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The British empire may have ceased to
exit, but its echo lingers on in Shimla (2205m). As the
Summer
Capital of the British in India, Shimla was the country's focus for the better part of
every year and now, is the state capital of Himachal Pradesh. Today, it has well
developed facilities, easy accessibility and numerous attractions making it one of India's
most popular hill resort. Situated in the lower ranges of the Himalayan mountains, it is
surrounded by pine deodar, oak and rhododendron forests. Towards the north lie the
snow-covered high-ranges, while the valleys breathe whispering streams and swaying
fields. Within the town are host of splendid colonial edifices, quaint
cottages and charming walks. Shimla offers a variety of shopping, sport and entertainment
activities.
ACCESS:
The airport is at Jubbar-Hatti, 23 km away. Shimla is connected to Kalka by an
enenchanting narrow gauge railway line where even a quaint rail car ply. By
road, Chandigarh is 117 km, Manali is 280 km, Chail is 45 km and Delhi is at a distance of
370 km. From Delhi, Manali and Chandigarh, luxury coaches and taxis ply to Shimla.
During tourist season HPTDC also operates regular deluxe buses from Delhi and Manali
to Shimla.
CLIMATE:
In winter, the temperature can drop below freezing point when heavy woolens are required.
Summer temperature are mild and light woolens/cottons are recommended.
THE HOLIDAY HOME:
Himachal Tourism flagship hotel,
The Holiday Home offers comprehensive facilities in a convenient location. Its imposing
building faces the heart of town and all major places are within easy distance. Whether you are in Shimla for business or pleasure or a bit of both - The Holiday Home's business is your pleasure.
ADDRESS:
Hotel Holiday Home, Shimla ( H.P.) - 171001. Tel: (0177) - 2812890 Fax:
(0177) - 2801705.
E-mail: hhh@hptdc.in
CLASS: Premium Hotel.
Check availability and book Hotel Holiday Home
NOTE: During May-June
all rooms would be sold on Modified American Plan (MAP) by
adding Rupees 800/- per room per day on double occupancy
- Conference Hall capacity 200 persons
- Restaurant serving Indian, Chinese,
Continental and Himachali Cuisine
- Rooms have wall to wall carpeting
and are airy,
spacious, well furnished having attached baths with running hot & cold water
-
Satellite Television
- Room service and Laundry
facility available
- Parking within premises. Car rental. Doctor on call. Safe
Deposit facility. Video games, Beauty Parlor, Pastry Shop
- Bar serving Indian and Foreign Liquor
- Gym
and Ayurvedic Rejuvenation Therapy
-
MasterCard / Visa / American Express Credit Cards accepted
Gym
Membership
Subscription
 THE PETERHOF: The Peterhof housed at least seven
Viceroys and Governor Generals
during the Raj. The first Viceroy to move into Peterhoff was the Earl of Elgin who
arrived in Shimla on 4th April 1863. After independence the building served as
Punjab High Court and it was here that the trial of Nathu Ram Godsey, who assassinated
Mahatma Gandhi, took place in 1948-49. When Himachal became full fledged state the building
became the Raj Bhawan, Unfortunately it burnt down in 1981 but it was
restructured in 1991 and designed to match the hill architecture palatial pattern and now
is a heritage luxury hotel.
The historical Peterhof complex is
located in the heart of city 'Chaura Maidan' offering panoramic view of Choorchandani
on the front side, Dhauladhar ranges on western side and Kinner Kailash on the eastern
side. It is also strategically situated with the State Museum on one side and famous
Viceroy Legal Lodge on the other side, now housing the Institute of Advance Studies.
ADDRESS:
The
Peterhof, Shimla ( H.P.) - 171004.
Tel: (0177) - 2812236, 2652538. Fax:
(0177) - 2813801.
E-mail: peterhof@hptdc.in
ACCESS:
The airport at Jubar-Hatti is 23 km away. The main Bus Stand is at a distance of
3 km and Railway Station is 2 km.
CLASS: Premium Hotel.
Check availability and book The Peterhof
- Conference Hall capacity
800 persons
- All rooms have wall to wall carpeting and are
centrally heated. Rooms are airy, spacious, well furnished with attached
baths and running hot & cold water
-
Satellite Television
-
Bar and Restaurant
- Room service and Laundry
facility available
- Drive in,
Parking within premises
-
MasterCard / Visa Credit Cards accepted
GOOFA ASHIANA:
At Shimla's prominent Ridge, Himachal Tourism
offers the Ashiana and Goofa
Restaurants with fast food counter serving delicious Indian, Continental, Chinese and Himachali cuisines.
PLACES OF INTEREST
THE RIDGE: This large open space in
the heart of town presents excellent views of the mountain ranges. Shimla's
landmarks - the neo- gothic structure of Christ Church and the neo - Tudor library
building - are worth seeing.
LAKKAR BAZAR: Popular for its wood
crafts and Souvenirs, this is just off the Ridge.
JAKHOO HILL (2.5 km): At 2455m,
this is the town's highest peak and a famous point for Shimla's famous views. The
summit is crowned with a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The hill is full of paths
and narrow roads which are enjoyable walks.
ST. MICHAEL'S CATHEDRAL: This
dressed-stone church with fine stained glass has a cruciform design. It is located
just off the Mall, below the District Courts.
STATE MUSEUM (3km): This houses
a representative collection of Himachal's rich heritage. Exhibits include
archaeological artifacts, carvings, paintings and sculptures. Closed on Monday and
holidays.
INDIAN INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED STUDY (4 km): At
1983m, this magnificent English renaissance structure was the former Viceregal Lodge.
Its lawns and woodland are added attractions. Entry by ticket ( nominal
charge ). A portion of the interior is also open to the public, except on
Sundays and holidays.
THE GLEN (4 km ): At 1830m, It is a thickly
wooded ravine through which a stream flows. It is a popular picnic spot.
ANNANDALE (4.5 km): Surrounded by a thick
deodar forest, this large glade has an ancient temple on the edge.
PROSPECT HILL AND KAMNA DEVI ( 6 km): At 2125m
and crowned by a temple dedicated to Kamna Devi, the Hill offers spectacular wide
views of the city and its environs.
SANKAT MOCHAN (7 km): This is a temple
dedicated to Lord Hanuman.
TARA DEVI (11 km): 2044m, A thickly wooded
hill with a temple dedicated to Tara Devi.
MASHOBRA (12 km): At 2149m, this beautiful
suburb is surrounded by thick forests. From here, a track leads down to Sipur
which is an exquisite glade shaded by ancient deodar trees. There are old temples a fair is held every April.
KUFRI (16 km): At 2501m, this is famous for
its wide views and ski slopes. An enjoyable walk leads up to the Mahasu Peak. At
Kufri, Himachal Tourism runs Cafe Lalit.
FAGU (22 km): At 2510m, Fagu has some
enchanting views. Himachal Tourism run Hotel Peach Blossom offers
spectacular views.
CHAIL (45 km): This was
a former Summer
Capital of the Patiala State. The Palace has been converted to a Luxury Hotel by Himachal
Tourism.
TATTAPANI (51 km):
At 656m, there are hot sulphur
springs believed to have medicinal value.
SIGHT-SEEING TOURS: Himachal Tourism conducts a
variety of sight-seeing tours from Shimla. These tours can be reserved from the
Himachal Tourism Tourist Information Office, Scandal Point, The Mall, Shimla.
Tel: 0177 - 2652561, 2658302
Email: shimla@hptdc.in
Fagu is a tiny
village aside a saddle-like mountain along Hindustan Tibet Road. A rare range of
views is visible from here, which include vivid dales and snow clad peaks. The
picturesque countryside is dotted with clusters of villages, fruit gardens and
nearby terraced fields. Fog characterizes the hillside landscape endowed with
romantic ambience. Most of the area is covered with conifers of Himalayan cedar
and spruce. Located at an altitude of 2,450 m, Fagu, perhaps have derived its
name from the fog itself.
ACCESS:
The closest airport is at Jubbar-Hatti, 45 km away. The nearest narrow gauge
railhead is at Shimla, 22 km away. By road Chandigarh is 139 km and
Delhi is at a distance of 392 km.
CLIMATE:
In winter, the temperature can drop to below freezing point when heavy woolens are
required and in summers light woolens / cottons are recommended.
| THE PEACH
BLOSSOM:
The hotel has been rebuilt and converted into a modern
and commodious Deluxe Hotel. It provides a rare opportunity to enjoys
nature's serenity and magnificence. The hotel presents a rare and
kaleidoscopic view of the landscapes dipped in mysterious mist all
around. The suites at the hotel offer a great view of Sun Rise as well
as the Sun Set ADDRESS:
The Peach Blossom, Fagu, Distt. Shimla (HP)
Tel: (01783) - 239469
CLASS:
Deluxe Hotel.
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Check availability and book The Peach Blossom
- Rooms are modern with attached
baths and running hot & cold water
-
Restaurant serving Indian, Continental, Chinese and Himachali cuisine
- Room service,
Satellite Television
- Drive in,
Parking within premises, Lawns
PLACES OF INTEREST
KUFRI (4 km):
(2510 m) Famous for its ski slopes also have enjoyable walks leading up to
Mahasu Peak in proxomity. A Nature Park and Mini Zoo are other places worth
visiting. Hill ponies and Yaks are available for a joy ride. HiPTDC here runs
Cafe Lalit.
SHIMLA (22 km): (2205 m) Once a summer seat of
Britesher, Shimla is now the state capital of Himachal Pradesh. It has the
rarest of the rare heritage buildings and monuments of the bygone area. Worth
seeing places are - The legendary Mall Road, The Ridge, The Christ Church, Kali
Bari Temple, Jakhu Hanuman Temple, Sankat Mochan, State Museum, Institute of
Advanced Studies.
CHAIL (27 km): (2226 m) Chail provides many
bounties of nature. Once the summer capital of Maharaja of Patiala, the Kingly
Palace decorated with some historical objects as well, is now owned as a
Heritage building by HPTDC. Also famous for the world's highest Cricket Ground,
Wildlife Sactuary and Sidh Baba ka Mandir.
NARKANDA (42 km): (2708 m) On the Hindustan
Tibet road, Narkanda
offers a spectacular view of higher snow ranges.
An uphill trek (8 km) through deodar woods leads beholder to Hatu Peak famous
for ancient Hatu Mata Temple (3475 m) which is now connected with a motorable
road. During winter, under the aegis of HPTDC, skiing is also conducted here.
Kotgarh and Thanedhar, Himachal's Apple heartland famous for delicious apples
are located in vicinity. HPTDC runs Hotel Hatu at Narkanda.
 Located at distance of 22 km from Shimla, Naldehra
(2044 m) is a heaven for tourists. It boasts of the oldest 9 hole golf course in the country. The well
groomed Golf Course is a lovely verdant, perhaps one of the finest and sporty in
India. Crowned with a springing turf the Golf Course was suggested by Lord Curzon. He was so enchanted by the place that he gave his daughter Alexendra,
"Naldehra" as her second name. It is the venue of many competitions. The Nag temple is also situated here and Naldehra derives its name from it.
ACCESS:
The closest airport is at Jubbar-Hatti, 45 km away. The nearest narrow gauge
railhead is at Shimla, 23 km away. By road Chandigarh is 139 km, Manali is 282 km and
Delhi is at a distance of 392 km.
CLIMATE:
In winter, the temperature can drop to below freezing point when heavy woolens are
required and in summers light woolens / cottons are recommended.
 THE GOLF GLADE:
Perched on the edge of the Golf Course at Naldehra, Hotel Golf Glade is
an ideal retreat from Shimla. There are interesting picnic
spots nearby.
ADDRESS:
Hotel Golf Glade, Naldehra, Distt. Shimla (HP)
Tel: (0177) - 2747739,
2747809.
CLASS:
Deluxe Hotel.
Check availability and book The Golf Glade
- Drive in, Beer Bar and Restaurant, Golf Course.
Hillsides
covered with thick forests, acres filled with apple orchards, small picturesque
hamlets and remarkable views in all directions combine to make Chindi (1825 m)
and the area around it, one of the most beautiful places in Himachal Pradesh.
The area is still off the beaten track and yet, has good facilities in terms of
roads, small markets and accomodation. Chindi is an excellent off-beat
destination that holds the charms that Himachal is just famous for.
ACCESS:
The closest airport is at Shimla at Jubbar-Hatti, 110 km away. The nearest narrow gauge
railhead is at Shimla, 87 km away. By road Mandi is 100 km, Rampur via Baina
Khud is 92 km, Chandigarh is 204 km and Delhi is 457 km. The road from Shimla
passes through Naldehra, Tattapani, Al Chindi and Churag.
CLIMATE:
In winter, the temperature can drop to below freezing point when heavy woolens are
required and in summers, light woolens / cottons are recommended.
| THE
MAMLESHWAR, CHINDI:
The recently built Hotel Mamleshwar has superb views and
is perfectly sited for exploring the area. The hotel has an excellent
location near woods and orchards and is ideal for leisure and offbeat
sightseeing. The hotel is a good stopover towards Kullu-Manali or towards
Kinnaur via Baina Khud from Shimla on this alternative route.
ADDRESS:
The Mamleshwar, Chindi, Distt. Mandi (HP)
Tel: (01907) - 222638
CLASS:
Deluxe Hotel.
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Check availability and book The Mamleshwar
- Rooms are modern with attached
baths and running hot & cold water
-
Restaurant serving Indian, Continental, Chinese and Himachali cuisine
- Room service, Drive in,
Parking within premises
PLACES OF INTEREST
The wide Karsog Valley lies below
Chindi and has good excursion spots. Apple orchards add thir attraction to the
area and Chindi is surrounded by them.
The area has several temples that
display a high level of traditional craftmanship. Some of the important temples
are - Mamleshwara Mahadev, Kamakshya Mata, Mahunag, Ardhnarishwara, Aledi
Mahadev, Palinag at Nalagali, the sacred Bhima Rock, Churag temple, Nag Dhamooni
at Sairi Bangla, temple at Chatri and the temple of Nag Dhamooni at Saranda.
The hike to Shikari Devi (3359 m)
is possible from Chindi. The views from Kunhoo Dhar (23 Km) are spectacular.
 ACCESS:
By road, the hotel is 41 km from Shimla. Regular buses / Taxis are available from
Shimla. The Airport is at Jubbar-Hatti (Shimla) 57 km and the nearest narrow
gauge railway head is at Shimla 41 km away.
THE BAGHAL:
Named after the former Princely state of Baghal, the hotel is situated at Darlaghat
(1826m) on the Shimla - Bilaspur - Manali state highway.
ADDRESS:
Hotel Baghal, Darlaghat, Distt. Solan (HP) - 171102. Tel: (01796) - 248116,
248117
CLASS:
Budget Hotel.
Check availability and book The Bhagal
- Drive in, Parking,
Satellite Television, Restaurant.
PLACES OF INTEREST
DARLAGHAT (1800 m): Just 2 km
far from the hotel, the place is famous for pollution free Gujrat Ambuja Cement Factory.
DURGAGHAT (1790 m):
On Shimla - Manali State highway. Famous for Durga Temple on the top of the hill.
ARKI (17 km):
Once the capital of
the princely State of Baghal, Arki witnessed a good measure of turbulence in this
area. Arki became the stronghold of an encoding force of Gurkhas, furring the Gorkha wars
that came to an end in 1815-16. About 1850, Raja Kishan Chand had the fort decorated with
fine murals executed in the Pahari style. Here is a place with history and adorned with
fine art. A temple of Lutroo Mahadev dedicated to Lord Shiva is also worth seeing (7
km on foot).
HARSINGH TIBBA:
This peak is
situated about 20 km, north east, at an altitude of 2445m. One can
travel by taxi or buses upto village Chanawog (1834m) and a further 4 km climb upto the
peak. On the top is an ancient temple of Dev Harsingh. The peak also
offers spectacular wide view of Satluj valley and the river including Shimla Hills.
BARIDHAR (22 km): At an altitude of
2140m this is a beautiful place for trekking and sight seeing. Annual fair called
"Bari Jatra" is celebrated on 14th June every year. This day,
palanquins of
five Pandavas from nearby village being worshipped as local Gods, assemble and meet on the
hill. There are also two temples dedicated to Pandavas and Budhi Mata.
SHOPPING:
There is an enormous range
of goods that Shimla offers. This includes handicrafts, wood and metalwork,
shawls, pullovers, local tweeds, caps, Tibetan carpets, pickles, jams and squashes. Himachal Pradesh Govt.
operates an Emporium at The Mall, Shimla where all these
products are available for sale.
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