There are quite a few theories regarding the origin of the word Shimla. Locals insist that the name originates from Shyamali Devi, a re-incarnation of the fearsome Goddess Kali.
Understand[edit]
Shimla has a population of around 145,000. Most of the residents are from the Pahadi community (the natives of Himachal Pradesh), but there is also a sizable minority from Punjab and Sindh, who moved to Shimla during the partition. As a result, the languages spoken in Shimla include Hindi, Punjabi, Pahadi and English which serves as a lingua-franca.
Orientation[edit]
Sitting majestically above the searing plains, the British designated the town as the summer capital of India. The higher levels of the town reflect this British connection, comprising mostly buildings in the Victorian style, while the lower slopes are occupied with Indian bazaars and restaurants. Traffic is banned from the historic central area, (known as the Mall) which means that the atmosphere is calm and the air pristine.
Cart Road runs south of the Mall and is connected to it via the lifts. The Ridge, north of the Mall, is a good place to view the the seven majestic hills of Shimla. Further along the same road is Lakkar Bazaar, which is a good place to buy some handicrafts and other souvenirs.
Climate[edit]
Shimla's cool climate is the precise reason why it is such a popular summer retreat. Located at an altitude of approximately 2200m above sea level, the region has a hilly terrain and is covered by dense evergreen forests. A few visitors choose to visit Shimla during spring or autumn, when the place is less crowded and the views are too spectacular for words.
Get in[edit]By train[edit]
The nearest broad gauge head is at Kalka - a four- to seven-hour journey from Delhi. After that, take the mountain train from Kalka to Shimla. This railway track has recently been granted the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The view is stunning, with the line passing through an amazing 103 tunnels. The fastest way to get to Kalka is to catch the Shatabdi Express, which departs early morning from the New Delhi Railway Station, arriving at Kalka four hours later. A detailed list of trains between Delhi, Kalka and Shimla is available at [34] and [35]. You can also choose to get off at Chandigarh(en-route to Kalka), and catch a taxi from there.
Note that while the Shivalik Deluxe Express can be reserved 60 days in advance like most Indian trains, most of the other mountain trains can only be reserved 30 days before journey date. Passengers on the Shivalik Deluxe Express are served meals on the train--breakfast on the way to Simla, dinner on the way down.
By road[edit]
It takes only 2 hours from Kalka to Shimla by taxi.
If hiring a private taxi, ensure that the driver has experience driving in hilly regions and is not deprived of sleep.
Chandigarh/Delhi-Shimla Cab Services, ☎ +91 90518-77-000 (info@gozocabs.com), [1]. 24 hours. One way Pick/Drop facilities to Chandigarh/Delhi from Shimla. Online booking. Prices starting ₹2200. edit
There is also a bus service operated by the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation that leaves at 830pm from Delhi every night. It reaches Shimla around 530am the next morning. An air-conditioned single decker bus, it is quite a comfortable ride.
By plane[edit]
Shimla has its own airport at a place known as Jubbarhatti (IATA code:SLV), 22 km away, a distance which, owing to the difficulties of the mountainous terrain, poor condition of road surfaces, and the increasing traffic congestion, often takes hours to traverse by car from Shimla. The airport has severe limitations imposed both by its elevation at 1,546 metres above sea level and by the shortness of its single runway (1,230 m) which ends in precipice at either end, and it can accommodate only turboprop Dornier aircraft; jets such as Airbus A310, 320s and Boeing 737s can all land at the larger Chandigarh(IATA code:IXC) airport. The Chandigarh Airport, located at a distance of 120 km from Shimla along far better roads and at an elevation of only 308 metres above sea level, offers far better flight options. Major airlines including Indian [36] and Air Deccan [37] operate flights to Delhi, Jammu, and Mumbai. Most of the flights to Mumbai require a stop-over in Delhi. [ Tip, confirm the flights till the very last moment, bad weather often delays flights during the winter fog.
After landing at the airport, take a pre-paid taxi to minimize hassle. Chandigarh is a good four-hour drive away, so stop for a bite on the Kalka-Shimla highway.
By Taxi[edit]
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Monday, August 19, 2019
Shimla tourism
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