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Shimla
(also spelt as 'Simla') derives its name from goddess 'Shayamla
Devi', which is another manifestation of Goddess Kali. The
capital of Himachal Pradesh came into light when the British
discovered it in 1819. Till then, it was a part of the Nepalese
kingdom. In 1864 Shimla was declared as the summer capital
of India. After Independence, Shimla became the capital of
Punjab and was later named the capital of Himachal Pradesh
. In 1903 a rail line was constructed between Kalka and Shimla.
Shimla has been blessed with all the natural bounties, one
can think of. Dwelling on a panoramic location, the hilly
town is surrounded by green pastures and snow-capped peaks.
The spectacular cool hills accompanied by the structures made
during the colonial era create an aura, which is very different
from other hill stations.
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Attractions
in Shimla |
Christ Church & St. Michael's Cathedral |
Built in 1846-1857, Christ Church is the second oldest church
of Northern India. The Church overlooks the ridge and is one
of the landmarks of Shimla. The clocks on Christ Church were
added later but none of them are functional now. The Church's
exquisite beauty comes with the stained glasses that are fitted
on its windows. The town's other important churches are St.
Michael's Cathedral and Roman Catholic Cathedral, which is
just off the Mall.
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Himachal
State Museum & Library |
The
museum is located 2.5-km west of the scandal point and opens
daily except on Mondays and public holidays. It has got a
good collection of ancient historical sculptures, paintings,
coins, photos and other items from all over the state as well
as outside it. It has also got a library, which houses many
historical books and manuscripts.
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Viceregal
Lodge & Botanical Gardens |
On
the Observatory Hills is located Viceregal Lodge, which is
also known as "Rashtrapati Niwas". This magnificent building
was the residence of the British Viceroy Lord Dufferin. This
lodge was completed in 1888 and it is said that every brick
for the building was carried by mules. This is a six-storey
building and is surrounded by well-maintained gardens and
lawns. The lodge has now been converted into Institute of
Advanced Study and is further 2-km from State Museum.
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The
Mall |
This
is the main shopping centre of Shimla with restaurants. The
Gaiety Theatre, which is a reproduction of an old British
theatre is a center of cultural activities. A passenger lift
of HPTDC can be taken from the Cart Road and the Mall. Lakkar
Bazaar adjacent to the Ridge is popular for its wood-crafts
and souvenirs
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Jakhu
Temple |
Dedicated
to Lord Hanuman, this temple is at an altitude of 2,455m near
the highest point of Shimla ridge. It offers a fine view over
the surrounding valleys, out to the snowcapped peaks, and
over the town itself. The temple is a 45-minute walk from
the Mall. Jakhu is a vantage point for witnessing the changing
skyline as the sun rises or sets.
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Sankat
Mochan |
On
Shimla-Kalka road is the famous "Lord Hanuman" temple. Situated
at an altitude of 1,975m, it commands an excellent view of
Shimla town
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Chadwick
Falls |
Surrounded
by thick forests, one can reach these falls by taking about
45-minutes (7-km) walk from Summer Hill Chowk.
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Fagu
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Situated
on Hindustan-Tibet Road (22-km), at a height of 2,450m Fagu
is gifted with some enchanting views.
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