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. Narrow cobble-stoned
paths wind down to the middle and lower bazaars where tribals from the hills around gather
to sell their quaint and colorful artifacts. At the top end of the Mall is the Scandal Point, a large open square with a view of the
town - a favourite rendezvous for visitors and the local people.
Viceregal Lodge: It once served as the seat of power,
from a hillock west of Shimla. The imposing six-storey edifice, with its manicured gardens
is today the institute for advanced studies. It overlooks the Shimla State Museum, which is a treasure trove of Pahari art
and sculpture.St.
Micheal's Cathedral:
Situated on the Ridge, it is regarded as the second oldest church in north India and is
known for its fine stained glass windows.
Annandale: 2 kms below the Ridge in Shimla, is
Annandale glade, once the playground of Shimla, where racing, polo and cricket were
legendary during the British era. Today, it is still a favourite with fun-loving
picnickers, for a leisurely game of cricket or for the more princely game of polo.
Summer Hill: This is a quiet suburb of Shimla, 5 km
from the ridge and on the Kalka - Shimla line. Its peaceful environs and secluded walks
were endorsed by a personage no less than Gandhiji, who once made this his retreat.
Jakhoo Temple (2600
m): 2 km east of
the city on the Jakhoo Hill is the small Jakhoo Temple. Atop the highest point in Shimla,
it keeps the visitors in constant company of the playful monkeys, who inhabit the environs
of this Hanuman temple in hundreds.
Naldehra: 23 km from Shimla, at a height of 2044
mtrs, is a mini golf course (9 holes) which must be one of the most picturesque in the
world. The surrounding country, bouncy turf and a grove of deodars which are its crowning
glory, caught the eye of Lord Curzon, and the golf course was laid under his personal
supervision.
Shoghi: 18
kms before Shimla and 3 kms off the national highway, a picturesque forest drive through
oak and rhododendron forests, takes one to Park Woods, Shoghi. The locale is
surrounded by untouched countryside with panoramic views, numerous village treks,
jungle walks in pine, oak and rhododendron forests. The undergrowth houses some rare
species of herbs and exotic birds and also wild rabbits, barking deer and peacocks.
Situated on a ridge, surrounded by trees and an unending expanse of open space this rustic
"resort" has panoramic views. Nature, tranquility, panoramic views, obstacle
course, jungle walks, picnics.
A beautiful Forest
Retreat - Park Woods offering quaint Bamboo Hut and Luxury Swiss Cottage Tents:
www.park-woods.com
Chadwick Falls (8 km): At 2149 m this beautiful suberb is
surrounded by a thick forest. From here, a track leads down to Sipur which is an exquisite
glade shaded by ancient deodar trees. There are old temples on a side and a fair is held
here every year in April.
The Glen: About 4 km from Shimla, a sprightly
stream flows through a clearing in dense woods. This is The Glen, a popular picnic spot.
It is at a height of 1830 mtrs and is very scenic.
Prospect Hill: At a distance of 5 kms from Shimla, this
popular picnic spot is a 15 minute climb from Boileauganj. It has imposing views of the
surrounding peaks and valleys. From the temple of Kamna Devi, one can catch a glimpse of
the toy train threading through the stretch from Tara Devi to Jatogh.
Sankat Mochan: About 7 km from the town of Shimla and
at height of 1875 mtrs is the scenic spot of Sankat Mochan, with its Hanuman Temple and a
lovely view of Shimla.
Mashobra (2149 m):
Pine and oak woods frame the beautiful retreat of Mashobra, 12 km out of Shimla.
Enchanting trails wind through the forest to lovely gardens. Through thick woods, a side
road leads to Bekhalty. From the heart of Mashobra, a
pedestrian track leads down to Sipur. This is a large and exquisite glade shaded by ancient cedar trees.
Streams of cool water gently divide it. The pastoral picture is completed by the temples
on the edge. A trek to Shali
Peak - the highest
in the area, can be made from Mashobra.
Baldehan: It is 15
Kms. from Simla on the Shimla – Mashobra – Naldhera golf course road. Here one
can experience astounding views of nature. Baldehan is overlooked by snow capped
mountains.
Kufri (2622 m): A little hamlet, just 16 km away from
Shimla, offers unparalled views of the countryside and the majestic HImlayan mountains.
The Winter Sports capital, Kufri is the focal point of a large number of ski enthusiasts
who come here to enjoy the fine ski slopes.
Fagu (2,509 m): 6 kms from Kufri, it is a place of great
natural wealth, with its woods, ferns and apple orchards.
Tattapani: Tattapani is just 28 kms from Naldehra,
along a road winding through the scenic countryside. The hot sulphur springs here, are
noted for their invigorating and curative powers.
Narkanda (2,708 M): An enchanting 64 km drive from Shimla,
brings you to Narkanda, which is a popular skiing resort in winter. It has a choice of ski
slopes - a beginner's run and sharper descents for the seasoned foot. Narkanda is well
poised to hold out some of the finest views of the inner Himalayas.
Click here for accommodation
details and holiday packages for Narkanda Resort - Tethys.
Hatu Peak (3,300 m): Rising above forests of spruce, the Hatu
peak is a vantage point with spectacular views. An annual fair is also held here .This
peak is at a distance of 8 kms from Narkanda.
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