Famous Temples in Shimla

Famous Temples in Shimla

Shimla has a number of temples. As found in the Himalayas most of the temples are located on the hill top. Same is the case with Shimla

Kali Bari Temple Shimla

Kali Bari Temple is a temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess Shyamala, from which the hill station-and capital of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla derives its name. Kali Bari Temple houses a shrine of the Hindu goddess Shyamala. Shyamala has multiple aliases, including Kali and Durga.

Kali Bari Temple was constructed during the era of the British Raj. According to historians, Kali Bari Temple was established in the early 19th century. The present temple was built by the British in 1845; however the original shrine was created by Bengali devotees.

Kali Bari Temple is very popular among Hindu pilgrims. The temple remains jam packed during Navaratras and Pooja holidays. Kali Bari Temple is in close proximity to the Shimla city mall.

Jakhoo Temple in Shimla

The famous Jakhoo / Jakhu temple of Shimla devoted to lord Hanuman is located two and a half kilometers from the ridge Shimla on the Jakhoo Hill, the highest peak in Shimla, which is 2,455 meters  / 8000 ft above mean sea level. The climb takes about 45 minutes to one hour. The hikers are  rewarded with a splendid view of the city, as well as the snow-covered Himalayas. The hill is full of paths and narrow roads which are enjoyable walks…more

Sankat Mochan Temple in Shimla

Sankat Mochan temple is located five kilometers before Shimla, on Kalka – Shimla National Highway. The temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The meaning of Sankat Mochan is “someone who relieves others from all kinds of dangers and difficulties”. It is a place where one can actually meditate and enjoy the calm and peaceful surroundings. Lush green trees surround Sankat Mochan Temple, adding its charm. The background of the temple consists of the imposing and lofty Himalayan ranges and a light mist adds a mystical touch to that place. So you can plan your trip.

Jakhoo temple Shimla

Jakhoo temple Shimla

The famous Jakhoo / Jakhu temple of Shimla devoted to lord Hanuman is located two and a half kilometers from the ridge Shimla on the Jakhoo Hill, the highest peak in Shimla, which is 2,455 meters  / 8000 ft above mean sea level. The climb takes about 45 minutes to one hour. The hikers are  rewarded with a splendid view of the city, as well as the snow-covered Himalayas. The hill is full of paths and narrow roads which are enjoyable walks.

The original dates of temple are not known, but it is believed to be existing from the times of Ramayana, a pre historic event as per ancient Hindu texts. It is said that Lord Hanuman rested here on his way from the Himalayas with the  sanjeevani booti, the herb that saved Lakshman’s life. Appropriately enough, there are hundreds of monkeys around the temple. But these monkeys can be a real nuisance, so be careful.

The key to staying safe in a monkey-populated area is to be mindful of food, which is by far the most common invitation to primate aggression. If you choose to feed the monkeys, always opt for these local treats (usually bananas or other fruits). Handing out sugar cookies, peanuts or other exotic snacks like can cause in-fighting among the monkeys.

A few years back a giant 108 feet Statue of Lord Hanuman ( the biggest in the world)  has been installed which has also become a tourist attraction and people can enjoy over there. This statue is visible from a long distance.

Ambala Shimla national highway

The Ambala Shimla Khab National Highway ( Number 22)

National Highway 22 links Ambala in Haryana with Shipkila and Khab, near the Indo China international border, in Himachal Pradesh. This 459 kilometers long road spans across the states of Haryana, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh and touches some major district headquarters, towns and cities on its way. National Highway 22 originates from The Delhi Amritsar National Highway at Ambala and also meets National Highway 21 near Chandigarh. Kalka, Pinjore and Dera Bassi are the major settlements that lie along the highway in Punjab and Haryana stretches. About 2 km beyond Kalka, the highway enters Himachal Pradesh. Parwanoo is the first settlement one would come across in Himachal Pradesh. National Highway 22 then zig-zags its way north-east, past Solan, Shimla, Narkanda, Rampur, Kalpa and Puh, before ending at Shipkila, near the international border. The highway is 398 km-long in Himachal Pradesh.

Delhi to Shimla driving instructions

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 that is better. 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.

Distances from Shimla

Distances from Shimla

Shimla District lies between the longitude 77º-0″ and 78º-19″ east and latitude 30º-45″ and 31º-44″ north. It is bounded by Mandi and Kullu in the north, Kinnaur in the east, the state of Uttaranchal in the south, Sirmaur, district in the west. The elevation of the district ranges from 300 to 6000 meters. It was formerly the summer capital during the British Rule. The town of Shimla is built over several hills and connecting ridges. The important hills are  Jakhu(8050 ft), Prospect Hill (7140 ft), Observatory Hill ( 7050 ft), Elysium Hill (7400 ft), and Summer Hill (6900 ft).

The city is spread over an area of 25 square kilometers. Though it seems small, the hills and undulating terrain surrounding it give it the look of a majestic hill station.

Distances from Shimla

Location

Distance Kms

Journey Time

Kalka

80

03:00 Hours

Chandigarh

119

04:00 Hours

Ambala

166

05:00 Hours

Delhi

370

09:00 Hours

Dharamshala via Mandi

270

09:00 Hours

Dharamshala via Hamirpur

235

07:00 Hours

Dalhousie

345

11:00 Hours

Chamba

401

12:00 Hours

Kullu

235

07:00 Hours

Manali

280

08:30 Hours

Kasuali

 075

02:30 Hours

Road infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh

The geography of Himachal presents considerable challenge to the development of transport infrastructure. Nevertheless, the state has made significant progress in road connectivity in the last few decades. Himachal at present has the highest road density among all the hill states of India. Although Himachal also has three airports and two narrow gauge rail tracks, roads remain the main mode of transport in Himachal.

In addition to the National Highways, the state also has a large mesh of highways and village roads, natural beauty. Most tourist spots in Himachal Pradesh such as Shimla, Manali, Dharamsala etc. are well connected by roads. Some of the roads in Himachal are seasonal and get closed during winters and monsoons due to heavy snowfall, landslides and washouts.

The Hamirpur district of Himachal Pradesh has the highest road density in India.

The government-owned Himachal Road Transport Corporation runs a network of buses across the state and Himachal Pradesh being a major tourist destination, there is no dearth of private buses and taxis.

Naldehra sightseeing places

Naldehra sightseeing places

Things to see and do in Naldehra

Naldehra is located at a distance of 22 kms from Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh. Mashobra Naldehra and Tattapani are on the same route so all the three places are covered in one go by the tourists in general. Tattapani is 30 Kms from this place, tourists wanting their trip to cover Kufri generally drop this place from their eternity. There is a diversion to these places from the national highway towards the left a few kilometers before Kufri. This place can be reached easily by taxi or by the popular Himachal tourism daily bus trips. More information about bus trips and Himachal tourism contact numbers are available in the tourist places around Shimla section.So you can plan your trip.

Golf course in Naldehra

The highlight at Naldehra is the 9 hole golf course measuring 4,285 yards which was suggested and developed by Lord Curzon the then Viceroy of India in the early 1900s.

It is probably the oldest golf course in India. Captivated by the beauty of the place, surrounded by a thick forest of Himalayan cedar, which was also his favourite camping site just outside the British summer capital, he established what today is one of the most scenic golf courses in the country. He was so fantasized with this place that he named his third daughter as Alexandra Naldehra.

Initially a 9 Hole Course, the Naldehra golf course was expanded to 18 holes, and further expansion has been planned to make the course at par with the best in the country.

It is possible to play on the course by paying a daily green fee or take temporary, annual or life membership. Equipment is available on hire as well.

The course is presently maintained and run by Himachal Tourism. accommodation and food are available on the premises.

The course is open throughout the year. The perfect season for golfing in Naldehra is from April to October and the best golfing months are the monsoon ones- July, August and September when the naturally watered turf is rich and springy and the yardage increases.

Picnic in Naldehra

The jungle area around the golf course is an excellent picnic spot. There are nice views of the pine and deodar covered hills. On a clear day, you can view the snow-capped Himalayan mountains. It is ideal for long leisurely walks amidst the pines and deodars. The greatest thing here is the serene and peaceful surroundings with only you and mother nature. No touristy crowds to spoil the pretty picture. Hear the sound made by winds blowing through the pines. It sounds like a waterfall. A visit here is bound to leave you fresh and rejuvenated.

Horse riding in Naldehra

The forest area can also be covered through horse riding. Separate tracks are there for the horses and they take you through some distant forest having more views of the valley and hills. Horse riding in the jungle among the woods is altogether a different experience available in Kufri and Naldehra only. The forest area has also been filmed many Hindi films and there is high probability of finding a film crew there in the summer months.

About 12 km from Naldehra is the Mashobra, a thick pine forest area; and the hot sulphur springs of Tattapani is 30 km from Naldehra.