CHRIST CHURCH : SHIMLA
Christ Church in Shimla is the second oldest Church in India. Christ Church is one of the prominent landmarks of Shimla. The silhouette of Christ Church is visible for miles around the vicinity of Shimla city. Christ Church remains one of the enduring legacies of the British Raj.
Christ Church was designed by Colonel JT Boileau in 1844; but the Church was consecrated only after 1857. The clock which adorns Christ Church was donated by Colonel Dumbleton in the year 1860. The porch was added in the year 1873.
Christ Church has survived partition and the subsequent political upheavals of the Indian subcontinent. Christ Church continues to be very well maintained and remains in good condition.
The Ridge Shimla
The Ridge Shimla is a large open spacious platform from where you can have a panoramic view of the mountain peaks of Shimla.
The snow capped mountain ranges engulfed in the beauty of the nature is a phenomenal view that the Ridge of Shimla offers to the crowd.
The Ridge at Shimla also provides the tourists a view of the age old Christ Church built in the Neo-Gothic style of architecture as well as the new Tudor library. These two are the milestones of the town of Shimla.
The Ridge is the connecting point of Mall Road, Lakkar Bazaar, Scandal Point, US Club and Jakhu. The locals of Shimla provides a warm welcome to the tourists by their performances of dances and mimicry.
THE STATE MUSEUM SHIMLA
The Shimla State Museum houses a huge collection of magnificent paintings, sculptures, coins, handicrafts, photos, etc of not only the state of Himachal Pradesh but outside too. The state museum is a major attraction of the Mall area of Shimla built in the style of colonial edifice with sprawling lawns all around. This museum was inaugurated in 1974.
The museum is open from ten in the morning to five in the evening. It is open on all days except Monday and the national holidays. The state museum of Shimla also comprises a library that is loaded with historical books and manuscripts.
The Shimla State Museum was erected solely with the purpose of preserving the rich cultural heritage of the state and to spread the message of cultural legacy over generations.
THE MALL ROAD SHIMLA
The Mall in Shimla is referred to as the ‘heart of Shimla’. The Mall extends from Barnes court in the eastern side to Vice Regal lodge in the western side. Movement of vehicles are prohibited in the Mall of Shimla.
The places of interest around the Mall of Shimla are:
Scandal Point- It is at the extreme end of the Mall road that gives a spectacular sight of the mountain ranges. A statue of Lala Lajpat Rai have been erected here.
General Post Office- This post office of Shimla located in the Mall has an unique system of delivering the mails by Tonga.
Kali Bari Temple- This temple consists of an wooden idol of goddess Kali.
Christ Church- This church is considered to be the second oldest church of Northern India.
SUMMER HILL
Summer Hill: Located 5 km from the Ridge is the beautiful little township of Summer Hill. Sitting at an altitude of 5600 feet on the Shimla- Kalkarailway line, this is where Mahatma Gandhi used to stay when he used to visit Shimla. This is also where the Himachal Pradesh University is situated.
GAIETY HERITAGE CULTURAL COMPLEX
Gaity One of the most historic places in Shimla, the Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex is 122 years old and has been recently been reopened to the public. The theatre is built in a Gothic Victorial style and is an important centre for various cultural and literary events.
JAKHOO TEMPLE
The Jakhu Temple is located 2.5 km from the Christ Church at the Ridge and there is a lovely trail that connects to the temple from near the church. The temple is situated on the Jakhoo Hill which is also Shimla’s highest peak (at an altitude of about 8,050 feet). While trekking up to the temple, one can see the magnificent, 108 feet tall Hanuman statue behind the deodar trees. It will take around 20-30 minutes to reach the temple by the trail. Alternatively, you can hire a taxi to the temple that will just take 5 minutes.
The main temple complex has Lord Hanuman’s foot prints engraved on a marble (as believed by the devotees), paintings and statues of Lord Hanuman and Lord Ram. The pious chants (or Bhajans) and the ringing of bells fill up the entire complex.
TARA DEVI TEMPLE
Taradevi-Temple-Shimla
Tara Devi Temple is one of the notable temples of Shimla. Tara Devi Temple captivates even the most life’s battle hardened soul by its ethereal beauty and splendid location.
Tara Devi Temple is situated at a height of 1851 meters above sea level. Tara Devi Temple is situated at a distance of 11 kilometers from Shimla. Tara Devi Temple is accessible by rail, bus and car. The road is the National Highway 22 (NH 22).
Tara Devi Temple has an unique history. Tara Devi Temple was built approximately 250 years ago. Legend was that the goddess Tara Devi was brought to Himachal Pradesh from the eastern Indian state of West Bengal. According to that legend a King of the Sen Dynasty of Bengal visited Himachal Pradesh. The King was in the habit of carrying his personal family idol around the upper torso of his arm.
SANKAT MOCHAN TEMPLE
Sankat Mochan Temple is a popular temple which attracts pilgrims of all age groups. Many religious persons visit Sankat Mochan Temple to pay obeisance to the deities of Lord Rama and other notable gods of the Hindu pantheon.
Sankat Mochan Temple is adjacent to National Highway 22. Sankat Mochan Temple is about 5 kilometers from Shimla. The temple is the second most popular tourist spot after Jakhu Temple.
Sankat Mochan Temple was established in 1950. The idea for constructing a religious temple was mooted by the noted religious figure-Baba Neeb Karori Ji Maharaj, who visited the site and was transfixed by the deep dark woods, emerald meadows, and the majestic Himalayas.
