Shimla
(also spelt as 'Simla') derives its name from goddess 'Shayamla Devi',
which is another manifestation of Goddess Kali. The capital of Himachal
Pradesh came into light when the British discovered it in 1819. Till
then, it was a part of the Nepalese kingdom.
In
1864 Shimla was declared as the summer capital of India. After
Independence, Shimla became the capital of Punjab and was later named
the capital of Himachal Pradesh. In 1903 a rail line was constructed
between Kalka and Shimla.
Shimla has been blessed with all the
natural bounties, one can think of. Dwelling on a panoramic location,
the hilly town is surrounded by green pastures and snow-capped peaks.
The spectacular cool hills accompanied by the structures made during the
colonial era create an aura, which is very different from other hill
stations.
Bulging at its seams with unprecedented expansion,
Shimla retains its colonial heritage, with grand old buildings, among
them are the stately Viceregal Lodge, charming iron lamp posts and
Anglo-Saxon names. The Mall, packed with shops and eateries, is the
centre of attraction of the town, and Scandal Point, associated with the
former Maharaja of Patiala's escapades, offers a view of distant
snowclad peaks.
Shimla's Heritage WalksHave A
stroll Around The Summer Capital Shimla is one of the few places in the
world where an enormous amount of history and heritage has been
distilled into such a small place in so short a time. The town came into
being in the first quarter of the 19th century and some four decades
later, became the "Summer Capital' of British India. Till the
coming of India's independence in 1947, momentous events and memorable
architecture packed the town.
Today, the colonial order is
gone, but its architectural bequest is now a part of the legacy for a
free India. And the seven hills of Shimla hold a variety of
architectural styles from all over the world- made all the more
distinctive, for manstructural elements are local. In addition, the town
has one of the longest stretches of purely pedestrian road and shopping
anywhere in the world - the Mall. Shimla also holds what may well be the
Earth's only 'urban forest'.
Shimla's Seven Hill
AttractionsThe seven hills of Shimla are - Prospect Hill in
Western Shimla, which has the temple of Kamna Devi; Summer Hill in
Western Shimla, which has the campus of the Himachal Pradesh University;
Observatory Hill in Western Shimla, which holds the estate of the Indian
Institute of Advanced Study; Invererarm in Western Shimla, whose top has
the State Museum; Bantony in central Shimla, which has the Grand Hotel;
Jakhoo in central Shimla, which is crowned by the temple indicated to
Lord Hanuman, and Elysium in north-western Shimla, which holds Auckland
House and Longwood and reaches out towards the Bharari spur.
