6 Top Draws of Shimla, Capital of India's Himichal Pradesh

[Hruday Chand]

Popularly known as 'Queen of Hills', Shimla is one of the charming hill station and the capital city of Himachal Pradesh state. Surrounded by pine, oak and deodar forests, Shimla is one among the most visited hill stations in India. Amidst the lofty snow-clad Himalayan ranges surrounded by lakes and lush green pastures, a narrow railway links from Kalka to Shimla was introduced in 1924.Christ Church, The Mall, The Ridge, Jakhu Temple, Annandale and Kalka-Shimla Railway are the major and the top places to visit in Shimla; typically, two to three days is recommended for a visit, whether independently or on a tour package. Shimla is also very famous for skiing with popular ski resorts at Kufri, Fagu Resort, and Narkanda. The toy train between Kalka and Shimla was built in 1924 and it is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here are the half dozen musts:

Kalka-Shimla Railway

Considered the 'crown jewel' of the Indian Railways during the British Raj, layed out on a 96-kilometer narrow-gauge track that passes through 103 tunnels and across more than 800 bridges and viaducts, this is one of the most beautiful hill railways in India. With picturesque views of hills and the surrounding villages, a ride in the toy train is one of the top things to do in Shimla and Kalka-Shimla Railway was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2008.

Christ Church

Designed in neo-gothic style, this is one of the lovely places to visit in Shimla. The church has stained glass windows which represents faith, hope, charity, fortitude, patience and humanity. With its architectural marvel and rich historical significance, the church remains one of the most important legacies of colonial India. Being situated at the most prominent road of Shimla, Christ Church is one of the most notable tourist spots and one of the important landmark of Shimla. Referred as the second oldest church in North India.

The Mall

The Mall Road is one of the crowded and the busiest commercial areas of Shimla. With full of shops that sell woolen clothes, branded clothes, handicraft items, pottery items, jewellery, books, the Mall Road is the main street and famous place for shopping in Shimla. The Mall extends from Barnes court in the eastern side to Vice Regal Lodge in the western side, it is one of the major and top tourist places to visit in Shimla. Sited at the heart of the city.

Jakhu Temple

This ancient temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman is situated at an altitude of 2,455 metres, on Shimla's highest peak. A huge statue of Hanuman is built near Jakhu Temple and considered the world's tallest statue (108 feet tall). The scenic view that surrounds this beautiful temple is absolutely breathtaking and splendid. Placed in the Jakhu Hill.

Annandale

A historic playground that's a favorite spot for cricket and polo, named by Captain Charles Pratt Kennedy, it is quite a scenic spot as it gives a picturesque view of the Shimla city and its surroundings are occupied by deodar trees and oaks. Annandale is famous because earlier the British used this as a playground for racing, polo, cricket and other entertaining activities. The playground at present hosts army exercise and parades, sports and Dussehra festival celebrations and also one of the prime places to visit in Shimla. Annandale positioned at a height of 6,117 feet.

The Ridge

This large, open space is one of the top and the major places to visit in Shimla. The Ridge connects the Mall road at the Scandal point on the west side and offers a panoramic view of the snowy mountains of Shimla. Sited along the Mall Road, the Ridge is hub for all cultural activities and also the venue for the famous summer festival held in April or May with colors and a riot of activities. The Ridge is situated in the heart of Shimla.