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• Shimla gets new traffic rules as summer tourist season peaks

According to Shimla police, on an average, about 12,000 vehicles enter Shimla on weekdays with the number rising to over 26,000 during weekends at the height of the summer tourist season, which lasts from April 15 to June 15. CCTV cameras have been installed at the 16 major road stretches including Sanjauli, Dhalli, Lift-Victory Tunnel stretch, Victory Tunnel-Lakkar Bazaar stretch, among others.

• Published On May 1, 2023 at 08:00 AM IST

Devka Seafront: new tourism hub in Daman; tent city in offing

Seafront has been transformed into a world-class tourist destination, with smart lighting, parking facilities, gardens, food stalls, recreational areas and provision of luxury tents in future. Other projects coming up in the region include Khanvel Riverfront, eco-resort and Coastal Promenade which will also increase the attractiveness for tourists.

• Updated On May 1, 2023 at 08:00 AM IST

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Himachal witnesses first ever ‘Shimla Winter Carnival’; to showcase state’s rich heritage amid heavy tourist influx – Photos inside

The event started with a cultural parade that saw the participation of 450 women presenting mahanati.

To showcase the rich cultural heritage and to promote tourism in Himachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu inaugurated the first-ever ‘Shimla Winter Carnival’ at its historic ridge on Monday. The event started with a cultural parade that saw the participation of 450 women presenting Mahanati, showcasing the talent of self-help groups and Anganwadi workers.

“The winter carnival is a historic moment for the city, which will last up to January 05 next year and it aims to boost tourism activities in the state. The recent monsoon fury adversely affected Himachal Pradesh’s tourism sector. Still, due to the efforts of his cabinet colleagues and different departments, the state has recovered from this setback,” Sukhu mentioned in a communique.  After experiencing a trail of destruction due to heavy rains and floods earlier this year, the Himalayan state is back on the tracks of recovery ahead of the festive season. Tourists are particularly thronging the popular tourist destinations like Shimla and Manali apart from other popular places.

CM Sukhu also inaugurated the exhibition on the ridge, featuring stalls set up by the District Administration Shimla and various departments

Cultural programs, including Kullavi Nati and Singtu of Sirmaur district, were also presented on the occasion. The carnival offers local dishes, laser shows, and various cultural programs, contributing to the celebration of Himachal Pradesh’s rich cultural heritage.

Tourist influx in the Himalayan state

Himachal Pradesh witnessed an influx of 30,000 tourist vehicles in the past couple of days, signaling a promising revival of the tourism industry in the state. 

“The state government has granted permission for all restaurants, dhabas, and food shops in the state to remain open 24 hours a day from December 20 to January 5, 2024, to facilitate people visiting the state,” Sukhu said.  For peaceful and safe celebrations, special arrangements have been made by the district police, and a police action plan has been prepared for better traffic management, including rescue and evacuation operations, Kullu district police said.

Further, strict vigilance is being maintained through CCTV cameras and drones to ensure that the trip of tourists is safe, especially given slippery road conditions during the evening due to snow and black ice. 

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Shimla Tourism and Travel Guide

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Tripoto Recommends : Shimla

Top Attractions In Shimla

Itineraries For Shimla

Best Luxury Hotels In Shimla

Best Mid-Range Hotels In Shimla

Best Budget Hotels In Shimla

Best Homestays In Shimla

Trips and Itineraries for Shimla

Top Places To Visit in Shimla

Weekend Getaways from Shimla

Best Time to Visit Shimla

The hills of Shimla pack in rare natural majesty, thanks to the towering hills that remain covered with dense forests of oak, deodar, and pine which are home to a wide variety of exotic flora and fauna. The typical Shimla weather conditions, which usually remain cool and pleasant for most of the time, just add more to the beauty and charm of Shimla tourism. But if you want to make the best out of your trip then you should know about the best time to visit Shimla. And although Shimla is a year-round destination, there still are seasons when the town is either full of tourists or bears a deserted look. Let’s delve into the details.

Peak season 1:  

During summers, which extend from early May to mid-July, daytime Shimla temperatures hover between 22 - 27 °C. This means that the weather remains pleasant for outdoor activities during the day. And that’s why this period is considered as the best season to visit Shimla. With the most number of tourists arriving during summer months, it is considered as the peak season for tourists in Shimla. However, the nights are moderately cooler and it is recommended that  the tourists visiting Shimla during this time of the year pack light woollens.

Off season:

Being a hill station, Shimla receives huge amount of rainfall during monsoons, which start mid-July and extend till late September. Incessant rainfall leads to frequent landslides and that’s why most tourists do not travel to Shimla during this season. No surprise that this is a lean period for Shimla tourism. However, this can be a great time to witness the beauty of Shimla during Monsoon at  pocket-friendly budget rates as some of the best hotels in Shimla are available at very low prices. 

Shoulder season:  

After the Monsoon is over, Shimla tourism is welcomed by the spectacular shades of autumn that adorn this already beautiful hill town in Himachal. This is the time when it’s neither too crowded nor absolutely deserted. Many tourists prefer to take advantage of this short shoulder season to explore Shimla tourist places which starts by around last week of September and lasts till the end of November. Many restaurants and budget hotels in Shimla offer lucrative deals during this season which can be very inviting for budget travellers wanting to experience Shimla tourism.

Peak season 2:

Not just during the summer, the demand for Shimla tourism shoots up  even during the winter. And why not? After all, that’s the time when one can best experience snowfall in Shimla! Everything is draped in the white of snow and it makes for the perfect place to be for the people who love snowfall. Honeymooners and families flock in large numbers to experience Shimla tourism during winter, despite the harsh cold. For adventurers, resort towns like Kufri and Narkanda are some of the best tourist places near Shimla in winters, for they offer skiing, skating, and other winter sports.

How To Reach Shimla

As it happens, Shimla tourism is one of the most sought after holidaying experiences for tourists in India. Quite necessarily, the hill station is very well connected to nearby towns and cities by all modes of transport – air, rail, and road. So, getting  to this hill station that you have to worry the least about.

If you wish to travel by air, the domestic airport located in Jubbarhatti is the nearest airport to Shimla at approximately 20 km. Frequent flights to Shimla are available from the airports in the nearby cities of Chandigarh and Delhi.

Even though Shimla is located at an altitude of around 2,200 metres, there is a railway station right in the heart of this hill town. Located at 2,075 metres, Shimla railway station is  part of the 96km-long UNESCO World Heritage Kalka-Shimla rail line. It serves the purpose well for those who prefer to travel by train. Also, the toy train between Kalka and Shimla is a great way of beginning your Shimla tour. One can reach Kalka Junction, which is the nearest broad gauge railway station connected to multiple major cities of India via rail, and then board the Kalka-Shimla toy train from there. 

Even if you have never experienced Shimla tourism  before, you might have a fair idea of its popularity by now. In order to ensure better connectivity, the hill station is well connected by roads to almost all nearby cities and towns. Shimla is around 260 km from Delhi and 110 km from Chandigarh. State-run and private buses of all classes are easily available from Chandigarh, Delhi, Ambala, Amritsar, and various other cities. One can also avail the  more luxurious option of travelling to Shimla by taxis, many of which are available online as well.

Top Places To See In Shimla

Located in the heart of Shimla, one level below Shimla Ridge, the Mall Road is one of the popular attractions of Shimla tourism. It is as much a popular hangout site for tourists as it is for the locals. Being the main street of the capital city of Himachal Pradesh,  Mall Road brims with number of cafes, restaurants, boutiques, and other famous historical structures that add to the charm of Shimla tourism. If you are in Shimla and planning to take a leisurely walk down the Mall Road, make sure you visit Kali Bari Temple, Town Hall,  Gaiety Theatre, and Scandal Point as they make for some of the best of Shimla tourist places. During winters, the Mall Road is thronged  by honeymooners and families who love to witness the beauty of this site when covered in snow. No Shimla  travel guide is complete without the inclusion of Mall Road.

Shimla Ridge

Sitting one level above the Mall Road, Shimla Ridge is a large open area surrounded by picture-perfect views of the hill station. It is arguably one of the top tourist attractions of Shimla tourism. This is where most of the cultural activities and celebrations take place in Shimla. Usually misty in summers and draped in snow during winters, the ridge is also home to the iconic Christ Church which is more than 150 years old. Adorned by neon lights of cafes, restaurants, and international stores, Shimla Ridge is definitely a must visit for every tourist who wishes to get the best out of their Shimla tour.

Jakhu Temple

Situated at a distance of around 5 km from the Mall Road in Shimla, Jakhu Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman and is another major attraction of Shimla tourism. It is home to the 108-feet-tall statue of Lord Hanuman built atop the highest peak of Shimla at 2,455 metres. Apart from being a major religious attraction of Shimla tourism, Jakhu Temple is also known to offer sweeping views of Shimla and is quite popular amongst nature lovers and peace seekers. Interestingly, the temple is also home to thousands of monkeys that climb down from the surrounding pine and deodar trees. You can either trek uphill or take a taxi to visit this temple.

Viceregal Lodge:

Located in the observatory hills of Shimla, Viceregal Lodge, also known as Rashtrapati Niwas, is a historic building and one of the best places to visit in Shimla. It was built in 1888 by an architect of British origin named Henry Irwin and was later used as the residence of the British Viceroy of India. It is one of many  iconic buildings that Shimla tourism is known for. The lush green lawns and its green houses are now being used by Indian Institute of Advanced Studies, Shimla.

Rothney Castle :

Rothney Castle is another colonial-era building that sits quite peacefully on a rather precarious slope of Jakhu Hill in Shimla. Once the home to Alllan Octavian Hume, the British-era civil servant and the founder of the Congress, Rothney Castle is now a heritage monument and a major attraction for people taking a Shimla tour. The castle is surrounded with natural vegetation offering stunning views of the hills and so is also a popular site amongst photography enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Chadwick Falls

If you are the one who is ready to go beyond the popular attractions of Shimla, Chadwick Falls in Glen Forest, around seven kilometres from Summer Hill Chowk, Shimla is one of the most beautiful and lesser known attractions that Shimla tourism has to offer. While the waterfall itself may not be as big as many others in Himachal, the trail that leads up to it is a rare example of serene and intact natural beauty of Shimla tourism. It is best viewed during monsoons when the flow is strongest. Once you reach here, just sit back on the benches and take in the gifts of nature.

Just around 20 km from Shimla, Kufri is yet another resort destination of Shimla tourism that allows travelers to spend some time away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It only takes about 40 minutes to reach Kufri and the drive is absolutely stunning. You can take a day excursion to Kufri and visit its famous attractions which include Himalayan Nature Park, Indira Tourist Park, Kufri Zoo, and more. In winters, Kufri witnesses heavy snowfall, making it the best place for winter sport lovers.

Made famous by its lush green golf course and race course, Annandale is another British-era wonder under Shimla tourism that now serves as a major tourist attraction for tourists. . Located about four kilometres from Shimla, Annandale sits cosy in the valley of Kaithu village. With towering peaks overlooking the small hamlet, Annandale resembles a village straight out of paradise. If you wish to get some offbeat experience from Shimla tourism, Annandale is a must visit

Summer Hill

Do you love the idea of taking a walk along the naturally adorned trails of Shimla? If yes, then Summer Hill is one of the best places to visit in Shimla for you. This is a small hill that  offers unparalleled views of the bewitching natural beauty that Shimla tourism is blessed with. Only if you spend a few hours there doing nothing would you experience a sense of belonging towards Mother Nature. 

Approximately 15 km from Shimla, Shogi is a quaint hamlet that is known for its incredible serenity, peaceful environs, and picturesque natural beauty. If you love camping in the hills and enjoy gazing at the stars, Shogi is the best Shimla tourism can offer. 

Are you a honeymooner who thinks Shimla is going to be a bit too crowded for your post-wedding holiday? Well, Shimla tourism has Mashobra,a resort town situated around 12 km from the main city, for a romantic holiday that promises to offer you all the privacy and peace you need.. No wonder it is regarded as an idyllic place to enjoy a romantic holiday while exploring the best of Shimla tourism. Apart from the couples, Mashobra is also visited by families to explore its famous attractions including the Mahasu Devta Temple, the official retreat residence of the President of India, and Tattapani hot springs.

Lakkar Bazaar:

Quite close to the famous Indira Gandhi Medical College, Lakkar Bazaar is a popular market in Shimla and one of the major highlights of Shimla tourism. The iconic local market is home to a number of shops selling wooden handicrafts. You can also enjoy roller skating in Lakkar Bazaar.

About 65 km from Shimla, Narkanda is a small and peaceful town nestled in a fir forest at an elevation of around 2,700 metres above sea level. It is one of the most beautiful places near Shimla. Come  winters and Narkanda turns into a popular destination for ski lovers. Even if you are visiting during summers, the natural beauty and cosy accommodations promise an equally exhilarating staycation.

Activities And Things To Do In Shimla

Shopping at the Ridge

Lined with a number of shops selling traditional handicrafts, Shimla Ridge is a popular shopping site. Few places in Shimla tourism offer better shopping experience than Shimla Ridge. Towards the east of the ridge lies the famous Lakkar Bazaar where you can go shopping for wooden handicrafts and other items of home decor.

Leisure stroll at Mall Road

Mall Road is one place under Shimla tourism that no one likes to miss. And why would anyone miss taking a walk down the Mall Road, for the street is lined with several streetside stalls and shops that offer a wide range of culinary and shopping experiences. Whether you are a fan of local food, continental cuisines, junk jewellery, or funky readymade apparels, a walk down the Mall Road is one of the best things to do in Shimla. Besides, it also offers you stunning views of the entire valley, especially the sunset from a vantage point there. If you are a photography enthusiast, you can get some great shots, all thanks to Shimla tourism.

Jakhu Ropeway Shimla

Enjoy the Jakhu ropeway that takes you from a building on Shimla Ridge to Jakhu Hill across the deep valley and take in the wondrous natural beauty of Shimla that you won’t be able to witness otherwise. We can’t think of a better seat in the city to enjoy scenic views of Shimla tourism. Can you?

Hiking and Trekking

Are you an adventurer who loves hiking and trekking whenever you go out holidaying? Well, don’t be surprised if we tell you that Shimla tourism has enough such activities on offer. So whether it’s a fun trek to Jakhu Hill, Kamna Devi temple atop Prospect Hill, the Chadwick Falls, or the slightly asking trail of Tara Devi Temple complex, Shimla tourism will definitely satiate the adventurer in you.

Kalka-Shimla toy train

Nothing can beat the experience of taking a Kalka - Shimla toy train ride, especially in winter, when everything is covered in snow. The journey of 96 km takes you across more than 800 bridges and through 102 tunnels, offering mesmerising views outside the window. This journey itself is like holidaying while travelling; something you can expect only from Shimla tourism. Another thing that shutterbugs wouldn’t want to miss.

Skiing in Narkanda

Apart from the variety of wildlife and natural beauty in Narkanda, it is also famous as a popular ski resort. So if you choose to experience Shimla tourism in winter, don’t miss out on skiing in one of India’s oldest skiing destinations.

Ice skating in Kufri

Not many places near Shimla offer experiences as adventurous and exciting as the ones offered by Kufri. Apart from hiking and horse riding, the beautiful town of Kufri offers awesome ice skating and heli skiing experience during winter.

Cuisine & Best Places to Eat In Shimla

Picturesque views, the chill in the air, and piping-hot, flavorful food just makes for a great holiday experience, doesn't it? And that’s exactly what Shimla tourism has on offer for all the visitors. Known majorly for the awe-inspiring scenic beauty, Shimla is equally good at sweeping you off your feet with its toothsome local food and beverages. From decades-old roadside food stalls to modern multi-cuisine restaurants, Shimla tourism has everything for all kinds of travellers who have a special love for food. Though the list of delicious local foods in Shimla is too long, here we are with some of the must-try local dishes as per the Shimla travel guide :

If you ask us to name the one thing that everyone in Himachal would love to have, it would be dhaam. It’s a proper meal, usually served during local functions, comprising various types of curries, vegetables, and white rice. All the dishes are cooked in huge utensils made of brass, locally known as charoti and served on leaf plates called pattlu . No matter how hungry you are, one course of dhaam is enough to satiate your hunger pangs. And guess what, the aftertaste is even better!

This Tibetan dish is quite famous in Shimla and other parts of Himachal. Thukpa is mainly thick soup mixed with chunks of meat, some noodles, various kinds of vegetables and spices. It’s a must have, especially if you are experiencing Shimla tourism during the winter months, for it is known to provide the much-needed heat during cold.

Do you know what kachoris taste like? Well, babru is a Himachali version of kachori . Babru is prepared by stuffing black gram paste within kneaded dough patties, which are rolled and then deep fried before being served hot with chutney .

Well, how can we not have mention dim sums (aka momos) when it comes to best foods in Shimla. This tourist-friendly hill station has an ample number of eateries, big and small, that offer some of the most sumptuous dim sums you can have in Himachal. Dim sums are  thoroughly steamed stuffings of vegetables or meat wrapped in dough covering, served hot with mayonnaise and other kinds of sauces.

Chana Madra

Chana madra is yet another popular dish of Shimla tourism which is served at almost all cultural festivals and major occasions. It's white or black chickpeas mixed with slightly viscous yoghurt based gravy, served with white rice or white bread. If you are someone who prefers staying at homestays over hotels, chana madra is one thing you request your host for.

Best Places to Eat in Shimla:

Krishna Bakers, Mall Road

Indian, Tibetan, Chinese

₹200-500 for two

Indian Coffee House, Mall Road

Indian, Beverages

₹500-700 for two

Honey Hut Cafe, Mall Road

Honey products

₹200 for two

Goofa Ashiana

Indian, Chinese Continental

₹400-600 for two

Cafe Sol, Mall Road

Continental, Indian

₹800-1,000 for two

Auntie’s Kitchen, Middle Bazaar

Tibetan, Indian, Chinese

Typical Costs in Shimla

For Budget Travellers: ₹500 - 800

• Food in local cafes and street eateries: ₹150
• Public Transport in buses and auto rickshaws: ₹15 - 80
• Sightseeing: ₹10 - 50.

For Mid-range Travellers : ₹1,200 - 3,000 a day

• Accommodation in mid-range hotels and resorts: ₹800 - 1,000
• Food in mid-range cafes and restaurants: ₹250 - 500
• Local transport in local taxis or car rentals: ₹200 - 400
• Treks and Hiking packages: ₹1,000 and upwards.

For Luxury Travellers : ₹4,000 and upwards

• Accommodation in 4 or 5star hotels: ₹3,500 and upwards
• Food in upscale restaurants and bars: ₹700 and upwards
• Local transport in private taxis: ₹2,000 and upwards
• Guided tours: ₹1,500 and upwards.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best way to reach Shimla is by road, even though Shimla tourism has an airport around 19 km. The nearest railway station to Shimla is 4 km from ISBT Shimla. The reason is the views that are on offer once you hit the road leading to Shimla.

Snowfall in Shimla usually starts in December and lasts till the month of February.

Ideally, you need 3-4 days to get the best experience of Shimla tourism.

Shimla tours can be best enjoyed during summer with family and kids as the weather remains pleasant and great for outdoor activities.

Shimla tourism boasts of great public transport. The town is well connected by road, rail, and air with most nearby cities of India. Intra-city transport is also great with easy availability of buses and cabs. However, you shouldn’t rely on public transport at night and rather hire a taxi if need be.

The most important thing about the climate of Shimla is that winters are very cold. During winters, Shimla temperature can drop down to approximately -5 °C.

There is no direct train from Delhi to Shimla. However, you may board an express train from Delhi to Kalka and then board another train to travel from Kalka to Shimla.

There are ample homestay options offered by Shimla tourism at very affordable prices. If you are a luxury traveller, you can easily get accommodation in  top hotels in Shimla.

Snow Valley resorts, The Oberoi Cecil, Silicon Inn, Honeymoon Inn, and Shimla Havens Resort are some of the best hotels and resorts in Shimla that offer great hospitality and stay.

Though it completely depends upon what kind of traveller you are and what you wish to experience, but here are a few important items that can help you avoid any hassles during your Shimla tour:

• Light woollens
• Umbrella/raincoat
• Basic first aid
• Adequate cash

Also, it’s advisable that you only drink packaged drinking water, especially while having meals at local food stalls in Shimla.

Shimla tourism has quite a few ATMs spread across the city and you don’t need to  carry much cash. Also, it completely depends upon the kind of experience you want to have in Shimla. However, here’s the tentative estimate for 4-night 5-day Shimla tour : 

• If you’re a budget traveller, carry around ₹4,000 - 5,000 in cash
• If you’re a mid-range traveller, carry around ₹6,000 - 7,000 in cash
• If you’re a luxury traveller, carry around ₹9,000 - 12,000 in cash

Yes, most restaurants and shops accept debit/credit cards and other modes of cashless transactions in Shimla as long as you’re not in areas where internet service is not available.

When it comes to shopping, Shimla tourism promises best experiences to visitors. In Lakkar Bazaar, you can go shopping for a diverse range of artefacts including pashmina shawls, traditional woollens,  Himachali topis , wooden handicrafts, Chinese shoes, mats and more.

Mobile connectivity is Shimla is just as fine as in any other city, except for a few areas that are either higher up the hills, or surrounded by dense forests.

The trail to Jakhu Temple, Chadwick Falls, and Tara Devi Temple are some of the easiest treks on offer for families travelling to Shimla.

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Tourist influx in Shimla for year-end festivities, yet disappointment lingers over absence of snowfall

As shimla anticipates a significant surge in tourist arrivals ahead of christmas and year-end festivities, the police are gearing up for potential challenges..

The police in Shimla district said they were anticipating a huge rush of visitors ahead of Christmas and the year-end festivities. Police said they were expecting over one lakh tourist vehicles to roll into the hill town in the last week of December, on the eve of Christmas and New Year . The Mayor of Shimla City has planned the first-ever winter carnival to draw tourists to the state for the year-end festivities and frolicking while also promoting the traditions and culture of Himachal Pradesh.

Tourists have already started arriving in the hilly state in numbers in anticipation of snowfall in the exotic locales as the year draws to a close. Speaking to ANI, Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi, Superintendent of Police (SP) of Shimla, said, "The police are expecting over one lakh tourist vehicles to roll into the hill town in the last week of this year."

"Police brace for myriad challenges as the seasons change in Shimla. The number of vehicles in the city has been increasing on weekends. We will serve as facilitators for the tourists, those involved in the hospitality business and other stakeholders. We will hold meetings with all the stakeholders. Roads laden with snow are also a big challenge for us in winter. We have divided the city into five sectors, each of which will be assigned a rescue team," Gandhi added.

"There is a steady increase in tourist vehicles. There is a particular number of vehicles entering the city from the Shogi Barrier. There are usually about 5,000 to 6,000 vehicles rolling into the city every day. However, the count has now gone up to 12000 to 13000 ahead of the year-end festivities. We expect this number to rise further to 20,000 around Christmas and the New Year," SP Gandhi added.

"We have planned to deploy 10 platoons, which would further enable us to press 200 additional forces into action if required. The additional personnel would be deployed for both traffic management and security," Gandhi said.

The week-long winter carnival will start on Christmas Day, December 25, in the afternoon. The Shimla Municipal Corporation is hopeful of a revival of tourism businesses here. The mayor is also keen to send across a message of clean and green tourism in the hills through the carnival.

"We are planning a winter carnival for the first time in Shimla. I have been conducting meetings with the stakeholders and officials over the past three days. We are ready to showcase our traditional folk dance forms and musical instruments. The chief minister will inaugurate the week-long winter carnival on December 25. We will also organise a traditional folk dance featuring 500 women," Surinder Chauhan, the mayor of Shimla, said. The tourists, meanwhile, are enjoying the cold weather conditions and snowfall in the city.

"There is a huge tourist rush. There's a biting cold but the weather gets more pleasant as the sun breaks through the clouds. We are enjoying ourselves here. Tourists can barely hold off an urge to visit Shimla around Christmas and New Year. I would recommend a visit to Shimla at this time. We were expecting some snowfall but there hasn't been any yet. I have decided to visit Shimla again in January, next year. We will schedule our travel after following the weather forecast as we don't want to miss out on the snowfall next time," Soutirtha Biswas, a tourist from West Bengal, said.

He was one among many visitors, who, while enjoying the prevailing pleasant weather in the hill-state, rued not to have experienced any snowfall yet. "It has been a very good experience so far. I expected the weather to be this cold. I hoped to experience some snowfall as well around this time but there hasn't been any since I arrived. This is an ideal tourism destination in December," Ankit, a tourist from Bihar, told ANI.

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Shimla heritage museum lying locked for two years

Though the department of tourism and civil aviation has no plan to continue the museum, the general administration department, which controls us club, hopes to renovate heritage building..

The Shimla Heritage Museum, “Har Ghar Kuchh Kehta Hai”, inaugurated with much fanfare in 2011 to introduce people to the rich heritage of the city, has been lying locked for the past nearly two years.

The museum, located inside the historical (1860s) building United Services (US) Club in the Bemloi area of Shimla , is under the Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation. The US Club, where the last meeting of the Sir Radcliff Boundary Commission in 1947 to decide boundaries between India and Pakistan had taken place, is itself in a dilapidated condition.

Though the Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation has no plan to continue with the Shimla Heritage Museum, the General Administration Department (GAD), which controls the US Club, hopes to renovate the heritage building but has yet to start the process.

Interestingly, the museum is locked and the US Club, currently housing more than half a dozen government departments, has nothing to attract tourists except for its heritage background, and signboards depicting the US Club and Shimla Heritage Museum, often misleading and disappointing visitors and tourists.

Alok Verma of Mumbai said, “I noticed Shimla Heritage Museum along with the US Club on signboards installed at the far end of the Mall Road. I walked up to the building only to find a plaque depicting the Shimla Heritage Museum inaugurated by former CM Prem Kumar Dhumal in August 2011. I then walked inside only to witness its dilapidated condition. The outer area of the building is nothing more than a parking place for government vehicles.”

A visit to the Shimla Heritage Museum brings to the fore garbage piles scattered near the museum door. Many government departments, including the Horticulture Department, PWD, Himachal Pradesh Finance and Accounts Services (HPFAS) and SJACA, among others, are running from inside the US Club. Water leakages from the wooden roof are pervasive, and a portion between the two parts of the US Club has turned into a garbage dump.

Upon entering the US Club building, one finds pictures of the first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, Vijaylakshmi Pandit and Indira Gandhi at Gaiety Theatre and people strolling on old Cart Road in Sanjauli in 1900, along with wooden trophies hanging on the walls.

An official of the State Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, who was part of the team that established the museum, told The Indian Express , “There are many historical pictures, portraits and documents kept in the museum.

Initially, pictures of all British-era buildings, including the Gaiety Theater, Gorton Castle, Viceregal Lodge, Post Office, Town Hall, Rippon Hospital, Barnes Court, etc., were included. In 2011, when the museum was established, it was part of the Heritage Walk.”

Director of Tourism and Civil Aviation Manasi Sahay Thakur said, “There are several reasons why the concept of the Shimla Heritage Museum was not successful. Staff crunch and funding constraints are two factors, along with low visitor footfall.

Additionally, an over-a-century-old US building is a heritage structure itself, posing safety concerns. While our department has an office inside this building, we were recently asked by the General Administration Department (GAD) to vacate it. Indeed, the opening of this museum had a noble motive — to introduce people, especially youngsters and tourists, to the rich heritage of Shimla and the old British architecture of this city.”

An official with the GAD, Himachal Pradesh, said, “There is indeed a plan to renovate the US Club, and the departments, including the Himachal Tourism and Civil Aviation, currently housed in the heritage building and they have been asked to vacate the premises. However, no department has yet relocated.”

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With many hotels reporting over 50% occupancy and a large number of vehicles entering tourist towns every day, the festive season has brought cheer among the hoteliers of Himachal. “Most hotels in Himachal remained completely empty between July and September during monsoon season.

All four toy trains, resumed after remaining off tracks due to the pandemic, have hit waiting list as tourists rush to the hills as the temperatures soar. Trains on the Kalka-Shimla heritage section have started witnessing 10-15 waiting list, especially during the weekends. All toy trains, including rail motor car plying on Kalka-Shimla heritage section, have resumed services from June 21 onwards.

Amid Omicron alert, tourist towns of Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala and Dalhousie are witnessing huge rush of visitors for the New Year (NY) celebrations. While the hotels are packed to capacity, special arrangements have been made to create additional parking spaces.

The long weekend has filled the tourist towns of Himachal as thousands of vehicles from other states have made a beeline for the hill state.

Five tourists had a narrow escape when the car their car caught fire in Shimla on Saturday morning. The accident took place at around 6.45am near tunnel no. 103 when the car suddenly caught fire.

The Dehradun traffic department has put plans in place to handle the upcoming tourist season rush which is expected to be higher this year compared to the pandemic years.

The season’s first spell of snow in Himachal Pradesh’s tourist destinations of Shimla and Manali spurred an influx of tourists from neighbouring states to the hill state.

The Ambala division will run a sixth train on the Kalka-Shimla heritage track to cater to the holiday rush during summer. The seven-coach train will ply from April 10 to July 30, said divisional railway manager Gurinder Mohan Singh.

shimla amid surge in tourist rush the hill town of shimla is facing an acute shortage of drinking water with supply being made after three to four days as the prolonged dry spell is being blamed for the shortage and in worst affected areas supply is being made through water tankers people of town are reminded of june 2018 when the town faced the worstever shortage of drinking water.

shimla some parts of shimla city were plunged in darkness on monday after a fire at the us club damaged the power substation and office of the himachal pradesh state electricity board limited hpsebl dense grey smoke was first seen rising from the us club at 1130am fire tenders and police rushed to the spot to douse the flames people in the area also rushed for help panic also spread in the area over the possibility of the fire spreading according to officials a few monkeys.

With thousands of tourists making way to Himachal's tourist destinations to ring in the New Year, all the hotels and parking spaces are full, leading to chaos and snarls.

Even as the Himachal Pradesh government has allowed opening of hotels and restaurants from June 8, the hoteliers of state say they will prefer to stay closed until the government comes out with a uniform tourism protocol and there is clarity on action if a tourist tests Covid-19 at one of their units.

All the five trains, including the rail motor car, on the Kalka-Shimla heritage section have started witnessing waiting lists of 10 to 15, especially during weekends. The trains are booked till April 10, while the rail motor car till April 16.

A 28-year-old tourist from Kerala and his pilot were injured after a tandem flight in a paraglider at Solang valley crashed on Thursday. According to police, the accident happened due to the gusty wind that disturbed the wings and stalled the paraglider. As the paragliders hit the ground, they were rushed to a private hospital here. The tourist has been identified as Saveeda, 28, of Kozhikode, and the pilot as Dharam Chand, 25, of Burua village of Manali.

The condition is worse in Manali where kilometers-long jams have ruined the holiday mood. Not just Manali town, but the Manali-Solang, Hidimba Devi temple, Old Manali, New Manali and almost all the roads remained jammed on Saturday. The traffic on Kullu-Manali national highway was moving very slowly and there was no space left in any parking.

A 20-year-old tourist from Ambala and a local pilot died in a paraglider crash at Dobhi in Kullu district on Wednesday around 11 am. The paraglider crashed to the ground shortly after taking off at Fliyan under Patlikuhal police station in Kullu district.

After cracking down on charas mafia that overseas the production from isolated forest areas in the region, Kullu police has launched a campaign to get rid of drugs from tourist and public places of the district. Five tourists have been arrested in the special campaign in the last two days.

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