Monday, 13 August 2012

Shimla Ridge And Other Nearest Religious or Historical Attractions

Shimla Ridge:-
Located in the heart of Shimla is the famous tourist attraction known as The Ridge. The Ridge is the hub of all cultural activities of Shimla. It is situated along the Mall Road, which is the famous shopping center of Shimla. Most major places of Shimla like Lakkar Bazaar, Mall, Scandal Point, Jakhoo hill, etc. are connected through the Ridge. Read on more about the famous Shimla ridge in the following lines. The main water supply of Shimla comes from the huge water reservoir that is located in the Ridge. 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. This famous festival is held during the months of April or May and the whole of Shimla comes alive with colors and a riot of activities. The most famous landmark of the Ridge is the Christ Church. This beautiful building is constructed in Neo-Gothic style of architecture. It is a famous tourist attraction of Shimla and should be visited when you come to Shimla
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Shimla Mall Road:-
Mall road is located below the ridge ground, Mall road has a number of showrooms, department stores, restaurants, cafes and play stations for fun. 
I can purchase handicraft products like locally designed woollen cloths, branded cloths, pottery items and jewelery, wooden products and old books. Automobiles, except emergency vehicles are not allowed on this road.
Scandal point, Gaiety Theater and Town Hall are center of the Attraction of the Mall road.
Lakkar Bazaar:-
Lakkar Bazaar is marketplace adjoined with ridge. Shops offer wooden articles targeted mainly at tourist.Roller skating Hall and Meena Bazar is a famous place.Wooden Walking sticks are famous.
Lakker Bazaar is known for wooden toys.





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 Shimla 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, knee pads 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.
 
Christ Church At Ridge:-

 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.
Pulpit rock
Jakhu Temple:-

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. 

Hanuman Statue:- 
         There is a 108-foot-high statue of Hindu god Hanuman at the top of the Jakhu hill. 
 
Kalibari Temple:-
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.
  
Shimla Advanced Study:- 
The Indian Institute of Advanced Study was set up by the Ministry of Education, Government of India as aSociety under the Societies Registration act XXI of 1860, with effect from 6th October 1964. Built in 1988 this is a spectacular English renaissance-inspired grey-stone structure with superb Burma teak woodwork on the interiors. It is surrounded by magnificent grounds and also has a small museum.