Location : In the north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh.
Tourist Attractions : The Mall, Viceregal lodge, Himachal State Museum, Jakhoo Hill, Annandale, Glen, Summer Hill, Chadwick Falls, Prospect Hill, Sanjauli, Temples, Daranghati Sanctuary.
Best Buys : Wooden Articles, Toys, Kullu and Kinnauri Shawls, Caps, Tibetan Carpets and other handicraft articles
Best Activities : Trekking, Skiing, Golfing, Fishing
Nearby Tourist Destinations : Chail, Kasauli, Kufri, Solan, Nahan, Narkanda, Renuka Lake, Sarahan, Sirmour, Mashobra & Craignano, Naldehra, Rampur, Sarol, Dharamshala.
When to Visit : Any time of the year.

About Shimla
Shimla (also spelt as 'Simla') derives its name from goddess 'Shayamla Devi', which is another manifestation of Goddess Kali. Shimla is one of the few places in the world where an enormous amount of history and heritage has been distilled into such a small place in so short a time. Shimla has been blessed with all the natural bounties, one can think of. Dwelling on a panoramic location, the hilly town is surrounded by green pastures and snow-capped peaks. The spectacular cool hills accompanied by the structures made during the colonial era create an aura, which is very different from other hill stations.

Shimla retains its colonial heritage, with grand old buildings, among them are the stately Viceregal Lodge, charming iron lamp posts and Anglo-Saxon names. Apart from its natural beauty, Shimla is also famous for its architectural buildings, wooden crafts and apples.

Major Tourist Attractions in Shimla
The Mall
The Mall, packed with shops and eateries, is the centre of attraction of the town. At the top end of the Mall is Scandal Point, a large open square with a view of the town-a favourite rendezvous for visitors and the local people. Overlooking it is the elegant Christ Church with its fine stained glass windows. The labyrinth of Shimla's bazaars spill over the edge of the Mall.

Kufri
Kufri is a tiny hill station located 19-kms from Shimla on the National Highway No.22. It is famous for its trekking and hiking trails. Adventure-seeking travelers throng Kufri in winters to enjoy skiing and tobogganing along its snow-covered slopes. The Skiing season spreads between November to February and the tourist inflow is at its peak during winters.

Viceregal lodge
Housed in the Gothic splendour of the Viceregal Lodge is the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies, India's premier academy for higher research.

Himachal State Museum
Very close to the Institute, in a colonial building set in spacious lawns, is the museum. It has collections of Pahariminiatures, stone sculpture, local handicrafts, textiles and embroidery.

Annandale
Annandale Hill is Shimla's highest point, is rewarding for there are superb views of the town and its surroundings. At the top is an old Hanuman temple at a distance of 2 Km. A pretty picnic spot beyond Annandale is located in the thickly Wooded Glen, beside a sparkling stream at a distance of 4 Km.

The Hills
Jakhoo Hill is Shimla's highest point, is rewarding for there are superb views of the town and its surroundings. At the top is an old Hanuman temple at a distance of 2 Km.

The quiet and lovely summer Hill has secluded, shady walks and charming views. Summer Hill is located on the Shimla - Kalka railway line at a distance of 5 Km.

A 15 minute climb from Boileauganj, Prospect Hill is another favourite walk and vantage point with breath taking views. There is a little temple to Kamna Devi on the top of the hill.

Chadwick Falls
Just beyond Summer Hill is the 67 m waterfall, cascading into a deep gorge. The Falls are best seen after the monsoon.

Temples
Among the little temples dotted around Shimla is the ancient temple of Bihargaon - a splendid example of traditional Himachal architecture. Just short of Shimla are the temples of Tara Devi and Sankat Mochanb.

Getting There
Air : The Jubbarhatti airport is 23-km from Shimla and major domestic airlines cater their services from here to Shimla. One can catch direct flights from Delhi.
Rail : Shimla has a narrow gauge railway line on which toy train runs from Kalka to Shimla. Kalka connects Shimla to other parts of the country.
Road : Roads connect the capital city of Himachal with other places in the state as well as other major towns and cities. There is regular bus service from Delhi and Chandigarh as well as ordinary; semi deluxe, deluxe and AC coaches for Shimla are also available.

Accommodation
The capital city and commercial hub of Himachal Pradesh has got some of the finest options of accommodation. The options range from luxurious, luxurious five star hotels, cottages and holiday resorts to economy class and budget hotels and lodging rooms.