SRIJAN 2002-2003(1st Edition)

Pradesh came into light under British when they discovered it in
1819. Till then it was a part of the Nepalese kingdom and started as a
small village as Simlu (or Simlah). In 1864 it was declared as the
"Summer Capital of India". After independence Shimla became the
capital of Punjab and later named the capital of Himachal Pradesh.
Simla (as it was spelled during British times) or Shimla is
situated at an altitude of about 2200 m (about 7220 ft). It is a summer
resort and has industries producing textiles and processed food. From
1865 to 1939, Shimla was the summer capital of India.
The Shimla Convention, at which representatives of China,
Tibet, and the United Kingdom met to discuss the status and borders
of Tibet, was held here in 1913. The city also played host to famous
Simla Pact between India and Pakistan in 1972. It is also the home
place of Nobel Laureate Rudyard Kipling whose home 'Tendrils' stands there even today.
The Ridge forms a place of huge tourist interest. More so with the Christ Church overlooking the ridge. Built in 1846-1857, it is
the second oldest church of Northern India. The Church's exquisite beauty comes with the stained glasses that are fitted on its windows.
It opens only on third and fifth Mondays of the month. The Mall, which runs parallel to Ridge, is the most flocked-on marvelous
shopping road. The city also has some historical utilities which are remnants of British India like hospitals: Snowden (IGMC), Lady
Reading and Lord Ripon, Regal Tunnel, Cecil Hotel (the first in the chain of Oberoi's, it is listed as one of the most luxurious hotels
in the world.) and Viceregal Lodge. As a tourist, you will also find the famous Jakhu temple (where Lord Hanuman is believed to have
taken rest while returning with Sanjeevani on way to Sri Lanka), Kali Bari and Sankatmochan temple here.
There are other scenic sites nearby which are venues of adventure sports lovers like Kufri and Mashobra.
Manali
Perhaps the most famous spot of HP is Manali which is situated in Distt. Kullu. Its geographical position, which is amidst valleys,
plays advantage to a perennial pleasant climate here. It is located on the shallows banks of Beas and is famous for its woolens. Other
attractions include the legendary Hidimba temple, Vashishath hot water springs and Rohtang Pass (which is covered perennially with
snow and witnesses snowfall even in summer: also it joins Lahaul valley with rest of Himachal).
Kangra
Kangra is more famous for Dharmshala which is the seat of Tibetan Government-in-exile and its spiritual leader Dalai Lama. It
houses many Buddhist monasteries and historical Mcleodgunj. Kangra valley also suffered heavy earthquake in 1905 and is said to
suffer tremors every 100 years. Also, it houses Andretta, the retreat of Irish actress Norah Richards who established Punjabi theatre
there. In Kangra, one will also find famous Hindu shrines like Jwaladevi Shakti Peeth, Chamunda Devi and Baijnath, one of the twelve
Jyotirlingas of Shiva.
Others
In fact, each and every district of HP is famous for some kind of unique attraction: be it Solan (apple orchards and Naina Devi) or
Chamba (crafts and picturesque beauty) or Lahual-Spiti (snow desert and adventure sports), each has a unique culture. Khajihar given
a sobriquet 'mini-Switzerland of India'. Other HP spots include Chintpurni, Tattapani, Dalhousie and a couple of dams also.
HIMACHAL: WHERE THE MYTH MEETS THE MATERIALTY
Isn't it incredible to live in a fairyland, in a world of dreams and in an Avalon? Certainly, yes. But the bottom-line lies in preserving
the natural and cultural heritage of Himachal.
Compiled by:
Swati Mahajan,
First year,
Architecture.
(oat--o
DISTANCE, n. The only thing that the rich are willing for the poor to call theirs, and keep.