Shimla. The name conjures up images of yester-year; elegant gents and ladies promenading, escaping the heat, and having high tea. Of course that was then, and today Shimla has lost much of it's classiness, but the air of romance and elegance that surrounds the name persists.
Shimla has it's origins as one of the many hill stations that dot the higher altitudes of India, which were once the summer retreat from the heat and dust of the cities for members of the British elite. Today, although the city itself has become rather gritty and grimy, it's still a pleasant place to visit for those who are seeking a weekend retreat from the hustle and bustle of Delhi, with or without the kids in tow. ------------------------------------------------------------------- Getting there:
You can reach Shimla a number of ways. We chose to drive up, which took the better part of a day from Delhi (total distance 370 km). Alternatively, you can take the bus, train, or even fly up from Delhi. None of these options is overly expensive, though you may want to consider carefully how to get up there if you have young children in tow. Driving was fun in some ways for not only did it give us the chance to see the countryside, it also meant the possibiltiy of stopping for delicious "dhaba" (roadside) cuisine. However, please please please be careful when doing this, for it can potentially mean a stomach bug or something more serious. Ask people to recommend their favorites (which is what we did), but always be vigilant. ------------------------------------------------------------------- Accomodations:
Once you get up to Shimla, arguably the best place to stay in town is the Cecil Oberoi Resort, one of the Oberoi groups premium luxury resorts. This is pricey by Indian standards, but from what I understand, it's not that bad in foreign exchange terms. The hotel is charming, with wooden floors and comfy chairs. The rooms were nicely sized, well appointed, and featured a full bath. So far as I could tell, each room was done up slightly differently, giving it a cozy feel. The hotel also features a full workout room and a sauna. My memory fails me as to whether or not there was a pool. In terms of meals, we ate at the hotel restaurant, which featured a nice variety of Indian and continental dishes, and the food, while not five star cuisine, was quite tasty. In terms of my general experience, the Oberoi group is the best when it comes to cooking amongst Indian hotelier groups.
----------------------------------------------------------------- Things to do:
Shimla is not packed to the brim with historical monuments, but it does have a few sites that are worth checking out. Perhaps the most famous aspect of Shimla is the Mall. In the days of yore, it was where the fashionable members of society promenaded, ladies were courted, a real see and be seen sort of place. Today the Mall is still a nice place to take a walk, but is now lined with shops selling everything from shoes to Dominos pizza. At one point, the Mall branches into an upper and a lower level, and so far as I remember, the lower section had a Tibetan market selling trinkets. There’s also the famous Christ Church, whose yellow spire dominates many a postcard. It features an Anglican cemetery of historical interest as well as the finest stained glass windows created in India. The church is located at the peak of the Mall, known as Scandal Point. There’s also the Himachal State Museum, an aviary and botanical gardens, as well as buildings preserved from the turn of the century.
----------------------------------------------------------------- Side trips:
Apart from this, there are also many sights near Shimla to be seen. Certainly, a hike or drive through the surrounding countryside is required, especially when the flowers are out in bloom. Nearby is another resort, Wildflower Hall, situated in the midst of all of this natural beauty, and reputed to be haunted by it’s very own ghost. There is Prospect Hill, which is an ideal place for a picnic or scenic mountain views, but many would caution against going there on weekends. That’s when Indian families descend en masse to the place (with their obnoxious brats), disturbing the otherwise calm and tranquil atmosphere. You can also easily organize side trips to other locations in Himachal Pradesh, including Kasauli, Manali, Chail, and Narkanda. These places are especially nice to visit in the winter, for it snows in this region and the Himachal Tourist Board has developed winter sports, particularly skiing for the interested. Chail is also thought to have the world’s highest cricket ground. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Shimla is not the world’s most thrilling place, but it’s nice if you’re looking for a quiet, romantic weekend getaway or just a chance to escape the hassles of everyday life. As long as you don’t expect too much, you won’t be disappointed, but hopefully captivated by the scenic natural beauty and character of the town and it’s surroundings.
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