Shimla - Queen of Hills

Shimla is located in the north-western ranges of the Himalayas. At 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 stretches nearly 9.2 km from east to west. The highest point in Shimla, at 2454 meters (8051 ft), is the Jakhoo hill.

The climate in Shimla is predominantly cold during winters, and moderately warm during summers. The temperatures range from 3.95 °C (39.11 °F) to 32.95 °C (91.31 °F) over the year.The average temperature during summer is between 14 °C and 20 °C, and between -7 °C and 10 °C in winter.

The people of Shimla are informally called Shimlaites. With largely cosmopolitan crowds, a variety of festivals are celebrated here. The Shimla Summer Festival, held every year during peak tourist season, and lasting 3–4 days, is celebrated on the ridge. The highlights of this event include performances by popular singers from all over the country.Shimla has a number of places to visit.

Local hangouts like the mall road and ridge are in the heart of the city.

The Indian Institute of Advanced Study, and Wildflower hall that is now a luxury hotel are some of the famous ones.

Further out from the city is the Naldehra nine-hole golf course, the oldest of its kind in India and worth a watch. Whenever i visit shimla i go here with my family for picnic in sunny cozy weather.

Kufri is a ski resort (winter only) located 19 kilometres (11.8 mi) from the main city. This place is just beautiful in winters when its covered with snow, lest its nothing so gr8 here.

Lakkar Bazaar, a market extending off the ridge, is famous for souvenirs and crafts made of wood. Surely take something for your loved ones and yeah toys for kids are a real delight as they would make you remember those days of your chilhood when you used to play with those toys now which are completely vanished off from the cosmo cities.

The Shimla Ice Skating Club, which manages the rink, hosts a carnival every year in January.

Jakhoo Temple, for the Hindu god Hanuman is located at the highest point in Shimla and worth a visit but be careful of those big monkeys and dont you dare carry any stuff with you as you will face a terror from these monkeys.

Sankat Mochan, another Hanuman temple, is famous for the numerous monkeys that are always found in its vicinity. It is located on Shimla-Kalka Highway about 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) from the city.

Places of Interest

The Mall: The main shopping street of Shimla. It also has many restaurants, clubs, banks, bars, Post Offices and tourist offices. The Gaiety Theatre is also situated there. People walk up and down the Mall slowly, stopping to gossip, as it is the main meeting place for everyone. The Ridge and Scandal point are the two main meeting points at the Mall. This place is just an intoxication. I can just spend my whole day gazing at crowd around.

Chail was the summer capital of the Maharaja of Patiala before Independence, known for its cricket pitch, the highest in the world.

Famous eating Joints and restaurants in Shimla

BALJEES RESTAURANT
This is located just opposite Municipal Corporation Office at the Mall and has a sweet shop with a snacks shop at the ground floor and restaurant called Fascination at the top. Hot piping gulab jamun of baljees is a must.

THE DEVICOS RESTAURANT
I really liked the chinese food, even North Indian is very good.

GOOFA ASHIANA
If you have to enjoy this place then it should be a rainy day. Centrally located on mall with all sides in glass, the view in rains is awesome. It serves delicious Indian, Continental, Chinese and Himachali cuisines.

Popular bakeries
Krishna & Trishool bakeries are famous for burger, patties, pastries and much more. My favourite is Krishna bakery and going to mall and not having momos, kukrej and soup of krishna is just not possible. Also do take home the exotic plum cake.

in Lower Bazaar try awesome mixed pakodas specially dal ka pakoda with adrak ki chai.

If you want to know more abou shimla mail me at palavivyas@gmail.com