Shimla Introduction General Facts:

State : Himachal Pradesh
District : Shimla
Area (Approx.) : 18 sq km
Language : Hindi, Himachali and English
Best Time to Visit : April to July and October to February to enjoy the winters and the snow.
Long Distance Code : +91-177
Importance of the Place : Most frequented hill station of Northern India.

Location

Shimla is approximately 115 km from Chandigarh and 365 km from New Delhi, the national capital. Located at approx 2130 meters above sea level the region experiences pleasant summers and cold, snowy, winters. The average snowfall is around 2 feet and the average rainfall varies between 39 mm in the cold season to 300 mm in the monsoon. Surrounded by the districts of Kinnaur, Mandi, Solan, Bilaspur and Sirmaur, Shimla shares its borders with the state of Uttaranchal in the south west. Shimla is favourite hill station of most of the Indians also due to its proximity to the National capital of Delhi, India.

About Shimla

Shimla is one of the most known are frequently visited and also perhaps the most fashionable hill stations of India. It is popular among honeymooners and other Toursists, particularly in summer. It was the summer capital of India during the pre-independence era and now is the capital of Himachal Pradesh. It still retains the glory of its historic splendors; racing, golf and cricket still prevail. While the must visit shopping area in Shimla, the Mall is filled with elegant shops, splendid hotels and bustling, cosmopolitan crowds that give the appearance of being on perpetual holiday. Shimla derives its name from the world Shyamala, another name of Goddess Kali after whom the city was named.

History of Shimla

Shimla was discovered by the British in 1819. Erstwhile Shimla was no more than a village. In 1822, Shimla was built first British summer home by Scottish civil servant Charles Pratt Kennedy. Later it had been the summer capital of the British Raj. Initially, Shimla was the capital of undivided Punjab and later, after the formation of the state of Himachal Pradesh, was named its capital.

Shimla Festivals

Shimla Summer Festival : It offers the best entertainment of the year. Artistes are invited from all parts of Himachal Pradesh and from other parts of the country to entertain visitors with song, dance and music both Indian and Western.

Ice - Skating Festival : It is held in December in Shimla.

How to reach Shimla

The city is well connected by road and rail. The nearest airport is 12 km away.

By Road : Well connected with Delhi, 375 Km away.
By Air : Shimla Airport is 23 Km from the city and is served by Indian Airlines flights during the summer months.
By Rail : The nearest mainline station for Shimla is at Kalka, 95 Km away. From here, there is a picturesque toy train up to Shimla four times daily.