The Heritage Trails
Shimla, the summer capital during the British Raj, was first settled during the earlier part of the nineteenth century. Since then it was adorned by a number of fine buildings, both government and private, that used a variety of architectural styles and craftsmanship. Many important personalities of that time are also connected with some of these structures. This presents a very at¬tractive facet of the city. Some of these have survived the ravages of time and of¬fer a glimpse into the history and heritage.
The department of tourism has identified walking circuits to admire some of the more important structures, which a visitor can take as part of an experience and entertainment of the city. The circuits vary in distance from 5 km to less than 2 km. A detailed brochure on the subject is available at the tourist information offices in the city. Assistance of a guide can also be arranged, if required, through these offices.
Related Travel Information
Uttar Pradesh : Varanasi/ Banaras
Varanasi cannot be described, only experienced. Sunrise on the riverfront, as seen from a boat, can be a spiritually uplifting sight. Crowded with temples, and its labyrinth of streets, the city attracts a large number of tourists - domestic and international. Though Varanasi retains its heritage, the city is changing. New markets, commercial complexes and modern hotels make it a melting pot of both. The religious capital of Hinduism, Varanasi is the oldest living city in India, and one of the world's most ancient. It was previously known as Kashi - the city that illuminates. The
Mandi: Heritage Hotels
Rajmahal palace
59 km from airport, one km from bill
Stand, downtown area.
• 9 rooms and 3 suites. Ordinary sinjlj
, double, delxue single w
248, double, suite (tariffing exlusive of luxury tax).
? restaurant, bar, lawns,
In rooms and suites, original royal trappings throughout the complex
Naggar (23 km) : Kullu
For 400 years this was the capital of Kullu. Himachal Tourism runs the 16th century castle as a hotel. There is a gallery housing paintings o! Russian artist Nicholas Roerich. -There are three shrines here.
Accommodation: Hotel Castle,) heritage hotel,. 35 km from airport, 26 km from bus stand. 13 rooms, 5-bed dormitory, EP Double J bedded, Dormitory per person TV, Restaurant, Drive-in.
Hotel Ragini
9 rooms, ,
Palampur: Hotels
The judge's court (a heritage property) paragpur
35 km from jwalamukhi
• 10 rooms. Ap double
Taragarh palace (a heritage property)
Alhilal
12 km from palampur.
• 12 rooms and 4 suites. Ep double cabin (common bath), deluxe; suite
Lounge, beer bar, dining hall, conference hall (60-80); swimming pool, lawn tennis courts, badminton, in¬door entertainment - carrom, cards, chess.
Khajuraho
Built by the warrior Chandela dynasty that rose to power in Central India between the 10th and 11th centuries, the 25 odd surviving temples display different facets of life, including the sensual. These erotic carvings on some panels have given rise to much speculation since Khajuraho's re-discovery by a British officer in 1838. To preserve it for posterity, Khajuraho has been declared a World Heritage Site and is among the prominent destinations on the world tourism map. Despite a pastoral setting, Khajuraho has a well-developed tourist infrastructure. A good example of how a nondescript village was turned into a success
