Valley of Flowers Trek About Valley of Flowers The Valley of Flowers lives up to its name, with an endless supply of flowers in full bloom. The journey could even be renamed a floral fairytale romance! The Valley of Flowers' unique landscape is like a dream come true: an exquisite valley bejewelled with a never-ending stretch of flowers. Between the rocky mountain ranges of Zanskar and the Great Himalayas are lovely meadows studded with indigenous alpine flora. The area, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, was designated as a national park in 1982. The endless stretch of gorgeous vegetation, dotted with colourful blossoms of pink, yellow, purple, red, blue, and orange hues, is the highlight of this excursion. Throughout the hike, the fragrant scent of the carpeting flowers entices you. Botanists, flower lovers, bird watchers, wildlife photographers, hikers, environment enthusiasts, and adventure seekers from all over the world are drawn to the valley's unspoiled beauty. It...
Shimla the capital town of Himachal Pradesh in India and a popular hill-station among
Indian families and honeymooners. Situated at the height of 2200m, Shimla
was the summer capital of British India. Shimla still retains its old-world
charm with beautiful colonial architecture, pedestrian-friendly Mall Road and
the ridge lined up with multiple shops, cafes and restaurants.
Shimla, the place where you get to
experience the Himalayas in all their enigmatic glory! Evergreen forests, rolling
valleys, breathtaking lakes, pleasant climate, and colonial ambience, all come
together to lend this hill station a charm of its own. With a varied range of
attractions – natural splendours as well as man-made wonders – the place truly
lives up to its reputation. But there’s a downside to it. When you plan to
visit this erstwhile summer capital of British India, you will have a tough
time finalizing the list of places to visit.
The weather is pleasant for most of the months with tourists flocking especially during the summer months. The winters are cold with some days of snow from mid-December till February end. Snow-capped Himalayan peaks and green pastures surround Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh. Enjoy a heritage walk through Shimla’s Victorian-era architecture, labyrinthine bazaars and lengthy pedestrian shopping mall. Don’t cause too much trouble taking in the town from Scandal Point, a large, open square; keep in mind that Shimla was a retreat destination for Mahatma Gandhi, who frequented a Georgian mansion in Shimla’s suburbs from the mid-1930s to '40s.
Shimla is well
connected with many cities and is just 4 hours from the nearby city of
Chandigarh. The city has an airport as well; however, there aren't many daily
flights from here. The railway station connects Shimla with the plans and is
famous for the Kalka-Shimla train route; a UNESCO listed World Heritage site.
Shimla is often covered with nearby towns of Kufri, a hill-station almost
always covered by snow and Chail, famous for a huge palace and the highest
cricket ground in the world. Tourists also visit the famous Jakhu Temple and
engage in sightseeing at various viewpoints during their trip to Shimla.
Worry not and read on In this blog,
we give you a rundown of the must-visit places in the region that will never
fail you entice you, whether you are a family holidaymaker, a honeymooner or a
solo traveller. So, on your mark and get set, because it’s time to pack
your bags and gear up for an exciting trip to Shimla, one of the mos
Located in the heart of the 'British Summer Capital' Shimla The Ridge may well be defined as the heart of Shimla in terms of location and tourist attractions. This Shimla tourist spot is actually a wide-open street that runs along the Mall Road from east to west and connects it to the famous Scandal Point. What makes it such a popular destination is that it offers gorgeous views of the snow-capped mountain ranges that rise against the blue sky to border this paradise of a destination. The place is dotted with long-standing British establishments that beckon visitors to indulge in feel-good shopping and binge-eating. Lined with boutiques, bars, restaurants, cafes, and shops, the Ridge serves as the social hub in the region. Remember, this place is among the most photographed parts of the city, thanks to its rich natural beauty and the Gothic structures that define its exquisiteness.
The Ridge is the most photographed wide-open street located on the side of Shimla Mall Road. The Ridge has everything, from shops selling some exclusive artefacts to the spectacular view of the snow-capped mountain ranges. It is famous for a lot of things, but best known for shopping and for being the social hub of the city. Shimla's rich past is evident from the Gothic buildings standing in this part of the town.
The road is lined with cafes, bars, boutiques, shops and restaurants attracting the huge crowd that visit the famous Mall Road. It runs from east to west on the side of the Mall Road and connects it to the famous Scandal Point on the west end. On the east end, it is connected to the Lakkar Bazaar, which is the most famous wooden crafts market in Shimla.
Set amidst the lush green background of the Shivalik hill ranges on Jakhoo Hill, the highest point in Shimla, the Jakhu Temple is an ancient site dedicated to the Hindu god - Hanuman. Jakhu Temple has the world's largest Hanuman statue, which is visible from most parts of Shimla.
Overlooking the
sister town of Sanjauli, the amazing setting of Jakhoo Temple in the thick of
beautiful Deodar trees is complemented with an abundant monkey population in
and around the Jakhoo Hill area. It is located approximately 2 kilometres from
the Ridge in Shimla's centre, a journey of about 30 minutes. The construction
of the Hanuman Statue is a marvellous piece of engineering as it is situated at
the height of over 8000 feet, making it the tallest statue in the world at such
a height above sea level, surpassing Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio De
Janeiro which is 30 meters tall (excluding its pedestal of 8 meters), at the
height of 700 meters (2,300 feet). According to the legend that surrounds Jakhu
Temple, Lord Hanuman stopped at this spot to take some rest before resuming his
search for the Sanjeevani Booti to revive Lord Lakshman.
Covered
in a blanket of alpine trees, Jakhoo Hill is the highest point of Shimla and
offers scenic views of the snow-covered Shivalik Ranges as well as the sister
town of Sanjauli. Situated at a height of 8000 ft. above sea level, Jakhoo
Hill is the location of an ancient Hanuman temple that boasts of having the
world’s tallest statue (108 ft.) of this Hindu deity. Shrouded in legends and
mysteries, it attracts devotees and tourists alike. If the local legends
are to be believed, the temple stands at the very spot where Lord Hanuman had
rested for a while during his journey to bring the Sanjeevani Booti for
Lakshman’s revival during the war of Lanka.
The
Kalka-Shimla train ride is a highpoint of Shimla tourism and for a good reason.
Built in 1898, this narrow-gauge railway has recently been added to the
mountain railways of India World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Winding through the
extremely scenic and mountainous route from the Shivalik Range foothills at
Kalka (Haryana) to Shimla, the train ride offers spectacular views of the
surrounding hills and villages. On the way, it stops at a number of tourist
destinations, like Solan, Dharampur, Summer Hill, Salogra, Taradevi, and Barog,
among others. The ride will take you through no less than 864 bridges, 919
curves, and 102 tunnels. The train ride in itself may not count as a ‘place’ to
visit in the region, but missing the ride means missing out on some of the
splendid sights that Shimla has to offer.
The Kalka to
Shimla route is best travelled by way of the toy train that runs on a
narrow-gauge track and is known for its dramatic views of the hills and
surrounding villages. The historic Kalka Shimla Toy train is part of the UNESCO
World Heritage List and takes individuals on a ride amongst vast green hills
and deodar and pine forests.
The journey was
carved through the abundance of nature in Himachal Pradesh during the British
rule due to which the Kalka Shimla Toy toy train is bound to take you back to a
completely different era in history and through one of the most scenic railway
journeys in India. The 5 and a half-hour toy train journey provides special
services and is must-do when visiting the mountainside of the North.
Nestled
within the Glen Forests, Chadwick Waterfall is one of the most delightful
sights that nature has bestowed upon Shimla. The waterfall makes a dive from a
height of 86 meters and cascades down a huge gorge. Surrounded by a blanket of
greenery formed by the deodar and pine trees, it presents an enticing sight.
The best time to visit it is during monsoons (from June to September) when the
water level increases and Chadwick seems to take on a life of its own. If you
are not daunted by the idea of taking a dip in the cold waters, you can go
ahead and splash around.
Chadwick Falls is
located in the Glen Forests of the beautiful city of Shimla. This stream of
water trickles from a height of about 100 metres. Some explorers recall a walk
through the forest as an adventurous experience because of the damp and dark
environment created by the thick canopying forest.
The name Chadwick
is derived from 'Chidku Jhaar' where 'Chidku' means sparrow and 'Jhaar'
means waterfall in the local language. It was named so because the locals
thought only sparrows could reach the top of the waterfall and not humans. The
Britishers found it difficult to pronounce this name and hence started calling
the waterfall Chadwick. Some say a scientist named Chadwick committed suicide
here, and therefore, it is called so. No matter what the origin of the name is,
this beautiful location is a stone's throw away from the city and must be
visited by everyone exploring Shimla.
The Mall Road in Shimla, located in the heart of the town, is the main street that is lined up with a myriad of restaurants, clubs, banks, shops, post offices and tourist offices. At the same time, the place boasts of the other exciting attractions that it houses, such as the Scandal Point and Kali Bari Temple. One of the busiest and more commercial areas of Shimla till date, this stretch is a mini-world in itself. The Shimla Mall Road is the one stretch, that truly celebrates the spirit of the hilltown, its tourist rush and valleys and hills covered with houses and hotels. The charm and beauty of the Mall Road can be enjoyed by groups of friends, families and honeymooners alike.
The stores that
are located on the Mall Road are famous for their woollen clothes and
exclusively handcrafted works, apart from the usual books and jewellery. The
wooden furniture shops are particularly well-known; so do not forget to buy
some exquisite wooden articles, which look like antiques, when you shop from
here. Vehicles, except emergency ones, are not allowed on this street, which
not only makes the Mall Road in Shimla an ideal place to stroll around in the
evenings, without being concerned about the traffic. Other than
shopping, Shimla Mall Road is also famous for its variety of cafes and the
delicious delicacies that they serve. In fact, people here are spoilt for
choice when it comes to choosing a place to have a meal at. The numerous
leisure activities that Mall Road offers ensure that you do not get bored.
When
it comes to places to visit in Shimla for couples, you can’t give a miss to the
Mall Road. Otherwise, also, the place is a hip and happening location in this
hill station and attracts visitors of all ages. With a plethora of cafes,
restaurants, showrooms, departmental stores, and shops selling trinkets and
exclusive handicraft works, this is one place where you can soak in the spirit
of Shimla in all its touristy delights. From jewelry and books to intricately
crafted wooden articles, you can shop for a variety of items here. At the same
time, you can explore a number of other attractions in the vicinity, like the
Kali Bari Temple, Town Hall, Gaiety Theatre, and Scandal Point. What’s more,
since the road is closed to vehicles, taking a stroll here during the evening
hours while overlooking the scenic beauty of the hills is a pleasure in itself.
Kufri is a small hill station in Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh state in India. It is located 20 km from the state capital Shimla on the National Highway No.22. The name Kufri is derived from the word kufr meaning “lake” in the local language.
It is the starting point of treks to Fagu, Shimla, Manali and Rewalsar. Kufri, along with Chail and Shimla forms the famous Golden Triangle of Himachal Pradesh. Yearly winter sports festival is held here in February, which is a major attraction for the tourists.
If you are into rides and adventure, Kufri Fun World fits the bill. It is an amusement park having a number of enjoyable rides for the kids. This park also features the world’s highest go – kart tract – which obviously includes the adults as well. If you are travelling to Kufri with kids, make sure that you do not miss out this park. It will definitely be the best part of your trip. A canteen is situated within a park to provide snacks for the tourists.
A ride of about 40 minutes from the city center will bring you to Kufri, another must-visit place in the region. Located at an elevation of 8607 ft., this small hill station promises you panoramic views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains. But Kufri is not just about Shimla sightseeing. It is also an adventure hub that offers training and facilities for exciting winter sports like ice skating and skiing. That is why it is also known as the winter sports capital of India. Since Kufri experiences regular snowfall in winter, it ranks top among the places to visit in Shimla in December.
Some temples are known for their religious or historic significance while others draw in visitors due to their architectural beauty. But there are some temples that score high on both counts. The Kali Bari Temple in Shimla is one such place! Believed to have been built in 1845, the temple boasts of architectural beauty as well as religious significance in equal measures. As the name indicates, the temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali and houses a captivating idol of the deity. Located very close to the Mall Road, it is an ideal spot to spend some serene moments connecting with your inner self. An interesting thing to note is that Goddess Kali is known here as Goddess Shyamala and it said that Shimla derived its name from Goddess Shyamala.
Kali Bari Temple
of Shimla is an ancient place of worship dedicated to Goddess Kali. It was
built in 1845 and is considered of immense religious importance for the
devotees. The shrine houses a captivating idol of Goddess Kali beautifully
adorned with jewellery and colourful flowers. Located in Shimla, very close to
the Shimla City Mall, it is often visited by devotees in large number. The
temple premise is kept clean and is well-maintained, and devotees can sit for
hours here absorbing the heavenly vibe. Many prefer chanting or meditating here
to contemplate issues they are facing as they seek power and energy from
Goddess Kali to face and fight them.
Locals believe
that Goddess Kali lived on Jakhoo Hill which was the location of an ancient
temple that was later relocated to Kali Bari by the British. Locals also know
Goddess Kali as Goddess Shyamala. The name of the city, Shimla, was derived
from the Goddesses' name. A large number of devotees visit the Kali Bari Temple
seeking Goddess Kali's blessings and to offer her prayers during the festival
of Navratri. The evening aarti at the divine temple should be witnessed. The
site of devotees getting immersed in the holy verses chanted by the Kali Bari
temple priests is another sight to witness.
The
Green Valley is a beautiful and breathtaking mountain range that falls on the
way to Kufri from Shimla. The Green Valley is surrounded by verdant hills on
all sides covered with thick pine and deodar forests. It is not uncommon to
sight some Yaks wandering and grazing around in the valley. The place is
undeveloped for tourism, nevertheless, it continues to be a crowd puller and
capture the attention of tourists with its dense deodar and pine trees that
line the majestic hills. Rare animals are also sighted here at times. The Green
Valley, thanks to its beauty and grace, has also featured in numerous Bollywood
movies.
The Scandal Point
in Shimla, as the name suggests, is one of the most talked about attractions of
this hill station. The titillating title surely piques one's interest, and the
gripping story behind it does justice to the intrigue created. The Scandal
Point is one such attraction in Shimla whose enthralling scenic beauty stands
as a testimony to the city's stellar reputation. This point is a mountain
lover's haven because it enjoys a picturesque and unobstructed view of gigantic
mountains covered in a blanket of dense fir and spruce.
Scandal Point
rests on the intersection of the city's most roads- Ridge Road and Mall
Road. On this intersection, there also lies a statue of our revered freedom
fighter- Sri Lala Lajpat Raiji. Scandal Point is a year-round magnet where
people come to relax and rejuvenate amidst the view of the soaring mountains.
One can opt for a horse ride at this point, enjoy some hill station Maggi and
play some arcade games in the small shops that surround this point.
Nearest Railway Station
Shimla has its own railway station you can reach Shimla by
various means like private vehicle Buses and by toy train which much more
famous amongs the travelers.
In short if you wants to enjoy your vacations at the
fullest and wants to explore the hills and nearby areas with your loved once
then Shimla would be the best option for you. So pack your bags and head to
Shimla.
You can also read about Hidden beauty in the lap of
Himalayas (Himachal Pradesh)
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