One of the most popular hill stations of Northern India, Shimla is the capital of the Indian State of Himachal Pradesh. Also known as Simla, the hill town is situated in the north-west of the Himalayan mountain range amidst the pine, deodar, oak and rhododendron forest and snow-capped mountains. This hill station derives its name from "Goddess Shyamla", an incarnation of Goddess Kali. Often referred to as “Queen of Hills”, Shimla is a popular holiday-retreat during the summer months and is renowned for the Victorian architecture that reflects the dominance of colonial rule. Shimla still retains its colonial charm and ambience. Geography and Climate Located at 31.61°N 77.10°E with an average altitude of 2397.59 meters (7866.10 ft) above mean sea level, the city is spread on a ridge and its seven spurs. The city is bounded by Mandi and Kullu in the north, Kinnaur in the east, the state of Uttarakhand in the south-east, and Solan and Sirmaur to the south. This hill town spreads over an area of 31.60 sq. km and stretches nearly 9.2 km from east to west. Shimla features a sub-tropical highland climate with chilly winters, and moderately warm summers. Temperatures typically range from −4 °C (25 °F) to 31 °C (88 °F) over the course of a year. The average temperature during summer is between 19 °C (66 °F) and 28 °C (82 °F), and between −1 °C (30 °F) and 10 °C (50 °F) in winter. Monthly precipitation varies between 15 millimeters (0.59 in) in November to 434 millimeters (17.1 in) in August. It is usually around 45 millimeters (1.8 in) per month during winter and spring and around 175 millimeters (6.9 in) in June as the monsoon approaches. The average total annual precipitation is 1,575 millimeters (62 in), which is much less than most other hill stations but still much heavier than on the plains. Shimla experiences snowfall during winters i.e. by the end of December and during the month of January. History of Shimla The history of Shimla traces back to the period of Anglo-Gurkha war in the beginning of 19th century. During this time, Gurkhas suffered severely under the hands of Sikhs at the battle of Kangra, which took place in a hill fortress at a distance of sixty miles from Shimla. At this time thousands of Gurkhas lost their life in the war and many others died because of chronic disease that transpired during the deadly battle. By 1808, the Gurkha invaders captured the forts of Shimla, from Jamuna to Sutlej and forcefully established their supremacy over the land. Unable to bear the torture imposed by the Gurkhas, the people of this region appealed to British for help and later with the support of British, the enemies were gunned down and thus the rule of Gurkhas came to an end. After the defeat, they were forced to sign the ‘Treaty of Sanjauli’ and thus the land came under the reign of maharaja of Patiala who helped the British to fight the war as well as retained the strategic forts of Sabathu, Kotgarh, Ramgarh and Sandoch. The glorious history of Shimla would have not been dazzling had the British not saved the hill town from the hands of the Gurkhas. Post Gurkha war, British confirmed their interest in this beautiful hill town and it in 1819 an English officer named Lt. Ross built the first British residence in Shimla. Following him, Captain Kennedy constructed a two storeyed building in the year 1822 and named it Kennedy House. During 1850 and 1851, the Hindustan Tibet road was constructed from Shimla to Kalka and in the year 1864, the British Government declared as the summer capital of India. A train line was constructed in the year 1903 between Kalka and Shimla, which made the route to this hilly area comfortable. After independence the Chief Commissioner's Province of H.P. came into being on 15 April 1948 as a result of integration of 28 petty princely states in the promontories of the western Himalaya. The State of Bilaspur was merged in the Himachal Pradesh on 1 April 1954 by the Himachal Pradesh and Bilaspur (New State) Act, 1954. Himachal became a part C state on 26 January 1950 with the implementation of the Constitution of India and the Lt. Governor was appointed. Legislative Assembly was elected in 1952. Himachal Pradesh became a Union Territory on 1 November 1956. Following area of Punjab State namely Simla, Kangra, Kulu and Lahul and Spiti Districts, Nalagarh tehsil of Ambala District, Lohara, Amb and Una kanungo circles, some area of Santokhgarh kanungo circle and some other specified area of Una tehsil of Hoshiarpur District besides some parts of Dhar Kalan Kanungo circle of Pathankot tehsil of Gurdaspur District; were merged with Himachal Pradesh on 1 November 1966 on enactment of Punjab Reorganization Act, 1966 by the Parliament. On 18 December 1970, the State of Himachal Pradesh Act was passed by Parliament and the new state came into being on 25 January 1971. Thus Himachal emerged as the eighteenth state of the Indian Union. Shimla came into existence from 1st September, 1972 on the reorganisation of the districts of the state. After the reorganization, the erstwhile Mahasu district and its major portion was merged with Shimla. Culture of Shimla The culture of the hill town Shimla is a perfect blend of traditional values and modern thoughts. While talking about its culture, lifestyle cannot be missed out and the majority of people in Shimla still have a rural lifestyle, where agriculture and livestock keeping are the two main occupations of the people. The greatest example of the Culture of Shimla is the handworks of its people. The Thapada and Kohana are the two styles of embroidery, bamboo items made by the Dom tribe. Apart from this Shimla also offers unparallel art of metal, stone and wood crafting. Fairs and festivals are an essential part of Culture in Shimla. The Shimla Summer Festival, held every year during peak tourist season, which lasts for 3-4 days. The major festivals include the summer and winter festivals, Shivratri, the Ice Skating Carnival and International Folk Festival. Tourist Destinations in Shimla Sprawling amidst the pine-clad hills and providing glimpses of fading colonial allure, Shimla is one of the most popular hill stations of India. Bestowed with natural bounties, dwelling on a panoramic location, the hilly town is surrounded by green pastures and snow-capped peaks, which enthralls and lures the travelers from various parts of the globe. This beautiful hill station has a number of tourist attractions. Some of these are: The Mall Christ Church Jakhu Hill Jutogh Shimla State Museum Indian Institute of Advanced Study Summer Hill Annandale Tara Devi Sankat Mochan Junga Anand Vilas Totu Mashobra Kufri Chharabra Naldehra Chail Tattapani Sanjauli Transportation Air Shimla has its own airport that offers connectivity to Delhi and Kullu. The Jubbarhatti airport is 23-km from Shimla and major domestic airlines cater their services to Shimla as well as have direct flights to Delhi and Chandigarh. Railway Kalka is the nearest major railhead which is connected with Shimla on the narrow gauge. The city boasts of three railway stations with Shimla, being the main station with other two located at Summer Hill and Totu (Jutogh), respectively. Road Well-maintained and efficient network of roadways connect Shimla to the other major cities of India. National Highway 22 links the town with Chandigarh. Buses ply frequently on the circular road surrounding the city centre and heavy local transport can as well be witnessed between Shimla and its major suburbs which include Sanjauli, Kasumpti, Summer Hill, Totu, and New Shimla. Tourist taxis are also an option for out of town trips.
