Area: 18 Square Kilometer

Climate Summer: Max. 27*C.     Min.  08* C.

Rainfall: 137.5 Cms. -  162.5 Cms.

Clothing Required: Light woolen in summers, Heavy woolen in winters.

Climate  Winters: Max. 18* C.     Min. -01* C.

Altitude: 2130 Meters ( 6988 Ft.)

Romantic Monsoons of Himachal	The Ridge

In the days before independence Shimla was the most important British Hill Station and later in the hot season became the " Summer Capital " of India. Shimla was first discovered by the Britishers in 1819 and the first permanent house was erected in 1822 by Major Kennedy and not until many years later that Shimla became the semi-official Capital. Young officers who did not behave were banished to India by the Queen and as the heat continued to build up in the plains first the mem sahib's, then the sahibs and later those who could escape made their way to the cool mountains of Shimla.

The advent of so many sahibs and mem sahibs made the social life come up in summers, even now it holds the lingering echoes of the  bygone era. Shimla sprawls along a crescent shaped ridge with its suburbs clinging to the slopes. Along the ridge runs the Mall - from which not only the vehicles but the Indians were also banned by the Britishers up till first World War.

Today its a busy scene with hundreds of tourists and locals around. The Elegant Mall is lined with stately English looking houses, restaurants, fashionable shops and colonial architecture is one place every tourist passes through.

This is the land of gentle mists, that alternate with deep blue skies and glorious sunsets. They say that a single day will bind you for a life time as Shimla is like a wonderful habit.

How to Reach:

By Air : The airport is at Jubberhatti 20 Kms. from Shimla town, and is connected to Kullu and Delhi by Air Deccan daliy flights. Chandigarh airport is 125 Kms.

By Road : Shimla is connected by road to all major centers of North India. H.R.T.C. ( State Transport ) runs regular deluxe and ordinary coaches to all major centers in the state and outside. Other state road corporations also ply on the Delhi- Shimla route. During the tourist season there are private and HPTDC (Tourism) buses connecting the sectors well.

By Rail : Shimla is connected by a broad gauge line up to Kalka. From Kalka to Shimla, a narrow gauge line covers 96 kilometers, of track. The journey by train, which takes about six hours, crossing 103 tunnels is one of the finest ways of enjoying the scenic beauty. There is another option for a fast train Shiwalik Express or a delightful ride in the Rail Car.

Some Important Distances From Shimla:

Kalka 87 Km., Chandigarh 117 Km., Ambala 166 Km., Delhi 370 Km., Manali 270 Km., Kullu  229 Km., Dharamsala  266 Km., Mandi 145 Km., Narkanda 65 Km., Rampur 135 Km., Kalpa  260 Km., Sangla 265 Km, Dalhousie 398 Km.