The capital city of Himachal Pradesh - Shimla, at an altitude of 2,205 metres is rightly called 'the queen of hills'. It's idyllic beauty, even more beautiful people and the wonderful climate all the year round attracts tourists from all over the country as well as foreign tourists. You can reach there by train, air or by road from Delhi. The 8 hour long drive from Delhi, through the National Highway provides further scope for budding photographers; for capturing wonderful scenery. But generally, tourists prefer to reach Shimla by the narrow gauge train lines that runs through a number of hills and forests, before you actually reach Shimla station.
The 6 hour train route will actually be a visually delightful way to capture the breathtaking landscape of Shimla. Forests of fir, pine, walnut, apricot with occasional encounter with an unknown and unnamed stream captures the attention of all the tourists. You will also be intrigued to see the terrace farming running down the villages of the hills that grow corn and capsicum. If you are adventurous, plan your trip in December-January, for you will be welcomed by white snow-covered mountains through the same path. It's almost fairytale-like.
After you reach Shimla, there are various hotels available at various locations to suite different kind of travelers. Special mention is to be made for the wonderful location of the Railway holiday home.
You can relax and have a perfect calming and soothing holiday in Shimla, or, you can just go overboard and get a super-exciting holiday full of trekking, rock climbing and skiing. The choice is yours and the place would not disappoint you on either of your choice! For trekking you have to come in March-August.
The historical intrusion of British can be felt seeing the Auckland House, Gaity Theatre, Gorton castle, Peterhoff house. It's a place where almost every house is made up f oak wood in Gothic style. Then there is the famous mall of Shimla. A walk around the mall, with your perfect partner, would make for a perfect romantic outing - guaranteed! There are plenty of shops around the mall, that constitute the local bazaar, where you can get handicraft items, shawls, woolens. But be prepared to bargain with the sellers. Also, visit The Indian Coffee House and the Himachal Emporium beside the mall.
Hire a car, and go for a visit to another beautiful place - Manali, in the Kullu district and about 270 km from Shimla. Th ride will not be exhausting, believe me, for the road runs beside the Beas on one side and coniferous forest- covered mountains on the other. They make for a cocktail so strong that you will not loose your hangover weeks after you come back!
Manali marks the beginning of the ancient trade route to Ladakh, from there it goes to the Karakoram pass. There are many small temples that are very beautiful. You must visit to the Hedimba temple, Vashisht temple - famous for intricate wooden carvings and hot spring, Manu temple and Van vihar park.
52 km away from this picturesque town; is Rohtang Pass. The place is known for windy, cold weather. The snow covered mountains all around will mesmerize you, and you have to surrender yourself fully to its overpowering and serene beauty. The pass is at an altitude of 3,978 metres and may cause some breathing problems. So, take precautions necessary, cover yourself fully and enjoy this place. While returning to your hotel in Manali, ask your driver to visit to a nearby apple orchard. It makes a yummy sight, bunches of red apples hanging from green branches!
Happy travelling!
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