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Shimla Sightseeing

AttractionArea/Distance
Jakhu Temple Approximately 2 kilometers from Shimla
Tara Devi Temple Located nearly 11 kilometers from the Shimla City Bus Stand
Sankat Mochan Located amidst the verdant timber of Shimla woods just below the National Highway 22
Kali Bari TempleLocated close to ‘The Mall’
Kamna Devi Temple Situated at the top of the ‘Prospect Hill’
Dorje Drag Monastery Set up at Sarasvati Garden Estate, Kusmuti in Shimla
Christ ChurchStationed at ‘The Ridge’ close to the Municipal Library
The MallExtends from Scandal Point to Oberoi Clark Hotel
The RidgeLocated right in the heart of Shimla that runs along the Mall Road east to west
Lower BazaarExtends below the central point of the Mall
Lakkar BazaarLying adjoining ‘the Ridge’ of Shimla
Viceregal LodgePositioned atop the Observatory Hills at the western end of the Shimla Ridge at the Mall Road
State MuseumLocated at the Chaura Maidan at the top of the Inverarm Hill on the Mall Road
Photo Art GalleryLocated at Potter's Hill near Himachal Pradesh University
Summer HillLocated just 5 kilometers from the Ridge of Shimla on the Shimla Kalka Road
Annandale Stationed just 4 kilometers from the Ridge of Shimla
Anand Vilas Positioned mid way between Shimla and Junga
Rothney CastleLocated atop the Jakhu Hills, placed about 2 kilometers from the city Shimla
Himalayan Bird Park Located close to the Viceregal Lodge
Town HallLocated on the Mall Road
Indian Institute of Advanced Study
Himalayan Nature Park in KufriLocated at Kufri approximately 16 kilometers from Shimla
Scandal PointNested at the Mall close to the Railway Building
Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex
WoodvilleLocated half a mile away from ‘The Mall’ to the east of the city
EllerslieLocated in Chotta Shimla
Gorton Castle
The Railway Board BuildingSituated on the way to the Mall Road of Shimla
Gurkha GateLocated on the Chaura Maidan Road
Golf Course, Naldehra Positioned 23 kilometers from Shimla
Arki Palace, ArkiLocated 53 km west of Shimla
Hip Hip Hurray Amusement ParkLocated 16kilometers from Shimla on the National Highway 22 towards Narkanda-Rampur


Jakhu Temple

Location: Approximately 2 kilometers from Shimla
Jakhu Temple, perched atop the Jakhu Hill approximately 2 kilometers from Shimla is an ancient shrine dedicated to the ardent devotee of Lord Ram i.e. Lord Hanuman. As the legend goes, Lord Hanuman on the way to the Himalayas had rested at the Jakhu Hill for a while. The 8000 feet tall Jakhu Hill happens to be the highest peak of the Shimla region and enfolds the most captivating vistas of the surrounding snow blanketed Himalayas and the delicate Shimla and other towns nested in the cradle of pristine Mother Nature. Apart from the devotees, Jakhu Temple also attracts myriads of adventure lovers who undertake a one hour long trek to the top of the Jakhu Hill. This trek is considerably treacherous and physically demanding. The way up to the Jakhu Temple is clad with dense Himalayan Forests and you will encounter many wild monkeys from whom you will have to guard your belongings and food. A number of trekking and mountaineering expeditions are organized by the Himachal Pradesh Government at the Jakhu Hill. Many tourists also hire the ponies and reach the temple of the Lord Hanuman through an easier and less hazardous mode of transport.

Tara Devi Temple

Location: Located nearly 11 kilometers from the Shimla City Bus Stand
Tara Devi Temple located nearly 11 kilometers from the Shimla City Bus Stand is a famous shrine dedicated to the Tibetan Buddhist Goddess Tara, one of the nine sisters of Goddess Durga. Estimated to be more than 250 years old, this temple of Goddess Tara is set up atop the 6070 feet tall ‘Tara Mountain’ positioned between Shimla and Shoghi. It is said that Goddess Tara was brought to this place from Bengal by a king from the Sen Dynasty and later Raja Bhupendra Sen erected this temple consecrating the wooden idol of Tara Devi in its sanctum. The structure of this temple reveals the clear Vaishnav style and traditions of architecture. The natives believe that Goddess Tara keeps an eye on the entire terrain from the top and showers her grace on every one. Shardiya Navratra is the most important festival celebrated at the Tara Devi Temple and a fair is also held here at that time which draws thousands of devotees and tourists to this holy abode of Goddess Tara. From the crest of the Tara Mountain one can perceive the enthralling views of the snow carpeted Himalayan Sierras and the dandy metropolis Shimla on one side and the far reaching plains on the other. Tara Devi Temple at the Tara Hill is also a much sought after destination for the adventure seekers who trek all the way up the Tara Mountain that consumes over fours hours of time and energy of course!

Sankat Mochan

Location: Located amidst the verdant timber of Shimla woods just below the National Highway 22
The Sankat Mochan Temple, located amidst the verdant timber of Shimla woods just below the National Highway 22 is a shrine dedicated to Lord Hanuman and is one of the most popular religious destinations of this Hill Resort. ‘Baba Neeb Karori Ji Maharaj’ paid a visit to this place in the year 1950 and stayed here for more than 10 years pursuing meditation and introspection. During that period he laid the foundation of this temple which attained completion in 1966. Subsequently, the temple was expanded by the Government of Himachal Pradesh. Apart from the idol of Lord Hanuman, this shrine also houses the statues of Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha and Lord Ram in independent complexes. The shrine dedicated to Lord Ganesha is designed in the South Indian style of architecture. On every Sunday, ‘Prasad Food’ i.e. Langar is distributed at the Sankat Mochan Temple. Moreover, the temple complex also provides arrangements for several religious rituals including the wedding ceremony. From here, eye catching panoramas of Lofty Himalayan precipices and beautiful Shimla City can also be enjoyed.

Kali Bari Temple

Location: Located close to ‘The Mall’
The Kali Bari Temple located close to ‘The Mall’ of Shimla is a shrine dedicated to Goddess Kali, the fierce incarnation of feminine power. Worshipped by the name Shyamala Devi here, the city Shimla is christened after this very Goddess. The Kali Bari Temple forms one of the holiest pilgrim destinations of Shimla. This 19th century temple dated back to 1845 AD was originally located at Jakhu Hill but eventually it was shifted to its present site by the British. A wooden image of the Goddess Shyamala is enshrined in this temple and according to the prevalent belief; the original altar of this temple was established by some Bengali devotee. The Kali Bari Temple is thronged by the devotees particularly on the auspicious occasions such as Navaratri Festival and Durga Puja.

Kamna Devi Temple

Location: Situated at the top of the ‘Prospect Hill’
Kamna Devi Temple, situated at the top of the ‘Prospect Hill’ of Shimla is one of the most venerated religious sites of this ‘Queen of the Hill Stations’. Visited by thousands of devotees every year, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Kamna, an incarnation of Goddess Kali. Enclosed by pine and deodar jungle, this temple dandily perched in the lap of the panoramic Himalayan Forests of Shimla offers the commanding prospects of the adjoining region clad with infinite pulchritude and even the tracks of the Shimla Toy Train can be perceived from here. The natives of Shimla believe that those who climb the intricate path up to the Prospect Hill to the Kamna Devi Temple are blessed by the Mother Goddess with well being and all their wishes come true.

Dorje Drag Monastery

Location: Set up at Sarasvati Garden Estate, Kusmuti in Shimla
Dorje Drag Monastery, also known as ‘Thubten Evam Dorje Drag’ is a very famous Buddhist friary of Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism set up at Sarasvati Garden Estate, Kusmuti in Shimla. A trip to Shimla presupposes that you pay a visit to the Dorje Drag Monastery, one of the foremost tourist attractions of this ‘Heaven Incarnated’. The soothing ambience of this monastery is sure to make you feel revitalized and spiritually rejuvenated.

Christ Church

Location: Stationed at ‘The Ridge’ close to the Municipal Library
Christ Church, the most prominent landmark of the city Shimla is stationed at ‘The Ridge’ close to the Municipal Library. Established in the year 1846 and completed in 1857 AD, the Christ Church of Shimla was chiefly erected with an aim of fulfilling the religious needs of the British Officials and soldiers residing in Shimla during the colonial era. This church of Shimla happens to be the second oldest church in Northern India after the St John's Church at Meerut. Regarded as one of the most fascinating edifices of the city, the Christ Church is visible even from the miles away. This church was designed by Colonel J. T. Boileau in the year 1844. The most noteworthy feature of this imposing church is its clock tower that was donated by Colonel Dumbleton in the year 1860. The porch of the church was later added to the structure in the year 1873. Having survived the taste of time, the catastrophe of partition and consequential political chaos, the Christ Church of Shimla continues to be well maintained and retains its good condition till today. The church is embellished with five beautiful stained glass windows that represent hope, faith, charity, humility, fortitude and patience. The Pipe-Organ of Christ Church erected in September 1899 is the biggest Pipe-Organ in the country. The fresco that surrounds the chapel window was designed by Rudyard Kipling's father; Lockwood Kipling. Many eminent officials of the British Raj came to this church every Sunday to attend prayer services. The Pipe-Organ, the brass plaques and the stain glass windows are the chief attractions of this antique colonial architecture.

The Mall

Location: Extends from Scandal Point to Oberoi Clark Hotel
The Mall, the main shopping area of Shimla and the pivot of all social activities of the city can be metaphorically called the nerve of this hill station. The 7 km long Mall Road that extends from Scandal Point to Oberoi Clark Hotel is the thriving hub of a number of restaurants, eating joints, clubs, bars, showrooms, departmental stores, theatres, other recreational centers, banks, Post Offices and tourist offices. Some of the chief attractions of the city such as the Christ Church, the Ridge, the Scandal Point, etc are also positioned on the Mall Road. Earlier developed by the British, the Mall is today the most popular hangout juncture of Shimla. Both the locals as well as the tourists enjoy various amusing activities such as shopping, socializing, eating and making merry at the Mall. Kids as well as grown ups make it a point to enjoy horse riding here. To keep the Mall unspoilt by pollution, vehicles are not allowed on the Mall Road of Shimla. Famous for its Victorian Architecture and other reminiscent of the colonial epoch, the Mall Road is a must visit tourist attraction of this Hill Station of Himachal Pradesh.

The Ridge

Location: Located right in the heart of Shimla that runs along the Mall Road east to west
The Ridge is a large open space located right in the heart of Shimla that runs along the Mall Road east to west and meets it at the Scandal Point. The eastern side of the Ridge leads to the Lakkar Bazaar which happens to be the famous market of wooden crafts in Shimla. A large water reservoir is housed at the ridge which acts as the main source of water for the city. Apart from that, the famous Summer Festival of Shimla is also organized at the Ridge. The Ridge serves as the venue of a number of local celebrations as well as the New Year’s Party. The Christ Church and the Municipal Library are the major landmarks of the Ridge. Three statues of the prestigious personalities of India including Mahatma Gandhi, Indira Gandhi and Dr. Y. S. Parmar; the cardinal chief minister of Himachal Pradesh are installed here.

Lower Bazaar

Location: Extends below the central point of the Mall
Lower Bazaar is the section of the Mall Road of Shimla that extends below the central point of the Mall. The Lower Bazaar is the junction of the less expensive and cheaper hotels, restaurants, shopping places, stores, and such recreational places where the common man of the city can shop to his heart’s content. The shops of the Lower Bazaar are open from Monday to Saturday and the market is closed on Sundays. There is also a crowded wholesale vegetable market where vegetables can be bought at pretty cheap prices. Though comparatively less extravagant and opulent than the upper section of the market, the Lower Bazaar has retained its old world charm even today, and this is the best place to relish some of the special Shimla cuisines such as Urad Dal and Rice or Shepard’s Pie.

Lakkar Bazaar

Location: 30 km away from Ahmedabad
Lakkar Bazaar, the market lying adjoining ‘the Ridge’ of Shimla is a very popular market place of the city where exquisite wooden articles and artifacts are sold. These handcrafted wooden novelties are super hit amongst the tourists and they sell like hotcakes in Shimla. These finely carved and aureate pieces of wood art are truly worth the price and tourists make it a point to take these wooden souvenirs back home. Apart from the wooden articles, the Lakkar Bazaar of Shimla is also equally famous for the natural herbs and dry fruits sold here. The roller skating rink set up here is the additional attraction of the Lakkar Bazaar. The state hospital of Himachal Pradesh; ‘Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital’ and many famous hotels of the city too are located in Lakkar Bazaar.

Viceregal Lodge

Location: 19 km from Ahmedabad
The Viceregal Lodge of Shimla, the majestic British-Raj mansion presently known as the ‘Rashtrapati Niwas’ is positioned atop the Observatory Hills at the western end of the Shimla Ridge at the Mall Road. Designed by a British architect Henry Irwin and built in the Jacobethan style of architecture between 1880 and 1888 AD, the Viceregal Lodge originally served as the residence of the then British Viceroy of India; Lord Dufferin. This imposing manor is ornamented with elegantly manicured British style gardens on three sides while the forth side is a vantage point to repose and behold the commanding vistas of the rolling Himalayan precipices and the enrapturing spectacles of the sun setting behind these snow laden mountains. The teak-paneled interior of the Viceregal Lodge is excessively impressive whereas the grand staircase marking the main hall is an epitome of the architectural grandiose of bygone era. A grand fireplace is built facing the entrance and the entire mansion is surrounded by ethereal verandas and terraces. The gigantic structure of the Viceregal Lodge is girdled by staggering pines that magnify the illustriousness of the villa. Presently, the Viceregal Lodge houses the Indian Institute of Advanced Study. Tourists can take a guided tour of this chateau and they are charged just 20 Rs per head as the entry fee. You can also carry your still and/or video cameras after paying nominal charges.

State Museum

Location: Located at the Chaura Maidan at the top of the Inverarm Hill on the Mall Road
The Himachal State Museum located at the Chaura Maidan at the top of the Inverarm Hill on the Mall Road is yet another attraction of the Shimla Metropolis. The enormous building of the museum constructed in the colonial style during the British Era is set amidst the well landscaped spacious lawns. Established in the year 1974, the State Museum functions with an objective of preserving the historical and cultural legacy of Himachal Pradesh. Over 10,000 artifacts pertaining to art, archaeology and cultural anthropology of the state, collected from all over the Himachal Pradesh are exhibited in the various galleries of the museum. These galleries are classified in several sections such as pre-historic, Indian Archaeology, Arms Gallery, Woodcarvings, Gandhi Gallery, and Himachal Archaeology etc. Moreover, there are separate galleries displaying Pahari Miniature Paintings, Philatelic and Anthropological Monuments, 6th-11th century Gupta Sculptures, Photographs, Coins, Bronze Artifacts, Local Handicrafts, Numismatics, Mughal & Rajasthan Paintings, Wall Paintings, 8th century Stone Images from Masrur and Bajaura, Himachali Bridal and Tribal Dolls, Contemporary Art and so on and so forth. The museum is open from 10 am to 5 pm Tuesday to Sunday, and 10 Rs are charged as the entry fee. You can carry your camera inside for free, but flash is not allowed in the museum.
Location: Located at Potter's Hill near Himachal Pradesh University
The Photo Art Gallery, located at Potter's Hill near Himachal Pradesh University is a widely reckoned art gallery of Shimla where one can explore the aesthetic representation of the culture, natural beauty, flora and fauna of Himachal Pradesh demonstrated through photographs. Over 20,000 photographs clicked by the prolific photographer Inder Pal are exhibited here. The major themes covered under these photographs include nature, landscapes, wildlife, travel, fine art, digital stock etc. Tourists are allowed to take photographs here, but the use of flash inside the gallery is strictly prohibited. The gallery is open between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm from Monday to Friday while on Saturdays and Sundays the timings are extended from 9:00 am to 6:30 pm. 5 INR are charged as the entry fee here. Apart from paying a visit to the Photo Art Gallery, tourists also indulge in several adventure and leisure activities such as climbing, hiking, taking a stroll, observing the Himalayan wild life and enjoying the natural pulchritude of the region at the Potter's Hill.

Summer Hill

Location: Located just 5 kilometers from the Ridge of Shimla on the Shimla Kalka Road
Summer Hill, also known as Potter’s Hill is located just 5 kilometers from the Ridge of Shimla on the Shimla Kalka Road. Best loved amongst the locals as well as the tourists, the Summer Hill, one of the seven hills around Shimla is admired for its scenic beauty and is an ideal place for taking long leisurely walks. Situated amidst the dense pine, cedar, deodar and oak forests, Summer Hill is the domicile of the Georgian House of Raj Kumari Amrit Kaur, where Mahatma Gandhi once stayed. Moreover, Summer Hill is also recognized for the Himachal Pradesh University Campus and the Nature Park set up here. Frequently visited by thousands of vacationers, the Summer Hill can be accessed from the Kalka-Shimla National Highway.

Annandale

Location: Near Golden Temple
Annandale, perched at an altitude of about 6227 feet above the sea level and stationed just 4 kilometers from the Ridge of Shimla, is a historic playground and a popular spot for playing cricket and polo. Also famous for the race course situated here, Annandale, located at the Kaithu village in the western region of Shimla is a favorite tourist’s destination noted for its unparalleled scenic splendor and its salubrious milieu. First visited by Captain Charles Pratt Kennedy, this place was named by him as ‘Annadale’ which has over the years become ‘Annandale’. Lord William Beresford, the Military Secretary of Lord Dufferin added a cricket pavilion and a polo field and expanded the Annandale of Shimla. Since 1830, Annandale has been serving as a thriving center of Anglo-Indian sports and other entertainments. Tourists as well as the citizens of Shimla visit Annandale to enjoy picnics, parties, birthday-balls, fancy-fairs flower, various races, polo matches and so on. Presently army exercises, parades, sports and Dussehra Celebrations are hosted at the Annandale.

Anand Vilas

Location: Positioned mid way between Shimla and Junga
Anand Vilas positioned mid way between Shimla and Junga is a majestic mansion that used to furnish as an abode of Late Sri Sathya Sai Baba when he used to pay a visit to Shimla. Constructed over six years between 2002 and 2008, this magnificent edifice is built in six floors. Apart from housing the residential complex of Sri Sathya Sai Baba and his interview room, the Anand Vilas also comprises a capacious Bhajan Hall where over 300 devotees can sit at a time. The balcony constructed here was used by Baba to sit and view the entire proceedings. The mansion was christened as the ‘Anand Vilas’ by Sri Sathya Sai Baba Himself. A Sarva Dharma Mandir is built at the Anand Vilas and an ‘Art is Values’ school is also run here which imparts training to children coming from all over the country for free.

Rothney Castle

Location: Located atop the Jakhu Hills, placed about 2 kilometers from the city Shimla
Rothney Castle, now a heritage hotel is a former residence of Allan Octavian Hume; a renowned civil servant of British and ‘the father of Indian Ornithology’. Enclosed by beautiful gardens, the Rothney Castle was earlier used as a museum where various species of birds were exhibited. Currently, the castle is under the custody of Himachal Pradesh Government. Rothney Castle is located atop the Jakhu Hills, placed about 2 kilometers from the city Shimla.

Himalayan Bird Park

Location: Located close to the Viceregal Lodge
Himalayan Bird Park, also known by the name ‘Himalayan Aviary’ is located close to the Viceregal Lodge of Shimla at the elevation of over 2000 meters. Enveloped with natural green meadows crammed with rare plants and trees, the Himalayan Bird Park is indeed a paradise for nature lovers. Moreover, the Himalayan Bird Park is also celebrated for its huge collection of several unique bird species including Pheasants, Peafowl, Peacock, Himalayan Monal (the state bird of Himachal Pradesh), and many others. The best season to visit this Bird Park of Shimla is summer as during the winter the entire landscape is carpeted with snow.

Town Hall

Location: Located on the Mall Road
The Town Hall is a renovated building that originally served as the headquarters of the Municipal Corporation of Shimla during the British Raj. Shimla furnished as the summer capital of British, but during rest of the year, the administration of this Hill Resort was handled by the Municipal Corporation. The Town Hall, constructed during the British Era in the year 1910 on the foundation stone laid by the Municipal Board, reveals the architectural reminiscent of the pre-independence epoch, still conserved in its original form. Located on the Mall Road of Shimla, the Town Hall is particularly reckoned for its large steps built at the entrance where tourists are seen clicking pictures. Today the Town Hall houses several Municipal Offices of Shimla and also a library functional since British Raj.

Indian Institute of Advanced Study

Location:
Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS), established in the year 1964 by Ministry of Education, Government of India and functional since 20th October 1965, is a prestigious research institute based in Shimla. Dr. S Radhakrishnan, the first Vice President of India and the second President of India decided to convert the Viceregal Lodge of Shimla into a centre of higher learning. He gifted the mansion to IIAS and the Research Institute was officially inaugurated by Himself on 20th October 1965. Indian Institute of Advanced Study presently offers courses on various disciplines including Humanities (Arts and Aesthetics, Study of Religion and Philosophy, Comparative Study of Literature), Social Sciences (Development Studies, Socio-economic and Socio-Cultural Formation in Historical Perspective, Comparative Study of Political Institutions) and Natural and Life Sciences (State Policies on Science and Technology, Methodologies and Techniques, Science, Technology and Development).

Himalayan Nature Park in Kufri

Location: At Kufri approximately 16 kilometers from Shimla
Himalayan Nature Park, located at Kufri approximately 16 kilometers from Shimla is one of the most sought after tourist destinations of the state of Himachal Pradesh. Boasting of its unique population of 180 species of rare and endangered birds, animals and plants, this nature park is a fantastic bio-diversity and eco tourism center. Established in the year 1992, the Nature Park is spread over an extensive area of 90 hectares. The noteworthy wildlife spotted here includes musk deer, Barking Deer, Samber, Yak, Monal, snow leopards, Ghoral, Himalayan Thar, Brown Bear, Tibetan Wolf, and many other exceptional species. Apart from the nature park, this place is also famous for its natural skiing slopes, trekking trails, horse riding and such thrilling activities. Moreover, the state government has also set up a Potato Research Centre here. A number of temples are situated in the Himalayan Nature Park premises and the local festivals and annual fairs draw a great number of tourists every year. The entry to Himalayan Nature Park is permitted after paying 15 INR as the entry fee.

Scandal Point

Location: Nested at the Mall close to the Railway Building
The Scandal Point, nested at the Mall close to the Railway Building happens to be the highest geographical point of the Mall Road in Shimla. The spot where the Ridge and the Mall intersect is known as the Scandal Point. The vicinity derives its name from a tale that some erstwhile Maharaja of Patiala being attracted towards the beautiful daughter of the Viceroy of India had kidnapped her from this point. The most noteworthy features of the Scandal Point of Shimla are the Scotland Church, the statue of Lala Lajpat Rai, the legendary Alfa restaurant and a number of shops and restaurants queuing on the road. Apart from hanging out with friends and family and shopping, the Scandal Point is also famous for the charming views of the surrounding valleys and snow capped mountains perceived from here.

Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex

Location:
Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex, one of the testimonials of the Colonial Era in India is a 122 years old Theatre Complex designed by Henry Irwin and built in the Gothic Victorian order of architecture. Formerly opened to public from 30th May 1887 and now reopened from June 2010, the Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex is a thriving hub of all theatrical, cultural and literary activities organized in Shimla. Over the decades, this theatre has staged several national and international artists. Recently the complex was revamped without damaging its original structure or without diminishing its former glory. Since June 2010, the schools of Shimla have been using the Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex for their performing arts events. The first play was performed at the Gaiety Theatre complex on 9th June 1838 while the Amateur Dramatic Club was established later in the year 1887. The chief sections of the theatre complex are: the Art gallery, the City Museum, the Amphitheater, the Multi-purpose Theater and the conference hall. Traditional as well as contemporary art forms of India are displayed in the Art gallery. Historical arts and crafts of the Himachali region are exhibited in the City Museum. Live cultural performances are held at the Amphitheater and the theatrical and classical events are held at the Multi-purpose Theater. Tourists can either pay a visit to the Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex independently or take a peep into the past legacy of India as a part of the tours conducted in groups.

Woodville

Location: Located Located half a mile away from ‘The Mall’ to the east of the city
Located half a mile away from ‘The Mall’ to the east of the city and perched at an altitude of nearly 7000 feet above sea level, the Woodville Palace of Shimla is a testimony of the majesty of the Indian Kings and the graceful lifestyle of the British Raj. The essence of Woodville traces back to the ageless romantic history of Shimla, ‘the Jewel of the Orient’. Cuddled in the cradle of the deodar pine woods and snuggled against the imperial backdrop of the sublime Himalayas, the Woodville Palace with its gabled roofs and turrets allures its visitors to no extent. One of the finest and the oldest sites of Shimla, Woodville was built in 1865 AD and furnished as the regal residence of the Commander-in-Chief during the British Era. The first inhabitant of this mansion was General Sir William Rose Mansfield. Sir James Walker bought the Woodville Palace in 1881 who later gifted it to the Alliance Bank of Shimla. For several years, the palace served as the official quarter of the bank manager. Subsequently, the bungalow was acquired by Raja Rana Sir Bhagat Chand of Jubbal who used the mansion as his Summer Palace. After his demise, one of his grandsons turned the palace into a heritage hotel. Presently, Woodville is famed as the Woodville Palace Hotel in Shimla. This European style edifice ornamented with wooded pavements dotted by cedars and charismatic surroundings embellished by beautifully manicured and well maintained lawns is a must visit place of Shimla. Today, the Woodville Palace Hotel offers luxurious accommodation, modern facilities and advanced recreational amenities.

Ellerslie

Location: Located in Chotta Shimla
Ellerslie, also known as ‘Raj Bhawan’ is the Secretariat of the Himachal Pradesh where the assemblies of the state Vidhan Sabha are held. The earlier building of Ellerslie used to house the military department of the Punjab Government till 1886 AD. This old structure was demolished and the present Ellerslie was constructed here during the British Colonization. The plan of the building was designed by Lt. Col. H.E.S. Abbott. The interiors are constructed in brickwork of lime mortar cementing. Ellerslie was taken over by the Himachal Pradesh Secretariat in the summer’s assembly of 1967. Ellerslie is built in three floors and it has a basement and a sub-basement. There are 143 rooms in total and 31 public service sections.

Gorton Castle

Location:
Gorton Castle, established in the year 1904 is an archetype of the grand heritage of Shimla; the historical summer capital of Colonized India. Designed and erected in the Gothic fashion, the foundation of the castle was built by Sir Swinton Jacob, a dexterous British architect who served as an executive engineer in the princely state of Jaipur. The elaborate Rajasthani Jaali Work that festoons the balconies of the castle is the epitome of the architectural ingenuity of the artisans of the yore. Earlier, the building housed the Civil Secretariat of the royal Government of India where various departments such as Legislature, Home, Health, Finance, Land, Education, etc were lodged in various sections of the edifice. Presently, the Gorton Castle accommodates the offices of the Accountant General of Himachal Pradesh. Spread across the total area of 400 feet by 100 feet, this three storied building consisting 125 large and small rooms is loftily positioned atop a hill. Enclosed by rosewood like timber blocks imported from Andaman Islands, this castle was built using solid grey Sanjauli stone. The red tile roof of the building was eventually replaced by the galvanized red iron sheet roof.

The Railway Board Building

Location: 2 km from Darbar Sahib
Situated on the way to the Mall Road of Shimla, The Railway Board Building is a bizarre structure built from cast iron and steel. Set up in 1896, this building is one of the significant edifices dating back to the British Era. Earlier nominated as the ‘Public Works Department Secretariat Office’, presently the Railway Board Building houses a number of governmental offices. This edifice received its present name after the Railway Board office which was lodged in the building in 1923 AD. Constructed by a Bombay based enterprise, Richardson and Cruddas, this historic building has four levels above the road and three levels in the basement. The 3 below levels can be accessed from the other side of the building.

Gurkha Gate

Location: Located on the Chaura Maidan Road
Gurkha Gate, the main gateway to the Viceregal Lodge is one of the oldest gateways built in Shimla. This gate was erected as a tribute to the Gurkha soldiers of Nepal origin who bravely stood at this front to the save the Himalayan kingdom. The Gurkha community was exalted for their courage, gallantry, wittiness and their constant loyalty to the Empire. Lady Curzon, the then Vicereine was so impressed by their heroism that she applauded the martyrdom of the Gurkha soldiers as a contribution to the country. It was she who conceived the idea of building a gate in their name and got it implemented. The Gurkha Gate sings the sagas of the glory of the Gurkha Community. The gateway also features the lodging built in the timber-outlined Dhajji houses for the Gurkha Soldiers.

Golf Course, Naldehra

Location: Positioned 23 kilometers from Shimla
The Golf Course of Naldehra positioned 23 kilometers from Shimla is one of the oldest golf clubs existing in the world. Nestled at an altitude of about 2,200 meters amongst the Himalayan Woods, this golf course having a springing turf initially had a 9-hole course. Presently it has been expanded to 18 holes with an aim of organizing various national and international competitions. Founded in 1920, this golf club is now maintained by the Himachal Tourism Department. The club hosts several nine-hole and 18-hole championships, for instance; Par 68 and 3791 Yardage, considered to be some of the most challenging courses. The golf club of Naldehra works in association with renowned golf clubs like the Chandigarh Golf Club, Air force Golf Club of Delhi, BSF Golf Club of Delhi, ARTRAC Golf Club of Shimla etc. The Naldehra Golf Course is open from April to November. HRTC buses and taxis can be availed for reaching there from Shimla.

Arki Palace, Arki

Location: Located 53 km west of Shimla
Arki Palace, constructed during the reign of Raja Prithvi Singh in 18th century is a dazzling citadel famous for its exquisite frescos designed in Arki Kalam Style. The intricately decorated roofs and an assortment of motifs depicting contemporary themes are the noteworthy features of this gargantuan composition. Though in ruins today, the marvelous architectural relics of the palace and the wall paintings and murals representing various episodes ranging from the Puranas to the folklores, are worth the visit. The special attraction of the Arki Palace is the chapters of Kalidasa’s Kumarasambhava vividly painted on the walls. Today a section of this palace has been turned into a heritage hotel where the royal sophistication and majestic grandeur is maintained in its complete bloom. Spectacular views of the snow capped Himalayas can be witnessed from here.

Hip Hip Hurray Amusement Park

Location: 16kilometers from Shimla on the National Highway 22 towards Narkanda-Rampur
Hip Hip Hurray Amusement Park, located 16kilometers from Shimla on the National Highway 22 towards Narkanda-Rampur is a world of infinite entertainment and fun for entire family. This sprawling campus covering the total area of 5000 square meters in the lap of snow clad Himalayas, beckons both young and old to this plethora of fun and leisure. Various rides and games available here include Bumper Cars, Indoor Golf Course, Ice Skating, Air Hockey, Go Karting, Double Swing, Condola Wheel, Kids Helicopter, Telescoping, and so on. Adventure sports such as Flying Fox, Valley Crossing, Burma Bridge Crossing, Commando Net Climbing, Rowing, etc. are also super hit amongst the tourists. You can also buy special Himachali Handloom items and various gift items here.