Shimla
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Shimla
Himachal Pradesh • India |
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| District(s) | Shimla |
| Coordinates | |
| Time zone | IST (UTC+5:30) |
| Area • Elevation |
25 km² (10 mi²) • 2,130 m (6,988 ft) |
| Population • Density |
163,000 (2001) • 120/km² |
| Municipal Commissioner | Shekhar Gupta |
| Mayor | Sohan Lal |
| Codes • Postal • Telephone • UN/locode • Vehicle |
• 171 0xx • +0177 • INSHI • HP-03, HP-51 |
Shimla pronunciation [ʃɪmla] (Hindi: िशमला, Urdu: شملہ), formerly Simla, was the summer capital of the erstwhile British Raj in India. It is now a municipal corporation in Shimla District and the capital city of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Nestled in the middle Himalayas in northern India, Shimla is a hill station destination much beloved by honeymooners and other tourists, particularly in summer.
The city is named for the goddess Shyamala Devi, an incarnation of Kali.
Contents |
[edit] History
Scottish civil servant Charles Pratt Kennedy built Simla's first British summer home in 1822, and by the latter half of the 19th century the town had become the summer capital of the British Raj. British soldiers, merchants, and civil servants moved there each year to escape the heat and disease of summer in the Indo-Gangetic plain. Pre-independence structures still dot Shimla; imposing Victorian monuments of British rule in India.
[edit] Geography
Shimla district is located in the middle western ranges of the 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 meters (roughly 6500 feet) above mean sea level.
| Season | Months | Temperature | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | March-April | 10°C to 20°C | Generally clear skies with occasional shortlasting rains with thunder |
| Summer | May- June | 16°C to 28°C | Generally clear skies. Sometimes forest fires in this season cause the air to be smoky |
| Monsoon | July-September | 13°C to 20°C | Cool and humid atmosphere. It can rain for days continuously |
| Autumn | October-November | 10°C to 23°C | Skies are clear, with evenings becoming chilly |
| Winter | December-February | -7°C to 10°C | Generally dull weather with frequent snowfall |
[edit] Economy
A good part of the economy is supported by government. Shimla is also an important tourist destination, accounting for almost a quarter of all tourists arriving in Himachal. Kufri, Naldera, Tattapani, Shiv Gufa (Near Sarrur pul), and Chail are among the main tourist attractions. Shimla district is also famous for its apple orchards, originated by American missionary Satyananda Stokes.
[edit] Government and politics
Shimla is the capital of the state of Himachal Pradesh, India. The population of permanent residents is approximately 100,000. The major political parties of Himachal Pradesh are the B.J.P and the Congress. At present the chief minister of this hill state is Raja Virbhadra Singh of Congress.
[edit] Demographics
As of 2001 India census,GRIndia Shimla had a population of 142,161. Males constitute 57% of the population and females 43%. Shimla has an average literacy rate of 84%, higher than the national average of 65.7%: male literacy is 86%, and female literacy is 82%. In Shimla, 9% of the population is under 6 years of age. The majority of the population consists of natives of Himachal Pradesh and a minority migrated from what is now Pakistan during the partition of India. Hindi, Punjabi and Pahadi are the main languages.
[edit] Culture
Being the capital of the state, Shimla is the hub for cultural activities in Himachal.
The Summer Festival held in May June every year is a very famous festival. Many cultural activities and festivities go on for 2 weeks. Many great artists have performed at this festival including Jagjit Singh, Ghulam Ali, etc.
[edit] Education
Shimla is the base of the Himachal Pradesh University. The university, established in 1970, is situated at Summer Hill, about 5 km from the Shimla town. It offers certificates, diplomas and degrees in various disciplines. The University Institute of Information Technology (UIIT) was established in Himachal Pradesh University Campus in order to impart training to students in the state-of-the-art Information Technology (http://www.hpuiitshimla.org/). In order to impart training to students in the state-of-the-art Information Technology, the Executive Council of the University in its meetings held on 4th March, 2000 and 29th June, 2000 decided to start a five year integrated Master Course in Information Technology namely MIT/BIT. The purpose has been to produce professional leaders in the field of Information Technology, as also to enhance technological strength of the region and the country.
To run this course with model curriculum, the University Institute of Information Technology (UIIT) was set up with the latest IT infrastructure and an experienced faculty. As per the University Grants Commission (UGC), New Delhi directions, the nomenclature of the course was changed to Master of Technology in Information Technology M.Tech.(IT)/ Bachelor of Technology in Information Technology B. Tech. (IT).
As per the list of specified degrees by University Grants commission, New Delhi. From the year 2003-2004 the B.Tech in Information Technology programme has been approved by the All India Council of Technical Education, New Delhi, bringing the course in the main stream of Technical Education.
Associated with the university are the Indira Gandhi Medical College and the Government Dental College. Other colleges include: St. Bedes Girls College for women, the Rajkiya Kanya MahaVidayaliya (RKMV), Government College Sanjauli (www.gcs.edu.in), and Government College Chaura Maidan.
Since 1965, the former Viceregal Lodge has housed the Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS), which focuses on social science research.
The National Academy of Audit & Accounts is also in Shimla (www.naaa.gov.in)
Since British times, Shimla has been known for its residential schools. Of them, the Bishop Cotton School is perhaps the best known. Founded in 1859, Bishop Cotton was originally established to educate the children of British Army officers. The school's alumni have distinguished themselves in every sphere of public life, though General Michael O'Dwyer, the British officer who ordered the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, remains its most infamous student.
[edit] Sports
The Shimla Ice Skating Club is said to be the oldest of its kind in Asia.
The city withdrew its bid for the 2014 Winter Olympics due to the lack of government support.
[edit] Transport
The National Highway NH-22 connects Shimla to the nearest large city of Chandigarh.Shimla is also well connected to the nearby towns of Mandi, Manali and Dharamshala by network of state higways.
[edit] Railway
The heritage Kalka Shimla Railway narrow gauge[.76 mts wide] railway line runs daily passenger trains between Kalka and Shimla. The train speed is slow but the scenic beauty and 103 big and small tunnels en route make the train trip memorable.Kalka is connected by a regular rail line to other major Indian cities.
[edit] Air
Jubbarhatti the nearest airport is 25 km from here. The airport is one of its kind and has been built by slicing away the top of a long hill. Regular flights run between New Delhi and Shimla from here.
[edit] Places of interest
[edit] Heart of the city
The ridge and the adjacent Mall form the heart of the city. Vehicular traffic is not allowed on the Mall, making it a favorite place for walking. This is also the main shopping area with most of the shops still housed in old time buildings. One tier below this shopping area is the Middle Bazaar with smaller shops mixed with residences. A tier below Middle Bazaar is the Lower Bazaar which houses small shops catering to everyday needs and the vegetable market called the Sabzi-Mandi. This market is the most crowded of the three though the going can get tough on the Mall Road during peak tourist season. Most of the locals shop from the Lower Bazaar using the Mall road to shop for durables. The famous Shimla Summer Festival(in May or June every year)of Shimla , which lasts for 5-8 days, is celebrated on the RIDGE only. Many noted singers come here every year to perform in the festival.
[edit] Gaiety Theater
Gaiety Theater, on the Mall, opened on the 30th of May, 1887, Queen Victoria's Jubilee Year. Notable film personalities like K.L. Saigal, Prithvi Raj Kapoor, Shashi Kapoor, Jennifer Kendall, Raj Babbar, Anupam Kher, Manohar Singh, Nasseerudin Shah, frequently performed on the stage of the Gaiety theatre. Today, the Gaiety is primarily known for its social club. Different colleges and schools use this theater for performing their functions. Presently the theater is being renovated with the original structure untouched to keep its heritage preserved, but make it more attractive. The renovation is expected to complete very soon.
[edit] Viceregal Lodge
On the Observatory Hills is located the Viceregal Lodge. Also known as Rashtrapati Niwas, it was formerly the summer residence of the British Viceroys. Another name for the lodge is IIAS i.e. Indian Institute of Advanced Studies, which offers higher studies for fellows from other universities. The institute is located inside the actual Viceroy building with a big library containing rare books for fellows. The lodge is situated on a very beautiful location. A big ground in front of the lodge makes the place look even better. Tourists and local young couples are often seen here. The lodge is declared as a heritage building, hense one has to buy ticket to enter the premises. The place is also used for shooting of bollywood movies. The famous movie BLACK starring Amitabh Bachhan has got some sequences shooted here. Some other music videos such as the famous one of Babul Suprio, SOCHTA HOON... has also been shooted here.
[edit] Kufri
Kufri,19 km from Shimla,is the highest point in the surrounding region. Kufri has a Himalyan Wild Life Zoo which hosts rare Antelopes, Birds and rare feline species.Monal the state bird of Himachal Pradesh is worth watching. A meandring path trough the potato plantations turns into a popular Ski track in Winters here. Kufri is located on the national highway between Shimla and Rampur. A road bifurcation from here leads to Chail which is about 20 km from here. Chail is famous for Palace built by Maharaja Ranjeet Singh (Raja of Patiala riyasat) and a hill top ground which is highest cricket ground in the world.
The famous heritage hotel The Wildflower Hall is also located on way to kufri at Charabada.
[edit] Naldehra
Naldehra is about 25 km from shimla and is popular for a nine hole golf course, located on a gradual slope on scenic hill top surrounded by fir trees, and a picnic ground on hilltop. The down hill road from Naldehra leads to Tatta Pani which is approximately 22 km from here.
[edit] Tatta Pani
The name Tatta Pani, translates to "Hot - Water" in local dialect.This is about half a square kilometer area on the banks of Satluj river with boiling hot Sulpher water springs. Bathing with this water is known to be good for skin. The place is also famous for the rituals of Tula Daan, which is known to be very effective if done at tattapani on a specific day. Many pandas (people who perform the tula daan) can be seen sitting on the banks of river Satluj on those days(normally Saturdays).
[edit] Places of worship
Kali Bari (a temple of the Hindu goddess Kali) is near the Mall. Jakhoo Temple (a temple of the Hindu god Hanuman) is located at the highest point in Shimla (2600 m above mean sea level. Sankat Mochan (another Hanuman temple) is located on Shimla-Kalka Highway. Tara Devi Temple is about 10 km from Shimla, directly visible from the city.A Gurudwara is adjaecent to the Bus Stand. There are a few churches also scattered around the City.
[edit] Market Places
The four main bazaars namely Lower Bazaar, Sabji Mandi, Ganj Mandi and Ram Bazaar are juxtaposed and cater to the day to day commodity requirements of the population. Lakkar Bazaar has shops which specialize in wood worked gifts and branded items. While Mall road is considered suitable for shopping braded things, which are a bit costly.
[edit] Pictures
 Scandal Point |
 The telecom office |
 View from near the HighCourt |
 A fountain adjoining Scandal Point |
 View from above the railway station |
 The ridge road |
 Public library near the church |
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 IGMC-Indira Gandhi medical college formerly known as Snowdon hospital |
 The Simla Ridge is popular amongst tourists |
 A view of shimla from near Grandhotel |
 Christ Church |
 View from the Mall |
 Statue of Mahatma Gandhi near Christ Church |
 Celebrations at Shimla |
 Shimla Snow clad |
 Shimla in winters |
 Beautiful ridge at dusk |
[edit] References
SHIMLA: Another age, another time, (not cited), retrieved 3/14/2007
http://www.himachaltourism.nic.in
[edit] External links
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