Shimla

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Shimla, also known as Simla, is a tourism paradise located in the midst of Himalayan cedars and pines at an altitude of 2,205 m above sea level. Known as the 'Queen of Hill Stations', the destination is spread over an area of 18 sq km. The capital city of Himachal Pradesh is located in the north-west Himalayas, in the northern part of India.

The Mall: The Mall is the main shopping street of Shimla. It also has many restaurants, clubs, banks, bars, Post Offices and tourist offices. People walk up and down the Mall slowly, stopping to gossip, as it is the main meeting place for everyone. The Ridge and Scandal point are the two main meeting points at the Mall. The mall is dotted with many eating places .The most famous among them is Trishul bakery which is known for its pastries.

Christ Church: Situated on the Ridge, Christ Church is the second oldest church in Northern India. It has a very majestic appearance and inside there are stained glass windows which represent faith, hope, charity, fortitude, patience and humility.

Jakhu Hill: 2 km from Shimla, at a height of 8000 ft, Jakhu Hill is the highest peak and offers a beautiful view of the town and of the snow-covered Himalayas. At the top of the Hill, is an old temple of Lord Hanuman, which is also the home of countless playful monkeys waiting to be fed by all visitors.

Shimla State Museum: The Museum, which was opened in 1974, has tried to protect hill-out and the cultural wealth of the state. There is a collection of miniature Pahari paintings, sculptures, bronzes wood-carvings and also costumes, textiles and jewellery of the region.

Tara Devi: 11 km from the Shimla bus-stand. Tara Devi hill has a temple dedicated to the goddess of stars on top of the hill. There is a military Dairy Town here as well as the headquarters of Bharat Scouts and Guides.

Sankat Mochan: A Lord Hanuman temple is located here.

Junga: Junga is near Tehsi, 26 km from Shimla. Its original name (with diacritics) is Junga and is a former royal retreat of the princely state of Junga, also known as Keonthal Estate.

Mashobra: 13 km from Shimla, site of the annual Sipi fair in June.

Kufri: 16 km from Shimla at a height of 8,600 ft, Kufri is the local winter sports centre, and it also has a small zoo.

Naldehra: 22 km from Shimla, with a nine-hole Naldehra Golf Club. The annual Sipi fair in June is held in Naldehra.

Chail: Chail was the summer capital of the Maharaja of Patiala before Independence, known for its cricket pitch, the highest in the world.As if the congested hill station city of Shimla needed another reason for tourists to take their business elsewhere, the Shimla Municipal Corporation has announced a new tax vehicle entry tax scheme. Effective from 1 April, all motorized vehicles both commercial and private not registered in Himachal Pradesh, will be subject to the new entry tax. All entry points into Shimla will collect applicable fees.

Shimla mayor Madhu Sood said the funds generated through entry tax would be utilized for creating infrastructure for the tourists.