Month: May 2013

Location of Shimla

Shimla location

Shimla also called queen of the hills and capital city of Himachal Pradesh,  lies in the north-western ranges of the Himalayas. The latitude and longitude of Shimla is 31.61°N and 77.10°E respectively. The average altitude of Shimla is 2397.59 meters (7866.10 ft) above mean sea level, the city is spread on a ridge and its seven hills. The highest point in Shimla is the Jakhoo hill at 2454 meters (8051 ft) which also has the famous Jakhoo temple. The closest river is the Sutlej about 21 km from Shimla at Tattapani.

Shimla being a famous tourist spot as well as the capital of Himachal Pradesh is well connected by road, rail and air. The heritage narrow gauge toy train has also found its place in the list of UNESCO heritage sites. The travel to Shimla by rail and road is itself a distinct experience as the tracks pass through lovely mountains and valleys and the view changes at every turn.

Shimla by road

Shimla lies on Ambala Khab National highway number 22. Khab is near China border so this road is also called Hindustan Tibet Road. The hill stretch starts from Kalka onward. Shimla is 90 kilometers from Kalka, 117 kilometers from Chandigarh, 162 kilometers from Ambala and 370 kilometers from New Delhi. Travel time by car from Kalka is 2.5 hours, Chandigarh 3 hours, Ambala 4 hours and New Delhi 8 hours. The road from Chandigarh to Shimla is well maintained and there are a number of eating joints along the highway where you can find veg non veg both. With the commissioning of a new 10 kilometers long Pinjore Parwanoo four laned Bye-pass the highway is now rid of traffic jams  on the narrow stretch between Pinjore Kalka and Parwanoo.

Delhi to Shimla Volvo Buses

Shimla By train

Kalka is the nearest broad gauge rail head from Shimla and is well connected by major cities in India including Chandigarh, Delhi and Mumbai. The Kalka to Shimla section is connected by the UNESCO heritage 90 kilometers long narrow gauge railway track. The ravel time between Kalka and Shimla by train is 5.5 hours. The Himalayan Queen, Railcar and the Shivalik Deluxe are the major toy trains. They are connected with the Howrah Kalka Mail and  Shatabdi Express and Himalayan Queen trains from Delhi.

Kalka Shimla toy train | Kalka Shimla train time table

Shimla by Air

The nearest airport from Shimla is the Jubbarhattii Airport. It is situated at a distance of 28 km from Shimla. Indian Airlines, Jagson and Deccan airlines operate limited regular flights for Shimla from Chandigarh, Delhi, Dharamsala and Kullu. The services are unreliable and remain suspended for months due to commercial non viability and exit of service providers.

The distance from Shimla airport to the Mall Road (city center)  can be covered in about one hour by taxis which are easily available. As the airstrip is small only small planes can land at this airport

The preferred airport is Chandigarh (120 Kms from Shimla). Chandigarh has better air connectivity with other Indian cities than the Shimla airport. Indian Airlines, Kingfisher, Deccan, Go air, Jet airways operate multiple daily regular flights.

Delhi to Shimla

Delhi to Shimla by road | car | Volvo buses

Delhi to Shimla Distance

Delhi to Shimla distance by road is 360 kilometers and travel time by road is 7 to 10 hours. Delhi Chandigarh Shimla road map in graphical presentation for easy understanding

Delhi Chandigarh road map

Chandigarh Shimla Road map

Delhi to Shimla by Road

While travelling from Delhi to Shimla you will pass through Sonipat, Panipat, Karnal, Kurukshetra & then Ambala on national highway number 1. From Ambala the highway will branch out. One goes to Amritsar and the other one towards Chandigarh. You need to take the Chandigarh one. After about 45 kms you will reach Panchkula. From Panchkula proceed on to Kalka. The hill terrain of around 90 kms starts from Kalka. Overall Shimla from Delhi is around 360 kms and takes about 7-8 hours by car.

Delhi to Shimla by car

The national highway connection Shimla with Chandigarh is an excellent road including the hill stretch with many food joints along the highway (7 hours from Delhi, 3 hours from Chandigarh). Journey from Chandigarh to Shimla by car is cozy drive as the national highway is well maintained as compared to other hill roads so you can plan your trip easily.

The road to Shimla is a foodie’s delight. Don’t miss the food at Giani Ka Dhaba at Dharampur ( 50 Kms from Chandigarh), between Kalka and Shimla. Dharampur along the highway now has nearly 36 well-established dhabas, restaurants and fast food joints.

If you want to go to Kasauli then take a left just after Dharampur. For Chail, go till Kandaghat, and take a right. For Shoghi, go straight till Shoghi. For Shimla, simply keep going.

There is never a boring moment on this road. The eating joints lined up on both sides of the road and the cool breeze from the hills make for a heady combination.

Parking issues in Shimla

Shimla is congested town and one can face parking problem if coming by own vehicle. Main parking places in Shimla are near Lift, N ear. Hotel Holiday Home, Main Bus Stand, Railway Station Godown, High Court Parking. MC Parking largest in Shimla town situated just 100 meters away from lift has capacity for about 400 vehicles at a time.

Delhi Shimla Taxi service

One way pick up and drop taxi services are available between Delhi and Shimla. All kind of vehicles are available all 24 hours a day. Find more details on taxi fare and types of vehicles available at this link: Delhi Shimla taxi service

Delhi to Shimla Bus Services, Volvo, Deluxe and Semi Deluxe

There is 24 hours bus service from Chandigarh (travel time 4 hours) and Delhi ( travel time 9 hours) and buses depart at short intervals of time. Both ordinary and luxury buses are available. Some transport agencies are running deluxe VOLVO coaches also. Check with the concerned authorities for the timings and bookings. Buses are frequently available from Chandigarh to Shimla at a gap of half an hour.

New Delhi to Shimla Volvo buses by HRTC and HPTDC

Himachal Roadways, HRTC and Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation ( HPTDC) is operating VOLVO Air Conditioned Volvo Buses ( 2X2 ) to and from Delhi to Shimla, Manali and Dharamshala. Theses buses are equipped with latest and comfortable facilities to the passengers. These buses reach Chandigarh after fours hours of departing from Shimla and five hours from departing from Delhi.

HRTC Advance reservation counters in Delhi

ISBT Kashmiri Gate

Advance Reservation Counter No. 40 & 8, 1st Floor, ISBT Kashmiri Gate, New Delhi-110 001

Timings 7:00AM to 9:00PM, Telephone Number:  91-11-23868694, 91-11-23863473

HRTC Traffic Manager: 099687-74008

HRTC Counter at Himachal Bhavan

H.R.T.C. Advance Reservation Counter, Himachal Bhawan Camps,  Mandi House, New Delhi, 110001

Timings: 2.00 PM to 8:00 PM, Contact Number:  092124-02085

Online booking of HRTC buses can be done at this link: https://hrtc.gov.in/hrtctickets/

Bus time table Delhi Chandigarh and Chandigarh Shimla HRTC bus services

S.No Source Destination Bus Type Departure Arrival Fare
1 Delhi  ISBT Shimla Volvo 06:45 16:30 980/-
2 Delhi  ISBT Shimla Volvo 08:00 17:30 980/-
3 Delhi  ISBT Shimla Volvo 09:25 19:00 980/-
4 Delhi  ISBT Shimla Volvo 11:55 22:30 980/-
5 Delhi  ISBT Shimla Volvo 21:02 07:15 980/-
6 Delhi  ISBT Shimla Volvo 21:36 07:00 980/-
7 Delhi  ISBT Shimla Volvo 22:00 08:00 980/-
8 Delhi  ISBT Shimla Volvo 22:30 08:30 980/-
9 Delhi  ISBT Shimla Volvo 23:00 08:00 980/-
10 Delhi  ISBT Shimla 2X2 AC 19:24 6:29 730/-
11 Delhi  ISBT Shimla 2X2 AC 20:24 07:15 730/-
12 Delhi  ISBT Shimla 2X2  Non AC 08:05 19:00 620/-
13 Delhi  ISBT Shimla 2X2  Non AC 21:00 08:15 620/-
14 Delhi  ISBT Shimla Ordinary 22:30 08:45 450/-
15 Delhi  ISBT Shimla Ordinary 08:50 18:50 450/
16 Delhi  ISBT Shimla Ordinary 11:00 22:00 450/
17 Delhi  ISBT Shimla Ordinary 12:30 22:15 450/
18 Delhi  ISBT Shimla Ordinary 15:30 01:30 450/
19 Delhi  ISBT Shimla Ordinary 16:50 01:30 450/
20 Delhi  ISBT Shimla Ordinary 17:59 04:15 450/
21 Delhi  ISBT Shimla Ordinary 18:31 05:30 450/
22 Delhi  ISBT Shimla Ordinary 19:30 05:30 450/
23 Delhi  ISBT Shimla Ordinary 20:10 06:15 450/
24 Delhi  ISBT Shimla Ordinary 20:30 06:30 450/
25 Delhi  ISBT Shimla Ordinary 21:25 07:40 450/
26 Delhi  ISBT Shimla Ordinary 21:58 07:45 450/
27 Delhi  ISBT Shimla Ordinary 23:40 09:30 450/

HPTDC  Delhi Shimla Volvo bus timings fare and contact numbers

For information, queries and reservation of HPTDC buses, please contact at following reservation telephone numbers:  Dharamsala: 01892-224212; Manali: 01902-252116 ; New Delhi: 011-23717473, 011-23325320; Shimla: 0177-2800073, 0177-2652561

Online booking of HPTDC ( Himachal Tourism) buses can be done at this link: https://www.hptdc.nic.in/bus.htm

S. No Source Destination Bus type Departure Bus Fare
1 Himachal Bhavan Delhi Shimla Volvo 8:30 PM 880

Jwalaji Temple

Jwalaji Temple in Himachal Pradesh

The flaming temple of Himachal Pradesh, Jwalaji temple is located at a distance of 34 km south of Kangra Valley. The Jawalaji temple is considered very powerful, and count as one of the 51 Shakti-Pitha temples in India. It is here that Sati’s tongue fell which can now be seen in the form of the flame.

Besides this main temple, there are Gorakh Dibbi, Chaturbhuj temple and many small shrines situated in the vicinity of Jwalaji temple.

Dedicated to Goddesses Jwalamukhi with flaming mouth, the temple is believed to have nine permanent flames named after the goddesses- Mahakali, Unpurna, Chandi, Hinglaj, Bindhya Basni, Maha Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ambika and Anji Devi.  It is said that centuries ago, a shepherd saw the flames for the first time and Raja Bhumi Chandra, the ruler of the area had the original temple built. The Mughal Emperor Akbar installed a gold parasol and Maharaja Ranjit Singh had the dome gilded. Across the courtyard is Devi’s bed chamber and above the temple is the shrine of Baba Gorakhnath.

Main Attraction of Jwalaji temple

The main attraction of the temple is the Aarti session, which is performed five times a day that begins early morning then at sun rise, afternoon, evening and continues till bed time of the goddesses. Apart from these, the evening Aarti  (Shaiyan Aarti), performed before bed time is unique and different. The bed of the Goddesses is piled up with rich dresses decorated with precious ornaments.

Design of Jwalaji Temple

The picturesque temple, built in the Indo-Sikh style, is a modern building whose dome is of gilt, gold and pinnacles and possesses a beautiful folding door of silver plates, presented by the Sikh Raja Kharak Singh.

How to Reach Jwalaji Temple

The airport at Gaggal is 46 km from Jwalamukhi. The closest broad gauge railhead is at Pathankot, 123 km away. The nearest narrow-gauge railhead is Jawalaji road Ranital at a distance of 20 km from the shrine. Taxis and buses are available at both places. This place is 34 Kms from Kangra Valley. From Delhi the road distance is 473 km and from Shimla it is 212 km.

Climate

In winter, the climate is cold but pleasant when woolens are required like shawls, sweater etc. During summer the temperature is hot and cottons are recommended.

Baba Balak Nath Temple

Baba Balak Nath Temple

The Baba Balak Nath temple, a medieval cave temple is one of the famous pilgrimage center of Himachal Pradesh also called Devbhumi  the God’s own land. Baba Balak Nath Temple is situated at village Chakmoh of district Hamirpur on the hill top. The temple has a natural cave carved in the hills which is considered to be the abode of Babaji.

Baba Balaknath Temple is visited by devotees throughout the year but during the Navratras, the visitors rush increases manifold and throng to the temple in large numbers. A few kilometers away from the Baba Balaknath Temple, is the Shah Talai connected by a ropeway which is also an important tourist attraction.

Devotees offer `Rot`, prepared with flour and sugar/gur at the altar of Babaji.  Female devotees are prohibited to enter the inner cave. A raised platform just opposite to the cave has been specially erected for female worshippers for  darshan. Six km from Baba Balak Nath Temple, there is spot named Shahtalai, where Baba is assumed to have observed penance. It is also considered exceedingly sacred to the pilgrims. Sunday is considered an auspicious day of Babaji.

How to Reach Baba Balaknath Temple

By Air

Chandigarh Airport is the nearest airport, which is 120 km from the temple and from there you can go by road.

By Train

Una at a distance of 50 kilometers is the nearest broad gauge rail head. Una is located at the entry point of Himachal Pradesh next to Nangal township of Punjab. There are daily train services from Delhi.

By Road

The temple is situated on the border of Bilaspur and Hamirpur district and is well connected by roads from all sides. The temple is easily accessible via road from Bilaspur (40 Kms) , Hamirpur (45 Kms) and all the major cities of Himachal Pradesh. Tourist can hire private taxis or take state transport buses to reach this holy destination of Himachal Pradesh.

Shimla Manali Bus Service

Shimla Manali Bus Service

Shimla Manali is connected by road only so the only mode of transport is by bus or Taxi. The Shimla to Manali Distance is 250 kilometers and travel time is between 8 to 10 hours. The terrain is mostly hilly but picturesque.  The major places on the way are Sunder Nagar, Mandi and Kullu so you can enjoy the nature beauty.

Shimla Manali bus service

There are limited bus services between Shimla and Manali for tourists.  Deluxe buses operated by Krishna Bus service and HPTDC operate on this route. There is no Volvo bus service on this route. Ordinary bus services are provided by Himachal roadways in addition to this. Book Shimla Manali bus ticket online

Shimla Manali bus time

The deluxe buses operate in the morning and evening only. One bus of Krishna Bus service, one Himachal roadways  and one of HPTDC leave for Manali between 8:00 – 8:30 AM in the morning and reach Manali at 6:00 PM.

In the evening there are two deluxe buses one of HPTDC and the other of Himachal Roadways. The buses starts at 8:00 PM and reaches Manali at 6:00 AM in the morning.

The same timings are there from Manali end.

Shimla Manali Bus fare

The deluxe bus fare between Shimla and Manali is RS 470 for Himachal roadways buses and Rs 500 for Krishna bus service and HPTDC bus services. The bus tickets can be booked online in advance also.

Shimla Manali Bus booking

For the convenience of tourists the deluxe bus tickets can be booked online also.  Krishna bus service ticket can be booked online through Sunrise Travels Shimla and HPTDC tickets can be booked on their web portal www.hptdc.nic.in. This online reservation of bus tickets is very convenient for the tourists. Himachal roadways bus tickets can be booked at www.hrtc.gov.in.

 Shimla Manali bus schedule is as follows:

S. No. Source Destination Bus Type Departure Arrival Fare
1 Shimla Manali Deluxe 21:00 06:00 700
2 Shimla Manali Deluxe 08:00 14:24 600
3 Shimla Manali Deluxe 20:20 02:58 600
4 Shimla Manali Ordinary 09:15 17:00 500
5 Shimla Manali Ordinary 10:35 19:00 500
6 Shimla Manali Ordinary 21:40 06:00 500
7 Shimla Manali Luxury AC Bus 10:40 17:00 700