Shopping in Shimla

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When ever we are planning our trips ahead, we make it a point to keep some money aside just for shopping. Shopping consists of an integral part of our travelogue. A vacation is never complete without a shopping spree.

May it be buying knick knacks or souvenirs for your near and dear ones at home or perchance buying handicrafts products that reflects the culture and aura of the place that your visiting, all calls for a hard bargain. If you are visiting Shimla, you will be spoilt for choice of what to buy and what to discard. Shopping in Shimla is a traveler’s delight.

Stroll along leisurely in the The Mall road where a row of shops tempts you to splurge money without any rhyme or reason. Reminiscent of the Colonial past of India, the Mall road in Shimla is a study in varied rooflines, colonial buildings with French windows, meandering roads, clock tower, assorted columns.

All these factors culminates to give Mall road a considerable character of its own somewhat in the same vein as that of Colaba in Mumbai or New market in Kolkata.

If you are Shopping in Shimla, be sure to visit The Cottage industries Emporium. It has a variety of hand woven carpets, shawls, blankets in traditional weaves, as well as other items like handmade paper and exquisitely carved wooden table. These portray the art of the Himachal artisans at their best. The scene in these woven carpets and shawls are typical of the place, some bordered with intricate design and others depicting Himachali life and mountains. Also try out the Himachali hat which comes in vivid colors and designs.

Lakkar Bazaar is another place where you should visit while shopping in Shimla. This is a treasure trove for those wanting to drool at antiques and wooden works from this region. The wooden artifacts made of softwood, which is available only in the mountains calls for supreme artwork and miniature portraits. Though the prices may seem high, some good bargaining will see you through.

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Weekend Getaways from Shimla

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Situated at a height of 2250 meters above sea level, this beautiful town of Shimla was once the summer capital of the Britishers in Colonial India. The churches, bungalows and numerous schools and colleges are reminiscent of the British past of the city. The clock tower in the Mall Road makes you wonder if you are transposed in some hill resort of England. This picturesque town is the commercial and economic hub of the whole of Himachal. You will be greeted with buzzing market places and cafes. Honking of horns and cars running haywire is an everyday instance in Shimla. If you want to escape the din and bustle of the town, plan a quick Weekend getaways from Shimla.

Chail and Kufri

Just 45 kilometers from Shimla lay the picturesque town of Chail. Surrounded by pine forests and deodars, this place was once the summer retreat of the Maharaja of Patiala.

Check out the wildlife sanctuary in Chail. The Patiala Palace is a good place to put up if you are thinking of staying overnight. It has been converted to a Heritage hotel.

The awe inspiring scenery of the snow clad mountain ranges is a scene worth capturing in your photograph frame. Take a leisurely stroll through the bazaar; interact with the local people to know more about the place. Make your way to Kufri the same day. This beautiful place offers you a great opportunity to horn your skiing skills. You can visit Mahasu peak or the Indira tourist Park. Weekend getaways from Shimla can be a pleasant change if you are looking for adventure.

It is advisable that you get up early next morning to make a hurried start to Fagu. This provides good trekking ground for the mountaineers. Spend the day in Fagu amidst its fir and pine jungle. But do remember to make your return journey to Shimla before dusk. The roads can be quite unnerving in the dark and each meandering bent spells trouble.

While your return journey to Shimla just make a quick visit to the Shimla Kalibari. This quaint temple situated atop a hill is almost synonymous with the history of the town. Book a good vehicle and driver for Weekend getaways from Shimla.

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