Shimla (शिमला) is the capital of Himachal Pradesh and a popular hill station in North India.Shimla is historically significant for being the summer capital of India during the British rule.

Geography

Shimla district is located in the middle western ranges of Himalayas. This region has a hilly terrain and has an uneven cover of evergreen pine forests. The Shimla city spreads over the Hill at an average altitude of 2000 mts (5500 feet) above mean sea level.

Climate

Shimla is a cool city. The summer (mid march - mid june) is warm and pleasant with temperature seldom exceeding 26 º C. Monsoon (mid june - september) is wet and humid. Quiet often the rains continue for days together.Autumn (oct-mid december) is cool and clear. Many trees shed leaves during this time. Winters are cold with temperatures in range -4 º C to 15 º C. Heavy snowfall three to four times in this season is common.During winters if there are no clouds the sunlight is very sharp due to very clear atmosphere.

People and Politics

Shimla is the capital of the state of Himachal Pradesh, India. The population of permanent residents is approximately 100,000. In summers a substantial number of tourists (~10 thousand)add to the population whereas in winter the population is reduced heavily due to the residents taking vacation and going to warmer places. The majority of population is comprised of natives of Himachal Pradesh and a minority migrated from what is now Pakistan during the partition of India. Hindi, Punjabi and Pahari are the main languages.

Transportation

Shimla is accessible by road, air and railway but road is perhaps the best means of transport. The nearest large city is Chandigarh, 115 kilometres on National Highway no 22. New Delhi is 365 kilometers. A narrow gauge railroad connects Shimla to Kalka. Travel by rail is slow but the scenery and 103 tunnels enroute make it a toursit attraction. There is a small airport about 30 Km from the city at Jubbalhatti. A private airline operates weekly flights to Delhi.

Economy

A good part of economy is supported by government. Shimla is also a good tourist attraction. Kufri, Naldera, Taatapani and Chail are among the main tourist attractions. Shimla district is also famous for its apple orchards.

Places of Interest

Heart Of the city

The ridge and the adjacent Mall Road form the heart of the city. The mall road does not have vehicular traffic so it's a favorite place for walking. When you are there, do not miss a coffee at the Park Cafe. It is listed on the international tourist guides. The food here is just as great as the music.

Places of Worship

Kali Bari (a temple of the Hindu goddess Kali) is five minutes walk from Mall Road, Jakhoo Temple (a temple of the Hindu god Hanuman) is located at the highest point in Shimla (2600 mts above mean sea level, about 30 min to one hour walk from the mall). Tara Devi Temple is about 10 km from Shimla, directly visible from the city.

Market Places

The Lower Bazaar adjoining the mall road caters the city.

Education

Schools in Shimla are Bishop Cotton School (boys only), St Edwards (boys only), Convent of Jesus and Mary (girls only), Loreto Convent popularly known as Tara Hall (girls only) but now Sacred Heart Convent Tara Hall, Auckland House School (girls only), DAV Public School New Shimla, Dyanand School, SD School, St Thomas et al. Shimla has a Medical College IGMC, St Bedes Girls College(a women's residential college), RKMV (a girl's college), Government College Sanjauli, and Government College Chaura Maidan. Himachal Pradesh University offers Masters and Ph.D. programs.

History

The city was established by the British in the latter half of the 19th century as the summer capital of the British Raj.

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