Sheemla Tour
History :
Shimla, was the Summer capital of India under British rule
. Presently, it is the state capital of Himachal Pradesh,
with its population around 1.6 lacs (Shimla town only).
Shimla has seen many important historical events such as
the famous Shimla Pact between India & Pakistan which
was signed here. The place is also famous for its natural
beauty, architectural buildings, wooden crafts and apples
.
Prime Attractions
Himachal State Museum & Library : The
museum is located 2.5-km west of the scandal point and opens
daily except on Mondays and public holidays. It has got
a good collection of ancient historical sculptures, paintings,
coins, photos and other items from all over the state as
well as outside it. It has also got a library, which houses
many historical books and manuscripts. Visiting hours are
from 10 AM to 5 PM and it is closed on Monday and gazetted
holidays.
Viceregal Lodge & Botanical Gardens : On
the Observatory Hills is located Viceregal Lodge, which
is also known as "Rashtrapati Niwas". This magnificent
building was the residence of the British Viceroy Lord Dufferin.
This lodge was completed in 1888 and it is said that every
brick for the building was carried by mules. This is a six-story
building and is surrounded by well-maintained gardens and
lawns. The lodge has now been
converted into Institute of Advanced Study and is further
2-km from State Museum.
Indian Institute Of Advanced Studies : Housed
in the former Viceregal Lodge, it was built in 1888. The
style of architecture is English Renaissance, the masonry
of the walling is light blue limestone and the wrought stonework
is done in sandstone in a beautiful light gray tint. It
has magnificent lawns. The entry in the institute is by
ticket and only on Sundays the grounds are open for the
public.
The Ridge : The large open space in the
heart of town presents excellent view of the mountain ranges.
Shimla's landmarks - the Neo-Gothic structure of Christ
Church and the new - Tudor Library building is worth seeing.
The Mall : Most of Shimla's landmarks
are located here. The Mall further joins the Ridge at the
‘Scandal Point' of Kipling's Shimla, where a statue
of the nationalist leader Lala Lajpat Rai has been erected.This
is the main shopping centre of Shimla with restaurants.
This is especially pleasant in the evenings when the views
and lights are wonderful. The Gaiety Theatre, which is a
reproduction of an old British theatre is a center of cultural
activities. A passenger lift of HPTDC can be taken from
the Cart Road and the Mall. Lakkar Bazaar adjacent to the
Ridge is popular for its wood-crafts and souvenirs.
Prospect Hill : Crowned by a temple dedicated
to Kamna Devi 15-minutes walk from Boileauganj on Shimla-Bilaspur
road. The hill at an altitude of 2,155m offers a spectacular
view of the area.
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