Tuesday, September 9, 2008

CITY BEAUTIFUL-SHIMLA


Nostalgia gripped me as I went down the memory lane, for within this city I had enjoyed the best time of my life, care free like a bird on a tree. The very thought of being a Shimliaite, is matter of pride for anyone belonging to this City Beautiful.

Shimla originally called Simla, is a city in the Indian state of H.P. It is also the capital of the state and a municipal cooperaton within the Shimla district. In 1864, Shimla was declared the summer capital of the erstwhile British Raj in India. A popular tourist destination, Shimla is often referred to as the "Queen of Hills" (a term coined by the British). Located in north-west Himalayas at an altitude of 2,130 meters (6,988 ft), the city of Shimla, draped in forests of pine , rhododendron, and oak, experiences pleasant summers and cold, snowy winters. The city is famous for its buildings styled in tudorbethan and neo-gothic architecture reminiscent of the colonial era.

Employment is largely driven by the government and tourism. Being the administrative capital of the state of H.P , the city houses several central and state government offices. Government jobs account for almost half (47%) of the working population.

Mall Road in Shimla, is a place which cannot be left untouched by any visitor. The lifeline of Shimla, Mall road, is the main tourist attraction in the town. Mall is the centre of Shimla's bustling social life. It is a fairly level meandering esplanade that runs along the ridge. Mall road is the main street in Shimla.

ATTRACTIONS ON THE MALL

Scandal Point: The name is derived from Maharaja of Patiala's dalliances. According to the fact that ex-Maharaja fancied over the daughter of the then Viceroy of India, and she was walking over this point and she was kidnapped by the Maharaja. This is why this point is called Scandal Point, where such a glaring scandal took place during British Rule in India.

The highest point on The Mall, Scandal point is the end of Mall Road. One can have the views of valley and mountain peaks from this point. Scandal point is always full of tourists, due to its scenic location.

CHURCH : Situated on the ridge ,The Christ Church is the second oldest church in North India. The huge colonial monument is a classic example of British art of church construction.

KALI BARI TEMPLE: The Kali Bari Temple is supposed to be the temple Goddess Shyamala, who lends her name to Shimla. Kali Bari temple was constructed in 1845. The shrine of Shyamala was earlier in Jakhu hill. Britishers brought it to the new site of temple.


Speaking of weather, the ‘cold’ of Shimla is far superior and refreshing to any other ‘cold’ that I have experienced in my life. The air is crisp and promising. The sun is warm and friendly, and the glow on the people’s face is absolutely eclectic


How can anyone forget those Saturday evenings spend on the mall.The excitement and the wait for Saturdays. The long walks on those rainy days, sipping a cup of tea at “chachu ka dhabha”, gossiping at the willow banks and the park café.Spending hours at the park café,enjoying the coffee and listening to the rock music played by Dhananjay bhaiya.

Walking for hours with friends from one end to the other, without ever getting tired.Getting late for home and planning all the excuses. Some people running for “pudin hara” and others busy with their irresolvable matter. Some people never came to mall, instead are found on the forest road.:)

The first time when I went to the mall , the excitement I can never forget. The liveliness on the mall calling you every day to be there.,day after day,and after………………………………

Miss you shimla



source-internet

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