10 Facts About Shimla City You Must Know
1. The Summer Capital of Colonial India : Shimla
While the British used to rule over India, Shimla was considered the Summer capital. It was discovered by the British that the cool climate of Shimla was the best venue for escaping the scorching heat of the plains. During that time, Viceregal Lodge was built amongst other iconic landmarks. It was declared the summer capital in the year 1864 which meant some administrative decisions would be made in Shimla during that time.
2. The Name 'Shimla' Has an Interesting Origin
'Hindu goddess Shyamala Devi' is the origin of the word Shimla coming from the other version Goddess Kali. 'Shyamala' is a version of the old 'Shyamala.' The name of the goddess can be spotted engraved on a temple that can be found near the Ridge of Shimla. The cultural and religious aspects of Shimla can be very well understood with the help of this peculiar name.
3. Shimla Houses The Longest Railway In Asia That Is Narrow-Gauge
One of India's most breathtaking engineering marvels is the Kalka-Shimla Railway, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the breathtaking constructions during British rule. This narrow gauge railway is over 96 kilometers long, with 103 tunnels, 864 bridges, and countless straitjacket bends. The train ride is capped off with stunning views of the Himalayas, which makes it a favorite among tourists.
4. And Himachal Pradesh's Capital City Is Shimla
Apart from the snow-capped mountains, the stunning valleys, and adventure tourism, Shimla is also the capital of Himachal Pradesh which lies in North India. Now as an administrative center, Shimla has the state government offices which include the Vidhan Sabha (Legislative assembly) and the Raj Bhavan (Governor's Residence).
5. The Mall Road Is Shimla's Heartbeat
Mall Road is the bustling heart of Shimla where you can find shops, cafes, restaurants and even historical monuments. With foot traffic only, the area is perfect for visitors who want to take a walk and buy some Shimla souvenirs such as eid charras and momos. Located adjacently to Mall Road is The Ridge, an expansive open space which serves as a gathering and event spot.
6. Shimla Hosts One of India's Oldest Churches
Christ Church is one of the oldest churches in North India and is located on The Ridge. Constructed in 1857, this building is an architectural wonder with gorgeous Gothic imprints and marvelous stained glass windows. The church is a monument of Shimla's colonial history and continues to be one of the significant landmarks of the city.
7. Adventure Tourism Begins At Shimla
Shimla Is A Gateway To Adventure tourism. Breathtaking gorges, steep mountains, Shimla also brings together a lot for nature lovers with visiting rivers and dense forests. Trekking, paragliding and skiing aside, camping is also well liked around these parts. The conjoining places like Chail, Kufri and Narkanda provide amazing opportunities for outdoor activities as well as to explore the scenic beauty of nature.
8. Winters Bring A Heavy Dose Of Snowfall To Shimla
From December to February is the timeframe in which Shimla is likely to enjoy the heaviest snowfalls. The picturesque landscape as winter settles turns into a mesmerizing sight which grabs people's attraction from all corners of the nation. Places like Jakhu Hill and The Ridge are famous all over and during winters with snow, look even more breathtaking at these places.
9. Shimla's Local Markets
Shimla is famous for its local markets, where every visitor can shop for a variety of items ranging from traditional handicrafts to intricately designed woolen garments. Lower Bazaar is popular among tourists for its affordable shopping options, while Lakkar Bazaar is the go-to place for wooden crafts. Due to the cold weather, tourists buy shawls, caps, and other woolen items which are quite famous over here.
10. Environmental Conservation Efforts in Shimla
Shimla's location in the sensitive ecosystem of the Himalayas makes it important for environmental conservation. Efforts to protect the area's biodiversity, mitigate pollution, promote sustainable tourism, and encourage eco-friendly practices are actively carried out by government and non-government organizations. On the other hand, issues like deforestation and waste disposal need improvement.
Conclusion
Splendid views of nature is just one of the many perks Shimla offers. Besides being a popular hill station, it also has quite the historical significance. From colonial architecture to modern Shimla, the city has something for every traveler. While on a trip, Shimla is bound to provide an experience that is everlasting, be it riding the toy train, visiting ancient sites or relaxing at the mountains. Shimla truly is one of a kind. These facts prove that shimla is a must visit at least once in your lifetime.
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