| Day 02 Shimla
After buffet breakfast we take you to a sightseeing tour to explore the colonial past of this beautiful hill station.
Walk down on the Mall, from this central area, the town spills downwards, with winding roads linking up settlements and stone steps connecting each layer. The Mall is the main shopping area of Shimla, lined with shops selling woolen garments and shawls, handicrafts, departmental stores, eateries and old colonial timber houses.
Dominating the eastern end of the Ridge is the Christ Church, which was consecrated in 1857. It is a prominent yellow painted building with a Victorian-Gothic spire. Inside, some of the finest stained glass windows in India depict faith, hope, charity, fortitude, patience and humility.
Later visit the Viceregal Lodge. Sitting on the flat top of Observatory Hill, this Elizabethan mansion was built in 1888 for Lord Dufferin. It now houses the Institute of Advanced Studies, and is open only in some parts to the public. The grey building still retains its grandeur, with a lion and unicorn guarding the entrance, immaculate lawns and original brass fire hydrants from Manchester.
Our last stop will be the Jakhu Temple, sitting on top of Jakhu hill at 2,455 metres is the highest point on the ridge. This temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the monkey god, is quite appropriately beset with hordes of very aggressive monkeys. It is best to steer clear of them and keep all eatables well out of reach.
You will be driven back to your hotel at Mashobra after the tour.
Overnight at the hotel. |
ASIA'S LEADING LUXURY TRAIN
