Shimla
A hill station which was born to serve as the summer retreat of the British Raj during their rule has now become one of India's most popular hill stations. Whether you are out for a trekking holiday, a family vacation or a romantic getaway, Shimla or Simla is the place will be the perfect destination. The lofty mountains, the snow clad peaks in the distant horizon; the flower strewn valleys- all make Shimla simply magical. The capital city of Himachal Pradesh came into the limelight in the year 1819 and was declared as a summer capital of the colonial rulers in the year 1864. The hill station also served as the capital of undivided Punjab in the year 1871 until Chandigarh was formed and finally became the capital of Himachal Pradesh in the year 1971.The hill station of Shimla derives its name from "Shyamala Devi" an incarnation of the Hindu Goddess Kali. Even after so many years, Shimla has retained its colonial charm. The neo-gothic and tudorbethan style of architecture incorporated in the buildings are great reminders of the by gone era. The vibrant Mall area and the Ridge make for the heart and soul of Shimla. The natural landscape of the hill station is beyond description and is something to be experienced in person.
Shopping in Shimla is fun and tourists will find a number of things to take back. The Mall with its many small and big shops offers the buyers' best deals in garments and all types of handloom and handicraft items. For wooden items, the Lakkar Bazaar is the best market. Shimla being the hub of food processing business is equally renowned for its jams and squashes. Dry fruits and medicinal herbs are worth a buy.
With mild summers and chilly winters, Shimla is best to visit in the months of April to August or December and January. Nestled in the north western ranges of the mighty Himalayas, Shimla makes for a superb holiday destination.