Jakhu Temple

Location:	Jakhu Hill, Shimla
Dedicated To:	Lord Hanuman

At the top of the famous Jakhu hill is located the famous Jakhu Temple of Shimla. It is hardly 2 kilometers from the Ridge and is an uphill climb through the beautiful deodar trees. The Jakhu Temple of Simla is dedicated to the monkey God, Hanuman. The Jakhu temple is located at a height of 2455 meters and is situated on the highest peak in Shimla. The scenic view that surrounds this beautiful temple of India is absolutely breath taking and splendid.

The temple has an interesting legend behind it. It is said that a deadly arrow injured Lord Rama’s brother Lakshmana when he was fighting the battle with the demon king Ravana. A priest diagnosed Lakshmana and said that he needed a particular Sanjeevani herb from the Himalayas to cure Lakshmana. Hanuman was sent to get that herb from he lofty mountains. Upon reaching the Himalayas, Hanuman couldn’t make out as to which herb was the Sanjeevani. So he dug up the entire mountain and flew back to where Lakshmana was lying injured.

After Lakshmana was cured, Hanuman went back to place the mountain in its original site. He rested on top of the Jakhu hill for sometime. It is said that the top of the hill got flattened due to Hanuman’s weight! The temple has been built around the place that is supposed to have the footprints of Hanuman. It is a highly revered religious place of Shimla and devotees throng in huge numbers to pray. The shrine is a hotspot for monkeys who flock here in great numbers and generously accept eatables that are given to them by devotees and tourists.

Kalibari Temple Shimla

Location:	Near the Mall, Shimla
Dedicated To:	Goddess Kali

The famous Kalibari Temple of Shimla is a popular tourist attraction and is situated at a very strategic location. The temple was built in the year 1845 and is dedicated to Goddess Kali who is also known as Shyamala. It is from the name of Goddess Shyamala that Shimla derives its name. The Kali Bari temple of Simla is a very well known religious place of India and people who come to Shimla never miss out on visiting this temple. The Kalibari temple was primarily located in Jakhu hill. The British brought it to its new site.

Christ Church & St. Michael’s Cathedral Shimla

Location:	Near the Ridge, Shimla
Dedicated To:	Jesus Christ

The famous Christ church & St. Michael’s Cathedral of Shimla is a beautiful architectural masterpiece. The construction of this church took a span of 11 years (1846 – 1857) and is considered to be the second oldest church in North India. This splendid church is located just near the Ridge in Shimla and can be reached very easily from anywhere. The Christ Church & St. Michael’s Cathedral is a famous landmark of Simla and is flocked by many devout followers from all over India.

The church looks absolutely magical during night when lights placed at strategic corners illuminate this beautiful church. The church glows with all its beauty and grandeur and is an amazing sight to look at. Beautifully painted stained glass form the windows of this magnificent church. It is a grand sight to look at and definitely worth the visit if you are traveling to Shimla. Right next to the Church is a library that was built in the year 1910 by James Ransome. It is designed in the typical Elizabethan style and consists of a great collection of books and ancient scriptures.

Sankat Mochan Temple Shimla

Location:	5 kilometers from Shimla (Kalka – Shimla National Highway)
Dedicated to:	Lord Hanuman

One of the most popular tourist attractions of Shimla, the Sankat Mochan Temple is located among lush green and tranquil locales in this beautiful hill station. Shri Sankat Mochan temple in Simla is located on the Kalka – Shimla highway, on the National Highway – 22. The temple is a place where one can actually meditate and enjoy the calm and peaceful surroundings. Lush green trees surround Sankat Mochan Temple and the backdrop consists of the imposing and lofty Himalayan ranges and a light mist adds the mystical touch to that place. Let us take a look at the temple’s history.

Not very long ago, around 1950’s, Baba Neeb Karori Ji Maharaj came to this beautiful place and discovered the perfect spot for meditation and soulful introspection. After staying here for 10 days, he desired that a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman should be built here. Baba’s faithful devotees included the governor of Himachal Pradesh, who along with Bhagvan Sahai took up the task of building the temple and fulfilling their Guru’s wish.

Finally, on the 21st of June 1966, the temple was sanctified and thus was fulfilled Baba Neeb Karori Ji Maharaj’s desire of having a temple built over here that was dedicated to Lord Hanuman. It was a small temple back then, but now, due to the huge inflow of devotees, the temple has grown by leaps and bounds and today sprawls on huge area. The temple is dedicated mainly to Lord Hanuman, though one finds idols of Lord Rama, Shiva and Ganesha in separate complexes. There is a specially made temple for Baba Neeb Karori Ji Maharaj also. The temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha has been built in the South Indian style of architecture and is worth the visit.

The temple has many facilities for people and also includes a three-storey building that is used for many purposes. Every Sunday, the huge hall in the building is used for distributing Prasad, also known as Langar. One portion of the building is used to conduct marriage ceremonies and is rented out to people who want to conduct marriages. The temple charges a very nominal fee for this. Apart from marriages, there are many other sacred rituals and ceremonies that can be conducted over here. Priests and the maintainance staff, who work here day and night, use the rest of the building as a residential complex. The temple also has an Ayurvedic clinic and thirty well maintained toilets.

Tara Devi Temple Shimla

Location:	11 kilometers from Shimla
Dedicated To:	Goddess Tara Devi

Tara Devi Temple, located in Shimla is a very famous tourist attraction of this place. Situated at a distance of around 11 kilometers from Shimla, this famous temple can be visited while traveling on the Kalka – Shimla National Highway. The Tara Devi Temple is situated at the top of a hill in Simla and the lush green environs surrounding it give the temple a very peaceful and tranquil atmosphere. One must visit this temple to check out the breath taking views of the countryside. The backdrop of the lofty Himalayas and the clean and fresh air works wonders and makes your vacation worthwhile.

The origin of this temple can be traced back to around 250 years. It is said Goddess Tara was brought all the way from West Bengal to Himachal Pradesh. A King from the Sen dynasty visited this place after some years. He had brought along a small gold locket in which his an idol of his deity was encased in gold. He always wore this locket in his upper arm. The idol remained encased in that locket for many generations to come. One fine day, Raja Bhupendra Sen (of the 96th generation) had an unusual incident. While hunting in a dense forest, he had a vision of Goddess Tara along with Hanuman, who desired that she should be available for the public to pray and seek blessings.

Immediately, the Maharaja donated a big piece of land to build a temple dedicated to Goddess Tara. Thus, a temple was built and a wooden idol of the Goddess was installed for people to worship. After some more generations, Raja Balbir Sen had a vision in which the Goddess had wished that she be installed at the top of a hill known as Tarav Parvat. The Maharaja got a temple built at the top of the hill and got a beautiful idol made out of “Ashtadhatu”, a rare combination of eight elements. He got it installed in a grand fashion by taking out a huge procession and carrying the idol on the top of an elephant named Shankar. The temple stands in its entire splendor even today on this hilltop.

Fishing in Shimla

In Shimla, fishing is a very popular recreational sport. Since Shimla has many shallow streams scattered all over, it provides ample of opportunities for many to try the angling sport in Simla. In fact, Shimla is often known as “Angler’s Paradise” as it is one of those very few places that allows tourists to indulge in fishing in India. There are many popular spots for indulging in fishing in Shimla. Read on further to know about these hotspots.

Shimla is known for its treasure of the world’s best sport fish. The streams and shallow waters make this place the perfect location for fishing. One can indulge in fishing in the upstreams of Rohru situated in the Pabbar valley. There is a trout hatchery in Chirgaon where one can go fishing for trouts. The best sport fish in the world, Rainbow and Brown trouts are found here aplenty. Other good spots for fishing are Tikri, Sandsu, Dhamvari, Seema and Mandil. All these spots are within 20 kilometers of Rohru.

The Sangla Valley in Shimla is also well known for flourishing in trout population. One can go for fishing in Baspa River in Sangla. The Uhl River near Barot is also a popular point to go fishing. Places located near this spot that are popular fishing spots are Puran hatchery, Luhandi and Tikkar. So get set with your fishing gear and flaunt your prized catch to everyone!

Golfing in Shimla

Shimla used to be the summer capital of the British. No British township is complete without a golf course! Shimla is blessed with vast expanses of open land that is perfect for a golf course. Golf in Shimla has emerged as one of the most popular sports in the valley. Almost all tourists visiting India try their hand at golfing in Simla. The calm and serene atmosphere makes golf a more pleasurable sport. Shimla has beautiful golf courses that allow tourists to try their hand at golf. Read on further for more information on the same.

Naldehra
Located at a distance of around 22 kilometers from Shimla, Naldehra is one of the best and the oldest golf courses in India. Lord Curzon laid the foundation of this golf course in the year 1903, during the colonial rule in India. It is said that he was so mesmerized by the natural beauty of this place that he named his daughter “Naldera” after this place! Considered as one of the most challenging golf courses in the country, this is a par 68, nine-hole golf course.

Annadale
The Army manages this exquisite nine-hole golf course. There are several resorts and hotels available near this beautiful lush green golf course. Also, many resorts have come up with the concept of mini golf courses within the resort compound itself.

Mountaineering in Shimla

Mountaineering is a very popular adventure sport and mountaineering in Shimla has its own charm and magic. Many tourists and adventure seekers come here to try the mountain climbing sport of Simla. The lofty ranges of the Himalayas provide the ideal locale for indulging in mountaineering. Read on further to know more about the adventure sport of mountaineering.

There are certain precautions that should be kept in mind while embarking on mountaineering. Most accidents occur because of lack of safety equipments and precautionary measures. One has to be a very keen observer to look out for nooks and crannies to fix your grip on the face of the rocks. The only thing you can fall back on is the safety rope. In fact the Himalayan ranges in Shimla are called “Mountaineer’s Paradise”.

The diverse flora and fauna of Shimla is an additional boost for those who want to try their hand at mountaineering. The lush green landscapes, the tall pine trees, the snow blanketing the peaks, the fresh mountain air all make Himalayas an irresistible treat to mountaineers. Many devoted mountaineers and rock climbers do not leave even one opportunity to indulge in this exhilarating sport and come rushing to embark on yet another exciting expedition above the peaks.

To encourage mountaineering as a sport among the youth, Shimla has established an institution known as Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports at Manali. It also has a branch in Dharamshala. The courses that are provided here aim at initiating young people into the field of mountaineering. The institute has had its share of famous students who have conquered almost all ranges of the Himalayas.

Paragliding in Shimla

Though this sport has recently been introduced in Shimla, paragliding is fast catching up and emerging as one of the most sought after adventure sports in India. The undulating hills of Shimla provide the ideal location to try this sport. Para gliding is one sport that will set your adrenalin levels rushing and give you the exhilarating experience of a lifetime. Read on further to know more about paragliding sport in Shimla.

This exhilarating adventure sport is a skillful combination of parachuting and hang gliding. Some people think it its entirely parachuting, which is not correct. It is easily launched in lighter winds and needs less space to land. Most of the skills are learnt in air and a trainer during the practice session is hardly necessary. It is easier to rig and de-rig and the material used in the chute is of a very light weight.

In Shimla, Kangra valley is considered to be the hub of all gliding activities. To enjoy both paragliding and hang gliding, head on to Bir and Billing in the Kangra valley. These two locations are supposed to be the hot spots of gliding in Shimla. Since 1984, the Billing peak has hosted three international and five national hang gliding and paragliding rallies. So rush to Kangra and get set to soar like a bird and fly gracefully in the high skies.

Shimla Ice Skating

Your visit to Shimla shall become even more enjoyable if you try your hand at ice-skating. The ice skating sport of Simla is one of the most sought after adventure sport in Shimla. Shimla has the largest ice skating rink in India. It is also the only natural ice skating rink of India. This largest open-air rink attracts many tourists and locals who enjoy ice-skating. Ice skating in Shimla is bound to make your trip fun with a hint of adventure.

The ice skating season usually begins in the start of December and goes on till the end of February. The cold weather and clear skies make sure that people have undisturbed sessions of ice-skating. The sessions take place every day, twice a day in morning and evening. The rink also provides membership on short and long term basis. Basic equipments like skates, cap, kneepads etc. are available at the rink.

Every winter, there is an ice skating festival that attracts a large number of tourists and locals. The place comes alive with festivities, feasts, carnivals and colorful fancy dress competitions for children. It is the time to enjoy the cold weather and indulge in not just sports but also sinful hogging! So if you ever happen to visit Shimla in December, get set to see Shimla alive in the most vibrant colors.