Family India – The Golden Triangle & Hill Stations Of The North
Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Shimla,
Set high in the foothills of the Himalayas, Shimla is the state capital of Himachal Pradesh, and is well known for its colonial heritage. Shimla served as the former summer retreat of the British Government during the time of the Raj, providing an escape from the heat and dust of Delhi. This famous hill station is the setting for much of ‘Kim’, Rudyard Kipling’s classic tale.
Nowhere else does the past meet the present with such an obvious flare then Shimla. Grand mansions, whitewashed churches, cricket pitches and little antique steam trains sit alongside chaotic bazaars and brightly hued iron rooftops. With traffic banned from the city centre, there is the rare opportunity to enjoy a pleasant amble, despite the hilly ascend, through the main road, the heart of the city, known as The Mall. At the end of the Mall, the tourists convene at The Ridge, both for the market and for the spectacular views.
The best time to visit is just before the winter sets in between October and November when it is still warm. Spring is a little unpredictable but the flora and fauna are quite spectacular when in bloom.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Kalka-Shimla railway is synonymous with the town. This narrow-gauge railway built by the British in 1903 continues to delight passengers today. The journey offers breathtaking views of the surrounding villages, foothills and forests, as it gently winds its way steeply upwards through the mountains.
Complete your luxury holiday to Shimla with a twin stay at The Oberoi Wildflower Hall, just outside of the city in the scenic cedar forests of Mashobra. Here you can enjoy the glorious setting of the Himalayas. Shimla combines very nicely with Chandigarh and even Amritsar, both providing a fascinating insight into India’s rich and colourful history of cultures and religions.
Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Shimla,
Delhi, Amritsar, Dharamsala, Taragarh, Pragpur, Shimla