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Shimla does not have a particular religion that makes it stand out. Despite an amalgamation of many different religions in Shimla, the major religion in Simla would be Hinduism as elsewhere in India. On your visit to Shimla, you will be surprised to find not just temples but also churches and Buddhist monasteries. The churches conduct regular services for the Christians who live here. The churches here have been built during the colonial rule as Shimla used to be summer capital of the British.[...]

Main Website: http://www.allhimachal.com/hp/himachal/shimla

The most famous landmark of the Ridge is the Christ Church. This beautiful building is constructed in Neo-Gothic style of architecture. It is a famous tourist attraction of Shimla and should be visited when you come to Shimla.[..]

Main Website: http://www.allhimachal.com/hp/himachal/shimla

Main Website: http://www.allhimachal.com/hp/himachal/shimla

Shimla, the Queen of Hill Stations is an alluring destination that has a large number of visitors each year particularly in the summer months. Tourists are attracted by its pleasant climate, its charming view of snow clad lofty Himalayan peaks, its winding roads, its decorative shops and its simple and hospitable people. We, at Indian Holiday would like all of you to take delight in its charm and beauty. We therefore provide you with information on How to Reach Shimla which is the first step towards savoring its impressive beauty.

How to Reach Shimla

Shimla is not just an important tourist destination but the state capital of Himachal Pradesh as well. It is well connected to different parts of the country.

How to Reach Shimla by Air

There is just one airport in Shimla at Jubbarhati at a distance of about 23 km from the main city. Direct Flights link Shimla to Delhi, Chandigarh, Kangra and Kullu. For visitors from different parts of the country or world it is advisable that they take Flights to Delhi and then connecting Flights to Shimla.

Likewise when they leave Shimla it is best to take Flights to Delhi and then corresponding Flights to the onward destination. For more, one can browse through the link Flights to Shimla.

How to Reach Shimla by Rail

Shimla and Kalka separated by a distance of about 96 km are linked to each other by rail. It is unarguably one of the best train journeys. Passing through 102 tunnels and 87 bridges, this journey is bound to be memorable giving you the chance to witness beautiful hills and valleys. Kalka is in turn connected to other major metropolitan cities like Delhi, Calcutta and also to Amritsar.

How to Reach Shimla by Road

Shimla is well linked to different parts of the country by a good network of roads.

Form Delhi and Chadigarh Bus/Plane Schedule

Coming Sooon…..

Mian Website: http://www.allhimachal.com

Shimla is sure to enamor all its visitors with not just its scenic beauty but also its temples, churches, museum and markets. At every turn of the winding roads there seems to be a new surprise in store. There are many interesting places in Shimla and all of these have emerged as important Tourist Attractions in Shimla.

The secular spirit of the Indian nation is well reflected in this city. There are a large number of places of worship, belonging to different religions, in Shimla. Each of these religious monuments are important Tourist Attractions in Shimla.

At a walking distance from the Mall is the Kali Bari, where Shyamala Devi is the presiding deity. Shimla has received her name from this goddess who is revered not just by the locals, but by the Bengalis as well. They flock to the temple in large numbers particularly during Durga Puja.

Some of the other temples which are considered to be major Tourist Attractions in Shimla are the Jakhu Temple, the Sankat Mochan Temple and the Tara Devi Temple.Al of these temples have excellent locations which enable the visitors to have a great view of the surrounding picturesque landscape.

Seek the blessings of the God and treat your eyes to the sight of lofty snow capped mountain peaks, lovely valleys, thick forests of oak and blooming rhodendrons.

Christ Church, St. Michaels Church, Roman Catholic Cathedral are some of the other important Tourist Attractions in Shimla that are also well worth a visit.

You will probably miss out on the essence of the city of Shimla if you’ve not been to the mall. This is undeniably one of the greatest Tourist Attractions in Shimla. A vibrant area filled with beautifully decorated shops, restaurants – pass by them and you are sure to feel hungry and the Gaiety Theater, which is the center of all cultural activities, the Mall cannot be missed on any account.

With its amazing reserve of exquisite sculptures, remarkable paintings, the State Museum in Shimla is also one of the foremost Tourist Attractions in Shimla.

Right in the heart of the town there is “The Ridge”. This open space commands great views of the mountain ranges and is a favorite with all tourists.

Some of the other prime Tourist Attractions in Shimla includes the Prospect Hill, the Summer Hill and the Potter Hill. All of them are blessed with amazing natural beauty and deserves to be a part of your sight seeing trip. Do not also miss out on the Glen. The walk through the forests and finally the sight of the stream is sure to leave you completely mesmerized.

Mian Website: http://www.allhimachal.com

Shimla’s tryst with eateries goes a long way. To begin with Shimla, with all its myriad interests, has always been in the forefront of the Indian Travelogue. Let’s start all over again with eateries in Shimla and the different cuisines that this mountainous city provides. : Eating out in Shimla is a memorable experience. Ask any travel writer or die hard foodie about the different restaurants in this buzzing town and they will surely stress on the presentation of cuisine and restaurant décor, along with the food which is apt.

Truly enough Eating out in Shimla is not only about food but a host of associated criteria like restaurant décor, presentation, how much of the town is reflected in its cuisine, whether it is at par with international standards or not, etc. The Mall road in Shimla houses many restaurants that you would perhaps like to visit.

Situated at an advantageous locale, the Mall road can be seen thronged with people at all possible hours. Some restaurants located here are reminiscent of the British lineage of the city. If you are searching for authentic Himachali cuisine in Shimla any of these restaurants wouldn’t really be of any help.

Incidentally enough there is only one restaurant- Ashiana on the Ridge that offers Himachali cuisine. You will often see travel writers befriending locals to taste a spoonful of their local cuisine. After all nothing sells like authenticity, in the long run.

Most of the class restaurants provide a wide array of cuisine. The ala carte would seem quite voluminous with carefully chosen items listed. Other food joints you can check out for eating out in Shimla are the Baljees restaurant and Seventh Heaven in The Mall, which offer a wide variety of Indian, Continental and Chinese cuisine. The Silver Oak Restaurant on Circular Road is also a good bet.

Mian Website: http://www.allhimachal.com

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.

Mian Website: http://www.allhimachal.com

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.

Mian Website: http://www.allhimachal.com

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If life was a movie, this is our dream sequence.

A big, big Hi and Thank You to the team at Shaadi.com:

This is acknowledgement time.

We write this jointly nearly a month after our marriage (Tuesday, November 7, 2006)

We met up, thanks to this wonderful age of the Internet, on this lovely site of yours over a year ago and since then, have been swept off our feet for as long as we can remember.

It started with a few stray emails which encouraged us enough to meet up at a neighbourhood cafe one blessed evening, and the rest as they say, is history…albeit, a very personal one for our circle of family and friends.

We must admit however that we were very skeptical beginners and it was our family / friends who goaded us into exploring this option, when conventional matrimonial searches didn’t come off too well.

A warm, heartfelt thank you to the entire team at shaadi is very much in order. No praise can be high enough for a team that does such a great job of maintaining it day in and day out, that too, with so much imagination and enterprise. Your site is a truly liberating one for young match seekers and we give it thumbs up on all counts. It has changed our lives for the better and yes at the risk of mouthing a cliché one would say there is still time before we wake up and think that all this is for real and not just happening in a dream.

The team at Shaadi, please put your hands up so we can clap for you all.

Warm regards,
Anahita Bhesania and Vistasp Hodiwala

The defense services offer dignified, disciplined and prestigious placements. The chosen officer could serve in the Indian Air Force or Indian Navy on combat duty, on administrative assignments, in the medical services, in the engineering services, in the Judge Advocate-General’s Department (JAG’s Dept.), the Education Corps; in short, in any one of the various departments.

Personality Traits

Effective intelligence, courage, sense of responsibility, ability to reason, determination, ability to organize group activity, take the initiative, self-confidence, alacrity in making balanced decisions, social adaptability; and excellent powers of expression are useful traits for an aspiring defence officer.

Eligibility

General eligibility conditions demand that a candidate must be – a citizen of India (subjects of Bhutan, Nepal, Tibetan refugees or migrants from the rest of the Indian subcontinent with the intention of settling permanently in India can also apply). In addition, candidates must be physically fit in accordance with the prescribed physical standards. They should be unmarried males or female. There is a Women’s Special Entry Scheme (officers) for women graduates in specified subjects between 19-27 years of age.

Entry Scheme

NDA/ Naval Academy Examination
There is one common written examination for entry into Army, Air Force and Naval Wings of NDA and 10+2 (Executive Branch) of Naval Academy on the following pattern

Mathematics-2 1/2 hours-300 marks
General Ability-2 1/2 hours-600 marks
The syllabus is given in the Employment News Weekly announcement of the examination.

Candidates who are declared qualified in the written examination have to appear before a Services Selection Board (SSB) for intelligence and personality test to assess the candidates’ for their officers’ potentiality and those for the Air Force in Pilot Aptitude Test and officer potentiality.

While in the NDA, a cadet earns a Bachelor Degree in Arts, Science or Computer Science, which is affiliated to the Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi. The three years in the NDA are divided into 6 semesters. Five are general semesters, which every candidate has to take and in the sixth and final semester, each candidate specialises for either the Army, Navy or Air Force.

Academics constitute around 57% of the program comprising 12 disciplines, which are 8 languages, three pure sciences, two applied sciences and four social sciences. There are also Common Service Subjects like military history, area study, service writing, leadership, para-military forces, weapons training and situational instruction.

Also a part of the curriculum are Special Services Subjects like training in battlefield and peace-time skills and operations specific to individual streams of the Army, Navy or Air Force. There is also outdoor training which includes physical training, drill and equitation.

After three years in the NDA, Army cadets join the Indian Military Academy at Dehra Dun, Navy cadets join the INS Tir or INS Krishna at Cochin and Air Force cadets move on to the Air Force Training Academy at Hyderabad. These courses are of 18 months duration after which, individual gets a commissioned rank.

Graduate/Direct Entry

Individuals between the age of 19 and 22 and having a three year Bachelor degree, can appear for the Combined Defense Services Exam (CDSC), which is held every 6 months at various centers in India. Again like the NDA process, there will be a SSB interview and a medical examination. On clearing these, individual is straight away enlisted into the Indian Military Academy (if he opts for the Army), without entering NDA, and get trained there for 18 months after which, get a commissioned rank.

Technical Entry

Individuals having an engineering degree, can apply for direct commission. He can directly appear for the SSB interview and medical exam. If cleared them, he will be paid a stipend by the Indian Government during his senior years. After completing the degree, you are straight away enlisted into the Air Force Training Academy in Hyderabad (if you opt for the Air Force), without entering NDA, with a commissioned rank or in Army, ie., through IMA.

Naval College of Engineering, Lonavala prepares officers to make a career in Marine/ Electrical/ Electronics/ Aeronautical Engineering and Naval Architecture cadres of the Indian Navy. The college is one of the best engineering colleges in the country and the only one of its kind in Asia.

Unmarried male Indian citizens approx. between 16 1/2 years to 19 years of age, passed Senior Secondary Examination (10+2) pattern or ots equivalent with at least 75% aggregate marks in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics and at least 50% marks in English either in Class X or Class XII may apply. Minimum 157 height with correlated weight and proportionate chest with minimum 5 cm expansion; uncorrected eyesight without glasses 6/12, 6/12 corrected with glasses 6/6, 6/6 are other requirements.

Short listed candidates on the basis of the marks obtained in the academic examination are called for the SSB interview. Candidates recommended by the board and declared medically fit will be appointed for training in order of merit. On successful completion of the course they are awarded a B. Tech. Degree by the JNU (Jawaharlal Nehru University). The entire cost of training including books and reading material, is borne by the Navy.

MBBS at Armed Forces Medical College

Those who are interested in joining the Armed Forces Medical Services as permanent commissioned officers after graduation (MBBS) may join the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune. Admission is through an entrance examination in physics, chemistry, biology, intelligence, logic and reasoning, English language and comprehension. After the written examination successful candidates are called for an interview.

Admission is open to unmarried candidates (boys and girls), passed XII Std/ pre-professional/ premedical exam or equivalent exam as a regular student in the first attempt in English, Physics, Chemistry and Biology securing not less than 60% of aggregate marks in three science subjects taken together, not less than 50% marks in English; Must have attained 17 years but not attained 22 years as on 31st December of the year of joining.

B.Sc. (Nursing) at College of Nursing

AFMC, Pune and Diploma in General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) Course at various Armed Forces Hospitals.

4-year B.Sc. (Nursing) at College of Nursing, AFMC, Pune and 3-year Diploma in General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) Course at various Armed Forces Hospitals is open to Indian Females who are unmarried or divorced or legally separated or widows without encumbrances. The candidate should have passed in the first attempt 10+2 exam with Physics, Chemistry and Biology with minimum 50% aggregate marks as a regular student, minimum height 142 cms. Age group should be between 16 and 24 years approx. Medical fitness should be as per military stds.

Those selected to the course have to execute a bond to serve in the Military Nursing Service (MNS) for 5/ 4 years. Entry Schemes Combined Defence Services Examination (After Graduation)

CDSE (Combined Defence Services Examination) is held twice every year for the entry into the defence forces. The examination is announced about 5-6 months prior to the date of the examination. Through CDSE unmarried male candidates can get into the Indian Military Academy- Dehradun or the Naval Academy – Goa or Air Force Station- Hyderabad or the Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai. The combined Defence Service Examination in conducted by the UPSC. For more information please refer to the UPSC section.

SSB Interview

Candidates qualifying in the written examinations for entry into the defence services (NDA)/ Naval Academy, CDSE) as well as for the other schemes of entry based on application scrutiny are called for tests by the SSB. Most of the tests require an average intelligence. The testing is spread over a period of 3-4 days at least and is a throrough as well as an elaborate process. A three-pronged approach is followed by the SSB.

Personal interview

Outdoor test or group task officer tests
Psychological testing apparatus
Ay this stage the purely spontaneous and natural responses of the candidate are sought to be accessed by the SSB. The tests are administered on an individual basis and also in groups. During the course of this subtle testing pattern, candidates are under observation throughout.

SSB’s primary aim is to select individuals with the potential to be groomed into, and trained as, officers for the defence services finally. Motivation for joining the defence forces is an important question to be prepared for the interview. Everything is assessed while the interview is on – verbal answers as well as non-verbal attitude, gestures, stance, power of expression, self confidence, self assurance etc.

The SSB pattern includes a number of physical tests to evaluate the candidate’ s stamina, physical fitness, aptitude for physical activity, flexibility of the body, agility as well as courage for making daring attempts.

The psychological testing apparatus comprises verbal and non – verbal exercise, word association exercise, thematic apperception, situation reaction, self appraisal, aptitude for logical reasoning and objectivity.

Placements And Prospects

Defense personnel are liable to be transferred anywhere in the country. Upto a certain level of seniority promotions are bound by a time scale, after which they are gone on selection basis depending on vacancies arising at the top level.

They are guaranteed a job, along with all the perks and allowances, many of which continue even after retirement. Jobs in the Defence Services involve a great deal of power and authority, though there are frequent transfers. Competent officers always have a chance of being promoted to senior positions over the years.

here you find a Himachali Chat Messenger. Enjoy and please please post email me info@allhimachal.com

Himachal Pradesh was also known as Dev Bhoomi (the land of the gods). The Aryan influence in the region dates back to the period before the Rigveda. After the Anglo Gorkha war, the British colonial government came into power. It was initially in Punjab, except Siba State of Punjab Hills, under the rule of Maharaja Ranjit Singh till 1857, In 1950 Himachal was declared as the union territory but after State of Himachal Pradesh Act 1971 Himachal emerged as the 18th state of Indian Union.

Himachal Pradesh has one of the highest per capita incomes of any state in India. Due to the abundance of perennial rivers, Himachal also sells hydro electricity to other states such as Delhi, Punjab & Rajasthan. The economy of the state is highly dependent upon three sources i.e. hydroelectric power, tourism and agriculture.

95% of the state population constitutes of Hindus. The major communities are of Brahmins, Rajputs, Kannets, Rathis and Kolis. As per the survey conducted in 2005 by Transparency International Himachal Pradesh is ranked second least corrupt state in the country after Kerala.

Railway track is accessible only to a few places in Himachal Pradesh. The Pathankot–Jogindernagar line connects Punjab with Himachal Pradesh. The other railway tracks pass through Shimla, Solan and Una. Shimla is connected with Kalka by a narrow gauge railway line, which in turn is connected with the major cities in India. Himachal has two narrow gauge rail tracks. The Kalka-Shimla Railway track has a length of 96 kilometers. It passes through 102 tunnels and crosses 864 bridges.

There are three domestic airports in the state – Shimla Airport, Bhuntar Airport serving Kullu and Manali, and Gaggal Airport serving Kangra and Dharamsala. The air routes connect the state with Delhi and Chandigarh. There are no international airports in Himachal Pradesh. Jagson Airlines has flights from Delhi to Shimla.

Himachal is also said to be the fruit bowl of the country with orchards scattered all over the place. Meadows and pastures are also seen clinging to steep slopes. After the winter season, the hillsides and orchards bloom with wild flowers, while gladiolas, carnations, marigolds, roses, chrysanthemums, tulips and lilies are carefully cultivated. The state government is gearing up to make Himachal Pradesh as the flower basket of the world.

Himachal Pradesh is a well known habitat to a variety of animals. There are around 1200 bird and 359 animal species in the state. This includes the leopards, ghoral, snow leopard, musk deer (the state animal) and Western Tragopan (the state bird). It has 12 major national parks and sanctuaries – the largest number in the Himalayan region. The Great Himalayan National Park in Kullu district was created to conserve the flora and fauna of the main Himalayan range, while the Pin Valley National Park to conserve the flora and fauna of the cold desert.

The drainage system of Himachal is composed both of rivers and glaciers. Himalayan rivers criss-cross the entire mountain chain. In fact the rivers are older than the mountain system. Himachal Pradesh provides water to both the Indus and Ganges basins. The drainage systems of the region are the Chandra Bhaga or the Chenab, the Ravi, the Beas, the Sutlej and the Yamuna. These rivers are perennial and are fed by snow and rainfall. They are protected by an extensive cover of natural vegetation.

There is great variation in the climatic conditions of Himachal due to extreme variation in elevation. The climate varies from hot and sub-humid tropical in the southern tracts to cold, alpine and glacial in the northern and eastern mountain ranges with more elevation. The state has areas like Dharamsala that receive very heavy rainfall, as well as those like Lahaul and Spiti that are cold and almost rainless. Broadly Himachal experience three seasons; hot weather season, cold weather season and rainy season. Summer lasts from mid April till the end of June and most parts become very hot (except in alpine zone which experience mild summer) with the average temperature ranging from 28 °C (82 °F) to 32 °C (90 °F). Winter lasts from late November till mid March. Snowfall is common in alpine tracts (generally above 2,200 meters (7,218 ft) i.e. in the Higher and Trans-Himalayan region).

Paonta Sahib, a city sacred
to the memory of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs, is also a
bustling township with growing industries. It retains tangibly memorials to
the martial Guru in the form of his weapons and a majestic Gurudwara and
recalls his presence even in the name of the city which is derived from "paon"
meaning "foot" either because he set foot in this place or according to an
alternative story, because he lost an ornament which he wore on his foot
called a "paonta" while bathing in the river Yamuna which flows here.

HOW TO GET
THERE:

CLIMATE:
In winter, the temperature can hover around freezing point when heavy
woolens are required. Summer temperatures are quite high and cottons are
recommended.

 High up under the snowy
peaks, of the Parvati Valley is situated the hot springs at Manikaran. The
water from the steaming springs is noted for its healing properties. The
springs in the area are hot enough to boil rice in it. Manikaran, a place of
pilgrimage for Hindus and Sikhs, has a temple and a gurudwara. It is also a
good spot for trout fishing.

WHERE TO STAY: Hotel Parvati, Manikaran
Apple Valley Resorts, Kullu
Ambassador Resorts, Manali
Manali Resorts, Manali
Holiday Inn, Manali
Sagar Resorts, Manali
 

The British called Shimla
the "Queen of Hill Stations." Situated in the north-West Himalayas,
Shimla
the summer capital of India before independence is now the capital of Himachal
Pradesh. Shimla derives its name from "Shyamala";- the goddess Kali, whose
temple existed in the dense forest that covered Jakhu Hill in the early 19th
century. The English named it Simla. Shimla is well connected by air, road and
rail with all parts of Himachal Pradesh, and the neighbouring states of Punjab,
Haryana, Jammu and Kashimir and the Union territory of Chandigarh. Covering the
area of 18 sq. km. at a height of 7,238 ft. Shimla is surrounded by pine,
deodar, oak and rhododendron forests. Its well developed facilities, easy
accessibility and numerous attractions make it one of Indian’s most popular and
biggest hill-stations.

A narrow-railway
links Kalka with Shimla. This important rail-link was built in 1924 and its "toy
trains" still ply between the two stations, passing through 105 tunnels and
beautiful rail-road stations. Half-way through the journey, after Solan, the
lights of Shimla flow in the distance, looking like glimmering jewels studding
the dark green of the mountains. The train takes six hours, and at every stop on
the journey are smiling faces giving a warm welcome.

Situated in the
North-West Himalayas, the climate of Shimla varies from a maximum of 10-11
degrees in winter to a maximum of 25-26 degrees
in summers. Shimla never allows the gods to raise the temperature above that
limit and the gods always oblige. Shimla changes its moods with the seasons. In
spring we see flowers of all kinds, both wild and cultivated, smiling in each
garden. During the monsoon, we see some of the best sunsets in the world.

Winter in Shimla is
known as the season of "Long moon-night." It becomes a frost glistening silent
city. A gathering of dark clouds tells us of the approach of snow generally a
slight fall first, followed by a heavier one when the snowflakes sweep down
through the fine-needles bending long branches to the ground. The following
morning sees the town as a fantastic fairyland of white beauty.

Places of
Interest in and Around Shimla

The Mall: The Mall is the
main shopping centre of Shimla. It also has many restaurants, clubs, banks,
bars, Post Offices and tourist offices. The Gaiety Theatre is also situated
there. 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.

Christ
Church: Situated on the Ridge is Christ Church, which 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. Christ Church is a place all visitors should spend some time in.

Jakhu Hill: 2 kms.
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 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 project 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.

Indian Institute of
Advanced Studies: This institute is housed in the Viceregal Lodge, which was
built in 1884-88 during the British times. It has spacious gardens and is ringed
by beautiful pine trees. All is calm and serene just the right atmosphere for a
student of literature or politics.

Summer Hill:
Situated at a distance of 5 kms. from the Ridge is the lovely township of Summer
Hill at a height of 6,500 ft. on the Shimla-Kalka railway line. Mahatma Gandhi
lived in these quiet surroundings during his visits to Shimla. Himachal Pradesh
University is situated here.

Annandale:
Developed as the playground of Shimla, Annandale is 2-4 kms. from the Ridge at a
height of 6,117 ft. It is a favourite spot for cricket, picnics and the princely
game of polo.

Tara Devi: 11kms.
from the Shimla bus-stand. Tara Devi 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. At a height of 6,070 ft. Tara Devi is
an ideal place for a person wanting peace and some rest.

Sankat Mochan: A
popular Hanuman temple is located here. We get an excellent view of Shimla from
the temple. It can be reached by car or on foot.

Mashobra: 13 kms. away from
Shimla, Mashobra has several excellent picnic spots. Mashobra is the site of the
annual Sipi fair in June. The nearest rest house is at Craignano which is 3 kms.
from Mashobra, and is a beautiful holiday resort.

Kufri:
16 kms. from Shimla at a height of 8,600 ft. Kufri is the winter sports capital.
During winter, visitors have the facility for skiing. The skiing season is at
its best during January and February. Equipment for sking is available from
HPTDC winter sports club at Kufri. Apart from skiing, Kufri is a lovely picnic
spot with a beautiful view of the hills around and the snowy peaks. There is
also a zoo that delights children.

Naldehra: 22 kms. from Shimla and surrounded by beautiful deodar trees.
Naldehra has a well kept nine-hole golf-course. It is a lovely, popular picnic
spot. The annual Sipi fair in June is held in Naldehra.
 

Chail: Chail is a little mountainous heaven 45 kms. from Shimla. It was
the summer capital of the Maharaja of Patiala before Independence. The forests
near Chail have many species of birds and deer. Chail is known for its cricket
pitch, which is the highest cricket ground in the world.

General Information

Shimla is the best market
for the handicrafts of Himachal Pradesh. Woollen and pashmina shawls, decorative
items, handmade shoes, dolls, woollen caps, carved wooden sticks, toys and other
items made form wood are made in Shimla itself and are on sale in the Lakkar
Bazar. Tibetan jewellery and trinkets are found in the small Tibetan shops near
the Ridge.

Shimla has the only natural
ice-skating rink in India. An Ice-skating Carnival is arranged every year by the
Ice-skating Club during January. During this festival, members display their
skill on ice and participate in a fancy dress competition.

The summer festival in
Shimla offers the best entertainment of the year. Artistes are invited from all
parts of Himachal Pradesh and from other parts of the country to entertain
visitors with song, dance and music both Indian and Western.

Besides the summer
festival, regular cultural programmes are organised in Shimla during the tourist
season.

Climate

Shimla is situated at an altitude of about
2100 m. All the seasons of nature visit Shimla during the year. The isotherms of
Shimla happen to match with that of London throughout the year and is the reason
for Britisher’s choice of Shimla as its summer capital. The duration and
temperatures of different seasons are as follows:

Language

Shimla has a multilingual, cosmopolitan
character. People speak and understand both Hindi and English. Punjabi and
Pahari languages are also spoken and understood in and around Shimla.

As
the whole country around Bharmour is supposed to belong to lord Shiva, it is
popularly spoken of as Shiva Bhumi, abode of lord Shiva. Being the home of
an interesting Gaddi tribe, it is also called Gadderan. Meru, the father of
the first recorded prince Jaistambh in the Chamba Vanshavali was the first
to settle at this place. He belonged to a ruling family of Ayodhya.

Accompanied by his youngest son Jaistambh, Meru penetrated to the upper Ravi
valley through the outer hills. He defeated the patty Ranas holding the
territory there and founded the town Brahampura and made it the capital of
new state. This event is believed to have taken place  in the middle of 6th
century A.D.

According to one legend, the name Brahampura was in use at a still earlier
period for the more ancient kingdom of Bharmour which existed in the
territories of Garhwal and Kumaon, and that Maru Gave
the same name of Brahampura to the state that he founded with present
Bharmour as his capital.

After
Maru several Rajas ruled in succession till Sahil Varman who conquered the
lower Ravi valley and transferred the seat of government from Brahampura to
the new capital which he had founded at Chamba.

The
original State was of very small extent and in all likelihood comprised at
the most the present Bharmour sub-division i.e. the valley of the Ravi below
Bara Bangahal, with its tributaries, the Budhil and the Tundah as far down
as Chhatrari.

According to a local legend, the place Brahampura was older than Maru’s time
and as per common belief this used to be the vatika (garden) of goddess
Brahamani who used to reside where her shrine now stands on the ridge at a
distance of 3-4 kilometers. Brahamani Devi was having a son who was very
fond of his pet choker or (birds). One day the choker was killed by a
peasant and the son was shocked to death by this loose . Grief-stricken,
Brahmani Devi also sacrificed by burying herself alive. The spirits of these
trio dead souls started haunting the people awfully who raised Brahmani Devi
to the status  of deity and built her a temple. The people believe that the
place was called Brahmpura after Brahamani Devi.

The
legend further says that God Shiva with 84 Sidhas while on his way to
Manimahesh happened to visit Brahmpura, the Vatika of the Goddess Brahmani
Devi and settle there for the night. When Brahmani Devi, the presiding deity
of the place saw the smoke of fires lit by the Sidhas, she felt very angry
at this trespass. She came down to the place and ordered Shiva and the
Sidhas to get out of the place. Shiva importuned in all his humility for
allowing them to spend a night there. Goddess Brahamani condescended to
their wishes. The 84 Sidhas transformed themselves in to 84 Lingas because
they wished to settle there.

The
Lord Shiva granted a boon to Brahamani Devi that all persons intending to go
on pilgrimage to Manimahesh must have a dip in Brahmani pool. Failing this,
their pilgrimage would not be acceptable to Lord Shiva.

Pangi
Valley is the remotest and yet the most beautiful valley of Chamba
district. Sandwiched between pir-
panjal range and Zaskar range,
Pangi valley holds a great fascination for the trekking enthusiasts as it
provides several unbeaten tracks. The valley is no less important from the
scenic point of view.

Dr.
Hutchison has rightly remarked that the Pangi valley is unique in its grandeur
and beauty. The scenery is sublime and imposing . Nature appears in her wildest
and grandest moods. Everything is on stupendous scale. The great river
Chandrabhaga rolls along in a deep and narrow gorge, lashing itself in to fury
against the adamantine cliffs that confine it. Precipices spring from the brink
in places almost perpendicular to a height of one or two thousand feet. On the
lower ranges are the grassy slopes of rich pasture with dense forests of pine
and cedar, and the majestic mountains piled on one another, attain an altitude
of 18000 to 21000 ft. rising far beyond the line of eternal snow. Every few
miles the traveler reaches fairly open nooks of surprising beauty which may have
been small lakes in some bygone age, while the river was cutting its way through
a rocky barrier in front. There some villages are to be found which are few in
number and of small size, for the country is sparsely inhabited. The roads are
just what one might except in Such a region, narrow and dangerous.

The valley can be approached through different routs. One route is
through Chamba side when one has to cross difficult passes i.e. either Sach pass
with an altitude of 14,478 feet or Cheni pass with an altitude of 14,382 feet.
this route is the shortest for those attempting from Churah and Chamba side.
These passes remain snow-clad for most part of the year and it is only for a
small period in summer that one can attempt them. Even during summer , much
caution and care has to be exercised while crossing the passes. The weather is
unpredictable and the tracks are dangerous , mostly on glaciers. There is always
an impending fear of avalanches enroute. Perhaps for the reasons of risks
involved, a funeral allowance used to be granted to the employees serving in
Pangi by the Rajas as their survival was never a met of certainty.

The other
route is via Lahaul. This route has been opened through road and a Jeep can ply
right up to killar, The headquarters of Pangi valley in fair weather i.e. in
summer. The route is comparatively easier even if attempted on foot from Rohli.
This distance involved is just 45 kilomatres.

Still
another route is through Kistwar (part of J&K State). Distance involved is much
larger by this route. Killar is 116 kilometers for on-foot journey from Kistwar.
The road link has now been provided and small vehicles can ply from this side up
to the boundary of Pangi. This route has of late acquired more dangerous
ramifications owing to terrorist activities in the area.

When the
valley is locked from all sides in winter , aerial route is the only way left to
and fro movement. Periodical helicopter service is there through it rarely
matures on time owing to uncertain weather on the mountains and in the valley.

Chandrabhaga

The river
Chandrabhaga flows through all the length of the valley. The river rises from
the mountains of Baralacha pass two heads, the stream with its source on the
south-eastern side of the pass being called the Chandra and the other one which
rises from the north-western side is called the Bhaga.
After the confluence of these stream at Tandi (Lahaul) the river is generally
known as Chandrabhaga. Earlier, it was believed that the water of the river came
from China and that is why the name Chanab was coined for this river which
etymologically means water of China (Chin+ab). The Vedic name of the river is
Askini.

The river
valley is quite exposed and extensive up to Mudgraon. Beyond this it narrows in
to a gorge with precipitous cliffs right up to Tindi. From this place onwards,
there is an open expanse for several miles along the left bank. A stretch of 17
miles beginning at Tindi is wild and rugged. At shour and Purti, these are
villages on the right bank and the river valley again narrows down as far as
Sach and Mindhal. From there the valley spreads out and the river flows in a
north-westerly direction pasta Killar and Dharwas where it departs from Pangi
territory to enter in to J&K State. Various streams contribute to water of
Chanab. Those on the right bank include Sechu Nallah, Huddan Nallah, Sural
Nallah and Sansari Nallah, Chaini Nallah and Sach Nallah are the major
tributaries on the left bank. This river has been used for floating timber to
the plants. The river is almost fishless.

Killar

Killar is
the headquarters of Pangi valley . Pangi valley is coterminous with the
territory sub-division, tehsil and development block. Killar was originally a
cluster of villages but gradually it has taken the shape of a town with more and
more offices and shops added from year to year . In the midst of grove of
cedar
trees near Forest Rest House, is the temple of Det Nag. The legend has it that
Det Nag was originally enshrined in Lahaul. It took human sacrifice turn by
turn. Once the lot had fallen on the only son of the poor widow. She was in
utter grief when a Gaddi happened to pass by. The Gaddi sympathised with the
lady and offered to sacrifice himself in place of her son. The Gaddi laid down a
condition before Det Nag that he should be devoured alive and presented parts of
his body in succession but without any result. The Gaddi is said to have thrown
Det Nag in to the Chandrabhaga where it got out of river at Killar and was
discovered by a cowherd. Det Nag was then carried to the site of the present
temple when it fell from his back with the face on the ground. A shrine was
erected and the image set up with its face looking inwards and clump of cedar
trees at once grew up around the shrine. previously a buffalo used to be
sacrificed at this place which practice has no been discontinued. Goat of sheep
are however sacrificed at the temple even now.

A temple
devoted to lord Shiva is located near Government Hospital. Another Shiva temple
has recently been built in the official colony near Government Senior Secondary
School.

Other
Important Places in Pangi Valley

Other
Important places mention in Pangi are Dharwas, Luj and Sural towards J&K side.
Dharwas is the biggest village of the Pangi valley and in famous for natural
spring of mineral water called Tilmili. It is said that water was daily sent to
the Raja from this spring. There is a thick forest of widely grown thangi
(hazel-nut). Luj is just at a distance of three kilometers and is the only
village where chilgoja trees are found.

Sural
is a beautiful sub-valley comprising of a cluster of villages namely Kanwas,
Ganmas, Rusmus, Sural Tai and Suraal Bhatori. It lies at a distance of 12
kilometers from Dharwas towards its north-east. The ideal time to visit this
sub-valley is in July-August when flowers of different kinds blossom. There is a
small Gompa at Sural Bhatori. The Bhots inhabit Sural Bhatori which is the
highest village in the part of the valley. A fine grove of bhoj patra trees (Butila
utilis) are found to exist at this place which is rather uncommon phenomenon for
a height of this place.

Hudan,
Parmar and Sechu are other beautiful sub-valley of Pangi. Hudan lies at a
distance of eight kilometers towards east of Killar. It is a combination of
village like Seri Bhatwas, Tundrow, Ichhwas and Hudan Bhatori. Near Bhatori is
the famous water spring called Nagni spring. A beautiful view is obtained from
here. Parmar sub-valley consists of villages called Kumar, Parmar and Parmar
Bhatori. The highest villages in the sub-valleys are Hudan Bhatori and Parmar
Bhatori where the Bhots live. There is a Gompa in each Bhatori where the Bhots
worship. Sechu sub-valley is towards east and is at about 17 kilometers from
Sach village. Kuthal, Hillor and Sahli are the prominent villages falling on the
way before we reach Sechu proper. Sechu proper is characterised by the
confluence of three nallahas namely Hillutwan nallah, Chasak Nallah and Sechu
Nallah. Other important places surrounding Sechu are Hillutwan, Chesk and Chasak
Bhatori. Hillutwan is 7 kilometers from Sechu and is constituted of two hamlest,
Hillu and Twan situated on the left and the right bank of Hillutwan Nallah. The
Bhots inhabits these villages. To the opposite side at a distance of 4
kilometers from Sechu lies the Chasak village preceded by thick lush green
forest of cedar trees. At a distance of 8 kilometers from Chesah is located the
last village of this stretch and is called Chasak Bhatori. This village is
inhabited by the Bhots and is highest inhabited place in the valley. Except for
trees of bhoj patra, no other tree is visible at this place.

Mindhal is another important place of pangi valley at a distance of about 12
miles from Killar towards south. It is famous for Devi temple which has an
interesting legend attached to it. (for legend places see chapter on ‘Famous
Temples’.

Purti
and Shour are the last two big villages towards Lahaul-Spiti which
mark the end of inhabited area of Pangi valley on this side. Purti is known for
a forest rest house where the spirit of Mr. Tudd, a British forest ranger is
said to haunt. Mr. Tudd died due to a slip on the snow while on duty. The people
say that the ghost of Tudd comes out of chimney during the thick of night. A few
claim to have seen the phantom face to face.

Forest
Rest House is set in the beautiful surroundings River Chandrabhaga is flowing
just by its side. Approach to the rest house is flanked by the popular trees.

Shour
is known for jhula- a swing-bridge made of twigs of willow tree or other
twigs of similar twistable bushes or plants. It is a rare experience to cross
the river from over the jhulla. Jhulla is directly above the torrent and it
swings to and fro while one crosses over it.

Sidh
ka Dera and Cherry bungalow are the other two important places we find on
trek from Killar to Shour. Sidh ka Dera is known for the temple of Sidh Devta
where a fair is held every year. A lot of thangi trees are found here .
Sidh temple has very beautiful carvings to its credit. Cherry bungalow is a
small PWD rest house down the Sach village at a distance of 13 kilometers from
Killar and is picturesquely situated on the right bank of the Chanab. It is a
good halting place while coming to or going from the valley.

-
hpchamba

These large
spaces are unique of their vastness in a hill station. Initially the five
Chaugans were a single patch of meadow which was used for purpose mentioned
above. In the 1890 the leveling of chaugan was done. It become a public
promenade and Cricket ground for the British. Annual Minjar Mela is held in
the Chaugan when most of it is converted into a Bazaar. Local people
including men, women and children can be seen promenading in the chaugan
till late night. During summer many families bring food from home to chaugan
and dine in open air. A large number of people can also be seen sleeping
during night in the chaugan. Gaddies with their dears can also be seen
camping on the outsidrats of this beautiful public promenade. Chaugan is
closed for public after Dushera to April to carryout maintenance.
 Laxmi Narayan Temple

Laxmi Narayan Temple, which is the main temple of
Chamba town was built by Sahil Verman in the 10^th century A.D.
The temple has been built in the Shikhara style.

The temple consist of Bimana i.e.
Shikhara and Garbhgriha with a small antralya. Laxmi Narayan Temple has a
Mandapa like structure also. The wooden Chhattries, the wheel roof,  atop
the temple were in response to the local climatic conditions as a protection
against snow-fall.

There are several
other temples within this complex. The temple know as Radha Krishan was
erected as late as 1825 A.D. by Rani sarda, queen of Raja Jeet Singh. The
Shiva temple of Chandergupta was also believed to have been built by Sahil
Verman while the construction of Gauri Shankar Temple is ascribed to his son
and successor Yugkar Varman.

The temple of
Lakshmi Narayana continued to be embellished by the Rajas who succeeded to
the throne of Chamba. Raja Balabhadra Verma perched the metallic image of
Garuda on a high pillar at the main gate of the temple. Raja chhatra Singh
placed gilded pinnacles on the temple tops in 1678 as a reaction against the
orders of Aurangzeb to demolish the temple. Later Rajas also added a shrine
or two thus enriching the complex.

 Champavati Temple

This temple is located behind the City Police Post
and Treasury building. As mentioned earlier the temple was built by Raja
Sahil Varman in memory of his daughter Champavati who is believed to have
influenced her father to set-up Chamba at its present location. The temple
is in the Shikhara style with elaborate stone carving and the wheel roof.
The size of this temple is equivalent to the largest of Laxmi Narayan
Temple.
 Vajreshwari
Temple

This ancient temple is believed to be 1000 years old and is dedicated to
Devi Vajreshwari-Goddess of lightning. The temple is situated on the
northern most corner of the town at the end of Jansali Bazaar. No historical
record of the temple is available. The temple is built in the Shikhara style
with wooden Chhattries and stands on the platform. The Shikhara of the
temple is elaborately carved. There are two other minor temples on either
side of the main shrine.

 Sui Mata Temple

This temple can be divided into three parts which can physically spread
apart. The temple of  Sui Mata is on an elevation of Shah Madar Hill. A
steep flight of steps comes down to a small pavilion just above the Saho
road. From the Saho road the flight of steps continues down to the main town
a little to the east of Chauntra Mohalla. At the end of the flight of steps
there is another small pavilion with gargoyles with running water. The
flight of stone steps to the aqueduct from the Sarota stream was built by
Sarda, the Rani of Raja Jeet Singh (1794-1808). According to the legend when
Raja Sahil Varman founded the town and made this aqueduct for water supply
to the town the water refused to flow. It was ascribed to supernatural
causes. It was prophasised that the spirit of the stream must be
propitiated, and the Brahmins, on being consulted replied that the victim
must either be the Rani or her son. Another tradition runs that the Raja
himself had a dream in which he was directed to offer up his son, where upon
the Rani pleaded to be accepted as a substitute. Thus on a appointed day the
Rani along with her maidens was buried alive in a grave. The legend goes on
to say that when the grave was filled in the water began to flow.

  In memory of her devotion a small shrine
was erected at that spot and mela
called Sui Mata Ka Mela was also appointed to be held annually from 15th of
Chait to the first of Baisakh. This fair is attended by women and children
who in their best attire sing praises of the Rani and offer homage to the
Rani for her singular sacrifice.
 

Chamunda Devi Temple

This
temple is located on the spur of the Shah Madar Hill overlooking the town to
its south east. The temple stands on a raised platform. The temple has
artistic carvings on its lintel, pillars and the ceiling. Behind the main
temple is a small shrine of Lord Shiva in the Shikhara style. There is
another platform in front of this temple where two very old peepul
trees provide shelter to the visitors. From this platform a bird’s eye view
of most of the land marks in the town including Chaugan, Circuit House, most
of the temples and river Ravi can be had. The temple is being looked after
by Archaeological Survey of India.

This temple can be approached by road from
Chamba (3 kms). It lies on the right hand side of the Chamba-Jhamwar road.
School going children and pilgrims prefer to take the flight of steps from
Sapri to this temple. There steps were got constructed by Raja Raj Singh
(1764-1794 AD).

The temple is an ideal picnic spot throughout the year because it has an
easy approach and a commanding view.

 Hari Rai Temple

This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and
dates back to 11th century. It was probably built by Salabahana. This temple
lies in the north-west corner of the main Chaugan, which had became


the official entrance to the town by the end of 19th C. A steep path leads
to the old Shitla bridge, which was constructed in the year 1894. The temple
is built in Shikhara style and stands on a stone platform. The Shikhara of
the temple is finely carved. This is one of the major old temples, which is
away from the old township and the only one near the Chaugan.

Much of this temple is hidden behind some
unimaginative structures of the British period behind the Gandhi Gate and
the Fire Station Building. The Gandhi Gate was built in the year 1900 to
welcome Lord Curzon, Viceroy. It is the only structure that has been coated
with saffron colour and stands out because of its prominent colour.

The temple enshrines a marvellous bronze
image of Lord Vishnu in the form of Chaturmurti. The temple of Hari Rai is
believed to be of great antiquity and legend affirms that the Ravi once
flowed in a shallow stream across the Chaugan and the temple had to be
approached by stepping.
 Akhand Chandi Palace

Construction of this residential building of the Chamba family was started
by Raja Umed Singh sometimes between 1748-1764 AD. The place was rebuilt and
renovated during the reign of Raja Sham Singh with the help of British
engineers. The Darbar Hall (Marshal Hall) was built in 1879 by Capt. Marshal
and the Zanana Mehal was added in the reign of Raja Bhuri Singh. The
subsequent additions and alterations clearly betray the Mughal and the
British influence. In 1958 the Palace building was sold by the descendants
of the royal family to the Himachal Government. The latter handed it over to
the Education Department for the purpose of starting a Government College
and District Library. The beautiful structure of the palace with its painted
walls and glass work, ceiling, intricate woodwork are fast deteriorating,
since sufficient funds are not available for the maintenance of this
monument. The palace has a commanding view of the Chaugan, Laxmi Narayana
Temple, Sui Mata, Chamunda Devi Temple, Rang Mehal, Hari Rai Temple and
Bansi Gopal Temple.
 Rang Mahal

One of the largest monuments, Rang
Mahal is located in Surara Mohalla. The foundation of Rang Mahal was laid by
Raja Umed Sing (1748-1764). The super structure of RangMahal, which is in
brick belongs to a later date with its southern portion built around 1860 by
Raj Sri Singh. The architecture of Rang Mahal is an amalgam of Mughal and
British styles. This palace was the residence for a branch of the ruling
family. Its fort like looks justify its use as royal granary and treasury
which is on its western side. Once the palace must have hummed with activity
of busy servant and the frolics of the royal blood but now under the aegis
of Handicrafts Department of the State Government, most of the rooms of this
palace are being used as work-shops for making shoes, chapples and rumals. A
number of decorative and colorful wall painting have been removed and taken
to National Museum of Delhi. Some of the wall paintings and richly painted
doors of the palace can be seen preserved in the Bhuri Singh Museum of
Chamba.

 

Bhuri Singh Museum

Bhuri Singh Museum at
Chamba opened formally on 14-09-1908, it is named after Raja Bhuri Singh who
ruled Chamba from 1904 to 1919. Bhuri Singh donated his family collection of
paintings to the museum. The idea to open a public museum came from J. Ph.
Vogel, an eminent Indologist who was serving A.S.I. and who through an
intensive exploration had discovered, read and analyzed old inscriptions
dispersed far and wide in the territory of Chamba state. These inscriptions
mostly in Sarda script shed important light on the mediaeval history of
Chamba. The parasites of Sarahan, Devi-ri-kothi and mul Kihar are now
preserved in the museum.

Paintings of Bhagwat Purana and Ramayana in
peculiar style are inspired by Basohli idiom of painting whereas Krishna,
Sudama, Rukmini vivah and Usha-Anirudh and portraits in prime Guler-Kangra
style were executed by the artists who were patronized by the Chamba rulers.
The embroidered Chamba-Rumals are related in style since their drawings were
made by pahari painters though the embroidery was done by the household
ladies.
 

Besides these major items of collections,
there are coins, hill jewelry and costumes- both traditional and royal, arms
and armour, musical instruments and various decorative objects.

The old museum building which merged well
with the landscape of Chamba was pulled down and the present concrete
monolith was inaugurated in 1975. The museum remains open from 10:00 AM to
5:00 PM throughout the year except on Monday and other gazetted holidays.

Church
of Scotland

Over the hundred years old this Church was founded by a mission of Church of
Scotland. This Church is remarkable for its fine stone work and buttress and
lancer arch windows. The Church was founded by its first missionary the Rev.
William Ferqueen in Chamba from 1863 to 1873.  

 Art Garden / Minjar Camping Site

The proposed site is located at the entrance of the entrance
of the town on the bed of Ravi river.
This site has been built by the Department of tourism by making 3 lawns
which has been covered with green grass and a good place for picnic also.
Presently wall statue are being build on wells to depth the culture of
Chamba which has recently been appreciated by the Minister of Tourism during
his recent visit to Chamba from Tourism angle. There is a proposal to
provide Restaurant facility in the vicinity. The site is approachable by
road. One can have a charming view of the Ravi river flowing from the site.
Particularly in the evening time during summer season.

 Rock Garden At Devi Dehra

The proposed site is located on main road
from Banikhet to Chamba at a distance of 10 kms from Banikhet. It is just
near the Devi Dehhra temple and is located on both sides of the main road.
In one site the Tourism Department have built 3 grasses lawns for use of the
tourists. On other site there is a proposal to built a Café to the tune of
Rs. 31 lakhs approximately to provide seating facilities to the tourists on
way to Chamera reservoir and Chamba town. Besides this small picnic spots
with green grass have been built up for use of the tourists. Not only this a
small water fall by diverting a water kul has been constructed to attract
more and more tourists. It has been noticed that the passing tourists are
enjoying these picnic spot and water falls. With the passage of time the
spot will become one of the picnic spot on way from Banikhet to Chamba and
Chamera enable the tourists to stop over for at least a day. Thus after its
completion the stay of tourists is expected to be extended by another one
day, in Chamba Division.


 

Rajpura and the Famous Majar of Sai Jamal Shah  

Rajpura is a small village located on Chamba-Tissa
road at a distance of 10 kilometers from Chamba town. The village has gained
significance owing to the location of majar of Sufi faquir called Sai Jamaal
shah which is venerated with great religious fervor by both Hindus and
Muslims. The majar comprises of four square brick pillars over which rests a
slate conical roof with gables at each side. Every Thursday the people from 
Chamba and from places outside Chamba throng to this place to offer their
prayers. A chadar is laid on the majar or floral tributes paid by the
devotees.  

Dayanand Math, Chamba 

The
Dayanand Math based on the principals of Arya Samaj is functioning in Chamba
since 1970. Situated in once abandoned place called Julhakri, Dayanand Math
was founded by Swami Sarvanand Maharaja of Punjab. The rems of the math were
later handed over by Sarvanand Maharaja to his brilliant disciple Swami
Sumedhanand.

Dayanand Math has since turned out to be a great
religious centre. People from far and wide visit the place for their
spiritual gratification. Swami Sumedhanand besides being a spiritual giant
is a good administrator and the Math is progressing in its aim by leaps and
bounds. The Math has to its credit, a Sanskrit college, a school called
Adarash Bal Vidyalaya, an Ayurvedic Pharmacy and a Vedic library.

Chowari Jot (Chowari Pass)

Chowaari jot is located almost midway between Chamba
and Chowari. On one side of Chowari road is nature’s wonder Khajjiar and on
the other is Kainthli Dhar full of deoder and kail trees. Its altitude from
main sea level is 8000 feet. It snows heavily in winter but it is quite
pleasant in summer. The blossoming rhododendron fill the place with
beatitude in April-May. The Gujjars/Gaddis generally use this route while
migrating to and from plains. The nature seems to be at its best. Apart from
sightseeing the place is idel for treeking. A beautiful view of sun set is
obtained from this place. It is a shortest route from Pathankot to Chamba.
The place is located at a distance of 18 kilometres from chowari and Chamba
respectively.

In the year 1866 more land was required in Bahloon and Bakloh
hills for the construction of barracks of the Convalescent Depot and as
Cantonment for the 4^th Gorkhas respectively. For these two portions
of the Chamba State, a further deduction of Rs. 5000 a year was made from the
tribute payable by the Chamba Raja. With the expansion of the estate which
started during the British raj, the whole area has come to be known as
Dalhousie. After acquisition in 1850s Dalhousie was a made a part of Kangra
district of Punjab state. Later it was transferred to the Gurdaspur district in
August 1861. Only  after recorganisation of the states, Dalhousie became a part
of Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh on Ist Nov., 1966.

Unlike several other hill stations of Himachal Pradesh,
Dalhousie is favourite among those who seek solitude and restfulness. Off late
some aggression of Punjab can be seen in the behavior of tourists who take a
Maruti hop from Ludhiana, Jalandhar and other parts of Punjab to this serene and
quiet hill station. However, their uproarious laughter, loud manners, singing
and bhangra dancing remain far from creating any sort of law and order
situation. The place is remarkably crime free.

The greatest activity in Dalhousie is on and around the three
level Malls which were laid in the early 1860s for promenades, carriages,
horses, dandies, etc. these roads and the steeper by-lanes which connect them to
the bus-stand are still the arteries of the town. The Malls around Moti Tibba
and Potreyn hills are the most popular among the tourists as the two are level
and most of the business activity and hotels are around them. Gandhi Chowk,
Upper bazaar. Subhash chowk, Catholic church of St. Frances, Sadar bazaar and
the Convent founded by an Order of Belgium nuns and their Sacred Heart School
are on these two malls. Dalhousie’s third and highest mall was built around the
upper Bakrota hill nearly a 1000 feet above the G.P.O. (Gandhi Chowk). This mall
was the favourite of Dr. Hutchison: “of these Upper Bakrota mall is finest and
the longest being fully 3 miles round and from it extensive views are obtained
of the low hills and figure of eight walk on the two malls encircling Moti Tibba
and Potreyn hills is very pleasant and popular among local people and tourists.
 

An ardent admirer of the scenic beauty of Dalhousie Dr.
Hutchison would like a visitor to stand on Dayan Kund at 9000 feet where the
magnificent panorama greets the beholder. He writes, “ Facing south-west the
Kalatop spur is on the right with the Dalhousie hills, Bakrota, Terah, Porain
and Kathalag – stretching away towards the Ravi. Bakloh is seen at a greater
distance on the left and beyond are the ridges and valleys of the siwaliks,
running parallel to one another and losing in distinctness as they recede
towards the plains. Far in the distance is the outermost ridge, with the cut
near its extremity to allow the Chakki to flow in to the Beas. Near this is
Pathankot, with Shahpur a little farther to the north-west, on the Ravi.

Within the siwalik area two wide river beds are seen running
parallel, the one to the east being the Chakki and that to the west, the Ravi.
East of the Chakki are the siwalik hills round about Nurpur; and across the Ravi,
to the west, the same ridges and valleys, stretch away in the direction of
Jammu.

On a clear day three atleast of the great Punjab rivers are
visible glittering in the sunshine and losing themselves in the plains beyond,
which seems to melt away into infinite space. These are the Sutlej, the Beas and
the Ravi, even the Chenab may sometimes be seen.

Turning to the north the gaze rests on an amphitheater of
lofty ranges, with foreground of mountain and valley, forest, gorge and stream.
Closing in the horizon to the west and the north-west are the rounded summits of
the Kund Kapalas and Daganidhar, which in summer are entirely free of snow.
Beyond them are Bhadrawa and Balesa in Jammu. To the north and north-east the
snowy pinnacles of the mid-himalaya or Pangi range stretch out in majestic
array, many of them rising to an altitude of 18,000 and 19,000 feet. Beyond them
are Pangi and Lahaul. Towering up from behind them are two lofty peaks, covered
with snow, one slightly rounded and the other pointed and precipitous, which
among Europeans are known as the Bridge and the Bridegroom. These are in the
Gurdhar range in Pangi, and are about 21,000 feet in height, being the highest
peaks in Chamba state. Far to the south-east the eye can trace the line of the
Dhauladhar till the ranges is lost in a mighty maze of snowy mountains, chief
among which is the Kailas at whose base rest the sacred lake of Manimahesh.”

As Shimla finds its focus in the mall, in Dalhousie action
gravitates in the evening to the G.P.O. which presents a riot of colours and
activity. Sometimes it even becomes difficult to surge ahead without jostling
and elbowing. Most of the good eateries and handicraft emporia, hotels and of
course the ever attractive Tibetan market are all around the G.P.O. There is a
library and a reading room at the G.P.O. for the convenience of the tourists.
 

The Post Office is also located at the G.P.O. It remains open
from 10a.m. to 5 p.m. Conversion of currency is possible at Punjab National
Bank. The business hours in the Bank are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Dalhousie has a number of period buildings. Most of them are
occupied by state Government offices officials. Jandrighat, the summer palace of
the Raja of Chamba is a well maintained edifice.

There are a number of good public schools in Dalhousie. The
best is the Sacred Heart School of the Belgium nuns. Besides there are another
half a dozen schools which attract the wards of the affluent and well to do
families from India and abroad.

Even during the pre-partition days, Dalhousie attracted large
number of tourists. Some of the distinguished personalities like Ravinder Nath
Tagore, Subhash chander Bose and Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru visited Dalhousie in
their formative period to immerse themselves in the leisurely quiet of this hill
station. The calm and compose walks of the thick forests stirred the poet in
Ravinder Nath Tagore. Some of his early poems are set against the backdrop of
Dalhousie. Sardar Ajeet Singh, chacha of Sardar Bhagat Singh and a freedom
fighter himself came to rest his tired limbs in Dalhousie and he breathed his
last just before declaration of India’s Independence on 15^th August,
1947. there is a samadhi in the memory of Sardar Ajit Singh at Panchpula which
is a place frequented by every tourist.

Pt. Nehru visited Dalhousie in 1925 and Subhash Chander Bose
convalesced in Kynance near the Post-Office for about seven months in 1937.
Dalhousie Centenary Celebrations were held in August, 1954. Late Pt. Jawahar Lal
Nehru, the then Prime Minister presiding over the occasion, drew the attention
of government and people of India for rehabilitation of this beautiful hill
station. He said,”One of the finest hill station in is Dalhousie from the beauty
point of view, climate and agreeable surroundings. It is not a flashy hill
station like some other and there are few amusements there… for my part, I would
rather go to Dalhousie than almost any hill station in India, Kashmir apart…”