02NT 03 DAYS SHIMLA PACKAGE

Shimla is the capital of the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, in the Himalayan foothills. Once the summer capital of British India, it remains the terminus of the narrow-gauge Kalka-Shimla Railway, completed in 1903. It s also known for the handicraft shops that line The Mall, a pedestrian avenue, as well as the Lakkar Bazaar, a market specializing in wooden toys and crafts.

DAY 1
Delhi to Shimla By Tempo Treveler . Pick up Point New Delhi Railway Station.

DAY 2
JAKHU TEMPLE / JAKHU HILL
Jakhu Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Hindu deity Hanuman. It is situated on Jakhu Hill and is one of the prime places to visit in Shimla.. It is situated at an altitude of 2455m and is also the highest peak in Shimla.
According to mythology, a deadly arrow injured Lord Rama's brother Lakshmana when he was fighting the battle with the demon king Ravana. In order to save his life, when lord Hanuman was moving towards Himalayas to get Sanjeevani herb. 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 some time. 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.
In 2010, a huge statue of Hanuman is built near Jakhu Temple in Shimla. This is considered as world's tallest statue with 108 ft height lies at the highest altitude of 8100 ft. The temple holds several statues and paintings of Lord Hanuman as well as Lord Rama. The temple also has a pair of feet engraved in white marble which devotees believe are of Lord Hanuman.
There are many monkeys around the temple but surprisingly they don't attack people. Pilgrims offer them eatables which they readily accept. The route to the temple follows a 2.5 km footpath with long sections of steps. Ponies are available for ride to the temple. A nice park is built near to the main Temple of Jakhu now.

THE RIDGE
The Ridge is a large open space located in the heart of Shimla. It is among the most visited Shimla tourist places and among the prime place to visit on a Shimla tour. The Ridge is situated along the Mall Road which is the famous shopping center of Shimla.
Several major places of Shimla like Lakkar Bazaar, Mall, Scandal Point, Jakhu Hill, etc. are connected through the Ridge. The movement of vehicles is strictly prohibited here. The Ridge in Shimla always remains crowded with hundreds of people. Tourists from all over the country visit this awesome place for the view of the sunset.
The Ridge at Shimla also provides the tourists a view of the age old Christ Church built in the Neo-Gothic style of architecture as well as the new Tudor library. The statue of YS Parmar who is the founder of Himachal Pradesh and of Mrs. Indira Gandhi have been erected at this place.
The Ridge is famous for the various government functions and fairs that are held here. It is usually the venue for all such celebrations and events.
The most famous festival that is held at the Ridge is the Summer Festival in the month of Apr/May. During this festival, the whole of Shimla comes alive with flying colors. The Ridge offers splendid views of the snow-clad ranges of the Himalayas, fine walks through oak and flowering rhododendron throughout the year.

CHRIST CHURCH
Christ Church Shimla is the second oldest church in North India. The majestic appearance of the church and its stunning location makes it one of the top places to visit in Shimla.
The church was designed in neo-gothic style in 1844 by J.T. Boileau but it was consecrated after 1857. The Christ Church is situated on The Ridge where is stands out as one of the prominent landmarks of Shimla. Colonel Dumbleton in 1860 donated the giant round clock that adorns the front facial of the church. The porch was added to the structure in 1873. It started as a shrine to serve the Anglican British community in Shimla and hence is considered as one of the most visited places of worship in the country's most celebrated hill town. It is governed under the diocese of Amritsar belonging to the Churches of North India.
The interior of the church is plain except for the five stained glass windows adorning the church on the east. Each window represents different Christian virtues of faith, hope, charity, fortitude, patience and humility. The sanctum of the church is peaceful even with all the hullaballoo outside at the Ridge.
The height of the Church tower is 90 ft and it has prominent round clock on it, a metal Cross, a brass bell and a series of six small bells. The tower was erected in the year 1900. The silhouette of Christ Church is visible for miles around the vicinity of Shimla city. Christ Church remains one of the enduring legacies of the British Raj. Other attraction of Christ Church is its pipe-organs.
The church looks absolutely magical during night when lights placed at strategic corners illuminate this beautiful church. 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.

GAIETY HERITAGE CULTURAL COMPLEX
Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex is situated on Mall road, Shimla. The Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex is a heritage building and was a centre for all the theatrical, cultural and literary events of the British. The complex is a Government building currently and renovated recently to conserve the building and protect its beauty.
Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex is a significant tourist hot spot opened on 30th of May in 1887. The Complex is a Gothic Victorian style theatre designed by renowned architect Henry Irwin which also happens to be the oldest cultural complexes in the state of Himachal Pradesh.
Initially, it was a five-story building with a theatre, ballroom, armoury, police office, bar and galleries. After nearly two decades from its date of establishment, it was found that the building was structurally unsafe. It was partially demolished but the Gaiety theatre remained untouched.
The most popular attraction in this complex is the Victorian theatre where legends like Rudyard Kipling, Prithvi Raj Kapoor, Baten Powel, K. L. Sehgal and others have performed. The attractions inside the complex are Art gallery exhibiting contemporary and traditional arts and the City Museum displaying historical arts and crafts of the Himalayan province. There is an Amphitheatre for hosting cultural performances. The multi-purpose theatre also features a conference hall along with the old theatre for theatrical and classical events.

KALI BARI TEMPLE
Kali Bari Temple is one of the popular pilgrim centers and famous tourist places to visit in Shimla.
The Temple of Kali Bari was constructed in 1845 by Ram Charan Bhramachari, a Bengali Brahmin on Jakhu Hill. This is one of the oldest temples in Shimla and is held in high veneration by the town's Hindu community. Later the British rulers relocated the temple to the present site. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali who is locally known as 'Shyamala'. The name Shimla is said to have originated from the name 'Shyamala'. The original temple belonged to goddess Shyamla-which was converted into Kali Bari by some Bengali devotees.
A blue wooden idol of Goddess Shyamala at an original altar was installed by some Bengali devotees. Along with the rituals the Kali Bari provides accommodation to its tourists who visit the shrine along with the shrine at Kalka. The Goddess is worshipped in its various forms within the temple premises. The chief incarnations here are of Bhadrakali, Chinnamasta, Rudrarani, Tara, Chamunda, Durga, Himavati, Kumari Sati, Kamakshya, Meenakshi and Uma.
The travellers visiting Shimla never miss to offer their prayers at the Kali Bari temple as they believe it will bring happiness and prosperity to their lives. The temple is thronged by thousands of devotees during the Navratras and Pooja holidays. The temple is located close to The Mall.

HIMACHAL STATE MUSEUM
ANNANDALE
VICE REGAL LODGE
THE MALL

DAY 3
Return to New Delhi Railway Station.