Shimla Travel Guide - Wikitravel

7/16/2019 Shimla Travel Guide - Wikitravel

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Shimla

From WikitravelAsia : South Asia : India : Himalayan North : Himachal Pradesh : Shimla (district) : Shimla

Contents

[+] UnderstandOrientationClimate

[+] Get inBy trainBy roadBy planeBy Taxi

[+] SeeTara DeviMuseums/Galleries

DoBuyEat[+] Drink

AlcoholCoffee

[+] SleepBudget

Mid-rangeSplurgeAccommodation outside of ShimlaHomestays near Shimla

[+] ContactTourist InformationMobile PhonesInternet

Get out

Shimla(Hindi:

शमला ) [1] (http://himachaltourism.nic.in/shim.htm) or Simla is the capital of the state of Himachal Pradesh in India. It is a very popular holiday-retreat during the summer months and is well-known for

its Victorian architecture, which is reflected in certain areas of the Mall and The Ridge. It is also a famousholiday spot for honeymoon.

There are quite a few theories regarding the origin of the word Shimla. Locals insist that the name originates

from Shyamali Devi, a re-incarnation of the fearsome Goddess Kali.

Understand

a travel guide - Wikitravel http://wikitravel.org/

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Christ Church on The Ridge

Shimla has a population of around 145,000. Most of the

residents are from the Pahadi community (the natives of

Himachal Pradesh), but there is also a sizable minority from

Punjab and Sindh, who moved to Shimla during the partition.

As a result, the languages spoken in Shimla include Hindi,

Punjabi, Pahadi and English which serves as a lingua-franca.

Orientation

Sitting majestically above the searing plains, the British

designated the town as the summer capital of India. The higher

levels of the town reflect this British connection, comprising

mostly buildings in the Victorian style, while the lower slopes

are occupied with Indian bazaars and restaurants. Traffic is

banned from the historic central area, (known as the Mall)

which means that the atmosphere is calm and the air pristine.

Cart Road runs south of the Mall and is connected to it via thelifts. The Ridge, north of the Mall, is a good place to view the

the seven majestic hills of Shimla. Further along the same road

is Lakkar Bazaar, which is a good place to buy some

handicrafts and other souvenirs.

Climate

Shimla's cool climate is the precise reason why it is such a popular summer retreat. Located at an altitude of

approximately 2200m above sea level, the region has a hilly terrain and is covered by dense evergreen forests.

A few visitors choose to visit Shimla during spring or autumn, when the place is less crowded and the views are

too spectacular for words.

Shimla Season Summary

Season Months Temperature Conditions

Spring March-April 10°C to 20°C Clear skies. Occasional rain and thunderstorms.

Summer May- June 16°C to 28°CGenerally clear skies. Air might become smoky due to forestfires.

Monsoon July-September 13°C to 20°C Cool and humid. Continuous rain.

Autumn October-November 10°C to 23°C Skies are clear, chilly evenings.

Winter

December-

February -7°C to 10°C Generally dull weather. Frequent snowfall.

Get in

By train

The nearest broad gauge head is at Kalka - a four- to seven-hour journey from Delhi. After that, take the

mountain train from Kalka to Shimla. This railway track has recently been granted the status of a UNESCO

World Heritage Site. The view is stunning, with the line passing through an amazing 103 tunnels. The fastest


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The Shimla Mountain Train

Train No. Train Name Kalka Shimla

1KS Passenger Kalka Shimla Passenger 04:00 09:56

241 NG Superfast Shivalik Deluxe Express 05:30 10:15

251 Mail Kalka Shimla Mail 06:00 11:00

255 Express Himalayan Queen Express 12:10 17:20

Schedule of trains from Kalka to Shimla

Flight no. Departure Arrival Days

JA 221 DEL 7.30AM SLV 8.30AM Mo,We,Fr

IC 864 DEL 1.20PM IXC 2PM Daily

IC 864 BOM 10AM IXC 2PM Daily

OL 103 BOM 2.40PM IXC 5PM Daily

DN 537 DEL 12.50PM IXC 1.20PM Daily

9W 733 DEL 1.05PM IXC 1.50PM Daily

JA 211 DEL 7AM IXC 7.50PM Tu,Th,Sa

Schedule of flights to Shimla and Chandigarh

way to get to Kalka is to catch the Shatabdi Express, which departs early morning

from the New Delhi Railway Station, arriving at Kalka four hours later. A detailed

list of trains between Delhi, Kalka and Shimla is available at [2]

(http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/TAG0809/Pdf/27.pdf) and [3]

(http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/TAG0809/Pdf/94.pdf) . You can also choose to

get off at Chandigarh (en-route to Kalka), and catch a taxi from there.

Note that while the Shivalik Deluxe Express can be reserved 120 days in advance

like most Indian trains, most of the other mountain trains can only be reserved 30

days before journey date. Passengers on the Shivalik Deluxe Express are served

meals on the train--breakfast on the way to Simla, dinner on the way down.

Schedule of trains from Shimla to Kalka

Train No. Train Name Shimla Kalka

52456Express

HimalayanQueen Express

10:30 16:10

52458Passenger

Shimla KalkaPassenger

14:25 20:15

72452 Rail Motor 16:35 21:35

52452 NGSuperfast

Shivalik DeluxeExpress

17:40 22:25

524524

Express

Shimla Kalka

Express18:15 23:20

By road

It takes only 2.50 hrs from kalka to shimla by taxi.

If hiring a private taxi, ensure that the driver has experience driving in hilly regions and is not deprived of sleep.

Chandigarh/Delhi-Shimla Cab Services,☎ +91 9041 311 411 ([email protected]), [4]

(http://www.gozocabs.com/delhi-shimla) . 24 hours. One way Pick/Drop facilities to Chandigarh/Delhi from

Shimla. Online booking. Prices starting 2200. edit

By plane

Shimla has its own airport at a place known as

Jubbarhatti (IATA code:SLV), 22 km away, a distance

which — owing to the difficulties of the mountainous

terrain, poor condition of road surfaces, and the

increasing traffic congestion — it often takes hours to

traverse by car from Shimla. The airport has severe

limitations imposed both by its elevation at 1,546 metres

above sea level and by the shortness of its single runway

(1,230 m) which ends in precipice at either end, and it

can accommodate only turboprop Dornier aircraft; jets


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JA 212 DHM 10.10AM IXC 11.40AM Th,Sa

DN 538 IXJ 3.25 PM IXC 4.30 PM Daily

such as Airbus A310, 320s and Boeing 737s can all land

at the larger Chandigarh (IATA code:IXC) airport.

Commercial service at the Jubbarhatti Airport is operated

daily to and from Delhi, by Kingfisher. The Chandigarh Airport, located at a distance of 120 km from Shimla

along far better roads and at an elevation of only 308 metres above sea level, offers far better flight options.

Major airlines including Indian [5] (http://indian-airlines.nic.in) , Jet Airways [6] (http://www.jetairways.com)

and Air Deccan [7] (http://www.airdeccan.net) operate flights to Delhi, Jammu, and Mumbai. Most of the flights

to Mumbai require a stop-over in Delhi. [ Tip, confirm the flights till the very last moment, bad weather often

delays flights during the winter fog.

After landing at the airport, take a pre-paid taxi to minimize hassle. Chandigarh is a good four-hour drive away,

so stop for a bite on the Kalka-Shimla highway.

By Taxi

taxiGUIDE.in (Shimla Car Rental),☎ +91 888 023 4455 ([email protected]), [8]

(http://www.taxiguide.in/TourPackages/Shimla_Car_Rental.aspx) . Inquiry: 7am to 11pm. Shimla CarRental services on taxiGUIDE.in - a Chauffeur Driven Car Rental service in 75 Cities in India. Fares startfrom Rs.1400 for full day local & Rs.9.5/km for Outstation. edit

See

The Mall: The Mall is the main shopping centre of Shimla. This shopping centre has a good number of banks, restaurants, post offices, clubs, bars and tourists offices. There is a famous theatre of Shimla calledGaiety Theatre. The Mall is also the main meeting place for the people of Shimla.Jakhu Temple, Jakhu Hill. Open every day. Offers spectacular views of the mountains from its locationabove the town. According to the epic Ramayana, the monkey god Hanuman rested here during his

journey to the Himalayan mountains. The climb up is a physically demanding one-hour walk. However,you can drive up the hill - a 4WD is recommended. The temple and hill side is populated with veryaggressive and cunning monkeys. Be extremely careful with your camera, glasses, bag and (especially)food. Entry free, donations welcome (Sticks for warding off the monkeys can be rented at the entrance

to the temple for Rs 5).Chadwick Falls, 7 km away from Shimla, the inviting spot of Chadwick Falls is a premier travel destination. A trip to theChadwick Falls during the monsoons will be an unforgettableexperience. Located in an incredible landscape, the place is hometo some old shrines that are sites of immense significance forpilgrims.Jakhoo Hill, Located at an altitude of 2,445m, Jakhoo Hill,Shimla's highest point, is one of the most beautiful touristdestinations in Shimla. From the peak of the hill, one can have apanoramic view of the Shimla town and its surroundings. Thelandscape all around is a feast to one’s eyes. At the top is an oldHanuman temple.Dorje Drag Monastery, Sarasvati Garden Estate, Kusmuti. Amonastery in the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, alsoknown as Thubten Evam Dorje Drag. Entry free, donationswelcome.


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Statue of Mahatma Gandhi just outsideChrist Church

The Electronic Message Board atthe Ridge

The Ridge, Jakhu Hill ( North of The Mall). Built at the topof the town at 2230m, The Ridge is the center of Shimla'scultural and social life - an excellent place to view thesurrounding mountains.Christ Church, The Ridge ( Near Municipal Library). Open everyday, services Su 8AM-11AM. Constructed in 1846, this is the secondoldest church of the North India. The stain-glasswindows,representing charity, faith, patience, hope, fortitude and

humility, and 19th century organ are particularly impressive. Thefresco that surrounds the chapel window was designed by LockwoodKipling, Rudyard Kipling's father. Entry free, donations welcome.Lower Bazaar, The Mall ( Below Central Section). Shops OpenMo-Sa. The Lower Bazaar is home to the city's less expensive hotels,cheaper restaurants and stores, and a congested wholesale vegetablemarket. Although less opulent than its upper neighbor, the LowerBazaar retains an old worldly charm and is an excellent place to trysome Shimla specialty dishes, like Uradh Dal with rice or Shepard's Pie.Viceregal Lodge, The Mall ( Atop Observatory Hill), +91 177 283-1375. Open every day (Only the

entrance hall and gardens are open to the public). An imposing British-raj mansion built under the

guidance of Lord Dufferin in 1888. Manicured British style gardens surround the mansion on three sides,while the fourth side is a place to relax and watch the sun dip below the Himalayan foothills. Theteak-paneled interior is impressive, and well worth a viewing. Entry Rs 20 per adult. Both still and videocameras are allowed for a fee of Rs. 10. A guided tour is conducted in a very professional manner andexplains the historical importance of the building - worth capturing if you have a video camera. There is asmall book shop and a cafe in the premises.Shimla Water Catchment Sanctuary, A unique, well preserved mixed himalayan forest withpredominantly Himalayan Cedar trees. Permits are required for entry Rs 50 per person and Rs 200 per

car. Monday closed. Though not mandatory its best to hire naturalists to take you into the sanctuary.Trained naturalists are available at Mountain Guides India ph. +91 9736438061. The forest is home to thebarking deer, goral, flying squirrel, pine marten, porcupine and leopard. There are also a great number of birds; in fact there is the highest density of koklass pheasant in this forest. There is a man-made reservoirin the center of the forest that provides drinking water to Shimla town. The reservoir was completed in1901 and to the water supply scheme from the sanctuary is Shimla's only gravity feed water supplyscheme. The sanctuary is under the charge of the Forest Department (Wildlife).

Hip Hip Hurray Amusement Park (9000 ft ), Kufri ( NH-22, 16 Kms. from Shimla),☎ 01776450993,[9] (hiphiphurray.hpage.com) . Nagsons Amusement Park,HIP HIP HURRAY, Kufri, is the onlyamusement park located at 8500 ft. above sea level offering adventure activities like Burma Bridge

Crossing, Flying Fox, Commando Net, Rock Climbing etc and also activities like Boating, Bump'em Cars,Rides, Indoor Golf and a number of virtual reality,redemption & video games. Other attractions includeRestaurant, Coffee Shop, Shopping, Telescopic View etc edit

Tara Devi

Tara devi is famous for the temple, Tara Devi is one of the many forms of Goddess Kali. This temple is located

on the top of the hill. Tara devi is located at the distance of around 11 kms from the bus stand of Shimla. This is

a perfect location for the people who are looking for some rest and peace at a high altitude of around 6070 ft.

The temple is very clean with very beautiful flowers maintained all around it.

Museums/Galleries


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View of Cart Road and surrounding hills from TheMall

Shimla houses a few excellent museums. The State Museum is perhaps the most well-known.

State Museum, Chaura Maidan ( Atop the Inverarm Hill, in the general vicinity of The Oberoi Cecil

hotel), +91 177 280-5044. Open Tu-Su, 10AM-5PM. Housed in a reconstructed Raj-style building, theState Museum displays a collection of around 10,000 artifacts gathered from all over Himachal Pradesh.The Pahari miniatures and 6th-11th century Gupta sculptures are especially impressive. Entry Rs 10(Cameras free, f lash prohibited ).

Photo Art Gallery, Potter's Hill ( Near HP Univ.), +91 94180-11172. The gallery displays more than20,000 photographs of Himachal taken by the celebrated photographer Inder Pal. It's a wonderful place toexplore and learn more about the beauty, culture and flora and fauna of this Himalayan state. In addition,Potter's Hill is scenic area, so as well as visiting the gallery, visitors can also enjoy hiking, climbing,observing wild life and enjoy the fresh Himalayan air. Entry Rs 5 (Cameras free, flash prohibited ).

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.

Do

Take a leisurely walk at the Mall — this 7kmthoroughfare is famous for its Victorian Architecture,and retains much of its Raj-era charm. To get there,take the lifts from Cart Road, an ingenious systemdesigned to save pedestrians from walking. Rs 7 per

trip. The central area of The Mall is composed of half-timbered buildings and is the place to rubshoulders and clash knives and forks with Shimla'selite. A statue of freedom fighter Lala Lajpat Rai islocated at Scandal Point, the highest point on The

Mall. Further along is the very pleasant Clarke'sHotel, which is an excellent place to take a break andrelax over a coffee.Visit the zoo at Kufri (tel:+91 177 265-2911) — hometo native species such as the great Himalayan Snow

Leopard, and varieties of Musk Deer. Open daily,

Rs 15 per person. Special free passes are available

during weekends.

Ice skating is possible in Shimla from November to March, though Kufri and Chail on the outskirts of town offer better options.Trek in the local mountains. Walk along the meandering roads to the meadows at Annadale, 5 kms out of

town. The Glen, further west, is a favorite picnic-spot with locals. Head north and visit Wildflower Hall,the former retreat of Lord Kitchner. Furthur on along the Hindustan-Tibet Road lies the quaint village of Mashobra. A gravel-road indicates the entry to the Seog Wildlife Sanctuary. The annual Sipi Fair isheld in a little steep pathway off Mashobra.Tee off at the Naldehra Golf Course, on the northern outskirts of the town, at a distance of about 25kilometres from Shimla. The 9-hole golf-course, set amidst sloping meadows at an elevation of 2,050metres above sea level, was designed by Lord Curzon in the 19th century. The flora is impressive, rangingfrom alpine grass to pine and deodar. But the tourists are not permitted to enter the golf course and theycan only have a distant view of the golf-course. There are two separate entries, one for walking and theother for horses, which lead to a vast ground surrounded by pine trees and golf-course. It is better go upby own instead of taking horses and enjoy the serenity.


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Kinnaur Kailash Parikrma Trek: Kinnaur is one of the most beautiful places but very less known district of

Himachal Pradesh. This place is surrounded by Tibet, Garhwal Himalayan, spitti valley and Kullu. Sutlej River

also flows from the Kinnaur valley. Tourists can experience a Buddhism life style, due to its proximity to Tibet.

Buy

Further down the Mall Road is the Lakkar Bazaar, which has quite a few shops selling wooden handicrafts.The Mall is full of shops selling woolens (most of which find their way to Shimla from Ludhiana, Punjab) and

Kullu shawls. Other favorites have included wooden toys, walking sticks and Tibetian carpets made in nearby

Kinnaur. As the center of the food-processing industry in Himachal, jams and squashes made from local

produce are indeed worth purchasing. The stretch between Combermere Bridge and the Telegraph Office is full

of small stores which stock handcrafted Chinese shoes. The more well-known ones include Hopsons, Tatung

and Hugh & Co.

Himachal Emporium, 3 The Mall, +91 177 280-1234 (fax:+91 177 265-3164), [10](http://www.himcrafts.com) . Open Mo-Fr, 10AM-5PM. An excellent place to purchase locally-madehandicrafts at set prices. Run by the Himachal Pradesh Government.

Minchys, Anywhere in Shimla!, +91 177 286-0203, [11] (http://www.minchys.com) . Open Mon-Sun,10AM-6PM. The PLACE for Himachal Fruit Products! Jams and Squashes and Wines: Name it, Michyshas it. And the best of the lot. Though the main shop is on the Delhi-Shimla Highway, you can find stallseverywhere on the highway and in the city. Worth a try...Dockers San Francisco, DCAR, The Mall, [12] (http://www.dockersindia.com/) . Open every day,11AM-7PM. Virtually the only international brand-store in Shimla, Dockers is a trendy and upmarketplace. A favorite haunt of college students.Maria Bros., 78-A The Mall. Antique and rare book dealers. Absurdly overpriced. Try the couple of other options further down The Mall.

Minerva Book House, Hotel Minerva, +91 177 225-2043. A good selection of novels.

Eat

Most of the restaurants in Shimla are cheap, comfortable, atmospheric and offer good multi-cuisine food.

However, if you are looking for local cuisine, the options are surprisingly limited.

The Devicos, 5 The Mall (one storey beneath street level, directly below the Café Coffee Day outlet in

the vicinity of the BSNL Building),☎ +91 177 280-6335. 10:00AM~10:00PM. Serves good Indian foodof every description (one of the most extensive Indian-cuisine menus in town), complemented by someChinese and Continental dishes; one of the very few restaurants in town with food appealing both to

Indian and to Western palates. Good decor (with what appears to be original art rather thanreproductions). This is one of the most expensive places to eat in town (apart from 5-star hotels), butseems worth it as far as Indian dishes are concerned owing to the lack of real competition. Its twin Bar,located two storeys directly above (one storey above street level), is a hangout popular with the locals butnot a match for the restaurant as far as decor and atmosphere are concerned. Adverse comment regardingfood poisoning cases in the restaurant on the Lonely Planet website. Rs 50~150. edit

Baljees, 26 The Mall,☎ +91 177 265-2313. 9AM-11PM. Among the town's oldest eateries, Baljeesoffers delicious Western and Indian fare. Their desserts, appearances and reputation to the contrarynotwithstanding, are atrocious, laced with chemicals, and best avoided. Mains Rs 100-150, Desserts Rs


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50. edit

The Oberoi Cecil Restaurant, Chaura Maidan (in The Oberoi Cecil Hotel),☎ +91 177 2804848, [13](http://www.oberoihotels.com/india/shimla/oberoicecil/dining/dining.asp?) . Open for breakfast, lunch,and dinner (with closing breaks in between). A good selection of European and Asian dishes,complemented by best European and non-European vintages. Chandeliers and wood-paneling add to theold-world elegance, a perfect setting for a quiet dinner (unless you have the misfortune to be seated nextto an extended Punjabi family with unruly children). Unarguably the best and unarguably the most

expensive place to eat in town. Nevertheless, buffet breakfasts somewhat disappointing (no cheeseselection, for example, though provided if one specifically asks). Standards have slipped here in therecent years, since the majority of the guests are now Indian rather than foreign as before. Rs 500~1,500. edit

Silver Oak, Circular Road,☎ +91 177 225-7588. 7-11PM. Serves Mughlai and Chinese. The food is notgreat, but passable. Nice decor and a comfortable atmosphere. Rs 150. edit

The Lutyens Room, Springfields, Chhota Shimla (opposite Tibetan School),☎ +91 177 222-1297,222-1298. 11AM-10:30PM. Continental and Indian food. Rs 150 and above. edit

Ashiana & Goofa, The Band Stand, The Ridge, [14] (http://hptdc.nic.in/cir0103.htm) . Open for lunchand dinner. Whatever little can be had of Himachali cuisine can be found at these twin-restaurants run byHimachal Tourism, the one located above the other. The food is neither cheap nor the best in town, but itis safe and they otherwise do their best. A good spot for people-watching, the location within a circularelevated glass building has attracted comment in guidebooks: it lies in fact on the site of a historicalstructure, known as the Band Stand, which was a gift to the city made in 1907 by the ruler of one of theinnumerable princely states of the pre-independence India (Jabalpur in what is today the state of MadhyaPradesh). Sit-in or takeaway. Rs 50-150. edit

The restaurant at Hotel Pinewood, Barog (tel:+91 1792 238-825 & 238-387) serves cheap Punjabi fare.There's also a Cafe Coffee Day [15] (http://www.cafecoffeeday.com) outlet at Solan, which sells pastries,

coffee and sandwiches and a Mc Donalds on the way.Loveena Restaurant, The Ridge. below rain shelter, restaurant with view.indian,chinese,[email protected]/- edit

New Plaza Restaurant (Plaza), 60/61, Middle Bazar,☎ 0177-2655438. edit

Qilaa, The Mall Rd; below Syndicate Bank, near Scandal Point (On the way from Scandal Point to DC

Office),☎ +91 9736691209, [16] (http://www.facebook.com/qilaashimla) . 11AM-11PM. A favouriteamong frequent visitors and the locals. The interiors have been built keeping in mind the cold weatheroutside. There’s an instant feel of warmth and coziness as you enter the place. The food has a homelyflavor to it as it’s cooked under the constant supervision of the friendly young couple who owns it. Their

best items are the mezze platter and banoffee pie. You can sit here all day without being irked byanybody to leave. up to $10. edit

Sher E Punjab (Sher E Punjab), Ridge Sanjauli Road (take road to Lakkar Bazar, Just 100 M from

Ridge point.). 10 AM to 10 PM. If you are looking for a local Indian food which people of India have athome, then you should try this place. A good place to eat tava chappati (Indian bread)at reasonable rates.Ask for mixed vegetable dish with butter chappati. INR 30-150. edit

Indian Coffee House, The Mall (On Mall Rd, just down from the post office on the lef t ). Probably thecheapest food in Shimla, especially during peak season. They serve good south Indian food as well as


7 01-04-20



surprisingly good western breakfast fare - try the Rs 40 French toast. Rs 20 - 80. edit

Drink

Himachal is known as the fruit-bowl of India. It has a thriving food processing industry that churns out

fruit-based drinks, squashes and concentrates. The most famous flavors are plum, litchi, strawberry, mango and

guava.

You can also try the real aqua minerale spring water available near the source (if you are trekking)!

Alcohol

For alcoholic drinks, try the locally brewed wines such as apricot, plum and apple & ginger cider. In

predominantly Tibetan areas, a rice wine known as Chang is popular.

Lobby Lounge, Chaura Maidan, [17] (http://www.oberoihotels.com/india/shimla/oberoicecil/dining /dining.asp?) . 24 hours. The Lobby Lounge is in the soaring 5-story atrium of the Oberoi. A good place toenjoy tea or a quiet drink in an elegant atmosphere. A roaring fire in the winters adds to the colonialcharm. Drinks Rs 200-250. edit

"Rendevous" located less than a minute walk from Christ Church on The Mall, across from "Alfa Restruant".

Somewhat hidden, this restruant/bar offers good bollywood tunes, a nice cozy interior and strong drinks. try to

order the monkey glad, but it's not guaranteed they will have the ingredients.

Coffee

Cafe Coffee Day, 5 The Mall (in The Devicos), [18] (http://www.cafecoffeeday.com) . 9AM-11PM.Similar to Barista, although not quite as good. Another branch at Mama's Kitchen NH22, Dharampur,Solan District. Cappuccino Rs 120. edit

Indian Coffee House, The Mall. 9AM-11PM. Indian Coffee House (ICH), Mall Road. Indian coffeehouse (ICH) is a favourite with the locals, although not as trendy as barista or ccd, ICH retains the charmof bygone era. Cheap coffee and town gossipp make it a favourite with locals. edit

Fire Station Cafe, Indian Institute of Advanced Study. IIAS is the erstwhile Viceroy Lodge which is aVictorian era building. The IIAS has renovated its old fire station complex. The old structure which

housed fire station, post office, squash court, and now swimming pool, besides a garage during British erawas converted into a ‘Book shop-cum- souvenir shop’. Once you have completed the conducted tour of the IIAS, you can relax over a cup of coffee or tea and soak in the environment. edit

Sleep

There are lots of options from dormitories to luxury resort hotels. Online booking is the most convenient way to

reserve a room. Alternatively, the tourist office can supply a list of hotels, and you can phone or trek over an

reserve a room in person. Rooms in Shimla range from as low as US$ 5 to a whopping US$ 600.


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This guide uses the followingprice ranges for a standarddouble room:

Budget Under Rs 1500Mid-range Rs 1500-6000Splurge Rs 6000+

Avoid touts at all cost, whether locals or outsiders (many are in fact

Kashmiri chisellers disguised as locals, and calling themselves

euphemistically "guides", who have been working the Shimla beat for years

and decades); they scour the railway and bus stations for incautious or

vulnerable-looking victims among the new arrivals, and foreign travellers

carrying luggage are their prime targets in the streets as well: if you allow

them to lead you to your hotel you will be manipulated in manifold ways:

(1) your daily room rate will automatically (but surreptitiously) be bumped up to cover the commission they will

receive from the hotel for their unnecessary services (resulting in an increase in hotel price of as much as

200%); (2) the touts will (unbeknownst to you) steer you away from hotels which deny them such commission

but which may be better choices from your point of view; and moreover (3) you will subsequently be pestered

by your tout, who will now "own" you during your stay, to buy additional "services" from him, while (4) being

force-fed additional doses of misinformation. The experience of being "led" by an unscrupulous but ingratiating

manipulator with his own interest in mind rather than yours can be the ruin of one's visit to Shimla. The touts

can be extremely importunate and persevering in pursuit of their illegal trade while at the same time feigning

"friendship" intended to ensnare the gullible.

Budget

A visitor to Shimla requiring truly budget (but safe) accommodation at any time of the year other than the

months of May (latter part) and June — when high season causes a spike in room rates even at the most

modest of establishments — can confidently expect to be able to find a double hotel room for Rs. 200 (USD

4.38) a night or thereabout. In this category, the well-known standbys among the frequent visitors to Shimla are

Hotel Gulmarg (below The Mall; a room for as low as Rs 150 per night), Hotel Dreamland (rather

institutional though), Hotel Woodland (peaceful and with balcony and cheap but food and room service is notup to the mark), Hotel City View (great terrace, but beware of resident touts), Hill Bloom Hotel (some rooms

with great panoramic views), all basic but adequate and excellently located above Christ Church on The Ridge

(some with spectacular views). Use Christ Church on The Ridge — Shimla's principal landmark familiar to all,

easily identifiable during the day and prominently illuminated at night — as your first orientation point upon

arrival.

All accommodation arrangements as well as any additional side-trips, sightseeing, onward transportation, etc.,

can easily and safely be arranged without the help of the touts. (Visit the office of the state-run Himachal

Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (phone +91 177 265-2561 or 265-8302), located in the central

place downtown called "The Scandal Point", before Christ Church on The Ridge (across from the City Hall), for

any impartial information or guidance you may require: the staff there are well-informed and reasonablyprofessional. There are no alternatives to this office as the source of impartial, reliable information on all

aspects of Shimla and on travel thereto and therefrom.)

The rate of Rs 200 per night should be taken as a benchmark when negotiating the price of accommodation at

most ordinary hotels in Shimla (outside of the aforementioned period of late May and June, when, as already

mentioned, the spike in demand causes a spike in the price of the supply). Budget travellers should bear in mind

that from 1 May 2011 an extra tax at the rate of 5.15% is charged on all hotel rooms with the approved

maximum charge per night exceeding the amount of Rs 1,000 (one thousand rupees): hotel rooms with the

maximum approved nightly rate below Rs 1,000 are exempt. The tax, when applicable, is calculated on the


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maximum rate for the particular room that has been approved by the State tourism authorities and not on the

actual rate negotiated between between the guest and the hotel. Thus, if a particular hotel room has the

approved maximum nightly rate of Rs 1,200, for example, but the guest has managed to negotiate with the hotel

a rate of Rs 300 for that room in off-season, the final bill may attract an additional amount of Rs 62 per night, or

over 20% of the total. To avoid the tax in question, try to choose budget hotels with government-approved

maximum rates below Rs 1,000 per night (regardless of your actual negotiated amount), or those where the

hotelier is willing to cover the extra charge himself in any case.

YMCA (2,225 metres above sea level), Behind Ritz Cinema, The Ridge (1 mile walk from Shimla train

and bus station),☎ +91 177 2650021. checkin: 12 noon; checkout: 12 noon. A centrally located,

charming Victorian style building. Offers both en-suite rooms and rooms with common bathrooms. Alimited choice complementary breakfast is provided at no extra cost. En-suite rooms have clean attachedbathrooms. To avoid disappointment during peak season, pre-book a room over phone. En suite roomcosts Rs 700 for a single person and Rs 1000 for two persons. A room with common bathroom costs Rs370 for a single person and Rs 500 for two persons. Problems with noise and vermin infestation reported.Rs 370 and above. edit

Shimla Youth Hostel located in "must visit" Lakkar Bazar offers budget accommodation, and a discount to

Youth hostel members. Ph:+919418025462

Hotel White, Lakkar Bazaar (500m NE of The Ridge),☎ +91 177 265-5276 ([email protected],fax: +91 177 265-5276), [19] (http://www.hotelwhiteshimla.com/) . This hotel surprisingly offers cleanand spacious rooms all done up in white at budget-friendly rates. Opt for their suite which also offers abalcony and great views of the valley. Rs1500. edit

Hotel Mayur (2,211 metres above sea level), The Ridge ( just behind Christ Church, and overlooking its

roof ),☎ +91 177 265-2393 ([email protected], fax: +91 177 2652398). checkout: 12PM. A centrallylocated hotel on The Ridge. Rooms have clean attached bathrooms, color television, wall-to-wallcarpeting; somewhat run-down by now. The room service is fairly decent. Rs 1000-1700. edit

Dalziel (2,135 metres above sea level), The Mall (10 minutes walk westwards from Scandal Point ),☎9211709437, [20] (http://www.dalzielhotel.com/) . checkin: 27/5/12; checkout: 29/5/12. Situated in awooden heritage building. Laundry service and meals available.Food & water served unhygenic From Rs400 upwards. edit

Amar Palace, (Take the road directly up the hill to the left of/behind christ church and it's about 300m

up the road from there. Call if you get lost and they'll come find you. ),☎ 01772804055, 9418696458.24 Hour hot water, and some rooms with a pretty good view back out along the ridge. Don't go with touts!Last One Even in peak season they were the cheapest (rs 800 offered without bargaining).. edit

Other cheaper areas of the city are through Victory tunnel and on Circular Rd and Kaithu to Kali Bari Rd. In

high season, rooms can be found for Rs 1000 - Rs 1500 a night.

Mid-range

Hotel Combermere (2,150 metres above sea level at Circular Road level, 2,185 metres at the top-floor

level), The Mall (10 minutes' walk eastwards from Scandal Point; near The Lift, opposite the Indira

Gandhi Sports Complex),☎ +91 177 225-1246/47/48, 265-2242/43/46/48 ([email protected], fax: +91177 225-2251, 265-7906), [21] (http://www.hotelcombermere.com/) . checkin: 12 noon; checkout: Latecheckouts on request. Although some of the suites are rather unreasonably priced, this remains a good


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option, mainly because of its convenient location. Facilities include a bar, good wi-fi in guestrooms(chargeable), a terrace garden, a gym (a rarity among the mid-range hotels in Shimla) and a spa. This isone of the only two hotels on The Mall equipped with its own private lift to the lower level of CircularRoad (Cart Road), the other facility so equipped being the Landmark Hotel. Good food, professionallyprepared, especially Italian (recommended): one can tell that the F&B department are kept on their toeshere. From Rs 4,500 to Rs 9,900; 2 Nights Package with meals Rs 7699. edit

Woodville Palace (2,190 metres above sea level), Raj Bhavan Road (20 to 25 minutes' walk eastwards

from Scandal Point ),☎ +91 177 262-3919 or 262-4038 ([email protected] , fax:+91 177 262-3098), [22] (http://www.woodvillepalacehotel.com/) . checkin: 12 noon; checkout: 4PM.This converted palace was built in 1938 by the Maharaja of Jubbal (a descendant of the original ownerstill lives on the premises, and is addressed by the staff as "maharaja"). It has its own private woodlands,which provide an excellent place for a leisurely evening stroll. Immaculately maintained public spaces,full of 'atmosphere'; attentive service; food on the homely side rather than any haute cuisine, though. Rs4,000. edit

Clarke's Hotel (2,150 metres above sea level), The Mall (100 metres as the crow flies across a small

valley from the Himachal Pradesh High Court complex; 15 minutes' walk eastwards from Scandal

Point ),☎ +91 177 265-1010, 265-1011, 265-1012, 265-1013, 265-1014, 265-1015([email protected] , fax: +91 177 281-1321), [23](http://www.clarkesshimla.com/) . checkin: 12 noon; checkout: 12 noon. Although billing itself as a'heritage hotel since 1898', this property had been a hotel before that date ('Carlton Hotel' having beenone of its previous, historic names), and it most famously used to be — since 1934 — the premiereproperty of the Oberoi chain; its current standing with the group is somewhat unclear (Chairman Oberoisaid publicly in April 2011 that it is still part of the group). Extremely convenient, central location on TheMall; immaculately maintained heritage building, with guestrooms full of period charm and 'atmosphere'(good views from windows over the southern valley of Shimla). Food on offer on the premises does notbegin to match the quality of the accommodation; instant-powder concoction passes here for 'coffee'. If you stay here, eat and drink out. From Rs 6,500 to 9,000. edit

Hotel Landmark (2,100 metres above sea level at Circular Road level, 2,115 metres at the top-floor level), The Mall (15 minutes' walk westwards from Scandal Point; near Gorton Castle, a historic

property used nowadays for the offices of the Accountant-General of Himachal Pradesh and not open to

the general public),☎ +91 177 281-4700, 281-4701, or 281-4703 ([email protected], fax: +91177 281-4702), [24] (http://www.hotellandmarkshimla.com/) . checkin: 12 noon; early check-in availableat extra charge; checkout: 12 noon; late check-out available at extra charge. A good choice for thosewishing to stay west of Scandal Point; decent views from some rooms over the northern valley of Shimla,including the helipad at Annadale, at an elevation of 1,865 metres, directly across (owing to theirpositioning, guestrooms receive little direct sunlight though). New property with clean, modern facilities(marble bathrooms). Both the upper level of The Mall and the lower level of Circular Road (Cart Road)accessible by private in-house lift. Rooftop terrace (accessible directly from The Mall and open to thegeneral public, hence not suitable for lounging). Food nondescript but passable in a pinch. From Rs 3,950to Rs 5,400. edit

Hotel Ashiana Regency (2,110 metres above sea level), Chōṭā Shimla (or 'Little Shimla') (near 'The

Secretariat' — the seat of Himachal Pradesh Government; 45 minutes' walk westwards from Scandal

Point ),☎ +91 177 262-1572, 262-2472, 262-2658 (fax: +91 177 262-4872, 262-0037), [25](http://www.ashianaregency.com/) . checkin: 12 noon; checkout: 12 noon. A very decent place to stay in

if you don't mind 45 minutes' walk along the wooded (and mostly pedestrian) Mall to town centre.Facilities include a public terrace with good views over the southern valley of Shimla, a bar, and a spawith a sauna and jacuzzi. The hotel restaurant is a 'moderate' favourite with the locals. The immediate


17 01-04-20



vicinity of the Hotel, in a densely built-up area called 'Chōṭā Shimla', lacks interest and recreationalpotential, however. Rs 2,500 to 7,700. edit

Hotel Peterhoff (2,117 metres above sea level), Chaura Maidan (45 minutes' walk westwards from

Scandal Point ),☎ +91 177 221-3335 (fax: +91 177 221-3801). checkin: 12 noon; checkout: 12 noon.Nice, clean rooms with air-con, heaters, mini-bars and the usual mid-range amenities. Indifferent,uncaring staff, a common feature with government establishments. Owned and operated by the HimachalPradesh Tourism Development Corporation, a state government entity. Not to be confused with the

historic (wooden) property of the same name (Peterhoff) which was once the residence of the BritishViceroy of India and which stood in precisely the same spot until 1981, when it burned to the ground: thepresent structure is not its recreation and, despite the retention of the name, is devoid of all periodaccents or character. Its large, soulless expanses cast in poured concrete are nowadays a frequent venuefor conventions and group meetings. An individual cannot hope for any personalized attention here; andfood is absolutely terrible. Convenient location for those wishing to visit the Viceregal Lodge (atop theObservatory Hill) and the Himachal Pradesh Museum (atop the Inverarm Hill), but otherwiseconsiderably out-of-the-way with regard to town centre. Unforgettable views from the front lawn, endingabruptly in a precipice, are the only reminder of what this property could have been. Rs 2000-7000. edit

Honeymoon Inn (Shimla Hotel), The Mall, [26] (http://www.hotelhoneymooninn.net/) . This 20 room

boutique hotel offers some great views. edit

Splurge

For travellers requiring luxury accommodation during their stay in Shimla, the advantages offered by The

Oberoi Cecil, a luxury hotel of the Oberoi chain, as regards both the location and the in-house amenities, are

unbeatable by any establishment in town. Their lesser-grade affiliate, The Oberoi Clarke's, another hotel of

the Oberoi chain with a great ambiance and rich history, has the advantage of a more central location on The

Mall, but its facilities in general and its cuisine in particular are not a match for The Cecil. A close runner-up to

The Cecil in the luxury lineup is The Radisson Hotel Shimla, but its location in a low-lying locality known as

Goodwood Estate, on Lower Bharari Road (currently in a state of shocking disrepair and dangerous to walk on), which is difficult of access and too out-of-the-way for virtually all sightseeing to be done in Shimla, makes

this otherwise swanky new hotel impossible to recommend except for those wishing to spend all their time

within the confines of their hotel proper or who do not mind relying on the hotel's fleet of private cars to get to

town and back (a relatively expensive proposition on a daily basis). Travellers who might prefer genteel

seclusion would be much better served by Woodville Palace Hotel (see "Mid-range", above), accessible on

foot from the centre of the town but located in a pleasant quiet woody cove requiring a 20 minutes' walk along

The Mall to town, or the 14 kilometres' distant Wildflower Hall (see "Accommodation options outside of

Shimla", below), a spectacular resort of the expensive Oberoi chain with its own mountain in a forested area

outside of town, near the village of Charabra (accessible from Shimla by car only, available, at cost, at the

hotel).

The Oberoi Cecil (2,098 metres above sea level), Chaura Maidan (takes a pleasant and easy 20-minute

walk from town centre to get there),☎ +91 177 280-4848 ([email protected] , fax: +91 177281-1024), [27] (http://www.oberoicecil.com) . checkin: 12PM; checkout: 12PM. An elegant hotel in thegrand heritage style, immaculately maintained, with log fires and a heated swimming-pool. Best food intown. Rs 10,000-23,000, Beakfast Rs 1500. edit

Chapslee Hotel, Chapslee Estate (between Lakkar Bazaar and Auckland House high school, just above

much-trafficked Circular Road ),☎ +91 177 280-2542 (fax: +91 177 265-8663), [28](http://www.chapslee.com) . checkin: 12PM; checkout: 12PM. Formerly the residence of the ruler of


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Kapurthala (and still in the hands of "the family"); pretentious ownership a drawback, but otherwise anattractive place to put up in (even if the location isn't the greatest for access to town: to get to The Ridgerequires making a steep ascent along dusty Lakkar Bazaar). Reminiscent of the days of the British Raj,with croquet lawns and mature gardens. Rooms have no keys (doors are left unlocked at all times). Aspart of this historic property has now been converted into a primary school (called 'Chapslee School'), theruckus raised by children on their way to classes early in the morning can be unnerving. Rs 9,500-12,500,Winter Surcharge up to Rs 1,000. edit

Radisson Hotel Shimla (2,100 metres above sea level), Goodwood Estate, Shimla (on the lower slopesof Longwood Hill, the mountain directly across the northern valley of Shimla, opposite the mountain

with The Ridge which is the centre of town),☎ +91 177 2659012-21 (fax: +91 177 2806902), [29](http://www.radisson.com/himachal-pradesh-hotel-in-171001/indshim) . checkin: 12PM; checkout:12PM. One of the best hotels in Shimla, with most of the five-star facilities, inconveniently located on theoutskirts of town, though with great views of The Ridge and the surroundings (800 metres across theShimla valley, as the crow flies): you can easily see the places you want to be in from your window evenif you cannot easily get to them. Pleasant public spaces; good-value buffet dinners. from Rs 7,000 and up. edit

Accommodation outside of Shimla

Wildflower Hall (2,560 metres above sea level), near the village of Charabra (14 km west of Shimla on

National Highway 22, NH22),☎ +91 177 264-8585 ([email protected] , fax: +91 177264-8686), [30] (http://www.oberoiwildflowerhall.com) . checkin: 12PM; checkout: 12PM. An Oberoiproperty. A stately brand-new stone building built among cedar and pine forests. Arguably the best hotelcomplex in the entire state of Himachal Pradesh, though definitely outside of town as far as Shimla isconcerned: if you can afford to stay there, the private transportation to town will not be an issue for youeither. Food fare exceeds here that offered by The Oberoi Cecil in town in terms of the quality andvariety of the ingredients, but not necessarily in the quality of preparation (the kitchen staff are oftenshuffled between the two properties, in fact, so that if you had previously stayed at The Cecil you may

run into familiar faces in the dining-room here). Rs 15,000-39,500. edit

Flaghouse Resort, Junga,☎ 0177-6539022/23 ([email protected]), [31](http://www.flaghouse.co.in/) . checkin: 2.00 pm; checkout: 12.00 noon. The Flaghouse resort at Junga,Shimla District is a luxury resort nested in the magnificent Shimla Hills. Away from the hustle and bustleof the civilized world, the resort offers peace and tranquility in the cradle of nature. All rooms andcottages in the resort have private balconies having a panoramic view of the valley and the mountains.Each of the rooms measuring around 350 sq. ft. or more are tastefully decorated with elegant furnituresand all modern amenities such as satellite LCD TVs, Wi-Fi, telephones, well stocked mini bar, and muchmore. The resort is disabled friendly and provides accommodation for drivers and aayas. The resort is petfriendly and has separate accommodation for pets. 3 days/2 nights package inclusive of breakfast and one

major meal starts at Rs 3800 per person for standard double rooms.. edit

East Bourne Resort, Near Bishop Cotton School, Khallini,☎ +91 177 2623669-71([email protected], fax: +91 177 262-3890), [32] (http://www.theconsortiumhotels.com) .checkout: 12 noon. A pine forest resort, Multi cuisine restaurant, 02 open air garden restaurants, lounge,coffee shop, library over looking a rose garden, steam, sauna, jacuzzi, discotheque & ample parking spacefor 60 cars. Rs 6000. edit

Koti Resort (Shimla Hotel), Mashobra ( Just off the Shimla-Naldehra Road ),☎ +919218501601, [33](http://www.kotiresort.net/) . Please contact for latest deals. edit


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Hotel Golf Links, Naldehra. This delightful hotel is in Naldehra, the site of the historical golf course.Overlooking the valley, it offers some very scenic vistas and a cosy place to lounge away your vacation.Rs 1500+. edit

Park Woods Hill Resort Shoghi, Village Paughat (near Shoghi),☎ +91 9953818074([email protected]), [34] (http://www.park-woods.com) . Forested hill resort with quaint bamboonad pinewood cottages, valley and mountain views, adventure activities, barbeques, bonfires, open areas.

Rs 3700-5350. edit

Homestays near Shimla

Sunrise Villa Homestay, Shoghi (12 kms before Shimla),☎ +91 177 2860075, [35](http://www.sunrisevilla.in) . checkin: 12:00 noon; checkout: 12:00 noon. Sunrise Villa(Department of Tourism, HP Government approved home stay unit) is located at a very picturesque location at Shoghi asuburb of Shimla [36] (http://www.sunrisevilla.in/shimla.htm) , in a peaceful, calm environment, naturallyblessed with breathtaking views of the distant Chail and the snow-clad Himalayan ranges. Rs 900. edit

Vardaan Homestay, Shoghi (

12 kms before Shimla),☎

+91 981 8568977, [37] (http://vardaanshimla.in). checkin: 12:00 noon; checkout: 12:00 noon. Vardaan Home Stay(Department of Tourism, HP

Government approved home stay unit) is located at a picturesque location at Shoghi away from crowdedShimla. Rs 1500. edit

Contact

The area dialling code for Shimla is 0177. From overseas, dial +91 177 XXX-XXXX. There are plently of

STD/ISD booths. The amount is calculated on a digital meter, and is paid after the call. A short STD call will

cost you around Rs 10.

Tourist Information

There are two main official tourist information centres in Shimla, as well as a small office at the train station

that isn't always open. The victory point office is less busy and helpful. It's also near where some government

busses leave from.

Near Victory Tunnel, Shimla- Phone: +91-177-2654589Bye pass road, Shimla, Phone: +91-177-2832498.

Mobile Phones

It is very easy to get a Prepaid mobile, which is very cheap to get, and calls are cheap too. One needs to give a

Photo ID proof and a photograph for prepaid as well as postpaid connection as per the Govt. regulations.

CellOne - GSM 900, 1800 and 1900 MHz.(Tri-Band)Airtel - GSM 900, 1800 and 1900 MHz.(Tri-Band)Reliance Telecom - GSM 900, 1800 and 1900 MHz.(Tri-Band)Reliance India Mobile - CDMA

Tata Indicom - CDMAIdea-GSM 900, 1800 and 1900 MHz.(Tri-Band)Vodafone - GSM


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As long as you are in Shimla, the signal strength is pretty good. But as you move towards Kufri and Narkanda,

the signal strength deteriorates significantly. In last 3-4 years, these services overall have become much better.

Internet

Internet cafes are plentiful in The Mall, most of them are concentrated near the lifts. However, it is best to avoid

these (Windows 98, dial-up connection, poor security) and check your mail at the hotels instead. Nearly all

hotels have internet access, and it is not terribly expensive either. Expect to pay Rs 50 per hour in a hotel, and

Rs 10 outside. The Oberoi Cecil has WiFi in the lounge area with vouchers available at reception. Budget

travellers sometimes get a frosty reception here and will be told that internet access is for guests only.

Get out

Buses, for example to Manali and Dharamsala, can be booked in advance or on the day of travel up to a few

hours before departure from the government office next to the official tourist information centre at Scandal

Point. Many of the buses will actually depart from the new bus stop which is a 30 minute and Rs 10 ride from

the old bus station in town near the train station, so just be sure to double check when booking.

Kinnaur. An area located on the Tibetan border. Home to ethnic Tibetans. Several traditional Buddhistmonasteries.Manali, Kullu Valley (260 km). An area of hot springs, traditional buildings, and Buddhist monasteries.Jagson Airlines [38] (http://www.jagsonairline.com) flies to Kullu.Dharamsala. Home of H.H. Dalai Lama and the Tibetan-Government-in-exile. Many Buddhistmonasteries in the area.Kasauli. Kasauli is a small town in the state of Himachal Pradesh located at an altitude of 1,927 m. Thetown is 77 km from Shimla and 70 km from Chandigarh. It is one of those places that, despite its beautystill has yet to find itself prominently on the tourist's map. In fact, it is very good for all those who yearnto spend some time alone with their family or, for that matter, even themselves.

Chail (43 km). Originally a private reserve created by the Maharaja of Patiala who was banned fromShimla. Now a A 75 acre resort that meanders over undulating hills. Home to the world's highest cricketpitch.

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