In this article, we provide comprehensive information about the geography, history, population, and top tourist destinations of Punjab. Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, is a popular hill station nestled in the Himalayas at an altitude of 2,200 meters (7,200 feet). Known for its colonial charm, scenic beauty, and pleasant weather, Shimla is often referred to as the “Queen of Hills.”
| About: | Shimla is the capital and the largest city of the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. In 1864, Shimla was declared the summer capital of British India. After independence, the city became the capital of East Punjab and was later made the capital city of Himachal Pradesh. It is the principal commercial, cultural and educational centre of the state. The former summer capital of British India and now the capital of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla is truly blessed with natural beauty. Nestled among green hills and snow-capped peaks, its scenic location is breathtaking. The cool hills, combined with colonial-era architecture, create a unique atmosphere that sets it apart from other hill stations. Despite rapid growth, Shimla has preserved its colonial charm, featuring grand old buildings, quaint iron lamp posts, and Anglo-Saxon street names. The Mall, bustling with shops and eateries, is the town’s main attraction, while Scandal Point, linked to the escapades of the former Maharaja of Patiala, provides stunning views of the distant snow-covered mountains. Although there is an air service to Shimla, the best way to reach the town is by road, allowing travelers to soak in the beauty of the Himalayan countryside. There’s a nostalgic feel to Shimla, with its old bungalows, gabled roofs, and lovely gardens. The Shimla back to the 19th century when it was founded by the British in the year 1819 after the Gorkha war. During that period, it was most popular for the temple of Hindu Goddess Shyamala Devi. In 1822, Scottish civil servant Charles Pratt Kennedy built the first British summer residence. During the latter half of the 19th century, Shimla became the summer capital of the British Raj, attracting British soldiers, merchants, and civil servants seeking relief from the intense heat of the plains. Today, it serves as the state capital of Himachal Pradesh, with a population of around 160,000 (in Shimla town alone) and an altitude of 2,202 meters above sea level. The primary languages spoken are Pahari, Hindi, and English. The best times to visit are from October to November and April to June, and the STD code is 0177. Shimla has been the site of many significant historical events, including the notable Shimla Pact between India and Pakistan. The city is also celebrated for its stunning natural beauty, architectural landmarks, wooden crafts, and delicious apples. |
| History: | History of Shimla goes back to the period of Anglo-Gurkha war in the beginning of 19th century. In 1804 the Gurkhas , who had suffered a severe defeat at the hands of the Sikhs at the battle of Kangra, a hill fortress about sixty miles from Shimla, where according to some accounts they lost thousand of men in the fight and many others from disease, commenced to ravage the states and hills surrounding Shimla. Gurkhas built many forts around Shimla. One of these strongholds, the Jagatgarh fortress, was the origin of the modern Jutogh, the well known military cantonment adjoining Shimla. By 1808 the invaders had conquered all the fortified posts between the Jamuna and Satluj, and from their capital Arki began their ruthless rule over the neighbouring hill states, untill at length the people in their wretchedness appealed to the British for help. A small British force under Major General ‘Sir David Ochterlony’ was despatched to liberate the hill men from Gurkhas. Majority of hill chiefs responded to the call and joined the British forces. The rivals were engaged in the toughest battle at 3750 ft high Ramgarh fort at Nalagarh. A decisive battle took place near the fort at Malaon in which superior guns of the British overpowered the enemy. The battle of Malaon on 15th May 1815 ended the dream of the Gurkhas, to rule over this part of the land for any longer. After few days, an official declaration was made according to which all Chieftains who had joined British in expelling the Gurkhas were restored with their land under the British protection. The maharaja of Patiala who has also rendered invaluable services to the British was rewarded with land in the neighbourhood of the area now comprising Shimla. After the defeat of Gurkhas they were forced to sign the ‘Treaty of Sanjauli’ . The company retained the strategic forts of Sabathu, Kotgarh, Ramgarh and Sandoch. |
| Geography: | Shimla is on the south-western ranges of the Himalayas at 31.61°N 77.10°E. It has an average altitude of 2,206 metres (7,238 ft) above mean sea level and extends along a ridge with seven spurs. The city stretches nearly 9.2 kilometres (5.7 mi) from east to west |
| Country : | India |
| State: | Himachal Pradesh |
| District: | Shimla |
| Language: | Hindi |
| Population: | 169,578 (2011) |
| Literacy rate: | Average literacy rate of Shimla city is 93.63 percent of which male and female literacy was 94.79 and 92.19 percent. |
| Major Attractions to Visit: | The Ridge Mall Road Jakhoo Temple Christ Church Kufri Shimla State Museum Summer Hill Shimla Glen Tara Devi Temple Kali Bari Temple Chadwick Falls Annandale The Himalayan Nature Park (Kufri) Indian Institute of Advanced Study Scandal Point Lakkar Bazaar Mashobra Green Valley Viceregal Lodge |
