At the top is an old Hanuman temple. (2Km/1.2 mile)
Annandale
The open grounds at Annandale, below
the ridge, was a favorite location in the days of the eRaji - the venue of
picnics, cricket and polo matches and gymkhana races. (2.4 Km/1.5 mile)
The Glen
A pretty picnic spot
beyond Annandale is located in the thickly wooded Glen, beside a sparkling
stream. ( 4 Km/2.4 mile)
Summer Hill
The quiet and lovely suburb of Summer Hill has secluded, shady walks
and charming views. It was here that Gandhiji stayed on his visits to Shimla, in
the elegant Gerogian mansion that belonged to Rajkumari Amrit Kaur. Summer Hill
is located on the Shimla -Kalka railway line. (5 Km/3 mile)
Chadwick Falls
Just beyond Summer Hill is the
67 m waterfall, cascading into a deep gorge. The Falls are best seen after the
monsoon. ( 7 Km/4 mile)
Prospect Hill
A 15 minute climb from Boileauganj, Prospect Hill is another favorite
walk and vantage point with breath-taking views. There is little temple to Kamna
Devi on the top of the hill ( 5 Km/3 mile)
Sanjauli
A serene location with delightful
walks, Sanjauli is ideal for a tranquil weekend. There are fine vistas and the
lights of Shimla and Chail can be seen twinkling at night. On the other side,
Mashobra and Naldehra are visible.
Chail
The idyllic resort, set amidst scented forests of pine and deodar, was
once the summer resort of the maharajas of Patiala. Located on a wooded spur,
Chail overlooks the Sutlej Valley. Shimla and Kasauli are also visible and at
night their twinkling lights seem part of the starlit sky.
The palace of the
maharajas, built in the late 19th century and the pretty cottages of the complex
- that once accommodated the ADCs and guests of the royal party - are now part
of a charming holiday resort. Chail has lovely walks and trails that meander
through the dense pine forests - the home of barking deer, wild boar, pheasant
and a variety of birds. Forest rest houses make overnight halts possible. For
those interested in sports, Chail has fine tennis and squash courts and a
putting green. There are excellent spots along the River Gaura with
opportunities for anglers to tangle with the Himalayan mahaseer. Chail has also
the highest cricket ground in the world - 2250 m above sea level.
Mashobra(9.6 Km/6 mile)
Noted for its apple
orchards and thick woods of oak and pine, Mashobra is a sylvan retreat with
pretty walks and picnic spots. A little track leads down to Sipur a grassy glade
with a stream wandering thorough it. Excursions are possible to Shali Peak - the
highest point in the area or to Craignano ( 3 Km/2 mile) with its elegant guest
house set in a delightful flower-filled garden.
Kufri (16 Km/10 mile)
Kufri is a noted summer
and winter resort with its glorious views of forested slopes and tall ranges
iced in a covering of perpetual snow. A fine ski-resort, Kufri has a winter
season that extends from January to March. A sparkling winter sports festival is
held each year in February.
Fagu
Just 6 Km from Kufri, Fagu is a vantage point with panoramic views of
the ranges and valleys. Picturesquely located amid forests and orchards, Fagu
has a rest house and tourist bungalow overlooking the Giri Valley.
Naldehara(23 Km/ 14 mile )
The scenic, nine hole
golf course with its springy turf and crown of deodar was laid out at the
instance of the Viceroy, lord Curzon. So enamoured was he by the beauty of the
spot, that he named his youngest daughter Alexandra Naldera.
Tattapani(51 Km/31 mile)
Tattapani is just 28
Km from Naldehra, along a road winding through the scenic countryside. The hot
sulphur springs here, are noted for their invigorating and curative powers.
Narkanda (64 Km/ 40 mile)
A hill
road with superb views links Narkanda with Shimla. Narkanda, located amidst
fragrant pine forests is a ski resort in winter. It has a choice of slopes
ranging from a beginners run and a slalom slope, to sharper descents for the
experienced skier.
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