Since I had a lot of time in Himachal Pradesh, I thought of exploring the exotic state. The first city that came into my mind was Shimla. Shimla is situated in North west Himalayas and is the capital of Himachal Pradesh. As I am good in history, I knew that Bristishers loved Shimla, In fact, once it was called the summer capital of British Raj.

Shimla is a well connected city with nearest airport at Jubbarhati, 23 km from Shimla and is accesibility through road and rail is also not bad. Shimla has number of hotels and one can choose the resort according to what one's pocket allows. Out of the various option, I chose the Shilon resort, a five star hotel, at Kufri Chail road. Perched at a height of 7,200 ft, amidst lofty Himalayan peaks and picturesque orchards, and yet, just a few minutes from Shimla. The resort unveils the many splendors of nature amidst a 360 degree view of thick sylvan pine valley and snow peaked mountains.

Sine I was new to the place, I asked my resort manager to provide me with a guide who could help me out in my tour. Obligingly, he arranged for a guide, Vikas, a well educated graduate guide. “ Sir, before we go out for excursion, I would like to tell you about the history of Shimla” proclaimed my guide. And I nodded, as I am keen of knowing history about different places. He told me that Shimla derives its name from Shayamala, the Goddess Kali, Indian god. “Sir, the temple existed in the dense forest that covered Jakhu Hill in the early 19th century” added Vikas.

“ It quite cold here” I said as we were discussing the city. To this Vikas told me that it is a high altitude the temperature is always cool here. The temperature in summer is 25- 26 degrees and 10 to 11 degrees in winter. So, it is advisable that one should bring woolens with them.

The first place I visited to was Jakhoo hill. It is 2 Km from Shimla and is one of the highest peak of Shimla. The hill offered me a panoramic views of the town, hills and mountain ranges. I also saw the Hanuman Temple that is located on the Hill.

I also visited the Tara Devi that lies 11kms from the Shimla bus-stand. Tara Devi has a temple dedicated to the goddess of stars on top of the hill. There is a military Dairy Town here as well as the headquarters of Bharat Scouts and Guides. At a height of 6,070 ft. Tara Devi is an ideal place for a person wanting peace and some rest.

This was one place that I loved- Kufri that lies 16 kms from Shimla at a height of 8,600 ft. My escort, vikas told me that Kufri is the winter sports capital. During winter, visitors have the facility for skiing. The skiing season is at its best during January and February. Equipment for sking is available from HPTDC winter sports club at Kufri. Apart from skiing, Kufri offered me a lovely picnic spot with a beautiful view of the hills around and the snowy peaks. There is also a zoo that delights children.

Interestingly, Shimla is no short of tourist places. There are many tourist spots in Shimla that I visited that included Chadwiack falls, Tibetan Monastery, wildflower flower.

I also visited Rampur (140 km from Shimla), Solan ( 48 km from Shimla), Narkanda (64 km from Shimla).