Shimla
the capital of Himachal Pradesh derives its name from goddess 'Shayamla
Devi', which is another manifestation of Goddess Kali. It 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.
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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.
Shimla changes its moods with the seasons. In spring we see flowers of all
kinds, both wild and cultivated, smiling in each garden. During the monsoon,
we see some of the best sunsets in the world.
Winter in Shimla is known as the season of "Long moon-night." It
becomes a frost glistening silent city. A gathering of dark clouds tells us
of the approach of snow generally a slight fall first, followed by a heavier
one when the snowflakes sweep down through the fine-needles bending long
branches to the ground. The following morning sees the town as a fantastic
fairyland of white beauty.
Adventure Sports in and
around Shimla
Heli-Skiing
Manali
The Manali heli skiing expeditions involve helicopters, which are going to
drop keen skiers onto peaks as high as 6,500m. The high peaks reduce the
wind speed at lower levels where one skis, resulting in consistent, light
and powdery snow. Powder skiing is easier to learn with the new thick kind
of skis, especially if you are new to skiing.
Kufri
Kufri, near Shimla is one of the oldest places in India to be associated
with Skiing and the slopes are still in use during winter.
Skiing
Manali
In winter is a fairy-tale town holding out an irresistible invitation to
the skiers and snow-lovers. Located at a height of 6,000 ft. to 7000 ft., it
offers breathtaking ski gradients at Solang Nala. Between December and May
ski enthusiasts from all over the world are attracted to this Himalayan
resort.
Its smooth-curved ridges and escarpments promise unmatched exhilaration
both to expert skiers as well as beginners. Those on a maiden adventure can
learn the exciting sport on some of the gentle slopes and gradients with the
help of experts. A winter carnival held around the middle of February is a
major attraction for the skiers.
Narkanda
Nestled in the picturesque ranges of Himachal, Narkanda at a height of 3143
Mts. is a quiet town, 64 kms from Shimla. In winter it coats itself with
thick, soft snow turning its gentle slopes into an excellent playground. The
pleasure of skiing makes Narkanda an attractive destination for many during
the winter months. Some of the very steep and smooth slopes hereafter a
different kind of skiing experience. These slopes especially appeal to the
cross country skier for. Narkanda is set amid fine coniferous forests.
Kufri
At a height of 2501 ms, girdled by awesome pinnacles, Kufri is a scenic
hill resort 16kms, from Shimla. From December to March it wears its white
winter garb, with snow trimmings on its tall green pines and deodars. Its
undulating slopes are fashioned by nature to exhilarate lovers of winter
sports.
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Skiing
in Himalayas
Himachal Pradesh offers some extremely attractive areas for the lover of
mountain cycling. One can start from Kumarhatti on the Shimla-Kalka road. A
link road runs through a forest of pine, rising and falling till you reach
Sarahan a small Tehsil town. From Sarahan, the road drops steeply to Nahan
and you race down through heavily wooded dark forests on a road, which is
remarkably free of traffic. On the way, you can come across valleys, barrage
and through fertile fields of the Doon valley set against the backdrop of
the sadly denuded lower reaches of the Garhwal Mountains.
Ice Skating
Shimla
The shimla Ice skating rink has the largest poen air area with naturally
frozen ice in this part of the world.
Kufri
At a height of 2501 ms, girdled by awesome pinnacles, Kufri is a scenic
hill resort 16kms, from Shimla. From December to March it wears its white
winter garb, with snow trimmings on its tall green pines and deodars. Its
undulating slopes are fashioned by nature to exhilarate lovers of Ice
Skating.
Rohtang
Ice Skiing facilities and training for beginners are available during the
best part of winter. Commands an awesome height of 3978 Mts. and is 51 kms.
from Manali, Recently a new Ice ski terrain developed here has fired the
imagination of ski lovers, as it offers a new challenge to their spirit of
adventure. This is the only place in the country where the Ice skiers can
indulge in their favorite sport in summer as well as autumn. With the onset
of summer, the Ice skiers begin arriving here-dotting the silver-white
backdrop with vibrant colors. The steep descents here are truly inspiring.
The setting is just perfect both for the beginners and the seasoned.
Camping
Chail
Enroute to the frontiers of civilisation in the Himalayas, the Banjara camp
at Chail is a welcome break. A picturesque, thickly forested tract of land
at 2000m, Chail was once the summer retreat of the Maharaja of Patiala. With
its carpet of lush green meadows and thick Deodar forests, Chail offers a
tranquillity simply unimaginable in today's fast paced life.
The world's highest cricket pitch is located here at the famous "King
George Royal Indian Military College". While from one side of Chail you
can see the twinkling night lights of Shimla, you get a glimpse of the Choor
Chandani peak, the highest in this region of the Himalayas.
Places of Interest in and around Shimla
The Mall
The Mall is the main shopping centre of Shimla. It also has many
restaurants, clubs, banks, bars, Post Offices and tourist offices. The
Gaiety Theatre is also situated there. People walk up and down the Mall
slowly, stopping to gossip, as it is the main meeting place for everyone.
The Ridge and Scandal point are the two main meeting points at the Mall.
Christ Church
Situated on the Ridge is Christ Church, which is the second oldest church
in Northern India. It has a very majestic appearance and inside there are
stained glass windows which represent faith, hope, charity, fortitude,
patience and humility. Christ Church is a place all visitors should spend
some time in.
Summer Hill
Situated at a distance of 5 kms. from the Ridge is the lovely township of
Summer Hill at a height of 6,500 ft. on the Shimla-Kalka railway line.
Mahatma Gandhi lived in these quiet surroundings during his visits to
Shimla. Himachal Pradesh University is situated here.
Shimla State Museum
The Museum, which was opened in 1974, has tried to project hill-out and the
cultural wealth of the state. There is a collection of miniature Pahari
paintings, sculptures, bronzes wood-carvings and also costumes, textiles and
jewellery of the region.
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