Shimla was the most important British hill resort, prior to India's independence. It is named after its patron goddess, Shamla Devi, a manifestation of Kali. Simla, located at an altitude of 7,267 feet, is inhabited around a crescent - shaped ridge, which is blessed with perennially cool air and amazing views. It provides superb panoramic sights of the valleys, and the lofty peaks of the great Himalayan range, on both sides. The colourful local bazaars of Shimla are sprawled over the southern slopes of the ridge.

What to See

The main attractions of Shimla include the Rashtrapati Niwas, formerly the residence of the British Viceroy, the State Museum, which has a modest collection of stone statues from different parts of Himachal Pradesh, Jakhu Temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman, Summer Hill, Chadwick Fall, Prospects Hill, Sankat Mochan, Tara Devi and Windflower Hall. Kufri, a well - known ski resort in Himachal Pradesh, is 16 kilometre from Shimla.

Around Shimla

There are many places around Shimla, which a tourist can visit during the day. These places include Craigano (16 km from Shimla), Chail (45 km), Naldera (23 km), Narkanda (64 km), and Kasauli (77 km).

When to Visit

The best time to visit is from October to November. Between December and February, winter sets in with temperatures around zero degree Celsius, and heavy snowfall in the area. April, May, and June are peak seasons for local tourists, when other parts of the country are very hot.

How to Get There

Air: Shimla has an airport, 22 km away, from the main city with regular flights to Delhi. Chandigarh airport, 120 km away on the plains, has flights at more regular intervals. The flights to Shimla may be called off, during the winter months of December, January and February, so you will need to check them up in advance.

Train: Broad-gauge trains run till Kalka, from all the parts of the country. From Kalka onwards, a rail car on narrow gauge takes you to Shimla which offers some fantastic sights. You can also take a bus from Kalka to Shimla.

Bus: Shimla is connected by road to Chandigarh, Delhi, Dehradun, Kalka, and to many other places as well.

Where to Stay

Accommodation in Shimla is expensive, during the period April to September. Off season discounts are available. The Mall offers the best view, and is placed right at the heart of the city. The range of accommodation available is wide, from lower budget YMCA rooms, to the more expensive Woodville Palace Resort (Tel: +91-177-72763), Oberoi Clarkes Hotel (Tel: 212991, Fax: 211321), East Bourne (Tel: 77260, Fax: 5496), and Himland Hotel (Tel: 77312).