Shimla Travel Guide: Queen of the Hills - Capital Cities of Indian States [Himachal Pradesh]

Shimla is one of the most popular tourist destinations in North India and that's why we also receive lot of queries through form on our blog. Most of the folks commonly ask - Shimla Weather, Shimla Hotels, How to reach Shimla from Delhi/Chandigarh, main places to visit in Shimla, Shimla mall road etc. In past, we have shared some of these details on our blog, but here is an attempt to write a comprehensive post which helps you with details about various ways to reach Shimla from Delhi, Chandigarh or Kalka.

Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, is one of India’s most beloved hill stations. Known as the “Queen of the Hills”, this charming town in the foothills of the Himalayas was once the summer capital of British India. Today, it’s a vibrant destination that combines colonial heritage, scenic landscapes, adventure, shopping, and food — all wrapped in cool mountain air.

For travelers looking to explore Shimla and the areas around it, here’s a complete travel guide covering the best places to see, local life, food, art, culture, and practical tips — with personal stories and explorations from Travellingcamera linked along the way.

Main Places to See in Shimla

Before starting our journey from Shimla, we had a quick round on the Mall road during which he met some of his old friends. He was well equipped and brought a helmet for me as well :). The next items on the agenda was to explore Kinnaur, cross Kaza & hit Keylong, Trilokinath come back to Delhi via Rohtang Pass, Manali, Kullu, Manikaran, Kasol, Mandi & back to Chandigarh. We bought some basic stuff & started our journey.








1. The Ridge and Mall Road

At the heart of Shimla lies The Ridge, a wide open space with views of snow-capped peaks and iconic landmarks like Christ Church. Just below it runs Mall Road, the busiest shopping and leisure hub of the city. From cafés to woolens, bookstores to handicrafts — Mall Road is the perfect place to spend evenings.
I have visited Shimla twice in the last 2 years and do not think that I will ever be saying 'No' if given an opportunity to visit Shimla again. Here, let me take you to a quick tour to all statues in the amazing city of Shimla. 1. First and most amazing statue in Shimla is Hanuman ji's statue at Jhakhoo temple. This is considered as world's tallest statue at 108 feet at the highest altitude of over 8100 feet and constructed at a cost of Rs 1.5 crores, which surpasses the current tallest statue of 'Christ the Redeemer', which measures at 98 feet and stands at an altitude of 2296 feet in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Check this for more amazing pics from Jakhoo Temple, Shimla2. Laxmi bai's horse riding statue at Rani Jhansi Park, Shimla. This is 15 feet high, 3 tonnes weighing horse riding statue of Queen of Jhansi, Laxmi Bai. The statue sculptured by Faqir Charan Parida of Haridwar and cost of the Statue is Rs. 26 lakh.3. Mahatma Gandhi at Ridge, Shimla. The Ridge houses a large water reservoir which acts as the main supply of Shimla town.4. Indira Gandhi's statue at Ridge, Shimla.5. Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar, Founder of Himachal. Dr. Parmar was the first Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh.6. Lal Bahadur Shastri.

2. Jakhu Temple

Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, Jakhu Temple sits atop Jakhu Hill — the highest point in Shimla. The giant Hanuman statue visible across the town makes it unmissable. The temple is also home to hundreds of playful monkeys.

3. Christ Church on Ridge

Built in 1857, this neo-Gothic church is one of the oldest in North India. Its stained glass windows and majestic presence on The Ridge make it a must-visit.

During one of my recent visits to Shimla, schedule was really busy and I also wanted to visit Viceregal Lodge. Usually I go to Viceregal Lodge via HPU route or walk down from Mall Road. This time the route changed and first time I climbed from Boileuganj...Here is first view we get after climbing a hill from boileuganj.I have stayed in Shimla for 3 years approximately but never went through this route, although it's quite easy and quick one to reach Viceregal Lodge. Buses for Boileuganj are very easily available from bus stand and Himachal Pradesh University. And then it's a 15 minutes climb which is not very steep.It starts from the chowk where roads from Tutoo, Summerhill, Bus-Stand and University meet. And lagoors will be there to welcome you. It's not very special because they can be found anywhere in Shimla to welcome you :)During the climb, HPTDC (Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corp.) Hotel 'Peter Hoff' can be seen just below the TV tower of Shimla. Peter Hoff is one of the good hotels in Shimla and it's situated next to Viceregal Lodge. Exactly it's in the middle of Chaura Maidaan and Viceregal Lodge. Via bus, it's accessible from 103. 103 is a bus stop near tunnel-no 103 and very popular stop in Shimla.New Bus Stand of Shimla is also visible during the climb. This is first time I saw this bus stand and it was amazing. I wanted to compare it with IGI airport but stopped myself :) ... But for sure, it's best among all the bus stands we have in North India at least. it's situated near Dhali. Old bus stand has been converted into Local bus stand and there are regular shuttles between new and old bus-stands. While coming back to Delhi, I did some mobilegiri at Shimla Bus stand and will share soon...Himachal Pradesh Judicial Academy also comes on the way from Boileuganj to Viceregal Lodge.It's a wonderful walk from Boileuganj to Viceregal Lodge as whole stretch is full of trees and nice flowers around. At times it feels like you are crossing through some garden. There are some governments residences as well, which makes this hill more lively.Apart from some institutes and houses, there are some buildings which seemed to be locked for last many years. But somehow, colors lie about these buildings. The building above shown was closed from all the directions and there seemed to be a long silence around the place.After a quick climb, we reached Viceregal Lodge. It was so quick that I forgot to mention that one of my cousin was accompanying me and we also discussed some changes happening in his institute in HPU (UIIT). Overall this was a fastest route to Viceregal Lode but probably I will still prefer the longer route which comes through Vidhan-Sabha, Cecil etc.

4. Viceregal Lodge (Indian Institute of Advanced Study)

This grand building was once the residence of the British Viceroy and now houses the Indian Institute of Advanced Study. The architecture and landscaped gardens make it one of Shimla’s most photogenic spots.
👉 Detailed photo story here: Viceregal Lodge & its colonial charm.

5. Kufri

Just 16 km from Shimla, Kufri is popular for skiing in winter and as a summer escape for horse rides and panoramic views.

6. Mashobra and Naldehra

These quieter getaways near Shimla are perfect for apple orchards, pine forests, and golfing at Naldehra.
👉 A Travellingcamera favorite: A weekend in Mashobra and Naldehra.

Chail is a hill station in Himachal Pradesh where this highest Cricket ground is located in India. Chail is 44 kilometres from Shimla town and 45 kilometres from Solan. Chail is known for its natural beauty and dense forests, full of variety of vegetation surrounded by high deodar trees. The Chail Palace is well known for its architecture. Chail is also frequented by hikers as it offers wonderful views of the lower Himalayas, as you can see in above photograph. Chail has good trekking points from Junga, Kufri and Ashwani Khad at Solan. Many Eco camps can be found in this part of Himachal Pradesh. There are many camping sites for campers and hikers, so camping in Chail is most sought after activity for enthusiasts. Apart from highest Cricket Ground and highest Hockey stadium, now Himachal also have highest Cricket stadium which is located in Dharmshala.

7. Chail

Known for the world’s highest cricket ground, Chail is a serene hill station near Shimla with a palace-turned-hotel and lovely trails.


8. Gaiety Theatre on Mall Road

Local Culture: Sarahan is home to several indigenous communities, and the local culture is a unique blend of Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Visit the local villages and interact with the locals to get a glimpse into their way of life. Sarahan is known for its rich cultural heritage, and several festivals and events take place in the town throughout the year. Some of the popular cultural events and festivals in Sarahan are:

Art, Craft & Shopping in Shimla


  • Lakkar Bazaar: Famous for wooden crafts, walking sticks, toys, and decorative items.
    👉 See Travellingcamera’s walk through Lakkar Bazaar.

  • Himachali Shawls & Woolens: Shops around Mall Road and Tibetan Market sell warm woolens, caps, and shawls.

  • Local Handicrafts: Metalware, jewelry, and Himachali caps make for unique souvenirs.

During recent trip to Shimla, I was travelling on bikes most of the time. Our bikes even hit the restricted regions like Mall Road, Ridge and Lakkar bazar... Let's have a quick Photo Journey of Shimla !!!New look of Gaiety Theatre in Shimla. This Theatre is situated on Mall Road and now open for all. There is small ticket amount one needs to pay to explore it inside. Various plays, exhibitions and other cultural events take place at Gaiety Theatre. Some part of Gaiety is also visible from Ridge.Afternoon view of Ridge, Shimla !!! Some Himachal Tourism activity was going and Aneesh was allowed to take his bike to Ridge with proper care. Ridge, Mall Road and Lakkar Bazar regions are restricted areas where vehicles are not allowed.Birds roaming around Ridge/Mall Road during Saturday Evening :) ... Saturday evenings are very popular for folks in Shimla and Mall road is too much crowded during Saturday evenings. Bird watching could be one of the reasons..A view of Shimla from High Court building. This photograph is clicked from Mall Road only, but near High Court of Himachal Pradesh !!!I am completely in love with Shimla Architecture and my camera couldn't resist clicking all those building on Shimla streets & roads. This photograph was clicked while we were climbing up towards Mall Road from HHH hotel.More beautiful buildings from Shimla, but increasing vehicles are becoming one of the main challenges when parking is biggest issue in the city. But it's amazing to these folks driving so fast on narrow roads with lots of curves here and thereHere comes Mr. Aneesh Awasthi. Here he is trying typical short cuts in Shimla, but mostly they are for walking people not for bikers. Since it's difficult for Aneesh to walk, so he thought of riding down these stairs.During noon there is nothing on Mall road so came down towards Shimla Market and thought of going towards Naldera Golf ground... Although plans changed later. I hope you noticed the density of houses on these hills. There is no difference between these hill stations and metros like Delhi now.Here is a view of Mall road after sunset. Folks have started coming to Mall Road and soon it will be fully loaded, or in fact overloaded.Here is another view of Ridge in Shimla. Ridge and Mall road are well connected with each other and have many decent restuarants around the place. Ridge is basically a huge tank of water which is main supply for various parts of Shimla. There is also an underground makrket called Indira Market and Press Club of Shimla is also situated in this market.Wonderful view of Christ Church on Ridge, Shimla. Bright blue sky make this photograph more intersting... This was a qick photo journey with no plans and thought of sharing here... Hope to be there in Shimla for Christmas and wish to click some the same places with snow !!!

Culture and Festivals in Shimla

Shimla blends colonial heritage with Himachali traditions.

  • Summer Festival: Every June, Shimla hosts a cultural extravaganza with music, dance, and exhibitions on The Ridge.
    👉 Experience it here: Shimla Summer Festival 2018.

  • Ice Skating Carnival: Shimla boasts Asia’s only natural ice-skating rink, and winter carnivals here are a treat.

  • Local Music & Dance: Himachali folk songs and dances like Nati are often showcased during festivals and weddings.

During the night, you can see millions of stars in the sky. I can go there any number of times. There is also a HPPWD guest house in Kullu-Sarahan which you can book.

Nightlife in Shimla

Shimla may not be as buzzing as Delhi, but evenings here are charming.

  • Cafés & Lounges: Cosy cafés on Mall Road and near The Ridge serve great coffee and pastries.

  • Bars: Oberoi Cecil and Hotel Willow Banks have elegant bars for relaxed evenings.

  • Cultural Evenings: Local theatres and town halls sometimes host plays, music shows, or folk events.


Local Life in Shimla

Shimla’s charm also lies in its everyday life:

Nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, Dalhousie is a quaint hill station known for its charming colonial architecture, lush greenery, and panoramic views. Among its many attractions, the Upper Bakrota Round, also known as Bakrota Loop, stands out as a serene walking trail that offers visitors a peaceful retreat amidst nature.

  • Morning Walks: Locals and visitors enjoy walking on the car-free stretch of Mall Road and The Ridge.

While we were going back from Spiti Valley to Shimla, we met these 2 kids on road-side who were selling cherries with their father. While their father was busy attending other customers, we thought of interacting with them. My friends & I bought 2 boxes each for our homes and a handful cherry boxes for our next journey till Shimla. If you are in this region & find these road-side kiosks selling fruits, make sure you stop and buy few. These are usually fresh, juicy and cost effective.

  • Markets: From buying vegetables at Lower Bazaar to books at Mall Road’s old shops, Shimla’s bazaars are full of stories.

  • Toy Train Journeys: The Kalka-Shimla railway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The toy train ride through tunnels and pine forests is unforgettable.
    👉 Travellingcamera story: Toy train from Kalka to Shimla.

On our recent visit to Rishikesh, we indulged in a traditional Garhwali Thali, a culinary delight that offered a taste of the region’s rich culture and simplicity. The thali, a harmonious combination of earthy flavors and wholesome ingredients, showcased the essence of Garhwali cuisine.

Food in Shimla

Food is an essential part of the Shimla experience:

Location and Ambiance Alps Resort, where Stella Cafe is situated, is one of Dalhousie's well-known accommodations, surrounded by lush greenery and picturesque views of the Himalayan mountains. The café’s location in the serene Bakrota Hills adds to its charm, making it a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the main town. The outdoor seating at Stella Cafe allows guests to soak in the fresh mountain air while enjoying panoramic views of the rolling hills.

  • Café Culture: Wake & Bake, Café Sol, and Indian Coffee House are must-visits.
    👉 Personal experience at Indian Coffee House Shimla.

Looking at the popularity of our blog-posts on Spiti and the kind of questions come to us, we thought of sharing about this awesome place to have a meal when you are entering into Kinnaur region if you plan to take the route via Shimla & Kinnaur. We got best road-side food at this place during our week long journey to Spiti Valley. Supposedly a gentleman started a small setup to serve food to folks traveling to Kinnaur & Spiti, when there were not a lot of options to take a break and have lunch. It was primarily for lunch. Roadways buses and a handful cars/bikes used to stop here for food. He always used pretty good quality of rice in comparison to rice served in other dhabas on this whole stretch and people started calling it Basmati Dhaba. Just to clarify, Basmati is considered as high quality rice although the rice which is served in this dhaba is not technical basmati but still the quality if pretty good.
Different parts of Himachal has different cuisines and it varies according to the weather & other factors like agricultural status, communities, population density etc. During normal days dal-chawal, roti-sabzi, curd & other mild products are used in meals. But special preparations are done during festivals or special occasions. The whole setup of having specialize cooks making selected food items is called Dham. Dham of Mandi is different than what you get in Kangra. This Photo Journey shares more about Himachali Dham and various aspects associated with it. As a traveller you should find out opportunities to experience Himachali Dham. This post will also share some tips for that :).

  • Local Himachali Cuisine: Try siddu (steamed bread), madra (chickpea curry), and dham (a traditional festive meal).

The Sports Authority of India Centre in Shilaroo is located at an altitude of 8000 feet in Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh, India. The ground is surrounded by picturesque Narkanda and Hatu peaks, has excellent indoor facilities for handball, volleyball, badminton, basketball, table tennis, fencing and wrestling apart from gymnasium and hostel facilities. Most of the other facilities were on other side of the main stadium. Hills in the background are famous Hatu peaks.

Practical Tips for Travelers

  • Best Time to Visit:

    • Summer (March–June): Pleasant weather, good for sightseeing.

    • Winter (December–February): Snowfall, ice skating, and winter carnival.

  • Getting There:

    • By Train: The toy train from Kalka.

    • By Road: Well connected with Delhi, Chandigarh, and Manali.

  • Getting Around: Walking is best for the central areas. Taxis are available for nearby excursions.

  • Stay Options: Heritage hotels like Oberoi Cecil, mid-range stays near Mall Road, and budget guesthouses in Sanjauli and Bharari.

Natural Beauty: Sarahan is blessed with stunning natural beauty, with snow-capped peaks, lush green forests, and meandering streams dotting the landscape. Take a leisurely stroll around the town and soak in the natural beauty of the region.

Why Visit Shimla?

Shimla isn’t just about cool weather or colonial charm — it’s about experiences that combine history, culture, food, and natural beauty. Whether you’re strolling on the Ridge, exploring apple orchards in Mashobra, skiing in Kufri, or simply sipping tea on a balcony overlooking the hills, Shimla offers a mix of nostalgia and discovery.

Related Blogposts -

Perched atop Observatory Hill and surrounded by dense deodar forests, the Indian Institute of Advanced Study is one of the most fascinating landmarks in the Himalayas. At first glance, it feels like a European castle lost in the hills—but step closer, and it unfolds as a layered narrative of empire, transition, and intellectual pursuit.

Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shimla: Where Power, Philosophy, and Pines Converge


It's impossible that I don't visit Viceregal Lodge, while in Shimla. I visited Shimla in Oct, 2011 and had a very quick visit to Indian Institute of Advanced Studies as well. Let's check out a quick PHOTO JOURNEY to Viceregal Lodge, Shimla !!!There is a huge lawn in front of this building and initially people were allowed to relax here, but due to some reasons now tourists are not allowed to walk over this lawn. There are dedicated paths around this lawn to enjoy the beauty of this place.Viceregal Lodge in Shimla was designed by Henry Irwin who was an architect in the Public Works Department at that timeViceregal Lodge or IIAS, Shimla is situated on a hill top near Summerhill (Shimla-05). Like other forts in India, this is place was chosen because of security reasons as most of the surrounding places were visible from boundaries of this building. There are some wonderful views of surrounding hills from this building. Now mainly Tutoo region is clearly visible and others are hidden by dense forest !!Thereare two wonderful gardens around Viceregal Lodge. One is near this lawn and other is in the backyard. The one in backward is famous one among couples of Himachal Pradesh University :) ... But now, it's not that popular as other options are available..The Viceregal Lodge had electricity as far back as 1888 which is much before the rest of the town of ShimlaThere is no ticket for getting access to Viceregal campus but one needs to buy a ticket to see it inside. various areas of Viceregal Lodge are well preserved. The room where Gandhi met other officials on Pakistan matter is well preserved along with various things used that time. A Bell made of eight metals which was presented by the king of Nepal was available to be admired by tourists.Here is top view of Viceregal Lodge in Shimla. Some text is carved on top of it, which probably explain about it's construction year and relevant details. You can notice Indian Flag on top of Viceregal Lodge !!This is first view if we reach Indian Institute of Advanced Studiesthrough a steep climb from Boileuganj. This is place is main market near Himachal Pradesh University... This is the main place to get buses for different parts of shimla. Tutoo is on one side, Chakkar is on other and Shimla Bus stand of forth angle.Viceregal Lodge which is also known as Indian Institute of Advanced Studies now, was equipped with an sophisticated fire fighting mechanism through wax tipped water ducts. Many historic decisions have been taken in Viceregal Lodge during the Indian independence movement.The Simla Conference was held here in 1945.And the decision to carve out Pakistan and East Pakistan from India was also taken here in 1947.After India gained independence, the building was renamed Rashtrapati Niwas and was used as a summer retreat for the President of India.However, due to its neglect, Dr. S Radhakrishnan decided to turn it into a center of higher learning, which was quite a good decision. The summer retreat of President was shifted from here to a building known as


Shimla is one of the most popular tourist destinations in North India and that's why we also receive lot of queries through form on our blog. Most of the folks commonly ask - Shimla Weather, Shimla Hotels, How to reach Shimla from Delhi/Chandigarh, main places to visit in Shimla, Shimla mall road etc. In past, we have shared some of these details on our blog, but here is an attempt to write a comprehensive post which helps you with details about various ways to reach Shimla from Delhi, Chandigarh or Kalka.


Planning a trip to Shimla? This detailed travel guide covers everything you need—where to stay, top things to do, a practical 3-day itinerary, and complete cost breakdown—to help you plan a perfect mountain getaway. Whether you’re visiting for snowfall, colonial charm, or a quick escape from Delhi, this guide is designed to help you make smart travel decisions and avoid common mistakes.


Planning a trip to Shimla? This detailed travel guide covers everything you need—where to stay, top things to do, a practical 3-day itinerary, and complete cost breakdown—to help you plan a perfect mountain getaway. Whether you’re visiting for snowfall, colonial charm, or a quick escape from Delhi, this guide is designed to help you make smart travel decisions and avoid common mistakes.








Saturday Evenings and Mall Road in Shimla have a very strong connection. During my sabbatical, I was there in Shimla on Saturday and planned to have a round of Mall Road as well. This Photo Journey shares some moments spent around Mall Road on Saturday Evening and the associated memories.During my graduation from Himachal Pradesh University, we used to stay at Shangati, which is around 6 kilometers from Mall Road, Shimla. And every saturday we used to walk from Shangti or summerhill to Mall Road via Indian Institute of Advanced Studies, Chaura Maidaan & Vidhan Sabha.It was part of our default routine to visit Mall Road to take 4-6 rounds of Mall Road & Ridge and have quick-snacks at Chachu's Tea shop on other end of the Mall Road. Friends who had girl-friends, they used to roam around other places like Top Breads, Barista or other fancy places to eat :).Why Saturday is so special. Basically most of the folks of shimla used to come to Mall Road during evening. All School & College Kids, Office working people etc. Don't know why but it has become a strong trend in Shimla to visit Mall Road on Saturday Evening. During the recent visit, we explored some of the new cafes and really loved the Wake & Bake Cafe, which is just in front of Shimla Town-Hall on Mall Road. Above photograph shows one of the art-work on walls of Wake & Bake Cafe.We met a gentleman who shared different stories about Shimla and some interesting observations on Mall Road which can't be shared on this blog. Aneesh encouraged him to have some detailed discussion about army and Indian politics. After all those conversations he also tried to tell Aneesh about his future and related stuff. It seems, this gentleman is found on Mall road every evening.Here is a photograph showingone portion of Gaiety Theatre building which is being used by Himachal police department. It's a beautiful building in front of Town-Hall Shimla.A beautiful night view of Mall Road Shimla - Town-Hall building on right. Most of the shooting on Kareeb movie has happened in this region. Town-Hall which is on right was shown as hospital and there is Fire-Station on left which was shown as laundry where Bobby Deol used to stay. Anyways, many other movies are shot around these beautiful buildings on Mall Road of Shimla. Most of the shops/buildings on Mall Road have old architecture and the ones which are new have been designed to match with overall feel on the town. Most of the old buildings are from British era. The beautiful architecture if the one of the reasons which make this city beautiful.Fruit vendor near Willow Bank building who welcomed us with plates full of fresh fruits - Cherries, Kiwi & Strawberries. Probably he chose best of the lot for us. Every piece was amazingly tasty. He is a big fan of Aneesh's bike stunts and an old friend when Aneesh used to live in Shimla.


Jakhu Temple is very popular Temple in Shimla and know for various reasons. People who have never visited Shimla, know Jakhu for hundreds of monkeys around it. Different Monkey stories are popular and Jakhu is one of the important keyword in those stories. Let's check out this Photo Journey by Amit Aggarwal to know more about Jakhu Temple and other specialties of the place..In 2010, a huge statue of Hanuman is built near Jakhu Temple in Shimla. This is considered as world's tallest statue at 108 feet at the highest altitude of over 8100 feet and constructed at a cost of Rs 1.5 crores, which surpasses the current tallest statue of 'Christ the Redeemer', which measures at 98 feet and stands at an altitude of 2296 feet in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.Over the years Jakhu has become one of the important part of Shimla town and authorities have improved the conditions in past few years. Now this campus has enough space for families to have fun around the Temple. There are some special arrangements for kids.Basically this temple is located on a hill called Jakhu and that's why the temple is also known as Jkhu Temple.It's hardly 2 kilometers from the Ridge and is an uphill climb through the beautiful deodar trees. It's a trek of approximately 2 kilometers from Ridge ground near Mall Road. The Jakhu Temple of Simla is dedicated to the monkey God, Hanuman. The Jakhu temple is located at a height of 2455 meters and is situated on the highest peak in Shimla. The scenic view that surrounds this beautiful temple of India is absolutely breath taking and splendid.Here is a photograph of Jakhu Temple !Jakhu temple has an interesting legend behind it. It is said that a deadly arrow injured Lord Rama's brother Lakshmana when he was fighting the battle with the demon king Ravana. A priest diagnosed Lakshmana and said that he needed a particular Sanjeevani herb from the Himalayas to cure Lakshmana. Hanuman was sent to get that herb from he lofty mountains. Upon reaching the Himalayas, Hanuman couldn't make out as to which herb was the Sanjeevani. So he dug up the entire mountain and flew back to where Lakshmana was lying injured.After Lakshmana was cured, Hanuman went back to place the mountain in its original site. He rested on top of the Jakhu hill for sometime. It is said that the top of the hill got flattened due to Hanuman's weight! The temple has been built around the place that is supposed to have the footprints of Hanuman. It is a highly revered religious place of Shimla and devotees throng in huge numbers to prayJakhu is a hotspot for monkeys who flock here in great numbers and generously accept eatables that are given to them by devotees and touristsJakhu is derived from Hindi word Yakhsa. Yakshas are the mythological character in Hindu mythology, who are a link between human and gods. The original dates of temple is not known, but it is believed to be existing from the times of Ramayana, a pre-historic event as per ancient Hindu texts. The Jakhu hill is the highest peak around Shimla, and is famous for its trekking options. The Jakhu hill offers excellent views of sunrise, sunset, mountains and town. The hill is full of narrow paths and roads which are an enjoyable walks.There are lot of other stories associated with this temple, which can be seen at different web portals online.Overall it's a lovely hill around Shimla with some amazing views. Don't afraid of Monkeys and try to avoid the opportunities for them to follow you - Try not to carry anything in your hands, just follow the path and don't pay attention to the etc. Even someone comes to you and tries to check your pockets, let the things happen and you will be safe !


While coming back from Kinnaur, I spent two days in Shimla. While roaming on the Mall Road, we happen to visit a Cafe called 'Wake & Bake' and really loved being there during evening. This Photo Journey shares some of the moments I spent at Wake & Bake, Shimla. So here is the first view you get from the Cafe Windows. Wake & Bake Cafe is on 2nd floor of the building just in front of Shimla Town Hall on Mall Road, Shimla. It has decent place to sit on 2nd floor as well as open air terrace with a great view of the deep valley on other side.Here is the view we get from open air terrace of Wake & Bake Cafe. This view is something that you may get from other restaurants or cafes as well, but the one towards Mall road is special for me. Above view showsn two huge huge buildings - High Court of Himachal Pradesh and Holiday Home Hotel by HPTDC. Colorful view during evening was really amazing. Cafe has some vibrant colors with colorful lighting on Town Hall Building on the front & the blue sky in the background. Here is an amazing art-work on the walls of Wake & Bake Cafe. During daytime, this wall looks normal (but of-course, interesting artwork ) but in evenings all these colors pop-out to give a 3D view. It's really awesome and shiny colors make this art perfect. We also got to know the view of artist who created this wonderful piece of art on walls on Wake & Bake cafe on Mall Road, Shimla. Closer look at the wall. I loved this portion of the wall. This was looking awesome from distance. Because of good number of people at cafe, I couldn't click it from right place. Never mind, will try to get better shot next time :)I am sure that above photograph will give you a perspective about the place. This is clicked from main counter of the Cafe. As we enter into the cafe, this is first view we get. An open window facing Shimla Town Hall building and wonderful artwork on the right wall. I have nothing to share about eatable at Wake & Bake, as I don't remember what I had there. I was so busy in appreciating in beauty around that I didn't bother to focus on eatables or drinks there. But I am sure that it must be great as the place iAneesh keeping an eye on seating place around roof top of the Cafe..Here is the view of Shimla Town Hall on Mall Road.. This is shot from entry of the Wake & Bake Cafe.. There is a series of stairs that lead to the cafe on second floor.A view of street where Wake and Bake Cafe is located. The blue board on one of the building on left is exactly the place and yellow windows behind that belongs to Wake & Bake Cafe. On the right side is Shimla Town Hall on Mall Road in Shimla.Here is another view from windows of Wake & Bake Cafe. This Gaiety Theatre complex and this particular portion is used but Police. I love architecture of these buildings.If you are around Shimla and roaming around mall road, I highly recommend this place to spend some time. And if you happen to visit, please drop your comments with experiences. 
 

Sankat Mochan Temple is one of the popular Temples in Shimla Town. It's not exactly in Shimla, but quite near to it. Let's have a quick Photo Journey from Sankat Mochan Temple by Amit Agarwal.. Sankat Mochan Temple is actually located near to Tara-Devi which comes on the way to Kalka from Shimla Town. It's approximately 10 kilometers from Shimla Town. Place is surrounded by green mountains all around. Temple is adjacent to the National Highway - 22. The temple is a place where one can actually meditate and enjoy the calm and peaceful surroundings.The very first photograph above shows a temple on left, which is located just after main entry into the Sankat Mochan Temple. This temple is created in South Indian Style.Around 1950, a Baba came to this beautiful place and discovered the perfect spot for meditation and soulful introspection. After staying here for 10 days, he desired that a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman should be built here. Baba's faithful devotees included the governor of Himachal Pradesh, who along with Bhagvan Sahai took up the task of building the temple and fulfilling their Guru's wish.Sankat Mochan temple has many facilities for people and also includes a three-storey building that is used for many purposes. Every Sunday, the huge hall in the building is used for distributing Prasad, also known as Langar. Langar at Sankat Mochan is quite different and very well managed. One portion of the building is used to conduct marriage ceremonies and is rented out to people who want to conduct marriages. The temple charges a very nominal fee for this. Apart from marriages, there are many other sacred rituals and ceremonies that can be conducted over here. Priests and the maintenance staff, who work here day and night, use the rest of the building as a residential complex. The temple also has an Ayurvedic clinic...Here is a photograph showing interiors of main Sankat Mochan Temple.There are few small Temples in the campus which are dedicated to different godsSankat Mochan Temple is dedicated mainly to Lord Hanuman, though one finds idols of Lord Rama, Shiva and Ganesha in separate complexes. There is a specially made temple for Baba Neeb Karori Ji Maharaj also. The temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha has been built in the South Indian style of architecture and is worth the visitSankat Mochan Temple is popular temple in Shimla region, which attracts people from all ages and genders who come here to pay obeisance to Lord Hanuman. Sankat Mochan Temple is second most famous temple after Jakhu Temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. This temple located 5 km away from a beautiful hill station ShimlaOne can have easy transportation to Sankat Mochan Temple from Shimla Bus Stand and other places. From Shimla there are frequent buses till Taradevi and have a stoppage near Sankat Mochan Temple. If you there on Sunday, don't miss the Langar. Langar at Sankat Mochan is quite different and lovableAbove photograph shows the view of Shimla Town from Sankat Mochan Temple.


Small and Beautiful Railway Stations on Kalka-Shimla narrow track: Posted on www.travellingcamera.com by VJ: The Kalka-Shimla Railway built to connect the summer capital of India in 1903 at an altitude of 2076 meters offers a panoramic experience of the picturesque Himalayas from the shivalik foot hills at Kalka to several important points such as Dharampur, Solan, Kandaghat, Taradevi, Barog, Salogra, Summerhill, Shimla and beyond up to the silvery snow line near the towering peaks.Sonwara Railway Station on the way to Shimla from Kalka...Himalyan Queen waits for 30 minutes at this station to let Shivalik Express pass through.... KOTI Railway Station on the way to Shimla from Kalka...I have clicked these photographs during recent visit to Shimla.... We reach KOTI Railway Station after crossing longest Barog tunnel....Jabali Railway Station on the way to Shimla from Kalka...Kandaghat Railway Station on the way to Shimla from Kalka...Located at an altitude of 4680 ft above sea level Kandaghat is the nice place in Himachal Pradesh for you if are looking for a quiet and peaceful vacation. Maharaja Bhupinder Singh built his palace in Kandaghat after which this place received the attention. Raja Bhupinder Singh was the ruler of Patiala and when he was expelled from Shimla, he set up base in Kandaghat. Today, this is one of the most popular destinations to travel in India. A reflection of Kandaghat Railway Station on train window...Dharmpur Railway Station on the way to Shimla from Kalka..Just 15 km from Kasauli on the National highway No.22 Dharampur has one of the best hospitals in India for the cure of tuberculosis. It is also connected by Kalka Shimla railway line.... Shoghi Railway Station on the way to Shimla from Kalka...SHoghi is a small town near Shimla and now its being developed as new tourist destination in Himachal. There are many resorts with good facilities in Shoghi and have reasonable arrangements for tourist groups..Kandaghat Railway Station on the way to Shimla from Kalka..Delux Rail-Car standing @ Shoghi Station...Tara-Devi Railway Station on the way to Shimla from Kalka...Tara Devi temple is located on Tarav Parvat, in the western side of Shimla. Temple provides an overwhelming view of the mountains below and Shimla Town. Every year thousands of pilgrims visit Tara Devi temple, which has a great spiritual and heritage value. Historically speaking, the temple was built approximately 260 years ago ...Salogra Railway Station on the way to Shimla from Kalka..Kalka Railway Station...Kalka is a town in the Panchkula district of Haryana in India. The name of the town is derived from the goddess Kali. The town is situated in the foothills of the Himalayas and is a gateway to the neighbouring state of Himachal Pradesh. It is on the National Highway 22 between Chandigarh and Shimla and is the terminus of the Kalka-Shimla Railway. To the south of Kalka is Pinjore and the industrial town of Parwanoo (Himachal Pradesh) is to the north on the NH 22. Industrial development has led to a continuous urban belt from Pinjore to Parwanoo, but Kalka remains largely unaffected by these developments. Nearby is Chandimandir Cantonment where the Western Command of the Indian army is based. SHIMLA became the summer capital of British India in 1864 and was also the headquarters of the British army in India. Prior to construction of the railway communication with the outside world was via village cart.The railway was constructed by the Delhi-Umbala-Kalka Railway Company commencing in 1898. The estimated cost of Rs 86,78,500, however, the cost doubled during execution of the project. Because of the high capital and maintenance cost, coupled with peculiar working conditions, the Kalka-Shimla Railway was allowed to charge fares that were higher than the prevailing tariffs on other lines. However, even this was not good enough to sustain the company and the Government had to purchase it on January 1, 1906 for Rs 1,71,00,000.


Hidden among the snow covered hills of Shrikhand Mountian Ranges, which are known for their mythological significance and is said to be one of the adobe of Lord Shiva, this unknown village beckon those with an adventurous spirit as its beautiful landscape and lush green valley will take your breath away.






Recently Sourav sent us a message - ‘ Hi VJ, i am planing to visit Himachal Pradesh in this January with my friends. We are planing to visit in 4 places. Dalhousie, Dharmashala/Mcleodganj, Manali, Shimla. We have total 7 days in our bucket so can you please tell how we can split 7 days among this 4 places....Thanks in advance….’ and frankly it’s never recommended to plan for 4 places in 7 days and here we are talking about 3 corners of Himachal Pradesh. So I would recommend to skip one of the destination if you only have 7 days.



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