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Shimla District

General Information: 2,205 m. Shimla was once part of Keonthal Hill State till 18th Centenary. It was taken by a British Major Kennedy from the rulers in 1830 A.D. Shimla became a summer capital of British Empire in 1864 A.D. After, 1947, it became part of Panjab state. Today it is the capital of Himachal Pradesh.
Once a nondescript village Shimla was chosen to be the summer capital of British empire prior to independence of India. Now it is the capital of Himachal Pradesh. The legendary past of bygone days is reflected in its majestically built building in Anglo-Saxon architecture. Neo-Gothic structure of the Christ Church,English renaissance structure of the former vicarage lodge, now Indian Institute of Advanced Studies are prominent monuments.
The Gaiety Theater a replica of the British Theater, the famous Ridge and many more monuments of the past speak volumes of Britisher' taste. Shimla-known as the queen of Hill stations is perhaps the biggest hill station of India.
Access
Air : Jubbar Hatti 23km.
Road : Kalka 90 km Chandigarh- 117km, Delhi 370 Km, Dharamshala 235 km Kullu 220 Km.
Rail : Shimla (Narrow Guage), Kalka 90 Km (Broad Gauge)

Places of Interest:

The Ridge : Ridge is the hub of the city. The famous Christ Church, statues of Dr Y.S. Parmar - the founder of Himachal Pradesh, Mahatma Gandhi and Indra Gandhi adorn this attactive spot. Daulat Singh park, Ashiana Restaurant, Goofa Cafe and newly built Padam Dev Shopping Complex are added attractions.	The Mall : Mall is the main shopping centre with a number of restaurants, Ciffeee house, General Post Office, Municipal Corporation Complex and Banks. Legendary Scandal Point is the most favorite haunt of all age groups. historical statue of Lala Lajpath rai is the famous landmark.
Lakkar Bazar : A few minute walk from the Ridge , this bazar is a big tourist attraction for purchase of gifts made of all local material such as walking sticks, wood crafts and curios etc.	Tibetan Market : A short distance fromthe scandal point this newly sprung Tibetan Market housed in temporary wooden stalls is full of fancy items,Tibetan handicrafts and imported goods. At the end of the market there is a Cinema Hall ( Rivoli ), Ice Skating Rink and Lakkar Bazar Bus Stop.
Kali Bari Temple : Less than five minutes level walk from scandal point is the complex dedicated to the temples of goddess KAli and Lord Shiva . It is belived that the idol of goddess Shymla is also enshrined here. The Complex has aliving accommodation and big conference hall with a stage.	Jakhu Temple :2,455m. An uphill climb of abou 2 km from the Ridge or the Christ Church through deodar forests leads to Shimla's highest hill top known as Jakhu Temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. A panoramic view of the vast plains and distant Himalayan Ranges from this hill top is very enchanting.
Viceregal Lodge : (Indian Institute of Advanced Studies ) One km ahead of the museum this Institute is accessible by car or taxi via Boileauganj. Its elaborate wooden carving to the full height are a feast to the eye.After Independence of India this sprawling building was the officail residence of the President of India. A few years later it was converted into th eInstitute of Advanced Studies.	Museum : The museum is housed in abuilding at a distance of 3 km from th eScandal Point via Chaura Maidan. Rare art treasures, miniature paintings, terracota, bronze and stone statues of historial value adorn the museum. The museum is open on all working days from 10 am to 4 pm. expceting Mondays and state Holidays.
Sankat Mochan : 1,975 m. Located between Shimla and Tara Devi on the Naitonal Highway Sankat Mochan is a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. It is a peaceful picnic spot. Tall pine trees add to its beauty.	Prospect Hill (Kamna Devi Temple ) : 2,155m . Crowned by a temple dedicated to goddess Kamna Devi is only 15 min climb from Boileauganj located on Shimla- Mandi Highway. View from the temple is spectacular.
Kufri : 2,510 m. This famous picnic spot for tourists wasonce popular for its sking slopes. at a distance of 2 km from Kufri Resorts, beautiful Mahasu peak attracts tourists. The distance is an easy trek and jeepable. Ponies/horses are available for joy ride.	Tara Devi : 1,851. Connected by rail or road this beautiful village is located on N.H.A lonely uphill trek of 2 km leads to the hill top having a temple dedicated to goddess Tara Devi. The hill top offers a panoramic view of Shimla and other hills.
Fagu : 2,450 m. Five km ahead of Kufri on N. H. Fagu is famous for enchanting views, green meadows and thick deodar forests. It has a PWD Rest House and Hotel Peach Blossom run by Himachal Tourism.	Chini Bunglow : 2,622 m. 2 km away from Kufri on Chail road this place is known for Himalayan Nature Park which has a resonably good collection of wildlife.There is a small market and a cafe run by Himachal Tourism department . a fewlog huts for stay are also available.
Mashobra : 2,148 m. 18km from Shimla on mettled road to tattapani this small village is fast developing as a tourist attraction with growing number of hotels and resorts for peaceful stay in the tranquility of hills.	Naldehra : 2,044 m. Famous for its 9 hole golf course Naldehra is at a distance of 22kmfrom shimla on a mettled road to Tattapani. This golf course, originally designed by Lord Curson, is surrounded by deodar trees.
Rohru : 1,150m . Rhoru town situated on the bank of river Pabbar ahead of Hartkoti is famous for its natural beauty and apple archards	Hatkoti : 1,400m. Hatkoti, locatedat a distance of 100 km from shimla on a motorable road on the right bank of river Pabbar is famous for its temple dedicated to goddess Hateshwari. Pabber river is an angler's delight for Trout fishing.
Sarahan : 2,165 m : Sarahan is the last village of shimla district at a distance of 176 km ona motorable road from where the valley of Kinnaur starts. It is therefore,called the 'Getaway to Kinnaur'. The road is decked by beautiful trees. The town hill offers a spectacular view of Srikhand Mahadev range of the Himalayas. A multistoryied stucture Bhima Kali temple is a mixture of Hindu Buddhist architecture.	Rampur Bushahr : 924 m. Rampur, the capital of erstwhile Bushahr state, is situated ont he left bank of river sutlej at a distance of 140 km from shimla on NH 22. Rampur is famous for Lavi fair held annually during the second week of November. Temples of ayodya, Raghunath Ji, Narsingh and the beautiful Padam Castel are additional attractions besides a buddhist gompa.
.Narkanda : 2,708 m. Narkanda - the highest point on NH22 upto Rampur offers grand view of snow ranges and Sutlej valley below. Famous for skiing it has varied slopes for beginners as well as experts. An ancient temple dedicated to goddess Hatu attracts many devotees.	Craignano : 2,148 m is another beautiful spot a little ahead of Mashobra . A Municipal Corporation rest House with green lawns full of flowers is a nice picnic spot.