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Shimla - Most famous hill station in north India, is named for the goddess Shyamala Devi, an incarnation of Kali. Shimla is a town as well as district head quarter of Shimla district located in the state of Himanchal Pradesh of India. At the tiem of British rule in India, Shimla was the summer capital. This beautiful city is located in the middle of northern Himalayas of India. Shimla is mostly loved by the tourist, espacially by honeymooners, particularly in summer.
Shimla has a hilly terrain and has an uneven cover of evergreen pine forests. The Shimla city spreads over the hill at an average altitude of 2000 meters (approximately 6500 feets) above sea level.
The climate of Shimla is extremly beautiful. In March and April (during Spring season) the temperature varies from 10°C to 20°C, during this season generally skies are clear with occasional short lasting rains with thunder. In May and June (during Summer season) the temperature varies from 16°C to 28°C, during this season skies are clear Sometimes forest fires in this season cause the air to be smoky. From July to September (during Mansoon season) the temperature varies from 13°C to 20°C, Cool and humid atmosphere. It can rain for days continuously. In October and November (during Antumn season) the temperature varies from 10°C to 23°C, Skies are clear, and evenings becoming chilly. In December to February (during Winter season) the temperature varies from -7°C to 10°C, Generally dull weather with frequent snowfall.
Being the capital of Himanchal Pradesh, Shimla is the hub for cultural activities. The Summer Festival held in the month of May or June every year is a very famous festival. Many cultural activities and festivities go on for 2 weeks. Many great artists have performed at this festival.
Shimla is famous for winter sports. Ice skating is pretty popular in Shimla during winters. There is a club in Shimla namely "Shimla Ice Skating Club" is said to be the oldest of its kind in Asia. Volleyball is another popular sport in these areas.
Reaching Shimla is not difficult by road. Chandigarh is the nearest city, which is 115 Kms on National Highway No 22. Other cities near Shimla are Solan (which is 55 Kms) and Panchkula (which is 100 Kms). Delhi is 365 Kms away from Shimla. There are Volvo (Super-Deluxe) buses runs between Delhi-Shimla via Chandigarh, operated by State owned roadways, takes about 7 to 8 hours to complete one way journey.
The narrow gauge Kalka Shimla Railway connects Shimla to the main railway network at Kalka. Travel by Train is slow but the scenery and 103 tunnels on this railway route make it a tourist attraction. Shivalik Express (deluxe train with same facilities like Shatabdi Express) runs daily on this route.
If you are travelling by Air, then there is a small airport at Jubbarhatti, which is about 25 Kms from Shimla city. A private airline operates weekly flights to Delhi. |
