Simla – Himlayan Beauty – Photographers Paradise
Simla is very close to my heart. I have spent many years of my childhood in a boarding school situated at Chail. Simla is indeed Himalayan beauty and is also a Photographers Paradise. It is a hot destination for travelers across India and of all age group. It can be visited through out the year. Simla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh. The city derives its names from “Goddess Shyamla” who is considered to be incarnation of Goddess Kali. Earlier it was called as Shimla. The city is abundant with Natural Beauty and is very picturesque. The view of sunset and sunrise from the Mall Road is amazing. The hills of Simla start changing color in the evening. From orange to blue and then black in the night.
Like most other hill stations across Himalayas this beautiful place was also discovered by Britishers. They were so mesmerized by the beauty of the place that they decided to make it their summer capital in the year 1864 AD. Being the seat of Political Power right from the era of Britishers in India and even after independence Simla remains in news because of various political activities as well. The famous “Simla Accord of 1914“, a convention between Great Britain, China and Tibet on the status of Tibet and “Simla Conference of 1945” between the then Viceroy and the major Political Leaders of India to discuss and approve Wavell Plan for Indian self-government and “Simla Agreement of 1972” between India and Pakistan that led to independence of Bangladesh are some of the famous events that took place here.
Average Altitude : 2206 mtr (7238 ft)
Stretch of the City : 9.2 kms from East to West
Temperature: – 4 degree centigrade (25 deg Fahrenheit)
31 degree centigrade (88 deg Fahrenheit)
Simla is spread over seven different hills namely Inverarm Hill, Observatory Hill, Prospect Hill, Summer Hill, Bantony Hill, Elysium Hill and Jakhoo Hill which is also the highest point at the height of 2454 mtr (8051 ft). Jakhoo Hill is also famous as Monkey Point or Hill. It has famous temple of Lord Hanuman (incarnation of Lord Shiva). There is a famous story related to Ramayana, which I will cover in a separate post.
Simla is well connected with Road and Railways. The “2 ft 6 inch” narrow Gauge train which runs from Kalka To Shimla is a UNESCO heritage site and every traveler must enjoy the same. It was built in 1898 by the Britishers. It has about 107 tunnels and 864 bridges. The beautiful stations in between are as beautiful as any other hill station.
How to Reach
By Air: Jubarhati is the nearest Airport and is about 23 kms from the main city. There are regular flights operating from Delhi and Chandigarh.
By Road: Simla is well connected by Road. It is about 360 kms from Delhi and 115 kms from Chandigarh. The roads are beautiful. It takes about 7-8 hours to reach there.
By Train: Simla is connected by Train as well. Broad Gauge train operates till Kalka Station and from Kalka narrow gauge train connects Simla. The train is also referred to as Toy train. It is a UNESCO heritage site and an experience in itself.
Enjoy Beauty of Simla in these Pictures
Links
Interesting… thanks for sharing:)
I always thought it would be a fabulous place to be. Your night shots make it look magical. 🙂 🙂
It indeed is a beautiful place…….
Nice view 🙂
thanks a lot…..
beautiful Shimla n awesome image.
thanks a lot Rekha……
Photographs you shared proved, its photographers paradise. Nice post
thanks a lot Subhashini……
Amazing pictures
It’s hard to imagine living on a mountainside like that, but the views from the windows must be amazing.
Your shots are simply magical!
Thanks a lot Maanini……..
Yes that is one heck of a view!
yes… the place is very beautiful………
This place is so breathtaking! Your pictures are very intriguing and I am motivated to explore this place more soon. When’s the best time of the year to go there?
The overall landscape of Simla resembles that of my country Bhutan in many ways. Great collection of its photos.
very true Sherab….. But I consider Bhutan to be more beautiful……
The landscapes are mindbowing, Sudhir.
thanks a lot shine……..
WOW! I love seeing and hearing about places that look fascinating that that I’ll likely never get to.
I remember this place from my India 2016 trip, it brought nice memories. thanks.
It is really beautiful!